Lambert Realty Group

15/01/2026

Really interesting…

14/11/2025

Here are several ways, as your advocate, I can save you money as a buyer's agent when you are considering buying a brand new home and we are meeting with a builder rep. If we don't ask, they often will not offer these things and the worst that happens is that they say "no"! With excess inventory and slower sales in the last few months, many builders will say "yes" to get homes sold:

1. Price and Incentives

-Builder Discounts: Ask for promotions (especially at end of fiscal quarters/years).
-Closing Costs: Many builders offer to cover part or all of your closing costs if you use their preferred lender.
-Free Upgrades: Instead of price reductions, negotiate for free upgrades (flooring, counters, appliances).
-Fencing for free

2. Lot Premiums

-If your chosen lot has a premium (e.g., corner or cul-de-sac), negotiate to reduce or waive it.

3. Design Center Credits

-Builders often require you to choose finishes at their design center. Request credits ($5k:$15k+ depending on home price) to use toward upgraded finishes.

4. Construction Timeline / Completion Guarantees

-Lock in an estimated completion date or request penalties or compensation if they miss it.
-Clarify escalation clauses (some contracts allow the builder to increase the price due to material costs, negotiate to cap this or remove it).

5. Warranty & Punch List Items

-Ask for extended home warranties (e.g., from 1 year to 2 years for workmanship).
-Ensure punch list (walkthrough) fixes will be completed before closing or within a set timeframe.

6. Appliances & Fixtures

-Most new builds don’t include all appliances. Negotiate to include:
Washer/dryer
Refrigerator
Ceiling fans or upgraded lighting

7. HOA Fees or Community Costs

-Ask the builder to pay the first year of HOA dues or waive initiation fees.

8. Smart Home / Energy Upgrades

-Many new homes offer optional smart thermostats, security, or EV chargers. Ask for them to be included at no charge.

I'm always here to help!

Call now to connect with business.

04/11/2025

20/10/2025

even the most pessimistic of the projections shows appreciation over the next few years.

If you’ve seen headlines or social posts calling for a housing crash, it’s easy to wonder if home values are about to take a hit. But here’s the simple truth.

14/10/2025

Come see what makes this beautiful townhome so special!

25/09/2025

All that equity you've gained over the years you've owned your house can come in handy when you you are ready to downsize and buy your next home! Wouldn't it be nice to not have a mortgage payment or have one that is much smaller??!!

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing to lower your expenses, be closer to family, or just make life easier, here's a trend worth paying attention to

13/09/2025

"... A bridge loan is a short-term financing option that allows you to tap into the equity in your current home before you sell. Essentially, it gives you temporary access to your home’s value so you can act quickly in a competitive market without having to wait for your sale to close...."

Ask me about lenders who can help you with this!

Buying a new home when you already own one is tricky in almost any market. But when there’s limited inventory or a flood of buyers competing for the same properties, it gets even trickier. Even in a slower market, the logistics can still be stressful. Plenty of homeowners start out thinking, I’l...

25/08/2025

Definitely not as prevalent as before, but those homes in great condition in desirable areas, priced well, still are in high demand and may receive multiple offers!

If you’re still worried about having to deal with a bidding war when you buy a home, you may be able to let some of that fear go.

22/08/2025

Has it really shifted from a seller's market to a buyer's market? While inventory levels are still below "normal" levels and well priced homes in great condition in desired locations, are still selling relatively quickly, days on market (DOM) is up for listings overall, which certainly can be an advantage for buyers!

If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy.

19/08/2025

rhymes with guesstimate !

Your "Zestimate" isn't just wrong. It's expensive.

Here's what that free Zillow estimate really costs you:

You see $750k on your screen. You get attached to that number. It becomes YOUR number. You tell friends that number. You make plans based on that number. You NEED that number.

But the market doesn't care about your screen addiction.

The market sees:

Your neighbor's identical house that sold for $675k
The three active listings at $680k sitting for 45 days
The buyer pool that disappears above $700k
The appraisal comps that scream $675k

You list at $750k anyway.
Because Zillow said so.

Week 1: "Testing the market"
Week 4: "Where are the showings?"
Week 8: First price reduction to $725k
Week 12: Desperation drop to $699k
Week 16: Sold for $650k to a wholesaler who smelled blood

The math Zillow won't show you:

Lost carrying costs: $12,000 (4 months)
Lost appreciation: $8,000 (market went up while you went stale)
Lost negotiating power: $5,000 (desperate sellers pay for everything)
Actual loss from overpricing: $25,000 GONE

The cruelest part?
If you'd listed at $675k:

Multiple offers in week one
Bid up to $690k
Closed in 30 days
Moved on with your life

But that would require trusting a professional over an algorithm designed to keep you scrolling, not sell your house.

Your agent tried to tell you. They showed you the comps. The absorption rates. The buyer psychology. The pricing strategy that creates competition instead of crickets.

You showed them your phone.

Here's what Zillow is ACTUALLY good for:

Entertainment
Dreaming
Stalking your ex's house
Wasting time at work

Here's what it's NOT good for:

Pricing your largest asset
Making financial decisions
Replacing 20 years of market expertise
Anything involving actual money

That app isn't free. It's the most expensive app on your phone.

The difference between Zillow and a real agent isn't information. It's interpretation. It's strategy. It's knowing that pricing isn't what you want.

But sure, keep trusting the algorithm that makes money from your clicks, not your success.

Just remember this post when you're on day 127, taking any offer you can get.