Valerie Osterhoudt's Blog

NOW THAT ALL THE UPDATES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.. NO MORE WALL PAPER, EVERYTHING HAS BEEN PAINTED, AND THE PRICE HAS BEEN DROPPED A TOTAL OF $60,000... IT IS TIME FOR AN OPEN HOUSE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO STOP BY TOMORROW, SUNDAY, JUNE 26TH IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA BETWEEN 1 AND 3PM. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.

OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY MARCH 27TH, 2011 FROM 1:00 TO 3:00 PM SYLVAN RUN VILLAGE, MIDDLETOWN, CT $20,000 PRICE REDUCTION

Update on buying verses renting in today's market for consumers

 I've been asked this question over th last few months by many potential buyers.  Should I continue to rent, or should I buy in this market?  I came across this information and it was backup by Barbara Dennison (also a member of ActiveRain) and a senior loan officer for Mortgage Access Corp.

Did you know that Deutsche Bank released a study showing that renting a home costs US households more than paying a mortgage for the first time in the last two decades? 

DO YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY.. CONTINUE READING.

The rent-buy ratio, or rent as a percentage of after-tax mortgage payments is based on figures that Deutsche Bank complied from NAR and the REIS information services.  Rent amounted to 100.2% of home loan costs in the last year's fourth quarter-the highest level since calculations began in 1991. Studies also show that the average rent is due to increase by 10% in the next 12 months.    Basically-renting a home is more expensive than owning a home.  The average rent payment is on the rise with no benefit to the tenant.

In February 2011, 3 out of 4 loans registered for FHA financing were first time buyers.  Do you know enough about government loans to get this market share?  Both Barbara and I can help you. 

 

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...... ***Update on buying verses renting in today's market for consumers***

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF THIS HOME... YOU CAN!!! THERE IS GOING TO BE AN OPEN HOUSE ON SUNDAY, MARCH 13TH FROM 1:00 PM TO 3:00 PM 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...... ***843 MIDDLE STREET, MIDDLETOWN CT - OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY***

Looking out for your client, the buyer, but not forgetting about the seller either. 

My client, the buyer is looking to purchase his first home.  He has a work schedule that  is not always conducive to a normal showing schedule.  For the most part we have been able to get into all listings at one time or another.

There was one that we saw on a Saturday afternoon that he wanted to see again.  However, neither his schedule or the sellers schedule would allow it for about a week.  My client did not want to miss out on seeing this unit.  He didn't want someone else to come along either and put an offer in.  This home was his favorite and If he liked it when he went through again, he wanted to put in an offer.

I called the listing agent to see if we could work out something.  After much going back and forth, the seller conceded and made arrangements for her children to stay with their grandmother, and the couple would stay with friends.

Personally I think this is going over and above when trying to sell your home.  But these people were not my client.  However, they are part of the possible transaction.

The day we went in to see the home for the second time,  I purchased a small bouquet of flowers and left a note thanking the sellers for all they did, and how much both myself and my client appreciated all they did for this to happen.

My client loved the place and we put in an offer.  We went back and forth for a while negotiating, and the sellers finally agreed to our counter, counteroffer.  Do you know why they did?  They thought that anyone coming to see their home and would take the time to  leave them flowers would also be the type to take care of their home once they moved... and one that they have been in for years.

So even though we for the most part only represent either the buyer or seller in a real estate transaction, we should not forget the other party...

 

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...... *** LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR CLIENT, THE BUYER... BUT NOT FORGETTING ABOUT THE SELLER *** 

Here it is Sunday afternoon, just a little after noon.  When it comes to blogging it has been said that it is good to post some things personal, not just always business... so here it goes.

I'm sitting here in front of the computer thinking of my day ahead, and just got to the point of pondering, wondering if I am doing the right thing here...  This is where you come in.  Let me know your thoughts.

Yesterday will be my one month anniversary of getting my left knee totally replaced.  Since then I have been moved from the hospital to a rehab facility, and then home 2 days before New Years.  I've been using a walker for stability, not only for my left knee, but my right hip that was replaced in September of last year.

I've been working out of the house, and my broker has been wonderful to help step in whenever he could. 

Yesterday, I moved from a walker to a cane.... more out of necessity than desire.  Why you ask?  I picked up a new client and they are looking to purchase a home in the near future.  We have been in contact via email, and cell phones.  I've sent them properties to drive by to see if they like the neighborhoods.  Yesterday they called, excited that they found two they would like to take a look at.

I set up the showings and they are for this afternoon.... and I will be the one showing them the properties.  I'm sitting here wondering, I love my job and am dedicated to it... however is it too soon to go out and drive, walk with a cane I just started using yesterday?  I'm praying that there isn't any ice/snow on the driveways and steps.  I do not want to repeat this surgery again.

Am I a dedicated Realtor, or am I pushing it too soon?  What are your thoughts?

 

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...... ***DEDICATED REALTOR?  OR PUSHING IT TOO SOON.....YOU DECIDED***

 

While reading a few blogs today, this one hit home.  I can't tell you how many buyers feel confused or don't have a choice.  Debe Maxwell has taken the time to explain, and hopefully take away some of the fears and confusion.

I've disabled comments on this site... I think they should be posted where they belong... under Debe's blog.

 

My question is when do you release a buyer from a buyer agency agreement... or do you?  We've all at one point or another declined a listing due to one reason or another.  How about declining or releasing a buyer?

I love working with first time home buyers, and have focused my energy in this direction... to even include getting my designation of ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative).  These buyers are like children at Christmas, eyes all a glow and for me it is like looking at homes in a new light.  They look for your knowledge and I work with what they are looking for.

Recently I acquired a couple that are first time home buyers, and I was very excited to work with them.They seemed to have a sense of the towns they are interested in, what they are looking for and have been pre-qualified.  We are a head of the game here. 

Their initial list is a brand new roof, new windows, hardwood floors and at least two bedrooms.  This might seem simple, but their price range and expectations are at opposite ends of the spectrum. 

The first few times we went out, everything went well.  I showed them homes withing Middlesex County. They didn't see anything they liked, but were realizing more and more what they wanted in a home wasn't necessarily what they would be able to get.... but they are NOT modifying their criteria.

Even though I have shown them homes where 2 bedrooms that are under 1,000 sq ft leave no room for anything once furniture is in place.  They agree, but want to keep looking... you never know, one might just work out.

This is where (when hiring a Realtor) they need to listen to our advice.  When it comes to 1,000 sq ft... it is what it is.  There is no way that it will be able to take on king size furniture.  It seems the local grocery clerk filled them in on *her* opinion which is what they are going by. 

Advice for all buyers... you have put your *trust*, *time* and *money* into your realtor.... they are there to work for you.  Listen to what they have to say... they have your best interest in mind.

I suggested maybe forgoing a *new roof* or *new windows* and focusing in on a larger home that they would feel comfortable in.. especially if down the pike they want children.  They can always upgrade later, but to add on more living space would cost more.  They are looking for the MOVE-IN ready, needs no work what so ever.  It is like looking for a needle in a haystack that is the size of a football field.

They have now expanded their criteria of towns to include ones over an hour away.  I don't cover those areas, simply due to not knowing them all that well, and economically it doesn't make sense.  They informed me that they had to see one, the "PICTURES" looked great.  They have no idea of the town, where this home resides in this town, and would not drive by to see if it was an area they would like to live in.  They were waiting for me to show them this home.

Once I told them, I would refer them to another agent that can handle that area they said they changed their minds.  They only wanted to see it because the pictures looked nice.

Over the last few weeks, they are becoming distant, not returning calls or emails.  When I do get a hold of them every few weeks, I get the "I'm busy" and haven't had a chance to call you back.  What do they think, that I will be there at their beck and call?  This is a business for me, not a social occasion.

What would you do in this case... keep working with them... or let them go?

 

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...... ***SHOULD YOU RELEASE A BUYER FROM AN AGENCY AGREEMENT?  IF SO WHEN?***

 

2% Cash back at closing for buying a home... buyers beware!

The other day I received a call from a person, that was more mechanical on the phone than personal, requesting that I show *HER* buyer a property I have listed.  I asked her why she isn't showing her client the property, and she informed me that they don't do this.  That she (or should I say her company) will be giving us the listing agency $500.00 if the sale goes through for doing this.

I'm not sure about you, but I don't like wasting my time.. so I asked this woman to send me her clients pre-approval or pre-qualification letter so I know that I am not just jumping through hoops for nothing.  She was taken aback by this, and said she would have to check with her client.  To make a long story short, I received a "Fee Worksheet" and not a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter.  This "Realtor" for lack of a better word should have known this before sending it to me. 

So, today I've spend time checking out this company.  Their motto is they give their clients "PERSONAL" attention and will give them a check at closing for 2% of the sales price. Hmmm.  Makes me wonder how effiecient this company is.  If a commission on a property is 2.5%, this agency is giving away 2% of it's earnings, along with another $500.00 to the listing office for showing the property, why are they in this business... They do NOT have a personal relationship from what I can see.. and to me, it feels like nothing but a scam.

Buyers (especially first-time home buyers) beware... remember the saying "You get what you pay for". Check out and interview your realtor.. make sure they are representing YOU.

Has any other realtor run into this scenerio?  Is this the way real estate is going?  I hope not.

 

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 © 2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***2% CASH BACK AT CLOSING FOR BUYING A HOME... BUYERS BEWARE!!!***