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

So you have started looking for your first home in Westfield or Western MA or perhaps you already found the house you love and are moving into the purchasing phase.

This next video in my First Time Home Buyer's series will focus on the inspection process. I am located in Westfield, MA and will be discussing our common practice, laws and regulations. If you live outside of this area, some details may differ, so be sure to consult a local REALTOR.

Buying your first home in Westfield and Western MA is exciting and it is even more fun when you are educated!

If you are looking for an agent in Westfield, please call me at 413-575-3611 or email therealestatenatural@yahoo.com!

Before I was a mom I remember thinking that having children would be so special because the love between a mother and a child is the most amazing thing in the world. I was right, but I didn't understand a few very important line items.

Before I was a mom I thought that raising children was simply a a matter of loving them enough. Once again, I missed something.

Before I was a mom I thought that I was smart, funny, educated, energetic and brave. WRONG, WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.

As a compass, Motherhood is altogether humbling.

Last week I did three very cool things: I rode in a (very) small plane built and flown by my boyfriend,

I flew in an aerobatic bi-plane that threw 4G's my way and kept the change

AND

I flew a plane MYSELF.

Many of my friends, family and co-workers have told me since that they think I am: crazy, brave, nuts, amazing, fun, and totally insane. None of what I did last week can hold a candle to the "simple task" of getting my girls to bed.

I am a brave person, but I am also aware: motherhood (and I am certain fatherhood, though I can't attest to it) is not for the feint of heart. Enter conciously, tread lightly and be kind to yourself and your kids...this is a hard gig.

Motherhood has asked of me things I would never have offered willingly, but am glad to give. It has demanded of me gifts I didn't know I possessed and has required strength I thought impossible. My gifts to my children have been equally granted to me as I have learned that I can survive things I never imagined.

What does this have to do with my career or blog in the real estate field?

Not a whole heck of a lot.

UNLESS....

You are a mother, or a father, or a person who has met unrealized challenges, or a grandma, or a grandpa, or an aunt.....you see where this is going.

Our challenges are lessons. Our fears are challenges. We learn, and if we are lucky, we grow.

I am lucky indeed.

Every weekday I start my day as a mom. I get my oldest daughter on the bus to 2nd grade at Highland School in Westfield, MA and take the younger daughter to her preschool at the YMCA in Westfield, MA. We walk up the stairs and look at the artwork the teachers have tacked up for display.

The other day I stopped to look at one particular piece and it stayed with me the rest of the day. The theme of the art was "When I Grow Up" and each child had drawn an illustration of what they wanted to be. Some were traditional: a teacher, a policeman, a hairdresser, but this one picture stood out to me:

When I grow up I want to be: A Ballerina Doctor.

My first reaction was a giggle and I thought, how cute. But after reflection I started to think, well why the heck not? See, when we are four we think we can be anything...DO anything and we are RIGHT. Somewhere along the way we learn fear and allow that fear to alter dreams into something safe. We stop pressing ourselves because people may scoff or say that what we want is impossible. Tradition steps in and we take our allotted roles.

I decided after admiring this young lady's bold dreams that I was a convert to her way of thinking. I too, want to be a Ballerina Doctor (rhetorically speaking) and am making a concerted effort to find my four year old bravery.

I am taking chances, boldened by a four year old's wisdom. Risks don't seem so frightening anymore, they are new challenges, exciting and fun. Limits are gone and in their place are steps to take one at a time to reach my dreams. My goals haven't changed, but my road to reach them is a totally new route with fun stops along the way.

So, I decided I would hang my proclamation up on my virtual stairwell so that everyone can see what my dreams are, too.

When I grow up I want to be: The real estate agent people in Westfield, MA think of when they need help. I want to be known as a problem solver and a caregiver. I want all of Western Massachusetts to understand my drive to help people when they need to or want to buy or sell real estate.

This little girl will never know the gift she bestowed upon me, but I hope she never loses sight of her ability to pick the dream that fits her best and work each day to reach it.

I share this with you so that you might tap into your four year old self and remind you to dream big and be brave...life is supposed to be fun!

Lesley Lambert, The Real Estate Natural at Park Square Realty

413-575-3611

www.therealestatenatural.com

Allright, you went and looked at all the houses for sale in Western MA and you finally found the house you want!  Now what?

Buying your first home can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.  Preparation and education prior to getting involved will help to make the process more enjoyable and exciting for you. 

Choosing the home is the easy part...the real work comes after you pick the home.  Be sure that your REALTOR is keeping you informed each step of the way, explaining the forms and all the legalities involved.  You will feel comfortable making your decisions if you understand the process a bit better. If you missed the first video in this series, you can view it here: "Buying Your First Home in Western MA"

This video discusses what happens after your find the right Western MA home...I hope it helps you!

If you are looking to buy your first home in the Western MA area, contact: 

Lesley Lambert, The Real Estate Natural at Park Square Realty

413-575-3611

As a 20 year veteran of the real estate profession, a lot of my time has been spent helping first time homebuyers.  This is the most important purchase of their lives and they rely on their realtor for guidance and education.  I give that and try to pepper it with a lot of fun along the way.

This video is intended to help first time homebuyers in Western MA start their journey with advice on what to do and in when to do it!  This a fun story about my recent day spent with first time homebuyers in Springfield, MA...we had adventures!

To reach me to buy a home in Western MA contact:

Lesley Lambert, The Real Estate Natural at Park Square Realty

413-575-3611

therealestatenatural@yahoo.com