CROMWELL DOG PARK When you are thinking about moving to a new area, what are some of the things you look for?  Some might say good school systems, a bedroom community, shopping close by and/or a safe environment.  My question is how many of you think about whether the town you want to move to has a dog park?  After all our dogs ARE family members, so why not think of their needs. With this, I thought you would like to know that Cromwell, CT is getting a dog park.  HOORAY!!  Would you like to get involved?  Monthly meetings every third Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the Town Hall, room 219. It is in the planning stage at the moment.  But the sight has been chosen, it is just a matter of funding and plans.  It will be located at Hoffman Farm off Coles Road and Evergreen Road in Cromwell... 06/17/2010

To everyone reading this blog, I wish you a Happy Memorial Day.  Please remember all that are, and/or have served this country. The annual Memorial Day Parade in Cromwell, CT starts at 6pm TODAY, May 30th.  You will want to get there early for good seating.  The parade will commence at St. John's Church on West Street, and head East on Route 372.  When it makes it's way to Main Street, it will continue North to New Lane.  There is will make it's way back to St. John's Church.   This is a great event for young and old.. when was the last time you had candy thrown to you while watching a parade?  ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE I'D LIKE TO TAKE THIS MOMENT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO IS READING THIS WHO HAS SERVED THIS COUNTRY.  I WOULD NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT I DO WITHOUT ALL YOU'D DONE. TH... 05/30/2010

The real estate market has changed in the last few years, and for most of us we see this on a daily basis... and there is no going back to the things were before.   These changes have shown us where people are loosing their jobs, have lost homes and have had to file for bankruptcy because these situations.  There are people living in tents, shelters and on the streets.  Most of these individuals had good jobs and homes, but have fallen on tough times.  No one likes living in these conditions and they are trying to get themselves out of this situation.   Not many people are willing to work with individuals that are in these circumstances, but I have a client that is an exception to this rule. She has a two bedroom condo for rent in Cromwell CT, and is willing to work on a case by case ba... 05/16/2010

 TAG SALE BOY SCOUT TROOP #26 SATURDAY, MAY 8TH, 2010  FROM 8AM TO NOON The Boys Scout Troop 26 of Cromwell CT will be having a tag sale this Saturday, May 8th, 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. If you recall, last week Cromwell Hills, in Cromwell CT had a complex tag sale.  If you didn't have the opportunity to go to this, and wish you could see what you have missed.. NOW IS YOUR CHANCE.  Items that were not sold, were donated to the scouts for their tag sale tomorrow.  Personally, I donated 3 pairs of softly used hockey skates, and at least 30 dvds.  Has this caught your attention?  Yo... 05/07/2010

  We all get wrapped up in our lifes, that we might forget that this Sunday is Mother's Day.  The town of Cromwell CT hasn't forgotten.  The local fire departments on West Street (near Main Street) and on Court Street (near Geer Street) are selling flowers for this special occassion. So come on by Thursday and Friday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and again on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 8:00pm.  The flowers are coming in from our local supplier, Cromwell Growers.  There will be Mums, Lillies, and an assortment of other flowers as well.  Now if you are looking for plants, guess what, they will be there too. You now have no excuse to forget your mom.. stop by on the way to her house.. she'll appreciate it.  Oh, by the way, did I mention that Lilacs are my favorite flower?  Hint. MOTHERS' D... 05/07/2010

FUNDRAISER SENIOR CLASS OF 2010CROMWELL, CT   Being a parent and concern for our children (no matter what age), I want to take a moment to inform you of a fundraiser going on this coming Friday, May 7th from 10:30pm to closing and again on Saturday, May 8th from 11:00 to closing at the two local McDonald's here in Cromwell, CT.  The senior class of 2010 in Cromwell CT, is looking to have a safe graduation in June.  Every year they have a all-night party.  To make this happen they are looking to raise money.  The two McDonald's here in Cromwell CT which are located at either 30 Shunpike Road, or 125 Berlin Road will be sponsoring this fundraiser.  A generous portion of the proceeds from the sale of all French Fries (my favorite food at McDonald's) will be donated to help fund this years ... 05/06/2010

In our real estate officewe have a unique group of people working there.  Today we are going out to celebrate Cinco De Mayo... care to join us? Wonder what makes our office unique?  My broker's birthday is on 1/11, mine is on 2/2 and another associates birthday is today (main reason for celebrating) 5/5.  Is this coincidence.. or a prerequisite?  Only my broker knows.  So if you are a realtor looking to work for Johnson Real Estate in Cromwell CT, make sure your birthday month and date are the same... you might just have an in.  LOL. HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO If you are looking to purchase or sell real estate in the Cromwell, CT area.. I hope you will contact us... we are an independent company.. and happy family... especially after celebrating tonight.  LOL. FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ... 05/05/2010

The Cromwell CT Baseball Booster Club (never knew we had a booster club) is having a fundraiser this coming Saturday at Pierson Park in Cromwell CT.  This event is to support Cromwell High School's Baseball. GRINDER SALE These grinders are being sold at the **Shed** at Pierson Park from 11:30am until 3:00pm.  All steak grinders come with onions, cheese and peppers.  This along with chips and soda will only set you back a mear $10.00.  So bring your family down to Pierson Park this Saturday.. and while the children play, you can enjoy a steak grinder.  No need to worry about cleaning up afterwards.. just throw everything away in the garbage near the shed. Have a sweet tooth, or looking for a dessert after having your grinder?  Did I mention there is a bake sale going on at the same time?... 04/22/2010

Showing Instructions in MLS.. they ARE there for a reason.  We have all heard it is a buyers market.. but to what extent?  I have a property on the market that *NEEDS* 24 hour notice.. and it is stipulated on the MLS under showing instruction. You are probably wondering why?  That if it is a buyers market why aren't the sellers being more flexible?  After all don't they want to sell their home?  The market is flooded, and they should do whatever it takes to bring in an offer.  I've heard all these comments.. but there is a reason for this notice.  My client works at a hospital on the third shift.. 11:00pm to 7:00am.  She comes home, her husband goes to work, and she puts her son on the bus before she goes to bed.  Now there are times she has to pull a double, which makes showing her ho... 04/20/2010

I know the rains have ended here in CT.. at least for a while.  I thought I would share these pictures as a reminder as to how much rain we truly got in such a short period of time. Cromwell CT Boat Landing BEFORE the rain Cromwell CT boat landing AFTER the rain   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.Cromwellrealestate.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're... 04/15/2010

Open houses.. are they worthwhile doing any more? This seems to be a standard question on must sellers minds lately. Most realtors generally speaking, think they are not.  However, I would like to comment on this and say I feel differently about this.. NOW.  I, too, always thought that they are a waste of time.  Most potential buyers can see the home of interest on the internet now.  Where years ago, this was not available, and open houses were the only change one had to view the property without your agent being there.. if you wished. Over the years I've done quite a few open houses, but it wasn't until recently (within the last 3 months) that I have seen things change. As of late, I am finding that when I hold an open house, that there is a new breed of people coming to them.  No, not... 04/11/2010

All I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny!   Don't put all your eggs in one basket.    Everyone needs a friend who is all ears. All work and no play can make you a basket case.    Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day. Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.  To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell. Happy Easter!   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.Cromwellrealestate.com for all your relocation ... 04/03/2010

 2 DAYS AGO Water is beginning to come over the River Road in Cromwell CT            YESTERDAY You can see the yellow line still in the middle of the road, but the guard rails are now under water.         TODAY As you can see the water level is now complete over the road.. and into *waterfront* property.  LOL.  Only good for the ducks at the moment.       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.Cromwellrealestate.com for all your rel... 04/02/2010

I am very happy and thankful this Thrusday that the rain has ended (for now) in Cromwell CT... Cromwell Landing, a park right by the Connecticut River in Cromwell CT.. has had it's fill of water.. to say the least   BEFORE                         Nice and green and a quiet place to be.       Sit on the bench and watch the river                       Have lunch and enjoy the view     AFTER     Off in the distance where the tree line is, right behind that is where the Connecticut River SHOULD BE.   Let's hope this all dries up soon...   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, wh... 04/01/2010

Good morning everyone.  Just waking up thinking it is a gorgeous day, but not sure where to go for breakfast? I happen to be out early and came across an advertisement and I thought I would pass it along. This morning from 8:00 am to noon, the Lions Club in Cromwell CT is sponsoring a pancake breakfast at the Cromwell Fire Department on Coles Road.  They have events here from time to time and they have never been disappointing. This would be a good opportunity to see your neighbors, and have some coffee before you go on your way.  The best part is that (if you have children) you don't have to clean up afterwards.. no dishes. I do not have the particulars as far as price (not on the sign) but I am sure it will be reasonable.  Maybe I will even see you there.   FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON... 03/28/2010

Hello, my name is Valerie Osterhoudt and I am a Realtor for Johnson Real Estate, Inc. in the Middlesex and Hartford counties of Connecticut.  Today is Monday, March 15th, and this is a reminder, that if you are a buyer looking to purchase your first property or a seller looking to move into a new home, you only have 44 more days to have a signed contract in hand, in order to accomplish this main step to receive the tax credit of either $6,500 or $8,000.  This signed contract needs to be in your hand for your new home by the deadline  of April 30th, 2010.. and even though you think you have a lot of time, this  IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.  It takes time to find the right property, and  the longer you wait the less time you have to make this important decision At this point and time, inter... 03/15/2010

While it is cold outside and snowing (a little) not as much as was predicted... AGAIN.  They never get it right.  Hope this flame finds you warm.  My friend, Ross Powell of Cromwell, CT  took this picture, and then put it mirror image... amazing what appeared.   Any questions, or thoughts you can also contact Ross Powell at rosspowell@mac.com he'd be more than happy to 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.Cromwellreales... 02/10/2010

It seems that people either love or hate Walmart, but this blog is not to defend or oppose their hiring or sales practices, but it is about Walmart coming to my rescue, and saving my day, or in this case my night yesterday.  Yesterday I got a call from one of my Borrowers that I had just Pre-Approved and who had submitted an offer on a house.  His offer was accepted, and he wanted to lock in the interest rate and not take a chance on it going up this morning.  It was about 5:00 pm and I was out and away from my computer, so I told him that I would take care of it as soon as I could get back to my computer.  I arrived home at about 7:00 pm and the first thing I did was to flip open my laptop with the intention to lock the rate for my Borrower.  Well that was the plan, but my router had o... 01/11/2010

There are a lot of people that like the change of seasons, but don't enjoy snow.  It seems this year Cromwell, Connecticut isn't getting that much.... again.  Yesterday, Friday, we had a snow fall and as you can see it wasn't much... *maybe* an inch. ... most were happy with this.. I wasn't.  It wasn't even an inch of snow.  Whatever happened to the days when we used to get snow before Thanksgiving... and always had a white Christmas? Looks like I should be moving further north.. say to New Hampshire, right Steve Loynd? In the mean time, if you are looking for the change of seasons, not too much in the way of snow and being centrally located in a state, Cromwell CT is where you need to look.  With gas prices going up (but that is a whole other blog) you don't have to worry about commuti... 01/09/2010

My name is Valerie Osterhoudt, and I am a realtor for Johnson Real Estate, in Cromwell, CT.  It came to my attention in the last week that many renters that wish to buy a home next year, 2011 are looking to save their money in order to do so.  This makes sense, if you can save *at least* $20,000 over and above what you are currently paying for rent. If you are paying, modestly $1,000 for rent each month.. this would mean you would have to save an additional $1,000 to match your rent and save it for a down payment. That is $2,000 a month you would need to come up with.. mortgages are less than this in some cases.  Now with the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers and $6,500 for present owners to move.. You are looking at $20,000 dollars.  The bad news is the $8,000 tax credit won... 12/26/2009