Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Caruso's Green Tip of the Day ~ Remodelers Most Used Items

If you are considering a home remodel try going green with your remodel! The National Association of Home Builders surveyed re-modelers to find out the energy saving items they installed most often in projects during the fourth quarter of 2011. Here are the most

installed energy savers for a home remodel:

•Low E Windows
•Upgraded Insulation
•Insulated Exterior Doors
•Argon Gas Windows
•High-Efficiency HVAC systems


And that's your green tip of the day!



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, February 25, 2012

Caruso Never Sleeps ~ Hard VS Soft Credit Inquiries

Do you know what a Hard versus Soft Credit Inquiry is?



Consumers are entitled to a free copy of their credit report once a year, available through sites like CreditKeeper.com, AnnualCreditReport.com or IdentiryGuard.com. While the credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com is free, it doesn’t include a credit score. For this, consumers must pay a nominal fee.



When a consumer asks about their own credit score, it’s considered a “soft inquiry”, which doesn’t impact their FICO score. Credit card, insurance companies, banks, and others can also make soft inquires, in order to identify consumers for marketing purposes.



In contrast, “hard inquires” for a consumer’s credit history are made if you apple for a loan, a mortgage, or open a new credit card. Depending on other factors, too many hard inquiries could have a negative impact on a consumers FICO score.







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, February 24, 2012

Attracting Business through LinkedIn with Caruso!

I came across this question on articleserver.net & after reading the question I thought to myself, you know what, I have the same exact question!

"I am a real estate agent and I am not sure how LinkedIn can help me since it is a business to business platform and I am targeting consumers and homeowners. Should I be focusing just on Facebook which is more consumer oriented? And, if I should be on LinkedIn, how can I best utilize it to help me obtain more business and clients?"

So I thought I would do some research and see how I could answer that question not only for myself but for everyone else who may be confused with LinkedIn.



Media Professionals - A recent study showed that 92% of all journalists are on LinkedIn which is more than any other social networking site. This means that you have more access to individuals who are looking to quote experts like you or publish articles regarding your industry and how you can help your prospective clients. By reaching out to these journalists you can develop meaningful and valuable relationships as they will come to think of you as the expert in your field and ask for your information when they are putting together their next piece. This extra publicity will give you more exposure to even more prospects and enhance your credibility so prospects will want to buy from you.

Referral Sources - Through LinkedIn you can build and enhance relationships with key influencers who can provide you with access to prospects you would otherwise not have known, met or done business with. A referral source is a valuable tool because it is a third party endorsement and they can act as your sales agent as they want to give their customers and clients more value.

Larger companies that offer products or services that are supplementary to yours - Smart companies are always looking to increase their revenues by giving their clients and customers more value. Think of the different companies and organizations that can add your products or services to their own at a premium price - and use LinkedIn to build relationships with the different company's executives.

Then you need to figure out who would be the best referral sources, key influences, types of media and companies for you to connect with. For example;

* Divorce attorneys - In a divorce couples often have a house to sell. Couples also have other traditional real estate assets that often have to be sold in a divorce. Plus, at least one of the parties in a divorce will need to relocate - meaning they'll need to buy a new house.
* Local bankruptcy attorneys - who have clients who have no other choice but to either short sell or go into foreclosure
* Accountants - who can refer clients to sell their residential or commercial properties to avoid further liability and eventual foreclosure
* Financial planners, estate attorneys & probate attorneys - who want to give homeowners relief from their unexpected financial burdens
* Banks - who want to sell their foreclosed properties in the shortest amount of time with the highest net to them

Make sure you create a LinkedIn profile that is written for the referral sources and media you want to attract starting with your headline. In the headline, identify the audiences you want to connect with - and why they should want to connect with you. In your summary, explain to referral sources how you can be of value to their clients and customers and how your relationship will help them.

The key to LinkedIn though is to stay on top of your referral sources' and media professionals' profiles. Once you figure out who your best key influencers, referral sources and media types, start doing your research on LinkedIn and make connections. When you make a new connection, invite the referral source or media professional to your LinkedIn group where you provide tips, tools and articles. Every time you are published, featured or quoted in the media you should be announcing it to your connections and group members. This will show them that you are a valuable resource and keep you on top of their minds. So when a referral source has a client needing your expertise, they'll think of you. And, when the media needs an expert to quote- they'll come to you.



How do you use LinkedIn to market yourself & have you ever gained business from LinkedIn?



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

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Caruso Funny ~ The Talented Salesman

Young Brad from the country applied for a salesman's job at a city Department store. It was one of those massive stores that sells just about everything.



The boss asked him, "Have you ever worked in sales before?" "Yes, I was a salesman in my home town," said Brad. The boss liked him instantly and said, "I'll give you a trial day here at the store, start tomorrow, and I'll come and see you after closing time to see how you went."



When the boss met up with young Brad the next day at closing time, he saw him shaking hands with a beaming customer. After they parted, the boss walked over and asked, "Well, that looked good! How many sales did you make today?" "That was the only one," said the young salesman. "Only one!?!" blurted the boss. "Most of my staff make 20 or 30 sales a day. You'll have to do better than that! Well, how much was the sale worth?" "Three hundred sixty five thousand, four hundred fifty two dollars," said young Brad.



The boss stopped, truly stunned now…"Um, how did you manage that?!?" "Well, when he came in this morning and I sold him a small fish hook. Then, I sold him a medium hook, and then a really large hook. Then I sold him a small fishing line, a medium one, and then a big one. I then sold him a spear gun, a wetsuit, scuba gear, nets, chum, coolers, and a keg of beer. I asked him where he was going fishing and he said up the coast. We decided he would probably need a new boat, so I took him down to the boat department and sold him that twenty-foot schooner with the twin engines. Then, he said that his old bomb car probably wouldn't be able to pull it, so I took him to the car department and sold him the new Deluxe Cruiser, with a winch, storage rack, seat heating, and a built-in TV. Oh, and cup holders."



The boss took two steps back and asked in astonishment, "You sold all that to a guy who came in for a fish hook?!" "No," answered the salesman. "He came in to buy a blanket." "A blanket?" "Yeah, an extra blanket for the couch. He just had a fight with his wife and was sleeping on the couch. I said to him, 'Well, your weekends ruined, so you might as well go fishing...'"









Now that's a good sales person...



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, February 21, 2012

Implement Your Vision with Caruso!

If you’re a realtor, marketing begins with figuring out your goals, your vision, and how these can combine to create your brand. A marketing strategy also describes the niche market you will be working with. However, many people are unaware of the various realtor marketing tools that can help a real estate agent set his or her plans in motion. Read on to discover the marketing tips from NAR & eCommission for accomplishing just that.



Vision/Brand Consistency

After defining your realtor marketing ideas, set about determining whether your current processes and marketing materials support your new vision. For instance, if your new approach centers on providing environmentally-friendly and tech-savvy real estate service to eco-conscious families, you might decide to switch from a paper to a digital newsletter. You could even take it a step further and offset your newsletter energy footprint with clean energy credits. Analyze your company culture and collective habits to bring your brand vision into line with your actions.

This step is about more than just “being honest” to your marketing vision. Brand/vision integration also streamlines your marketing by creating a consistent, clear message.

Distribute Branding Throughout Realtor Marketing Tools

A new brand vision calls for new marketing collateral, including websites, realtor eCards, online listings, paper fliers, and business cards. Consider redesigning these elements when you put your new marketing strategy in place. Ideally, your natural enthusiasm for your real estate marketing ideas will see you through this update. Let this new energy fuel your research into current procedures. If certain organizational habits are out of alignment with your new brand vision, let them go.

An outside realtor business consultant can help you gain outside perspective on where your brand and your dealings do not match. A realtor business consultant is an expert who can provide an unbiased appraisal of your marketing circumstances. She or he will also be capable of delivering an assessment of your brand integration. One final benefit is that a consultant is sure to bring you dozens of excellent realtor marketing ideas.



Incorporate Realtor eCards To Boost your Realtor Marketing Results

As you comb through your marketing processes, you may find yourself releasing certain marketing techniques, and picking up more up-to-date approaches. As an example, if newspaper advertisements were one of your most central realtor marketing tools in your old model, you might switch to Google AdWords. Or, you could drop your paper newsletter in favor of an online real estate blog, replete with handy tips for homebuyers. Realtor eCards are an exceptional tool for stepping to the forefront of real estate marketing. Basically, a realtor eCards are online videos that showcase property photographs and descriptions of property amenities. Animation and music are also included, to convey the property’s personality and engage potential buyers. Realtor eCards are simple to make – all an agent has to do is type in a few details and upload property photographs. Local attractions, policies, and the price can be displayed at the video’s conclusion ends. And here’s the best part: it’s a cinch to share realtor eCards across online venues, including blogs, digital listings, and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.



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, February 18, 2012

Tweeting with Caruso!

Tweet Tweet. Twitter. What is it & how can it help me? A lot of people are still confused on how you can use Twitter to improve your business. Twitter marketing can be an effective and inexpensive social media solution for your real estate business. With only 140 characters required, Twitter offers a short and sweet way to get your message out.Twitter can also be an incredible addition to your current marketing campaign and a truly remarkable marketing tool within your business. Used strategically, Twitter can be a fun way to raise awareness about your personal brand and other social networks.

So how can you use Twitter to market your business? Here are 3 simple strategies from Better Homes & Gardens that you can apply today!

1. Connect with Potential Clients

Similar to Facebook, Twitter gives you the ability to connect with potential clients in a far more intimate way than traditional media. Potential customers are able to gain a better understanding of who you are, what your business is all about and how you might best serve their needs given their particular circumstance. The days of hiring someone without any prior knowledge as to how they run their business is over. Today all anyone needs to do is Google you. Twitter puts you in a space where potential clients or even past clients can find information, stay up to date and connect with you on a daily basis. Begin your research by identifying who you want to follow. Locate people with similar interests, within the same line of work or in a particular location. Two great sites are WeFollow and Twellow. Both tools let you choose a specific niche, part of the country and even your city through Twellowhood.

2. Build Your Database List

Using Twitter to build a database or list of potential customers will not happen overnight, but it can be successful if you take the time to identify who you are talking to and what information matters most to them. If you are hoping to connect with home buyers then cater to their exact needs by supplying timely updates, answers to their most frequently asked questions and your professional insight into market conditions. While Twitter marketing is similar to Facebook, your message will change based on the limited size of your status update and the less formal atmosphere. Do not make the mistake of simply pushing out your newsletter or market update. Make sure you are asking questions and creating a conversation with your followers. Retweet interesting updates from friends and followers and comment with your thoughts and feelings. People want to know what makes you tick, so let them! Ask yourself on a daily basis what you can give away, pass along or offer that will keep them coming back for more. Tips about buying their first home, tips on how to avoid mistakes most sellers make, tips on how to properly prepare their home for sale…the list of content is endless!

3. Increase Website Traffic

Increasing website traffic works hand in hand with building your database. Two strategies to use to increase website visibility:

•Connect your blog to Twitter and automatically notify your followers each time you post a new article. An easy way to do this is to grab your RSS feed (example: yourwebsite.com/feed) and create a free account with Twitterfeed. Once you set up a feed, your new post will tweet out immediately without you lifting a finger. If you use WordPress, a great plugin that auto tweets your post is TweetThis. Using automation wisely frees up your time and allows you to really engage and interact with your followers.
•Create an opt-in form on your website. Attract attention through your Tweets by tweeting about a free home buyer report or your monthly newsletter. If you use WordPress and work with a system like AWeber, you can create a web form and add it yourself if you are comfortable working with html or you can ask your web designer or IT support for assistance.


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, February 17, 2012

Caruso Funny ~ The Old German Shepherd

I got this story passed along to me via email and it made me LOL so I thought I would share it with you! Happy Friday!



An old German shepherd starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost.



Wandering about, he notices a panther heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch. The old German Shepherd thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep do do now!"



Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat.



Just as the panther is about to leap, the old German Shepherd exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious panther! I wonder, if there are any more around here?"



Hearing this, the young panther halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees.



"Whew!," says the panther, "That was close! That old German Shepherd nearly had me!"



Meanwhile, a squirrel who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the panther. So, off he goes.



The squirrel soon catches up with the panther, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the panther.



The young panther is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, squirrel, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!"



Now, the old German Shepherd sees the panther coming with the squirrel on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?," but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old German Shepherd says...

"Where's that squirrel? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another panther!"



Moral of this story...



Don't mess with the old dogs... Age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery!



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

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Caruso's Tips for New Agents!

If you’re a new agent just getting started in the Real Estate industry here are the top elements that are not only crucial to you but crucial to your business. It is very important to make sure before you start anything to have all of these fundamentals done.



-Secure your own domain name



-Make sure you have a standalone website that can easily grow with you



-Have your own IDX (MLS search tool)



-Put together a letter that you can send to your sphere of influence



-Get to know Craigslist



-Become a “GURU” of your market.



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, February 14, 2012

Caruso's Valentines Fast Facts!

In honor of Valentine’s Day I thought it would be nice to give you a little background on the Holiday & a few fun facts I have put together! Wishing everyone a wonderful day filled with much love & happiness! Spread the love today!

Saint Valentine's Day, often simply Valentine's Day, is a holiday observed on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentinus. It was first established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD, and was later deleted from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. It is celebrated in countries around the world, mostly in the West, although it remains a working day in all of them. The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. ~ Wikipedia

Valentines Food Fact:
NECCO 'conversation hearts" were first manufactured in 1866 called "Motto Hearts"

Events of February 14 ~ Married on this day:

February 14, 1974, The Captain and Tennille were married.

February 14, 1984, Elton John and Ms. Renate Blauel

February 14, 1991, Leeza Gibbons, talk show host and Stephen Meadows

February 14, 1991, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid

February 6, 1994, Brian Wilson, Beach Boys Founder and Melinda Ledbetter.

February 14, 1994 Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia (51) wed Deborah Koons

February 14, 1994, Roseanne Barr and Ben Thomas, her ex-bodyguard.

February 19, 1995, Pamela Anderson, Baywatch Star and Tommy Lee, Rock star

February 14, 1996, Prince/The Artist married Mayte Garcia.

February 14, 1998 Sharon Stone & Phil Bronstein, San Francisco Examiner Executive Editor



Today's Food History on this day in...

1779 RIP Captain James Cook, British explorer who charted and named many Pacific Islands, including the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii).

1803 Moses Coats patented an apple parer.

1838 Margaret E. Knight was born. An American inventor, she invented an improved paper bag machine to make bags with flat bottoms.

1886 California oranges were first shipped East by rail.

1903 The U.S. Department of Commerce and Labor was established.

2003 Dolly the sheep died. Dolly was the first animal cloned from an adult animal. (Born July 5, 1996)



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, February 11, 2012

Keeping Your Pets Safe this Valentines Day!

Valentines Day is right around the corner. And yes it may be fun for us, humans, but it can harmful to your pets, One big way to show love for your pets is by keeping them safe. Valentine’s Day is famous for chocolates, flowers, cocktails and candy – all things that can be particularly harmful to our four-legged loved ones. Here are some helpful tips I have gathered from various pet websites to keep them safe and avoid any emergency trips to the veterinarian!



Flowers: Lilies are potentially fatal to cats. As pretty as they are, make sure to have an arrangement without lilies. Thorns on roses or other flowers can be dangerous for dogs or other pets. Biting, stepping on or swallowing stems with thorns increases risk for a puncture, which can result in serious infections internally or externally.



Chocolate: Although a favorite gift to give our human loved ones, chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic, but dark, milk, semi-sweet and baker's chocolates all can cause adverse reactions. Make sure to keep the chocolate where pets can't reach it.



Cocktails: Simply put, they pose a threat to your pets. Because of a pet’s small size, even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause problems. Be sure to keep those libations out of reach!



Candles: If ingested, candle wax can cause choking, upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Be sure to blow out any unattended candles when you leave the room, as cats are notorious for jumping up on counters and other high surfaces!





Toss the ribbon and string: Gifts are a nice surprise on Valentine's Day, but make sure to throw away any pretty ribbons and string they've been tied with. "For some reason it's very instinctive for cats to eat it," warns Dr. Murray of ASPCA. "It gets caught in their intestines and can saw right through them and cause a perforation."





Keep sugar-free foods out of your pet's reach:Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many types of sugar-free candies and baked goods, is toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure, says Dr. Murray. It's best to read the ingredients list on any sugar-free foods and keep any products containing Xylitol out of your pet's reach.





**Should your pet get into mischief on Valentine's Day, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year at (888) 426-4435. (A $65 consultation fee may apply.)






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, February 10, 2012

Caruso's *VALENTINES* OC Happenings

NORTH COUNTY



ANAHEIM

Join the House of Blues for a Valentine’s Day Menu for Two on February 14th starting at 5:00pm. Make your reservations today by calling 714-520-2334

BREA

Valentine ’s Day at 8:00 is the Valentine's Day Dinner Show with Christina Pazsitzky at the Brea Improv. Celebrate laughter and love this Valentine's Day with comedian Christina Pazsitzky and Tom Segura at the Brea Improv. Valentine’s Dinner includes: One glass of Champage(for guests 21 years & older), small Caesar salad, an entree selection of prime rib, Asiago crusted chicken or honey shrimp pasta and chocolate mousse for dessert. Reservations recommended. For information and/or reservations you can call (714) 482-0700. Must be 18+.



BUENA PARK

Why not spend Valentine's Day at Medieval Times?! Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is offering a Valentine's Day Couple's Package. The package includes two admissions to dinner and tournament show, two admissions to castle dungeon museum, photo in a souvenir frame, a valentine scroll to remember the occasion, split of champagne with two logoed souvenir glasses, feather long-stem sweetheart rose and two cheering flags. Buy tickets in advanced online to guarantee the Couple's Package. For more information you can call 312-488-9883.

CYPRESS

Nothing to report

FULLERTON

Starting TONIGHT at 5:30 spend Valentine’s Day with the Cellar for “A Week of Love.” Don't wait until the last minute to make your plans for Valentines weekend. As Orange County’s most romantic dining destination, The Cellar Celebrates "A Week of Love" from February 10th through the 14th. The Cellar will serve a special four-course Valentines menu on February 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. Dinner also includes a fresh long stem red rose, provided by Lavenders, and each guest will receive a certificate to create your own 3 course dinner for only $29.95 in the month of March.



GARDEN GROVE

Join the H. Louis Lake Senior Center for a Valentine Celebration Tuesday, Feb 14 from 10:00a to 12:00p. Join us as we celebrate a day of amour. Bring your Sweetie and enjoy music, dancing and fun, fun, fun!



LA HABRA

Nothing to report

LA PALMA

Nothing to report

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report

STANTON
Nothing to report
WESTMINSTER

Nothing to report

YORBA LINDA

Nothing to report



CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA

NOW through February 11, 2012 is the Pacific Symphony Presents: "Valentine's Day with Roberta Flack". Just in time for Valentine's Day, Grammy Award winner Roberta Flack visits Pacific Symphony with her intoxicating romantic ballads including "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Killing Me Softly With His Song," "Feel Like Making Love" and "Tonight I Celebrate My Love." Flack remains one of only two artists (the other is U2) to win back-to-back Grammy Awards for Record of the Year. For more information you can call 714-755-5799. Also on February 11th from 8pm-Midnight at The Hotel Hanford come dance, mingle, participate in giveaways and most important, have a good time. Men are asked to wear black suits and women should dress in shades of red, pink or purple. There will be Valentine's cards and candy hearts to giveaway to someone you have your eye on. 8 p.m.-12 midnight. For information you can call 312-488-9883.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Nothing to report

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Starting tomorrow, February 11-12, come and experience the charm of Old World Village Just in time for Valentine's Day! The Old World Village Chocolate & Wine Festival is sure to be an unforgettable and fun event, with something for everyone! Guests can expect to see chocolatiers, bakers, candy makers, wine vendors, and other chocolate and wine related vendors, arts and crafts and gift vendors too! Admission is FREE.

IRVINE

Valentine’s Day starting at 8pm is John Heffron Valentine's Day Special Event! Laugh with someone special and Valentine's Day with John Heffron. Two packages will be available; general admission and dinner. General admission includes a glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. Dinner includes: admission, a dinner salad, your choices of entree, dessert, a glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. Admission: $35 per person; dinner package: $70 per person. For more information you can call (949) 854-5455. Also TONIGHT from 6-10:30 p.m at the Equinox Sports Club is the 3rd Annual Valentine's Event! Dress to impress in your favorite red apparel and give your love to children in need. The evening will begin with a wine tasting and serving of hors d'oeuvres. There will be a silent auction, wine tasting and free massages. All of the proceeds will benefit the children supported by Corazon de Vida Foundation, Steps of Hope Outreach and Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County. For more information you can call 949-476-1144, Ext. 7. Lastly, Valentine’s Day starting at 8pm is the 18th Annual Valentine's Celebration: Men in Blaque & UCI A Capella. Bring your sweetheart, friends or family and enjoy some wonderful music, conducted by Joseph Huszti. Attend a post-concert reception. For more information you can call (949) 824-2787.

LOS ALAMITOS

Coming up February 25, 2012 is the Los Alamitos 'Race on the Base'.
The yearly event has continued to provide not only a forum for local avid runners and walkers, but has also instilled a sense of pride and teamwork between the Los Alamitos City Council, the citizens of Los Alamitos, the Rossmoor Community Services District, and the local business community. The race is held on the run ways at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos and features helicopters, planes and military vehicles with music throughout the course. Events and activities for the whole family! For more information you can call 562-430-1073.

NEWPORT BEACH

Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 12 - 3 pm bring your family to experience some of the same hands-on environmental education activities that you have enjoyed with the Inside the Outdoors Field Trips! Hike trails with an experienced Naturalist, participate in bird watching and join in educational activities about the estuary. Cost: Free (This program is generously sponsored by a grant.) For more information you can call (714) 708-3885.

ORANGE

Need a plan for Valentine’s Day? Celebrate with a Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance at Orange County Mining Co. Enjoy a table for two with a breathtaking view! This view restaurant in Orange County is truly a destination with a dining room that has "floor to ceiling picture windows" offering fabulous views of Orange County and a saloon that will take you back to the mining era. Call For Reservations! 714.997.7411.





SANTA ANA

This Sunday, February 12come and join the Bowers Museum for Sunday Afternoon Family Celebrations: Valentine's Day. Hearts, romantic verses, tea, goodies, stories and art make this day special to spend with your loved ones. The event starts at 1:30 p.m. Free with museum admission. For more information you can call (714) 567-3600. Also on February 14th at 1:30pm at the Bowers Museum is the Great Screen Icon Series: Great Romantic Movie Moments.From Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Watch your favorite movie duos and romantic film scenes in this upbeat ode to on-screen love. Dr. Michael Berlin, film expert, screenwriter and producer, will enchant you with the behind-the-scenes stories from some of our most beloved films.

SEAL BEACH

Nothing to report

TUSTIN

Nothing to report

VILLA PARK

Nothing to report




South County


ALISO VIEJO

This Saturday February 11, 2012 from 7 – 10pm at the Renaissance ClubSport is an Valentine's Day Love Lounge and Wine Tasting. Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the year and deserves an extra special night to celebrate the occasion. Enjoy delicious appetizers and taste the most exotic white wines and romantic ruby reds. Then, indulge in our flowing sweet samplers and hand-passed champagne, all night long! You can cozy-up and relax, while listening to our live entertainment, or get out on the dance floor and move to the music! We invite you to extend your evening and stay the night for just $99.99! Reservations are required; space is limited to the first 50 couples. Childcare is available in Kids World until 10:00pm through our Valentine's Day Party Parent Escape. Members: $75 per couple Non-Members: $90 per couple. For more information or to register, please stop by the Club Desk or call (949)330-5560.

DANA POINT

Valentine’s Day is TUESDAY! From 4:00-6:00pmtry this unique and romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day! You'll sail aboard the 95' Dana Pride at sunset as we search for whales, dolphin and other marine life set against the beautiful Orange County coastline. Chocolates and Valentine's Day treats are included as well as a complimentary glass of champagne for guests 21 and over! Enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail from our cash bar as well! Be sure to make reservations at one of Dana Point Harbor's many romantic restaurants for after the cruise and you'll have an unforgettable evening! For reservations or more information you can call 949-496-5794. Also on Valentine’s Day at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a wonderful Valentine's Package! This Valentine's Day escape to an Oceanside luxury resort at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Spend the night in a deluxe guestroom and wake up the following morning to a warm, complimentary breakfast buffet for two at “Vue” restaurant. Later on, visit “OverVue” lounge for a mouthwatering Donut Holes Delight Dessert. A bottle of house champagne awaits your arrival when you book this scintillating package for two.

LAGUNA HILLS

Nothing to report

LADERA RANCH

Nothing to report

LAGUNA BEACH

February 11 &14, 2012 is the Annual Four Course Valentine's Winemaker's Dinner. Enjoy fine epicurean creations paired with artisan boutique wines while listening to live music. Their 2012 Valentine's Winemaker's Dinner is $125.00 per person plus 21% service charge plus tax. Members receive a 10% discount. For more information you can call 949.715.9463 (Wine).

LAGUNA NIGUEL

Nothing to report

LAKE FOREST

Nothing to report

MISSION VIEJO

Nothing to report

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Nothing to report

SAN CLEMENTE

This Valentine’s Day from 5-7pm Casa Romantica invites guests to enjoy A Romantic Rendezvous on Valentine’s Day and will include live vocals and piano music by Elliot, delicious hors d’oeuvres, gourmet chocolates and champagne.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Nothing to report



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, February 9, 2012

Caruso's Green Tip of the Day ~ Cleaners

Make your own cleaners.


Household chemicals, including some cleaners, contain volatile organic chemicals, which contribute to indoor air pollution and may cause disease.

A cost-effective way to make your home greener is to make your own household cleaners.

Many homemade cleaners use non-toxic ingredients and clean just as well as commercial cleaners.



*Making your own cleaner costs about 10% of the price a bottle of commercial cleaner, according to Karen Logan, author of "Clean House, Clean Planet." She says a bottle of her all-purpose cleaner costs 23 cents to make, versus a price tag of $2.69 for the off-the-shelf equivalent. If making your own cleaners isn't an option, look for cleaners carrying the Green Seal. Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that certifies products based on their environmental impact, biodegradability and other factors.

And that's your green tip of the day!



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

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Caruso's Quick Website Tips!

We are already into the New Year. Towards the end of 2011 I talked about updating your business & marketing plans for the New Year! However, did you also include a review of your website? Your website is a VERY important part of your business. After reading through the e-pro blog, here are some quick tips for when you review your website!

Refresh the about page. Your About page is usually the second-most visited page of any site, which means it’s an important page that needs to put a friendly ‘face’ on the company. Rewrite it to include fresh company news — awards won, new products introduced, offices opened or new team members who’ve joined.

Check your links and content.Make sure all your links are active, nothing worse that orphaned links. Read through your website. Is all your content still relevant? If not spruce it up and throw out the old photos and content.

Are Google Analytics installed and configured? Plan to review your web stats regularly. After monitoring these stats on a regular basis you will start to understand some powerful information that will help you change your website and make it better.

Google analytics now offers some new features including:

· Visitor flow - what page they enter your site, where they go and where they exit, but visually

· Mobile visitors - which mobile devices visit your site

· Last – is your site mobile friendly? Visit http://www.howtogomo.com/en/#homepage and check out how your website looks on mobile devices and get some great ideas on how to make vital changes.



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, February 7, 2012

Caruso's 5 Most Effective Social Media Tactics!

After reading from socialmediatoday.com here are the 5 most effective Social Media tactics that have given the best results for our clients in the real estate industry.

1. Property Search tool with a Facebook Page
This technique works great for Realtors. It allows your FB page visitors to search your available properties right from the Facebook page. Now that Facebook uses Iframes for all its pages it is easier to add more web functionality to a Facebook page. One of the most fundamental aspects of a Realtor's website is the property search tool so it makes sense to allow customers to use this tool without leaving Facebook.

2. Youtube T.V. Channel
Youtube Channels can be hugely powerful for the Real Estate industry if done professionally. Most Realtors add video "Walk Around" or slide shows to show interiors of property. These videos are uploaded to Youtube. Using Youtube will improve online visibility and SEO for the company's website.

3. Youtube App for Facebook Page
Get a Youtube app for the Facebook page. Everything you upload to the Youtube Channel will automatically be fed to the Facebook Page making it easier for your Facebook page visitors to view more of your clients' properties. The App recommended by socialmediatoday.com is the Involver Youtube App. It's free for a start and it doesn't divert the viewer straight to Youtube to be bombarded by Realtors who have uploaded similar videos. It keeps the viewers on the current FB page allowing them to view more videos or engage in other ways on the page.

4. Geo Location Keyword Search
Perfect for realtors! Tools like Hootsuite have this fantastic feature. It allows you to keyword search for potentially prime customers who are looking for property in a particular area.


5. Use Linkedin to find Clients
LinkedIn has many purposes for the Real Estate Social Media Manager. If you would like to find landlords, property developers, home builders, etc. in order to rent or sell those properties on their behalf, then the LinkedIn property groups are a perfect place to start.


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, February 4, 2012

Caruso Funny ~ How Scottish Policemen enforce the Road Rules

A London Lawyer in his flash new BMW is pulled over by a Scottish policeman.



He says, "Sir, I pulled you over because you didn't stop at the STOP sign. That'll be a 100 pound fine"



The lawyer looks at him "100 pound?!!!", then pretty agitated: "Look, I slowed down all right? What difference does it make, I slowed down surely that's enough."



The policeman raises a brow and looks at him: "Sir, it's a STOP sign, so that means you have to stop not just slow down."



The lawyer rolls his eyes, thinks for a moment and then says arrogantly, "Okay, I'll tell you what, if you can show me how it makes a difference whether I slow down or stop, then I'll pay the fine."



The policeman says "all right then" pulls out his baton and starts to bash the lawyer.



The lawyer screams "what are you doing?"



The policeman says calmly "Do you want me to slow down or stop?"



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, February 3, 2012

Cost vs. Value with Caruso!

When tackling home remodeling projects, you’ll find some projects pay off more than others at times of resale. Remodeling Magazine, in conjunction with REALTOR® Magazine, recently released findings of its annual Cost vs. Value report for 2011-2012, revealing which remodeling projects offer the biggest bang for your buck.

Overall, the trend right now is replacement over remodeling–swapping out the old for the new rather than doing a total gut job, which can be much more costly.

This year’s Cost vs. Value report found that exterior replacement projects–such as new garage doors and a new entry door–offer some of the best returns at resale, allowing home owners to recoup close to 70 percent or more of the costs of the project at times of resale.

The following are the top, mid-range projects from this year’s report, based on what home owners stand to recoup at time of resale:

1. Replacing the entry door to steel

Estimated cost: $1,238

Cost recouped at resale: 73%

2. Attic bedroom (converting unfinished attic space into a bedroom with bathroom and shower)

Estimated cost: $50,148

Cost recouped at resale: 72.5%

3. Minor kitchen remodel (including new cabinets and drawers, countertops, hardware, and appliances)

Estimated cost: $19,588

Cost recouped at resale: 72.1%

4. Garage door replacement

Estimated cost: $1,512

Cost recouped at resale: 71.9%

5. Deck addition (wood)

Estimated cost: $10,350

Cost recouped at resale: 70.1%

6. Siding replacement (vinyl)

Estimated cost: $11,729

Cost recouped at resale: 69.5%



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, February 2, 2012

Caruso's Tips for a Better Listing Presentation!

1. Start with a guesstimate. Before your listing presentation, have a price range in mind. A quick chat or two with your colleagues and your own understanding of the neighborhood can help you come up with an informed guesstimate.



2. Firm up with comps. A search through recent comps as you work up your competitive market analysis will help firm up the price range.



3. Look for price trends. Bring to your presentation a summary of price trends in the neighborhood. Be prepared to share it - even leave it - with the sellers. That can help ground sellers who may be reaching for pie in the sky.



4. Case the community. As you drive up to the house and walk in, size up the neighborhood and the condition of the house. How does the home visually compare with the homes around it? How will that affect the price?



5. Take the economic pulse. Review your cities general economic forecast for the next several months. If economics makes your eyes glaze over, you need keep only one key factor in mind, say economists: local employment. Local employment - not national - is the key to housing turnover in communities and an indication of how long houses stay on the market in your area. Is employment high in your community? Or has a major company just laid off a significant number of workers?



6. Are there new houses? Check out the kind and quantity of new housing construction. That could change the balance of supply and demand and give you a clue as to how long your listing will stay on the market.



7. Consider the sellers urgency. Sellers anxious to get out of Dodge may be willing to come down or even start low. Ask the sellers why they’re selling; listen to their answers and watch their body language for hints on what your follow-up questions should be.



8. Ask for a built-in price reduction up front. Get an agreement from the seller up front that if the house hasn’t sold in X weeks or months, you may lower the asking price to a preset figure.



9. Know when to say no. An unrealistic selling price can strangle the transaction or get so time consuming you don’t have a moment to develop new business. The homework you’ve done in steps 1-8 above has prepared you to make this vital call. If the sellers refuse to set a listing price you consider realistic, be prepared to walk away from the listing.



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

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Caruso's Economic Update!

The first set of earnings released in January focused upon the financial sector. In all, the reports by larger national and regional banks were disappointing and showed that we are not out of the woods with regard to the legacy of bad loans piled up on the asset sheets of banks during the recession. While the economy recovers, debt loads of banks and nations will prove to be a drag on growth. This is why analysts are looking at the good economic releases we have experienced in the past few months and are still remaining cautious. For the consumer, this situation actually represents good news. A recovery that does not get too strong too fast will continue to translate into record low interest rates for a longer period of time. If it were not for Europe or the banks right now, the sale on our nation's real estate would be over much more quickly. On the other hand, looser credit standards will not come until banks dig out from their credit morass. We are not likely to have looser credit standards and record low rates at the same time as the two just don't go hand-in-hand.



Home affordability is at 1971 levels, due to falling home prices and record low rates, pushing home ownership in reach to many more families, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Home owners are bringing in nearly double the median income they need to cover the cost of an average home, Housing Predictor reports. "With rates at historically low levels and markets across the country beginning to improve, home ownership is within reach of more households,” Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, said in a statement. Home sales have been ticking up, according to recent reports by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of Home Builders, Source: Housing Predictor



The apartment vacancy rate is at its lowest level since late 2001 as the rental market continues to soar, according to the latest fourth-quarter data by Reis Inc. As demand increases, the vacancy rate for apartments dropped in the fourth quarter to 5.2 percent compared to 6.6 percent a year prior. Meanwhile, as the rental market takes off, builders are rushing to play catch up in building new units to meet the demand. In 2011, Zelman & Associates estimates that more than 173,000 units were started, and about 225,000 and 280,000 starts are expected in 2012 and 2013. Source: The Wall Street Journal



Borrowers who have a history of paying rent on time may see a boost to their credit score. Experian, a leading credit report company, added a section to its credit reports last year that reflected on-time rent payments, which helped give a boost in the credit scores to some on-time rent payers. Now the two other major credit reporting companies are following suit. CoreLogic and FICO recently announced they are also adding a score that reflects payment histories from landlords, The New York Times reports.



No discussion of the prospects for our economy in 2012 would be complete without an examination of the housing sector. As daunting as the debt crisis in Europe is, there is no doubt that the real "x" factor is housing. This topic is so complex that it is hard to sort out. For example, we know that the housing sector will not rebound without employment strengthening. But we also know that the housing sector is very important in creating employment. If that sounds like a catch-22, it is. And it is one of the main reasons our recovery has been tepid up to now. We also believe that it is no coincidence that the housing market seems to be improving now that the employment sector is also getting stronger. Of course, we will know more about how strong the employment sector is in a few days because Friday we will see the release of January's employment report.



Regardless of the results of this report, we do know employment growth was stronger in 2011 -- especially towards the end of the year. In January first time unemployment claims fell to their lowest levels since April of 2008. We also know that existing home sales and starts for single family homes also have increased in the last quarter of 2011. Again, no coincidence. The National Association of Home Builders has indicated that every single family home built creates three jobs. To put it another way, just over 425,000 single family homes were built last year. That is over one million jobs. Sound impressive? It is still a few million jobs less than the sector produced during the real estate boom years. An increase of 100,000 houses this year would create 300,000 additional jobs and that does not include the apartment sector which is starting to boom and the commercial sector which has yet to awaken from its slumber. Conceivably, we could see close to 500,000 additional jobs created this year with modest growth in building. Even more importantly, those jobs create even more demand for housing. Will this happen?



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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