The Berkshires—a place where rolling hills meet quaint New England charm, where culture and community intertwine, and where homeownership is more than just an investment; it’s a lifestyle. If you're thinking about buying your first home in the Berkshires, welcome. You’re about to embark on a journey filled with stunning landscapes, cozy towns, and a strong sense of belonging. Here’s your guide to navigating the process like a pro.

Before you dive into listings, take a step back. What does your ideal home look like? A historic farmhouse in Stockbridge? A modern retreat in Great Barrington? A quiet cabin in the hills? The Berkshires offer a variety of homes, each with its own character. Defining your vision will help narrow your search and make the process smoother.

 

The market here can be competitive, and a mortgage pre-approval signals to sellers that you’re serious. Plus, it gives you a clear idea of your budget. Reach out to local lenders who understand the nuances of the Berkshires market and can guide you toward the best financing options.

 

Explore these areas and see what feels like home.

 

A good local agent is your secret weapon. They’ll have insight into hidden gems, upcoming listings, and the intricacies of buying in the region. Plus, they can connect you with inspectors, attorneys, and other professionals you’ll need along the way.

 

The Berkshires real estate market isn’t like a big city’s. You’ll find historic homes with quirks, seasonal demand shifts, and unique zoning laws. Do your homework—or better yet, lean on your agent’s expertise.

 

The Berkshires experience all four seasons in full force. Consider how your home will function in winter’s snow, spring’s rain, summer’s warmth, and fall’s golden hues. Homes with good insulation and access to year-round roads can be a major plus.

 

Found the one? Work with your agent to craft a competitive offer. Once accepted, you’ll navigate inspections, negotiations, and the closing process. It’s a journey, but when you get the keys to your first home in the Berkshires, it will all be worth it.

 

Owning a home here means more than just having a place to live—it means becoming part of a community. Support local businesses, enjoy the arts, explore the trails, and savor the slower pace. Welcome home.

 

The Berkshires is waiting. Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a forever home, buying here is about embracing a lifestyle that values nature, culture, and connection. Take the leap, and let the adventure begin.

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ABOUT SELINA

Selina Lamb is a study in contrasts — analytical yet creative, fun yet serious-minded, easygoing yet a fierce marketer and negotiator. She synthesizes years of experience in Berkshires' real estate; a liberal arts education from Williams College; a successful career at top U.S. fashion houses; and experience founding a nationally recognized landscape design firm into a real estate consultancy that centers around client well-being. Repeats and referrals comprise 98% of her business, and review after review mentions her market knowledge, vast network, warm sense of humor, and presence in her clients’ lives long after the deal has closed.

As a real estate partner, Selina aims to make people feel at home during each moment of the transaction, whether they’re seeking residential, commercial, or land development opportunities. A longtime Berkshires resident, she works tirelessly to plug her buyers into the community, ensuring they have every professional and resource they need to create fulfilling lives here. In addition, she leverages her expansive global network and marketing expertise to get her sellers’ properties maximum views, visits, and offers. Her future-forward service features tech, design, analysis, and humanity in equal measure — making it highly personalized and undeniably modern.

Selina’s unique approach comes from the circuitous path that brought her to real estate and back to the Berkshires. After graduating from Williams, Selina held executive roles for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, J. Crew, and Polo Ralph Lauren. During that time, she would escape to her Berkshire house on weekends to find delight in her garden, which inspired her to earn a graduate degree in site planning and landscape design. She eventually let go of her New York City address permanently and founded her acclaimed landscape design firm, which has been featured by Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and HGTV.

Selina’s design experience makes her an expert in envisioning clear and practicable solutions for presenting properties to their very best advantage, from staging to photography and beyond. For buyers and sellers, her wide breadth of knowledge of local regulations and permitting processes make her an invaluable resource.

Beyond real estate, Selina serves on the Williams College Parents Fund Committee and co-chaired the Emma Willard School Parents Fund Committee. In addition to gardening, she enjoys painting, skiing, and playing tennis.