Sold  property in the Ocean Ranch community of Laguna Niguel    How did you happen to select me as your agent? You have been a valued friend to our family for many years in addition to knowing your excellent reputation. How would you rate my level of service overall? Excellent! Would you please elaborate regarding your thoughts regarding my level of service? Michael, you exude nothing but professionalism, HARD WORK and were always accessible whenever we needed you.  Furthermore, you were able to get us the highest asking price for a plan 2 in the Ocean Ranch community at a time when the real estate market is suffering. Are there any additional comments you may have? We so appreciate all your hard work in selling our home.  I especially appreciate your attention to detail and your abilit... 01/19/2009

Sold  property in the Ocean Ranch community of Laguna Niguel How did you happen to select me as your agent? From your extensive advertising, observing your successful sales in Ocean Ranch and referrals. How would you rate my level of service overall? Excellent! Would you please elaborate regarding your thoughts regarding my level of service? It started with our initial meeting and evaluation of our home, and continued throughout the process of preparing to go on the market finalizing the sale and smooth escrow.  There was never a problem too big or a question too small for your immediate attention. Your vast resources for service providers saved so much time, but it was your countless hours behind the scene that resulted in our two week sale! Are there any additional comments you may ha... 01/19/2009

Purchased property in Laguna Niguel    How did you happen to select me as your agent? You were recommended to my by my friend Inez W.   How would you rate my level of service overall? Your service was superb!   Would you please elaborate regarding your thoughts regarding my level of service? You were very patient with us over 6 months as we found the right home for our family.  You were always available to speak to and you were never bothered by my phone calls. 01/19/2009

ALISO VIEJO Voulenteers are still needed for a free haircut event at the Village of Hope Homeless center in Tustin.  The event will be staffed in part by the Tribeca Salon.  For more information, please visit tribecahairsalon.com COTO DE CAZA & THE CANYONS Nothing to report. DANA POINT At 6pm on Thursday, the city's Chamber of Commerce will present awards and install the 2009 board of directors at the Doubletree Guest Suites on 34402 Pacific Coast Highway. For more information, please call 949-496-1555. LADERA RANCH Residents are welcome to visit the Covenant Hills Orchard in Ladera Ranch (located at Covenant Hills Drive and Cambridge).  The Orchard contains over 187 trees! LAGUNA BEACH Nothing to report. LAGUNA HILLS Nothing to report. LAGUNA NIGUEL At 11am on January 28th, Mayor Robe... 01/19/2009

Are you looking for a short sale specialist ..... Do you need to pull off a short in Laguna Niguel??? Are you looking to buy a short sale in Laguna Niguel??? Well you have found the specialist that you are looking for.... Most homes for sale in Southern California are typically going to be either a Short Sale, or an REO property. What's a Short Sale? Whats an REO, Bank Owned, Foreclosure? What is your home worth? Your Laguna Niguel Short Sale Specialists Nancy and Heather Cloward are here to help guide you through this stressful time. If you are financially distressed and may be unable to make your payments, want to get out of your mortgate, or are facing foreclosure in Orange County, CONTACT Nancy and Heather Cloward TODAY! DON'T DELAY!   Nancy & Heather ClowardPrudential Clalifornia ... 01/14/2009

I was just informed today by a friend of mine who is moving in the near future, that there is a category on Craigslist called "Free Stuff."  Here, she was able to find 30 free boxes for her move, which will significantly decrease the money she will have to pay to purchase them for her move. Since we as Realtors encounter people moving in and out all the time, either looking to obtain or get rid of boxes, I thought this would be a good piece of information to pass on! Have a great day! 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 01/13/2009

CNN reported today that Hillary Clinton said, "America cannot solve the most pressing problems on our own, and the world cannot solve them without America."   With the current economic situation, I believe the Active Rain community members will have strong opinions on this quote.    For years, people have had different views on this subject, and we'd like to hear from you....   Do we help America or other countries first? What do you think the possible benefits/drawbacks will be of making that decision?   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 01/13/2009

With three non-fatal and one fatal attack since last December, Australian beach-goers are now considering themselves at risk.   While previous statistics showed that surfers/swimmers were more likely to be struck by lightning, four incidents within a less than one month period prove otherwise.   Some locals complain that current Australian governmental laws to protect sharks are to blame for the increase in attacks (which were previously recorded to average one attack per year).   What do you think is best? Preserving laws that protect shark populations in the water or protect swimmers and surfers? 01/13/2009

I read an email today written by a member of the staff at the Ocean Conservatory group.  While many have advice for what important choices they feel Obama should make once he is in office, few have expressed concern with his diet. Activists at the Ocean Conservatory have sent out emails to their subscribers to vote on which recipes they should send to the White House in order to raise awarness of choosing "good fish" from the ocean. The choices include: Florida Pink Shrimp Chinook Salmon Atlantic Haddock Bigeye Tuna Red Snapper Do you think that this is a little too much? We'd love to hear your thoughts. 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 01/13/2009

Orange County residents have reported to have a harder time finding homes for rent that will allow their pets these days.  The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recently suggested creating a resume for their animals when submitting applications to rent: Provide the name, age, personality, size and breed. Including a photo may also be helpful. Give examples of how your pet will be cared for while you are away from home Let the landlord or management company know how you will clean up after your pet and attend to any vaccination or pest-control needs Tell a positive fact/story about your pet that presents them as a good "tenant" Attach letters from past neighbors and or veterinarians that can vouch for the good disposition and medical history of your pet. Do y... 01/10/2009

The federal government has recently labeled the beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet protected under the Endangered Species Act. Although the beluga whales in this location have been part of a ten year recovery program, their species keeps failing to repopulate.  While there are five beluga whale populations in Alaska, the Cook's Inlet population is the only one considered by the federal government to be endangered. The issue, it seems is oil and gas exploration in the Cook Inlet, due to an estimated $1.3 billion dollars worth of energy resources.  Now that the species has been identified as endangered, researchers will now begin the difficult process of identifying how to recover the species in the very near future. With many concerned with the price of gasoline, how should we continue... 01/10/2009

Many people are have set a New Year's resolution to cut back on spending in 2009. Here are some helpful ways to enjoy yourself in the New Year without making a dent in your pocketbook:   Cut back on eating out. Cooking at home is not only a less expensive option, but it is often healthier! When shopping for home-cooked meal supplies, select store brand items rather than name brands. As old-fashioned as it may seem, clip coupons from newspapers and advertisements. Sign up for store club cards as well. Buy in bulk. If you're afraid of food spoiling, why not freeze what you will not eat before the expiration date for later use? Scale back on vacations. Rather than elaborate getaways, consider package deals or utilize accumulated airline miles.   What New Year's resolutions did you make thi... 01/09/2009

OK, life isn't that unfair, is it? I'm saying that 2008 was bad but it can't be all bad...there had to be some great stuff that happened.  Whatever your definition of a "great thing happened"...please send it in - babies born, surprise visitors, scholarships, graduates, weddings, new boat, new car, a vacation, a concert, anything.  Think about the thing(s) that made you smile - and share it with us all. Surely it will cheer everyone up, and set a great tone to start the new year. 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 01/02/2009

I was happy (and somewhat surprised) to see the stock market enjoy "up days" on December 30th and 31st.  That was a long overdue, and quite late but quite welcome little rally.  And I wondered what would happen on the first trading day of the new year... I tuned in to the financial news as I attended to my email, web site and Active Rain this morning... Much to my surprise and delight the year on Wall Street started off in a very upbeat manner. I think the stock market has just as much affect on the consumer sentiment as real estate, if not more. Which do you feel affects people more?  Stock reports or Real Estate reports? Please send in your opinion. And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 2007 Pre... 01/02/2009

Looking Back on 2008 Marina Hills Market Update for 01/01/2008 to 12/30/2008 Status Address Plan BR/BA SQFT Price Closed                     Marina Hills Palacio           Active 9 Phaedra A 4/3 2,667 $1,195,000   Active 4 Nicosia D 4/4 3,580 $1,425,000   SOLD 12 Nicosia C 4/4 3,531 $1,475,000 8/1/2008               Marina Hills Heights           SOLD 5 Pilos A 4/3 3,300 $1,199,000 8/6/2008 SOLD 16 Tunis C 4/3 3,380 $955,000 8/25/2008 SOLD 10 Tunis B 4/3 3,000 $950,000 12/1/2008 Pending 20 Denia C 4/3 3,500                   Marina Hills Cabo Del Mar         Active 18 Mikro D 4/3 2,536 $1,245,000                 Marina Hills Vistara           Active 12 Argos A 5/3 3,000 $949,500   SOLD 25 Brindisi D 5/4.5 3,514 $1,325,000 1/18/2008 SOLD 15 Via Di Nola B 4/4 3,060 $940,000 5/22/2008 SOLD... 01/02/2009

  Welcome to Laguna Niguel Imagine waking up to panoramic views of rolling hills and greenery just outside your door. Imagine waking up in a Laguna Niguel home. Laguna Niguel is a master planned community nestled in the rolling hills of southern Orange County bordered by Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Beach and Laguna Hills. Laguna Niguel California homes are one of the newest communities to Orange County. Laguna Niguel CA real estate includes both new and resale homes, apartments and town homes as well as single-family detached homes, semi-custom homes and large, estate-size custom lots.   Laguna Niguel's community amenities include two schools, child care centers, places of worship, a business center, village club facilities, a County of Orange Sports park, plu... 01/02/2009

Rates in in the high 4's an low 5's. It is a great time to refinance and an amazing time to purchase a home. If you have any questions, I am here to help! 12/29/2008

Most people will remember when a place of worship was a center point in a community.  The church (regardless of denomination) was a focal point and a base of support and financial assistance for those in need.  A church was a gathering place and a collection center to provide a means for good will toward less fortunate... Then came the advent of 'Black Friday'  -  fancy lingo for after holiday sales...and sales gimmicks after and before the holidays.  The commercialism crept into our lives and perhaps diminished the true meaning of holiday spirit. In this tough economy, people may be returning to their church, their community and seeking help or seeking to help the church in assisting less fortunate.  Fact is, most of our population is less fortunate that in decades past. So, in a way.... 12/27/2008

The size of compensation packages for athletes has always been a sore point for me. This last week had some whopper contracts dealt out...$180 million here and $160 million there... to go out and play some baseball for a few years (I think the contracts ran 6 or 8 years). This particularly annoys me when people are struggling and slipping into a financial tailspin that a meager portion of these big league contracts could solve. Here is another point...and I am totally serious here.  If you had no bills to worry about, no school to attend and no job to go to... and I gave you a full time trainer and you worked out every day (OK, you can rest at times with a day or two off) and all you did was train at a particular position in a particular sport I challenge anyone to tell me differently ... 12/26/2008

The divorce rate is down.  The reason should be no surprise....it's expensive. Think about retainers and monthly billing from attorneys.  Then think about moving out and adding another lease payment to already mounting expenses.  What about liquidating assets and a home that has lost most of its value? Bottom line here is that middle class couples who just can't get along any more cannot afford a divorce because of the legal fees, a complicated economy and the resulting economic fallout. Oh yes...you guessed it - the wealthy tend to file for divorce regardless of the state of the economy.  And the very poor still can because they can't afford legal representation.  But I guess people can represent themselves in court?  That would be like watching Judge Judy on TV... I hope couples can ... 12/26/2008