Valerie Osterhoudt's Blog

I read this the other day, and still keep thinking about it and it makes me laugh.  I thought I would share it with other woman, so your day will be brighter.

Don't laugh too hard... something else might just happen... take it from me.  :)

Homeowners of vacant properties.. please be aware!!  In my recent blog about "You are a Realtor who has a cell phone, but won't give out your number to another Realtor".  I mentioned that I showed my client a few rentals, but there were some MAJOR issues on two of them that I would address in another blog... this blog is IT.. and PLEASE take heed.

If you own property, perhaps a second home somewhere in New England and have it up for sale, or better yet, have it as a place to get away over the summer, please have your Realtor or a neighbor check in on it... frequently.

During the past few weeks we have had a lot of snow in the Northeast, and the most we have seen in years here in Connecticut. 

Two of the five rentals I showed my client had collapsed ceilings due to water/stress on the roofs.  The first one we went in on had brown water stains coming down the kitchen cabinets.. not knowing how long this unit was vacant, I thought it had been there a while.  Until my client came running down the stairs to inform me that the master bedroom ceiling has collapsed.

I immediately call the listing agent to inform them about the issue.  Thank goodness she has a cell phone number published.. can you imagine if I got the Realtor/broker that wouldn't furnish that information to me?  The agent was VERY grateful, and contacted the association and owner immediately.

The second to last rental we went to view, was also vacant and the livingroom ceiling was residing on the floor... and water everywhere.

So please, if you have a home in the New England area that is vacant please take the necessary steps to have someone check on your home.  Taking a few minutes or an hour out of your day is nothing compared to having major water damage.

 

 

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 - ValerieOhomes4u@gmail.com

 Copyright © 2011 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** HOMEOWNERS OF VACANT PROPERTY... PLEASE BE AWARE***

296 Main Street, Cromwell, CT....RENTED!!! 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 - ValerieOhomes4u@gmail.com Copyright © 2011 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** 296 MAIN STREET, CROMWELL CT - RENTED!!!***

This was just too funny to pass up yesterday when I was out.  I think it speaks volumes.

 

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 - ValerieOhomes4u@gmail.com

 Copyright © 2011 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***SILENT SATURDAY... HOW MUCH SNOW IS TOO MUCH???***

You are a Realtor who has a cell phone, but won't give out your number to another Realtor?   How do you stay in business?I'm presently working with a client who is transferring from Minnesota to Connecticut for business.  She has a home in St. Paul, and is looking for a rental while she sells her house out there.  She flew in yesterday, and only has today and tomorrow to find something.

I had a few rentals to show her today, but non of them worked out.  There were too small, or had major issues (which will be addressed in my next blog) that the landlord did not know about.  Some were just too far out for her to travel to work.  So back to the grind stone.  It is hard to find a rental especially when you have a pet (dog) that is a member of the family and will be coming with you. 

With her permission we increased the monthly rent, and that brought in a 3 bedroom condo that looks ideal for her.  The condo allows pets.. but will they accept a dog, or just a cat?   It is also right near major highways and shopping.. she can't wait to see it, with the understanding that the owner will allow her dog.

I called the other agency and wanted to speak directly to the listing agent to get the pet issue clarified.  I was told this was not possible.  The agent doesn't give out her cell phone number.  WHAT??@@!#$  I explained that I had a client that has flown in for a few days, and doesn't have much time to wait around.  I would be glad to give them my agent ID, and my cell phone number to verify that I am a Realtor, and if they could give me her cell phone number.  Still it was a resounding "NO" "We've been told not to give it out".

Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Once again this brings me back to reminding people looking to sell or buy a home... INTERVIEW YOUR REALTOR.  Would you want to work with a Realtor that will not give out their cell phone number.  You need efficiency, and this is not the way to go... don't your agree?

I left a message with this agency for the Realtor to call me.  They replied that I would hear back within a hour... in this business that is too long.  Well, that was 2 1/2 hours ago.. and I am still waiting.  What do I tell my client without coming off sounding stupid.

 

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 - ValerieOhomes4u@gmail.com

 Copyright © 2011 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***YOU ARE A REALTOR WHO HAS A CELL PHONE, BUT WON'T GIVE OUT THE NUMBER??????***

 

I first read this blog of Patricia Kennedy's and thought it was just so cute.  I stuck with me all day, and then I thought maybe it would with others too.  This is a very smart seller who too the extra step(s) to make an impression that would last.

I've disabled the comments here.  If you wish, please give them to Patricia Kennedy.

 

One mistake after another.. will it ever end?  We are supposed to be there for our clients and to make sure deals work.  Do we need to be there and do the work of the other agent as well?

I received a call to set up a showing for a rental property of mine.  Sounds good doesn't it?  Not if the caller is working with another agency.  I couldn't believe they were trying to set up their own appointment.  Nicely, I informed them that since they have a realtor, I need to work through them.  I'm be more than happy to set it up, once I hear from them.

 

The next day, I receive a call and set up the appointment for this person.  Everything settled, right?  NOT.  The other agency is now telling me that their client has to use *their* rental application, not ours.  lol.  The other agent was promptly made aware of OUR office policy where we use our application, and we process the credit report.  He told me that this is unheard of. 

We finally made it over this hump, so I thought until this morning.  I received word that the application was going to be dropped off at our office, this is good.  However, they did NOT have a check to cover the cost of the processing of the report (big RED flag here), but would be glad to give us their charge card number instead.

I told them we only take checks or cash.  This did not go over well, and at this point is a dead deal. 

Has any one else run into such a mess when it comes to trying to rent a property?  Loved to hear your stories.

 

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 - ValerieOhomes4u@gmail.com

 Copyright © 2011 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***ONE MISTAKE AFTER ANOTHER... WILL IT EVER END?????***

 

Now that we are solidly in the month of January and we have all stuck to our resolutions, diets and budget plans.  I thought I'd see if you are thinking it will be a prosperous and successful year.  Here is a quote to get you thinking along those lines.

The quote of the day is.... 

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.."

 

Author:  Abraham Lincoln,. 16th president of US (1809 - 1865) 

 

 

 

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 - ValerieOhomes4u@gmail.com

 Copyright ©2011 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY...Success

 

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 - ValerieOhomes4u@gmail.com

 Copyright © 2011 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***SILENT SATURDAY... MEMORIES OF 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 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 - ValerieOhomes4u@gmail.com Copyright © 2011 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** 3 Bedroom Colonial, with 5 bay garage for Sale, Middletown, CT***