Valerie Osterhoudt's Blog

WEEKLY TUESDAY TRIVIA QUESTION 

This is the last Tuesday trivia question for 2008.  No need to be sad.. I'll be continuing this into 2009. With New Year's Eve being tomorrow, I thought this weeks trivia question should deal with this holiday.. Are you ready?  Here is your final question for the year 2008.

What was the drink we know as the Bloody Mary originally called.. and where did it originate?

Once again, 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'll follow-up with the answer on Friday.

REMEMBER IF YOU ARE GOING TO GO OUT AND DRINK.. HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER.. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.  MAY EVERY MEMBER HERE HAVE A HAPPY, SAFE NEW YEAR'S EVE. 

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...*WEEKLY TUESDAY TRIVIA QUESTION FOR 12/30/08*

As Realtors when we go to prospective sellers' homes and they look for our advice as to what they can do to make their home more desirable, don't we usually tell them "Less is More"?  That getting rid of items and downsizing is now the perfect time to do so.  This way you don't have to pack it up, and pay more for a mover?

Well, do we take our own advice?  I am this year.. and didn't mean too.  Now that Christmas is over, and there are gifts from family and friends around.. do you just put them away, or do you make room by getting rid of other items, so these can take their place?

Today I am finding myself opening Pandora's box.  All I wanted to do was put things away.. but I'm now throwing things out, and rearranging rooms to make them more efficient.

It all started with putting some of my sons' toys away.  I found toys they never played with. so now I've decided to give those away.  Next I moved their computer to another part of the room, and am in the process of  moving the beds around to make more space available...

What I'm wondering, will this lead to another room? Will this (hopefully) flow over into my work.. and bring in potential clients?

Do you do this too... or am I the only fool creating more of a mess than what I started with?

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...*LESS IS MORE... DO WE TAKE OUR OWN ADVICE?*

As I mentioned in one of my other blogs.. this time of year for me (this year) is slow.  Not because of the holidays, but the lack of inventory and buyers... can you believe this?

All my listings have closed, and the buyers I had moved into their new homes before Thanksgiving.  I'm sure most of us run into where families would like to be in their new home to settle in before this time of year.

What I have going right now are rentals.. and I have a few of those.  They are on many different websites.. and I've posted them to ActiveRain as well.

One in particular I've blogged about is a 3 level, 2 bedroom, 1½ bath townhouse condo with 2 fireplaces and approx. 1800 sq ft of living space.  This is located at Cromwell Hills,  in Cromwell CT.  This unit is also pet friendly.. which is RARE.

Now here is my dilemma.  I've been able to show the rentals to people when I have had the opportunity to speak with them.  If they leave a message wanting to see the home, and have stated that they would like to see it as soon as possible and would like a showing that day or the next.. Why is it when I return their call, they either don't answer or never return the call.  If they are in such a need to find a place wouldn't you think they would have the courtesy to return the call?  In some cases I have called twice, just to make sure they got the message.. but still no return call. 

Is there a need for rental property?  Or are people just pulling my chain?

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...*RENTAL PROPERTIES... IS THERE REALLY A NEED FOR THESE?*

This morning I woke up as my sons came into my bedroom to wish me a Merry Christmas.  We put all the lights on in the house, and outside to let everyone know that it is Christmas.  There is still some snow outside, but we kept the curtains closed to keep the warmth of the day instead.  Plus the lights show up better this way.

Both boys were excited and couldn't wait to open their gifts.. however, my oldest son, Kyle, said to me that he wanted to say a prayer and thank everyone who is overseas and in the military.  He felt that if they weren't doing their job, we wouldn't be able to celebrate.  He wanted them to know he thought of them today, and wanted to say "THANK YOU".. He then continued and said "Thank you God, for having my Aunt Stacy back for Christmas this year, he missed her when she was in Iraq, and new that all the families that had brothers, sisters, mom, and dad's overseas must be feeling sad". 

This brought a tear to my eye.  It seems that as a parent, you never quiet know what sticks with your children when you try to teach them something, and I'm proud to know that in this case this has.

So, at this moment, I too, want to take a moment and thank all the troops and their families for their dedication and support.  MERRY CHRISTMAS...  you all deserve it the most.  Please return safely.

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...*A TIME TO REMEMBER.. AND BE THANKFUL*

JOHNSON REAL ESTATE

CROMWELL, CT

REINDEER VEHICLES

It has been snowing lately and I've heard that people were having problems traveling.  Most would just sit back and wait for the plows.. but when it comes to real estate, Johnson Real Estate will go to the enth degree to make sure contracts are signed, dates met, checks delivered.  How do we do this, you are wondering.. very simple... we have our Rudolph antlers and nose on. Yes, that is yours truly in the middle.

These vehicles have made people smile when they have passed by.  Everyone loves the antlers and red nose in the front... and being happy this time of year is what we are trying to do.  When you see us go by... wave.. we'll wave back.

If we go to this extent to bring a smile to your face, imagine what we can do when it comes to helping you move out of your existing home or find your next one?

So, when you are ready think of Johson Real Estate when you want to sell your home... we'll even make it in a snow storm.  We'll give it out best shot. On Rudolph...

Info about the author:

Copyright © 2008 By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR, All Rights Reserved...*DID YOU HEAR THAT??  WAS IT RUDOLPH.... *

Today, I was running errands, and doing some last minute shopping. I found myself traveling North on Route 9 going through Middletown, CT to Cromwell, CT.  Off to the right was the Connecticut River.  It looked so peaceful.  There were forms of ice that looked like it was just sitting there.   I decided to take time off and enjoy the view...  here are some shots, so you can enjoy too...

Here I was not 5 minutes from Route 9 and all the traffic.  As I stood here it was amazing to see how fast the ice was moving... I'd say around 10 mph.  You could hear the ice as it collided into each other. 

Standing in the snow.. and looking north, I forgot about everything for just a moment.  I hope you do too.

If you would like to know what this is like and are ready to move, I'll be glad to assist you in the process.

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...*GETTING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TODAY*

For the last few weeks, I have been getting calls for donations to one charity or another.  The other day though I received a call that totally amazed me.  It came through on caller ID as "Private Number".. this is the way most calls for charity come through, so I didn't think twice.

When I picked up the call the person on the other said "Your credit card(s) are to expire soon, and you can now lower the interest rate on them.  Please hold the line for the next operator".  I hung onto the phone to speak with the operator.. I wanted to have fun with this person.

When the operator came on, they said "We noticed that your credit cards are expiring soon and we would like to lower the interest rate.  Could you verify the credit card number?"  My response "Which one"?  Which one would you like to start with was the reply.  "What makes you think I have more than one"?  "Why don't you tell me the numbers you have and I'll verify them with you", I insisted.  "We can't do that mam, it is personal information".  Not wanting to waste my time, I didn't want to pursue this.. so I asked them for their phone number so I can call them back, when I get all of the credit cards in front of me.  With this, they hung up. 

PLEASE LET EVERYONE NOW OF THIS SCAM.  I WOULD HATE (ESPECIALLY THIS TIME OF YEAR) FOR ANYONE TO FALL PREY TO THIS.

I RECEIVED YET ANOTHER SCAM CALL YESTERDAY.  THIS ONE TELLING ME THAT MY VEHICLE WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE.  THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT KIND OF VEHICLE I HAD.  SO WHEN YOU SEE THIS NUMBER 561-784-9844... YOU WILL BE PREPARED... AND GIVE THEM BACK THE HARASSMENT THEY GIVE YOU.

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...*WORD OF WARNING.. NEWEST SCAM TO LOWER INTEREST RATES ON CHARGE CARDS*

WHITE CHRISTMAS

As most of you know, today and yesterday it has been snowing in and around Cromwell, CT.  All of the state for that matter.  I has been wonderful to see the while stuff.  It brings a peace and tranquility to the area.. looks like a Norman Rockwell painting.

The last 3 or 4 years there hasn't been a white Christmas.. I'm hoping all this snow stays until then.  I wouldn't mind if it snowed again and *stalled*.. for about another 2 to 3 feet to fall.

What most don't realize is that the snow also acts like an insulator.. it covers up cracks and small holes, which could make your house warmer... if nothing else the view should warm your heart.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend... LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE SNOW!!!  

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...*LOOKS LIKE A WHITE CHRISTMAS... *

For all of you that read my previous blog THIS IS THE TIME OF GIVING..SO WHY ISN'T THERE HELP, and gave me wonderful suggestions, they were very helpful.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get a hold of anyone that *Could* help last night.

However, today that was a different story... Rudolph the Red-Nosed Van was to the rescue.  If Rudolph can make it through and dense fog, or snow.. so should Rudolph the Red-Nosed Van. :)

I brought the groceries over to this woman.. and she was VERY thankful.  I also helped in shoveling her driveway with her daughter.  Her daughter made it into town from New York at 1am this morning.  Neighbors even came over to help... HOORAY!!  Let's hear it for the Christmas Spirit.

When we had a chance to talk I mentioned some of the organizations that members here suggested.  Thank you.  She will be contacting them this week.  So all of us here did our part to make one 80 year old woman's Christmas... God Bless you all.

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...*THE GROCERIES MADE IT!!!  THANKS TO RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED VAN*

HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY KYLE.

Today is December 18th, and I am taking a break from real estate,all the holiday festivities and for the most part ActiveRain.  This is a special day.....for 12 years ago, my oldest son, Kyle was born.  It is amazing how fast they change... not only physically, but their outlook in life as well.  His innocents is slowly fading... and adulthood is taking over.

Every age has been a dream, and a nightmare... but I will never change a minute of it.

  This was his kindergarten picture.

Kyle at 8 waiting to go riding on an Alpine Slide

Now a picture of him this past summer.

I bet you are wondering why I would post this?  It is quiet simple... real estate gives me the versatility to work around my family.  When you have children, they grow so fast... what other job gives you the opportunity to do this?

So, I can give 100% to my job... and not miss out on family activities.

I'll be back on ActiveRain tomorrow... have a great day.

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...*HOW QUICKLY THEY CHANGE.....*