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Laguna Niguel, CA Real Estate News

By Nancy & Heather Cloward
(Surterre Properties)
Marina Hills Homes For Sale  Palacio Homes For Sale      Marina Hills Market Update for 01/01/09 - 4/30/09 Status Address Plan BR/BA SQFT Lot Size Price Closed               Marina Hills Palacio             Backup Offers 4 Nicosia 4 5/4 3,580 14,475 $1,300,000   Active  3 Phaedra 4 5/4 3,500 12,000 $1,395,000                       Now for a quick look at some Marina Hills Stats using the MLS Data. In Marina Hills there is currently 15 “Active Listings” out of the 15 “Active Listings”, 4 of them are considered distressed properties. A distressed property would be a short sale (selling for less than what is owed) or a Bank Owned Property. In Marina Hills currently there are no Bank Owned Properties, but there are 4 Short Sales on the market. Since Jan 1st 8 properties in Marina Hills have...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
ALISO VIEJO On May 13th the Army Corps of Engineers will be presenting a superfund project for construction on Aliso Creek at City Hall in Laguna Niguel.  COTO DE CAZA & THE CANYONS Tomorrow from 10am-3pm, Father James Smith of St. Michael's Abbey will be on hand for the annual Blessing of the Bikes at Cook's Corner. For more information, please visit www.cookscorners.com DANA POINT Today, the Relay for Life was held in Lantern Bay Park. More than $15,000 was raiserd by 14 teams. LADERA RANCH Host families are needed to partner with World Heritage, a local nonprofit, to host high school students from abroad.  For more information, please call 949-310-5612. LAGUNA BEACH Today the Nature of Wildworks held an animal presentation at the Nix Nature Center. LAGUNA HILLS The city is now offer...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
ANAHEIM Nothing to report. BREA On May 7th, the Brea Family Resource Center will host a workshop titled "Renter's Rights and Responsibilities." For more information, please call 714-990-7150. BUENA PARK On Tuesday at 6pm, City Council will hold a study session in which they will discuss adopting a policy for recognition of individuals as Distinguished Brea Athletes.  The session takes place on the third floor at City Hall. CYPRESS On May 4, 11 and 18th att the Cypress Senior Center, free blood pressure screenings will be available on a walk-in basis from 10-11:30am. FULLERTON BIGnew.com will be the service delivering the city's Parks and Recreation newsletter in the next couple of weeks.  For more information, please call 714-738-6584. GARDEN GROVE On May 9th, Kristie's Place and Wishl...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Michael Caruso, president of the Orange County Association of Realtors, was among the approximately 30,000 Realtors who attended the National Association of Realtors' annual conference and expo held in November in New Orleans. In addition to adding to their professional education and meeting with colleagues from across the United States and more than 45 countries, attendees joined in a wide range of activities designated to help in the reconstruction of New Orleans and the wider Gulf Coast area stricken by Hurricane Katrina. During the meetings, Realtors attended seminars on the economy, public policy, equal opportunity and diversity, land use and property rights, the environment, international real estate and housing opportunities.  Attendees had the opportunity to participate in hundr...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Here's an article written back in 2007 that I came across today...It's amazing to compare 2007 to 2009...   President of OC Association of Realtors looks ahead By Lois Evezich, Staff Writer, Orange County Register    Michael Caruso, president of the Orange County Association of Realtors, has sold real estate in both Florida and California for 20  years, and for 13 years has been a licensed broker.  His job as president of the association keeps him busy 15 to 30 hours a week, and he chairs the monthly board of director meetings as well as sitting on 18 committees.   Q: What is the purpose of the Orange County Association of Realtors? A: We provide members the technology, education and resources needed to successfully and ethically represent their clients in today's ever-changing real est...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Mike Sullivan Band                               June 19th                      6:30-8:30pm Kid and Nic Show                                July 4th                         6:00-8:00pm The Answer                                          July 17th                       6:30-8:30pm Chico                                                   July 31st                        6:30-8:30pm Bella Donna                                          August 14th                   6:30-8:30pm Tommy Tassi and the Authentics           August 28th                   6:30-8:30pm       And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors            (949) 753-7900
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Housemaster, a home inspection franchisor, reports there are abundant opportunities for qualified homebuyers in the current real estate market - triggered by a 28% rise in foreclosure activity from last year. While President Obama's $75 billion loan modification and refinancing Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan will help as many as 4 million struggling homeowners, it won't save everyone from foreclosure resulting in prime deals for qualified homebuyers.  There are many great deals to be had in the current environment, it is important to note that proper preparation is key to successfully navigating the foreclosure market. Working through the intricate foreclosure market will be less difficult for consumers that properly prepare for the process. While lower asking prices draw p...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  Believe it or not there are a lot more uses for lemons other than in the kitchen or lemonade, the gift for its' many uses is in the natural acid found in the fruit. Here are a few... •1)      Antiseptic/Deodorizer: Lemon juice is a great choice for deodorizing counter, cutting boards, etc. The acid in lemon juice kills mold, bacteria and germs. (Be careful of granite or high end counters, as the juice could dull these surfaces). •2)      Microwave Cleaner: Put a couple of slices in a cup of water and boil.  Use a damp cloth to wipe down; the lemon soaked steam will help you cut through the grease. •3)      Metal Cleaner: An acid like lemon juice works wonders for cleaning metals such as chrome, copper and brass. Mix lemon juice with salt for a bit of an abrasive. And thank you for mak...
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Looking for something new and different to spice up your living space? Perhaps by adding a multiuse "conversation piece", there will initiate a lively discussion at your next cocktail party. Here is a possible solution, California based Motorart is transforming furniture and using the most usual supplies...junk aircraft. The company buys up everything from World War II plane parts, fighter jets and even modern jet parts. They then transform them into furniture. Anything from desks, tables, couches, chairs, etc. It is referred to as "Industrial Chic". Furniture this year is flaunting their rivets, welds and mechanical origins. So I guess the old saying still rings true. One man junk is another mans treasure (or maybe in this case his coffee table). And thank you for making me Your Orang...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
A resolution was adopted this week, by the Air Resources Board, requiring all auto repair shops to check the tire pressure every time drivers bring their vehicle in for repair or smog tests.  According to board members, mandating properly inflated tires will reduce fuel consumption saving 75 million gallons of gasoline each year state wide. In additional, this will reduce green house emissions, hopefully making the air we breath just a bit cleaner. And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors            (949) 753-7900
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Is there a rainy day in your personal job forecast? That wouldn't be surprising - not with unemployment rates in double digits in several states, 8.2 percent nationwide and widely expected to hit 10 percent or higher by next year. So with all this uncertainty, who can think of buying a home??? Washington based The Rainy Day Foundation is now offering job-loss protection coverage and homebuyer financial counseling through approximately 100 builders and lenders across the country, plus two large real estate brokerages, according to CEO Rick Del Sontro Here's how the Rainy Day plan works: Consumers purchasing homes through a participating builder, lender or realty agency can qualify for up to six months of mortgage payments - capped at $1,800 per month in some versions and $2,500 in other...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  Earlier this month, the California Association of Realtors launched a new program, which will provide peace of mind to first-time buyers who may be hesitant to enter the housing market.   Now, through the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program, first-time homebuyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500/month for up to six months to help make mortgage payments. Co-buyers may also apply for an up to $750/month benefit. Additional benefits available include accidental disability and $10,000 death benefit.   Qualifications include:   *Applicant must not have owned a home in the last three years *Escrow must be opened 4/2/09 and close on or before 12/31/09 *Applicants must use a California Realtor® in the transaction *Property mu...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  In San Juan Capistrano, four homes are currently being built with solar panels in order to be powered by the sun.  These for homes are only a few of the first 1 million to be built by the year 2018, as part of the Million Solar Roofs law. Some highlights of this law include: Mandating that solar panels become a standard option for all new homebuyers, enabling new home buyers to choose to add solar panels to their new home while it is being constructed. The bill also directs the California Energy Commission to determine if and when solar power should be mandated on new construction as a standard, non-optional feature. What do you think about the government stepping in to make solar panels a "standard option for all new homebuyers?" Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estat...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  With temps reaching over one hundred degrees this past week, some Orange County residents are thinking that summer weather will come early. Unfortunately, the temperatures fell several degrees mid-week, much to the dismay of many folks. ...But don't fret, the first day of Summer, which arrives June 21st is coming soon!    Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors            (949) 753-7900
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Airtight Drywall Approach (ADA) A building construction technique used to create a continuous air retarder that uses the drywall, gaskets, and caulking. Gaskets are used rather than caulking to seal the drywall at the top and bottom. Although it is an effective energy-saving technique, it was designed to keep airborne moisture from damaging insulation and building materials within the wall cavity.   Grid-Connected System Independent power systems that are connected to an electricity transmission and distribution system (referred to as the electricity grid) such that the systems can draw on the grid's reserve capacity in times of need, and feed electricity back into the grid during times of excess production.   Reflective Coatings Materials with various qualities that are applied to gla...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  Per request of fellow AR bloggers Ray and Elaine Fisher, I'm passing along this very important link:   Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3  It's free and YOU can help animals in need with the click of your mouse! This site is a great way to help animals in need...Please pass this along to those you know!   And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors            (949) 753-7900
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By Tim Lorenz, 949 874-2247
(TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team)
Positive news in the The Orange County Register today indicates that Orange County, CA is again showing an increase in sales volume 43.6% from the past year.  Also the median price has increased $15,000 in the last month.  All good news.  If you are a first time buyer or your are an individual looking to purchase a home or an investment it is a great time.  Interest rates are down and the property prices are down. However, if you own a home the values continue to drop.  Resale prices on a single family home have dropped 24.3% and foreclosures are up 22.5%.  So the bleeding has not stopped on the value of the property you currently own.  Thus the bad news. If you find yourself in a bad situation and are not sure what to do contact me and I will see if I can help you.
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The median home price in Southern California has been stable for three straight months while sales have been increasing, a real estate tracking firm said Wednesday. The figures, showing that the median price in the six-county region has remained at $250,000 from January through March, indicate "the market may be exploring price floor levels," MDA DataQuick said in its report. The firm also said sales increased 52 percent last month to 19,486 from 12,808 in March 2008, led by low-cost foreclosure deals in inland neighborhoods. Last month was the ninth straight month with a year-over-year sales increase. "Sales are picking up. We're starting to see that home prices are flattening," said Delores Conway, director of the Casden Forecast at the University of Southern California Lusk Center f...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
With the hot summer month's right around the corner, many of us will be cranking up the air conditioning to fight the heat; however doing so can be very expensive. Here are a few tips to help slash your bill and help you save some money.  Keep A/C Filters and Coils Clean - Dirty air filters can reduce airflow, clean the condenser coil every two years and change filters monthly.  Use your ceiling fans instead of A/C.   Upgrade your windows. Replacing your single-pane windows with double pan windows can potentially  save you 47% on your bill.  Unplug the old fridge in the garage. Refrigerators built in 1993 uses twice as much energy as newer models. And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 ...
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By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Water is an essential part of life. There are many uses. Growing food, keeping clean, hydrates our bodies etc. Water is constantly being cleaned and recycled through the earth's water cycle. However we use the planet's fresh water supply faster than it can be replenished. This being said it is important to conserve, for the earth, for your family and for the environment. A few water saving tips... 1) Take shorter showers. 2) Turn off the water when brushing you teeth. 3) Water your plants every 2-3 days. 4) Fix leaky faucets and/or toilets. And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors            (949) 753-7900
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