Western Mass Homes Lesley Lambert

real estate agent

Think Spring is the Best Time to Sell In Western MA or Northwest CT? Think Again! 🌸❌

Think Spring is the Best Time to Sell in Western MA or Northwest CT? Think Again! 🌸❌

Most homeowners assume spring is the golden window to list their home. But here’s the truth: waiting for “the perfect season” could cost you big.

The market isn’t waiting, and neither are buyers. 🚨📈 Homes are moving fast in Western MA and Northwest CT, inventory is low, and sellers who act now are cashing in — often for top dollar. 💰

Curious why spring might not be your best bet? Watch the embedded video below to see the real sweet spot for selling your home. The answer might surprise you — and it could be exactly what makes the difference between a “good sale” and a great one.

If you’ve even thought about selling, don’t wait another day. 📲 Call, text, or email me to get a no-obligation estimate of what your home could fetch in today’s market. Knowledge is power — and waiting could mean leaving money on the table.

The market is moving fast. Watch the video, then act fast. Are you ready to move faster?

Contact me: Lesley Lambert, Western MA and Northwest CT REALTOR with Park Square Realty. 413-575-3611

Ready to Sell Your Home in Western MA or NW CT Without the Stress?Your Friendly Guide to Listing with Lesley Lambert, REALTOR®

Ready to Sell Your Western MA or NW CT Home Without the Stress?
Your Friendly Guide to Listing with Lesley Lambert, REALTOR® with Park Square Realty covering Western MA and NW CT.

Hi! I’m Lesley Lambert with Park Square Realty—and if you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re in the right place.

Lesley Lambert, REALTOR

Selling your home is a big deal. It’s not just a transaction—it’s your next chapter. My goal? Make sure you turn the page confidently, easily, and maybe even a little excitement. Here’s how I help make it all feel easier.

🧐 Common Seller Concerns (and How I Solve Them)

“I don’t even know where to start.”
That’s exactly what I’m here for. From your first question to the closing table, I guide you every step of the way. We’ll start with a no-obligation consultation so you feel empowered—not overwhelmed.

“How do I price my home correctly?”
Overpricing can scare away buyers, and underpricing leaves money on the table. With my 100.8% list-to-sold price record, I use market data and strategy to get you the most money—fast.

“My house needs work… should I fix things or sell as-is?”
You don’t have to guess. I’ll help you decide where a small effort makes a big impact—and what you can skip. I also have trusted local contacts if you need help with repairs, cleaning, or staging.

“I don’t have time for showings and all the prep.”
Selling a home while living in it is a juggling act. I make it easier with clear timelines, flexible showing options, and checklists that keep you on track without the stress.

“I’ve heard horror stories about communication.”
Not with me. I pride myself on staying in touch, giving you updates, and being available when you need me. You’ll never feel left in the dark.

💡 What You Get When You Work With Me

✅ A marketing plan designed to actually get your home sold
✅ Beautiful listing photos and compelling descriptions
✅ Local knowledge with regional reach (licensed in MA & CT)
✅ A stress-reducing partner who’s on your side from Day One
✅ Experience, professionalism, and real results
✅ Deep local roots and community connections—I’m not just selling homes, I’m invested in the heart of our community. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center, am past President of the Kiwanis Club of Westfield, volunteer with Grandmothers’ Garden, and coordinate the annual Blessing Bags for the Homeless project for the Samaritan Inn.

🏡 Real Sellers. Real Results.

“Lesley was there for us every step of the way. Her guidance made a stressful process feel simple.”
— Happy Southwick Seller

“She got us over asking price and made the whole experience feel easy.”
— Westfield Client

✨ Want to read what others have to say?
Check out more verified reviews here:
🔗 Lesley Lambert – Client Reviews on RealSatisfied

📞 Let’s Talk

If you’re even thinking about selling, let’s have a quick, no-pressure conversation. I can help you figure out if now is the right time—and if it is, we’ll create a plan tailored to your needs.

📧 Email: realestate.lesleylambert@gmail.com
📱 Call or Text: 413-575-3611
🌐 Website: www.westernmahomes.net
📍 Office: Park Square Realty | 44 Elm Street, Westfield, MA

A Return to ‘Normal’? The State of Real Estate in 2022 | Western Massachusetts

A Return to ‘Normal’? The State of Real Estate in 2022 | Western Massachusetts

Last year was one for the real estate history books. The pandemic helped usher in a buying frenzy that caused home prices to soar nationwide by a record 19.9% between August 2020 and August 2021.1

However, there were signs in the fourth quarter that the red-hot housing market was beginning to simmer down. In the month of October, only 60.3% of sales involved a bidding war—down from a high of 74.5% in April.2 While this trend could be attributed to seasonality, it could also be a signal that the real estate run-up may have passed its peak.

So what’s ahead for the U.S. housing market in 2022? Here’s where industry experts predict the market is headed in the coming year.

MORTGAGE RATES WILL CREEP UP

Most economists expect to see mortgage rates gradually rise this year after hitting record lows in late 2020 and early 2021.3 

Freddie Mac forecasts the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will average 3.5% in 2022, up from around 3% in 2021.4

The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts that rates will tick up to 4% by the end of the year. “Mortgage lenders and borrowers should expect rising mortgage rates over the next year, as stronger economic growth pushes Treasury yields higher,” said Mike Fratantoni, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association at their 2001 Annual Convention & Expo in October.5

However, it’s important to keep in mind that even a 4% mortgage rate is low when compared to historical standards. According to industry trade blog The Mortgage Reports, “Between 1971 and December 2020, 30-year mortgage rates averaged 7.89%.”6

What does it mean for you? Low mortgage rates can reduce your monthly payment and make homeownership more affordable. Fortunately, there’s still time to lock in a historically-low rate. Whether you’re hoping to purchase a new home or refinance an existing mortgage, act soon before rates go up any further. We’d be happy to connect you with a trusted lending professional in our network.

THE MARKET WILL BECOME MORE BALANCED

In 2021, we experienced one of the most competitive real estate markets ever. Fears about the virus and a shift to remote work triggered a huge uptick in demand. At the same time, many existing homeowners delayed their plans to sell, and supply and labor shortages hindered new construction.

This led to an extreme market imbalance that benefitted sellers and frustrated buyers. According to George Ratiu, director of economic research at Realtor.com, “Prices and sellers reached for the moon [last] year. It looks like we are now about to move back to earth.”7

Data from Realtor.com released in November showed that listing price reductions had more than doubled since February 2021. And the average days on market (an indicator of how long it takes a home to sell) has been slowly creeping up since June.7

What’s causing this change in market dynamics? The real estate market typically slows down in the fall and winter. But economists also suspect a fundamental shift in supply and demand.

At the National Association of Realtors’ annual conference last November, the group’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun, told attendees that he expects increased supply to come from an uptick in new construction—which is already underway—and an end to the mortgage forbearance program. “With more housing inventory to hit the market, the intense multiple offers will start to ease,” he said.8

Demand is also predicted to wane slightly in the coming year. Rising mortgage rates and record-high prices have made homeownership unaffordable for a growing number of Americans. And in a recent Reuters poll, nearly 80% of property analysts said they expect housing affordability to worsen over the next several years.9

What does it mean for you? If you struggled to buy a home last year, there may be some relief on the horizon. Increased supply and softening demand could make it easier to finally secure the home of your dreams. If you’re a seller, it’s still a great time to cash out your big equity gains! And with more inventory on the market, you’ll have an easier time finding your next home. Reach out for a free consultation so we can discuss your specific needs and goals.

HOME PRICES LIKELY TO KEEP CLIMBING, BUT AT A SLOWER PACE

Nationally, home prices rose an estimated 16.8% in 2021.8 But the average rate of appreciation is expected to slow down in 2022.

Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, told Yahoo! News, “Home asking prices have decelerated in the second half of 2021, with median listing price growth slipping from a peak of 17.2% in April to just 8.6% in October.”10

But experts disagree about how much more property values can continue to climb this year. Goldman Sachs predicts that home prices will rise by 13.5%, while Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are forecasting a 7.9% and 7% rate of appreciation, respectively.2

However, not all analysts are as bullish. The National Association of Realtors predicts a 2.8% rate of appreciation for existing homes and 4.4% for new homes, while the Mortgage Bankers Association expects the average home price to decrease by 2.5% by the end of the year.10,2

According to Hale, “With prices near all-time highs and mortgage rates expected to rise, we expect this slowdown in prices to continue.”10

What does it mean for you? If you’re a buyer who has been waiting on the sidelines for home prices to drop, you may be out of luck. Even if home prices dip slightly (and most economists expect them to rise) any savings are likely to be offset by higher mortgage rates. The good news is that decreased competition means more choice and less likelihood of a bidding war. We can help you get the most for your money in today’s market.

RENTS WILL CONTINUE TO RISE

Along with home, gasoline, and used vehicle prices, rent prices rose dramatically last year. According to CoreLogic, in September, rents for single-family homes were up 10.2% nationally year over year.11 And economists at Realtor.com expect them to climb another 7.1% in 2022.12

“Homes are expensive now…but for most people, the comparison that is most important is how that cost of homeownership is going to compare to the cost of renting,” Zillow Senior Economist Jeff Tucker told CNBC in November.13

Tucker also pointed out that rent is less predictable than a mortgage—and more likely to go up along with inflation.13

Real assets, like real estate, are often used as a hedge against inflation. That’s because property values typically rise with inflation.14 And when a homeowner takes out a mortgage, they lock in a set housing payment for the next 30 years.

In contrast, renters are at the mercy of the market—and they don’t gain any of the benefits of homeownership, like tax deductions, equity, or appreciation.

George Ratiu of Realtor.com told CNBC that he advises buyers to consider their budget and time frame. If they plan to stay in the home for at least three to five years, he believes it often makes sense to buy.13

Fortunately, it’s shaping up to be a better year for buyers. “I think 2022 has the promise of providing less competition, a lot more homes to choose from, and, as a result, a lot more approachable prices,” Ratiu said.13

What does it mean for you? Both property and rent prices are expected to continue rising. But when you purchase a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you can rest assured knowing that your monthly mortgage payment will never go up. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a real estate investor, we can help you make the most of today’s real estate market.

HERE TO GUIDE YOU

While national real estate numbers and predictions can provide a “big picture” outlook for the year, real estate is local. And as local market experts, we can guide you through the ins and outs of our market and the local issues that are likely to drive home values in your particular neighborhood. 

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2022, contact me now to schedule a free consultation. I’ll work with you to develop an action plan to meet your real estate goals this year.

Lesley Lambert, Western MA REALTOR with Park Square Realty 413-575-3611

Sources:

  1. Fortune –
    https://fortune.com/2021/11/04/us-home-prices-real-estate-forecast-2022-outlook/
  2. Fortune –
    https://fortune.com/2021/11/29/housing-market-real-estate-predictions-2022-forecast/
  3. Freddie Mac –
    http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/pmms30.html
  4. Freddie Mac – https://freddiemac.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/freddie-mac-strong-housing-market-will-continue-even-rates-and
  5. Mortgage Bankers Association –
    https://www.mba.org/2021-press-releases/october/mba-annual-forecast-purchase-originations-to-increase-9-percent-to-record-173-trillion-in-2022
  6. The Mortgage Reports –
    https://themortgagereports.com/61853/30-year-mortgage-rates-chart
  7. Realtor.com –
    https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/has-housing-market-peaked/
  8. National Association of Realtors –
    https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nars-yun-says-housing-market-doing-well-may-normalize-in-2022
  9. Reuters –
    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/rise-us-house-prices-halve-next-year-affordability-worsen-2021-12-07/
  10. Yahoo! News –
    https://www.yahoo.com/now/where-home-prices-headed-2022-130012748.html
  11. CNBC –
    https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/16/inflation-rent-for-single-family-homes-surged-10percent-in-september.html
  12. Realtor.com –
    https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/what-to-expect-in-2022-housing-market/
  13. CNBC –
    https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/23/rising-inflation-hot-housing-market-what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-home.html
  14. Money –
    https://money.com/inflation-2021-stocks-bitcoin-gold-reits-commodities/

The Western Massachusetts For Sale By Owner Handbook | Lesley Lambert, REALTOR

The Western Massachusetts For Sale By Owner Handbook | Lesley Lambert, REALTOR

Are you homeowner in Western Massachusetts that is considering selling your home as a for sale by owner?

I respect your decision and want to help!

For Sale By Owner Handbook by Lesley Lambert

Why on earth would I want to help you out with some free advice?

There are actually several reasons:

  • • Because I really enjoy my job, and I like to share and help.
  • • You may be looking to buy another house when this one sells and I would love to be your buyer agent for that one.
  • • You may later decide to enlist a real estate professional to sell your home, and I’d like you to consider me if you go that route.
  • • If you get buyers looking at your home, who can’t buy it, but they want to look at other homes and don’t have a real estate agent — you could refer them to me.

We can help each other!

The attached e-book is yours to download for FREE and is a step by step guide through the steps it takes to get a home sold. I hope that you find it helpful. For some people, selling their home themselves makes perfect sense. Other times, after starting down this path, folks discover that they don’t have the time, resources, or disposition to be able to do it themselves. If for any reason, you change your mind and decide to use a real estate agent to market your home, I would love the opportunity to talk with you about how I would get the job done.

Good luck and happy reading!

Real Estate Geek Girl

Many of you know that I am not only a real estate agent at Park Square Realty in Westfield, MA, but a total geek girl and that I love using social media for developing friendships in real life. I have been blessed with so many wonderful new friends and clients and even an amazing boyfriend because of my use of social media that I can’t help but share my success stories and encourage others to try using social media to grow their business and personal lives, too.

Recently I wrote a post for my column at Agent Genius Magazine that shared the truth, that most of my closed real estate transactions in 2010 came to me through social media in one form or another. The post got some attention within real estate circles, but I was floored last week when out of the blue Mike Myatt of N2Growth sent this tweet:

The link provided led to a blog post about people who have social media influence and included the likes of Chris Brogan, Gary Vaynerchuck and Dell Computers. Within the post was a video which included a highlighted quote from the Agent Genius post mentioned above. Watch this short and entertaining video which highlights Social Media Influence and includes yours truly:

This week I was featured in another blog about QR (quick read) Codes. The post was describing the multitude of applications for using a QR Code and featured this video about my use of QR Codes for marketing real estate in Western MA made for me by my talented and wonderful boyfriend, Morriss Partee. I learned about QR code technology at PodCamp Western MA and have been incorporating it into the marketing of my homes for sale in Westfield, Ma and the surrounding Pioneer Valley towns. This video crafted by Morriss explains what a QR code is and how I am using it to help my homes for sale stand out and get homes sold.

I am proud, excited and thrilled to see that my use of social media isn’t just improving my life, but I am able to share some of my hard earned knowledge to help other people working to use these tools.

If you are a fellow real estate agent looking to use social media as a tool in your marketing and prospecting you can read my contributions to Agent Genius Magazine.

If you are a consumer looking for real estate news and advice you can visit:

My personal blog
My real estate blog
My Masslive blog