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...!!!!!***

Like all of us this time of year, we are so busy, and going in so many different directions.  For me with two boys, and their schedules thrown into the mix.. it is down right CRAZY!!

This month was my annual physical exam, and I also needed to get some blood work done.  Hey, when you reach a certain age, everything starts to fail... LOL.

While I was giving blood, my cell phone rang.  I thoroughly apologized.  The hospital states all over that cell phones are not permitted.  I explained to the nurse that my job is that of a real estate agent.  When I walked in the door, I was on the phone and had thought I had shut it off... obviously not.. and again apologized.  To continue, I mentioned that it has been really busy lately, and I must have forgotten to turn off my phone when I walked in.  She looked at me and nodded.... then smiled. 

She asked me a few questions, I told her about the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers...and the next thing I knew she told me that she and her husband were going to start looking for a new home in January and she wanted my business card.  They hated the idea of looking for a realtor, but liked what I had to say.  She said she would be in touch... she likes how passionate I am about my job.  Who knew I was being interviewed while giving blood.

Before I left, she gave me a quick overview of what she and her husband are looking for in a home. 

What a way to end.... and start of the new year.  You just never know when the next client will come your way.

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 ©2009 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***NEVER KNOW WHERE A *NEW* CLIENT WILL COME FROM***

For all the prospective buyers out there looking to buy their first home this year due to the $8,000 tax incentive, let me give you a heads up. 

With being a first time home buyer, usually you are looking to purchase a condo...for good reason. You might not be quiet ready to take on all the responsiblity of a single family home, or your work/life schedule is just too busy to do so.

I am working with two buyers at the moment that are both looking to purchase a condo and have qualified going CHFA/FHA.  This also makes sense since you will only need to put down around 3.5% for a down payment.  Who being a first-time home buyer has 15 to 20%?

Just to let you know, both buyers have found condo units they have fallen in love with... but neither is FHA approved.  Yes, I checked this first and thought there could be a spot approved for one.  Come to find out, once I've spoken with the listing agent, these condo complexes have "Right of First Refusal".  Which does NOT meet the guidelines of FHA.  So, in these cases the only ones that can buy these condo units are people who are qualified for conventional loans.

Now I am checking with all listing agents or the property management if any condos my clients would like to see, that if they are NOT FHA approved, do NOT have the Right of First Approval.  To see them knowing they have this in place, would be a waste of everyones time.. and no need to get clients excited about a home they just can't have.

What really is sad, is that for the most part realtors have either no idea if the complex they have listed a unit in has "Right of First Refusal".. or what this even is.  So sad.  With the constant changes in the rules and regs for mortgages, I would like we should all take note of this.

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 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.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT 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. - 860.635.0387 #2 - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net.

Copyright © 2009 By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR, All Rights Reserved...*FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS LOOKING TO PURCHASE A CONDO....*