Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Gas Prices Holding Steady


With 4th of July weekend coming up and travelers taking summer road trips, the threat of increased gas prices becomes a pain. However, CNN and a Lundberg Survey have published good news - gas prices around the country have remained unchanged the past 2 weeks.

According to the Lundberg Survey, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.66. The lowest price lies around $2.40 in Kansas, and the highest around $3.02 in Northern California. If you can remember back to last summer, gas prices around this time were at $4.10 a gallon! We may worry that this weekend will bring a surge but it is doubtful. And we still are much lower than last year so we must not take that for granted.

The lack of change in prices is credited to the weak dollar, weak oil demand, and unemployment. Would you attribute any other factors?

I hope the prices aren't too high in your area and wish you a safe holiday weekend!

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

Monday, June 29, 2009

Is a Summer Vacation Not in the Budget this Year? Why not Consider a Staycation?

Is a Summer Family Vacation Not in the Budget This Year? Why Not Consider a Staycation? (edit/delete)

What is a staycation you ask? It is a vacation with out leaving you home or your immediate area. It can be fun and done even on the tightest of budgets.
Here are a few ideas for your staycation gathered via internet.
1. Set the Time and Date. Give your staycation a start and end date -- otherwise, it runs the risk of feeling like just another string of nights in front of the tube.
2. Follow a Staycation Budget. Chances are, one big reason for planning a staycation rather than a vacation is that cash is short. Good news: You can take a staycation for next to nothing. An evening of inexpensive red wine and pizza.
3. Take a stroll in your downtown. How many times you think that the shops your are flying by again would be great to look in..so do it!
4.Stock up on Games. Add a sense of play to your staycation by laying in a stash of games.
5. Transport yourself through the magic of movie!There's nothing like curling up together on a staycation night to watch a great movie. The ones on my list can transport you to some of the world's most beautiful locations -- Africa, Tuscany, the South Pacific.
6. Don't forget to take pictures. Suitably attired, you'll certainly want to make a permanent record of your staycation to look back upon fondly.
7. Read a good book No need to wait till summer vacation to tackle War & Peaceany more. On your staycation, you have the luxury of time to sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in a great book. Whether your taste runs to bestsellers, contemporary literature the classics, or travel titles, a staycation is your opportunity to mentally visit other places and times.
8. Feng Shui your home. You're probably living in a feng shui-free zone. Undo those bad-luck omens, move the furniture, let in the light, and let the positive energy flow back into your life.
9. Water Parks and Amusement Parks. Fun to do with the kids and often times you are able to dig up a coupon on the local places website.
10. Plan a real vacation. If you've make it to the end of your staycation without killing each other or filing for divorce, you've earned yourselves a real vacation. Even if you're short on funds, you can start saving up now for a real vacation in the future This time, circle the calendar for real. And while you're waiting to take that trip, repeat this mantra:
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like anywhere but home.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Top 10 Charity Websites

Giving to Charity can be done in many different ways, all of which are generous and compassionate. The recent economic situation has left people with less time and money to donate. But, thanks to the internet we now have new ways to give back.

Below is a list, from toptenz.net, of 10 charity websites you can visit and give back without spending any money yourself. After you finish blogging and commenting, why not take an extra 10 minutes doing something for someone else…

10. Race to Stop Violence Against Women
Violence against women in cultures throughout the world seems to be an ever-growing problem. The website provides a button that you click that donates money so that women are able to write and send letters, explaining their abuse and situation in hopes for the problem to come to the forefront. Visit the site.

9. Race for the Oceans
Our oceans are slowly depleting, leaving marine life in plenty of danger. With a few clicks you generate money that is given towards saving our oceans. The website donates money towards saving marine life and hoping to turn the health of our oceans back around. Visit the site.

8. Free Flour
Flour seems like something that isn’t so important, but in today’s world, many countries are in need of it, as homeless and less fortunate people use it to make common foods like bread. The website offers a trivia game where each correct answer supplies a spoonful of flour. With 100 spoonfuls, you donate enough flour to make an entire loaf of bread. Visit the site.

7. Prevent Breast Cancer
In recent months, breast cancer awareness has almost become a fad, with pink becoming the new black. With this website, a few clicks help to raise money for Breast Cancer Fund, in order to supply money for cancer research, testing, and outreach programs around the world. Visit the site.

6. The Rainforest Site
The rainforest has long been a problem for many countries around the world. Rainforests are being cut down and more and more exotic animals are losing their habitat and becoming extinct. By just clicking the button, you are able to protect acres of rainforest land by donating money to the Rainforest Conservation Fund and other foundations that protect rainforest land. Visit the site.

5. Trivia for Charity
This website allows you to pick a charity in which you’d like to donate money to. The website is relatively new, but allows you to donate to homeless animals, cancer research, or homes for those in needs. The website offers a trivia game and each correct answer totals more money towards your chosen charity. Visit the site.

4. The Animal Rescue Site
If you’re one that loves animals and would love to give back, the Animal Rescue Site is a great way to donate a little bit of your time. A few clicks go a long way on the website. Each click donates food that is given to animal shelters and clinics around the world in order to provide for homeless animals. Visit the site.
You can also try Free Kibble which is a trivia game that provides food for homeless animals.

3. The Hunger Site
World hunger has been something that countries have been trying to end for decades. Sadly, numbers for those having to deal with hunger and starvation haven’t decreased much. With the Hunger Site, you easily click a button that donates food to those in need. Since its establishment, the website has been able to donate over 657 million cups of food throughout the world. Visit the site.

2. Free Poverty
Have you ever wanted to learn your world geography while still being able to give back to the needy? Free Poverty allows just that. The website is a geographical game that anyone can play. No matter if you get the answer right or not, you are still able to donate a cup of water. If you do get an answer correct, you donate 10 cups of water. The website donates clean water to locations where fresh water is scarce or not available at all. Visit the site.
Help Thirst is a website very similar to Free Poverty that also donates cups of water. It involves memorizing numbers.

1. Free Rice
Free rice is the first charity website that I came across today. The website provides a game for users to play. You can choose between many different types of games. But while you’re having fun and maybe even learning a few things, for each answer you get correct, you’re also donating grains of rice to poor countries. In May 2009 alone, Free Rice was able to donate 1,403,545,670 grains of rice. Visit the site.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
(949) 753-7900

Friday, June 26, 2009

The Old Orange County Courthouse


Have you visited The Old Orange County Courthouse? Why not head into Santa Ana’s Historic Downtown District this summer and go take a look at a huge piece of our OC history. The Courthouse resides in the National Register of Historic Places and is a California State Historic Landmark.

The Courthouse was constructed in 1901 by architect C.L. Strange. He chose a Richardsonian Romanesque style, featuring arches and ornamented columns. It is constructed of brick and feature elaborate carvings. Today the 30,000-square foot building has been restored to look much as it had at the turn of the last century.

In the main floor lobby you can still obtain your marriage license in front of the grand staircase. You can visit the museum and gallery on the first floor. Here you will find a history of the building and the old jail. The third floor boasts a large skylight built to compensate for the limited availability of electricity in the early 1900’s. On the third floor also sits the jury room, judge’s chamber, and courtroom. Today the Courthouse serves as a museum and the site of government offices.

After visiting the Old Courthouse you can stroll through Santa Ana’s Artist’s Village. Once you’ve worked up an appetite why not eat at Bistro 400 for Cajun and Seafood or Jason’s Downtown for a good steak…enjoy!

Old Orange County Courthouse is located at:
211 W. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 973-6605


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

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Greener Air Conditioning

As a GREEN broker I am always looking for new was to be environmentally-friendly. A Business Week article today discussed the beginning of a green solution for air conditioning. This development is enormous because unfortunately, staying cool requires utilizing a large amount of energy. A large amount of energy in turn equals global warming.

A European company, Thermodyna, is in the process of building a household AC unit that can provide cool air using solar energy. According to the article, the revolutionary “Schukey” motor would transform the sun’s rays into cool air for your home or office. They report that one kilowatt hour would cost as little as 5 cents!


The system is fairly simple and may be on the market as soon as next year! This is great news as we head toward a more sustainable world. I can’t wait to see the progress of this endeavor.


And for more “green” tips visit my website at: http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.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

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Why does Father's day come only once a year?


Were you busy this Father’s day and unable to spend it with good ol’ Dad? Work, illness, children, travel; there are many reasons why it wasn’t easy to celebrate this year. It’s unfortunate, but who says Father’s day should come only once a year?

Any day can be a day dedicated to your love and appreciation for your father. Spend some quality time together with some of these ideas:


1. Make it a ritual to have a “date night” once a month. Go grab a bite to eat and catch a movie.
2. Say in shape together. Sign up for a gym membership or play a game of tennis.
3. Do something outside. Go fishing, camping, or simply take a walk.
4. Use your lunch break to take Dad out for lunch instead of going with your co-workers.
5. Save some money and cook together. Make a favorite you remember from childhood.
All of these are easy ways to reconnect with your father and show him that you care, everyday. It will provide great conversation and touch him like you wouldn’t believe. Even more, if you have children they will see the respect and bond you both share and strive for a similar relationship. So next Sunday why not celebrate your father?

One father is more than a hundred Schoolemasters. ~George Herbert

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Orange County Homes/ Have you used the new iPhone yet?

It seems that every month there is a new "hot" piece of technology released. Last week produced the new iPhone 3G S. Apple claims it's faster and more powerful than the last model. Some improvements include video recording, 32 GB of storage, an updated camera, a compass, updated text messaging, and much more.

Incredibly; Apple announced that they sold over 1 million phones within the first 3 days!

It seems America cannot live without these smart phones. They remain one of the fastest growing consumer items today. We can now connect to the outside world and obtain Internet access pretty much anywhere. I find this very accommodating since I can now open my email straight from my phone wherever I am.

Unfortunately, we may be losing the human connection. So whether you use an iPhone, Blackberry, Palm or any of the other numerous contenders, enjoy the benefits they provide-just remember to preserve your relationships face-to-face every so often!
Let me know if you have gotten the chance to use this new phone and how you like it!

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors
(949) 753-7900

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Summer is Here and the Living is Easy?


The kids are or almost out of school for the summer and life will slow down for many. Done are the endless nights of homework, projects or studying for tests, class plays, awards ceremonies etc..... at least for the summer.
While we are obviously still in hard economic times and work still needs to go on, hopefully you will be able to take advantage of enjoying a few long days at the beach, pool, backyard BBQ's and extra time with friends and family. Now I realize that there may be a few of us out there that are anticipating the kids being home all summer and you may be thinking, "what am I going to do with them all summer?"
As of today, why don't you NOT keep anything for a special occasion, because every day that you live is a special occasion. Let's tell our families and friends how much we love them. Do not delay anything that adds laughter and joy to your life.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Top Ten Grossing Movies of All Time



I've had a bit of fun discovering the top ten lists (via the internet) this week. One interesting and surprising top ten was "Top Ten Grossing Movies of All Time" (per IMDB)
1.
Titanic (1997)
$600,779,824
2.
The Dark Knight (2008)
$533,316,061
3.
Star Wars (1977)
$460,935,665
4.
Shrek 2 (2004)
$436,471,036
5.
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
$434,949,459
6.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
$431,065,444
7.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
$423,032,628
8.
Spider-Man (2002)
$403,706,375
9.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
$380,262,555
10.
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
$377,019,252

Did this list surprise any of you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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
http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Monday, June 15, 2009

Luxury High Rise Living

$499000 / 2br - High Rise Living--Marquee Park Place
Marquee Park Place at Irvine ~ Fabulous High Rise Towers at epicenter of urban living w/Spectrum, South Coast Plaza & Fashion Island nearby. 2BR, 2BA + Den on 13th Floor w/large patio, hardwood floors, stainless & granite kitchen, marble baths. $499,000 For more photos and information, CLICK HERE or contact the Michael Caruso Real Estate Group 949.753.7900 Michelson at Jamboree (google map) (yahoo map)
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Friday, June 12, 2009

Southern California Real Estate/Top Ten Worst Summer Jobs



Courtesey of David Letterman's Top Ten



10.Octomom babysitter
9. Mel Gibson divorce lawyer
8. Assistant in charge of applying sunscreen to Rush Limbaugh
7. Susan Boyle groomer
6. Second assistant in charge of applying sunscreen to Rush Limbaugh
5. Dick Cheney hunting buddy (4th year on the list)
4. "Jon & Kate Plus 8" marriage counselor
3. No number 3 -- writer left to work for Conan
2. General Motors CEO
1. Proofreader for George W. Bush's memoir
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

Orange County Homes for Sale/Top 10 Things You Don't Want to Hear From a Guy at the Bus Stop



Courtesey of David Letterman's Top Ten



10. "You know, if you show the driver some skin he lets you ride for free"
9. "If there aren't any seats you can sit on daddy's lap"
8. "I cannot control my bladder"
7. "Lemme guess -- Old Spice?"
6. "You think they're gonna make me pay an extra fare for Mr. Zippy?" (holds up puppet)
5. "You wanna trade pants?" (unbuttons pants)
4. "This is the first day mommy's let me ride the bus by myself"
3. "You believe I found this in the trash?" (eating a sandwich)
2. "Here bussy, bussy, bussy, bussy! Here bussy, bussy, bussy, bussy, bussy!"
1."Tonight I celebrate my love for you"

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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

(949) 753-7900


Orange County Real Estate/Largest Space Shuttle Get-Together Planned for Early Next Week



At 7:17am EST on Saturday, the Endeavour space shuttle is set to blast off with seven astronauts aboard. The seven will meet up with six astronauts already located at the international space station. The sixteen day mission's goal is to expand the international space station.


Speaking of international, the crew will be comprised of astronauts from Canada, Europe, Japan and Russia.


The launch will be availalbe for live viewing on CNN's website.
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
http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Homes For Sale Orange County/Top Ten Cities to Live In



I read an interesting article today on kiplinger that was very interesting. The article highlighted the top ten cities to live in, based on job stability, new job opportunities and overall appeal of the city itself. The list rated these cities, in order, as the top ten:
1. Huntsville, Alabama
2. Albuquerque, New Mexico
3. Washington, D.C.
4. Charlottesville, Virginia
5. Athens, Georgia
6. Olympia, Washington
7. Madison, Wisconsin
8. Austin, Texas
9. Flagstaff, Arizona
10. Raleigh, North Carolina

What do you think? Were there any cities that you feel were left out?
We'd love to hear your feedback.

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
http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Doesn't Sportsmanship Apply to Grown-Ups Too?



I will have to apologize to those of you who are not basketball fans (I think there are some of you out there, right?) for my second basketball blog inside one week.


I heard a group of people discussing this topic, and thought I'd write a few words and open up a discussion for my fellow bloggers.



Last week, when the Cavaliers lost to the Magic, LeBron James refuesed to shake hands with any of the opposing players and simply stormed off the court. After the game, he used some poor excuse of being "a competitor" and that he didn't feel it necessary to acknowledge the good gesture that every other player in the NBA is capable of doing.



My question to you all is, should he have shaken hands or not?
I'm always interested in hearing your feedback.



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


Friday, June 5, 2009

How Can you Make the Recession Work for You?

So while times may be tough right now, it doesn't mean that we are stuck. There are plenty of opportunities in this economical depressed to improve our lives for the better.
Perhaps this recession will force us to again appreciate the value of time not money. Spending time with your family or friends, enjoying a home cooked meal or a spontaneous game night with the kids, may just count for a lot more than we think. As we all getting older what is it that we cherish the most??? Is it the huge house, new car, or latest gadget? Or will it be the funny stories, laughter and time that we shared with our family or close friends that will create memories that will outlast any gadget out there.
So I will try to keep my chin up when business is slow and remember that I still have my memories and hopefully look forward to a bright business future.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Orange County Homes / Are You Still Paying Full Price?

According to Consumer Reports now is the time to haggle. In this soft economic time, businesses are struggling to survive and consumers are having a hard time paying. Two-thirds polled by Consumer Reports said that hagglers get a lower price 83% of the time. Here are a few points when you are ready to haggle.

1) Be patient and kind
2) Time your haggle, late in the month when sales people are trying to meet their quotas, can be a good time to bargain for big ticket items. Try early in the morning or late in the day when they might have more time to talk.
3) Avoid an audience and try to talk directly to the manager, who will probably have more negotiating power.
4) Do your research before you go, find out the prices and store policies and quote competitors prices in your negotiations.
5) Be prepared to walk. The most important tool you have is the ability to walk away and spend your money somewhere else.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/
Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Orange County Home Sales / 2009 First-Time Homeownership Within Reach

Part of the Stimulus Plan Congress recently passed, grants up to $8000.00 for first time homebuyers. Here are the qualifying factors...
1). First time homebuyers purchasing a home between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009: buyers must not have owned a home in the past three years
2). First time homebuyers must use tax credit for their primary residence, single-family homes, condos, town homes or co-ops.
3). Tax credit is based on the price of the home and the buyer's income.
4). The tax credit does not need to be repaid if he/she occupies the home for three years. If the property is sold the credit will be recouped on the sale.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Orahge County Home Sales / Ways to Make Your Home GREEN


This is the time of conservatism, conservation and thinking GREEN. There are lots of ways you can contribute to making or Earth a better place to live. Here are a few tips to making your home GREEN also....
•1) Use Energy Star Appliances. These appliances need to meet strict guidelines, and as the name suggests they are more energy efficient.
•2) Install solar paneling
•3) Plant Native Vegetation. Not only are these plants easier to maintain, they require less water and fertilizer compared to non-native plants.
•4) Add Energy Efficient Windows. This will not only reduce the heat inside your home during the warmers months. They will also help to keep the heat during the cooler months
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
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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