real estate: What do these words really mean? - 09/11/09 08:50 AM
Here is a Friday Funny for you...The real meaning of these Real Estate terms 
 
SOPHISTICATED CITY LIVING - Next to a noisy bar.
CLOSE TO BEACH - Impossible to park from April to October.
UPDATED KITCHEN - Sink no longer overflows.
MOTIVATED SELLER - Has been on the market for 14 years.
COZY - No room larger than 9 x 6.
FOR THE GARDENING ENTHUSIAST - Grounds like a jungle.
STUNNING HOUSE - It's not ugly.
WELL SITUATED - In full view of the neighbors.
LOW MAINTENANCE LOT - No yard, the kids will have to play in the street.
(5 comments)

real estate: Foreclosure Homes in Orange County / Feeding Your Bottom Line with Old Formulas? - 06/07/09 04:01 PM

Open house, refrigerator magnets, oven mitts, note pads, coffee mugs, direct mail, door knocking, recipes, calendars, logo pens, rulers...all the gimmicks are in place and it's 1978.  That year even came with the MLS in a book the size of the yellow pages.  That's how your fueled your business...that's how you fed your bottom line.
And the public loved it...they loved you too!  Business was booming and everyone talked about that latest recipe from grandma that you left on their door nob.
Fast forward...it's 2009 and some yesteryear managers tell you to get out there and door knock, pass out … (2 comments)

real estate: Asbestos Prevention, Tips & Removal for Southern California Home Owners - 05/11/09 06:29 AM

In the Southern California real estate industry, there are many things to consider when purchasing or remodeling a home. If a home was built before 1980, there is a strong chance it contains asbestos materials.  Renowned for a large industrial history, California's economy has had success in areas such as ship-building, mining and power generation.
These industries found many usages for asbestos, as the material has fire and heat resistant qualities. Although asbestos exposure does not always pose health risks, it is still highly recommended that homebuyers determine if asbestos containing building materials are present.
Potential Southern California homebuyers and … (0 comments)

real estate: Home Decorating Tips for 2009 - 01/26/09 06:43 AM
Are you looking to revamp your home's overall look with the arrival of the New Year?  Here are some tips you may wish to consider when performing a makeover on your home:
Make sure that your home is property lit. In addition to floor and table lamps, ensure that paintings and other noteworthy areas are well lit. Paint the interior of your home a vibrant color. New colors sure to thrive in the new year, according to the Pantone Color Institute include shades of  Fuchsia Red, Salmon Rose, Palace Blue, Lavender, Rose Dust and Vibrant Green. If purchasing new furniture, ensure … (0 comments)

real estate: Strong Finish and Stronger Start for Stocks... - 01/02/09 03:40 PM
I was happy (and somewhat surprised) to see the stock market enjoy "up days" on December 30th and 31st.  That was a long overdue, and quite late but quite welcome little rally.  And I wondered what would happen on the first trading day of the new year...
I tuned in to the financial news as I attended to my email, web site and Active Rain this morning...
Much to my surprise and delight the year on Wall Street started off in a very upbeat manner.
I think the stock market has just as much affect on the consumer sentiment as real … (4 comments)

real estate: Retiree Communities Thinking Younger? - 12/02/08 03:22 AM

When we were younger, we would shiver at the idea of living in a retirement community.  Then as you get a little older you see they these communities function very well, are neat and clean and provide a stimulus for our senior citizens.
Oh, and no little kids running around....(unless it's a grandchild just visiting).
But with vacancies everywhere in these communities, especially in resort areas...is it time for them to reconsider the "55 years of age" rule to buy and own there?
Your comments are welcome.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection
Best … (2 comments)

real estate: Where Were You in 2003? - 11/13/08 05:47 AM

Well, where has the time gone?  Seems it's 2003 all over again except we've all aged 6 years. 
Recent reports from October sales and value analysis indicate real estate values have hit the mark they were at in 2003.  This week the stock market hit levels last seen in 2003.
So what are the key essential differences as we embark upon 2009 and important bench mark values are at 2003 levels?  Pretty simple.
1) There was momentum in 2003
2) There was optimism in 2003
When things seem at their worst, they probably are.  There is only one place to go and … (1 comments)

real estate: The Key to Consumer Spending... - 11/05/08 02:32 AM

Two major and well respected educational facilities USC and UCLA teamed up recently to perform a study regarding consumer spending.
The study showed that a rise in home values has a greater effect on consumer spending than any other asset, liquid or hard.
Think about that...even money in the bank, does not have as much impact on consumer spending as when a person believes their home value is increasing.
Now think...how important is our housing market to a turnaround in the overall economy.  Yep...our industry is integral to a successful economy.  And that is where the focus of governmental administration should be.
Your … (0 comments)

real estate: "Mirador" $1550 Fantastic Lease Opportunity! (Laguna Niguel, CA) - 10/19/08 08:30 AM
By any standard, this rent price is a value. Greenbelt view. Nice breezes. Updated window coverings. Newer carpet in the living area. Owner continuing to refine the property. Available November 1, 2008 or sooner. Washer and dryer in unit. For more photos or information, CLICK HERE or contact the Michael Caruso Real Estate Group at 949.753.7900 or michael@michaelcarusorealestate.com
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real estate: Time for a Comeback for Large Families - 10/02/08 09:11 AM
Have you noticed the influx and popularity of reality television showcasing large families? I'm not talking about four kids and a few pets. I'm talking 8, 12 even 16 children!
It seems the common thread in these shows is that the family unit is the most important thing. Consistency and multitasking ensures everyone knows their place and that their contribution is vital and appreciated.
You don't see a lot of "Keeping Up With the Jones" type attitude in these families. They are just living their lives and doing the best they can. And they seem to be truly happy.
For many … (5 comments)

real estate: Take a Fun Break: Watch the Vice Presidential Debate - 10/02/08 08:59 AM
What with all the doom and gloom we've heard in the financial realm these past two weeks, I'm ready for some fun. Well Thursday night is the night. The first vice presidential debate of this 2008 election campaign.
I don't care who you're voting for, you have to smile just a bit when these two candidates speak. First there's Palin. Unless you've been hiding under a rock this week then you are well aware of her comments about Putin raising his head in American air space. What?
And then there's Biden telling Katy Couric that when the stock market crashed in … (0 comments)

real estate: The Perfect Ride in Real Estate... - 09/19/08 10:53 AM
By now most people know there is no perfect ride in the real estate market.  There are up's and down's in real estate, some more protracted than others but overall, the average "market" moves in approximately 4 year cycles.
NAR (the National Association of Realtors) has tracked statistics and tells us that the average home nearly doubles in value every 10 years.  I believe that statistic is for the last half century, so it is not a snap shot.  And, we all know that over the long term, real estate shows to be a great investment.  Plus...think of the tax advantages … (0 comments)

real estate: Keep Focus on Long Term Goals and Keep Cool... - 04/06/08 06:35 AM
A dip here, a dip there, a new grey hair here and a new grey hair there.
The key to keeping cool amid market dips is to stay focused on your long term goals.  Statistically, according to the national Association of Realtors, a home nearly doubles in value every 10 years.  yet, everyone freaks out when there is a correction.  A correction simply creates market swings that favor a buyer sometimes and a seller sometimes.  But these swings are important.  It can't go just one way all the time.
I'm no stock expert, but some say the same focus should be applied to … (0 comments)

real estate: Look at Retail Sales to Explain a Recession... - 04/06/08 05:43 AM
Well it's been 7 months of watching real estate values and Wall Street confessions that everyone predicts will push the economy into a recession...
How about reading into retail sales as an indicator?
The March figures aren't in yet, but retail sales fell dramatically in February, indicating that declines in payrolls and home values combined with increases in fuel prices are all taking their toll on the consumer.
The consumer has stopped spending.  And it is no wonder.  Sales at the Big 3 auto makers are down.  Jobless claims are up.
It is time for people to look at other indicators besides real estate to … (1 comments)

real estate: We've Got the Sun...and We're Using it! - 04/02/08 05:58 AM
Everyone knows the sun is always shining in Southern California, but knowing how to use it wisely is a talent.
This talent is embraced by the city of San Clemente who will use solar power to heat its proposed Aquatics Center and Civic Center.  I've recently written about how this city recycles old tires and has them crushed into a gravel mix that resurfaces their city streets.  Now they again show a focus on the future and an eco-savvy posture with proposals of energy efficient buildings.
I'm not a citizen of San Clemente, but I respect what they are doing and I have sold … (1 comments)

 
Michael A. Caruso (Surterre Properties)

Michael A. Caruso

Laguna Niguel, CA

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Surterre Properties

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

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