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

Welcome to Hollywood

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:06:20 -0600

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

Christmas already?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:25:31 -0600

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

PLAY IN THE MUD AND SUPPORT WOUNDED WARRIORS

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:14:26 -0600

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

Skin Cancer in the Winter?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:58:25 -0600

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

Find your true calling

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:04:48 -0600

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

Happy Birthday Big Bird!

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:11:08 -0600

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

Where were you when the Berlin Wall fell?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:50:53 -0600

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

Speechless Sundays! Sailing into the Horizon

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:25:58 -0600

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

How Many AR Points Can You Earn in a Year

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:03 -0600

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

The Happenings~ North

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:36:45 -0600

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

The Happenings~ Central

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:07:00 -0600

Central Orange County

COSTA MESA

Barnes and Nobel in Metro Point is donating a portion of their sales to the Costa Mesa Library Foundation until Sunday Nov. 8^th. People are asked to make mention to either the cashier or café. All proceeds will work towards building a new central library. For information visit www.costamesalibraryfoundation.com

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Calling all seniors! The Founders Village Senior Center will be hosting a Thanksgiving luncheon feast from 11:30 - 1:00 P.M. on Nov. 24^th. The event offers delicious turkey, raffles prizes and entertainment. For more information call 714-593-4446.

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Nothing to report.

IRVINE

University High School will be celebrating their 40^th anniversary by hosting an open house, which includes campus tours, dinner, and performances, Nov. 6^th from 4-7 P.M.. For more information visit www.uhs40.com

LOS ALAMITOS

Nothing to report.

NEWPORT BEACH

Come celebrate the 234^th birthday of the Marine Corps on Saturday Nov. 7^th on the Balboa Peninsula. Festivities begin at 5 P.M. and will include dancing, dinner and an auction. Proceeds will benefit the adopted military battalion. For more information call 949-673-5070.

ORANGE

Legion Post #132 will be hosting their annual Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast Sunday November 8^th. For information call 714-538-6311.

SANTA ANA

Nothing to report.

SEAL BEACH

Free memory screening for seniors will be held at the Orange County Care Connections Outreach and Redeemer Adult Day Care from 9- 11:30 at Leisure World on Nov. 17^th. For information call 562-596-1209.

TUSTIN

A free Veterans Day Concert will be hosted by the Beckman High School Patriot Marching Band at 7 p.m. on Monday Nov. 9^th. The American Legion Post # 227 will be attending and presenting other veterans. For information call 714-734-2900.

VILLA PARK

The Villa Park Women's League is helping encourage community members to stop by the Villa Pharmacy and help needy youngsters from two local families by picking up a "Giving Tree" tag. For more information call 714-335-9800.

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 ocregister.com

The Happenings~ South

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:24:11 -0600

ORANGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS ~ SOUTH

ALISO VIEJO
Congratulations to the Veterans who were recognized on Wednesday at City Hall.

DANA POINT
Today, Camp Pendleton's commanding officer Col. Nicholas Marano will recognize $50 million bachelor's enlisted quarters in Las Flores through a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The quarters will house over 600 Marines!

LAGUNA BEACH
Laguna Beach Marines will celebrate their 234th birthday at the American Grill, at Canyon Lodge. All Laguna Marines are encouraged to come and enjoy a wonderful evening. For reservations or information call 949-499-2663.

LAGUNA HILLS
December is right around the corner, which means... Santa is coming to town! Santa will be at the Laguna Hills Community Center from 9- 10:30 A.M. on Dec. 5th. Attendees will enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, holiday crafts and of course a photo opportunity with Santa. For information call 949-707-2680 or visit ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Nothing to report.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Tijeras Creek Elementary School will be hosting a Harvest Carnival from 4:30 - 7 P.M today, November 6, 2009. Get out there and go enjoy yourselves! For more information visit tces.capousd.ca.schoolloop.com

SAN CLEMENTE
Come enjoy the Taste of San Clemente Tonight! The event begins at 6:00 P.M at the Rancho San Clemente Tennis & Fitness Club. For information and tickets call 949-492-1131.

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 CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
For more information, please visit ocregister.com

Pray for Fort Hood Victims

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:02:16 -0600

If you are unaware of this tragedy you can read it here. 13 were killed and 31 injured during this shooting rampage at the nation's largest military facility. So I am asking to keep the victims and their families in your prayers. We are so fortunate to have people like this who have signed up to fight for OUR freedom while we remain safe at home. It is even more sickening that this has happened on our soil, by a fellow citizen. God Bless.

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

WWW.MICHAELCARUSOREALESTATE.COM

949-753-97900

Beautiful Italian Architecture

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:54:56 -0600

This was taken in Rome.

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

949-753-7900

How many AR points can you get per year?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:07:14 -0600

We blog to share information, build relationships, network, and do more business. And a lot of us blog to get points. Those precious Active Rain points.

So, given that you get all the points your supposed to and there are no technical difficulties, can you guess what’s the most points a person can get in a year for basic blogging?

(Not including comments received on your blogs, featured posts, invitation points, contests, spam reporting, and staff awarded bonus points as that can be almost infinite.)

a. 405,600

b. 352,000

c. 257,400

I will post the answer later! 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

Should your kid be on Facebook?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:44:04 -0600

We all use Facebook and many of the blogs on Active Rain are about improving your profile. But status updates, news feeds, and photos aren’t just for teens and adults anymore.

Researchers say a growing number of children using Facebook and MySpace despite requirements to be at least 13. These sites have no way to verify ages so children pretend to be older when signing up. Now there are a growing number of networking sites geared toward young users like Disney’s Club Penguin, WebKinz, KidSwirl and Whyville.

Its scary for many reasons, the exposure to adult content, the lack of privacy, the predators who use these sites. But here’s another--some scientists worry that pre-adolescent use of the site could be damaging to children's relationships and brains and cause internet addiction.

If you allow your younger children to have a social network account, make sure it is with your permission and you limit time spent on the site. Make sure you know the password so you can get on if needed or monitor their pages. ALso, make sure your children put as little personal information as possible and set the settings so their profile can only be seen by confirmed friends.

It will be interesting to see what happens to this technology-driven generation as they grow up with the internet. What do you think about young children using these sites?

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

Read CNN article here

Dia de los Muertos

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:43:27 -0600

Dia de los Muertos

El Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. This is a joyous occasion when the memory of deceased ancestors and the after life is celebrated. It is believed that at this time the souls of the departed return to visit the living, as well as bring good luck to their families. It is a time to remember family and friends who have died.

Families begin the celebration by visiting gravesites, where they clean and decorate the graves with flowers, food, candles, colorful skulls and toys. Families will often bring a picnic to eat at the gravesite and bring the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased, as offerings. They build private altars adorned with flowers and photos of the deceased. The skeleton represents the spirit that still lives on. They come in many shapes and sizes as well as edible sugar skulls. They share memorable stories of the departed. In many large cities they often have parades with horses, dancers and musicians. The vendors sell sugar skulls, candy coffins, and other "Day of the Dead" treats. It is not a morbid occasion, but rather a festive time.

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

Sincerely,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Orange County Events

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:10:51 -0500

ORANGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS ~ SOUTH

ALISO VIEJO

The Soka University Annual Haunted House will be held on Friday, Oct.30 and Saturday, Octo. 31 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 1 University Drive @ the SUA Recreation Center. Recommended for ages 10 years old and up, admission is $5. A kid-friendly area will be available for those children 10 or younger for $2 and children under 3 are free. Proceeds this year will be benefiting the student clubs at Soka University as well as South County Community Outreach. For information go to: www.soka.edu or call (949) 480-4081.

DANA POINT

Free Halloween Kids Boo Cruise, aboard the haunted Sum Fun. The spooky 20 minute harbor cruise will be filled with Halloween treats. Be sure to wear a costume. This cruise is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30 between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. For more information call: 949-496-5794.

LAGUNA BEACH

Halloween by Moonlight at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging area, 20101 Laguna Canyon Road, for ages 8 and up @ 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Wander by the light of the moon and listen for sounds of night creatures or what might be found. Reservations are required. For information call: 949-923-2235 or go to www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast.

LAGUNA HILLS

The Trunk and Treat at the Lake Hills Community Church, 23331 Moulton Parkway is on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This is a Halloween alternative fair with decorated cars, bounce houses, live band, food, chili cook-off, contests and more. Family friendly costumes are encouraged. Cost is $1. For information call: 949-837-7729.

LAGUNA NIGUEL

Bunco for the Cure:Kim Tilly, a five year cancer survivor will join teammates for a game to raise money for the San Diego Breast Cancer 3-day walk in November, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the cure. Bunco is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29 at Sunsets, 34700 Pacific Coast Highway in Capistrano Beach, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. $20 Donation. For reservations and information call: 949-496-5794 ext 16.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Free Burger and fries! Ruby's Diner will serve free a la carte, Cinnamon Roll French Toast or a Ruby Burger with fries from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 22411 Antonio Parkway, RSM. Bring your appetite!

SAN CLEMENTE

The Village Art Fair is held the first Sunday of every month, and is put on by the Downtown Business Association. Stroll and shop Avenida Del Mar on November 1, at 9:00 a.m. where more than 60 vendors will have arts, crafts and other fabulous items. For more information call: 949-218-5378 or visit www.villagesanclemente.org.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Each Wednesday, visitors can enjoy purchasing fresh flowers, produce, and specialty foods at the San Juan Capistrano Farmers' Market. The market features up to 30 vendors and is held at Yorba Street and Camino Capistrano right in the heart of downtown San Juan Capistrano. The Farmers' Market is held year round. November through March hours are, 3:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. For more information call: 858-272-7054.

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 ocregister.com

Set your clocks back for an extra hour of sleep!

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:15:45 -0500

REMINDER: This Sunday morning, clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 am local time, which becomes 1:00 am local standard time.

BACKGROUND:

Daylight savings time in the United States was first observed in 1918.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the current dates of daylight savings which now begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

Not all places in the United States observe daylight saving time. In particular, Hawaii, Arizona, and StratCom...I wish we didn't change the time here in California

Don't forget to set your clocks back and enjoy the extra hour of sleep!

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

We have a lot to be thankful for

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:50:07 -0500

As the year is coming to an end, I thought it would be appropriate to think about all the good things that happened. Sure it was a tough year, but we must be thankful for the sales made, homes sold, clients helped, relationships built, and blogs read.

And, like many fellow Active Rainers have been mentioning, now is the time to start planning for 2010. Set your goals high and let's make it a good year!

Looking back on this year, or even just the past 2 months, what are you thankful for?

And Thank You for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection!

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange COunty Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

Government Health Warning!!

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:23:24 -0500

JUST RELEASED, A NEW GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING!

WARNING: DO NOT SWALLOW CHEWING GUM!

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

949-753-7900

Did you get a bad flu shot?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:00:07 -0500

Thinking about getting the flu shot? Read this, courtesy of David Letterman, to learn the top 10 ways you know know you got a bad flu shot:

10. Tastes and looks like A-1 Steak Sauce

9. Right before injecting you, doctor asks "regular or unleaded?"

8. Now that you think about it, its a little weird that the Dr office was on the D train.

7. You're shaking like a washing machine

6. Instead of the CDC, its recommended by GMC

5. Every time you sneeze your nose falls off

4. Doctor claims its made from freshly squeezed hogs

3. Nurse sterilizes the needle with her whiskey sour

2. Went in for flu shot, ended up with a frozen, severed head next to Ted Williams

1. You find this list amusing

For more David Letterman Top Tens, click HERE.

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

949-753-7900

Financial Advice from a Calculator

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:08:22 -0500

The Internet is a wealth of information at our fingertips. And with just a few clicks you can greatly impact your personal financial stability.

Kiplinger.com and AARP.org are two website that offer more than 50 different online money calculators. These easy to navigate sites have calculators for situations you may be planning for such as retirement, college savings, real estate portfolio, or budgeting and spending. These tools do the difficult math formulas and instantly give results.

Let's say you want to decide if you should pay down credit-card debt or save more cash. Go to www.kiplinger.com/tools and find that calculator. Answer 6 questions and it gives you quick results-and further help if needed.

A simple google search for "financial calcualtors" will give you plenty more sites to choose from. But this invaluable asset can get your financial future in line. Save time, avoid errors and take advantage of this tool to become comfortable with your spending and saving habits.

And if it is time for you to invest in a home, remember me, Your Orange County Real Estate Connection!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRS CRB GRI GREEN

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

Let's Go Angels!!

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:25:26 -0500

Angels are back in the Bronx for Game 6 of the AL championship series. The last I heard the game was postponed until tomorrow night because of rain. Today or tomorrow, I'll be watching. Go get em Angels!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

It's Census Time

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:05:37 -0500

United States Census 2010

The countdown to the 2010 Census has begun, and the U.S. Census Bureau is looking to the community to ensure an accurate count. Census day is on April 1, 2010, therefore it is extremely important that people are aware and ready to participate, ensuring the accuracy of the data. The 2010 Census will have one of the shortest census questionnaires in the history of the United States, dating back to the nation's first census in 1790; it will focus on questions such as name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship and whether the householder owns or rents their home. They are hoping by making the form easier and less tedious, more participants will be willing to take the 10 minutes complete the questionnaire. The Bureau wants to stress that all answers are protected by law and strictly confidential.

Some of the main reasons residents should be aware of the 2010 Census :

• The federal government uses census numbers to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds annually for community programs and services, such as education, housing and community development, health care services for the elderly, job training and more.

• State, local and tribal governments use census information for planning and allocating funds for new school construction, libraries and other public buildings, highway safety and public transportation systems, new roads and bridges, location of police and fire departments, and many other projects.

• Community organizations use census information to develop social service programs, community action projects, senior lunch programs and child-care centers.

• The numbers help businesses identify where to locate factories, shopping centers, movie theaters, banks and offices - activities that often lead to new jobs.

• The census totals are used to determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives (Extremely Important!)

Be a part of this revolutionizing event and help keep the data and information accurate so the United States can better help serve you!

For more information about the 2010 Census visit www.census.gov/2010census or Contact: Public Information Office (301) 763-3691, (301) 763-3762, or facsimile (301) 457-1037. E-mail: pio@census.gov

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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

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