My good friend and business partner, Diane Guercio, presented a great community page idea this week that she was sweet enough to let me borrow.

She created a facebook community page, Open Houses in Central MA with the idea that all area agents, home sellers and buyers would be able to find the week's open house information in one spot on the most heavily trafficed site: Facebook.

I saw it and thought, "Brilliant!". After garnering her permission to borrow her idea I launched Open Houses in Western MA.

I have already invited many real estate professionals that I know in Western MA to contribute, but I want to reach out to those that may not already be connected with me on Facebook, too. I envision a place where real estate professionals, for sale by owners and home buyers can all meet to share their information and common goals.

Stop by, join the page and contribute your open houses!

"Hey, how's the market lately?"

As a real estate agent in Westfield, Western Massachusetts, I get that question a lot. My answer changes, but lately the answer has been, "it is good!" to which I get a lot of surprised responses.

Well, I wouldn't blow smoke...I have proof that Western Massachusetts real estate is improving!

Let me start with my own office's numbers. Park Square Realty in Westfield and Agawam has the following to report:

Some statistics right from our Show Desk Tracking System-

Park Square Listings: First 2 Months of 2009... 345 Showings... 12 Pendings.

First 2 Months of 2010... 354 Showings... 44 Pendings.

Approximately the same amount of showings as last year at this time, but almost 4 times the amount of pendings.. THAT is a good sign!

Western Massachusetts buyers are serious right now and Park Square Realty's listings are selling.

Not enough proof for you? Here is some good news from the Massachusetts Association of Realtors:

"The Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) reported today that the number of single-family homes put under agreement in February was up 16 percent over the same time last year, while condominiums were up 25 percent. February marks the eighth straight month that the number of both single-family homes and condominiums put under agreement had increased over the year before."

Still not enough? How about a word from Warren Buffett?

"Within a year or so, residential housing problems should largely be behind us," Buffett wrote Saturday in his annual letter to the shareholders of his Berkshire Hathaway.

If you are thinking of making a real estate decision, I am here to help and to educate!

I recently did a video explaining the home buyer tax credits and why they make it such an ideal time to buy a home in Western Massachusetts. Home sellers, you can benefit from this tax credit, too! The buyers are out in record numbers and we are seeing a lot of activity on well priced homes for sale. The buyers who haven't found the right home, yet, will be excited to see fresh inventory hit the market. If you have been considering making a move, now might be the perfect time. In addition to the increased buyer activity, there is a repeat home buyer tax credit available, too! If you qualify (see this post) then you can get a $6,500 tax credit! You have to be under contract by April 30th so don't delay!

Here is a video explaining why I think it is the right time to make a move in Western Massachusetts!

I have been involved in Western Massachusetts real estate for over 20 years and am a Realtor at Park Square Realty in Westfield, MA. Get in touch, I would love to help!

In my video I explain to first time home buyers in Western Massachusetts why now is a great time to buy a home. There is this fantastic tri-fecta in place right now: first time home buyer tax credit + low interest rates + low home prices = great values!

I have been helping buyers and sellers with their real estate decisions in Western Massachusetts for over 20 years! If you are thinking of taking advantage of the first time home buyer tax credit, get in touch...I love to help! Don't forget we have to have a home picked out and under contract by April 30, 2010! Be sure to check out my other posts that help to teach first time buyers about the process of buying their first home.

Western Massachusetts Repeat Home Buyers:

If you are considering making a move to reap the reward of the $6,500 tax credit, working with me can raise your credit up to $7,100! The federal housing tax credit guidelines for existing home owners allows for up to $6,500 for buyers who are under contract to purchase by April 31, 2010 and who close on the property prior to July 1, 2010.

What is the definition of a move-up or repeat home buyer?

The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer (“long-time resident”) as a person who has owned and resided in the same home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. That is, both spouses must qualify as long-time residents, with at least five years of principal residency for each. Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit.

Make your move with me and I can add $600 to the overall credit!

The Park Square Realty Corporate Advantage Program is a one stop shopping system with the extra advantage of a credit at closing...win-win! You will get: A personal home buying consultant. Realtor/real estate agent Lesley Lambert A personal home mortgage consultant ... our in-house Wells Fargo representative A personal attorney chosen from our list of partners A credit at closing! Whether you are a home buyer who is moving up or moving down, these credits are available to you through April 30, 2010. Don't lose out on this opportunity....the clock is running down! Western Massachusetts home buyers, contact Lesley Lambert at Park Square Realty in Westfield, MA