Beautiful California!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

It's not even Thanksgiving yet but we are already being hit with Holiday reminders.

 Santas are filling the malls, I've been hearing Christmas songs play in stores, and commercials are telling us what to buy as gifts. In NYC the tree is already up in Rockefeller Plaza and Radio City Music Hall's Christmas spectacular is already performing. 

It looks like the economic situation is forcing companies to remind us to buy for the holidays ahead of time. Retailers are already offering lay-a-way plans to boost holiday sales. I think there needs to be a rule that Decorations can only go up after a certain date. I know my neighborhood doesn't allow lights until after Thanksgiving. What do you think??

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7979

In honor of Veteran's Day and a celebration for those who have served our country, 5 Star Generation is helping raise funds for Wounded Warriors, YMCA Armed Services and other organizations. The Mud Run is a fun way to exercise as well as enjoy obstacles and mud pits along the way. Live entertainment as well as beverages and food will also be available. 

I encourage those of you who do not have plans for Saturday November 14th, to make their way out to Camp James (located right behind Wild Rivers in Irvine) and come have some fun!

And Don't Worry... You Can Sign Up Race Day or Sign up on active.com ( www.tinyurl.com/5starmud )

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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI                                   

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors  (949) 753-7900

If you think its fine to slack off on the sunscreen in winter because the sun isn't as strong, your wrong.

The sun's rays are just as harmful when the temperature drops. UVB rays may be weaker, but you shouldn't pass on wearing sunscreen. The glare from the snow, buildings, and even sidewalks can make short wave UVB waves, which burn you, up to 80% more intense. UVAs, which cause skin cancer, remain the same year round. You acquire the same about of UVA damage when your outdoors on a rainy day as you would on a sunny  beach day in the summer.

So, wear sunscreen! Yes, even if its gloomy out!

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

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

With many Americans without a job, its forcing people to reexamine their career path. Advice from Rick Smith, author of The Leap, "You'll be most fulfilled and successful if your duties merge your strengths and passions."

Rather than job hopping, pass on these 3 low-risk steps to help friends and family, or yourself, choose a career:

1. Determine your strengths: find the sweet spot between your talents and interesrts. Based on your passions, look into such careers you may flourish in.

2. Test-Drive your dream: To find out if the career you're looking at is right for you, pursue projects in our office or outside that use your talents. You might even try volunteering. You won't know until you try

3. Gain experience: if the career you are test driving seems like a good fit, try to transition into it at the workplace by building your reputation and showcasing your talents. Or help a friend or peer out with something you want to get in to so they can see your talents, pass along your name, and you'll be gaining practice all at the same time.

If you are still having trouble, www.colorassessment.com helps you discover what career you may flourish in and www.vocationvacations.com provides you with condensed, few day internships. Good luck!

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

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

Sesame Street, The children's television show home to Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird turned 40 today. 

My kids watched this when they are young and it is amazing to know that their kids may be watching it too. Sesame Street is shown in 140 countries and has helped millions of children learn to count and read.

To celebrate, Michelle Obama was featured on the show today.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street! From all of us at the Michael Caruso Real Estate Group!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

November 9, 1989 we all watched the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was a night of joy, celebration, and great momentum for the future.

On the 20th anniversary, thousands of people are joining world leaders Germany today to remember the night when a euphoric wave of people swept away the Berlin Wall and began the end of the Cold War. And this anniversary is a reminder that we need to help others find freedom. Liberate them of their repressive regimes and take greater strides toward global progress.

While most of you won't be celebrating today, let's reflect. Do you remember where you were or what you were feeling when the wall fell? Please share!

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

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

Visit CNN.com for a Berlin Wall anniversary special feature.

Photo: AP, BBC News

Sometimes we just need to take a breath of fresh air and sail into the horizon. I hope you enjoy looking at this sunset as much as I do! Happy Sunday.

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 

Earlier this week I wrote about the point driven AR junkie (nothing wrong with that) who is diligent and makes their 10 comments a day and 10 posts per week...

Just how many points can they earn in a year?

There were 3 choices.

The reason for the post is that I've seen a few members surge well beyond the maximum awardable points by AR and simply wondered 1) How they manged to beat the system?  2) Is that a character trait...a win at any cost mentality? and  3) Why hasn't the fairly good customer service technical staff discovered the highly unusual accumulation of points in a relatively short period of time by system abusers?

I find AR a great platform for sharing ideas, systems and referrals.  I hurts me to see that a few people choose it to drive their ego rather than see it as another community they can thrive in by being creative and ethical.

Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRD GREEN GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

ORANGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS - NORTH

ANAHEIM                                                                              

Nothing to Report.

BREA

Spring 2010 PONY Baseball registration will be held Saturday Nov. 7th from 8 am until noon at the Brea Glenbrook Clubhouse. For more information visit www.breapony.com

BUENA PARK

Get your cats and dogs vaccinated! From 9-11 a.m. the South East Animal Control Authority will be available to help protect your animals at the Ehlers Community Recreation Center. For more information call 800-988-VETS.

CYPRESS

The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a breakfast Tuesday Nov. 10th at 7:30 a.m. with keynote speaker Mary Lou Giska. The Chamber and U.S. Marines will be joining in efforts to raise money for the Toys for Tots program. For more information and reservations call 714-827-2430.

FULLERTON

 The annual Holiday Banquet at the Assistance League will be held on Nov. 12-13th from 10-3 p.m. at the Bargain Box Thrift Store. For more information call 714-526-5124.

 GARDEN GROVE

Nothing to report.

LA HABRA

The Police Department will receive a state grant issuing $53,639 in order to keep drunk drivers off the road by issuing vital checkpoints from Dec. 16th- Jan. 3rd as well as Aug. 20- Sept 6th. Please be safe and don't drink and drive!

 LA PALMA City

 Offices will be closed Wednesday Nov. 11th in observation of Veterans Day. Street Sweeping and Trash collection will continue their regular schedules.

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report.

STANTON

The St. Polycarp Women's Council will host their first annual Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 21st from 9-4 p.m. and 8-3 p.m. on Nov. 22nd at 8100 Chapman Ave.

WESTMINSTER

Do you love blogging? Come join the Register and help them blog! For information call 714-796-7909.

YORBA LINDA

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 CRB CRS GREEN GRI

 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900 For more information visit orangecountyregister.com