SHOULD THERE BE ETIQUETTE IN REAL ESTATE? - 09/30/08 12:21 PM
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.. … (17 comments)

100,000 ACTIVERAIN POINT MILESTONE - 09/29/08 11:43 AM
 

I've been a part of ActiveRain for about 7 months now, and I just love being able to find out new information on what is going on in real estate.  During these seven months I have met a lot of people and enjoy reading and commenting on their blogs. It is these Activerain members I wish to thank today.  Without them I would not have been able to achieve the landmark of 100,000 points.  It was Donna Bigda that sent me an email and brought it to my attention last night.  I probably would not have taken heed on this for a … (48 comments)

MEETING NEW PEOPLE, IN ANOTHER PART OF TOWN...Part 2 - 09/28/08 04:52 PM
This weekend I was supposed to work a tag sale in Cromwell, CT.  Maybe some of you read my blog on my idea of working at a tag sale, to mix and mingle with new people in the area and network.  This tag sale was supposed to be yesterday, Saturday, put due to the rain was postponed. 
Today we (5 families in total) met at 7am to set everything up.  It was a lot of work, but after 2 hours everything was up, and ready to go.  We had tents, coffee, and a lot of conversation.  I found out more about … (12 comments)

LET'S HEAR IT FOR NICKELODEON!!!!! - 09/27/08 02:15 PM
It is raining here in Connecticut today, and my son has been sitting in front of the TV.  I've offered to take him places, but most things he wants to do is outside.  I told him that if for some reason the tv goes off the air, we are going out...PERIOD.  He laughed at this, and I thought to myself the only way this will happen is if there is a power failure.  But at least it was a good thought.
At 3pm EST, Nickelodeon came on the air with "World Wide Day of Play".  They are off the air for … (12 comments)

MEETING NEW PEOPLE, IN ANOTHER PART OF TOWN...Part 1 - 09/26/08 07:07 PM
This coming weekend, weather permitting, I will be working at a neighbor tag sale.  I've been told by the woman running it that there will be 6 to 8 families there selling their wares.  Maybe someone is going to sell items with the idea of selling their home down the pike.. you don't know.  When I heard about this, I decided to partake.. this way I can also (hopefully) sell things I don't need or have ever used.  There are so many things I have that are NEW in the box.. go figure.  Anyway, I'm diverting.
I thought this would be a … (20 comments)

IS MODERN TECHNOLOGY WORTH HAVING AN ACCIDENT OVER??? - 09/25/08 08:21 PM
Today when I was out, I was following behind a vehicle that was swaying left and to the right.  I'm thinking (native as l am) that it is either a driver that is tired or drunk.  Either way I backed off giving them and myself enough space.  The next thing I knew the car went over the middle line and hit the oncoming vehicle.  I stayed until the police showed up. 
The vehicle that crossed the line was being driven by a young girl (in her 20's) I guess.  She was so shaken up, and couldn't believe this happened to her and was in tears.  … (19 comments)

STRANGEST REAL ESTATE CALL... TO DATE - 09/25/08 10:30 AM
As realtors we get calls all the time.. about listings, showing instructions, buyers, etc.  This one I got today, takes the cake.  Have any ActiveRain members run into this?
I received a call about a listing I have.  The person who called is working with another realtor, and he stated this up front.  I informed him that I did not want to step on any realtors toes, and would be glad to work with his realtor.
Next thing he tells me is that this call is only a courtesy call.  He wanted to let me know that the listing I have for a condo would never sell.  He … (120 comments)

PETS ON PARADE.. FUNDRAISER - 09/24/08 02:25 PM
If you are looking do to something this weekend with your pet, come to Cromwell, Ct.  The Cromwell Animal Control is hosting their 5th Annual "Pets on Parade" fundraiser, this forthcoming Saturday, September 27th from 10am to 2pm at Pierson Park on West Street.
 
Come bring your cat or dog.. dress them up and walk them around the park.

The AKC will be there for Canine Good Citizen Testing. You'll be able to play Red Light, Green Light, Musical Paws and so much more.  Think of the fun your dog or cat could have.   Micro chipping will also be … (12 comments)

CROMWELL REPUBLICAN GOLF OUTING - 09/23/08 02:00 PM
Fall is an excellent time to be outside.. and what better way to do so then to play golf.  Right?  The Cromwell Republican Town Committee is holding a golf outing on Saturday, October 4th at Miner Hills Golf Course on 80 Miner Hills Drive in Middletown, CT.
To participate, registration is necessary and the deadline is this Friday, October 26th.  So Hurray, you only have 3 days left (at the time this is being posted).  The cost is $60.00 per person.  What, you think this is a lot.. not when you think this includes 9 holes of golf, a cart, Pizza, Beer, … (4 comments)

GILLETTE CASTLE, EAST HADDAM, CT - 09/22/08 04:10 PM
Fall is a beautiful time to go for a drive and take in all the fall foliage.  While driving in East Haddam, CT you might wish to check out Gillette Castle. The late actor and Connecticut native William Gillette, who protrayed Sherlock Holmes on stage, spent more than one million dollars to build this castle at the turn of the century at the top of Seven Sisters.  It was closed for 3 years for maintenance and is now open through Columbus Day from 10am to 4:30pm.  This castle boasts 24 medieval style rooms to explore, along with hiking rails, and breathtaking views.
Parking … (12 comments)

CONNECTICUT RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL - 09/22/08 08:05 AM
SOURCE TO SEA CLEANUP
CROMWELL, CT
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH, 2008 from 10am to 12pm
 
We all get busy with our lives and it is nice sometimes to step back and give back to the community. 
So, COME ON over to Cromwell, CT!!!   On Saturday, October 4th it is time to get your feet wet, your hands dirty, and make the rivers cleaner.  Individuals, clubs, troops, students and businesses are going to help clean up the Connecticut River and it's tributaries. It is only for two hours, but imagine the impact we could have.  The Source to Sea Cleanup is a … (5 comments)

HOW DO YOU PRESENT YOURSELF??? - 09/21/08 09:40 AM
In business, appearance is the first impression people see when you meet them for the first time.  In real estate our first impression might not be our actual appearance, but our business cards.  How does yours stand up?

Is yours just like everyone else's, or does it stand out?  We have so many decisions, but what is the best? It is all personal choice.
Did you take the time to create one, or just go with a basic (get the job done) type of card?
Business cards are our front line with the public.. what does your say about you?
Does … (18 comments)

MY CAIRN TERRIER...RUSTY - 09/20/08 07:20 PM
In ActiveRain when you blog and comment about different issues you get to know other members.. Which at this point, if you have been a member for a while, this isn't anything new.  But it has been brought to my attention that we also need to blog about our extended families.. our pets.
Teresa Harris blogged about her Westie, Scooter Boo earlier this week, and I mentioned to her that I had a Cairn Terrier; which is the cousin to the Westie.  I told her about how I got him, and she said I needed to blog about it, to make people … (36 comments)

HOW FAR WILL YOU GO TO HELP CLIENTS... ONCE THE CLOSING IS OVER???? - 09/19/08 07:20 PM
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 … (16 comments)

HOMEMADE GERMAN APPLE CAKE - 09/17/08 08:10 AM
This day seems like it is a day to blog out things outside real estate.  I was "Friendship Ball" tagged, so now I thought I would blog about a recipe, and keep the day light... for a change.
 Being this is "apple" season, I thought I would share this recipe.  This recipe was given to me from my grandmother.. I've made it every year, and have tweaked it a little to enhance the flavor so the whole family now loves it.  Yes, this is the same grandmother that gave me the German Donut recipe.  Enjoy.
 German Apple Cake
 
3 Cups … (45 comments)

CLIENT APPRECIATION DAY - 09/15/08 06:12 PM
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 … (12 comments)

TIME TO INTERVIEW A REALTOR - 09/15/08 09:47 AM
Yesterday I was out having brunch with my son, when I heard a couple behind me in the restaurant talking about their realtor and the bad experience they had buying their new home.  I ignored it until I heard the phrase "Realtors are just like doctors, and attorneys.. they don't care, they are just in it for the money".  At this point I could not sit there without saying something.
I turned around and introduced myself to this couple.  I also mentioned that I was sorry to hear they had a bad experience with buying their home.  Then I asked them … (75 comments)

Portland Brownstone Festival - 09/13/08 07:23 AM
I was going through Portland, CT yesterday afternoon on the way to showing a home, when I went through the center of town to see a banner going across the street.  Guess what time it is?  It is the annual "Portland Brownstone (for the brownstone buildings in town) Festival".  I believe it to be the 4th annual.  This is when the town celebrates all the people who reside in it and the town itself.  It is being held on the green at Trinity Church, the Riverfront Park and other buildings in town, this Saturday, September 13th, today!.  There will be a … (4 comments)

YO-YO GAS PRICES..... IS THERE AN END IN SIGHT - 09/12/08 02:25 PM
The other day, I was so happy to read that the price of a barrel of gas was at $100.87.  With this, I'm thinking that soon we will see prices going down, if only by 5 cents a gallon... but NO.  The with pending hurricane to hit Texas, the prices of gas have not gone down, but have gone up by .10c a gallon here in Cromwell, CT.  I'm hoping this will only be for a day or two, but who knows?  Is anyone else seeing this happen in your area?

Info about the author:
Valerie Osterhoudt is a … (34 comments)

Titanic Exhibition - 09/12/08 02:01 PM
  TITANTIC EXHIBITION

 Looking for something to do this weekend since it is supposed to be raining and cool this weekend.  Yes, pools and beaches might be out of the question.  But there is an exhibit at the LX Center (used to be Civic Center) in Hartford, CT that might be of interest.  The Titanic Exhibition is there, and in it's final weeks.  If you ever wanted to know more, and see actual artifacts that were retrieved for this luxury liner?  Now is your chance.  The exhibit is open Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday from 10:00am to … (9 comments)

ANNUAL TASTE OF CROMWELL.. FAST APPROACHING AGAIN. - 09/11/08 04:52 PM
TASTE OF CROMWELL
Friday September 26th, from 7 to 9:30pm at the Holy Apostles College

The annual taste of Cromwell, Ct is fast approaching again.  Everyone who has gone to this in the past has had a good time.  From the sign above, there will be a wine tasting.  Liquor World is supplying the wine, and at present there will be 12 to 15 vendors.  Area restaurants will be catering the food.  Right now 15 restaurants are partaking in this event.  Mr. Cigar will be selling cigars and you are welcome to smoke them outside under the tent.  Tickets are … (2 comments)

APPLE FEST AT STEW LEONARDS - 09/11/08 12:10 PM
STEW LEONARDS, NEWINGTON CT

APPLE FEST COOKING CLASS
In the Northeast this is the time of year for harvesting... and there is nothing better than a Farmer's Market to get these fresh items.  If you are looking for your children to learn more about apple, and to make some great creations, you need to go to Stew Leonards either Friday, September 19 or Friday, September 26th.  From 6 to 8pm children from the age of 7 to 12 years will sample 6 different varieties of apples.. then they will have the opportunity to make apple sauce, apple pancakes, homemade butter, … (16 comments)

A SPECIAL THANK YOU - 09/10/08 07:53 AM
Here in ActiveRain, we talk about our real estate ventures, pros and cons.  We mention what *we* can do to make your real estate transaction better and how *we* are better than our competitor.
This blog is not about that.  This blog is a " SPECIAL THANK YOU" going out to Debi Ernest for the help I received from her yesterday.  I was trying to add my signature to my blogs/emails, but to no avail.  She mentioned it was easy to do, so I figured why not.  I spent hours working on it, but it just wasn't working.  So I contacted Debi … (8 comments)

IT'S SEPTEMBER AND MEAN ONLY ONE THING..... - 09/09/08 06:35 PM
Yes, it is September and this can mean only one thing.. ok, maybe two... The first, yes, children go back to school, but more importantly it is apple picking season.  You must know where I am leading with this.  It is time to go to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT

 LYMAN ORCHARD'S
Located at the Junction of Routes 147 & 157
Middlefield, CT
I went this past weekend just to pick a few apples with my son Jakob.. you know, enough to get through a week.  My favorites are the Cortland.  Well, in 15 minutes we picked 18 pounds of apples.. … (6 comments)

SHOW YOUR REAL ESTATE SIGN.. be proud - 09/09/08 01:48 PM
Recently I had clients that were looking for their first home together.  I was working with them for about 3 months, and had shown them easily 26 homes.. with no luck.  They were focusing their attention on homes in Cromwell, CT and the surrounding area.   Then one afternoon a new listing came up in Cromwell and I thought of them immediately and sent it to them.  They wanted to see it and we were there viewing the home in less than 24 hours once it hit the MLS. 
They loved the home, we made an offer and it was accepted.  They … (24 comments)

"WELCOME TO CROMWELL" CT BEST FOOT FORWARD - 09/08/08 11:43 AM
Living in Cromwell, CT and selling real estate, I've seen a lot of changes in this town.  Once again this town is putting it's best foot forward in showing one of many things it has to offer people coming to town.  We are strategically placeing new "Welcome to Cromwell" signs on every road that enters/leaves the town.

When you come to the Cromwell Riverport Festival, or any other time you come to Cromwell, you should check it out and see what it has to offer.
 
 
 


Info on author:
Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR is a Cromwell … (5 comments)

CROMWELL RIVERPORT FESTIVAL 2008 - 09/08/08 11:09 AM
CROMWELL CONNECTICUT RIVERPORT FESTIVAL 2008

 
The 13rd annual Riverport Festival in Cromwell, CT is being held for 3 days, Thursday, September 18th through Saturday September 20th.
This has always been alot of fun... there are carnival rides for the children, stage performances, food vendors, arts and crafts and much more. 
This is a great time to come and meet people, get together with friends, and spend the day with your family.  Maybe I'll even see you there.
My office at Johnson Real Estate is right around the corner... so don't be shy, stop by and say hello.
 
 
Info … (4 comments)

PURCHASE AND SALES AGREEMENTS - IS ONE FORM BETTER THAN ANOTHER??? - 09/06/08 06:13 PM
As most of you know, I sell real estate in and around Cromwell, CT; which is located in the middle of the state.
In this state we have 9 different real estate boards.  This means there are 9 different Purchase and Sales Agreements that can be used to write up an offer for a property.  CAR, Connecticut Association of Realtors, also has a Purchase and Sales Agreement form.  This makes 10 in all of this form that one can use, and all have been written by real estate attorneys.
I used to use the form from the New Haven Board of … (16 comments)

SITTING IN FRONT OF A COMPUTER.. IS THIS HOW YOU MAKE YOUR MONEY? - 09/05/08 10:26 PM
This is going to be a survey... I'm looking for your thoughts on this topic.
As a realtor, my job (part of it anyway) is to show people real estate.  Which means that there are times that I am out of the office all day, and am not in front of a computer.  To schedule showings, to see what properties are available, and of course to stay current with ActiveRain, I am on a computer (not necessarily during normal working hours).  But my job is NOT to be behind a desk all day.
I had a closing last week here in Cromwell … (112 comments)

BOTTLE DRIVE IS ON AGAIN THIS MONTH IN CROMWELL CT - 09/05/08 08:26 PM
BOY SCOUT BOTTLE DRIVE, CROMWELL CT (edit/delete)

MONTHLY BOTTLE DRIVE
SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2008
 
 
Tomorrow, Saturday, September 6th is the first bottle drive of the school season.  Once again I am asking everyone to please come and bring all of your redeemable bottles.  Then go to your neighbors to get theirs.  The Boy scouts of Cromwell CT needs lots of bottles to keep them busy. Please pass the word along to your friends and family. This is Pack #36's primary source of funding for activities and badges. My son Kyle might even be there to help out.  Your time, and can/bottle contributions are … (4 comments)

AGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTERS.. IS IT REALLY EFFICIENT? - 09/04/08 02:29 PM
Computers verses verbal communication... which do you think is more efficient?
We are in the age of technology, but I wonder if it is really efficient?  I am presently working with a real estate company in Connecticut that I have never worked with before.  They do things differently, and maybe this is office procedure, or maybe I'm just not up with the times.  This company does everything on computers..emails, faxes, etc.  Never do they call.  This is fine, if a Realtor is around a computer or has email on their phone... which is a great assumption by this company.  If they … (4 comments)

WARNING FOR PEOPLE TALKING ON CELL PHONES - 09/03/08 07:06 PM
I just want to take a moment to let everyone (primarily in the state of Connecticut) that if you don't have an earpiece for your cell phone.. don't talk and drive at the same time.  I hear the police are really clamping down on this.  As you know it is illegal talk on them and drive at the same time here in Connecticut.  I'm not sure what other states are affected by this.
I was pulling out of my Cromwell office this afternoon, and there were 10 cars that were stuck behind a school bus going by me.  Out of the … (35 comments)

ACTIVITIES AFTER LABOR DAY - 09/02/08 11:36 AM
Ledyard Fair Grounds
63rd Annual Fair
Route 117 Ledyard, CT
Now that Labor Day is over, and the kids are back to school, you are probably thinking all summer events are over.  Nope, not yet.  Ledyard is having their 63rd annual fair this coming weekend Septemer 5th through September 7.  Times are listed below.  Be sure to check out the Petting Zoo, Pig Races/Hot Dog Races on Saturday and Sunday and the Farmer's Market all weekend. If you enjoy history, you can visit the old one-room school house that is behind the main stage friends from the Ledyard Historical Society will … (4 comments)

STILL GOING STRONG.. MILESTONE - 09/01/08 02:42 PM
I have been a member of ActiveRain for not quit a year yet.  Never did I realize how much and how addicted I would become to this site. 
Yes, it was brought to my attention that I have done over 200 blogs.. and they were right.  Also, with all this blogging and commenting, I've moved up to number 10 in the state of Connecticut.  I've tried to inform and have some fun too.
I have never had a feature post, but I have had 3 clients come out of ActiveRain since I began to blog.  I don't think anyone would complain … (26 comments)