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 why are we still receiving 3 to 4 phone books a year... regardless if if want them or not?  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 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 an hour and a half of 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 (and don't have land lines any longer), have they not clued in to think do they still need phone books? 

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.

I gather that their "sales pitch" when recruiting "paid advertisement" is that EVERY HOUSEHOLD will get a phone book.  But have the advertisers ever wonder "how many people really use the 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?

I'd like to hear how you feel about this.

As we all know this market is not like it was 3 years ago, or for that matter 6 months ago.  It hasn't been a buyers market for years, and at this point the banks are the determining factor in most cases. So the property should be listed ahead of the market.

When a buyer puts in an offer on a property, most sellers are thrilled and try to work with the prospective buyer.  But should they if an offer is WAY low?

In my local area, there are many condos for sale and I have a few listed. One I have in particular is not a short sale or foreclosed property. Last week an offer came in on it, and I presented it to my client.  We went over *everything* and he outright rejected the offer... I don't believe he was wrong in his decision... what do you think?

This home is not a short sale as I mentioned, but we took this in regard when pricing the property. The offer that was presented was $5,000 less than on a foreclosed property that just closed.  Now on top of that the buyer was looking for $5,400 back in closing costs and wanted the seller to purchase a home warranty.  We were looking at $26,000 less than asking on a property that is listed ahead of the market. 

The buyers agent informed me that they don't have much wiggle room with their offer.  Her clients are first time home buyers... I'm thinking to myself that her clients are looking in the wrong area.  They can't afford this complex and need to look in an area where they can stay within their means.  What do you think?

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...... *** Is it wrong for a seller to reject a LOWBALL offer?***

This is an observation, but also brings forth a question.  In the real estate world there are a lot of agents that are in this business that are not only unprofessional, but do NOT know what they are doing.  I'm sure we have all run into this at one time or another.  These "professionals" make our job a lot harder, and in some cases cause deals not to go through (but that is a whole other blog).  Why is it so hard to work together?  The listing agent and the selling agent are both ultimately looking for the same bottom line.. and that is for our clients to be happy, and to have the deal close, right?

So why is it so hard for agents to return calls, leave feedback, keep appointments or call if an appointment is going to be missed?  What happened to professionalism?  Shouldn't we all try our best to do our best?  I do.  Do individual offices have policies that say just close the deal no matter what it takes?  If so, who are you walking over to get it done.. and don't you think they will remember the next time you work together.  We are ALL under stress in today's economy, but shouldn't there still be a line to toe?

My question is, why is it so hard to work together and act like professionals?  

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...* SHOULD THERE BE ETIQUETTE IN REAL ESTATE?*

As I've mentioned in some of my previous blogs, real estate is a service business.  Buyers/Sellers are our clients and not only do they put their trust into us, they invest their futures in our knowledge of our profession.

This job is intense, and there is a lot to do to make sure our clients are being represented to the fullest. It seems that most real estate agents are out the door once they get their check.. at some closings I've gone to the agents don't even show up.  What kind of image does this show the public of our devotion to our job? I make a point of staying there until the end.. and walk out with my clients to make sure every detail is taken care of.  So, I want to take this job one step further and came up with the idea of "Client Appreciation Day".  This is where I hold will hold a picnic/party, where every client that I have worked with for the past year is invited to celebrate.  This way clients get to meet other people and they will realize they are not just a number to me.

Is this a new idea, or are some other realtors already doing this?  Maybe we can get this to be a National Holiday.  So no matter what field of sales you are in, *the client* will be acknowledged.

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...* CLIENT APPRECIATION DAY*

Over the years of working in real estate in and around Cromwell, CT.  I have noticed a few things about people and their thoughts of realtors.  Many think we are like doctors and attorneys... just in it for the money. Not caring about the people we are working with.  I'm sure you realize, there are good attorneys, good doctors and of course good realtors.. you just need to sort them out.  I take my job seriously to the point I think a realtor should start to look at their career as if it was like a corporate job.. or any job at that matter.  If you don't perform, you are fired.  Did you know you can do that with a realtor?  When looking to buy/sell property, don't just go to a realtor and ask them to help you... why not interview them.. see if they are someone you can work with.  If you are looking in the Cromwell area, please let me know,  I'll be glad to help you out... come to my office, and lets start the interview process.  Have a good day.

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...* Looking for a realtor that takes their job seriously?*