The Voice of Orange County...Michael A. Caruso's Blog

Just How Easy is it to Prepare Your Home For a Sale?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:32:09 -0500

Quite often, I hear clients ask, "What can I do to prepare my home for a sale?"

Start by removing any unnecessary items which may be crowding up parts of your home, as clutter can often detract from flattering areas. Don't shy away from placing boxes in the garage. Potential buyers won't be worried about the presence of the boxes, since your plans to move are no secret.

Next, consider arranging your furniture in a different way. With any extraneous items out of the way, take another look at the layout of major pieces. Moving furniture around is extremely helpful in creating a focal point (such as a fireplace or attractive view).

Another important step is to thoroughly clean and polish your home. Performing repairs, utilizing touch up paint, and deep cleaning are all great ways to present your home at its very best.

Hiring a professional is also a wonderful way to gain another perspective in how to set up your home. Professionals such as stagers are available for consultation, and can provide furniture and or accessories at your request. Trust your Realtor to recommend his highly-skilled contacts to assist you with your needs.

Your comments are welcome...

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

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI

(949) 753-7900

Michael@michaelcarusorealestate.com

The Bigger the Car...the Better the Deal...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:01:32 -0500

Well, it's time for auto manufacurers to clear the floor of 2008 models and get ready 2009 models. The sales of SUV's are off 11% or more this year. So, you can look for big discounts or 0 percent financing for pretty much the remainder of the year or the end of the 2008 models, whichever comes first.

As gas prices went up everyone switched to smaller and smaller cars, despite the factor of safety while driving.

That means the SUV's can be had for a great price and you can have some metal around you for protection while you are driving.

Good luck shopping...

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Reports to Watch for in the Coming Week...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:55:05 -0500

Next Week: is a Short Week with the Monday Holiday but: Watch for the jobs report and hope we don't get too close to 6% unemployment. Watch for a potential strike at Boeing. Watch for storms that could impact the price of oil.

Last week: Ouch...Alitalia Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection. Ooooh, Microsoft bought Greenfield Online, a European shopping-comparison web site. Oh my, Tiffany's reported 2nd quarter profit doubling from last year (go figure), while Oh no, Sears reported a 62% drop in profits. Fannie Mae is all shook up with upper management exiting.

Happy Labor Day everyone!

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

When Will We Rebound?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:43:39 -0500

The question is ever looming...when will we rebound? When will the housing market stop its retreat? When will the dollar get stronger overseas? When will the stock market start a bull run?

The answer to all may be a combination of several things:

1) When you begin to see financial stocks stabilize.

2) When you begin to see the price of oil move down.

We have begun to see oil drift lower from $147 per barrel to $117 per barrel and it must move even lower. However, oncoming gulf storms and demand for winter heating oil must be factored in.

We must begin to see financial stocks stop posting $billions in losses and stabilize.

When these 2 things happen, it's the beginning of a rebound.

Your comments are welcome....

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

No Phones to Ears While Driving...is Texting Better?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:31:00 -0500

OK, California law took effect on July 1st of this year that you can't drive while having a phone to your ear.

Can you have an ear piece? - yes. Can you rig your phone thru your car audio system? - yes

Can you text message while you drive? Yes yes yes...

Come on, texting and driving just don't mix and it is waaayyyy more dangerous that talking on the phone.

Please send in your comments on this one.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

McCain Will Gain with Palin at His Side...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:22:14 -0500

Sarah Palin, Sarah Palin...you'll be hearing it a lot. That's because Mr. McCain hit a home run when he picked this dashing intelligent lady as his running mate. Time after time in article after article during the last few days and on TV, the Republican Presidential candidate has been lauded for his choice.

Opinions demonstrate that McCain can now pick up some female voters frozen as a result of the Democratic ticket, and keep in mind that Palin can bring some blue collar votes because her husband is a union member and her son is serving in Iraq. Bottom line is most Americans will be able to relate to this woman.

I missed her acceptance speech, but am enthusiastic about hearing her speak and debate against Senator Joe Biden. Remember that Senators are great debaters, so she'll have her work cut out for her.

Let's see how this develops because the election results will set the posture for residential and income property purchases as a result of tax consequences by particular candidates....

Wow! This is gonna be something!

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Analysts Say...No Pain for Orange County

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:10:44 -0500

Orange County California...population over 3 million. Home to many and also a technology, research & development and financial hub for not only this state but the entire western region.

Remember our GDP is 35th in the world when compared to all countries...that is countries not counties.

Well, analysts say Orange County is not headed for the same type of pain that Silicon Valley endured when Internet companies crashed in the early 2000's. Silicon Valley was effectively taken down by that bust. And Orange County...we lost our share of jobs in the financial sector this last year and a half but overall we have a highly educated work force, a diverse group of employers and yes...the trump card - a climatic and geographic advantage that is the envy of all.

Add it all up and we expect a soft cushion for our landing in this economic and housing correction.

Come visit...or call me for area information, while home prices are still attractive.

Thanks for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Olympics...a Great Success

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:37:49 -0500

Well, the seventeen days of world competition are over. Glorious opening and closing ceremonies gone along with the Olympic flame that is now moving toward England for the next Games in four years. Athletes from all over the globe are preparing to return home...some as heros and some as valiant. Some with medals, but all with memories that will live forever.

Whoever was your favorite to cheer for is not the point here. The Olympics were the main thing to cheer about. No dangerous incidents overall and an opportunity for our youth to bond ever closer.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Americans Drove 30 Billion LESS Miles During 1st Half of '08

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:35:39 -0500

The good, the bad and the ugly...

Remember that old film? Well this time it's not a movie. The good is: Americans are showing their displeasure with the price of fuel costs and driving less...a lot less! We drove 30 billion miles less in the first half of '08.

The bad is: A good amount of tax on gasoline goes toward repair and or maintenance of roads and bridges. They want us consuming fuel.

The ugly is: We can fall behind substantially on the condition of our roads and bridges if fuel consumption continues to fall.

I have an idea...let's see how we can get the cost of fuel back in line! Then people would drive more and spend more. Oh, and then we can keep up our road and bridge repairs and maintenance. What a concept. Especially since economies of scale are not scaled for $120 a barrel oil. Fishing fleets can't fill up with fuel and then go fishing because even if they catch a full load of fish, the price they get for the fish can't pay for the gas they used to catch 'em! It goes on and on...trucking, planes everything.

Keep the pressure on our legislators, please.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Thank You for No "Manny"

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:28:25 -0500

Thank you Angels General Manager.

Thank you Boston Red Sox General Manager.

Thank you for trading Manny Ramirez to the "other" LA baseball team. They can have him and they can have all the clubhouse dissension and hoopla that goes along with him. Besides...his hair is so long it gets tangled with his arms and glove when he tries to field a ball (that is when he tries) and he can't keep his baseball cap on for too long without all those dreadful dreadlocks knocking it off.

There is a great team chemistry on the Angels and no "Manny" to mess it up. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Laguna Niguel...Going to Speed and Saving on Fuel

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:24:52 -0500

My beloved city of Laguna Niguel in the great OC has found a way to get faster and save fuel. The City Council has approved the order for 2 new motorcycles for our Police Department.

You know how large the engines are in police cars...they roar! And they suck up fuel at an outrageous rate. Well, we have near perfect weather here, so why not a couple of motorcycles? Why not a few motorcycles for that matter? Cuts down on gas consumption and gets police out there for speedy response.

Nice work Laguna Niguel!

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

When is it Time to take Away Grandma or Grandpa's Car Keys?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:15:18 -0500

OK...let me assure you all that this has nothing to do with gas prices.

I love my Dad and he is 85, pretty sharp and going strong. He passed his last driving and vision related test from the state. He drives himself to all his doctor visits (plenty of them) for this or that but it's all a part of general aging.

But every now and then I look at his car and there is a scratch or a ding and I ask..."how did that happen, dad?" He has no answer. Well, I begin to wonder about the cars he parks near and if he has damaged any of them. And then I wonder, what is the right age to stop driving? There is the question of dementia, diabetes or just dulling senses that can cause a serious accident.

Is there an age when a driver license should become void? Or, are we not to take a license away? Is driving a car a right of freedom or a right of license?

I would love to hear comments on this one if you find a moment....

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Olympics nearing...Time for Boycotts and Protests?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:02:57 -0500

Oh yes...the Olympics are nearing. The great world competition of youth competing athletically from all around the world and it dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans thousands of years ago.

Oh no...the Olympics are nearing. Time for boycotts and protests and grabbing at worldwide attention for a particular cause.

Can't we just have the games without all the "games"?!?!

Latest updates: The German Chancellor, The British Prime Minister and The Canadian Prime Minister are among the world leaders who will not attend the Olympics opening ceremonies, in part to register protest of China's human rights record.

Now what? Should our leaders reconsider? Should our country reconsider participating? Should countries with less than stellar human rights records be hosting the Olympics?

So here it comes...boycotts and protests and making poitical points rather than embracing the true spirit of the Olympic Games. That spirit is worldwide cooperation and friendship. We're missing the point!

Your comments are encouraged.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

3rd Anniversary for Orange County's Great Park...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:49:23 -0500

Well, it's 6 years after the vote and that vote was a dilly. It was divisive to our county residents...those who wanted an airport to replace the El Toro Marine Base and those who proposed a Great Park theme as the logical and environmental alternative.

It's now 3 years in the making. The Great Park in Orange County. Perceived a victory by many who voted against an airport and perceived a challenge by those who watch the budget and purse strings for this project. Great builders are participating, the likes of Lennar. But what's the hurry...no one is buying homes right now. And great publisists have created a vison for the public, but at a substantial cost.

Let's see what the future brings. It is unclear how the Great Park will evolve, but it is very clear that the residents of The OC wanted anything but an airport.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Consider a Local Summer Trip to the OC Coast to Combat Gas Prices...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:13:11 -0500

Cash conscious? Just plain mad about gas prices?

Hey OC residents...Why not consider a local summer trip for a vacation? Dana Point hosts 2 world class hotels: Ritz Carlton and St. Regis, has fabulous tide pools to explore, has a major harbor where you can rent a jet ski, a kayak, try scuba diving or take a ride on a historical ship. There are also dolphin and whale boat tours and fishing boats leave daily for those who want to cook up fresh fish for dinner. And don't forget a surfboard...the waves are great!

Dana Point also has several great camp sites that are very clean (San Onofre State Beach Campground and San Mateo Campground nearby) which are popular and you can still scoot over to your favorite restaurant for dinner while being near the beach campground. Enjoy a summer night with a campfire at the Doheny Beach fire pits and BBQ your lunch.

Nearby, you can go horseback riding at San Juan Capistrano or visit the historical Mission San Juan Capistrano.

You can beat the gas prices and beat the summer heat and have a great time in coastal Orange County. Call my office and we'll be happy to provide maps and information.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

I Live with a Vampire!!!

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:33:00 -0500

It's an eerie feeling, living with a vampire. A Vampire sleeps all day and has unending energy all night. Vampires are difficult to hunt down.

This one is 18 1/2 years old and he is on summer break before beginning college. He has a job in a local beach restaurant which provides several day shifts and several night shifts for him to work or perhaps he'd sleep all day (except for a quick stop at the beach or the gym).

Just how long can he sleep? About as long as you'll allow it...

But at night, he's a new man (very Vampire-ish).

How long can he stay out at night? About as long as you'll allow it...

Do you have a Vampire at your home? Enjoy him or her and love them unconditionally. This is a special time in their life. A feeling of exhilaration from their high school accomplishments mixed with some fear of the unknown about the new life they'll begin at college.

Please email your thoughts or comments...

And Thank You for making Me Your Orange Couny Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Adults Now Liable for Underage Drinking...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:25:05 -0500

A warning to parents...Mission Viejo, CA just adopted a new law that makes adults liable for under-age drinking if they provide the location for it. The "Social Host Ordinance" is already in 24 cities in California and is sure to be seen soon in others around Orange County. Laguna Hills is currently drafting its own ordinance.

Parents may feel more comfortable knowing their barely legal children will be drinking at home, rather than sneaking out to parties--but time has come for consequences. An adult is now liable for under-age drinking if it occurs in their home. The primary goal of this law is to target "party houses". Officials hope to reduce the percentage of loud parties, underage drinking (and driving),and create a safer and healthier community.

With the summer in full swing, parents hosting backyard BBQs, graduation and going away parties beware...The law has a maximum punishment of $1,000 and 6 months jail time, and at the minimum reduced to an infraction. Each violation will be reviewed case by case and the city attorney will make sentencing decisions. Alongside penalties may be community service, which may be particularly focused towards organizations such as MADD.

What do you think about this? Will it help reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents?

I'm interested in your comments. Please email your thoughts and share with me if this is happening in your community.

And thank you for making me your Orange County Real Estate connection.

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso

Optimism Plunges Among Small Business Owners

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:07:28 -0500

Small business owners are the heartbeat of the nation. And they are not happy. In fact, they are worried...worried sick.

Small business owners' optimism has dropped off the table according to a survey from Wells Fargo Bank. The optimism index - the sum of current and future expectations in six areas such as cash flow and hiring - plunged 35 points since January of this year to 48, the lowest level since the Index started in 2003.

The previous low was 69 in August of 2003 and the high was 114 in December of 2006 (I think that is when everyone was in denial).

Although optimism dropped in all areas, the greatest decline came in business owners' current revenue situation and future expectations for cash flow and financial situation.

Despite the seemingly woeful outlook, 94 percent of respondents said they feel successful being a small business owner, unchanged from the past, and 86 percent are satisfied being small business owners, unchanged from January.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Commonality in ALL Presidential Candidates...Firstborn = High Acheiver

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:17:50 -0500

People who study birth order will tell you that firstborns are most likely to be high achievers.

Firstborns are disproportionately represented in such areas and careers as astronauts, are members of the National Academy of Sciences are high standardized test scorers and thrive in other areas that demand high levels of academic success.

Nine out of the 11 candidates this year for President of the USA were firstborn or only-born of their sex in their family. Now that we are down to the final two:

Barrack is an only child. He has a half sister who is 9 years older, so in effect he grew up as an only child.

McCain is the firstborn son with an older sister and younger brother.

Oh yes...by the way - Hilary was a firstborn daughter with 2 younger sisters.

Go ahead and take an analytical look at your firstborn, then your next children. Any differences? The firstborns are the high achievers. They are the ones who are the warriors, the perfectionists, the cautious ones. They are the ones who are most likely to grow up to be the mathematicians, the architects, the engineers...or even the President of The United States.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Turnaround is the Bet for Investment Firm...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:33:26 -0500

Are you betting on a turnaround in the economy anytime soon? Well, someone is. An investor has recently bought a $500 million stake of Standard Pacific to help get the builder back on it's feet. This builder has experienced losses since the 1st of the year of roughly $1 Billion.

The concept here may be to position oneself for the turnaround, but that turnaround continues to escape some of the most brilliant minds in the country. For now, nobody can put their finger on when or how this economy will turn around.

But this is a saving grace for Standard Pacific, whose credit relationships were on the rocks

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Attention Boomers...Learn How to Communicate with Millennials

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:23:26 -0500

Millennials...it's tough enough for me to spell it, let alone learn communicate with "them"!

But, here are some ideas on how to talk or communicate to those cry-baby, tech savvy Millennials. Next time you encounter one of them and have to talk to one of them, try any of the following language antidotes to perhaps communicate more effectively:

1) Bacn: impersonal emails that you have chosen to receive, such as alerts and newsletters.

2) Bershon: the angry/bored/too-cool-to-care look that 12 to 18 year olds seem to sport in their family photos.

3) Compunicate: to "chat" with a co-worker using Instant Messenger when you are in the same room, rather than speak to them.

4) Defriend: to remove someone from your established list of contacts.

5) Lifestreaming: posting an on-line record of a person's dailey actvities, such as some blogs.

6) Meatspace: a reference to the physical world, such as being the opposite of cyberspace or virtual reality.

7) Moofer: derived from the acronym for "mobile out of the office". This is someone who between meetings abandons their office with a laptop and Blackberry to stop at Starbucks or anyplace else they can escape talkative co-workers.

8) Passion Bucket: a metaphor for a job or endeavor that can fulfill one's sense of mission and ambition.

9) Porntastic: great, but slightly racy and edgy.

You can practice and use these communication techniques for your Millennial encounters or call me for a normal conversation!

Good luck...and by the way, these were culled from magazines, web sites and blogs - so go figure!

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

New Sony Deal Could Mean "The End" for Cable Boxes...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:59:54 -0500

Ahh Yes...the set-top box. Many have built their custom entertainment centers with a custom slot for this appendage. And those who haven't , still see the set-top box as a necessary component of cable viewing for more than several decades now.

Well...the set-top box is nearing extinction. A leading television manufacturer, none other than Sony Electronics, Inc. and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association said recently that they had signed an agreement that would allow viewers to rid themselves of set-top boxes, yet still receive advanced "two-way" cable services, such as pay per view movies.

This marks quite a significant meeting of the minds between cable companies and and makers of consumer electronics. The two industries have been is disaccord for about a decade on how to best deliver cable service to customers. The agreement now is between Sony and the nation's six largest cable companies (collectively they serve 82% of all subscribers), but no word as to when the new TV sets would be available in stores.

Last time I checked, I had to rent my set-top boxes, so now I'll have some extra bucks to pay for gasoline price increases?!?! It never ends....

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Obesity Plateaus Among Kids...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:19:49 -0500

There are some encouraging findings pertaining to obesity among kids, though the new stats are a bit premature and very hopeful.

The percentage of American children who are overweight or obese appears to have leveled off after a steady 25 year increase. These new stats offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dismal battle and it is the first encouraging news received. It may be too soon to know if we're beginning to make significant inroads into this epidemic and we hope this is not a statistical fluke.

In 2003-04 and 2005-06 roughly 32 percent of children were overweight or obese and 16 percent were obese (stats from Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Those figures held steady after rising without interruption since 1980.

We need a substantial decline in order for the full impact of this childhood epidemic to continue to mount in the coming years...this is because it can take many years for obesity-related complications to translate into life threatening events such as kidney failure and heart attacks, a spokesperson said.

Let's all work toward making this subject a matter of increased awareness. Perhaps it can help.

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Famous Names Closing Stores...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:03:08 -0500

Cool Stores, Cool names...Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy.

Gap Inc. has announced plans to close about 115 stores for fiscal 2008. The corporate owner of Banana Republic and Old Navy said that they will close 65 Gap stores, 20 Old Navy stores and 15 Banana Republic stores in North America and another 15 stores internationally. The announcement did not specify where the closures will be.

In Orange County, we have 13 Gap stores along with 12 Old Navy stores and 4 Banana Republic stores.

Signs of the times...

Hang in there Target!

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso

25 Million TV Views Not Ready for the Future...

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:52:28 -0500

Maybe this is a GOOD thing because there is no great news on TV these days, but statistics show about 10 million TV viewers still using analog sets - and they'll go "dark" on February 17th. In all households, there are about 25 million with at least 1 anaolg set that won't be working after February 17, 2009. Well, at least they'll be able to see the Super Bowl before going dark. Think there will be any flat screen sales in January?

Seriously, do TV manufacturers expect 10 million people to run out and buy high definition TV's or flat screen TV's in this economy? I doubt it...and if people wait till the last minute to go out and buy a compatible TV to make the "switch" there could be a potential drop in TV ratings. Too bad isn't it?

Hispanic and black households make up 20 percent of those completely unready for the switch, according to Neilson Media Research. Same old story, and this is not a TV story is it?

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

Best regards, Michael Caruso