I know that some ActiveRain members don't like to hear negative things or to put people down.  I am NOT trying to do this in this blog.. I am just venting. Today I had a home inspection for one of my buyers in Cromwell, CT.  We have all been there, right? Working together with our buyers and home inspectors to make sure everything goes smoothly.  Well, this time I was working with a home inspector I have never worked with before, so I just stood back to see how he works. The sellers were on their way out of their home when I arrived at the front door.  I went in and the inspector was still outside.  The sellers mentioned that they were going out during the home inspection to look for homes.  This is a good thing, since the contract states "sellers to find suitable housing"... but still ... 07/17/2008

You know that saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"?  Well, yesterday I was at a grocery store in Cromwell, CT, when this woman was wearing this one-of-a kind (should I say) outfit. Usually I wouldn't say anything, but I thought she would like to know I noticed and thought it was unique.  She was so happy that I commented on it, that she said I made her day.  We continued to talk and during the course of conversation she mentioned that she was having bad luck.  She and her husband tried to sell their home, but couldn't, so she took it off the market 3 months ago, because she didn't have any bites. She was just venting.  Little did she know I was a Realtor at that the time.. I told her pluses and minuses to different tactics that might work, she was i... 07/16/2008

Wednesday Evening Concert, In Cromwell, CT  at Pierson Park on West Street Starts at 7pm.. Tomorrow evening Cromwell, CT is holding it's weekly concert at Pierson Park.  This week Blue Horizon - Monique Hill will be performing.  You will be entertained with Blue Grass & Folk music.  Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening under the stars (weather permitting) with this free music. 07/15/2008

I recently had a listing for a home that is now under contract in Cromwell, CT.  This home, was priced 50k under market value.. why, the sellers know it is a buyers market.. and they wanted to sell.  This home has over 1600sq ft, and is located in an established neighborhood. The home inspection came back, and there weren't too many things the buyer wanted to address. This made the sellers happy.  With this, the sellers agreed to everything except one item.  The buyers weren't happy with this.. and pushed on for even more to be done.  This totally annoyed the sellers.  The sellers have stated over and over, they are willing to work with the buyers, but feel there needs to be a give and take.  At what point do sellers draw the line in this market? We all know it is a buyers market... but... 07/13/2008

I have been a member of ActiveRain only for a few months.  In this short time I have already received 3 referrals (another one today) do to this website and localism.  What more can one ask for, from a free website, and with minimal amount of time?   I feel real estate is picking up... and ActiveRain is an excellent avenue to reach out to buyers searching on the Internet.  I couldn't be more happier with a website than this one. THANK YOU ACTIVERAIN and LOCALISM   VALERIE K OSTERHOUDT, ABRGLEN I. JOHNSON REAL ESTATE, INC.309 MAIN STREETCROMWELL, CT 06416E-mail: Valerierealtor@sbcglobal.netWebsite: CTrealtorMLS.com860-635-0387 (Office)860-883-8889 (Cell) 07/10/2008

There is finally some good news when it comes to these gas prices.  They ARE COMING DOWN.  On Sunday I noticed that the prices here in Cromwell, CT came down, and I thought it was a mistake.  The price on Saturday was $4.32 a gallon, on Monday it was $4.23, and I just thought there was a transposition.  Today, Wednesday, it has gone down AGAIN.  It is now $4.21.  How is everyone else being effected by this?  What are the prices in your area? 07/09/2008

Every Wednesday, the town of Cromwell, CT is holding a concert at Pierson Park off West Street, near the corner of Main Street.   This evenings concert is "The Island Girl".  Nelson Rivera will be playing Claypso and Rageeae, and Island Pop. So, come out early, and grap a spot on the grass.  Bring a chair, and a picnic basket and make an evening out of it. Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, as well as the surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs. Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.635.0387 #2 - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net Copyright © 2008 By Valerie Osterhou... 07/09/2008

As some of you might be aware of.. I haven't been on AR for a few days, which for me seems like weeks. I was busy listing this home below, located at 15 Bellevue Terrace, in Cromwell, CT.  I did all I could to promote it, along with doing an open house this past Sunday.  Yes, in that HOT humid weather. You might remember, that I blogged about this home last week. THIS HOME IS LOCATED IN AN ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOOD, AND FEATURES A NEW FURNANCE, ROOF, GUTTERS, WINDOWS, SCREENED IN PORCH AND HARDWOOD FLOORS.  THE LOT IS LEVEL WITH MATURE TREES.   PRICED *AT* MARKET VALUE!!!!! Well, the news is that in less than 7 days it is under contract.  How so fast you ask?  The key to marketing property is doing it ahead of the market.  06/30/2008

OPEN HOUSE CROMWELL CT SUNDAY JUNE 29TH, 2008 - 1 TO 3 PM 15 BELLEVUE TERRACE CROMWELL CT 06416 Here is your chance to own a 3 bedroom, 1 full bath home that is ALL ON ONE LEVEL, and has a one car garage.  This home is in an established Cromwell, CT neighborhood and is on a level lot.  So it is easy to mow.  There are many upgrades, new windows, gutters, and roof.  You have the choice of flooring. There is wall-to-wall carpeting throughout, but there is hardwood floors under them.  The livingroom boasts a fireplace and has built-in bookcases on both sides.  There is extra storage in the attic that has easy access with the pull downstairs.  With flooring in the attic, you can store things easily. There is a partically finished basement with a washer & dryer and sink.  If you like to can ... 06/26/2008

The town of Cromwell, CT is holding a Jazz concert tonight, Wednesday, Jue 25th (hopefully not too late or some of you to read this, and make it there) and it starts at 7pm at Pierson Park off West Street.  Yes, this is the park I blogged about earlier that has totally been rebuilt from the ground up. I believe this to be the first of many being held here during the summer.  I will keep you posted with updates as I get them. If you have a chance to stop by I don't think you will be disappointed.  Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, as well as the surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local n... 06/25/2008

Today, I was running around like crazy in Cromwell, CT.  I had a 9am meeting with potential clients to list their home.  From there I was running errands, and getting Kyle to a friends home.  My other son Jakob I took to his PCP (primary care physician) He has had a temp of 102 for the last two days.  Come to find out he has pneumonia. On the way home from the doctors I took a double take at the local gas station.  The price of gas went DOWN, yes down,...not by much... only 2 cents a gallon, which is only .40 cents less for a tank of gas, but it is a start.  Is this something I missed yesterday? Has anyone else noticed any changes in their gas prices? 06/23/2008

TRAVELER'S CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 THE RIVER HIGHLANDS CROMWELL, CT There has been interest in these tickets.. I've given a few away already, but I still have available FREE tickets to the Traveler's Championship that are valid for one day of use, for either of the two remaining days Saturday the 21st or Sunday the22nd. There are NOT that many left, but if you have any interest, please don't hesitate to contact me.  Thank you... have a great day. Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR Johnson Real Estate, Inc.   06/20/2008

With working at the Traveler's Championship in Cromwell, CT this weekend, I don't have much time to cook.  This is a recipe that is very easy to make and NO ONE last ever (as of yet) left anything on their plate...  So guess what I'll be making this Saturday? 1 stick of butter or margarine 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cup uncooked long grain white rice 4 cans beef consommé soup 16oz package of mixed vegetables 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese In a sacuepan, sauté butter and onions until translucent; set aside.  In a casserole dish or 13 x 9 pan, mix rice, vegetables, beans and soup.  Stir in onion and butter mixture.  Top with sheddred cheddar cheese.  Bake for 1 to 1¼ hours at 350°.  In the last 15 minutes you might want to uncover, but continue to bak... 06/20/2008

TRAVELER'S CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 THE RIVER HIGHLANDS CROMWELL, CT I have FREE tickets to the Traveler's Championship that are valid for one day of use, anywhere from June 16th to June 22nd.  I have some put aside for people already, but I still have some that are unaccounted for.  Please contact me if you have any interest.  Thank you. 06/19/2008

TRAVELER'S CHAMPIONSHIP TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT June 19, 2008 I was invited to the Traveler's Championship in Cromwell, CT today.  The Economic Development Committee was sponsoring a breakfast in recognition of the businesses in town, and to show their appreciation invited all of us. Breakfast was held on Corporate Row, right by the 18th fairway at the Pavilion.  It doesn't get any better than this. Needless to say I spent as much time as I could at the Championship, but had to leave... clients were waiting for me.  I plan on going back at some point over the weekend.  Traveler's has made HUGH improvements over the last two years, and is worth coming just for that.  If anyone is in the area, I would recommend going and not missing out on this opportunity. 06/19/2008

MONTHLY BOTTLE DRIVE         This Saturday is our next bottle drive. Please come and bring all of yours and your neighbors redeemable bottles. Den 12 is hosting and needs lots of bottles to keep them busy. Please pass the word along to your friends and family. Remember our bottle drive is our primary source of funding and needs your support.    We will be in the Stop n' Shop parking lot in the Northeast Corner by Route 3/Shumpike and Route 372.  I wish to thank you in advance for all your contributions and your continued support of Pack #36. The scouts work very hard with the bottle drive... the picture below shows you what they look like when it has ended.       06/04/2008

Gas prices are getting everyone down.. and at this point there is nothing we can do about it, except to try to find humor.  I hope this brightens everyones day that sees this. I went out to get gas this morning.. and went to my usually Gulf Station in Cromwell, CT.  Either someone has a sense of humor... or maybe we are being warned as to where the gas prices will ultimately go. I went to the other sign to see if this was a typo... the other sign was the same.  I believe they are charging $42.10 a gallon.. but I LOVE the idea of  .42 cents a gallon.  Unfortunately, I think it is the first, otherwise there would probably have been a line for 10 miles down the road. NO ONE was at this station... I'm sure you can see why. 05/31/2008

CROMWELL LANDING, CROMWELL CT This area in Cromwell, CT is an area that not many know of or go to.  It is a find... Cromwell Landing is located right on the Connecticut River.  It is a park like area with picnic tables and benches. The area was recently planted with flowers.. I think Geraniums.. and it brought life to the area. Being right on the Connecticut River, it is a great place to fish... and enjoy some time to jam, as Dan and Joe show us.        Another view of the park area.... So, if this doesn't make you relax... how about seeing horses... that are located right across the way. So when you come to Cromwell, CT, come check out the sites...and make yourself at home.   05/30/2008

The internet is the first source of information for people when they look for home.  Realtor.com is the most viewed website for this.  Usually when someone sees a property is of interest they contact a realtor. I recently signed clients who did this.  The home they saw online ended up not being what they were looking for, but we have continued to look for their ideal home.  A new home came onto the MLS here in Cromwell, CT and I told my clients about it immediately.  I forwarded the information to them, letting them know the picture/pictures weren't posted yet, but will within 24 hours. If at least one picture isn't posted in 24 hours there is a fine to that agency.  So, I was confident that one would be online in short order.  I was wrong.. it has been 2 days, and there still isn't any... 05/29/2008

There is hope that the market is turning around and that clients are starting to buy again. I had a closing today, in Cromwell, CT... one we all dream of.  I had been working on this one for a few months.  It was one that needed a lot of care and due diligence.  I represented both the seller and the buyer in this transaction.  There have been a lot of blogs about problems with that can arise with dual agencies.  Most wonder how can anyone fairly represent both parties.  It CAN be done, with extremely good communications, and respect to both parties.  At the end of the closing, come to find out the buyer knew the seller's wife's brother.  In turn this made everyone feel more comfortable especially the seller knowing that his home was bought by someone the family knew. Thank you George So... 05/29/2008