Lesley Lambert (413-575-3611) Real Estate Agent,Realtor,Westfield, MA,

I have worked in real estate for a long time. When I began my career "Wham" was still a band and not the sound of the market falling and I could still afford a 2 coffee a day habit. Twenty years ago when I started in real estate the business was different and so was I...way, way different.

Well, as the saying goes, that was then and THIS is now. I am going to say something that you won't believe. You will think I am making this stuff up, but...I will say it anyways because I am a brassy girl with a big mouth. NOW ISN'T SO FRIGGIN BAD PEOPLE!

Ok, I feel better now that I got that off my chest. But, seriously. In 1989, when I was hitting my one year anniversary in the real estate business the mortgage interest rate fluxuated from 9.6% to 10.9+%. The unemployment rate was hovering around 5%.

Times were not easy, we were all pinched and worried, but at no time in my recollection did things become so "dramatic" as they are now.

What changed? Well, since this is my blog, I guess I am entitled to my opinion:

THE MEDIA. Scarey stuff on the boob tube, but do you want these schmucks dictating your life?

Now, I won't tell you things are all sunshine and cinnamon right now. They aren't. Times are hard and the market is volitile at best, I see reality like everyone else. BUT...

Look at the convergence of the facts for real estate buyers right now: low low low interest rates (my first home was a VA purchase at 9% and I thought that was good!), the home values have hit the valley and are due for a mild bounce and in the Western Massachusetts market things have quieted down and tabled.

It is very feasible that you could "wait for things to get better" only to find out that the rates have gone up, values are still the same and you just spent a year living somewhere you didn't like all to save not one penny.

Don't let me tell you what to do, either. That makes us both schmucks. Do some research. Do some soul searching. Take a leap of faith or take a breather. Whatever you decide, do it because you decided it was right...don't let the shock jocks rule your world. We didn't in 1989 and I think we were better for it!

CONSISTENCY (5 Years) #1 for LISTINGS SOLD

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Combined

West Springfield, Agawam/Feeding Hills, Southwick & Westfield

Market Share - All Firms
Report Run: 10/24/2008 4:38:38 AM Property Type(s): SF, CC, MF, LD, CI, BU, RN, MH Start Date: 01/01/04 End Date: 10/24/08 Towns: Agawam, Southwick, West Springfield, Westfield
... Office ........................................................................................................ Listings Sold........................................ 1 Park Square Realty - Westfield, MA 01085 853 2 Coldwell Banker Residential - Waltham, MA 02451 745 3 Carlson GMAC REal Estate - Beverly, MA 01915 693 4 Keller Williams Realty - Longmeadow, MA 01106 473 5 Century 21 A-1 Nolan Realty - West Springfield, MA 01089 241

This is why I work with Park Square Realty....RESULTS!

If you want results, call Lesley Lambert, The Real Estate Natural at 413-575-3611 or visit www.therealestatenatural.com

STONY HILL CONDOMINIUMS, WESTFIELD, MA

I thought you might be curious to know what the market activity has been in our development over the past year. If you or someone you know is thinking of making a move, I can provide the professional help needed. Just call 575-3611.

The following report will show you all of the activity since October 2007.

The information in this listing was gathered from third party sources including the seller and public records. MLS Property Information Network and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information. Content ©2008 MLS Property Information Network, Inc.

Here is some very interesting research about this quadrant in Western Massachusetts. This shows the trend in sales over the last decade. The best part about this report is that it demonstrates that this area has been sheltered from the huge downward adjustment in home values that other areas have experienced.

Yes, the market has changed dramatically since the peak in 2005, but the biggest difference is how many houses are being sold, not the actual values. Great news for people in W. MA who have some equity in their homes!

I am just back from a series of three broker's open houses. Each REALTOR was looking for us to send honest feedback to their motivated homeowner. For two out of three of the homes, the feedback was the same: clean it up!

Even after 20 years in real estate, I am still surprised at how many REALTORS and homeowners do not take the initiative to stage the home for sale. Here is what I tell my homeowners:

1- You are moving anyways, so start packing EVERYTHING you don't use on a day to day basis. Then tuck away the stuff you must have around.

2- Regardless of when you last painted, take the artwork down and get a fresh coat of neutral. Re-hang only the most neutral and decorative pieces.

3- Re-arrange the furniture for traffic flow and remove pieces that obstruct.

4- No personal items: no family photos, no wierd knick knacks, no embroidered pieces...neutralize the decor to look like a show room in a furniture store.

5- Devil is in the details: loose doorknobs, bad faucets, heating grates that rattle, stained showers, animal smells...these must be addressed prior to hitting the market.

I have re-fitted dozens of listings in this way and gotten homes sold that sat and sat with a less motivated REALTOR. If you have a house that needs to be re-freshed in a proactive way then get in touch for a personalized list of recommendations.

www.therealestatenatural.com