Is the real estate market now approaching *GIMMICKS* to get clients?

 

It has been a while since I've written a blog, but this topic is just too important not to mention.

Recently I received in the mail a postcard from a competitor, who was soliciting customers (sellers) with the caption...

 "FLAT SCREEN OR IPAD!!

The postcard starts off with "Buyer's Beware:  Buying a home with ______  will result in a FREE iPad2 or a 42" FLAT SCREEN TV for your new home!"

This irked me no end.  Most of us, who consider ourselves PROFESSIONAL Realtors, work hard and do our due diligence to represent our clients whether it be a buyer or seller.  This is shown to clients by referrals, and prior work. 

Do we need to stoop so low as to now become (in my mind) a car salesman?  Shouldn't our reputation speak for itself.  Why use gimmicks?  Is this how you become the *best in your field*?

I double checked the properties listed, and there was one I couldn't find anywhere.. I tried surround towns, looked under *all* the statuses of Active, Closed, Withdrawn.. etc.  and couldn't find it. 

All I can say is LET THE CUSTOMER BE WARE.  Do research on a Realtor before going with a REALTOR that has to give you prize to work with them.

How do you feel about this... I'd like to hear your viewpoints.

 

 

Yes, it is hard to believe.. even I can't believe it. 23 Candlewood Lane in Middletown CT has dropped the price by $50,000 for IMMEDIATELY sale. Want to check it out? I'm having an impromptu OPEN HOUSE today from 1 to 3 pm. See you there.

There have been a lot of changes in the FHA guidelines, and I just came across another one.  Recently a listing of mine went under deposit, with the buyer going FHA.

Everything was going smoothly... maybe that should have been a signal right there.  The appraisal was done, and the good news is that the property appraised.  That didn't surprise me I knew it would.  What did surprise me is that in order for the loan to go through, the property which has well water, needs to be connected to the city water on the street.

The buyer does NOT want city water, he has been looking for a place with well water.

Also, by doing this it would be a hardship for my client.. as well as the potential buyer.. which I just found out.

I'm hoping that the cost to have this done will be more than the 3% of the selling price.  Guess what I'll be doing today?   If cost is higher, and along with hardship letters, it will not have to be done.

My question is why, if the buyer WANTS well water (which has been tested and is fine) why does the government have to step in and say otherwise?  Has anyone else run into this?

 

AS AN UPDATE... WE HAVE GOTTEN QUOTES IN ON CONNECTING THE WATER FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET TO THE HOME.  THE COST IS WELL OVER THE 3% OF THE SELLING PRICE, SO WITH A FEW MORE STEPS FROM BOTH BUYER AND SELLER, HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE CONCLUDED.

 

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...... *** FHA Guidelines are making it hard to keep deals together***

Yes, you heard this right.  A stuffed bear at an open house I had this past weekend brought me in an offer.  We all have opinions on open houses as to whether we (as Realtors) should still have them or not.  There have been numerous blogs here on ActiveRain discussing this very issue.  For the most part we all feel that we hold these open houses primarily for the seller, for this is what they feel remember as being part of the process in selling a home.  With the technology we have today buyers can see homes online faster than we can initiate an open house, so is it worth our time?

I am was part of this belief too, that open houses weren't productive, until this past weekend.  I went into it thinking that for the most part, nosy neighbors would be coming by, along with potential buyers that already had representation... but I was holding out thinking maybe, just maybe I would find a person/potential buyer that would be looking for my assistance.

However, my first mission was to sell this home for my client, and I needed to think outside to get this done.  This home has a nice backyard but most people coming to an open house, do just that, look at the house and not walk the property.  So I had to come up with an idea to get them OUTSIDE.  Earlier in the week, I noticed that there were two tree swings, which gave me an idea... I brought a LARGE stuffed bear and put tied him onto the swing.  Being a breezy day, he was actually moving back and forth every so often...

When the open house began, as I thought, no one ventured outside... until this one woman caught movement out of the corner of her eye.  She called her husband, and he laughed.. they saw the bear on the swing.  Other people were in the house too, and they ALL went outside to take a look.. HOORAY, my idea worked.  They went outside.

This stuffed bear did the treat, I got people to go out into the yard and look around.  I felt like I accomplished my job.  When the open house was over, I was going through the home, and turning off lights, and making sure everything was back the way it was....when my phone rang.

A Realtor on the other end said she had an offer on the property that I had the open house at.  I've never had that happen before.  Come to find out, it WAS the woman and husband that saw the bear in the swing.  They liked the house, but the yard is what made them decide to put in a offer.

I presented the offer to my clients and IT WAS ACCEPTED.  So thanks to this stuffed bear, it brought me an offer on a property...AT AN OPEN HOUSE.

I'M HAVING ANOTHER OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEKEND... GUESS WHO IS COMING WITH ME?  :)

 

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...... ***A STUFFED BEAR AT AN OPEN HOUSE, BROUGHT ME IN AN OFFER.....***

 

 

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***

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***

Hello, my name is Valerie Osterhoudt of Johnson Real Estate, Inc., in Cromwell, CT. 

My market report gives you the real estate activity for the town of Cromwell CT for the last 30 days.  I love living in Cromwell, CT and have lived here for many years.  If you are a seller and are strongly thinking of putting your home on the market, I would encourage you to see what your property is worth.  

If you are looking to purchase a home, now is an excellent time to do so.  Real estate in Middlesex County  is an excellent investment, prices or at their best, the selection is great, and the rates are still low.

 

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, whether you are a seller, or purchasing a home.  860.883.8889

The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 12/21/10 through 1/21/11.  

Valerie Osterhoudt  gives You The Real Estate Activity for the town of Cromwell, CT,  for the last 30 Days. 

In the Cromwell, CT  Real Estate market there were 11 homes SOLD

In the Cromwell, CT  Real Estate market there were 5 NEW LISTINGS.

In the Cromwell, CT  Real Estate market there were 17 UNDER DEPOSIT.

In the Cromwell, CT  Real Estate market there 12 WITHDRAWN.

In the Cromwell, CT  Real Estate market there were 119 ACTIVE LISTINGS.

In the Cromwell, CT  Real Estate market there are 3 UNDER SHOW STATUS.

 

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...... *** REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY FOR HOMES IN CROMWELL, CT***

 

Don't blame the appraiser for property not comping out...I've come to realize lately that when a property does NOT appraise, it is NOT always the fault of the appraiser.

I have a client that is looking to purchase a condo, and knowing that she has to ask for a closing credit has been coming in at full asking price in order to make this work with the seller.  So wouldn't you think that if a condo is being offered at $138,000 and you come in at that price with asking $3,000 in a closing credit, that the actual offering price of $135,000 would fly?  Well, it didn't... again. Why?  It didn't appraise.

Once again we got the appraisal back and it came way under asking price... This time it was at $121,000.00, yes $17,000 under asking.... ON A CONDO.

Now I ask you, if I can go online and in less than 10 minutes come up with a CMA for this unit with a price of $124,000, why would the listing agent come in so much higher?

I informed my client from the beginning that it would not appraise, but she wanted to try anyway because she LOVED the unit.  She told me that the price might be high, but not that high because the listing agent wouldn't do that.. it would be a disservice to her client as well as the buyer.  Pretty smart client, right?

My question is...Could it be that the listing agent knew that her clients owed more than what it was worth, and instead of educating them and listing it as a short sale, decided that if she overpriced it no one would know?  LOL.  That is except the bank.

I'm thinking that in order to get the economy moving back in the right direction, that it should be manditory for all Realtors to take an appraisal continuing ed class to understand how to market property.

Let's stop playing games.

 

JUST TO LET EVERYONE KNOW, THIS CONDO IS BACK UP FOR SALE AT THE ORIGINAL PRICE... EVEN AFTER THE APPRAISAL HAS BEEN DONE AND HAS COME IN WAY LESS.  WHAT ARE THEY HOPING FOR?  IT IS WHAT IT IS. 

 

 

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...... ***DON'T BLAME THE APPRAISER FOR PROPERTY NOT COMPING OUT.. It is not always their fault... ***

This is not the first time I've come across this scenario, and I am sure I am not the only one that has encountered this.  When someone has listed their property with a Realtor.. just because they are a friend of theirs.

We have written blogs here about how buyers should interview Realtors when they are looking to purchase a home.  Should prospective sellers do the same?

I live in a condo complex where I have sold many units, and can be at a sellers home in a matter of minutes.  I try to keep up-to-date on what is going on in this community by also being a member of the board of directors.  By no means do I claim to be the best when it comes to selling condos, but I do when it comes to where I live.

This past summer, I listed a condo in the same court I live on.  These clients (sellers) of mine saw a home they wanted to buy and put in an offer to purchase with a hubbard clause.  Believe it or not, this offer was accepted, and I had 30 days to get their condo under deposit.  You name it, I did it.. open house, personal websites, all website, ads... etc (not giving away all my tricks here).  With the luck of God.. I had it under deposit in 28 days.  The asking price was $152,900.. we sold it for $151,200.

Now their neighbors, right next door, are selling their condo.. with a friend.  This listing has been on the market for over 90 days, and they have dropped the price.  The sad news is that the friend/Realtor had wrong info (which has since been corrected) on the MLS.. and they are NOT, NOT marketing it to it's fullest.  ISN'T THIS WHY SELLERS HIRE REALTORS?  Isn't it our job, and aren't we hired to market the property to the hilt.. especially in the economy? 

Last week I saw the wife, and just asked how things are going.. being neighborly... AND NOTHING MORE.  She told me that they haven't had anyone come and see the place in a while.  She blames the economy.  I just shook my head and said nothing. 

My thoughts were "MAYBE IT IS NOT THE ECONOMY IN TOTALLY.. BUT THE REALTOR YOU HIRED". My advice is whether you hire a friend, someone that was referred to you, or a neighbor (like I'd be)... YOU SHOULD ALWAYS INTERVIEW THEM.  Make sure that they will work for you, and they are giving you the best of service.   The commission you pay is for the work they do... not because they are your friend.

DON'T YOU AGREE??

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 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...*SHOULD YOU LIST YOUR PROPERTY WITH A REALTOR... JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE YOUR FRIEND?????*