ALISO VIEJO The first ever Teen Golf Classic will take place at the Aliso Viejo Country Club on March 30th.  The South County Teen Center is still seeking players, sponsors and donors. For more information, please call 714-614-5964. COTO DE CAZA & THE CANYONS Registration begins today for a horseplay day at Saddleback Canyon Riders, Equestrian Trails.  For more information, please visit www.saddlebackcanyonriders.com DANA POINT Monday Februrary 23rd, a seminar entitled "25 Rah-Rah Schools that You Want to Attend" at 6:30pm.  The seminar will be presented by Dana Hills High School PTSA.  To RSVP, please email dhhsptsa@cox.net LADERA RANCH The City's Community Services Department is in the process of planning a day filled with egg hunts, carnival games and bounce house fun from 11am-2pm ... 02/07/2009

Home Sales in Orange County and Laguna Niguel California have been strong.  Laguna Niguel home sales are up 40% year over year for the same period in January 2008.  The median priced home in Laguna Niguel is at $520,000.  That is 20.9% lower compared to the median home price for the same period in January of 2008.  With low interest rates and new buyer tax credits coming it's a great time to invest in real estate.  Your thoughts and feedback on this topic are greatly appreciated. Please feel free to post your comments. Keeping you informed about the Orange County real estate market, economy and life in the OC is what I'm committed to doing. For more great Orange County market insight and industry news visit Laguna Niguel Real Estate or view the Orange County Market Trends at Orange Coun... 02/06/2009

ANAHEIM Starting February 13th, the Southbound lanes of the Imperial Highway between Orangethorpe and La Palma will be closed for four months due to construction of a new bridge. BREA The city voted unanimously last Tuesday to ban the establishment and operation of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city of Brea. BUENA PARK Low-cost vaccinations for cats and dogs will be available from 9-11am tomorrow at the Ehlers Community Recreation Center.  For more information, please call 714-562-3647. CYPRESS Tomorrow at 7:30am, Cypress Church will offer a All Pro Dad breakfast which will focus on how to be a better father.  For more information, please call the church at 714-952-3001. FULLERTON Nothing to report. GARDEN GROVE February 23rd will mark the beginning of the eight-week class calle... 02/06/2009

Hey...don't get me wrong, I love football although I love college football more that the Pros because to me it's about heart and pride than it is about money (though they are going big to get a pro contract). But that is not the point...it's the Superbowl I'm referring to.  The grandest holiday of them all.  And a holiday that you don't have to buy presents for or spend a lot of money to enjoy.  Just a TV and a few cold ones, some snacks and POW...great entertainment. When I was younger in this business (several decades ago) I defied the idea that a football game (even the Superbowl) could interfere with the real estate business on that magical day.  Not MY real estate business I thought, as I tried every way to  make something happen in real estate on Superbowl days, but it just wasn'... 02/04/2009

Here's your chance to taste wines from the actual wine maker.  One of my favoite places for wine tasting locally is "California Taste Fine Wine".  There will be a barrel tasting tonight with wine maker Adam Carruth. The Laguna Niguel location is at: 28940 Golden Lantern, corner of Golden Lantern and Moulton. This event starts at 6pm.For beer lovers, Saturday at 4pm, they are having a special beer tasting also at the Laguna Niguel location. Great micro brews and some home brews as well. for information, call Ken Spears the owner at 949-218-9974 for more information.  They also have a great location in Laguna Beach. This is a great way to do something fun locally especially if you enjoy tasting different wines or beers.  Please always remember to drink and drive responsibly.  Since it's l... 01/30/2009

With so many short sales present in today's market, many members of the public are wondering what a short sale actually is.    Wikipedia defines a short sale as, "a sale of real estate in which the proceeds from the sale fall short of the balance owed on a loan secured by the property sold. In a short sale, the bank or mortgage lender agrees to discount a loan balance due to an economic or financial hardship on the part of the mortgagor."   In addition, many people do not know that there are many requirements that must be met in order to have a bank approve a short sale.  Some of these requirements include:   The seller must accept an offer.  After the offer is accepted, the bank has the opportunity to either approve or disapprove the offer. The seller must prove that they are in financ... 01/26/2009

How did you happen to select me as your agent? Met you years ago and (were) very impressed. How would you rate my level of service? Excellent If you answered "excellent," would you please elaborate? Always on top of things.  Took Ron's stress away (put up with Ron). Are there any additional comments you may have? Thanks for all your help, we will miss you.  Come and visit!   Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors 01/26/2009

How did you happen to select me as your agent? We receive your direct mails (and) we know you are hard working.  We know your results. How would you rate my level of service? Excellent. If you answered "excellent," would you please elaborate? You are a very popular man in (our community).  You work so diligently and you earn your popularity and your success all by yourself.  Congratulations.   Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors 01/26/2009

How did you happen to select me as your agent? Excellent service as our agent for the Long Beach property in 1995. How would you rate my level of service? Excellent. If you answered "excellent," would you please elaborate? You are a true professional with high standards and you understand and know how to successfully market a property.   Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors 01/26/2009

How did you happen to select me as your agent? Referral from a friend who had worked with you before and had a great experience.  They felt you best understand their needs and successfully found what they were looking for. How would you rate my level of service? Excellent If you answered "excellent," would you please elaborate? Very impressed with your knowledge of (our community).  Very much appreciated your professionalism and "hand holding" during the entire process of finding a home for us-as we were new to living in Orange County.  You also helped us get acclimated to the area with assistance in providing information on schools, churches and also secured a great mortgage for us via your relationship with (the mortgage company).   Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Esta... 01/26/2009

How did you happen to select me as your agent? We have personally known you for years and you have helped on the purchase of a condo. How would you rate my level of service? Excellent. If you answered "excellent," would you please elaborate? You were truly professional from beginning to end.  The whole process went very smoothly. You kept us informed each step of the way.  Thank you for making the sale so easy.     We'd love to hear your thoughts. Please send comments if you have a moment.   Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors 01/26/2009

How did you happen to select me as your agent? One reason was your attrarctive advertisements, noticeably active in our neighborhood and over time, a display of interests in the neighborhood's well being. How would you rate my level of service? Excellent. If you answered "excellent," would you please elaborate? Very good communication, interest in every detail, and very helpful guidance with respect in achieving our goals. Are there any additional comments you may have? Very helpful in every aspect with regard to selling our home.  We would most certainly and gladly recommend Michael to our friends.    We'd love to hear your thoughts. Please send comments if you have a moment.   Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR A... 01/26/2009

How did you happen to select me as your agent? Recognized you as #1 agent in Ocean Ranch.  Your high visibility within (the) neighborhood is hard to miss.  (Your) word of mouth is strong. How would you rate my level of service? Excellent! If you answered "excellent," would you please elaborate? Moving is high stress and you understand how to manage the process. You kept my wife and I so up to date throughout the process.  Your sense of when to walk, jog or run is a GIFT.  They don't teach that-you're born with it. Are there any additional comments you may have? I knew after our initial discussion that our interests would be represented. Thanks again.   We'd love to hear your thoughts. Please send comments if you have a moment.   Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Con... 01/26/2009

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 that it is not only attractive, but also functional. Comfort and style should always go hand in hand. Create smooth transitions from indoor to outdoor style. When redecorating, many people forget to examine their outd... 01/26/2009

Homeowners can save money and just plain feel good about doing some of their own maintenance items.  They can be very basic at first but then who knows, they can become more skilled and will be real money savers... Start simple: * Learn to change your furnace filters -  The furnace will run better, last longer, be more efficient and your lungs will enjoy the difference. * Get a caulking gun - you may start with a squeeze tube but eventually get the gun.  You can use mildew resistant caulk to keep those showers and tubs looking fresh, and use paintable latex caulk for paintable gaps between the walls and baseboards. * Replace a flapper ball in the toilet - nobody likes it, but it's easy and cheaper than calling a plumber. * Learn the location of the main shut off valve for water and gas ... 01/26/2009

I just read an article that made me feel like there may be more help on the way! As you all know the higher loan limits seems to be more of a carrot than an answers to our problems. With all the add ons to the fees, LTV restrictions, ratio limits, etc, etc....... Well according to an article in Orgination News, by Brian Collins, congress is working on actually raising the $417,000 limit to $625,500 and bringing back the $729,750 limit as the stimulus limit. This limit would have all the conditions listed above, BUT the $625,500 would be priced and underwritten just like the current FNMA- FREDDIE loans up to $417,000 are now. This would be a big help in the both the refi and purchase markets. One example of the benefit is if you are paying off a 1st and non purchase money 2nd, the second... 01/20/2009

Purchased property in Laguna Niguel How did you happen to select me as your agent? (We are) loyal repeat clients.  This will be our fourth home you have handled for us. How would you rate my level of service overall? Excellent! Would you please elaborate regarding your thoughts regarding my level of service? Michael checked in with us daily and had a calming, professional demeanor during our lengthy search for our new home.  He held our hand and was there for us night and day. You are the best! 01/19/2009

Sold  property in Laguna Niguel How did you happen to select me as your agent? (Due to your) knowledge of properties in Ocean Ranch and your good communication skills. How would you rate my level of service overall? Excellent! Would you please elaborate regarding your thoughts regarding my level of service? Michael, you have been a true gentleman throughout our association with you. I have in the past and will in the future recommend you to my friends and neighbors. Thank you. 01/19/2009

Sold  property in Laguna Niguel How did you happen to select me as your agent? (We were) impressed with you when we first bought our house (you represented the seller).  (You also have) a great reputation in the area. How would you rate my level of service overall? Excellent! Would you please elaborate regarding your thoughts regarding my level of service? Even though our expectations were very high, you exceeded them. The whole process from start to finish was handled efficiently and professionally.  You were always available with quick responses to any questions or concerns we had.  Terrific job Michael! 01/19/2009

Sold  property in the Ocean Ranch community of Laguna Niguel    How did you happen to select me as your agent? Your reputation and you were knowledgeable regarding the area.   How would you rate my level of service overall? Excellent!   Would you please elaborate regarding your thoughts regarding my level of service? You went above and beyond in helping us sell our house. Everything you did was first class. You are the best! 01/19/2009