Realtor's, do you remember who we work for?  It has been brought to my attention about a dozen times in the last month from people I have met, who are either trying to sell their homes, looking for rentals or looking to buy a home that the realtor they have employeed is not listening to them,  or doesn't returns their calls, or talks down to them as if they are better than their clients.  This is only a few of the concerns I've heard, there are a lot more issues that were mentioned. Let me remind you, WE WORK FOR THEM... not the other way around.  To all buyers and sellers here is a piece of advice I can not stress enough...  take the time to interview prospective Realtors, don't just go with the first one off the bat unless you are obsolutely they meet your criteria of an employee.  Yo... 09/18/2010

Don't blame the appraiser for property not comping out...I've come to realize lately that when a property does NOT appraise, it is NOT always the fault of the appraiser. I have a client that is looking to purchase a condo, and knowing that she has to ask for a closing credit has been coming in at full asking price in order to make this work with the seller.  So wouldn't you think that if a condo is being offered at $138,000 and you come in at that price with asking $3,000 in a closing credit, that the actual offering price of $135,000 would fly?  Well, it didn't... again. Why?  It didn't appraise. Once again we got the appraisal back and it came way under asking price... This time it was at $121,000.00, yes $17,000 under asking.... ON A CONDO. Now I ask you, if I can go online and in le... 09/05/2010

Couldn't resist this shot... and wanted to share it with the members here. 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... 08/29/2010

     When I saw this rose I thought it was a perfect senerio for this time of year.  It is the end of summer, however it just doesn't want to leave and keeps hanging in.    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 marke... 08/25/2010

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES....2010AUGUST 18TH , 2010 LAST ONE OF THE SEASON CROMWELL CT...  One of my favorite activities in the summer here in Cromwell CT are the summer concerts held at Pierson Park.  Every Wednesday, the Park and Recreation Dept of Cromwell, CT holds a concert at Pierson Park (next to the playground) off West Street, near the corner of Main Street.   This coming Wednesday, tomorrow you will want to make plans and arrive early for  "JOEY MILARDO AND THE MUSICAL CAVALIERS". The band's lively renditions continue to entertain polka lovers, as The Musical Cavaliers.   The band consists of Joey Milardo - Bass/Band Leader, James Turek - Trumpet, Peter Pantaluk - Trumpet, Eddie Mocadlo - Clar / Sax, Joe Baptiest - Sax, Ronnie Mocadlo - Piano, Nelson Ungeritter - Drums.  I'm not s... 08/17/2010

There seems to be a misconception, where sellers give back closing costs to the buyers without it affecting the buyers...or sellers.  How wrong can this notion be? I've been working with a few first time home buyers this year, that feel the sellers will gladly hand over thousands of dollars for them to purchase their home.  When in actuality they are doing NO SUCH THING. For all buyers out there thinking that sellers have extra money to *donate* to the purchase of their home, please take off your rose colored glasses. The sellers are not giving you a dime...ever.  When it comes to writing up a contract you (the buyer) are offering a certain price for a home, with the understanding that a a portion of that asking price is for closing costs.  This amount just gets wrapped up in your mortg... 08/14/2010

It is a start of another week.  I wanted to get off on a positive note, and thought I would share my enthusiasm with the community. Hope all of you have a wonderful week.   "Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life..."   Author:   Dr. David M. Burns    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 ... 08/09/2010

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES....2010AUGUST 11TH , 2010 CROMWELL CT...  One of my favorite activities in the summer here in Cromwell CT are the summer concerts held at Pierson Park.  Every Wednesday, the Park and Recreation Dept of Cromwell, CT holds a concert at Pierson Park (next to the playground) off West Street, near the corner of Main Street.   This coming Wednesday you will want to make plans and arrive early for  "SONNY ROGERS BAND".  This looks like a promising evening filled with vocals , music from the 60's through the 90's and some Jazz too. So, come out early, and grap a spot on the grass.  With no rain in the forecast, bring a chair, and a picnic basket and make an evening out of it.  For more infomration or to find out about the location, call Cromwell Recreation Department at 86... 08/08/2010

CROMWELL CT - PARKS.  Cromwell Landing is located on River Road off Wall Street in Cromwell CT.  In an effort to improve the town parks, like Cromwell Landing, in the town of Cromwell, CT  the town cleaning up and rebeautifying areas like this.  Grants are also something they seek for this area.  In doing so this would make big improvements in the efforts to revive historic downtown Main Street  and link it to the Connecticut River.   Personally, I'd love to see a restaurant built right near by, so anyone coming by boat would never have to leave and could eat right there.  Hmmm.. maybe the town would consider building structure where retail would be on the bottom floors, and condos on the upper ones.   Any upgrades to the shoreline of Cromwell Landing would recepricate by increasing the... 08/07/2010

Marketing property in Cromwell CT is a challenge, as I am sure it is everywhere.  When it comes to doing a market analysis on a condo here in Cromwell where there haven't been many sales, it takes digging and a lot of evaluation to come up with a listing price on a home. If a Realtor comes in way too high, there is a good chance they are *buying* this listing, and it will NOT sell anywhere near the sales price.  Most likely it will sit there, and they will have to reduce the price, probably well below where it should have been priced in the first place in order for it to sell. I have a buyer that is looking to purchase a condo in a complex here in Cromwell.  The unit I showed her last evening she instantly feel in love with it, however it is not FHA approved which is how she is going.  ... 08/04/2010

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES....2010July 28th, 2010 CROMWELL CT...  One of my favorite activities in the summer here in Cromwell are the summer concerts.  Every Wednesday, the Park and Recreation Dept of Cromwell, CT holds a concert at Pierson Park off West Street, near the corner of Main Street.   This evenings concert is "FIVE IN TIME". This is a woodwind quintet and they place classical music. So, come out early, and grap a spot on the grass.  With no rain in the forecast, bring a chair, and a picnic basket and make an evening out of it.  For more infomration or to find out about the location, call Cromwell Recreation Department at 860.632.3467.   FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Reside... 07/28/2010

NEW TO THE CROMWELL CT MARKET Valerie Osterhoudt | Johnson Real Estate, Inc. | (860) 883-8889 37 New Lane, Cromwell, CT This 3 bedroom colonial is on a level lot, with mature trees. Back yard is fenced in. 3BR/1+1BA Single Family House offered at $239,500 Year Built 1931 Sq Footage 1,600 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 12,197 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Fireplace - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Attic - Basement - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - Large Kitchen for entertaining - Walk up attic, that is floored - Two car garage ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front of homeSide of home Contact info: Valerie O... 07/25/2010

I have a client that is looking to find a rent in the Middletown/Cromwell area of Connecticut.  He has been relocated and needs a place to live by August 1st.  You wouldn't think that this is that difficult, right? We've seen two rentals, both with the same agency in Middletown and with the same agent.  He has excellent credit, over 725 FICO score, but is shy on income.  So, he is having his father co-sign for a rental.  His father is a CEO and makes well over $250k, and also has a FICO score over 725.  We have supplied the agent/agency in Middletown CT with the rental app, credit(s), and employment verification... on Monday.  You would think we would have a response within 24 hours, right?  NOT IN THIS CASE!!  On Tuesday I received a quick call saying we would know by Tuesday evening. ... 07/15/2010

  Today was a day of light rain here in Cromwell CT.  The pool in our complex was open and it was a nice day to swim.  As you know .... a little rain never hurt anyone.  Too bad no one showed up to find out.   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... 07/10/2010

I am a local realtor in Cromwell CT and have been working for Johnson Real Estate for over 10 years, I feel I have a pretty good handle on the process of assisting clients when it comes to finding rental properties. Last week I helped out a gentlemen in trying to find an apartment to rent.  He had gone through a divorce but was still on good terms with his ex.  She came along to view the condo too.  I must say this is not something you see every day. We found a place he liked and he filled out a rental application.  Knowing that his credit isn't that good, he had a co-signer join in on the application. I called the listing agent and explained the situation.. he said to proceed and process the application.  When the credit report came back there wasn't any surprises.. it was exactly how ... 07/08/2010

The Fourth of July is associated with fireworks, parades, celebration, and picnics.  The town I live in, Cromwell CT which is a small town, and other than the neighborhood picnics or barbeques, there is nothing set on the larger scale to celebrate this holiday.  Our neighboring town of Middletown CT, has also cut back on activities.  They usually have a spectacular firework display, but this year due to cutbacks have eliminated this event.  However, does this get me down NO WAY!!.  It is the United States of America's Birthday.  Our forefathers faught for our freedom, so I am determined to at least compile some of the firework displays being held around the state. With this I would like to share with you now, what I have found out as of today, Friday, July 2nd. Here is a list of 2010 fi... 07/02/2010

2 Bedroom Second Floor Rental RENTED 370 Main StreetCromwell, CT 06416   I've been reading blogs lately where there is question as to whether blogging works.  Or that it takes so long they don't know whether it is worth it or not. I had a rental listiing at 370 Main Street, Cromwell CT  and it has been rented.  Wondering if it had anything to do with blogging.. and TIMING, most definitely.  Within the hour of blogging this on ActiveRain, I received a call from a, at that time, possible client.  He was in the area looking for a rent, and came across an ad just moments earlier when he blogged about rentals in Cromwell CT.   I had *tagged* Cromwell CT, Cromwell rentals, Cromwell real estate, etc.. you get the drift.  It was the "Cromwell rentals", that brought him to my site/blog. I showed... 06/29/2010

TRAVELER'S CHAMPIONSHIPTPC RIVER HIGHLANDSCROMWELL, CT JUNE 21ST THROUGH 27TH, 2010   When it comes to being centrally located in the state of Connecticut, Cromwell has that hands down.  You can get anywhere within 20 to 30 minutes. This time of year, you don't even have to leave town to enjoy watching the Traveler's Championship.  IT IS RIGHT HERE IN CROMWELL.  All week from June 21st through June 27th, 2010. If you can't make it, but want to take note of the Leader Board... click the link below.  If you are planning on coming to town.. give me a call. Traveler's Championship, Cromwell CT     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 ... 06/25/2010

There are so many coffee shops around, but how often do you find a tea room?  I'm pleased to announce that Tea Rose's  is a new addition to the downtown community.  Located at 322 Main Street in Cromwell CT. As stated above in Tea Rose's tea room you will find Tea, Treasures and Inspiration... come in and relax with high quality, organic loose leaf teas and light lunches.  I had a chocolate chip scone to go with my tea.. and it just melted in my mouth.  Their motto is "Sit, Sip and Relax"... nothing wrong with this.  So if you are looking for the best of the best when it comes to teas.. look no further than Tea Rose's in downtown Cromwell CT.  Peggi Camosci, Proprietress will be glad to assist you with your tea taste buds.  She is a wealth of knowledge. Their hours are Tuesday through F... 06/24/2010

My name is Valerie Osterhoudt, I am a local realtor and work for Johnson Real Estate, Inc. in Cromwell CT.  My market report (below) gives you the real estate activity for condos in Cromwell CT in the Middlesex County of the state for the last 30 days.  I strongly encourage any seller looking to market their property, to get a sound feeling for what it is worth.   Real estate in Middlesex County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding... I think this sums it up as it "doesn't get any better than this". Please feel free to call me for any or all of your real estate needs; including a Market Analysis if you are a seller, or finding a home in Middlesex County should you be looking to purchase.  The following MLS information is for... 06/21/2010