This rental is now MORE convenient to rent.... reduction of money up front... Only first month, and one month security to move it. Pet deposit/security is still required. Call for private showings

Is the real estate market now approaching *GIMMICKS* to get clients?

 

It has been a while since I've written a blog, but this topic is just too important not to mention.

Recently I received in the mail a postcard from a competitor, who was soliciting customers (sellers) with the caption...

 "FLAT SCREEN OR IPAD!!

The postcard starts off with "Buyer's Beware:  Buying a home with ______  will result in a FREE iPad2 or a 42" FLAT SCREEN TV for your new home!"

This irked me no end.  Most of us, who consider ourselves PROFESSIONAL Realtors, work hard and do our due diligence to represent our clients whether it be a buyer or seller.  This is shown to clients by referrals, and prior work. 

Do we need to stoop so low as to now become (in my mind) a car salesman?  Shouldn't our reputation speak for itself.  Why use gimmicks?  Is this how you become the *best in your field*?

I double checked the properties listed, and there was one I couldn't find anywhere.. I tried surround towns, looked under *all* the statuses of Active, Closed, Withdrawn.. etc.  and couldn't find it. 

All I can say is LET THE CUSTOMER BE WARE.  Do research on a Realtor before going with a REALTOR that has to give you prize to work with them.

How do you feel about this... I'd like to hear your viewpoints.

 

 

A lot of you thought this home was a good rental... now it is even better. WHY? The price has been reduced to $1,100. Call Valerie Osterhoudt for private viewing... 860.883.8889

SO MUCH ROOM FOR THE MONEY!!!! FOR PRIVATE VIEWING AND MORE INFORMATION CALL 860.883.8889

Being stabbed in the back by Craigslist AGAIN!!  You can now add me to the list of Realtors that have been unjustly raked over the coals by another scam on Craigslist.

My first bit of advice... CONSUMERS STAY AWAY!

I have a 4 bedroom Colonial for rent in Middletown CT.  This was just posted the other day on Realtor.com.  Yesterday, I received a call at the office from a possible customer wishing to take a look at this rental.  A red flag went up in my mind at this point.  Why did they call the office??  My cell phone number is what is listed in the MLS.  Hmm.

I called this gentlemen back (let's call him Steve, this is not his real name), Steve said he saw this listing on Craigslist.  He was looking to move closer to Middletown CT (if not in Middletown), and he was willing to pay more than he is right now.  The $1,100 for this 4 bedroom residential home is in his price range.  The fact that they also accept pets made his day.

I stopped him right there.  The information he has is INACCURATE.  The price of this home is $1,800, not $1,100 and pets are NOT allowed. 

He was upset and rightfully so, he told me that the advertising states differently and I should uphold that information.  I explained that I did NOT post anything to Craigslist, and don't anymore, just for this reason.

Last year I had a home rental in Cromwell, CT with pictures from a property in Texas.  STAY AWAY FROM CRAIGSLIST, or don't assume the information you are reading is correct.

I've tried to report this, but to no avail.  So I am letting everyone here on ActiveRain, and the general public, do NOT believe what is written by houseluxury69@yahoo.com for posting ID 2778245477.  They are advertising the wrong information from what is on Realtor.com and/or CTMLS.MLXchange .

For the correct information and a personal showing of 844 Congdon Street, in Middletown, CT please call me directly, at 860.883.8889.

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for a single family home for rent in Middletown, CT that has LOTS of living space? This 4 bedroom, 2 car garage, with pool is ideal then. Take a look and let me know what you think. For a private showing, please call Valerie at 860.883.8889

So many people are looking for a rent that will take a dog or cat... here you go. Centrally located in the state and in a desirable area.

Rental Properties... commune living?  As of late, I've been working more with rental properties and finding people rents in the Middlesex County of CT, than with the listing of homes or the working with buyers. 

A few weeks back, I received a call from a prospective renter.  During the conversation I was told that they were looking for a 3 bedroom rental, and that 6 people would be renting this property.

Since then I have received at least 4 more calls with people looking at the same scenario. The most recent was a husband and wife looking for a 3 or 4 bedroom rental.  This would be for them, their two children and her brother and girlfriend.

Another call came in where the renters would be a single mom, her two children and her parents.

These are tough times we are in, as we are all aware of. With short sales and foreclosed properties, and with people loosing their homes, they need some place to live.

When you have 6 people going in on a home rental for $2,500, it is less expensive than a single person looking at a rent at $900.00.

At present I have 2 bedroom townhouses, 3 bedroom townhouses, a home, and a few rentals in multi-family homes, in the Cromwell, CT and Middletown CT areas. With how things are going, I'm not sure they will last long.

Is this a sign of times to come, were people are now joining up to live together?  With all the technology and progress with have... are we reverting backwards to commune living?

MIDDLETOWN CT MARKET REPORT OF AUGUST 2011

 

My market report gives you the real estate activity for the Town of Middletown CT for the month of August, 2011. Middletown is a great residential town with easy access into Hartford, and is an excellent location for first time home buyers because of the values of the homes. If you are a seller and are strongly thinking of putting your home on the market, I would encourage you to see what your property is worth.

If you are looking to purchase a home, now is an excellent time to do so. Real estate in Middlesex County is an excellent investment, prices or at their best, the selection is great, and the rates are still low.

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, whether you are a seller, or purchasing a home. 860.883.8889

The following MLS information is for the month of August 2011 for Middletown CT.

Valerie Osterhoudt gives You...

The Residential Real Estate Activity for the town of Middletown, CT for the month of August, 2011.

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there were 34 homes SOLD

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there were 17 NEW LISTINGS.

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there were 28 UNDER DEPOSIT.

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there were 189 ACTIVE LISTINGS.

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there are 27 UNDER SHOW STATUS.

 

Condo Activity for the Month of August in Middletown CT

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there were 7 condos SOLD

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there were 5 NEW LISTINGS.

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there were 12 UNDER DEPOSIT.

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there were 101 ACTIVE LISTINGS.

In the Middletown, CT Real Estate market there are 7 UNDER SHOW STATUS.

WEEKLY TUESDAY TRIVIA QUESTION

Yes, it is Tuesday, and you know what this means... another segment of the Weekly Tuesday Trivia.  I must admit, I've been remiss, but hopefully I;m back on track.

This week's question is going to be on Nature.

All the best of luck... do NOT use the internet to answer the question... and I'll be back next Tuesday (giving enough time with everyones schedule) to answer this question.

This week's question is.....

What sea mammal's upper lip moves much like the trunk of an elephant?

 

***As always, please try to answer(s) this question without using the Internet. If you should, don't ruin the fun for others. Just take a guess, and I will follow up with the answer when I post next week's question***