Valerie Osterhoudt's Blog

Everyone is talking about "GOING GREEN".  I think this is a great idea, and think we should all do our part to conserve this planet.  Most of us all use computers, and get phone numbers on-line. Right?

So, yesterday, AT&T came around to deliver new telephone books... 3 in total in this nice orange bag.  For the last 5 years I think I've looked at a phone book, maybe, twice.

This gave me an idea.  I wanted to return my 2009 phone books, so someone who needs it can use it, and to take my name off the list to not get another set next year.  I mentioned this to a few of my neighbors and they too, thought this was a great idea.  I called AT&T today... and to make a long story short... after 5 phone calls to different numbers, and an hour and a half later either being on hold, transferred to another number, or just listening to the insane prerecorded messages, I finally got a recording at the "phone book" center.  The outgoing message stated if I wanted a new book or to discontinue getting a book press #3.  Never did I talk with a "real" person.  No time could I get an answer to who distributed the books, so I could return 6 sets of 3.  Many of the neighbors didn't want theirs either.

So, why haven't all the phone companies thought about this process.  If they realize how many people have cell phones, have they not clued in to think do they still need phone books?  Since I couldn't get a hold of a "life" person, I thought blogging about it might help.

I think all phone companies when they send out a bill in June or July, should ask everyone if they want a phone book for the next year.  If so, please check the box (or something along this line).  If they don't get a response, just don't send one.  Customers can always call to get a phone book.

Do you realize how many trees, time, and money could be saved by doing this one simple thing?  What is your opinion?  Do you think phone companies should STOP delivering phone books, and only do so on a request?

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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...*PHONE COMPANIES.... WHY AREN'T THEY GOING "GREEN"?*

We all say we are there to help our clients, but how far will you go to help them once the property has closed?

I always strive to help clients, and have mentioned that I am there for them during and after the closing.  I like staying in touch with clients (buyers in this case) to make sure everything is going smoothly with the move.

About 2 weeks back I received a call from my buyers, saying that they couldn't get phone service in their new home, the sellers never turned it off.  I called the listing agent, and she informed me that she would call the sellers to get this rectified.  She did, and the sellers called the phone company.  As a matter of fact, the sellers called (3 separate times) to the phone company.  The phone company had the wrong turn off date. But assured the sellers as of August 29th, the service was no longer in their name, and new service could be activated.

This past week, my clients called me so apologetic, but had no where else to turn.  The phone company (a BIG conglomerate... known nation wide.. but will remain nameless) had informed them that the seller never called to cancel the service, and that the buyers will NEVER be able to get phone service until it is shut off. 

At this point, I could not call the listing agent, she told me (in nice terms) there was nothing more she or the sellers could do; and basically said NOT TO CALL HER ANYMORE.

So, here I am wanting to help my buyers and not sure what to do.  Then I had a brainstorm.. I would call this company myself, explain the situation and see where it would take me.

I finally, after 3 transfers and being on hold for over an hour in total, finally got through to a woman who would listen.  I explained who I was, and that I wanted to see about getting phone service for my clients, otherwise they would go elsewhere. This surprisingly they DIDN'T want to happen.  I had the saleswoman call my clients (instead of them calling the company again) and gave her their cell phone number.

Within 20 minutes my clients called to say "Thank you".  They finally were getting service.. and it should be switched on tomorrow.  They were very appreciative, and mentioned "You didn't have to do that, but thank you.  You went over and aboard your job... we won't forget it... thank you, again".

Would you have gone this far to help your clients, even though the transaction was completed?

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 FAR WILL YOU GO TO HELP CLIENTS... ONCE THE CLOSING IS OVER????*