Keeping your business and personal life is key to staying sane. But sometimes it can be tricky if they take place under the same roof. So if you are deciding on setting up a home office, or need to renovate, follow these tips from HGTV and Lowe’s:

1. Draw a line between work and play with your computer: although tempting to use the family computer for business, you should separate the two. It will eliminate the chance of someone deleting an important file.
2. Install additional phone or cable outlets if needed to accommodate your various office equipment.
3. Divide the office into 3 sections: the work center, the reference center, and the supply center. Put your desk, computer, and daily necessities in the work center along with a filing cabinet for easy access to important files. Put dictionaries, old print, books, binders, etc in the reference center. The supply center  should hold, obviously, all your supplies.

These tips will ensure your home office feels like a space you can get work done in and will separate the personal from professional.

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be with family, full of rich traditions.

My family and I wake up early and all help in the kitchen. Since they were young the kids loved helping, even if it was simply cracking an egg or stirring a few ingredients together. My mother-in-law always makes the mashed potatoes, she has the best recipe that no one else can seem to re-create. We always have something Italian in the spread of food and eat around 3 in the afternoon. The next day consists of relaxation, a long run, and left-over turkey sandwiches.

What are your family traditions? I’d love to hear them!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy the time off, and remember to always be Thankful!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

South County

ALISO VIEJO

Come out and join Laguna Canyon Foundation on a 3.5 mile hike at the Aliso and Wood Canyon’s Wilderness Park. For more information call 949-923-2235.

DANA POINT 

The Dana Point Turkey Trot is hosting a VIP party kick off at the Ocean Institute tonight from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. For more information call 949-496-1555.

LAGUNA BEACH

Nothing to report.

LAGUNA HILLS

Nothing to report.

LAGUNA NIGUEL

The City Council will meet tonight to discuss the renovation of Crown Valley Community Park Pool which will cost around $390,000. They are considering also purchasing a replacement pool filter system. For more information visit cityoflagunaniguel.org.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Nothing to report.

SAN CLEMENTE

The City Council will discuss plans for the new community sports park as well as ideas for construction. The sports park will include an aquatics center, lighted sports fields and a miniature golf course.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

San Juan Hills High School is raising money for their athletic department by selling Christmas trees. Not only can families order a tree for themselves, but they can also purchase a tree for U.S. Marine Corps Families.  The deadline to order a tree is on Dec. 5^th at the San Juan Hills High School. For more information visit sjhhs.school.loop.com/christmastrees

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

CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA

CERT Fundraiser: If residents mention “Costa Mesa Cert” while enjoying a meal at Newport Rib Co. twenty percent of the bill will be given to the Costa Mesa Community Emergency Response Team. So go enjoy a meal and help a great cause! For more information visit costamesacert.org.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Come enjoy a free popcorn and soda while watching “Holiday” at the Fountain Valley Library. For more information call 714-962-1324.

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Have access to the Huntington Library 24/7 by using its online resources at www.hbpl.org. You can mange your account, access research databases and discover their virtual audio book service.

IRVINE

Nothing to report.

LOS ALAMITOS

The Recreation and Community Service Department will hold a clinic in order to prepare for the Race on the Base. The clinic hopes to offer tips on how to complete the triathlon as well as point out key strategies for staying hydrated and not injuring yourself. Clinics will be held on Saturday Dec. 12^th from 10-11:30 a.m. for more information call 562-430-1073.

NEWPORT BEACH

Nothing to report.

ORANGE

Come out and visit Rep. Ed Royce R- Fullerton at his 40^th District Open House from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 30^th. Ed hopes to answer questions from his constituents and address current issues important to them. For more information call 714-744-4130.

SANTA ANA

In honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, the Civic Center Plaza will be hosting a Native American Dancer named Rodney Howard at 6:30 p.m.

SEAL BEACH

On Nov. 27^th at 4 p.m. the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 2^nd annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Holiday music, hot chocolate and activities for children will all be provided. Toys for Tots will also be accepting gift donations for the upcoming holiday season. For more information visit sealbeachchamber.org.

TUSTIN

Nothing to report.

VILLA PARK

On Wednesday, the Hooked on Hallmark Ornaments will be hosting their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. For more information visit HoHoClub@cox.net

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

North County

ANAHEIM

Nothing to Report.

BREA

The annual Made In California exhibit, part of the City of Brea Gallery, is accepting entries until January 25, 2010. The exhibit will take place March 27, 2010 to May 10, 2010. A wide variety of artists will be attending and prizes will be awarded to the winners. For more information call 714-990-7730 or visit breagallery.com

BUENA PARK

The Mayor is hosting a prayer breakfast Thursday at 7 am at Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel. Advance purchasing is required. For more information call 714-236-3860.

CYPRESS

Nothing to report.

FULLERTON 

Come celebrate the 100^th birthday of the grandfather clock in the Children’s Library at 6:30 p.m. November 18, 2009. An array of activities such as puppet shows as well as face-painting will be offered. There will also be a delicious clock shape cake to indulge in! For more information call 714-738-6343.

GARDEN GROVE 

In preparation for college, as well as pointers on leadership skills, building money management and financial aid, Sen. Lou Correa’s office will be providing workshops sponsored by Pathways to Higher Education from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coastline Community College. For more information call 714-558-4400.

LA HABRA

On November 26, 2009, Calvary Chapel La Habra will be providing a free Thanksgiving dinner to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 714-446-6222.

LA PALMA

Nothing to report.

PLACENTIA

CareMore Care Center had its grand opening on Saturday. The center will provide assistance and medical to seniors. It is located on 1325 N. Rose Drive.

STANTON

Nothing to report.

WESTMINSTER

On December 4, 2009, the Soroptimist International of Westminster will be holding its annual lunch and action beginning at 11:30 a.m. For more information call 909-596-4261.

YORBA LINDA

On December 12, 2009, people are encouraged to come take a walk down “Peppermint Lane” with Santa Claus and his helpers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Yorba Linda Community Center. Breakfast as well as other entertainment and activities will be offered. For more information call 714-961-7181.

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

C.A.R. is releasing new forms today. They are available in WINForms or zipFORM or at your local board this week.  California REALTORS® pay attention!

Most notable among the forms is a revised Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships (Form AD).  The revised AD form aims at ending the confusion surrounding the form by allowing a buyer’s agent to use just one form for both the seller and buyer to sign.  According to C.A.R., “REALTORS® may now handle the delivery of the AD form in either of two ways

Alternative A: Agents may continue the existing practice of generating three AD forms in a typical transaction. The first AD form is generally signed by the listing agent and seller before entering into a listing agreement.  Absent dual agency, the second AD form is generally signed by a buyer’s agent and buyer before writing an offer.  The third AD form is generally signed by the buyer’s agent and seller.  An AD form signed by the buyer’s agent and seller does not create an agency relationship between the buyer’s agent and seller because the AD form is merely an information sheet.  The actual confirmation of agency is stated separately in paragraph 27C of the C.A.R. Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA).

Alternative B: The procedure for Alternative B is stated in the explanation box at the bottom of the newly revised AD (revised 11/09).  Agents will still prepare the first and second AD forms stated in Alternative A.  The buyer’s agent, however, may now deliver to the seller the second AD form signed by the buyer’s agent and buyer.  The seller may sign acknowledgement of receipt of that AD form on the signature line in the explanation box.  No third AD form is needed under Alternative B.”

Other new and newly revised C.A.R. standard forms include the following: REO Advisories (Forms REO and REOL) and Property Management Addendum.

For a complete summary of these and other forms in C.A.R.’s November 2009 Forms Release, click here.

And Thank You For Making Me Your Orange Count Real Estate Connection!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

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

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

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

ORANGE COUNTY ~ CENTRAL

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