Friday, April 29, 2011

Caruso's OC Happenings

NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM

Coming up May 20-22 is the Greek Festival (405 N. Dale St.).Come experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Greece at the 2011 OC Greek Fest: St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church's 50th Annual Greek Food Festival celebrating the food, music, and culture of Greece! Authentic Greek foods and homemade Greek pastries; traditional Greek dancing and Greek music (live music by Fotia); an outdoor marketplace and expansive 'Zorba's Kidz Zone' with carnival rides & games and other activities for the children-plus more!-are all ready for your visit to Greece right here in Anaheim. For more information you can call (714) 827-0182.

BREA

Sunday, May 8 from 9:00a to 2:00p at El Torito Grill is offering an all-you-can eat Mother's Day buffet with Mexican dishes, waffles, omelets, soups, and a carving station. Sparkling wine is included. Reservations are recommended.

BUENA PARK

Nothing to report

CYPRESS
Coming up this summer Saturday, July 23 from 9:00a to 5:00p is the annual Cypress Community Festival at Oak Knoll Park. This is a FREE event. Bring the entire family to the Cypress Community Festival featuring DJ Shawn Parr & Go Country 105FM. Enjoy the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast (7-11am), Chili Cookoff, Car Show, Family Games, Food Booths, Business Expo, Children's Rides, Arts, Crafts & Continuous Entertainment. The 5K/10K Run/Walk starts at 7:30 am. This is the largest 1 day festival in Orange Co. drawing about 30,000 visitors. The event is sponsored by local businesses including: Toyota Grand Prix, Go Country 105 FM, ‘TheHomeMag' of Orange County, The Cypress Event News & the News Enterprise.F or more info visit: http://www.cypressfestival.com or email: info@cypressfestival.com. The Cypress Community Festival is the signature event for the city of Cypress, CA and is held each year of the 4th Saturday of July at Oak Knoll Park. Businesses and individuals are invited to become sponsors and/or arrange for vendor booth spaces.

FULLERTON

May 14-15 is the Annual Muckenthaler Motorcar Festival (Held at Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave.). This is a one-of-a-kind Automotive Cultural Event. This event features a car rally, motor movies & Concours d'Elegance and Horseless Carriage Tour. There will also be a special performance on Sunday, May 15, by Janet Klein and her Parlour Boys performing songs from the 1920s. For more information you can call 714-738-6595.

GARDEN GROVE

Coming up May 27-30, 2011 is the annual Strawberry Festival (Euclid St & Main St). This festival is a parade and carnival celebrating the city's strawberry-growing history! For more information you can call 714-638-0981.

LA HABRA

Coming up Friday, June 10 starting at 5:00p at Sonora High School is the annual La Habra Valley Community Fair. The 2011 La Habra Valley Community Fair is fun for the whole family. This event will feature car show (Saturday only), livestock shows, dog shows and agility trails, fair food, activities for kids, a petting zoo and much, much more. Admission is only $1.00 and all proceeds go to helping students in the surrounding FFA programs.

LA PALMA

Nothing to report

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report

STANTON

Nothing to report


WESTMINSTER

Coming up at the end of summer Saturday, Aug 20 2:00p at The Rose Center Theater is the Ms. Senior California Pageant! Eighteen Ms. Senior California preliminary finalists from San Francisco to San Diego will compete for the title of Ms. Senior California 2011.


YORBA LINDA

Coming up Friday, May 13, 2011 is the annual Yorba Linda ‘Lobsterfest' (Yorba Linda Community Center, Casa Loma @ Imperial Highway). This affair is one of Yorba Linda's biggest events and the all-you-can-eat ‘Lobsterfest' is YL Sunrise Rotary's main fundraiser each year. There will be a live & silent auction, and live entertainment under the stars by "The Trip". For more information you can call (714) 701-3027.



CENTRAL COUNTY
COSTA MESA

Starting May 6 - 8 at Orange County Performing Arts Center (600 Town Center Drive) is the Shen Yun Performing Arts World Tour! The show features with large group classical Chinese dancing and music, which is one of the most sophisticated dancing system in the world; it has a live orchestra with both eastern and western music instrument perfectly combined for the first time; 3 dimensional digital backdrop that no one else can parallel; all original programs, originally composed music, originally designed costumes, showcasing the best of traditional Chinese culture and arts in a form of pure truthfulness, kindness and beauty'

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

TOMORROW Saturday, Apr 30 starting at 9am at Mile Square Park is the 2nd Annual Parkinson's Disease Zent-A-Thon 5K Run/Walk. The Parkinson's & Movement Disorder Foundation and American Parkinson Disease Association are teaming up to host the 2nd Parkinson's disease Zent-A-Thon 5K Run/Walk. Proceeds will help fund the American Parkinson Disease Association and the Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Foundation in supporting people with Parkinson's disease.


HUNTINGTON BEACH

Sunday May 1st will be the Taste of Huntington Beach (Sports Complex at Talbert and Goldenwest). This event is a unique sampling of the finest restaurant cuisine in Huntington Beach, paired with the finest wines in California, all in the name of charity! Come enjoy samplings of food and beverages from such restaurants as Duke's Huntington Beach, Aloha Grill, Bodai Tree, Chimayo at the Beach and many more. Wineries and brewers in attendance include Clos Du Bois, Brewbakers, Frei Brothers Reserve and many others. Proceeds benefit the children's wing of the Huntington Beach Library. For more information you can call 714-375-5023.

IRVINE

Sunday, May 1 at the Irvine Spectrum is the Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon. This events includes a 10K & 5K Run/ 1K kids run with all proceeds going to children's cancer research. Before and after the race, enjoy a fun-filled morning of festivities at the start and finish line. For more information you can call 949- 859-6312.

LOS ALAMITOS

Coming up Saturday, July 16 starting at 9:00am at Los Alamitos High School is the 7th Annual Relay for Life! Join the fight against cancer. Because cancer never sleeps, teams of friends and colleagues set up camp and take turns walking around a track for 24 hours to CELEBRATE cancer survivors, REMEMBER loved ones lost to the disease and FIGHT BACK by raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. When not walking, participants enjoy fun family-friendly activities, food and local entertainment. This is a FREE event. For more information you can call (562) 221-0144.

NEWPORT BEACH

NOW through May 5 is the annual Newport Beach Film Festival. This event is set in beautiful Newport Beach, a few blocks away from spectacular coastline and less than an hour from Hollywood, the Festival annually host several premieres and galas for a singular festival experience. For more information you can call 949-253-2880.

ORANGE

Saturday, May 7 at 12:00p is the Triple Crown - Mother's Day Classic - Sponsored by Full Gorilla Apparel. This is the 5th year of the event and 2nd year using the New Fountain Valley Sports Park. This is a great weekend where we can play softball and thank all the mothers in attendance! The event will be played in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach, CA at the new Fountain Valley Sports Park, Huntington Beach Sports Park and local fields. Top team in each age division will receive (per roster) a pro-style custom jersey with 1-color tackle-twill letters and numbers as well as pants compliments of Full-Gorilla.


SANTA ANA

TOMORROW Saturday, Apr 30 12:00p to 10:00p is the 20 year traditional Cinco de Mayo at Historic 4th Street. The festival is back again. Free family oriented festival on Historical 4th Street in downtown Santa Ana. Over 150,000 Hispanic families crowd the streets to enjoy carnival rides, games, authentic Hispanic food, vendors, and corporate sponsors. Contact Mars Media Family for Sponsorship Information.

SEAL BEACH

Calling all Lifeguards! It's that time already! Coming up May 21st, 2011 are tryouts for Ocean Lifeguards. Check-in is at 8 AM @ Lifeguard Headquarters. You must have a valid California Drivers License and diploma or GED equivalent. If under 18, a parent must sign the waiver of liability. Forms and information are available at Lifeguard Headquarters (562) 430-2613.

TUSTIN
Nothing to report

VILLA PARK
Coming up this summer on June 25, 2011 the Friends of the Villa Park Library (FOVPL) are happy to be putting on the seventh annual Villa Park 5K run/walk, the second annual Progressive Marathon, the first annual 10K, and the first annual interrupted 15K which starts and ends at the Villa Park High School. Race Day Registration starts at 6 AM, 5K Run/Walk at 7:15 AM and 10K run at 7:55 AM. For more information or to fill out an entry form you can visit http://www.villapark.org/vp5k.html.

South CountyALISO VIEJO

Coming May 7, 2011 from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm is the Soka University's Annual International Festival. Enjoy over 900 musicians and dancers performing on three stages and over 250 non-profit, craft and business exhibitors! The 2011 International Festival will again be part of the Orange County's Imagination Celebration, presented in cooperation with Arts Orange County and the Orange County Department of Education. There will be lots of international food, exhibitors, games and activities, an art exhibition, ceramic sales and demos, a children's play area with Superslide, Bounce House and Bungee Trampoline, student project presentations --- and much more! Admission is FREE for everyone! Parking is $10 on campus

DANA POINT
OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY - MAY 1st - 1:00-5:00 at 25142 Via Playa. It's Easy to love this Cozy & Modern Spacious Split-Level Villa with Master Retreat ~ You'll appreciate the Sophisticated Upgrades & Generous Backyard ~ Located in the Charming Marinita Community

LADERA RANCH

Sunday, May 8 from 10:00a to 2:00p "BeachFire" in Landera Ranch is offering a Mother's Day brunch buffet. Buffet items include: prime rib carving station, seafood, omelet station, breakfast items, and desserts. $7 bottomless champagne and mimosas are also available. Reservations are recommended.

LAGUNA BEACH
TOMORROW April 30, 2011 is the Festival of Goddesses (Bridge Hall
340 St. Anns Street). This event is a day of feminine dialogue and spiritual exploration with well known motivational speakers and authors, inspiring musical performances, handsome male servers devoted to serving and honoring the goddess, gourmet food, a free makeover, boutique vendors, a live auction and free form ‘tantric' dancing.

LAGUNA HILLS
Nothing to report

LAGUNA NIGUEL

Friday, May 13 7:00p to 8:00p at Crown Valley Community Park, Bring the whole family out for a magic show that combines comedy, magic, music, audience participation and live exotic pets in an entertainment experience that's guaranteed to astound and amaze! Children and adults alike are involved in multi-media, audience participation magic show "experience" with at least four live animals ranging from Chinchillas to Silkie Chickens, Doves to Tarantulas, Tortoises to Bunnies, Flying Squirrels, Snakes, and many more!

LAKE FORES

Today, Friday, Apr 29 from 7:00p to 10:00p at Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest is The Gathering Art and Photo Show. This is the second annual exhibition of skateboard art and photography with those who create it held at the best Skatepark around. Come enjoy the sounds of music, great atmosphere, and unique pieces of art; all for the great cause of raising money to keep the Park free. If you're interested in displaying your artwork, photography, or assisting in this fundraiser, please contact Nick Gates at Ngates@lakeforestca.gov. Spaces are limited, so please contact

MISSION VIEJO

Mark your calendars for Sunday May 29, 2011 because it's KSBR Birthday Bash (Oso Viejo Park / Norman P. Murray Community Center 24932 Veterans Way)! With more than 30 headliners playing with each other in a giant jazz jam, each Bash is an once-in-a-lifetime concert for both the artists and the audience. The music will never happen in exactly the same way again. The listeners know that the event is something special - it has sold out each of the past 11 years even before the full line up was announced! For more information you can call (949) 582-4714.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Sunday, June 12 starting at 9:30am is the 15th Annual Cheesehead Classic Golf Tournament at Tijeras Creek Golf Club. The University Of Wisconsin Alumni Chapter Of Orange County presents "Cheesehead Classic" Golf Tournament & Scholarship Fundraiser to Help Support Southern California Scholarship Applicants! The first Tee at is 10:30 a.m. Anyone can play, serious golfers, the not-so-serious and weekend hackers can all participate, win prizes and have fun!! Only $ 150 per person includes: Green Fees, Cart, Range Balls & Putting Contest, Box Lunch, Gifts, Silent Auction, Special Raffle Entry, and Dinner & Awards Ceremony.

SAN CLEMENTE
Coming up May 7 between 12-6pm is the 21st Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Max Berg Plaza Park, 1100 Calle Puente) will showcase live entertainment featuring Mariachis, Aztec Dancers, Ballet Folkloric and live bands along with a colorful student art contest and exhibit, children's activities, authentic food and drinks. For more information you can call 949-361-8264

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Coming up May 14 from 10am-1pm is the "Food For Thought" Food Pantry and Health/Resource Fair (Capistrano Valley Church, 32032 Del Obispo St.). There will be Medical Screenings and other Health related information, Community services and information on other resources for you and your family. Free food & grocery items for you and your family!!! Distribution begins at 11am (While supplies last). For more information, please contact WYS San Juan Capistrano at (949) 487-6080





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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Tweet Tweet with Caruso!

Twitter and Facebook are commonly the first two services mentioned when discussing social media. Most people seem to be getting familiar with Facebook but still not with Twitter.

What is Twitter? Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that allows you to send short text messages,140 characters in length, called "tweets", to your friends, or "followers."

If you haven't started using Twitter to market your business, or are looking to give your Twitter strategy a "lift," here are some strategies I have come across to fire it up.

Perfecting Your Profile

Your profile page is important as it contains several components which reinforce your branding, and serves as static elements which speak to your visitors.

•Your Bio: Your bio permits 160 characters to describe yourself or your business, this gives you 20 more characters than a "regular tweet, but still forces you to be creative and concise when describing yourself and your business.
•Your Profile Picture: This is critical; it is the first visual which potential new contacts see when deciding whether or not to interact with you. Do not default to the placeholder image.
•Your Background Image: This is the image that appears in the background of your profile page. Don't rely on the default colors. Services like Twitbacks make it easy to customize a clean and informative background image to ensure a cohesive online identity.
•Killer Content: You can have the most stunning background and profile picture, but the quality of your tweets is really what will determine whether you're getting the most out of Twitter.
Competitive Analysis

It doesn't take long to learn what types of tweets resonate with Twitter users. Sharing strong content, such as industry-specific blog posts, often creates dialog with desired Twitter contacts. Make a note of what kind of tweets are frequently re-tweeted, and post them, as this practice can boost your Twitter q-rating significantly.

Lists, Searches and Monitoring Your Reputation

Twitter users can organize others into groups, or "lists". Using the "Lists" feature sorts the individual accounts you follow into more manageable bites. When you click to view a list, you'll see a stream of Tweets from all the users included in that group.

Searches are another way to join the conversation on Twitter. A set of defined searches can facilitate easy interaction for targeted topics. An example would be "homes for sale Orange County;" when that comes up you send a @reply and include a relevant link to your blog or site or offer information.

Building Your Own Base of Followers

As you know, with all social media services, the best way to gain followers on Twitter is compelling content and interaction. Twitter is deeply rooted in reciprocal activity. There's even a button on every tweet that enables you to share a contact's tweet on your own account, known as "retweeting."

Remember to use other social networks, your advertising and your emails to let people know you are on Twitter. Include your Twitter username in your email signature and your advertising. Post a very visible image link on your blog and Facebook page to your Twitter feed. Adding a "retweet" button to your blog posts makes sharing a one-click investment for readers.

Trending Topics, # Hashtags and Your Business

Twitter use is heavily influenced by what are known as hashtags, and a recurring list displayed with every Twitter feed which are known as "trending topics."

Hashtags involve a certain term converted into a clickable link by adding a "#" symbol- an example would be #OCrentals; this term would sort for all tweets marked with this hashtag.

Trending topics are the current top ten most discussed terms on Twitter. These topics often center on news stories or celebrity gossip.

Including a trending topic increases tweet visibility because a large number of people are following the progression of the term or story. Tying a trending topic into your content is a great way to gain some incidental traffic to your blog or website.

I hope this information can help you improve your Twitter presence. Happy Tweeting!

Twitter Icon for your email etc. Just copy and paste.



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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Closing Costs with Caruso!

A question I get a lot from clients is "How are closing costs estimated?"

First let me tell you what they are. Closing costs are financing and legal costs associated with a home mortgage. They can vary significantly by type of loan and by state. A way to guesstimate is 3% of purchase price.

Closing costs will differ by the sale and where you live. You will have to pay for the Title search and Title Insurance. You also pay for the Appraisal. You will have to pay a Recording fee, Homeowner's Insurance, the pro-rated Property Taxes and partial Monthly Interest.

If your loan has points or Origination fees then those are paid at closing. 1 point or origination fee equals 1% of the loan value. Some lenders charge 2 or 3 points, so it's a good idea to shop around and call different banks and mortgage companies. Ask a lot of questions about the loan and closing costs, so you won't be surprised in the end.

Lastly, there are the miscellaneous fees, which include a Wire Transfer fee, Flood Certification, Tax Service and Credit Report charges, Lender Doc Preparation fee, and Attorney fee.

A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) should be provided, and is required by law when applying for a loan, this estimate sheet will outline what your costs will be and help you in determining an accurate closing estimate. It's a good idea if you're a first time buyer to educate yourself, so ask a Realtor, Lender or search a book on Real Estate Purchases at your local library or bookstore.



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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Green Real Estate

Iridescent light bulbs, low-flow plumbing and energy-efficient windows are among the new considerations for building a home these days. "Green" real estate that is more ecologically sound and environmentally friendly is resonating with a new generation of home buyers concerned with environmental impact and utility costs. With rising prices in oil and other fuels, home buyers want to stretch their dollars as far as they'll go. Therefore, Real estate professionals must meet and address the home buyer's considerations and connect with them on the issues they care about.

Here are a few ideas for connecting with such people to tap into a "green" market for real estate:

Attend meetings of "green" related organizations- Make a list of "green" organizations and find out where and when they meet. Attend meetings open to the public and join the largest groups (or all of them where feasible). When you go to meetings, make sure to introduce yourself as a realtor who works in earth-friendly real estate, make friends and hand out business cards printed on recycled paper.

Go where "green-minded" people are- These places will also be easy to discover once you join those green organizations. In general, nature centers, organic cafés, restaurants and stores that sell products for outdoor enthusiasts are good bets. Science centers and parks known for nature related activities are good options too.

Market at "green" related functions and activities- Keep an eye out for announcements on "green" functions from the groups you have joined. Make sure to meet as many people as possible, hand out those cards and even wear apparel that lets attendees know that you're a realtor that specializes in "green" properties.

Give presentations on "green" realty- If you've joined environmental groups, inform them about new eco-friendly products in home building or repair. Also, discussing "green" real estate with industry colleagues could provide greater awareness to a market place with high demand for eco-friendly homes.

The demand for "green" real estate will continue to grow as ecological awareness increases and improvements in technology offer new ways to lower utility costs, reduce emissions and leave less of a carbon footprint. Using these tips to connect with environmentally conscious buyers now will only prepare an agent for the future. As time goes on, there will be more environmental considerations imposed on homes and the agent with the knowledge will have the upper hand.



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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Friday, April 22, 2011

Good Friday

Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross.

The biblical account of Jesus’ death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial and his resurrection, or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30.

If you can try and take a moment out of your day to reflect and thank Jesus for what he did for us.



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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, OrangeCountyAssociationof Realtors (949) 753-7900

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Caruso's Dana Point Closed Sales Report ~ March

Is the market is improving or at least stabilizing!? We provide the latest market updates regularly, as well as personal consultation of market direction...

The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for March:

The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the 0-$500,000 Range:

2011 14 listings closed escrow
2010 19 listings closed escrow

The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $500,000-$1,000,000 Range:

2011 16 listings closed escrow

2010 12 listings closed escrow

The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $1,000,000+ Range:

2011 4 listings closed escrow

2010 8 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? Is the market changing, and in which direction? Information is critical to your success. My Web Site and Blog can keep you up to date.



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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
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