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.
The Third Congregational Church on 94 Miner Street in Middletown, CT is holding its annual Strawberry Shortcake Festival, tomorrow, Thursday, June 11th from 11:30am to 4:00pm.
This festival has been going on for over 120 years.. yes, you heard me correctly 120 years. People in the area look forward to this event every year. The strawberries are native to the area and picked fresh. Now picture this on top of a homemade biscuit, and REAL HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM. My mouth is salvating already.
If you haven't been by, tomorrow is your opportunity to partake.. and I bet you'll be hooked for next year. I'm thinking of going twice once around noon and again when my sons get out of school.
The cost is $6.50 for a large, and $4.50 for a small. These are a meal unto themselves... so come for lunch.
If you have no time to sit down and enjoy here at the church.. THERE IS ALWAYS TAKE OUT. Need I say more?
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.
Here is why I say this. I received another another call today from the Realtor I mentioned in the blog above. This time he is calling me on my cell phone looking for disclosures on the property he could not get into on Saturday, because he couldn't get the push button combo to work. Hearing he wishes disclouses, I'll work with this guy. After all, it is in the best interest for my client. I mentioned to him that if he calls me back on my cell phone with this fax number I will be glad to fax them. However, if he can't wait (trying to be poliet) that he will find them on-line as an attachment. Wouldn't you think he would say "Fine, I'll get them that way" or something along those lines? NOT!!. He replies, "I don't have your cell phone number". I told him, "It was the number you just called".
Once again I ask, how do these Realtors stay in business? Why are they in this business?
OK, I'm off my soapbox at the moment.. just needed to vent. Thank you for listening... oh, I mean reading. :)
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.
As we *ALL* know, the real estate market has been a very tough field to be in the last few years, when trying to make an income.
At this point, quiet a few realtors have dropped out... even some really good ones. Which I am sad to see leave. Maybe when the market turns around they will come back.
I just don't understand why, or for that matter how, realtors that have NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE DOING, are still surviving in this business. They should change their careers, and stop making a bad name for the rest of us that know what we are doing.
I have a new listing of a condo that ***IS*** in pristine condition. There have been calls coming in left and right to view this.. I find this to be great news, and a sign that real estate is picking up.
Now what gets me is when a Realtor calls me and states, "You have a condo I want to see". When you hear this, wouldn't you think they are a buyer? At no point did he mention he was a Realtor, until I pried it out of him. It took 45 minutes to get his name, agency, office and cell number, what day and time he wanted to go show my listing. When I told him it was a combo lock and not electronic, he had no clue how to work these, and wanted to know if I would be there to open up the unit. I replied, no, but told him he would have not trouble opening the door. Next, he asked if the key opens the door? Yes, you heard me right, "Does The Key Open The Door"? I hope he is NOT working with first time home buyers.
I was polite.. but I also knew this wouldn't go anywhere.. I was right, he called the next day an hour after he was supposed to show the place, saying he couldn't get in, there was something wrong with the lockbox.
I drove over to check it out. Curiosity had the best of me. Guess what? It opened just fine, and the key WORKED!!
Why do brokers hire these loosers? Once again... buyers beware... interview your realtor before assuming they know what they are doing.
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.
With the weather getting warmer and children looking to venture outside more. The town of Cromwell CT is holding their annual bicycle safety program. Now is the time to make sure your childrens' bikes are up to standards.
On Saturday May 30, 2009 residence (ages 5 to adult age) of Cromwell are invited over to Watrous Park between the hours of 10:00am and Noon. Here you can get your bikes inspected, enjoy a rodeo and get a helmet education.
This event is sponsored by the Cromwell Recreation Dept., Cromwell Police Dept, Kiwanis Club of Cromwell and Cycle Concepts of Rocky Hill.
Feel free to contact Cromwell's Recreation Department for more information at 860.632.3467
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 onCromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condosplease visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.
Career Express is the Department of Labor's mobile One-Stop Career Center which provides the latest workforce and job skills development services to businesses, individuals and community-based organizations.
They Provide Businesses with:
Computers for on-line applications during recruitments
Support during company reductions or closings
They Provide Individuals:
Job Search Strategies
Résumé Writing and Critique
Interviewing Techniques
Career Exploration
They Provide Outreach to:
Veterans
Youth Centers
Community-based Organizations
Shelters & Supportive Initiatives
Assistance on the 38' bus includes job search strategies, resume writing, critiquing, and interviewing skills. It is equipped with 8 computer stations with Internet access, the latest audio-visual systems including a plasma TV with SMARTboard technology and hydraulic wheelchair lift to make it fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
For more information call the Belden Library at 860.632.3460
If you can't make it on June 3rd, check out this link for an overview of the One -Stop Services visit CT Works Locations
I'm posting this blog in hopes of helping out the community and promoting all the Cromwell CT has to offer.
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.
Here is another scam, that I thought I would pass along to the members here, to the elderly or native at heart.
I can't believe these are sent out via email... please just delete this if you see it in your email.. it isn't worth opening.
Dear Friend, I am Mr.Johnson Owen, From Liberia. The only surviving son of late Clif Jefferson, the owner of Mille Gold and Diamond Mining Company in Liberia. Unfortunately, my father was killed with my mother and my two younger brothers by some rebels during the war on July 21st 2003.I will like you to visit the website bellow for more information about the Death of my father:http://genocidewatch.org/LiberiaJuly22Rebels.htmBefore the death of my father, he deposited the sum of US$10.5M (Ten Million Five Hundred United States Dollar in a trust security company in BURKINA FASO which have branch offices in AMERICA,EUROPE,AFRICA and ASIA for safe keeping. I discovered a document in my late father's bed-room indicating that, He deposited the above mentioned amount in a trust company in Burkina Faso. Now, I am in Burkina Faso as A refugee. I want you to contact the security company on my behalf and release the consignment.I am willing to offer you 30% of the fund. I wish you to come down to Burkina Faso as to enable us go to the security company for the release of the consignment but if you are unable to come down then, you can contact them in America or Europe,Asia or Africa. You are to go to the security company in any of their offices as I mentioned above and sign off the consignment on my behalf. As soon as you release it then, you will help me to deposit it in your bank account since I don't have any bank account. If you are interested reply to my private email only david.martin200@laposte.net You will also help me to invest the fund wisely in your country under your care and control. All your expenses in this transaction will be deducted as soon as you release the consignment before we share the fund. Please, help me out in this transaction. If you are not interested, please notify me and delete the message from your inbox. Once again, I thank you for helping me out. If you are interested reply to my private email only david.martin200@laposte.net Yours Sincerely,Mr.Johnson Owen
When looking at real estate.. don't fall into a scam. Always check with a local reliable and knowledgeable Realtor.
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 onCromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condosplease visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.
WIS Annual Art Show and Ice Cream Social is an event you don't want to miss. This an annual event that the school puts on every year. Mr. Segarra, the art teacher is very proud of his students, and has cordially invited you to come and take a look at the creativity of his students. The children in grades 3 to 5 at Woodside Intermediate School have displayed their artwork on the walls for everyone to view. This year this is to include handmade masks.
Everyone is welcome and this event is being held tonight, May 15th from 5:00pm to 8:30pm at 30 Woodside Road in Cromwell CT.
Once you have viewed the artwork, please stop by for an ice cream in the cafeteria.
You can make this a family event... what better way to start a weekend than to spend it with your children.
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 onCromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condosplease visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.
The Boys Scout Troop 26 of Cromwell CT will be having a tag sale this Saturday, May 16th, from 8am to noon at the Scout Hut located at the entrance to Watrous Park on Porter Road in Cromwell, right behind the baseball fields. Early birds are welcome for 7am to 8am for a fee of $10.00. Remember it is going to a good cause.
This is a fundraiser for their High Adventure trip that is scheduled in 2010, which is a camping trip into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. All proceeds will go directly into this fund.
Now is the time to empty out your closets, attics and garages... bring all your items you no longer wish to the scout hut on Thursday night between 7:00pm and *8:30pm. If you can't make it tonight, you have tomorrow evening at the same time too. They will NOT be taking clothes or stuffed animals.... sorry.
If you can't make it to drop off the items arrangements can be made to pick thing up if needed.
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.
As some of you may know, I haven't been on AR for a while. I'm getting calls about people wanting to sell their homes and from people looking for rents. Neither one of these have been prosperous. I'm still waiting on the buyers that are serious and want to start looking.
Today like other days, I received an e-mail from a prior client who now wishes to sell their home. They don' t have much wiggle room, and can't afford a 6% commission. This is understandable, and I'd be willing to try to work out something with them. That is, until I found out that they don't want a Realtor to represent them, they only want me to supply them with a MLS number. They would take care of all the showings, and work out negotiating the terms, ETC. They probably would be offering the buyer's agent a 2% commission.
My mouth fell to the floor, and I said to myself "You've got to be kidding me"? First of all, who in their right mind would work for ***NOTHING***!!!! That would be where a boss in the corporate world would say to an employee, we need to eliminate your pay so I can keep my cushy job. Better still would you mind helping me, by paying part of my salary?
Realtors have to pay into the MLS system, there are CMA's that need to be done. Plus in order to have a MLS number you need to be affliated with a Realtor/Broker.
Am I going crazy here? To me this is worse than a seller asking if you will take less for a commission. Has any other Realtor come across this scenario, or AM I JUST THE LUCKY ONE TO GET THESE E-MAILS/CALLS?
Would anyone work for nothing and chip in money as well, when you have your own bills to pay?
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.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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