Real Estate News from Westfield, MA: November 2008

As I meet with clients these days the #1 question is "What about all the news about the plummeting home values?"  It is with pleasure and certainty that I am able to reassure people with real estate in Westfield, MA that the news isn't as bad for us as it is for people in other areas of the country.

Here are the stats:

Westfield, MA Average Sales Price in 2008 = $225,560

Westfield, MA Average Sales Price in 2005 = $241,015

Percentage of downward change from 2005 to 2008 = 6.4%

That's right...while other areas in our country are suffering with up to 50% drop in value, we are experiencing a much milder adjustment in Westfield, MA. 

So, if you were thinking about making a move and were unsure as to what has happened to your property value, this is some reassurance.  As a real estate agent with Park Square Realty in Westfield, MA, I would be happy to meet with you to discover the specific value for your property.  Contact me today for a free consultation!

I have been searching for a memorable way to contact my sphere of influence here in Westfield, MA  and current clients for a few weeks now.  I wanted to make a gesture that would stand out from the crowd (and all of the other real estate agents)  and let them know that I was thinking of them and am grateful for their business and friendship.

After much consideration, I decided that I would skip the Holiday/Christmas card mailing this year and instead I would send Thanksgiving cards.

I ordered this cute card:

from www.123print.com and had it personalized "With gratitude for your business and friendship, Lesley Lambert, Park Square Realty"for a very affordable price.  They are good quality, nice paper stock and I think people will get a kick out of them.  Everyone sends the holiday card and I think that mine could get lost in the multitudes of adorable kid pictures.  However, how many people get Thanksgiving cards?  They are bound to remember that I sent it! 

Lesley Lambert, The Real Estate Natural at Park Square Realty

www.therealestaenatural.com

I have recently been doing a lot of research and testing with SEO and trying to gain ownership of area search phrases, such as "realtor, Westfield, MA"   I am a total newbie, but I have been spending a lot of time educating myself here on activerain. 

While searching for my company's name, Park Square Realty, I came across www.merchantcircle.com and decided to try adding myself to their directory. 

I created a profile for myself in Westfield, Massachusetts and within one day I had another listing on the first page of google...too easy!

Visit my profile to see how it works...we can add each other as connections for referral potential, too!

Is this the sign that you want buyers to see? 

If your listing has expired with one or more REALTORS and you still want or need to sell then you need to be very careful with your next agent or the impression that the public will get is just that....STILL for sale.  Long term listings can cause a property to have a stigma within the public eye, one that can keep the right buyer from even looking at the home.

So, how do you choose the right agent to take your move to the finish line?  Here are a few suggestions:

*Look for the agents that are using new and non-traditional marketing.  Someone with a creative use of marketing will be more likely to see something new and exciting in your home.

*Research local agents on the internet.  Look at their websites, their blogs, their online presence will tell you a lot about who they are and how they work.

*Find an agent who is able to help stage (or can connect you with a stager) the property for re-marketing as part of the refresh.

*Ask the agent if they will hold a broker's open house after the home has been refreshed.  The fastest way to change the perception of the home is to convince the area brokers and agents.

Is your Western Massachusetts home recently expired?  Call me today to schedule an appointment for me to do my "Expired Listing Checklist" with you.  Very often I can pinpoint the exact reason that a home hasn't sold.

Lesley Lambert, Park Square Realty, 413-575-3611

www.therealestatenatural.com