The Real Estate Natural, Lesley Lambert's Blog

My new website!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:45:01 -0500

Well, I think it came out well and I am excited to start advertising and sharing!

Please visit www.therealestatenatural.com

I used www.point2agent.com and my only issue is that I need to make my logo larger and can't find a way to do so.

Let me know your feedback, suggestions and flat out free advice, I am open for business!

Antique Afficionadoes, Flea Market Fans & Junkers Unite!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:15:05 -0500

Brimfield Fair Hits Town September 3-7, 2008

Be sure to set aside some time to drive to Brimfield and scour the territory for your favorite knick knacks, furniture or garden pieces. This show is world reknown as being THE place to find unique and well-priced antique pieces.

I have been attending regularly for years and have purchased all types of things including: vintage clothing, a marble topped bureau that I turned into a bathroom sink, a wrought iron garden arbor, loads of small collectibles!

Some advice if you have never attended: wear sneakers (dusty, rocky paths), bring a wagon or a push cart & wear a backpack for hands free and easy shopping, bring small bills in cash, pack your lunch, have some loose idea of what you are looking for so you can skip the booths that don't have it (otherwise you could take all day looking in one section), bring a friend!

Visit http://www.brimfieldshow.com/ for more information on this terrific event!

I am heading there this week myself...see you there!

Thank You W. MA Real Estate Attorney Nyles Courchesne!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:51:53 -0500

Thank you to AR Member, Attorney Nyles Courchesne

http://activerain.com/nyleslaw

If you are looking for a real estate attorney in the Western Massachusetts area, look no further! I have used Atty. Courchesne for several personal transactions over the last year, as well as referring clients and he is unfailingly professional.

My last personal transaction was the very difficult purchase of my condominium. It was filled with snags, right up until the last moment prior to close, but Nyles and his paralegal team never lost their composure and brought me to a successful closing.

Nyles, I hope you see this because I owe you a big BIG THANK YOU!

433 Holyoke Road, Westfield, MA 01085

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:30:57 -0500

MLS #70809637

433 Holyoke Road, Westfield, MA 01085

$174,500

Surrounded by protected land, this private country home is updated and affordable! Newer roof, replacement windows, septic. Bedrooms are a good size. Kitchen, bath and enclosed porch recently refreshed, some new flooring - neutral bright decor. Great storage, convenient location - super value!

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=433+Holyoke+Westfield+MA+01085

Full listing: http://www.parksquarerealty.com/listings_ps.html

Call Lesley Lambert at Park Square Realty 413-575-3611

Why A Condo Was Right for Me...and Maybe Right for You, Too!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:52:17 -0500

Last year I sold my 4,000sf custom built home on 12 acres and started hunting for a new home for my two daughters and I. Like all of my buyers, I had a list of features I hoped/demanded to find in my new home. The list included things such as: wants; fireplace, dining room, extra bath and needs; garage, location.

After months of searching I had found one key thing: I wasn't getting all of my list in any one single family home that I could afford. I decided I better sit myself down and give my "time to get realistic, keep your options open Mrs. Buyer" speech to myself. (the process of selling and buying my own real estate caused a real Cybil-like issue in my world)

After my talking-to I went out shopping with my mom (who owned a real estate company for 25 years and trained me) and we saw EVERYTHING on the market in my price range. Everything included: multi family homes, single family homes and condominiums. The last of the day was a condominium in a complex that I had looked in previously and discarded as an option.

Me: Mom, we are probably wasting our time, but if I don't look at EVERYTHING then I am going to have to fire myself as a buyer and that seems extreme.

Mom: Keep an open mind.

Me, opening door: I looked at these six months ago and I just don't think I am suited for condo living.

Mom: Open the *&^% door.

Me, walking in: Hey....I don't remember these being so open.

Mom: This is nice.

Me: I think I could do this.

Mom: I think you should.

I was blocked with the frame of mind that I needed my own land. I was blocked into thinking that I wouldn't like having people living on each side of me. I was just blocked, period. From that epiphany I realized that this condo had everything on my list....not one thing left off AND I could afford it. Well, it doesn't take two bricks for me to get the point, I put in a bid and we live here now.

Guess what? I LOVE IT! Every Monday the lawns (plentiful and lush) are mowed by someone other than me. Each sunny day my girls and I enjoy a pool that is cleaned by someone else. The deck needed repair and bam! the association had someone out to fix it. The front stairs, same story. We have spent a social summer getting to know the other residents of the complex and we have found that we really love having all of these people around us.

Of course, condo vs. single family is a very unique decision, but for me it was well worth re-considering my options...good thing I had such an opinionated and educated REALTOR!

Logoease....Really Easy and Really FREE!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:28:17 -0500

***thanks to Tasia Fauntleroy for her post which included a tip to this site, see her blog at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/581862/Free-That-s-the***

So on the advice of fellow ActiveRainer, I went to several freebie sites to see what they had to offer. Since joining AR, the freebies have been one of my favorite things to share and learn about. I have been an internet freebie Queen since 1990!

The site that I played with last night was www.logoease.com It is a site that allows you to create your own logos FOR FREE! Here is mine:

It was a ton of fun to mess around with and I like the end result, too! Head over there and try it out for yourself and thanks again to Tasia!

Thank You Gift Idea for Clients, Not Free But Affordable!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:57:25 -0500

I have been using VistaPrint for years for business cards, but recently they added a lot of new products and I decided to give them a try. I started by designing a T-shirt that I bring to my new listings as a thank you gift.

I leave that at the house along with the feature sheets, a stack of cards and a post-it notes:

I also had a baseball cap made up, which I intended to wear myself, but the first day I had it on one of my best friends snatched it from me and I won't ever see it again. I ordered more:

I also put a new order in for more T-shirts because all of my friends said they want one and will be my mobile advertising...works for me!

If you are a member of upromise.com (I should write another post about this) VistaPrint is offering a limited time 50% sale price. For example: the T-shirt usually would cost almost $10.00 If you are a upromise.com member, you pay only $4.49 each!

If you are interested in looking into using this idea, click here:

http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=185557274880

American Lifstyle Magazine....Just Joined Up, Anyone Tried This?

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:47:31 -0500

My business partner, Jeremie and I just joined this marketing company to send free subscriptions of this magazine to our clients and business partners. While not free to us, it seems like a nice way of keeping your information in front of people in a low key and accessible way.

I like the look of the magazine and think it is the type of publication that people would keep on their coffee table, etc. I also like the idea that once you have created your list of contacts, you "own" them and a competitor cannot send to the same company/person/location.

If you have tried this before, give me your opinions on the outcome. If you are looking for more information visit www.remindermedia.com

If you are a client or customer who would like to be added to my subscription list, please send me an email: lesleylambert@parksquarerealty.com

Twitter, Plurk, Utterz, Ping.fm Holy Networking Batman!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:55:52 -0500

So, I find Active Rain and I make a slow start here. Then Active Rain sends me running all over the internet researching, learning, creating. I think I am getting along just fine, then I learn about Twitter. Once again, I make a slow start there and don't really know what I am doing, but keep doing it anyways. Now I am let to all of these other options, and I am here to confess MY TOTAL CONFUSION!

Ok, so is there anywhere that I can post that will go all of these places? Is that what Ping.fm does? I requested a beta code from them so I could check it out.

I am loving "meeting" all these new people and getting a glimpse of their private and professional lives. It is a bit voyeristic, but that may be what keeps it exciting.

Any advice from any of you more experienced networkers?

I am @LesleyRealtor on any and all of the above...add me and then sort me out!

Grandmothers' Garden Annual Garden Tour, Westfield, MA

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:34:28 -0500

Westfield, MA is the home of this downtown gem of a historic garden. Restored through the fundraising, hard work and dedication of concerned citizens (like myself), the garden is a joy. For more information on the history of the garden click here: http://www.grandmothersgarden.org/history.htm

As a continuing fundraising effort the Friends of Grandmothers' Garden hosts an annual garden tour which is always a huge hit. Be certain to save some time to enjoy all of these lovely gardens!

The Tenth Annual Grandmothers' Garden Tour will be held Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, 2008. This year's tour, "Garden Treasures",A 10th Anniversary Celebration, will feature local private gardens, and, of course, our own Grandmothers' Garden. In addition to the tour, on Friday June 27, one very special destination-The Watkins Garden will be the location of the third annual "Garden Party!" Music by "Curran & Company" will delight concert-goers who will be able stroll through the exquisite gardens and enjoy refreshments.

Proceeds from the tour and concert will benefit the upcoming improvements and continued maintenance of Grandmothers' Garden and Chauncey Allen Park-true regional assets. Friday's concert begins at 6 PM and the weekend tour hours are 9 AM to 4 PM. All events will be held rain or shine. Tickets for the concert are $40.00. Tickets for the tour are $20.00 per person, $15.00 for seniors. Tickets for the concert and the tour are $55.00. Tickets will be available in May 2008.For more information or tickets please call Bernadette Toomey at (413)562-9404 or Joyce Bannish at (413) 569-3232 or FOGG08@comcast.com.

Cell Signs Marketing Listings to the Smart Phone User

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:05:09 -0500

I found this company through Active Rain and did some research then decided to try them out. You add a sign rider with texting information and when a potential buyer texts they can request a showing, request a phone call, view interior photos and even have a feature sheet emailed to them.

Once a buyer has used the system, you get a message with their information. There is also a nice report for each property on their website.

I don't have any hard statistics on this, yet, because it is so new for me, but I think it could be an amazing tool.

In today's world of texting and smartphones this is a terrific way to bring the information to the buyers in the format that they prefer.

My sellers are impressed because they have never heard of this before (no one else in my market is doing this yet) and so they feel like I am going the extra mile for them (I am!).

Fellow Blackberry Addicts and ITunes Lovers Unite!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:15:21 -0500

You will be Nutso for nuTsie!

I just found out about this new product, downloaded it and am listening to music on my Blackberry Curve as I type. This will turn your ITunes playlists into files accessible (and share-able!) over the internet, as well as provide you with playlists to sample. While sampling you can choose "hate it" or "grab it" for the music and the "grabs" get added to your account.

This is a limited trial offer, but so totally cool if you are a music/smartphone freak like I am!

Visit www.nutsie.com and give it a try! Let me know if you like it...maybe we can share playlists!

55 and up Condo Communtity: Beautiful New Construction

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 11:58:39 -0500

Woodmar Glen, Westfield, MA

This exclusive 55yr and up community features only ten condominium units with one sold already. Construction is in the finish stages with new owners moving in next month.

Starting at $229,900

Beautifully appointed with nice finishes and plenty of options for customization.

Call Lesley Lambert of Park Square Realty for a private showing:

413-575-3611

One, Two-Squidoo!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:39:02 -0500

I Squidoo, do you?

Just joined and created my first lens at: http://www.squidoo.com/lesleyrealtor

I am so new to all these linking and SEO opportunities, but this one was super easy to implement and I hope will drive activity to my links and increase the Google Juice.

Anyone having luck with this?

Subprime Lender Recommendations?

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:50:32 -0500

I know that the subprime, stated income products have dried up, but I find myself in a situation where I need to find a lender for my own less than attractive loan. Has anyone had any recent experience with a lender who offers these products in MA or on a national scale?

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

39 Day Avenue, Westfield, MA Just Listed!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:10:42 -0500

MLS #: 70759838

$264,500!

Energy efficient, beautifully renovated & restored Victorian on a tree lined street from yesteryear. Gorgeous woodwork throughout, pellet stove, replacement windows, newer heating/plumbing/electric. Modern kitchen & baths retain an authentic decor & finished walk-up attic is a terrific flex space. Beautiful outside & on the inside - this is a treasure found for the antique home buff & low maintenance buyer combined!

Disabilty Insurance Anyone?

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:21:08 -0500

As I embark on re-planning my life, I am thinking that I really need to get my hands on some disability insurance. I thought to myself, who better to ask than the wonderfully intelligent crowd on AR?

Do any of you carry this and if so...how did you choose your plan?

Like all of you, I don't get paid if I don't work and I want to be sure that I can keep things rolling for my daughters and I if something happens. I live in Western Massachusetts, so I know a lot of your providers won't work for me, but even the knitty gritty of how much you carry, etc. would be helpful.

Any and all advice/input would be great! Thanks!

It Was the Worst of Years, It Was the Best of Years

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:54:17 -0500

The Best of Years, The Worst of Years

Wow, has it been one heck of a ride since a year ago April.

Last spring I was less than six months back into my real estate career after a 3 year maternity leave. I had been managing a company for over a decade and would now be "back in the trenches" as an agent. Things were going well, business was building and commissions were slated to come in.

Just then, my husband announced he wanted a divorce and left immediately. To make matters worse, when I went to pay mortgages, I discovered that both my primary home and rental property were in pre-foreclosure. Thus began the struggle. All commissions went to saving the properties. All available hours went towards earning commissions. The houses went on the market and I started packing.

Here I am a year later: both houses SOLD. My best year in real estate was last year (in a down market, too!) and I have been consistently increasing my market share. Just had a one on one meeting with my broker and manager and I shared this years growth plans and prospecting plans and I am feeling poised for a great year.

As I stand at the end of this section of my life, the view looks pretty optimistic and I am excited to spend the balance of the year working hard for my clients and customers with a new appreciation of the hardships that can arise in the course of normal life. Done with the Worst of the Year and on with the BEST!

What's Gonna Work? TEAMWORK!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:42:23 -0500

Any of you with young children (mine are 7 and 3) know that line from the Wonderpets program. It is a wonderful message for young and old alike and one that I like to bring into my business plan.

I worked for over a decade as a manager of a family owned real estate company in Westfield, Massachusetts. As such, I got really good at training and delegating. Now, working as an agent at Park Square Realty in Westfield, I still find that managerial personality comes to the front. Because of this penchant, I have found teaming up with other agents on certain projects to be a wonderful way to get things done.

I have a business partner who I started out as a mentor and we segued into partnership. We paired up with another team of realtors to create a support group. Together we implement larger mailings and prospecting plans that would be cumbersome (not to mention boring) to do alone. In this way we are able to cover a larger area of Western Massachusetts and reach out to more potential clients.

This week we will be meeting over pizza and beer to roll out a huge mailing for one of our ideas and we have plans to gather up again every couple of weeks until we have the prospecting done.

We all still do independent sales, as well, but have found strength in this family atmosphere that we have created within Park Square Realty. It helps us to enjoy work and get more done...we have all moved up the sales ranks since working together.

Now go out there and start singing: "What's Gonna Work? TEAMWORK!"

17 Laurel Avenue, Westfield, MA MLS#70698393

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:27:10 -0500

Terrific listing, view the report at: http://www.usamls.com/showProperty/property/115463

A wonderfully immaculate ranch style home setting on the south side of Westfield awaits the right new family! Set on beautifully landscaped grounds with a screened in sunporch for warm weather enjoyment. Newer roof, vinyl siding, replacement windows...easy on the maintenance. Be in in time to enjoy the painstakingly cared for gardens.

Call Lesley Lambert at Park Square Realty anytime at 413-575-3611 for an appointment or more information!

A Tale of Two Pods or: Closing my Own Home

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:56:50 -0500

So, I finally got my own home in Westfield, MA sold, the cooperating agent is totally terrific, the buyers love the house and can't wait to get in...now the only thing left is for me to get OUT!

PODS to the rescue! After researching the moving options in Western Massachusetts I order up the largest storage unit PODS offers and start loading it up. How excellent to not have to hustle everything out the door at once. Things are looking good until I find out that I cannot move to my new residence across Westfield until two weeks after the closing on my home....ahhh the joys of moving!

So, now what? Well...my children and I can go stay with my mother and thank goodness I have a pod and not a truck because I can get the pod moved to my mother's driveway. Off my POD goes and whoever invented this system is totally brilliant, watch them move one if you havent.

I told the cooperating broker that we would be out at 11am the day of the closing...somehow she told the buyers 10am. So, the buyers show up with: four cars, a box truck, a trailer truck AND a POD. All of this while we still have two cars and two trucks and the last minute things to get out and clean. Now this is getting fun!

The road that the house is on is narrow and twisty and is now littered with vehicles large and small with two family's worldly possessions in them. If it wasn't so stressful it would have been really funny.

Well, of course, it was sorted out in the end and thankfully everyone was pleasant through the process. The POD is now sitting in my mom's driveway awaiting yet another move to my new residence. If nothing else, it makes for a great referral for the PODS company!

After sharing this story with co-workers of mine at Park Square Realty, Westfield, MA, many of us will be happy to send referrals to PODS, they sure helped me out!

Spring Cleanup, Western Massachusetts Start Your Engines!

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:15:22 -0500

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS...

get ready to see those spring flowers! The snow is gone, the trees are budding, the bulbs are emerging and it is time to get your gardens ready for the show.

We had a late leaf fall last year, so if you are anything like me, your gardens still have a lot of leaf covering. Time to get those up and let the perennials and bulbs feel the sun shining. My gardens in Westfield will need a good couple of hours of raking to get all those leaves out!

It is also a perfect time to plant some pansies...these friendly flowers put a smile on everyone's face. If you are selling your home, it has been shown that bright yellow flowers can help bring more curb appeal and get the house sold faster.
Do you have rose bushes? Depending on the variant, NOW is the time to prune them. You are going to have the best show ever if you get in there early and prune aggressively. As you shape the shrub, remove dead or sick looking wood and open up the airflow. Take the healthy stalks down to only a few inches off the ground and cut at outward facing buds.
The peony is my all-time favorite flower. Put up staking guides now before they get too large and the supports will keep your beautiful blooms out of the mud.
Dress up the whole thing with a fresh top dressing of compost and mulch. I have always used composted chicken manure to great result.
HAPPY GARDENING!

My Real Estate Assistants...Westfield's Finest

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:07:35 -0500

THE BEST REAL ESTATE ASSISTANTS IN THE BUSINESS!

That's right, they are my children...but don't let those cherubic and youthful looks fool you, these are some sharp girls in the workplace. At the ripe ages of seven and three they: put out mailings, accompany showings, monitor home inspections, attend listing appointments, join my buyers at walk throughs, make photocopies, fax documents....you name it!

Being a single mom in business is a tricky thing, but I am thankful for being in real estate so I can have the flexibility and control over my time and the way I do business. I used to worry aobut the impression it would make if I had to bring one of my girls on an appointment. I have discovered that on a large scale the impression that it leaves with people is that I am able to balance my two very important priorities: family and work, even when a less than ideal situation crops up.

My girls both know that when mom gives the "signal" it means she is taking a business call and they need to be quiet. They both know how to shake hands and be polite when with clients. They have learned proper behavior when visiting a strange house and how to amuse themselves when things go longer than anticipated.

I am glad that they are seeing first hand how I earn an income and how much work I put into my job. They already have a respect for money that I don't think most children their age possess. I was raised with a powerful work ethic and terrific example from my mom (also a realtor/broker) and I want to pass that tradition on to them.

I am considering getting them both some business suits and name tags and having a photo done of us together for business use....what do you think?

Gorgeous Condo in North Myrtle Beach, Kingston Plantation

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:32:04 -0500

Kingston Plantation, North Myrtle Beach

Purchased 2 years ago for $362,500...asking ONLY $299,900

Other units in this development are going for $15,000-$20,000 more! This is a terrific chance for you or your clients to own a little piece of paradise at a price that won't be seen again. Know someone who wants a vacation get-away, or who is retiring to the warmer climate...tell them about this deal!

Don't miss out on this opportunity...email lesleylambert@parksquarerealty.com today!

17 Laurel Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085

Lesley Lambert Real Estate, Realtor, Westfield, MA (Park Square Realty) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:24:34 -0500

17 LAUREL AVENUE, WESTFIELD, MA 01085

Absolute move in condition for this immaculate ranch with an open floor plan. Cathedral ceilings in living room, dining room off kitchen as well as eat-in area. Beautiful enclosed porch overlooks nature in both wild and cultivated forms. Meticulous perrenial borders embrace a quiet woodland setting. Finished basement features a bedroom and family room. You won't find a cleaner, more well maintained home than this one!

Book a showing with me for a private tour.