We've all done some frivolous things but if you want to get a great conversation going at your next party just mention the words "frivolous lawsuits".  It's sure to create a buzz.  What are frivolous lawsuits?  Well, frivolousness is really in the eye of the beholder - like wine, beauty, best coffee or best pizza for that matter. Most of us might define a frivolous lawsuit as something intended to make money or make a point...or both!  They are however a problem and they cost everyone money.  Let's recall just a few that hit headlines in recent years: hot coffee at MacDonald's got a lot of attention, a parent filing vs. a school district because a son injured an elbow from landing on the gym floor rather than the mat during a wrestling tournament, a big gambler vs. Hilton and Mandalay ... 12/22/2008

   I like food and I try to eat healthy.  We all get off track around the holiday season, but for the most part healthy is the word.  So I appreciate when foods are marked "use by this date" or "best if consumed by this date".  You know, the language that tells you you're in the safe zone. I also like to give gift cards and I like to receive them.  But here is a "use by this date" that I don't really like at all.  In fact, it rings a little like a scam.  Did you know that if you receive a gift card you must use it within a certain time frame?  If you don't, the card starts dinking you an amount each month until they whittle away the entire amount on the gift card.  I think if I buy a gift card for someone, it's up to them as to when they use it...and the advantage for the card purveyor ... 12/22/2008

   I know the importance of working smarter and harder not only in the current market environment but as a constant work ethic. That's why I just fry to see CEO's getting fired with a 'golden parachute' severance package that would be the 'lottery' for 99.99% of Americans.  Take a look at financial news to note the CEO's who have been fired this year with $millions of dollars in severance and stock options. Hello????  There is no margin for error in my business...not even the slightest.  And ethics and integrity are just as important as accuracy. So, please help me understand how executives can get paid huge bucks to screw up, then get fired with more $millions in severance and stock than most Americans make in 10 lifetimes? Can you feel me???  Please email your comments. And thank you ... 12/22/2008

   Today, oil prices, mortgage rates and gold prices jumped... and stocks plummeted. So much for the Santa Claus rally that Wall Street was waiting for.  And we really didn't need more angst on Wall Street...after all, our banking institutions are taking care of that all by themselves. But this does again demonstrate that our world is tied more closely together than at any time in history.  Let's consider immediate concerns for any Americans in that area and what about our troops?  After all, Pakistan is in Al Quida's back yard and what if they go after the Nukes that Pakistan has...and they do have them.  Let's hope those weapons are secure.  Does this mean that we'll be sending our soldiers there?  There are only a few hundred of our soldiers in Pakistan at the present time.  There is... 12/22/2008

A major asset management company in Orange County is being very aggressive in buying homebuilder stocks.  You may be asking 'why'? at a time when these stocks are so out of favor and beaten down.  Perhaps there is a pearl of wisdom here.  Most great investors look out 3 - 5 years for their time line.  In a scenario like that, a stock that is 70% off it's highs becomes a substantial value. Eventually demographic trends alone are enough to turn around the real estate economy.  So there is the pearl.  Home buyers should be thinking exactly the same thing.  Consider a purchase when something is out of favor or beaten down and you stand to earn a tidy return on your investment in a realtively short 3 - 5 year time line. Along the way you enjoy the benefits of homeownership: tax benefits and... 12/22/2008

How many times have your heard of someone saying ‘think positive'?  And what about all those motivational books, tapes and DVD's preaching positive thinking and no negativity? Well, have you ever considered that pessimism can have a positive affect?  A University of Michigan Professor of Psychology was recently quoted as saying "Optimism associated with inaction is useless.  But pessimism associated with movement, motivation and energy is exactly what people are talking about in terms of the best of optimism". Let's think about that for a moment...if pessimism causes concern or worry, then taking steps to overcome the concern or worry create a positive reaction.  Very interesting... We'd love your comments about this concept...drop us a quick email if you have a moment.   Thank you for... 12/13/2008

Parents and policymakers...pay attention here.  Researchers are releasing data that suggests children are being harmed by TV, the Internet and other types of media.  I think researchers have done these studies for years, but recent reviews of the 173 reports compiled over the past 28 years finds that 80% agree that heavy media exposure increases risk of harm, including: obesity, smoking, sex, drug & alcohol use, attention problems and poor grades in school. 93% of studies found that children with greater media exposure have sex earlier.  The study provides overwhelming evidence of the importance of limiting children's use of media and teaching them to critically evaluate the ever growing volume of text, images and sounds with which they are bombarded.  The report encourages Hollywood t... 12/04/2008

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 regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 12/02/2008

For a long time, we Americans have been known as a 'shop till you drop' society.  But with the recent economic downturn, we have seen an uptick in personal savings. If you think about it, this is the worst economy in any young Americans life...and they are the most concerned with savings a recent Gallup Pole indicates. After the Great Depression people hoarded money (also known as saving) for years before spending started up again.  This is no Great Depression, but it has had an affect on spending habits and saving habits (or lack thereof). Most economists predict that once the economy picks up we'll all be spend-o-holics again, but there is a lesson learned here. Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GR... 12/01/2008

Gas prices have declined anywhere from 55% to 68% since September, so you may be thinking 'How are those gas stations to survive"? Guess what...they make more money at $1.89 than at $4.29 per gallon according to a USA Today article. Apparently profits rise as prices fall.  As prices were on the rise, the gross profit margin dropped from 14 cents to about 9 cents on a gallon of gas purchased. Retailers couldn't pass on alot of their increases to consumers because of lack of demand. But with prices down, demand is up and margins are back to the norm for gas retailers.  Sinking prices also pump up store sales for gas retailers that sell snacks, drinks and the like. Well, it seems like everyone is happy when gas prices fall. Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection... 12/01/2008

If you are in the markert for properties in Laguna Niguel to Lease or Rent then this is where you want to search. The links below list the properties that are currently on the market. These properties are subject to, but not limited to the following: *Availability *Credit check for any applicant over the age of 18 ($15.00 per applicant) *Prior rental history (If needed) *Income verification (If needed) There is no cost to you as the potential tenant/renter, which means our services to you would be free. Our fees are paid for by the owner/landlord of the properties. For additional information, questions, or if you would like to set up a time to preview any property please contact Fred Sed with Fairview Realty at 949-274-3733. (To reference a property, use the MLS # that is located next ... 11/30/2008

Women looking for a healthy place to live should consider Orange County, CA or "The OC" as we call it, which is ranked 8th healthiest in the USA by SELF magazine.  And "The OC" is ranked number 1 for Fitness. The news and the publication hit the streets on Tuesday of this week. Orange County female residents get nearly a third more vigorous exercise than the average woman does, says the survey from SELF.  The pay-off is one of the lowest obesity rates anywhere. Our great weather lends itself to more outdoor life and as a result, more exercise.  We stay more active and that leads to staying healthier. 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   11/27/2008

Is the economy on patients' minds? You bet it is.  In a recent article from the OC Register, Doctors at Mission Hospital and Saddleback Memorial Hospital said that they are making very unusual referrals to their patients.  The referral is to visit a financial adviser. And the American Psychological Association recently released a survey showing that 8 in 10 Americans are experiencing significant stress because of the economy. What if people are having trouble paying for prescription medicines?  What if the stress creates chest pains and a person is taken to the emergency room for a possible heart attack?  Anxiety attacks and heart attacks have similar symptoms.  If it is an anxiety attack you still get the bill from the emergency room and that could be enough to give you a heart attack... 11/27/2008

This is not a James Bond movie...but you'd think so. This is no fantasy.  There is something on the drawing board for our US Military to spy on people in the future.  A machine that first will be bird-like in size in 2015 and by the year 2030 will be bug-like in size and can fly undetected into buildings, take photographs, record events and even attack...if so prompted. Pretty cool stuff if you always wanted to be a "fly on the wall". Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors    11/26/2008

I haven't checked this out personally, but I heard that Radio Shack is offering gift cards in exchange for your old ipods, cells phones, or other electronic devices. So maybe think twice before you dump some old stuff and check out this offer. I'm sure they are hoping you spend the gift card right there at their store, but what the hey...maybe you will! And 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   11/26/2008

Beautiful Cape Cod Home, Professional Landscaping with Flagstone, White Picket Fence, English Garden, Spa, Interior of Home is HIGHLY UPGRADED. New Windows Family Room with Fireplace, Stone like tile floor, Neutral Berber Carpet. This Home is HIGHLY UPGRADED. Award Winning schools, close to beaches, Dana Point Harbor, Hiking Trails and Biking Trails, Freeways, Shops. Property will get new roof once approved by association.      Nancy & Heather Cloward Prudential California RealtyDirect: 949-495-2819 or 949-228-4523Nancy@NancyCloward.com or Heather@HeatherCloward.com 11/22/2008

  Senator Dick Ackerman was a guest presenter at an Orange County Realtor Association event where he awarded Michael Caruso with a California Legislature Resolution to recognize the work Michael performed while serving as 2007 President for the Association of Realtors.  The Orange County Association of Realtors is the 16th largest Realtor Association in the USA.  Michael Caruso served during a very challenging year for the industry.  He remained focused and intent on member services and community involvement.  While serving, Michael initiated 3 new committees to assist in facilitating the needs of the membership.  One new committee is the "Media Relations Task Force" which is responsible for building a better bridge of communication between the Association and the media.  Another import... 11/21/2008

  Broker Michael Caruso has found a creative way to help rebuild the inventory at Orange County's Second Harvest Food Bank.  Caruso has successfully created and now tested a method whereby he requests that agents bring a can of food when they come to view his listings that are featured on "Broker Tour" in various areas of the county.  Michael put this system into effect this week while serving lunch at his new listing located in San Juan Capistrano at 27492 Silver Creek and has gathered about $200 in financial contributions as well as filling a barrel with canned food and dry food items.  "A can of food for the charity is their ticket to get in in order to view my new listing, then I feed them lunch while they are there at the home", Michael said. Michael asked a representative from Sec... 11/21/2008

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 that is up!  Think upbeat.  Today, our President said..."This situation didn't create itself overnight and it won't be solved overnight"  The key is...it will be solved.  But people want immediate gratification, immediate cures, immediacy is ... 11/13/2008

The iconic American Buffalo resides in a very unusual place...the Camp Pendleton Marine Base.  In the 70's the San Diego Zoo gave 12 of these Bison to the base.  Since that time they have multiplied and currently the herd stands at about 150.  They are simply left alone to roam about 38,000 acres of the 125,000 acre Marine base.  These are the plains bison and they are genetically pure, larger than their counterpart the woods bison. This elite group is one of three such herds nationwide.  And they are healthy.  They have been randomly tested and all are disease free with no heavy metals in their system despite living on an active base, and no signs of inbreeding.  Oh yes, they get in the way at times during drills and everything stops for a few moments while horns sound to scare them o... 11/12/2008