Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Caruso's Quote of the Day


"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around..."


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, March 30, 2010

Caruso's Top 3


Since starting in real estate years ago I have come to conclusion that buying a home is one of the biggest decisions an individual can make. So it's understandable that one considering a home purchase may take their time to avoid rushing into such a large financial commitment. However, several factors might leave prospective home buyers who don't purchase a property now wishing they had taken action sooner.

"Current market conditions have created a perfect storm of sorts that has made it an ideal time to purchase for first-time and trade-up buyers alike," said James M. Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors. "Those who have the means and the desire to buy now but don't, aren't likely to see such a great opportunity again anytime soon."
Specifically, Weichert offered three reasons why those who aren't under contract to purchase a new home by April 30, 2010 might regret it.

1. They won't receive a sizeable amount of money from Uncle Sam.

For the past two years, the federal government has offered a home buyer tax credit to help stimulate the economy. But that financial incentive is set to expire soon. First-time buyers who aren't under contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010 will leave the $8,000 that is available to them through the tax credit on the table. Meanwhile, repeat buyers will miss out on the opportunity to collect up to $6,500 from the government.

2. They might not lock-in on the historically-low interest rates.

Thanks to measures taken by the Federal Reserve including the purchasing of mortgage-backed securities, interest rates have remained historically-low for several years. With the economy beginning to show signs of recovery, it is widely believed that the government will soon put an end to these stimulus efforts.

If that happens, many economists believe we will begin to see a sharp increase in interest rates which could result in a much higher monthly payment for those who wait. For example, an interest rate increase of 1% on a 30-year fixed mortgage of $300,000 could cost a buyer $188 more a month or $67,000 more over the span of the entire loan.

3. They might miss out on record home price affordability.

Home price affordability is at its most optimal level in decades. As a result, those who wait to buy will likely pay more for the home they purchase than what that same home would cost right now. In fact, home prices have already begun to rise slightly in some markets. Instead of getting a better bargain, waiting to buy a home might net buyers a higher purchase price, less appreciation and less house for their buck.

"There is no time to waste for anyone who wants to take advantage of this great buying opportunity. Particularly for those who have a home to sell first," added Weichert. "If you are prone to saying ‘what if' and wondering what could have been, you will thank yourself down the road for buying now."

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



For more information, visit http://www.weichert.com/.

Monday, March 29, 2010

TIME FOR A LITTLE SPRING GREENING!

Clean GREEN This Spring! (edit/delete)

According to: Green Genius Guru @ MMPI


Spring has sprung, and Green Genius knows that means it's time for a little spring cleaning. Follow these easy tips and recipes to keep your cleaning green!

Start by PRE-cleaning!-

- REDUCE the amount you have to clean by going through the closets, drawers, and shelves where clutter lives. Chances are there are a few shirts with the tags still on or books you read years ago and haven't picked up since... Donate them!

- REUSE what you find in the spring cleaning process! Your stock pile of old shopping bags can help you reorganize your closet, and you can cut down on waste by cleaning with those old towels rather than paper towels.


- RECYCLE stacks of magazines and old electronics.

Make a green cleaning kit.


- Homemade, non-toxic cleaners will save cash, the environment, and your health!

Follow these easy recipes to start cleaning greener today.

- ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER: ½ tsp washing soda (available at most hardware stores) OR 2½ tsp boraxo, 1 - 2 drops of liquid soap, 2 cups hot water. Combine ingredients in a spray bottle, and shake until washing soda/borax dissolves. Add a few drops of essential oils for a bit of aromatic grime fighting! Bonus: Lavender and tea-tree oils are also natural antiseptics. -


- GLASS CLEANER: ¼ - ½ tsp liquid soap, 3 tbsp vinegar, 2 cups water.


Combine ingredients in a spray bottle, and shake. Bonus: The soap in this recipe will cut the wax residue left behind by commercial cleaners you may have used before, letting even more sunshine through your windows! -


SOFT SCRUB: ½ cup baking soda, Enough liquid soap to create a mixture the consistency of cake frosting. This recipe is perfect for cleaning your bathtub - it rinses easily and will not leave grit. Tip: Add 1 tsp vegetable glycerin and store in a glass jar to make the scrub last. Otherwise, only make as much as you need each time.


Go Green!!!


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

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Caruso's Recession Update!


Is the recession finally coming to an end? According to Forbes.com the housing crisis is finally stabilizing in 5 cities, and the job outlook is positive.

In recent weeks business in Washington, D.C. ground to a halt as record snowfalls pummeled the area and a sparring match over national health care reform hijacked the political conversation. But the nation's capital is getting something right: It is emerging from the recession better than any other major city in the country, according to research by Forbes.

Jobs in Washington are growing quickly, and in 2008 the city produced more in goods and services than almost anywhere in the country.

D.C. and nine other cities (among them: Boston, Los Angeles and a host of metros in Texas) are best surviving the downturn in part because they specialize in industries that are relatively insulated from economic volatility. Federal and state jobs all but guarantee the health of a local economy, and nowhere is there more government-related work than in Washington. The city has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, at 6.2%, and its output amounts to $362.3 billion, more than three times the average for the country's largest cities.

It also saw a more modest slide in home sale prices than many other metros in late 2009. Cities where the recession's effects are lessening either never felt the full brunt of the housing crisis, or have proven resilient enough that demand is returning sooner than elsewhere in the country. These strong housing markets further enrich the local economy by feeding a host of secondary industries, like construction, lending and household services.

Uncle Sam as a recession shield

Government spending hasn't hurt Austin, Texas, either. It's the seat of state government and tied for No. 1 on our list of 10 cities best surviving the recession. Jobs have been lost nearly everywhere in the past three years, but between December 2007 and December 2009 the number of jobs in Austin rose by 0.98%; more than any of the other major cities we looked at. And jobs are expected to grow by 8.09% in the next three years, the second-best job outlook on our list. Third on the list is Dallas, home to a thriving technology and enery sector where jobs are projected to jump 7.19% in three years.

Behind the numbers

To find the cities where the recession was easing, Forbes looked for a relatively low unemployment rate, using December 2009 figures, the most recent available, and the rate of job growth between December 2007 and December 2009, both from the Bureau of Labor statistics. We sought cities where economists expected that jobs would keep growing, based on the three-year job-growth forecast from MoodysEconomy.com; we also looked for metros with the highest positive change in median sale price for single family homes between the third and fourth quarter of 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors. Finally, we factored in Metropolitan Gross Domestic Product - the dollar amount of goods and services produced within a metro area - provided for 2008, the most recent available, by Moody's.

Forbes ranked the 40 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas for which it had comprehensive data (that excludes Nashville, Tenn. and Detroit) on all these measures, then averaged the rankings for a final score.

Good fortune in the Lone Star State

If one state is a poster child for economic recovery, it's Texas, home to four of the 10 cities on our list. There's more to why Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston are faring well than just the state's energy industry. The tech, government and education industries supplement the oil state's riches. As for housing, cities in Texas didn't see the same run-up in home prices and rampant speculation that led to the spectacular bubble burst elsewhere in the country.

"The housing market got lucky, if you want to look at it that way," says James P. Gaines, research economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. "We didn't have excessive overbuilding, so we don't have a big overhang of unsold new homes, and because Texas has among most affordable housing in the country, the demand sustained."

Like Austin and Dallas, Houston, tied for No. 4 on the list, is expected to experience a three-year 7.03% rise in jobs. But nowhere are jobs projected to grow more than in San Antonio, where four military bases should help drive its expected 8.32% increase.

Hope where housing markets stay afloat

California was perhaps hit hardest by the housing crisis. In spite of that, Los Angeles rises above the rest of the state, and other big cities in the country, to No. 9 on our list. Although the Golden State's real estate woes began earlier and were more pronounced than in large parts of the country, they began easing sooner.

Los Angeles has strong banking and finance industries and a housing market that, while it suffered from a major pricing bubble and bust, has seen a resurgence of demand. After falling to a median $311,100 in the second quarter of 2009, home sale prices there jumped 11% in the third quarter and another 2% between the third and fourth quarter of 2009 to a median $342,700, according to the National Association of Realtors, making No. 4 in sales-price improvement out of our 40 cities.

Although it's across the country, Boston, No. 8 on the list, has some of the same characteristics that make Los Angeles recession-resistant. Like the City of Angels, it is a cosmopolitan city and an educational center, chock full of amenities and jobs. Unemployment is below the 9.7% national average, at 8.2%, and the city pumped out a healthy $284.3 billion GDP in 2008.

Bright lights in the Midwest

Many former manufacturing centers in the Midwest suffer from pronounced economic troubles that began before - and will likely extend beyond - the country's recession. But that's not the case in two Midwest cities, Minneapolis and Kansas City, Nos. 4 and 10 on our list, respectively. Incidentally, Kansas City has extra cause to celebrate its appearance on this list: it's also No. 13 on Forbes' list of the 20 most miserable cities. High taxes, crime rates and poorly performing sports teams landed it on that list, which ranked cities on nine metrics, most of them non-economic (for example, pollution, government corruption and commute times). A promising economic outlook should give Kansas City residents reason to feel less miserable.

In Minneapolis, unemployment is a relatively low 7.2%. The Twin Cities have moved away from their manufacturing roots and are headquarters to major companies that include Cargill and General Mills. Although Kansas City, Missouri's largest city, has lost jobs in the past three years, it has done so at a slower rate than most other cities, only dropping 2.7%, thanks in part to a strong education sector and a diversity of industry.

The cities quickest to emerge from the recession benefit from evergreen industries like government, defense, education and technology - sectors that will always provide work, even in a national slump. In addition, these five cities are diverse; their fortunes aren't invested solely in one industry, giving them good prospects for the future.

But what do you think???

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



As seen in http://www.forbes.com/. For more information visit http://www.forbes.com/

Friday, March 26, 2010

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ North County


NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM
Its 2fer time at Disneyland for all SoCal residents! Which means enjoy the magic of the Disneyland Park on one day and the excitement of Disney's California Adventure Park on another day - at a rate of just $36 a day from January 5 to April 12, 2010.

BREA
The Summer Volunteer Program applications for grades 8-10 are now available. They are due by 5:30pm April 16, 2010. For more information please call 714-990-7631

BUENA PARK
This Saturday March 27, 2010 at 2pm in the board room of the Buena Park Library, Dean Dixon will be presenting an insiders view of Buena Park history through real stories. For more information please call 714-826-4100 ext. 125 or visit http://www.buenaparklibrary.org/

CYPRESS
This Saturday March 27, 2010 Cypress High School will be holding a dual e-waste recycling collection and car wash fundraiser from 9am-1pm. For more information please call 714-229-8161

FULLERTON
Noting to report

GARDEN GROVE
April 3, 2010 the city will be hosting its 2nd annual Eggs-Cavation egg hunt from 11am-2pm. For more information please call 714-741-5200.

LA HABRA
Nothing to report

LA PALMA
April 21, 2010 the La Palma Chamber of Commerce is holding a networking breakfast at 7:30am. For more information please visit http://www.lapalmachamberofcommerce.com/

PLACENTIA
Beginning April 16, 2010 the city is offering FREE 20 hour community emergency response team training programs. For more information on location, dates and times please call 714-993-8117

STANTON
Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER
Coming up April 17, 2010 the city is hosting its annual Arbor Day event from 8am to noon. The event will feature tree planting as well as a demonstration. For more information visit http://www.westminster-ca.gov/

YORBA LINDA
Nothing to report

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



As seen in the OC Register. For more information please visit http://www.ocregister.com/

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ Central County


CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA
April 24, 2010 the Epilepsy Walk Orange County will be taking place at TeWinkle Park starting at 9:45am. For more information please visit epilepsysupportnet.org.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY
May 7, 2010 there will be a spring dance for seniors from 7-9pm. Tickets are $7. For more information call 714-593-4446

HUNTINGTON BEACH
Beginning Tuesday March 30, 2010 the community center will be hosting acting classes for ages 10-16 years old. The class is on basic acting and starts at 4:30pm. For more information please call 714-960-8884

IRVINE
The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center will be hosting a 5 day spring break overnight camp for kids 8-14 years old. The price is $275 per a child. For more information please visit www.bity.ly/outdoorirvine.com

LOS ALAMITOS
Nothing to report

NEWPORT BEACH
Nothing to report

ORANGE
Sunday April 4, 2010 the OCFA Reserve Firefighters will be hosting their annual pancake breakfast from 7am to noon. There will also be an egg hunt for children. For more information on prices and location please call 714-649-2211 or 714-649-2213

SANTA ANA
Need help dealing with your teenager? For the rest of the month Santa Ana Unified School District's Student Achievement Department will host a series of parenting workshops. The workshops will provide conversation techniques parents can use when dealing with teens and preteens. For more information visit http://www.sausd.us/ or call 714-558-5622

SEAL BEACH
Calling all lifeguards! The city is offering Jr. Lifeguard preparation classes starting March 29, 2010 lasting till May 7, 2010. The classes will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Ages 9-17 are able to participate for $80. For more information call 562-431-2627 ext. 1344.

TUSTIN
Saturday April 3, 2010 Currie Middle School is hosting a parking lot sale from 7am-1pm. There will be clothing, furniture, household goods and toys being sold. There are about 40 spaces open to vendors for $10 each. For more information please call 714-730-7360

Villa Park
Nothing to report

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



As seen in the OC Register. For more information please visit http://www.ocregister.com/

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ South County


South County

ALISO VIEJO
Nothing to report

DANA POINT
April 3, 2010 9-10am there will be an Easter egg hunt at Pines Park. Admission is FREE. For more information call 949-248-3530

LADERA RANCH
Nothing to report

LAGUNA BEACH
Saturday March 27, 2010 from 9am-4pm come and join Sawdust artists for hands-on weekend art workshops held on the Sawdust grounds. Two-day workshops cover many exciting media including painting, glass blowing, mixed media and more. Pre-registration is required. Tickets $165 - $265 and it includes all materials. For more information call 949 494-3030.

LAGUNA HILLS
Nothing to report

LAGUNA NIGUEL
April 3, 2010 from 9am-12pm come make crafts, get your face painted, play games, jump in the bounce house, visit the petting zoo and watch a spring show at Chapparosa Park. There will not be an Easter egg hunt at this event. For more information call 949-425-5100

LAKE FOREST
Nothing to report

MISSION VIEJO
Congratulations to Phil Hughes, a Mission Viejo resident who has made the New York Yankees starting rotation!

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Nothing to report

SAN CLEMENTE
Calling all lifeguards! This Saturday March 27, 2010 San Clemente State Beach will be hosting lifeguard tryouts at 9am. They are looking to hire 15-20 lifeguards for San Clemente, San Onofre, and Doheny state beaches. Starting pay is $14.91 an hour! For more information please call 949-366-8509

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
From March 5-May 27, 2010 The San Juan Capistrano Library will be showcasing art work from locals around town. Karen Joy Jackson, a local photographer has a current exhibit at the library along with two other local artists Renuka Pillai and David Evans. Jackson's artwork will be exhibiting 10 photographs of the Greek Islands. The other two artists are oil painters. There is also an Architectural Walking Tour each Saturday morning because of its architectural awards. Other events will be scheduled in the future. UPDATE: Friday April 2nd, 2010 from 5:30-7:00pm meet the artists in person at the San Juan Capistrano Library. The artists will provide some refreshments and a film will be shown by the library afterward. Please come by and support your local artists.

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



As seen in the OC Register. For more information please visit http://www.ocregister.com/

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Caruso's Facts


As seen in The New York Times, David Streitfeld goes into detail on the program that will pay homeowners to sell at a loss.

In an effort to end the foreclosure crisis, the Obama administration has been trying to keep defaulting owners in their homes. Now it will take a new approach: paying some of them to leave.
This latest program, which will allow owners to sell for less than they owe and will give them a little cash to speed them on their way, is one of the administration’s most aggressive attempts to grapple with a problem that has defied solutions.

More than five million households are behind on their mortgages and risk foreclosure. The government’s $75 billion mortgage modification plan has helped only a small slice of them. Consumer advocates, economists and even some banking industry representatives say much more needs to be done.

For the administration, there is also the concern that millions of foreclosures could delay or even reverse the economy’s tentative recovery — the last thing it wants in an election year.
Taking effect on April 5, the program could encourage hundreds of thousands of delinquent borrowers who have not been rescued by the loan modification program to shed their houses through a process known as a short sale, in which property is sold for less than the balance of the mortgage.


Lenders will be compelled to accept that arrangement, forgiving the difference between the market price of the property and what they are owed.

“We want to streamline and standardize the short sale process to make it much easier on the borrower and much easier on the lender,” said Seth Wheeler, a Treasury senior adviser.
The problem is highlighted by a routine case in Phoenix. Chris Paul, a real estate agent, has a house he is trying to sell on behalf of its owner, who owes $150,000. Mr. Paul has an offer for $48,000, but the bank holding the mortgage says it wants at least $90,000. The frustrated owner is now contemplating foreclosure.

To bring the various parties to the table — the homeowner, the lender that services the loan, the investor that owns the loan, the bank that owns the second mortgage on the property — the government intends to spread its cash around.

Under the new program, the servicing bank, as with all modifications, will get $1,000. Another $1,000 can go toward a second loan, if there is one. And for the first time the government would give money to the distressed homeowners themselves. They will get $1,500 in “relocation assistance.”

Should the incentives prove successful, the short sales program could have multiple benefits. For the investment pools that own many home loans, there is the prospect of getting more money with a sale than with a foreclosure.

For the borrowers, there is the likelihood of suffering less damage to credit ratings. And as part of the transaction, they will get the lender’s assurance that they will not later be sued for an unpaid mortgage balance. For communities, the plan will mean fewer empty foreclosed houses waiting to be sold by banks.


By some estimates, as many as half of all foreclosed properties are ransacked by either the former owners or vandals, which depresses the value of the property further and pulls down the value of neighboring homes.

If short sales are about to have their moment, it has been a long time coming. At the beginning of the foreclosure crisis, lenders shunned short sales. They were not equipped to deal with the labor-intensive process and were suspicious of it.

The lenders’ thinking, said the economist Thomas Lawler, went like this: “I lend someone $200,000 to buy a house. Then he says, ‘Look, I have someone willing to pay $150,000 for it; otherwise I think I’m going to default.’ Do I really believe the borrower can’t pay it back? And is $150,000 a reasonable offer for the property?”
Short sales are “tailor-made for fraud,” said Mr. Lawler, a former executive at the mortgage finance company Fannie Mae.

Last year, short sales started to increase, although they remain relatively uncommon. Fannie Mae said preforeclosure deals on loans in its portfolio more than tripled in 2009, to 36,968. But real estate agents say many lenders still seem to disapprove of short sales.

Under the new federal program, a lender will use real estate agents to determine the value of a home and thus the minimum to accept. This figure will not be shared with the owner, but if an offer comes in that is equal to or higher than this amount, the lender must take it.
Mr. Paul, the Phoenix agent, was skeptical. “In a perfect world, this would work,” he said. “But because estimates of value are inherently subjective, it won’t. The banks don’t want to sell at a discount.”

There are myriad other potential conflicts over short sales that may not be solved by the program, which was announced on Nov. 30 but whose details are still being fine-tuned. Many would-be short sellers have second and even third mortgages on their houses. Banks that own these loans are in a position to block any sale unless they get a piece of the deal.

“You have one loan, it’s no sweat to get a short sale,” said Howard Chase, a Miami Beach agent who says he does around 20 short sales a month. “But the second mortgage often is the obstacle.”

Major lenders seem to be taking a cautious approach to the new initiative. In many cases, big banks do not actually own the mortgages; they simply administer them and collect payments. J. K. Huey, a Wells Fargo vice president, said a short sale, like a loan modification, would have to meet the requirements of the investor who owns the loan.

“This is not an opportunity for the customer to just walk away,” Ms. Huey said. “If someone doesn’t come to us saying, ‘I’ve done everything I can, I used all my savings, I borrowed money and, by the way, I’m losing my job and moving to another city, and have all the documentation,’ we’re not going to do a short sale.”

But even if lenders want to treat short sales as a last resort for desperate borrowers, in reality the standards seem to be looser.

Sree Reddy, a lawyer and commercial real estate investor who lives in Miami Beach, bought a one-bedroom condominium in 2005, spent about $30,000 on improvements and ended up owing $540,000. Three years later, the value had fallen by 40 percent.
Mr. Reddy wanted to get out from under his crushing monthly payments. He lost a lot of money in the crash but was not in default. Nevertheless, his bank let him sell the place for $360,000 last summer.

“A short sale provides peace of mind,” said Mr. Reddy, 32. “If you’re in foreclosure, you don’t know when they’re ultimately going to take the place away from you.”
Mr. Reddy still lives in the apartment complex where he bought that condo, but is now a renter paying about half of his old mortgage payment. Another benefit, he said: “The place I’m in now is nicer and a little bigger.”

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, March 24, 2010

Caruso's Mortgage Update


As seen in The Wall Street Journal, James R Hagerty explores mortgage rates and the fear that even a small increase could hurt a still-fragile housing market.

As the Federal Reserve winds down its intervention in the mortgage market, rates on home loans are generally expected to rise at least modestly during the rest of this year from today's unusually low levels. Some analysts believe mortgage rates will jump to around 6% by year end from 5% in recent weeks, while others see only a slight increase.

Meanwhile, federal tax credits available for some home buyers are due to expire at the end of April, adding to the sense of urgency many shoppers feel.

"I'd hate to miss out on really low [mortgage] rates" or the tax credit, says Jennifer Hale, a veterinarian who is looking for a new home near Minneapolis with her fiance, Lawrence Nystrom.

If rates do go up sharply, that will have a big effect on home buyers. Richard Redmond, a mortgage adviser at All California Mortgage in Larkspur, Calif., offers the example of a couple with combined pretax income of $100,000 a year and debt obligations (excluding mortgage) of $500 a month. At a 5% mortgage rate, he figures, the couple could qualify for a loan big enough to buy a $590,000 house, assuming a 20% down payment. At 6%, that would fall to $540,000.

Since late 2008, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have been available for people with strong credit records at around 5%, near the lowest levels since the 1950s, thanks to the Federal Reserve's heavy purchases of mortgage securities. At the end of March, the Fed is due to stop buying the securities. Most mortgage analysts think the immediate effect of the Fed's withdrawal will be modest.

Laurie Goodman, a senior managing director at mortgage-bond trader Amherst Securities Group LP in New York, estimates that the Fed move will add a maximum of about 0.25 percentage point to mortgage rates. "There is a lot of private money on the sidelines," waiting to buy mortgage securities once the Fed stops gobbling most of them up, Ms. Goodman says. She points to banks, money managers and foreign investors.

What happens to interest rates over the rest of this year depends on many factors that are hard to predict, including the strength of the economy, Fed policies and foreign investors' willingness to buy U.S. debt.

Projections vary widely. At the lower end of the scale, analysts at Credit Suisse and FTN Financial Capital Markets forecast that mortgage rates will be in a range of roughly 5% to 5.25% at the end of 2010. Moody's Economy.com projects about 5.7%, and Barclays Capital 6%. Barclays cites a general rise in interest rates propelled by heavy government borrowing and a strengthening economy as the main factors.

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



For more information visit http://online.wsj.com

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Going Green with Caruso


The Green REsource Council teamed up with a number of green industry groups and real estate associations earlier this year and developed guidelines and a tool kit to help MLSs green their systems.


Al Medina, during the March Webinar, talked about how the "Green MLS Tool Kit" emerged, discussed the importance of a green MLS, and outlined the key components of the toolkit, along with strategies for launching a green MLS program.


"This came about because of a need in marketplace. Not only our members, but builders and appraisers as well have been asking for it," commented Medina, the director of the National Association of REALTORS'® Green Designation "It's not a mandate for MLSs, but a free tool for MLSs that are ready to go through the process," he emphasized. In addition, he pointed out that the toolkit was a collaborative effort with numerous organizations and an industry-wide initiative, not a solo act by the GRC. After all a green MLS benefits everyone.


Consumers looking for green homes, for example, can locate properties with green features quickly in an MLS that highlights sustainable features.


MLS participants have an easier time locating green properties for home buyers and best promoting green homes for home sellers.


Appraisers can use a green MLS to better value properties with green features.


In addition, builders have an incentive to build green when they see that green homes are in demand and are selling. And being able to quantify the return on green investments and having a stronger method to market green properties also can motivate more people to go green. Thus, a green MLS can contribute to a better environment in the long term.


The MLS Toolkit offers recommendations for navigating everything from the approval process and developing green data entry forms to localizing the MLS to a particular region.


It also includes links to information, examples of MLS greening successes, and ways to plan, roll out and promote a green MLS.


Here are some key aspects of the toolkit, including:

*Case studies--Entails write-ups of various ways that MLSs have gone green and the challenges that participants encountered. "The common element among them all was that realtors® were the ones who spearheaded the effort," said Medina. He pointed out that those with the GREEN designation can be the ones in a community to organize an effort to green the MLS.

*Snapshot of the Green Home Industry--Includes statistics, along with questions and answers about green homes.

*Why an MLS with Green Fields-- Outlines the social and economic demand for greater efficiency and the ways that a green MLS benefits everyone involved in a home transaction.

*Recommendations for a Successful Green Program--Offers strategies for establishing goals and objectives for greening the MLS, assembling a team and cooperating with other green organizations and professionals.

*Green Home Certifications--Addresses incorporating green home certification programs, such as LEED® for Homes, Energy Star® and NAHB Green, the legal concerns that can ensue after any change to the MLS data. It also illustrates how to best deploy and promote a green MLS and educate users.

*Recommendations for Data Entry Forms--Outlines various strategies for representing green in an MLS in ways that make it simple for users to search for specific efficiencies. It also makes suggestions about avoiding the legal pitfalls and risks of overstating a home's greenness and avoiding green washing.

*Green MLS Data Entry Form Examples--Offers specific ways to express green features in the MLS. Examples include intermingling green attributes with other attributes and using color to highlight green features.

For those committed to green real estate, a green MLS can help in marketing and selling sustainable properties and making a case for the value of green. For example, practitioners in Atlanta discovered that green-certified homes sold more quickly and closer to list price than non-certified homes. Without a green MLS, tracking such data either would have been more difficult or wouldn't have been possible.


He also made the point that residential real estate is changing and though short sales and foreclosure are dominating many markets, green soon will gain prominence. Those with NAR's GREEN designation will have a leg-up when that change happens, and he encouraged practitioners to get involved in any MLS greening efforts that emerge in their cities.


The toolkit will be rolled out and promoted in the coming weeks and you'll see an array of marketing blitzes through the media, e-mail and social media. All NAR Green Designees will be notified when your MLS receives this Tool Kit. You can see a preview of the toolkit at the GRC 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


For more information please visit http://greenresourcecouncil.org/

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Caruso's Words of Wisdom


" For the billions & billions of those who lived before us,

their adventure is over.

Given another chance, most would take more chances...

not because they know they would have succeeded,

but because the glory of knowng they at least tried...

far exceeds any regrets of not knowing what might have been." ~Vickie Morgan



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

Friday, March 19, 2010

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ North County


NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM
Nothing to report

BREA
This Saturday March 20, 2010 the Brea Community Center will be hosting its annual Spring Craft Boutique from 9 am to 4pm. For more information please visit http://www.cityofbrea.net/
BUENA PARK
Nothing to report

CYPRESS
Nothing to report
FULLERTON
Starting Wednesday March 24, 2010 the Police Department will host a 10 week Citizen Police Academy. Classes will be every Wednesday from 6 to 9pm. You must be at least 21 years of age. For more information call 714-738-6836
GARDEN GROVE
Spelling Bee! Wednesday March 24, 2010 Garden Grove Unified School will be hosting a spelling bee at 9am for the school district. For more information call 714-663-6503
LA HABRA
Nothing to report

LA PALMA
Nothing to report

PLACENTIA
Nothing to report

STANTON
Saturday March 20, 2010 there will be a community graffiti clean-up at 9am to noon at the corner of Western Avenue and Orangewood Avenue. For more information please call 714-558-4400

WESTMINSTER
Starting this Saturday from 9am to 1pm the city's Housing Division will host its monthly First Time Homebuyer Education Course. For more information please call 714-548-3495

YORBA LINDA
Nothing to report

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

For more information visit orangecountyregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ Central County


CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA
Coming up March 25, 2010 is the 9th annual St. Joachim Golf Classic at Costa Mesa Country Club. There will be a putting contest, cocktail reception and a silent auction. For more information visit www.voitco.com/ftp/2010-golf-classic.html or call 949-675-5791

FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Nothing to report

HUNTINGTON BEACH
Nothing to report

IRVINE
FREE toddler swim lesion will be given at the Racquet Club on Tuesday March 23, 2010 at 3pm. Class is about 20 minutes. To reserve your spot call 714-641-2636.

LOS ALAMITOS
Nothing to report

NEWPORT BEACH
Restaurant week will only be promoted once a year now instead of twice so keep your eyes and ears open for that glorious week.

ORANGE
Author Stephen J. Cannell will be signing his book "the Pallbearers" from 11am to noon this Saturday at Book Carnival located at 348 S. Tustin Ave. For more information please call 714-538-3210

SANTA ANA
Need help dealing with your teenager? For the rest of the month Santa Ana Unified School District's Student Achievement Department will host a series of parenting workshops. The workshops will provide conversation techniques parents can use when dealing with teens and preteens. For more information visit http://www.sausd.us/ or call 714-558-5622.

SEAL BEACH
This Saturday from 10am to 3 pm the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce will host a health faire at the Shops at Rossmoor. The event will feature health screenings, product samples and free giveaways. For more information visit http://www.sealbeachchamber.org/

TUSTIN
Sunday, March 21, 2010 there will be a FREE rainwater harvesting workshop from 1 to 3pm to teach participants how to capture and use rainwater while saving money though water conservation. For more information call 949-677-6097

VILLA PARK
Nothing to report

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

For more information visit ocregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ South County

South County


ALISO VIEJO
It's that time again! You can now purchase your passes for the swimming season at The Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center. Prices range from $30-$150.


DANA POINT
Nothing to report


LADERA RANCH
Nothing to report


LAGUNA BEACH
March 25, 2010 The Boys and Girls club will be hosting an open house from 4pm-6pm, so community members can see the club in action. There will also be a ceremony recognizing those who have donated. For more information call 949-494-2535.


LAGUNA HILLS
Nothing to report


LAGUNA NIGUEL
Nothing to report


LAKE FOREST
Nothing to report


MISSION VIEJO
Nothing to report


RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Nothing to report


SAN CLEMENTE
July 24-25, 2010 will be this year's American Cancer Society Relay for Life at San Clemente High. For more information call 949-492-1998 or visit www.relayforlife.org/sanclementeca


SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
From March 5-May 27, 2010 The San Juan Capistrano Library will be showcasing art work from locals around town. Karen Joy Jackson, a local photographer has a current exhibit at the library along with two other local artist Renuka Pillai and David Evans. Jackson's artwork will be exhibiting 10 photographs of the Greek Islands. The other two artists are oil painters. There is also a Architectural Walking Tour each Saturday morning because it has won architectural awards. Other events will be scheduled in the future. Please come by and support your local artists.
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


For more information visit ocregister.com

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Caruso's Quote of the Day


"Failures do what is tension relieving, while winners do what is goal achieving."
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, March 17, 2010

February Laguna Niguel Sales Report


Is the market is improving or at least stabilizing! Here are the facts...you make the decision!

The Laguna Niguel closed sales report for the month of

February 2010 68 listings closed escrow

Compared To:

February 2009 55 listings closed escrow

February 2008 37 listings closed escrow

Does a sales report tell the whole story about market environment, consumer sentiment and the value of your home? Is it time to sell? Is it time to add a property to your investment portfolio?
Call our office if you have any questions or want more information on a particular neighborhood. Learn What it's Like to Work With Someone Focused on Your Success....not Theirs. 3 decades of experience, education and proven production. Call Michael at 949-753-7900 or 949-495-8600 or email Michael@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

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Caruso's Tips


I found this article in Business Wire – Buying a home for the first time can be complex. To avoid mistakes and make a smart purchase, do the homework, know what to expect and then call Michael Caruso.

To help start the process, FrontDoor.com identifies the top 10 important points every first-time buyer must know.

#1: Just because it’s a buyer’s market doesn’t mean you should buy right now. Don’t let the lucrative market dictate a buying decision if the time isn’t absolutely right. Potential homebuyers need to ask themselves if they have a good credit score, if their job is secure and if they can stay in the home for a few years. If the answer to these questions is “no,” it might make more sense to wait until life and finances are more stable.

#2: The cost of owning a home is more than just the purchase price. On top of a mortgage payment, there are several monthly fees and expenses any first-time buyer should consider when becoming a homeowner: insurance, property taxes, utilities and maintenance. Think about scaling back the home price in order to better budget for the entire package.

#3: Programs are out there to help first-time buyers. A sizeable down payment is great to have for a home purchase, but not everyone can afford to fork over 20 percent upfront. Fortunately, there are many federal, state and local programs geared toward helping first-time homebuyers with down payments, interest rates and loan terms sure to make the whole process and affordability a bit easier.

#4: Foreclosures and short sales present great deals, but proceed with caution. Buying a foreclosed or short sale home can be a risky proposition for a first-time buyer. Foreclosures are often sold “as-is,” while a short sale transaction can be lengthier and more complicated than a typical home purchase. First-timers should consult an agent or attorney with specialization in these areas.

#5: Getting pre-approved for a loan gives you more buying power. Obtaining lender pre-approvals are important because it establishes a homebuyer’s maximum purchase price, shows sellers that the buyer is serious about buying a home and lets the homebuyer compare interest rates and terms to find the best deal.

#6: Good school districts boost property value. One of the most important aspects of a home’s value is the neighborhood where it’s located. Even if the homebuyer does not have kids, buying a home near sought-after schools can help the resale value.

#7: You may be able to access your tax credit upfront. Buyers using FHA-insured mortgages can apply their tax credit toward their home purchase immediately, rather than waiting until they file their income taxes to receive a refund. Prospective buyers who believe they qualify for the credit are also allowed to reduce their income tax withholding, therefore increasing their take-home pay.

#8: Not all real estate agents represent buyers. There are three types of agents: listing agents, who represent sellers and help them get the best price; buyers’ agents, who represent buyers and protect their interests; and agents who represent either (or both). Often, first-time buyers prefer to work exclusively with a buyer’s agent so there are no possible conflicts of interest.

#9: Doing your homework can help you make a competitive offer. Before buying the home, determine the property’s market value by having the realtor conduct a comparative market analysis. This report will show what buyers were willing to pay for similar homes in the area, giving a good idea of what will make a fair offer.

#10: It’s important to have a back-out plan. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure to have a contingency plan in case things don’t go as planned in the home inspection or appraisal. If the home has a major flaw or doesn’t appraise for the purchase price, an escape plan allows the contract to be voided.

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


For more information please visit http://www.frontdoor.com/top10

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Caruso's Saturday Delight


I saw this story in CNN Money and thought I'd share it with everyone. Have a great Saturday!

Nab a real estate deal - while you still can

The combination of affordable home prices, low interest rates, and the federal tax credit for home buyers have created an opportune time for many buyers to purchase a home. Many real estate analysts also believe that most housing markets have stabilized, but that some markets may decline further.


MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

Buyers should keep in mind that housing markets are local and can vary greatly from one neighborhood to the next. Working with a REALTOR® familiar with the area in which the buyer is searching can help the buyer select a house that best suits their needs.
California's housing market has shown signs of stabilization since early last year. Sales of existing, single-family homes bottomed out in August 2007, and the median home price reached its trough in February 2009. In January, California's median home price was 17.2 percent above the low for the current cycle.

The federal tax credit for home buyers was extended and expanded late last year. Qualified first-time buyers may be eligible to receive a tax credit of up to $8,000 on homes purchased before April 30, 2010. Repeat buyers may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500. Visit www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=187935,00.html for more information about the federal tax credit for home buyers, including eligibility requirements.

The Federal Reserve has helped maintain low interest rates, which, in turn, has assisted home buyers. However, the agency plans to stop purchasing mortgage-backed securities at the end of this month, which likely will increase rates on 30-year fixed mortgages. Buyers may be able to lock in a low interest rate by working with their lender.

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



Friday, March 12, 2010

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ North County


NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM
Nothing to report

BREA
Need to promote your business? The Business Connection Brea a nonprofit group of professionals meets once a week every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30am to promote and discuss businesses. For more information call 714-510-6037

BUENA PARK
Anaheim Ducks fan? Corey Perry gold metal Olympian and other Ducks members will be appearing at the "Wild Winger Kids Club End of the Season Party" at Knott's Berry Farm this Saturday March 13, 2010. The appearance will be from 10am-3pm.

CYPRESS
Sunday March 14, 2010 at the Cypress Community Center, Cypress Art League members show will be held from 2-4pm. There will also be an oil painting demonstration. For more information please visit http://www.cypressartleague.com/

FULLERTON
Noting to report

GARDEN GROVE
April 3, 2010 the city will be hosting its 2nd annual Eggs-Cavation egg hunt from 11am-2pm. For more information please call 714-741-5200.

LA HABRA
Nothing to report

LA PALMA
April 26, 2010 through May 21, 2010 the city is registering people for its adult softball league. The season starts June 2, 2010 so don't be late! For more information please call 714-690-3350

PLACENTIA
Nothing to report

STANTON
Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER
Help others, give blood. Tuesday March 16, 2010 The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive from 8am-2pm. Everyone who donates will be entered into a regional drawing for 2 Disneyland annual passes! For more information please visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 714-427-2689

YORBA LINDA
Nothing to report

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


For more information visit orangecountyregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ Central County


CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA
It's that time again! Orange Coast College is now accepting online applications for the summer and fall semesters. The deadline for summer registration is May 28, 2010 and the deadline for fall registration is August 1, 2010. Don't forget to sign up! For more information call 714-432-5072

FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Nothing to report.

HUNTINGTON BEACH
March 25, 2010 a local activist group; "Huntington Beach Tomorrow" will be hosting its annual general meeting at 7pm. For more information please visit http://www.hbtomorrow.org/

IRVINE
This Saturday, March 13, 2010 The Southern California Bluebird Club is holding a meeting at 9am. For more information please visit http://www.socalbluebirds.com/

LOS ALAMITOS
Nothing to report

NEWPORT BEACH
Nothing to report

ORANGE
Nothing to report

SANTA ANA
Need help dealing with your teenager? For the rest of the month Santa Ana Unified School District's Student Achievement Department will host a series of parenting workshops. The workshops will provide conversation techniques parents can use when dealing with teens and preteens. For more information visit http://www.sausd.us/ or call 714-558-5622.


SEAL BEACH
Nothing to report

TUSTIN
Nothing to report

VILLA PARK
Forgot to buy your Girl Scout cookies?! You're in luck! Girl Scout Troop 1597 will be hosting a drive-up cookie booth THIS Saturday March 13, 2010 from 3pm to 6pm. The booth will be located at the 76 gas station, 17771 Santiago Blvd. For more information or questions please email akmills@aol.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

For more information visit ocregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ South County


South County

ALISO VIEJO
It's going to be 4th of July before you know it. Plans for the community's 2010 July 4th celebration are in the works! So far, The Surftones will be the live entertainment and Pyro Spectaculars will be providing the fireworks.

DANA POINT
Nothing to report

LADERA RANCH
Nothing to report

LAGUNA BEACH
A former senior assisted-living facility was recently approved by The Planning Commission to be turned into a group home for developmentally disabled young adults.

LAGUNA HILLS
Project 999, a fund established for the families of OC peace officers killed or injured in the line of duty will receive $1,000 donation.

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Nothing to report

LAKE FOREST
Nothing to report

MISSION VIEJO
UPDATE! TK Burgers on Chrisanta and La Paz Road is now open for breakfast. The restaurant is now open at 7am.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Nothing to report

SAN CLEMENTE
The San Clemente Presbyterian Church is collecting medical and hygiene supplies for a hospice in the Baja California village of Valle Bonito. For more information call 949-481-0116

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Adventure Day finally returns this Saturday March 13 to Caspers Wilderness Park from 10am-3pm. Music, nature tours, arts & crafts, games and refreshments are all free to families visiting the park. For more information please visit www.ocparks.com/caspers.

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



For more information, please visit ocregister.com

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Sales Report for Laguna Niguel


Is the market improving or at least stabilizing! Here are the facts...you make the decision!

The Laguna Niguel closed sales report for the month of

January 2010 54 listings closed escrow

Compared To:

January 2009 48 listings closed escrow

January 2008 38 listings closed escrow

Does a sales report tell the whole story about market environment, consumer sentiment and the value of your home? Is it time to sell? Is it time to add a property to your investment portfolio?
Call our office if you have any questions or want more information on a particular neighborhood. Learn What it's Like to Work With Someone Focused on Your Success....not Theirs. 3 decades of experience, education and proven production. Call Michael at 949-753-7900 or 949-495-8600 or email Michael@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

Caruso's Quote of the Day


" Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. " ~Thomas Jefferson


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, March 10, 2010

Caruso's LOW COST Remodeling Projects


I came across a great article in Realtor Magazine I thought would be helpful and in times like these its always nice to hear about small budget ways to improve your home. Here are 10 Big-Impact, Low Cost Remodeling Projects anyone can do.

1.) Tidy Up Kitchen Cabinets

2.) Add or Replace Tile

3.) Add a Breakfast Bar

4.) Install Granite Tile instead of Slab

5.) Freshen up a Bathroom without Retiling- For example instead of replacing the tile, the existing grout can be lighting scarped and regrouted, which leaves a haze that can be buffed out and will make the tile look brand new.

6.) Freshen up the Basement

7.) Add a Room- Look for large spaces that can be enclosed to create a new bedroom for just the price of creating a wall.

8.) Spruce up Cabinet Fronts

9.) Replace Light Fixtures

10.) Tech-up the Garage- Most of the time you can replace the garage door opener with a remote touch-pad entry system. It costs about $425 and makes it look like a high-end system.

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



For more details on these 10 remodeling projects vistit www. REALTOR.org/realtormag

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Caruso's Wonderland


This past weekend I saw Alice in Wonderland based off the classic book written by Lewis Carroll. In this new 2010 rendition of the movie Johnny Depp stars as the Mad Hatter, Mia Wasikowaska as Alice, Helena Carter as the Red Queen and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. Directed by Tim Burton, Alice in Wonderland has great usage of color schematics, costumes, editing and sound. But what I enjoyed the most is the message the movie sends to everyone. This movie is about following your dreams, believing in what you believe and knowing that everyone is a little mad and that's okay. Stop taking life so seriously, try to enjoy yourself and most importantly have fun.

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

For more information on Alice in Wonderland visit http://www.imdb.com/

Friday, March 5, 2010

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ North County


ORANGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS - NORTH

ANAHEIM
Nothing to report

BREA
Nothing to report

BUENA PARK
Nothing to report

CYPRESS
Nothing to report

FULLERTON
Noting to report

GARDEN GROVE
Saturday March 20, 2010 the OC Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, The OC United Way and the Legal Aid Society of Orange County will be hosting a FREE Community Tax Day starting at 10am. For more information call Tiffany Nguyen at 714-897-2214

LA HABRA
Kindergarten registration for the Lowell Joint School district with start Monday March 15, 2010. For more information visit http://www.ljsd.org/ or call 562-943-0211

LA PALMA
La Palma and the OC Fire Authority are getting together and offering a training program for anyone who wants to learn and practice disaster preparedness. Classes are $25. For more information visit http://www.westcountycert.com/.

PLACENTIA
Noting to report

STANTON
Saturday March 13, 2010 at 9pm Time Warner Cable is hosting a benefit concert for the Boys and Girls Club of Stanton. Tickets are $8. For more information please visit http://www.fitzgeraldshb.net/

WESTMINSTER
Nothing to report

YORBA LINDA
Saturday March 13, 2010 Yorba Linda's Freedom Association is hosting a Lakebed Park cleanup. Please come and help the community pick up trash that has been created by heavy rains. For more information visit http://www.yllfa.org/

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



For more information visit orangecountyregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ Central County


CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA
Orange County's largest Mixer VII Event is coming up! The event will take place Wednesday March 24, 2010 from 5pm to 9 at the OC Fair and Event Center. Admission is $20 per person at the door and only cash will be accepted. For more information visit http://www.ocmixer.com/

FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Time for a haircut? Why not donate your hair? The California Scholarship Federation is hosting a hair donation drive from 3 to 6 Friday March 12, 2010 in the cafeteria of Fountain Valley High School. The American Cancer Society will be donating the hair for wigs that are given to cancer patients for free. For more information call 714-964-0365 or email fvhscsf@gmail.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH
Coming up Sunday March 21, 2010 is the Bolsa Chica Wetlands walking tour. The tour starts at 10am at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and lasts about 2 hours. For more information visit www.bolsachicalandtrust.org or call 714-846-1001

IRVINE
At the Quail Hill Trail Saturday March 20, 2010 Irvine will be co-hosting a ribbon-cutting for the trail connector at 8:30am. For more information visit http://www.cityofirvine.org/

LOS ALAMITOS
All you parade goers; you have until Saturday March 27, 2010 to enter the city parade in celebration of Los Alamitos 50th anniversary! Everyone is encouraged to participate! Entry forms can be downloaded at ci.los-alamitos.ca.us

NEWPORT BEACH
Nothing to report

ORANGE
Coming up Monday May 3, 2010 Covenant Christian School is hosting its 3rd annual Golf Classic at Black Gold Golf Club. The green fee is $150 and includes golf and dinner! For more information call 714-998-4852

SANTA ANA
Saturday March 20, 2010 the Veterans of Foreign Wars will be hosting an information and support fair for veterans at the Santa Ana Veterans Hall. For more information and to RSVP email scotmckee@earthlink.net

SEAL BEACH
Nothing to report

TUSTIN
Tuesday March 9, 2010 and 6:30pm Tustin's High School's Model United Nations Program is holding an open house. For more information call 714-730-7570

VILLA PARK
There will be a diabetes symptoms, research, prevention, and management lecture hosted by representatives from St. Joseph Hospital coming up next week. The lecture will be held Thursday March 11, 2010 at 11am. For more information call 714-771-8913 or visit sjo.org/calendar.

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


For more information visit ocregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ South County




South County

ALISO VIEJO
Starting late April repaving work on the stretch of Pacific Park Drive between La Paz Road and Alicia Parkway is underway!

DANA POINT
This Saturday March 6, 2010 make sure to check out the annual Whales Parade starting at 10am. Spectacular floats, good food, music and a street faire! What else could you ask for on a Saturday?! It is perfect for all ages. For more information on tickets and events going on throughout the day visit http://www.dpfestivalofwhales.com/

LADERA RANCH
Nothing to report

LAGUNA BEACH
Nothing to report

LAGUNA HILLS
Nothing to report.

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Get ready to slow down! 11 speed bumps will be installed on Adelanto Drive later this year. The speed bump request was followed by and vote and approved by the City Council.

LAKE FOREST
Look out all you future beauty kings. El Toro High is hosting its very first Male Pageant. The "Mr. Charger" Pageant will take place at the school theater at 7pm on Friday March 5, 2010. For information on tickets visit http://www.ethsdrama.com/

MISSION VIEJO
Just want to recognize the 200 students who helped spruce up Capistrano Valley High School this past Saturday. The students spent the day scraping gum off the floors, wiping down lockers and baseboards, and polishing glass.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Nothing to Report

SAN CLEMENTE
Monday March 8, 2010 from 11am to 1pm The Fair Housing Foundation is putting on a Tenant Workshop for renters who want to come and learn about rent increases, late fees, habitability issues, security deposits etc. It's free and informational. For more information or to RSVP call Maria Benitez at 800-446-3247 ext. 1104.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
The San Juan Hills High grad night committee is holding a raffle to win a brand new 2010 Volkswagen Golf to help get them ready for their first ever grad night celebration. Tickets are $100 and a maximum 500 tickets will be sold! For more information visit http://www.sanjuanhillsgradnight.com/

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

For more information, please visit ocregister.com
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