Special offer

Laguna Niguel, CA Real Estate News

By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Earth Day is Wednesday April 22. This is the one day of the year that perhaps we can all be conscientious of the earth and the environment around us.  Here are a few more easy tips you can do to help contribute to a better Earth.  •1)      E-mail companies that send you junk mail and ask to stop. •2)      Cut old towels into washcloths or rags. •3)      Buy produce from local growers •4)      Switch to non-toxic cleaning formulas •5)      Recycle whenever possible 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
Comments 1
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
The CLUE Personal Property report provides a seven year history of losses associated with an individual and his/her personal property. The following data will be identified for each loss: date of loss, loss type, and amount paid along with general information such as policy number, claim number and insurance company name. Providing information to a potential buyer makes the home you are selling more attractive, and is to your advantage. More and more homebuyers are requiring home sellers to provide a CLUE report as a contingency to a purchase offer. By ordering the report at the time of listing, the smart seller and his/her agent are ready for the first potential buyer to walk in the door. At the same time, a potential buyer will achieve a greater comfort level when making an offer on ...
Comments 1
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  COSTA MESA Volunteers are currently being sought out for a wetlands restoration and planning event at the Orange Coast River Park and Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservatory.  For more information, please call Emily Beck at 714-393-5976. FOUNTAIN VALLEY Wednesday at 7pm, Flights of Fantasy Story Theatre will perform at Fountain Valley Branch Library.  The event is free. For more information, please call 714-962-1324. HUNTINGTON BEACH Volunteers are being sought by the Silver Anchor Auxiliary of Huntington Beach Hospital to work in the gift show and visitor's desk at the hospital.  For more information, please call 714-843-5000. IRVINE Nothing to report. LOS ALAMITOS World Heritage is currently seeking families to host foreign exchange students for the 2009-2010 school year.  For more ...
Comments 1
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
ALISO VIEJO On April 25th CR&R is offering a free compost giveaway for Aliso Viejo residents from 7-10am at the City of San Clemente Utilities, located at 390 Avenida Pico. COTO DE CAZA & THE CANYONS Nothing to report. DANA POINT The Dana Point Civic Association met today to discuss the upcoming election in May.   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 On April 19th, artist and writer Peter Plagens will discuss the Los Angeles art scene in the 1960s beginning at 1pm.  The discussion will be held at the Laguna Art Museum. For more information, please call 949-494-8971. LAGUNA HILLS Beginning on Tuesday, the city will be offering its ne...
Comments 1
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
ANAHEIM Today, the American Red Cross will hold a "Super CPR Saturday" at Angel Stadium.  CPR classes will be held in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.  For more information, please call (714) 481-5351. 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 An AARP driving class called "55 Alive" will be held from 9-11am on 22nd at the Buena Park Senior Center. For more information, please call 714-236-3870. CYPRESS Tonight, the Cypress Police Department will be conducting a DUI/driver's license checkpoint in honor of Allison Saliture, who was killed in a DUI collision 15 years ago.  The checkpoint will take place at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Vally View ...
Comments 1
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Hello to all my fellow bloggers out there....I'm starting my research today as to how I may expand my presence on Facebook.  What ways can you suggest to develop my presence as a Real Estate Agent using Facebook? Thank you everyone in advance for your thoughtful suggestions...I greatly appreciate it!   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
Comments 1
Today, news released showed California unemployment at 11.2% in March, up from 10.5% the prior month.  It is a given that the real number is much higher because not everyone files for unemployment when they lose their job. The one thing that everyone does know is that California is a highly regulated government with lots of taxes. This should be an example for any current administration supporters that an over regulated government is cause for concern and high unemployment, rather than a promise of better times. Perhaps the loyal supporters of the current federal policy should take a close look at what is going on in California...could they then better understand that more taxes create dis-incentive for success and bogs down small businesses, which create most of the jobs. Give it some...
Comments 0
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  When those of us who live in the OC think of South Coast Plaza, we generally do not think of beautiful gardens. We may think more of upscale shopping and a great Carousel in the middle of the mall where we can treat the kids to a ride.  However, South Coast Plaza will be hosting a four day event, April 23-26th featuring garden designs, celebrating trends from the present, past and future. Parking and admission are free. For more information go to springgardenshow.com 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
Comments 0
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  Newport Beach is hosting is' 10th annual Film Festival this month, featuring films from Sweden, France and Italy, and Australia. While Orange County is not entirely without cultural experiences, this festival encourages you to experience foreign films on the local screen. If you don't mind subtitles come on out and experience a movie or two like no other.  Some of the films featured are 1) April 27th: from Autralia  "Beautiful" . 2) April 28th:  from France "Seraphine"  3) April 28th: from Sweden "Arn"   4) April 29th:  from Italy "II Divo" For more info go to:  newportbeachfilmfest.com 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            (...
Comments 0
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
With recent US government efforts to jumpstart the economy, real estate professionals should be prepared to get back into a market that will include a huge inventory, reduced prices and record-low interest rates. Below are the five latest signs of recovery. 1. Recently, the Wall Street enjoyed the biggest four-week rise with DOW in more than 70 years. (Fortune Magazine, April 2009). 2. Mortgage applications increased by a record amount last week, spurred by the Federal Reserve's announcement that it would purchase mortgage-backed securities, and would be open to making further cuts in prime interest rates. 3. There has already been some positive news in the housing market. Home sales in some of the country's most affected regions have been recovering. According to DQNews.com, Southern ...
Comments 1
By Ann Urias, Your Real Estate Concierge
(Aston Group - Orange County Real Estate)
RE/MAX Homes & Estates Pre-Foreclosure Division 9241 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 150, Irvine, California 92618 (714) 588 -7676 ∙  www.ReMaxAnn.com   If you are in a situation where: •You lost your job •Your Medical Expenses are too high •Just went through/going through a divorce •You are behind on your payments •You have no equity •You can't afford the cost of selling your home •Your income has been reduced •You are in foreclosure   WE CAN HELP YOU! It's easy and doesn't cost you any MONEY! Our services are Free!!!  WHEN THE DEBT EXCEEDS YOUR HOME'S VALUE... we can help is with a SHORT SALE.   Benefits of a Short Sale:   •Avoid Foreclosure •Avoid Bankruptcy •Reduced damage to your credit •Postpone your foreclosure sale date •A short sale will stay on your credit approx 3 years •BE FREE of f...
Comments 0
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  Earth Day is Wednesday April 22. This is the one day of the year that perhaps we can all be conscientious of the earth and the environment around us.  Here are a few easy tips you can do to help contribute to a better Earth.  •1)      Keep you showers down to seven minutes. •2)      Create a garden that can be fertilized with your kitchen compost. •3)      Only run the dishwasher when full. •4)      Ride you bike, carpool or take mass transit •5)      Return your coat hangers to the dry cleaners. 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
Comments 0
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  First time home owners may qualify for a tax credit if they a can answer yes to the following three questions. 1). Are you married and is your modified adjusted gross income less than $150,000?  2). Have you and your spouse had NO home ownership in the past three years?  3). Do you plan to stay in the new home for at least three years?  Even if you have owned a home in the past however, in the most recent three years you may qualify! In this economy it is important to know all opportunities that are out there and help our buyers take advantage whenever possible. It is our responsibility to help buyers understand how it works, what it means to them, and why they've got to "get off the fence" and take advantage of it now. And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Conne...
Comments 0
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Here are some facts about Easter I wanted to share with you... Happy Easter to you all!!       *Decorating and coloring Easter eggs was a popular custom in the middle ages, and the first chocolate eggs are thought to have been made in France and Germany in the early 19th century. *Cadbury first launched a milk chocolate egg in 1905. *Early Christians used red colored eggs to symbolize the Resurrection. *The Easter Bunny's visit is based upon an old German legend.  The legend says that a poor woman decorated eggs for her young children to find during the time of a famine.  At the same moment that they found them, they saw a large bunny hopping away.     And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 2007 P...
Comments 3
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
After a liver transplant nine years ago, fire fighter Brian Hinsley is back at work...and it's all thanks to the organization Donate For Life, who coordinated his receiving a new liver from a donor. Last week, the Salt Creek Grille in Monarch Beach held an event for Donate For Life, inspired by the owner's own experience with organ donation. Pete Truxaw, co-owner of the restaurant organized the event in honor of his nephew, who was the recipient of a new heart twelve years ago.  For the full story and photos, please visit www.ocregister.com   Comments are always welcome. And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
Comments 0
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  If you've lived in Orange County for awhile, chances are you've heard about the annual Mooning the Amtrak which takes place at Mugs Away Saloon in San Juan Capistrano. Last July, problems occurred when over 10,000 people gathered for the annual mooning, due to emergency vehicles being unable to access those in need of medical attention. In addition, some businesses close to the bar closed due to some members of the public being in the advanced stages of undress while celebrating! Although the city has received several complaints, the city has ruled that the celebration will continue, but this year, the city hopes to team with law enforcement officials to control the crowd better. Comments are always welcome. And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best ...
Comments 10
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
  This week the Major League Baseball Season started. There were opening days all over the country, maybe you were at a game or two. To me, baseball feels like a good, basic, national pastime. It is not a fast sport obviously, but it is a game that allows us to enjoy the sport while we socialize with those we are with and slow down a bit. It is a back to basics thing. In these economic times I hope to apply the same philosophy to life in general. Slow down; enjoy who I am with and what I have currently. We all need to ride out these unsure economic times, and maybe this is one way we can do it. While they are not field level seats, most MBL teams offer a Family Value Pack of tickets that make it affordable to go to the ball game. So if baseball is your thing, grab a bag of peanuts and g...
Comments 1
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
While the employment rate is up, and jobs are in demand there are still some out there and head hunters need to fill them. However, recruiting for jobs can be expensive: around $1,000, once you fly the candidate in, put him/her up in a hotel room, provide meals and rent a car. In addition, according the Orange County Register, one cross country flight can emit as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as burning 155 gallons of gas in a passenger car In an effort to combat both of these expenditures an Orange County based executive search firm has developed green recruiting, with interviews taking place via web cam. The company handles everything including providing a web cam if candidates do not have one.  Hats off to this company for being both so financially and ecologically minded!...
Comments 0
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
Winter is over, the weather is warming up and spring in here. Let's open up the windows and clean out our air. If you live in a metropolitan area you may think your inside air is much cleaner than the smog that has built up outside, however there are a number of everyday things we can eliminate to make our inside air cleaner. First and simplest, would be to turn off the air conditioning when possible and breathe fresh air. Also biological contaminates, mold, funguses, viruses and bacteria's can make your air unsanitary. Everyday household products are a huge source of indoor pollution. Paints, varnishes, cleaning solutions, plug-in air fresheners, all release organic compounds into the air that could lead to headaches, dizziness, etc. according to the EPA. So what is the best way to br...
Comments 0
By Michael A. Caruso
(Surterre Properties)
If you were gaining in enthusiasm the past few weeks as a result of a nice 1,300 point surge in the stock market along with some positive comments from economists, you might be a little disappointed with action the past 2 days. Think of the time of the year and logically, there is simply a temporary pull back associated with profit taking. The 1st quarter earning reports will be coming in, and while earnings won't be too bad the comments associated with them will be conservative. This will create a selling fervor that will affect the entire month. Looking forward however, expect brighter things from our economy...BUT people will have to start spending again, because so much of our economy is driven by consumers. Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best re...
Comments 4