Caruso's Irvine Closed Sales Report! - 03/31/11 07:11 PM

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 Irvine Closed Sales Report for February:
The Irvine Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the 0-$500,000 Range:
2011   61 listings closed escrow             
2010   62 listings closed escrow            
The Irvine Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $500,000-$1,000,000 Range:
2011   54 listings closed escrow            
2010   67 listings closed escrow
The Irvine Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $1,000,000+ Range:
2011   8 listings closed escrow            
2010   15 listings closed escrow                   
*Does … (0 comments)

Who is César Chávez? - 03/31/11 02:12 PM

César Chávez was born on March 31 in 1927. He was a migrant farm worker from the age of 10. He became active with the Community Service Organization, which helped fight racial and economic discrimination against Chicano residents.
Dr Chávez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in the early 1960s. He focused attention on the plight of migrant farm workers and gained support to have his organization be the first successful farm workers' union in the United States. He used principles of non-violence, with strikes and boycotts. Dr Chávez remained president of United Farm Workers of America (AFL-CIO) until his … (2 comments)

Split-Level Private Villa - OPEN HOUSE! - 03/30/11 03:37 PM
OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY - APRIL 2, 2011- 1:00-5:00pm - www.25142ViaPlaya.com … (1 comments)

Caruso's Green Tip of the Day! - 03/30/11 02:33 PM

 Non-biodegradable packing materials
Styrofoam packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and foam are useful during a move, but not for the environment.
To go green on your next move, try using old newspapers to wrap fragile items, and then recycle the paper when you unpack.
Wrap pieces of furniture and art with blankets to ensure they do not get damaged during the move instead of packing them in foam.
If you must use non-biodegradable packing materials, ask around to see if anyone has any from a past move to give you. Reusing is always better than buying new for … (2 comments)

Caruso's Saturday Shot! - 03/26/11 02:54 PM

Happy Saturday Active Rain!
We have once again ALREADY come to the last weekend of the Month!
Let's Make it the BEST One Yet! 
"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."
… (13 comments)

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY ~ OPEN HOUSE TODAY! - 03/26/11 02:28 PM
Come by my OPEN HOUSE TODAY ~ In the Prestigious Bear Brand Ranch ~ 2 Lime Orchard, Laguna Niguel ~ Completely Refurbished & Refined ~ Will be there today from 1:00-5:00pm ~ 6 BR 8 BA, 8,100 sqft ~ Gourmet Kitchen, Pebble Tech Saline Pool & Spa, NuVo Entertainment Package, Wine Tasting Room...& so much more! … (0 comments)

Caruso's Dana Point Closed Sales Report! - 03/25/11 05:30 PM
 
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 February:
The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the 0-$500,000 Range:
2011   13 listings closed escrow             
2010    8  listings closed escrow            
The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $500,000-$1,000,000 Range:
2011   10 listings closed escrow             
2010   13 listings closed escrow
The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $1,000,000+ Range:
2011   8 listings closed escrow                  
2010   3 … (1 comments)

Caruso's Aliso Viejo Closed Sales! - 03/24/11 04:12 PM
 
 
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 Aliso Viejo Closed Sales Report for February:
The Aliso Viejo Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the 0-$500,000 Range:
2011   45 listings closed escrow             
2010   37 listings closed escrow            
The Aliso Viejo Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $500,000-$1,000,000 Range:
2011   7 listings closed escrow
2010   12 listings closed escrow
The Aliso Viejo Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $1,000,000+ Range:
2011   0 listings closed escrow                   
2010   … (0 comments)

Doesn't Get Much Better Than This..... - 03/23/11 02:49 PM
OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY - MARCH 26 - 1:00-5:00pm - STUNNING FRENCH COUNTRY ESTATE … (1 comments)

Caruso's February Closed Sales Report! - 03/23/11 01:16 PM
 
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 Laguna Niguel Closed Sales Report for February:
The Laguna Niguel Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the 0-$500,000 Range:
2011   27 listings closed escrow             
2010   33 listings closed escrow            
The Laguna Niguel Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $500,000-$1,000,000 Range:
2011   25 listings closed escrow
2010   27 listings closed escrow
The Laguna Niguel Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $1,000,000+ Range:
2011   6 listings closed escrow                  
2010   8 listings … (0 comments)

Caruso's Green Tip of the Day! - 03/22/11 01:25 PM

With the school year almost coming to a close and summer right around the corner, parents look ahead to plenty of hot summer days out on the road with the kids in the car. Just how hot those days can be may not hit you until you open the door of a car that's been baking for hours in a parking lot. The fun really starts when the little ones have to get in. Here is where your new solar powered car gadget comes into play.
In these fuel-conscious times, when consumers may think twice before cranking the AC, one … (1 comments)

Save Money on a Summer Trip! - 03/19/11 02:31 PM
  
 
Summer is almost here! Looking to plan a summer trip but cash conscious? Or just plain mad about gas prices (again)? Don't Sweat!
OC residents...Why not consider a local summer trip for a vacation?  We live in such a beautiful part of Southern California, sometimes we are all too caught up in our lives to realize we already live in a vacation desination.
Dana Point hosts 2 world class hotels: Ritz Carlton and St. Regis, which besides being groegous hotels with stunning ocean views and spectacular swimming pools, they have fabulous tide pools to explore, a major harbor where you can rent a … (4 comments)

Complete Class & Sophistication - OPEN HOUSE TODAY! - 03/19/11 02:07 PM
OPEN HOUSE TODAY - 1:00-5:00pm - … (2 comments)

Caruso's Saturday Shot! - 03/19/11 02:03 PM

Happy Saturday Active Rain!
Wishing You All Much Happiness & Success this Weekend!
"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. A true leader becomes one by the quality of their actions and the integrity of his or her intentions."
… (7 comments)

Moving with Kids - 03/18/11 03:22 PM

Moving can be a very exciting and fun time while others consider moving a stressful and difficult experience. Have you ever wondered though, how moving can affect your children? It can be a lot harder for younger kids to understand moving and leaving everything they know. With many years of Real Estate experience here are some tips I have found very useful to help your children deal with moving.
 
Start by making a scrapbook of photographs of the old home, neighborhood, school, church, friends, family and going away parties. Assure them that you won't forget their friends. Have a good-bye … (3 comments)

Happy St. Patricks Day! - 03/17/11 01:57 PM

Top of the mornin' to ya!
Today is St. Patrick's Day: the day where everyone is Irish.
Green is the name of the game, whether you wear it or drink it. 
So make sure you're in good spirits, and
maybe you'll finally find that gold at the end of the rainbow.  
… (5 comments)

St. Patrick Day, Irish traditions and symbols... - 03/16/11 05:06 PM
Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17. St. Patrick's Day was established as a religious feast day in honor of the death of St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint.  Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish and lots of fun!
 Irish Symbols and Traditions...
 The Leprechaun
The St Patrick's Day symbol, the leprechaun is a smiling, merry little elf.  Legend tells us that leprechauns are always grumpy, untrustworthy and very tricky.  Leprechauns are believed to be little old men who make shoes for fairies and are usually about two feet tall. The legend says that if you … (9 comments)

Cinnamon & Honey - 03/15/11 02:49 PM

Cinnamon and Honey - Whoever thought? Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing" When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, turn off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. … (7 comments)

Today is National Napping Day! - 03/14/11 07:50 PM

We switched to Daylight Saving Time yesterday and we lost an hour of sleep.  But no fear!
Today is National Napping Day!
Founded by a Boston University professor William Anthony in 1999, so that people could adjust to the Daylight Saving Time.
Napping has many health benefits. It offers a chance to catch up on some much needed sleep and to promote health and productivity and aid in the learning process.  Naps can improve ones mood and performance, especially in the workplace.
Napping is good for you!!! The right to doze off in the workplace is something I've … (12 comments)

Sunday Funday Open House! - 03/12/11 07:30 PM
OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY - MARCH 13 - 1:00-5:00pm - TROPICAL OASIS IN YOUR BACKYARD - SPECTACULAR POOL & SPA - www.64WESTGATE.com - … (7 comments)

Caruso's Saturday Shot! - 03/12/11 03:16 PM

 
Happy Saturday Active Rain!!!
Wishing You All a Very Productive and Successful Saturday!
"To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun?"
… (7 comments)

We're All the Same... - 03/12/11 03:06 PM

 
The greatest challenge we all face in this business is - we are all the same. But aren't we are all unique human beings, with unique hopes, dreams, skills and talents?! Realtors are like snowflakes. No two are exactly alike, right?
Not according to the consumer. Unfortunately, most consumers see us all the same way. So how are we going to differentiate from one another? Consider these categories of differentiation I have come across:
Product: All the same. Do you want a Blackberry or an iPhone? They are different. Consumers have a choice. Not in real estate. We like to say that … (1 comments)

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ North County - 03/11/11 03:40 PM


NORTH COUNTY
ANAHEIM
March 17th, ST. PATRICKS DAY will be the 4th Annual OPA Women's League Taste of Ireland at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course Clubhouse (6501 E. Nohl Road) from 6pm-10pm. This is a fun St. Patrick's Day evening of great food and entertainment. Tickets for dinner are $30 per person. For more info contact Rita Guarriello at 714-606-7794.
BREA
Nothing to report
BUENA PARK
Nothing to report
CYPRESS
Nothing to report
FULLERTON 
Coming up April 16 & 17 Green Scene Plant and Garden Show from10:00am-4:00pm.Green Scene is the perfect place for any gardener looking for … (2 comments)

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ Central County - 03/11/11 03:18 PM

  
CENTRAL COUNTY
  
COSTA MESA
Sunday March 13th at the Orange County Marketplace (88 Fair Drive) will be the 5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival from 9am-4pm! The cost of admission is $2 for ages 13 years and over, and free for children 12 and under. Free parking is also available. Three South Orange County based Irish dance schools, all of which have produced regional, national and international champions, will bring a bit of Irish and Scottish culture to the stage. Green mint ice cream and green lemonade will also be offered. All entertainment is included with swap meet … (1 comments)

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ South County - 03/11/11 02:10 PM

South County
ALISO VIEJO
Nothing to report
DANA POINT 
**OPEN HOUSE** Saturday March 12th from 1:00-5:00pm at 35 Costa del Sol ~ Monarch Beach in the ‘Ritz Pointe' gated Community. Start summer off right with this breathtaking OCEAN VIEW home. For more information you can visit www.35CostadelSol.com or call Michael Caruso at 949-753-7900.
LADERA RANCH
Coming up in the future on April 30th from 7:00am-3:00pm will be the community garage sale. More information to come as the day nears.
LAGUNA BEACH
Nothing to report
LAGUNA HILLS
South Coast Symphony Presents "The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming!" Friday, … (0 comments)

Your Peaceful Place with Caruso! - 03/10/11 02:07 PM

Stress; we deal with it daily. Society has been using the word stress for years now and finding a peaceful place or peaceful time for solitude is a challenge for most.  But, have you ever thought of creating that peaceful place in or around your own home? We seem to always go to places to find peace or solitude like: the gym, yoga or pilates classes, the beach, church, library, a hike, a coffee shop or quiet restaurant etc. Sometimes though, we just don't want to leave our home.
With that said, every home has enough space to create your own … (6 comments)

Wordless Wednesday with Caruso! - 03/09/11 04:01 PM

 
Hello Active Rain Community!
My Saturday shot of Dolce in her cop uniform got a lot of attention
so I thought you'd like to see her other costume from the shoot.
Enjoy!

*And I assure you this is one VERY HAPPY cat. My assistant has even made her a facebook where you can follow Dolce & all her costumes @ www.facebook.com/dolcedolcedolce.
… (13 comments)

Eco-Friendly Kitchens - 03/09/11 03:13 PM

The kitchen is the heart of every home, because it provides a place for sustenance and good conversation and family pow-wows. If you're current kitchen isn't one that meets your needs, a green upgrade is probably what it could use. In addition to being able to customize your kitchen to your liking, you will also be able to decrease your electricity bill and preserve your food for longer.  
Here are some tips that can help you remodel your kitchen in an eco-friendly way.
Purchase energy-efficient appliance. Your refrigerator is a big consumer of electricity, because it has to run all … (5 comments)

Stunning Ocean & Island Views! - 03/08/11 04:31 PM
OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY - MARCH 12 - 1:00-5:00pm - … (2 comments)

Start Spring off Right with this Spectacular Pool Home! - 03/08/11 04:25 PM
OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY - MARCH 13, 2011 - FROM 1:00-5:00PM - … (3 comments)

Connecting with Referrals - 03/08/11 03:31 PM

 
To be an effective networker, you should constantly be strengthening your relationships with referral sources. The best way to go about this, of course, depends on each individual referral source and what he or she responds to.
So while there isn't one "best" way to solidify your connections with referral sources, you can take a number of actions to build good will and credibility in those relationships. Here, are some examples that I have come across over my years that should give you some ideas and get you off on the right foot.
Arrange a one-to-one meeting. Meeting a … (0 comments)

Caruso's Saturday Shot! - 03/05/11 02:34 PM

 
STOP! Put Your Hands Up!
Happy Saturday Active Rain!
This is Dolce, my assistants Cat, sending you big smiles on the first Saturday of March!
Make today GREAT!
… (11 comments)

Seven Deadly Sins with Caruso! - 03/05/11 02:28 PM
                
  SEVEN DEADLY SINS...
                When Dealing with a Buyer
 
1. MAKING CLAIMS WITHOUT KNOWING THE FACTS. If you're relying on somebody else's information and don't check out the facts for yourself, you're in trouble. Though there is a clear difference between dishonesty and laziness, to your client that distinction could be meaningless. What do you do when potential buyers are right there and want information, and you don't have the answer? Stick to the old Three T's motto: Tell the Truth, Don't blame others and don't apologize. Tell them you'll get it; then get what they ask for … (2 comments)

Incentives with Caruso! - 03/04/11 04:55 PM


Incentives to Purchase Real Estate - Good, Bad, or Indifferent?
Sellers offering incentives to buyers has become somewhat common nowadays due to the economy, but does it really work? And if so, which idea works the best?  Right now buyers are looking for an absolute steal or they are looking for a fairly priced home that has all of the nice finishing touches. 
The most common incentive is to offer to pay closing costs.  Other popular incentives are things like paint, carpet, landscaping or appliance allowances. 
However, do incentives that are unique grab a buyer's attention and make them … (2 comments)

JUST LISTED!!!! Breathtaking Ocean Views! - 03/03/11 01:37 PM
… (0 comments)

Caruso's SoCal Housing Inventory Snapshot! - 03/03/11 01:06 PM
I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.
 
 
 When you look at this table do you think we are starting to see the market improve? Is everything still the same? Or is it just getting worse? What does the table say to you?
… (0 comments)

Oscar Overview - 03/01/11 07:37 PM
In cased you missed it, here are the winners from the 83rd Academy Awards...
 
Best Picture: The King's Speech
Best Leading Actor: Colin Firth, The King's Speech
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, The Fighter
Best Leading Actress: Natalie Portman, The Black Swan
Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Animated Feature Film: Toy Story 3
Art Direction: Alice in Wonderland
Cinematography: Inception
Costume Design: Alice in Wonderland
Directing: The King's Speech
Documentary Feature: Inside Job
Documentary Short: Strangers No More
Foreign Language Film: In a Better World
Music (Original Score): The Social Network
Music (Original Song): Toy Story 3
 
… (4 comments)

 
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Michael A. Caruso ~

Laguna Niguel, CA

More about me…

Surterre Properties

Address: 33522 Niguel Road #100, Monarch Beach, CA, 92629

Office Phone: (949) 495-8600

Cell Phone: (949) 584-2300

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