I missed the "blizzard" LOL of last month.  I was rehabbing from a knee replacement.  Not that today is any different I am still working on that.  What is different is that I am HOME.  This is the first snow fall I've been able to see up close and personal.... and I wanted to share it. I believe we got about 5 inches.. not much less than the last snow fall... this time there just wasn't that much wind that accompanying it.  With this snow, it is much quieter on the streets, and the area looks so much more cheerful. Enjoy your Saturday, not matter what you plan on doing.   FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real e... 01/08/2011

I remember reading a few different blogs back in November, around Thanksgiving, where a members inquired as to how/or what  wanted to know what plans everyone had for Thanksgiving. With this I started thinking and wondering.  How do you ring in the new year on New Year's Eve?    Do you go out with friends to a high end dinner and do lots of dancing and drinking (if so,make sure you have a designated driver)?  Do you celebrate by going to NYC  and watch the ball drop,  or to Las Vegas for the nights' festivities and fireworks?  Maybe you stay home and have a few friends over.. or do you stay home alone and watch movies? HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!! So here is my end of the year question....How are you celebrating this year?   FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT ... 12/31/2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ON ACTIVERAIN  There have been a lot of well wishes from everyone here on ActiveRain to others here for a *very* Merry Christmas. This blog isn't any different, however, I have learned one thing to pass along. My wish for everyone is to enjoy the holiday no matter how your celebrate.  Why?  You never know when life might rear it's head and put your best laid plans into a tail spin. I was able to go home for a few hours today from a rehab/nursing home.  My sons were there for a few hours too.  Usually we spend the whole day together, this year I am grateful for whatever time I could have gotten. A week ago Friday I had a total left knee replacement.  It is taking long to heal then originally planned/thought. So, please don't take for granted any time you have with ... 12/25/2010

CROMWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S2010 Christmas Open House "Legends, Mysteries & Magic!" The Cromwell Historical Society is located in the Stevens-Frisbie House at 395 Main Street in Cromwell, Connecticut.  The house is a museum featuring exhibits about the Frisbie and Ranney families and the town of Cromwell.    There are 7 rooms in this home that will be decorated for the open house this weekend.  Living historians will be dressed in costumes from the 1860's.  Cromwell High School chapter of the National Art Honor Society has decorated one room dealing with the animals of Christmas and how they helped Jesus. The friends of the Beldon Library have also decorated one of the rooms, with the theme being Legends and Mysteries of Classic Christmas Books. This event is something that the histori... 12/10/2010

2% Cash back at closing for buying a home... buyers beware! The other day I received a call from a person, that was more mechanical on the phone than personal, requesting that I show *HER* buyer a property I have listed.  I asked her why she isn't showing her client the property, and she informed me that they don't do this.  That she (or should I say her company) will be giving us the listing agency $500.00 if the sale goes through for doing this. I'm not sure about you, but I don't like wasting my time.. so I asked this woman to send me her clients pre-approval or pre-qualification letter so I know that I am not just jumping through hoops for nothing.  She was taken aback by this, and said she would have to check with her client.  To make a long story short, I received a "Fee Worksheet... 12/10/2010

INTEREST RATES ARE GOING UP... HOORAY!!! Interest rates are going up.... and I'm jumping up and down for joy.  For a long time we have been fortunate to have prices of homes low and the interest rates there too.  Now that the interest rates are slowly going up, my phone is ringing off the hook.  People are looking to buy, most likely realizing that we have reached the bottom of the market here in Connecticut.  One of my buyers who I informed along the way *most recently* in the last 2 months, stating that if they are looking to buy they had better do so real soon... before the end of the year preferably.  Did they listen... NO. Now the home they wanted, that they were waiting for to come down in price another $25,000 has gone up due to the increase in the interest rate.  I suggested tha... 12/09/2010

CROMWELL FIRE DEPARTMENT82 COURT STREETCROMWELL, CT ALL TREES ARE $35.00 THIS YEAR The Cromwell CT Fire Department is selling Christmas Trees on 82 Court Street.  When I stopped by today, I saw where they are getting ready for another busy weekend.  They will be selling these tree tomorrow, Saturday December 4th, and Sunday, December 5th, 2010 from 9:00am to 5:00pm.... and again next weekend both Saturday, December 11th and Sunday December 12th from 9:00am to 5:00pm. I will highly recommend if you live in the area to check out these trees and wreaths.  The money raised will help support the fire department..  You don't have to cut them, and I'm sure your children (if you have them) would love to pick one out.  They are very full, and most likely smell wonderful. For any size tree the pr... 12/03/2010

As we all know this market is not like it was 3 years ago, or for that matter 6 months ago.  It hasn't been a buyers market for years, and at this point the banks are the determining factor in most cases. So the property should be listed ahead of the market. When a buyer puts in an offer on a property, most sellers are thrilled and try to work with the prospective buyer.  But should they if an offer is WAY low? In my local area, there are many condos for sale and I have a few listed. One I have in particular is not a short sale or foreclosed property. Last week an offer came in on it, and I presented it to my client.  We went over *everything* and he outright rejected the offer... I don't believe he was wrong in his decision... what do you think? This home is not a short sale as I menti... 12/03/2010

SHOP TIL YOU DROP WOODSIDE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CROMWELL, CT Can you believe the time is upon us again for the most exciting shopping day here in Cromwell, CT.   Most of us like shopping, initially, but then.. the running around for that one gift that you just can't find for that someone special can drive you nuts.  Now you have the opportunity to get it all done in one day... at one location.  How terrific is that? If you live anywhere in the Middlesex or Hartford Counties of Connecticut.. it is time to make a road trip to the largest All-In-One shopping event in Cromwell, CT. The 3rd Annual SHOP TIL YOU DROP is being held this Friday, December 3th from 4:30pm to 9:00pm (or until you drop).. LOL.  You will be able to shop for all your holiday gifts under ONE roof at Woodside Intermediat... 12/02/2010

I couldn't believe I actually had my camera for once when I needed it.  Hope all of you enjoy the sky over Cromwell, CT  tonight. FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    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, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty of great buys in today's market.  There is no better time than now to ta... 12/01/2010

When it comes to work values, success, how we live, and how we strive to be the best.. I believe this quote below is one we should all think about... don't you?  The quote of the day is....  "I don΄t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." Author:  Bill Cosby    FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT      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, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.Cromwellrealestate.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all y... 11/29/2010

Being at the right place at the right time... How many times have you heard this phrase in your life time?  Well today, I was in the right place at the right time for a change... but not for real estate.  But it *might* help my career. Are you curious?  If so, please continue.... With Thanksgiving this week, I wanted to make sure my van was ready for the road trip to New Hampshire.  So, I took it to Toyota in Middletown.... like I do every year. When I checked in I was informed a commercial was being shot and never gave it any thought. So, I am in the waiting room and the next thing I know the commercial is being moved from the front room to the waiting area.  Most people got up and moved to the other side, not to get in their way.  I was in my own world, checking emails and texting tha... 11/22/2010

When do you call it quits when you are trying to keep a deal together????  I'm presently in a transaction where the buyer and seller have dug their heels into the ground and are not budging.  The buyers agent and I are trying to keep both parties moving forward.  But how long do we have to keep trying. The seller is contributing $4500 towards closing costs and the buyer wants/needs $6500.  My agency is willing to absorb $1,000 and I'm waiting to hear if the buyers agency will do the same.  There are issues from the home inspection that need to be addressed, and the seller is will to do them all, but only up to a cetain price.  My broker and I are absorbing the difference on this. This home we have listed has no appliances... and the price reflects this.  Now the buyer wants to know if t... 11/20/2010

 One last look at fall......   FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    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, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty of great buys in today's market.  There is no better time than now to take advantage of these homes while interest rates remain at an all time low.  For more information on... 11/17/2010

WEEKLY TUESDAY TRIVIA QUESTION Yes, it is Tuesday, and I am sure most of you are aware that I did NOT post a trivia question last week.  Wondering why?  Last Tuesday was election day and I worked the polls from 5:15 am to 8:45 pm.  Long day, and just tooo tired when I got home... I'll make up for it this week. Everyone this day and age has stress.. and what I am looking to do is take a moment or two to help you forget about it. Hope all of you have fun with this week's question.. I'm making it a multi-choice one... Good luck and have a good week. WHO INVENTED "E-MAIL"?  A) Steve Cass; B) Ray Tomlinson; C) Bill Gates or D) Greg Carr I hope you have fun with this trivia question.  This blog is here to relieve stress and make your day a little brighter.  Enjoy.    ***As always, please try ... 11/09/2010

Leaf pick-up schedule for Cromwell CT for 2010.  Now that the leaves have fallen and in some areas have seen snow flurries... If you are wondering about the removal of leaves for residents of Cromwell CT that are not sure about pick-up in town, here is the schedule.  TOWN OF CROMWELL LEAF PICK-UP SCHEDULE The Town's Annual Leaf Collection will begin the week of November 15th.  Prior to this date, stops will be made at various locations throughout the town where leaf collection is usually the heaviest (November 8th - November 12th). The schedule for pick-up is as follows: • November 15th - 19th / Connecticut River to the East side of Main Street • November 22rd - 26th / West side of Main Street to the East side of Washington Road • November 29th - December 3rd / West side of Washington R... 11/05/2010

 Can you believe I took this picture this morning once the frost melted.  Amazing they are still going strong. FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    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, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty of great buys in today's market.  There is no better time than now to take advantage of the... 11/03/2010

With so many of us, we hurry to get so many things done quickly.  With this a quote came to my mind by Howard Newton, and I wanted to share it with others here to see if you feel the same way. The quote of the day is....   "People forget how fast you did a job - but they remember how well you did it."      FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT      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, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.Cromwellrealestate.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.... 10/18/2010

As most of you have probably seen, my activity here on ActiveRain for the last few weeks has been minimal. On September 30th I was admitted to Middlesex Hospital in Middletown CT for a total right hip replacement....   Followed by rehab at a nursing home.  The first day I was in the nursing home I inquired as to how long one stays for rehab when it comes to a total hip replacement.  I was informed that it all depends and there are many factors (which makes sense, age, cause of replacement, etc).  For a total hip the least amount of time that is spent in a rehab facility is 14 days and can reach up to two months. I came home yesterday.... total time in rehab...    10 DAYS!!! My short time in the nursing home was due to my drive to get out of there.  The way people are treated, or not tre... 10/14/2010

GOT DRUGS? I'm hoping this title caught your attention.  Have you ever wondered what to do with all your unused or expired medication?  Probably not.  You're thinking right now, I throw them out in the trash or wash them down the sink, RIGHT. Did you know that billions of drugs are getting into our water systems and we are drinking this?  If this bothers you, there is a way to stop this.  If you have any unused or expired medication, turn them in for safe disposal tomorrow, Saturday, September 25th, 2010, at the Cromwell Town Hall on 41 West Street in Cromwell, CT.  This is being sponsored by the police department.  If you don't live in the area, please check with your local town hall to see if this is sponsored in your area.  Let's get our water cleaned.   FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON R... 09/24/2010