Working for an independent broker I try to go over and above job expections, not only for my clients but for fellow realtors.  I feel we should all try to work together. As most know, in Cromwell, CT we have gone through a revaluation within last year, and everyone is wondering what the new mill rate will be.  I was in touch with the tax office, and found out the mill rate has finally been set.  The new rate is 28.01, this includes the fire tax too. Hope this clears up any concerns clients might have as far as what they will be paying for taxes. 05/27/2008

To everyone reading this blog, I wish you a Happy Memorial Day.  Please remember all that are, and/or have served this country. The annual Memorial Day Parade in Cromwell, CT starts at 6pm on Friday, May 30th.  You will want to get there early for good seating.  The parade will commence at St. John's Church on West Street, and head East on Route 372.  When it makes it's way to Main Street, it will continue North to New Lane.  There is will make it's way back to St. John's Church.   This is a great event for young and old.. when was the last time you had candy thrown to you while watching a parade?  ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE It is THESE SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN who sacrifices allow us to have a person run for president that DOESN'T know how many states are in this country.  WHAT IS WRONG W... 05/20/2008

CROMWELL, CT   To everyone golfer out there.. if you don't know already the PGA tour is coming to Cromwell, CT in June.  The Travelers championship will be held from June 16th to June 22nd at the TPC (Tournament Players Club) of the River Highlands. This event is held annually, and this year the golfers will compete for a $6 million purse.  So if you are in the area, please stop by and check us out.  To find out more you can visit TravelersChampionship.com.     05/16/2008

PIERSON PARK The town of Cromwell, CT is investing money into parks around town, making the playgrounds/playscapes savers for our children.  Pierson Park was the first one done.  As you can see from the pictures, they have done a GREAT job.    A DINOSAUR FOR CHILDREN TO CLIMB ON.   EVEN OLDER CHILDREN CAN ENJOY CLIMBING     ONE CAN PRETEND TO STORM A CASTLE               THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE... COME PLAY. 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 - vale... 05/15/2008

If you are interested in Cromwell, CT  here is the residential  activity for the community from May 6th to May 13th, 2008 If you are interested in viewing homes in this town or surrounding area, please feel free to give me a call. 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 Osterhoudt, ABR, All Rights Reserved...*RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY IN CROMWELL CT FOR MAY 13TH, 2008*   05/14/2008

Now that it is a buyers market and home prices are on the decline, YOU NEED TO PRICE AHEAD OF THE MARKET.    Years ago (WHICH IS NOT THE CASE ANYMORE) the prices of homes kept going up, both the sellers and realtors liked this and would increase the price some to make adjustments for the market going in that direction.  But the buyers were on the outside looking in.  Now the tables have turned and the buyers are getting good deals.  You wonder why there is a lot of inventory, and buyers are not buying??  The prices on the homes are inflated for the most part.  Sellers still want to get the price of years ago and are reluctant to list for less.  Most realtors don't want to price the home "ahead of the market" because they will not get as much of a commission.  In my mind both these parti... 05/11/2008

Yes, it is the eve of Mother's Day.. and if you are looking for flowers for your wife, or mother (hint Jake and Kyle).  The fire departments in Cromwell, CT are selling them right outside their firehouses.  Not sure where they are in Cromwell??  One is located on West Street near Main Street; another on the corner of Geer & Court Streets, and the last is on Coles Road. Remember.. your mom might be a realtor... there is no better mom.  Hmmm... do I sound a little slighted... Can you guess what my favorite are???????                 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... 05/10/2008

JOHNSON REAL ESTATE WHERE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE IS IN THE DETAILS I, Valerie Osterhoudt, work here at JOHNSON REAL ESTATE, INC., located in Cromwell, CT.  I/we always trying to exceed all our clients needs.  Once again we are striving to do this by expanding our services into Massachusetts. Now if you are looking to move from Massachusetts to Connecticut or Connecticut to Massachusetts we can now assist you with this process, and make it a smooth transition.  My broker is licensed in  both states.  With over 35 years of experience behind him, and a staff that is ahead of the curve with technology.  You have come to the right place. For more information on JOHNSON REAL ESTATE, and to check out my profile, along with the rest of the staff, please visit our website www.CTrealtorMLS.com. W... 05/07/2008

  THIS COMPANY IS NOT A FRANCHISE.  THEREFORE YOUR NEEDS COME FIRST... NOT THE COMPANY BOTTOM LINE. You need a local realtor working for you With our expert knowledge of the local real estate market, we know how to help you with your unique needs and protect your best interests through every aspect of a real estate transaction.We are focused on providing you with the most personal attention and best service available. The quality of service is in the details.  Come check out our company and my profile.     You need the advice of a Real Estate Professional The Internet is a great place to find information. But it can't provide the in depth local knowledge and personalized service of a local real estate professional. The challenges of the real estate industry are getting more complex ever... 05/04/2008

Cromwell CT is a charming bedroom community that was settled in 1851 when it broke away from Middletown Upper Houses.  Cromwell is located about 14 miles south of Hartford off Interstate 91, and 28 miles northeast of New Haven, which makes commuting to any job easier.  With the ever soaring gas prices being centrally located in Cromwell would be a plus.  Did you know that the town also has easy access to Route 9 and other major highways? Cromwell CT is a charming bedroom community that was settled in 1851 when it broke away from Middletown Upper Houses.  Cromwell is located about 14 miles south of Hartford off Interstate 91, and 28 miles northeast of New Haven, which makes commuting to any job easier.  With the ever soaring gas prices being centrally located, in the town of Cromwell wou... 05/01/2008

MOVING??   With the price of gas, it is time to centralize in Connecticut. When thinking of moving within the state of Connecticut nowadays, you need to think about where will my home be compared to my job.  How long of a commute will I have, and how do I figure this in with the ever increasing gas prices?  So how does one work in both of these concerns out?  The solution to your move is to centralize and come to Cromwell.  It is the place to be and your are invited.   When moving you want to be close to your job.  If you loose your job (let's hope not) and need to find another, do you want to travel all over?  Being centrally located would be your best decision.  Did you know that Cromwell is centrally located in the Connecticut?  Cromwell is less than 20 minutes to Hartford and to the... 04/24/2008

Have you ever wondered how realtors start in this profession?  Here is how I did years ago... It took nearly 40 years to finally find a career that I love, and excel in. For over 20 years I worked in the financial field which I liked, but just wasn't as rewarding as I thought it would be, and I always felt something was missing.   Also being people oriented  took part time jobs in the field of retail now and then... usually for the holiday season.  Many changes occurred in my life....  I relocated from Danbury/Bethel, CT to Southington, CT to be closer to my new job at Aetna. I eventually got married had children.  Everything was fine until the glass slipper broke. It wasn't until I went through my divorce that I finally came across a career that met both needs the needs of working with... 04/23/2008

      I have this cute and unique one bedroom loft for sale in Country Squire in Cromwell, CT.  It is nestled in the woods, and has a lot of charm. In the days when there aren't that many buyers, I have had a lot of showings... this is good for my client.  It is priced ahead of the market at $113,000; MLS #N275989 There have been a lot of the agents that have shown this unit can find anything wrong.. everyone seems to love it.  Some have gone back for second showings.  I could use a second opinion, and if you could get back to me with any thoughts as to why this remains active, thank you.                 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... 04/20/2008

I recently had clients that fell in love with a home in Middletown, CT.  After looking at it twice they put in an offer.  The offer was twenty thousand less than what the property was bought for in 2006.  My clients are smart, and knew that the value has gone down, and didn't think this would be a bad place to start.  Granted they still had to sell their home, and put in a Hubbard, knowing this might be a deterrent.   The offer was flatly rejected by the sellers. After thinking things over, and waiting over a week, they put in another offer increasing their price by 12K, and still having the Hubbard.  There was no counter offer; once again it was FLATLY rejected. My clients' home has since been put under deposit and will be closing in a month.  I called the other realtor, and spoke with... 04/20/2008

  Cromwell, CT  DOWNSIZING????  JUST STARTING OUT????  OR JUST WANTING TO MOVE??? HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN YOUR OWN HOME IN THE COUNTRY.  THIS ONE BEDROOM LOFT CONDO FEATURES A GALLY KITCHEN SPIRAL STAIRCASE.  EXPOSED BEAMS, SKYLIGHT, HARDWOOD FLOOR IN BEDROOM WITH A WALK-IN CLOSET.  SLIDING DOORS LEAD TO DECK THAT OVER LOOKS POOL. ***** $113,000.00*****     View of Living room from loft        FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR PRIVATE VIEWING, PLEASE CALL.... 860.883.8889 Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR Johnson Real Estate, Inc. Cromwell, CT  06416 valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net www,CTrealtorMLS.com    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 su... 04/12/2008

I realize that the busiest time for a realtor is usually the weekend.  Whether it be showing properties, open houses, or acquiring a new lisiting.  Maybe they took the day off.. after all we all need some time for our own affairs.  At this point in the real estate market, there is more inventory than normal.  So, why is it that when I called a realtor here in Cromwell, CT, I did not get a return call.  I am still waiting for it... from yesterday, even after leaving two messages.. one on their cell and one at the office.  Thank goodness my clients were with me when I made the calls.  They are frustrated knowing that they will not be able to see this home this weekend (second showing).  My question is that with the amount of homes available, why not return a call.  What happened to common... 04/06/2008

Over the years of working in real estate in and around Cromwell, CT.  I have noticed a few things about people and their thoughts of realtors.  Many think we are like doctors and attorneys... just in it for the money. Not caring about the people we are working with.  I'm sure you realize, there are good attorneys, good doctors and of course good realtors.. you just need to sort them out.  I take my job seriously to the point I think a realtor should start to look at their career as if it was like a corporate job.. or any job at that matter.  If you don't perform, you are fired.  Did you know you can do that with a realtor?  When looking to buy/sell property, don't just go to a realtor and ask them to help you... why not interview them.. see if they are someone you can work with.  If you... 04/05/2008

Being a realtor in Cromwell CT, over the years, I have realized that what clients look for most in realtors is putting their needs first.  The most important item when it comes to selling/marketing property is to have the listing ahead of the market.  You don't want their home to sit there... This does not impress the client, and makes you look like you don't know your job.     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 © 20... 04/03/2008

I was chatting with a prospective client via email.  She informed me that she found my name on a website, then went to my website to check out further, my profile.  We finally met up, and she is now my client.  When I inquired as to the website she found my name, it was here at Active Rain.  Hurray!!  In less than a week, she has found property, put an offer in, which has been accepted and we should be closing by the end of May.    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. - 860.63... 04/02/2008