It is amazing how times change.  We think we are moving forward... but are we?  What are your thoughts?

SCHOOL IN 1957 VERSES 2009

Scenario :
Jack goes rabbit shooting before school, pulls into school parking lot with rifle in gun rack.

1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's rifle,  goes to his car and gets his rifle & chats with Jack about guns.

2009 - School goes into lock down, Star Force called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again.. Counsellors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario:
Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.

1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins.  Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.

2009 - Police called, arrests Johnny and Mark.   Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it. Both children go to anger management programs for 3 months... School board hold meeting to impliment bullying prevention programs

Scenario:
Robbie won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1957 - Robbie sent to office and given 6 of the best by the Principal.  Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2009 - Robbie given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. Robbie's parents get fortnightly disability payments and School gets extra funding from state because Robbie has a disability.

Scenario :
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2009 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison.
 
Scenario :
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1957 - Mark gets glass of water from Principal to take aspirin with.

2009 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.  

Scenario :
Pedro fails high school English.

1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.

2009 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state.  Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist.    AFRE files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum.        Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.  

Scenario :
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from Guy Fawkes, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a bullant nest.

1957 - Ants die.

2009- State Police, Star Force, Federal Police & Anti-terrorism Squad called.  Johnny charged with  domestic terrorism, Feds investigate parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated.  Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario :
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary .   Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2009 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in Prison.  Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.



This should be sent to every e-mail address to show how stupid we have become!!!

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 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 Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.

 Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net

 Copyright © 2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***IS THIS FUNNY OR SAD.. YOU DECIDE***

The company I work for is Johnson Real Estate, in Cromwell CT, and we are a full serviced independent real estate company.  I'm sure most of you are away of this.

From time to time, we receive calls from potential clients (that might be looking down the pike to buy a home) but are looking to rent for a while,  looking to come in and interview us or have questions.  Being a full service I try to give them the most reliable information I have.

Today, I received a call but have/had no idea how to help this person.  Being there is a vast group of people here, with much experience I thought I would see if someone on ActiveRain could assist me.

The person I spoke with this morning is having problems with their credit cards.  They are not delinquent, but the bank or banks are making changes to the interest rates and minimum payment requirements that they will no longer be able to keep up with them.  I'm sure there are a lot of people out there with this problem.

They are not looking to claim bankruptcy and want to work with the banks.. they would like to buy a house down the road.

Are there businesses out there that came help them?  I'd like to call them back with some advice, other than speaking with a mortgage consultant.  I don't feel this would be the correct avenue.

Has anyone else run into this?  If so, who have your referred them to that are legit, and not scam artists.

 

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 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 Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.

 Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net

 Copyright ©2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR A POTENTIAL CLIENT....***

The internet is the first source of information for most people when they looking to buy a new home;

and Realtor.com is the most viewed website for this source.  Usually when a potential buyer sees a property of interest they contact a local Realtor.

Not too long ago, I signed up clients who saw a home on line, and went with a local Realtor.. me... LOL.  The home they saw online ended up not being what they were looking for the one picture did not do the home justice.  However, this did not detour my clients and we continued to look for the ideal home. 

A few new lisitings came up, one in particular was here in Cromwell, CT and I told my clients about it immediately.  I forwarded the information to them at work so they could review it in hopes of seeing it that evening or the next day.  I informed them that the picture/pictures weren't uploaded on the system yet being a new listing, but will within 24 hours they should be able to view it.  

I'm thinking at least one picture would be online, a picture is worth a thousand words.. especially in this business.  I mentioned that the other home was an oddity.. pictures of homes (especially in this market) needed to be loaded quickly.  So, I was confident that one would be online in short order.  I was wrong.. it now been 3 days, and there still isn't any photo.

My clients are hesitant to view this home due to the let down of the other one.  I mentioned that perhaps a drive-by would be in order.  They were planning on doing this, but were in a rush to do so.  With no picture they had feeling something was wrong with the home or they were hiding something.  , and didn't want to waste their time and gas to look at it.

I ended up driving by the home and took some pictures from the outside.  With these (that I forwarded to my clients) and the description on the MLS we are going to take a look at this home over the weekend.

What I don't understand is that pictures are what people look for, that and the price.  The more pictures on a home, the more chances people will "click to view".  Why would any realtor NOT do this?  To go one step further, with not exposing the property to the max are they properly representing their client?

 

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 Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.

 Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net

 Copyright © 2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS.....***

When it comes to buying and selling property.. even renting property for that matter, there is a lot of stress that comes along with this.  Potential clients are very aware of this.  Hiring a Realtor that looks out for your best interest, and helps in trying to relieve some of this stress.  This is why you have interviewed them and have hired one that you feel is professionial.  Realtors take classes, and continuing ed classes to ensure they are up on all current issues.  There are even Realtors that focus their career on buyers.  They have a designation of ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative).

Home inspectors also need to be licensed.  When it comes to making sure the home you wish to purchase has no surprises, and you are aware of what might be needed in repairs or forthcoming issues you hire an inspector that knows their job, and has had the training.

So, why after interviewing Realtors, paying for home inspections, do clients take the word of gospel what their neighbor tells them about this home you wish to purchase?  they speak to their bosses, co-workers and family members.  Anyone that will listen and give them their advice.  For the most part non of these people have ever seen the home you wish to purchase.

If the home inspector mentions that there is a cracked tile in the kitchen and is just pointing that out to you.  It doesn't necessarily mean it needs a new floor.  But ask them your questions.. this is what they are there for.  When you talk to your boss about this and he/she says "walk away from this home, it is going to be money pit,  because you will need to jack up the house and put in a new foundation."  All of this due to a cracked tile?  Where in the world are they bassing their information on?  They haven't seen the house or are licensed in this field.

You've hired professionals... ask them your questions.  If you have a good Realtor, and home inspector, they are worth their weight in gold.. and will look out for your best interest.

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 Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.

 Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net

 Copyright © 2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***WHY HIRE PROFESSIONALS, WHEN YOU WON'T LISTEN TO THEM????***

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 Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings. Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net Copyright © 2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** AFFORDABLE 3 BEDROOM RENTAL IN CROMWELL CT***

When looking to see how much you qualify for when it comes to buying a home, I'm sure buyers get over whelmed by this thought.  Also, agents when it comes to referring a mortgage officer to your buyers, what factors and qualifications are you taking into account when you decide whom to refer? 

Does the loan officer you refer meet the following qualifications that will give your buyer the best and smoothest transaction?  Here are some guidelines to think about when it comes to this process.

 1)   SERVICE   - Must be available not only 9 - 5 but after hours and weekends to work with you and your buyer through the entire transaction.  Return phone calls promptly with the right answers.

2)  RESPECT - Treat buyer with respect and confidentiality.

3)   STAFF AND SUPPORT - Does he or she have a local staff or support person that will work on your file when the Loan Officer is helping other clients?

4)   EXPERIENCE - How long has he or she been in the business?  What is their track record?  Does he or she stand behind their pre-approvals?

5)   KNOWLEDGE - Is he or she well educated and experienced in all the products that will find solutions in today's tough market?

6)   RELIABILITY - Over promise and under deliver?  Do you get Loan Officers that will promise you the moon just to get a deal and then it turns into a nightmare?  A good Loan Officer will tell you and your clients up front what to expect as well as realistic time frames.

7)   PROFESSIONAL - Is the Loan Officer you refer a professional?  Is he or she proud of what they do?  Do they keep up on all the fast changing guidelines and disclosure requirements in today's market?

8)   LONGEVITY - Will they be around after the transaction for service and help down the road?

 

If you work in Connecticut, Barbara Dennison of MortgageAccess has pledged to meet and exceed all of the criteria above.  She works after hours and weekends, and has 20 years experience in all aspects She's closed countless FHA, VA, CHFA, 203k as well as conventional loans.  She is upfront with the buyer and the realtor.  If your buyer does not qualify, I will tell you from the beginning.  When I give a Pre Approval Certificate, I will stand by it.  She is licensed and up to date on all new guidelines and continuing education.

So the next time you are looking for a senior Loan Officer, please give her a try. Thank you.

Barbara Dennison,Senior Loan Officer, Residential and Commercial Lending

Cell 860-304-3000; FAX 973-630-3207

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 Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.

 Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net

 Copyright © 2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** HOW TO PICK A LENDER IN TODAY'S MARKET***

 

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 Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings. Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net Copyright © 2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***43 CEDARLAND COURT, CROMWELL, CT***

I wrote a blog about New Year's Resolutions and wanted to let the members here that at this point, this resolution is working.

When it comes to moving forward one needs to be positive.. and I know at times this is hard.  I'm sure we all feel that we are working against the tide when it comes to people saying "How is the real estate market", "I hear real estate isn't moving".. etc.  I'm sure you've all heard this.. however, PMA (positive mental attitude) can change this.

Right before New Year's Eve, I received and email from a couple looking to rent in the Cromwell area, come June of this year... with the idea of purchasing in a year from now... June of 2011.

Being in a PMA (positive mental attitude) , I mentioned to them their options, and if they were aware of the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers...they didn't know about this.  Also I pointed out if they could save the equalivant of their rent each month, then they could wait until 2011 to buy... Otherwise you would be loosing out on the $8,000 that could reimburse you for the downpayment at tax time.  I just want first time home buyers to be aware, and NOT throw away $20,000 this year, if at all possible.  After talking for a while more, they  decided to see if they qualified to purchase a property by speaking with a mortgage consultant George Souto (who also is an AR member).  If nothing else, they would know what direction would be good for them to go in.

On December 29th, I received a excited call from this couple, that they qualify to buy a home.  Knowing that they would be paying THEIR mortgage instead of someone elses made them very excited, and if at all possible they wanted to take a look at some homes over the weekend.  I scheduled 5 homes in one day to view... didn't want they to be overwhelmed initially.. thinking it would take a few weeks for them to find their "dream home". 

The fourth home we looked at, they fell in love with.  Being first time home buyers I didn't want them to rush into anything, so I had them sleep on it.  That night I received the following e-mail from them...

Hi Valerie, 
We just wanted to say thank you so very much for taking the time today to show us those homes. As you know, this process is very new to us and by you being so honest and helpful, made us feel comfortable and easy for us to tell you what was on our minds. 

The next day we went back for a second showing, and they went to my office to write up an offer...

All of this happened due to being positive and moving forward.   So my thought for the day, is let's all try to move forward in a positive direction.. YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE IT WILL TAKE YOU. :)

BTW... We are waiting to hear on the offer... I'll keep you posted.

OFFER WAS *VERBALLY* ACCEPTED... ONCE I HAVE THE WRITTEN CONTRACT IN HAND, I WILL FEEL BETTER.

 

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 Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.

 Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net

 Copyright © 2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION WORKING...!!!!!***