“If you don’t act now while it’s fresh in your mind,
it will probably join the list of things you were always going to do
but never quite got around to.
Chances are you’ll also miss some opportunities.”
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
NORTH COUNTY
ANAHEIM
March 26 & 27 Civil War Re-enactment (St Catherine’s Academy, 215 N. Harbor Blvd). The Civil War is brought to life! Professional Civil War re-enactors come from all over southern California to participate in this annual event held at St. Catherine’s Academy. Meet President Abraham Lincoln, Tour Union and Confederate encampments, Watch battles with over 200 re-enactors and visit the Sutler’s marketplace.
BREA
Wednesday, March 9th from 6:30p to 10:00p, Taps Fish House & Brewery Presents A Spring Wine Dinner Paired With Wines from Caymus Vineyards. TAPS in downtown Brea presents a beautiful five-course menu, paired with the fine wines of Caymus Vineyards. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Limited reservations. Call 714-257-0101 to reserve a space at this elegant wine dinner.
BUENA PARK
Calling all kids! Saturday February 26th starting at 10:30am will be a Talent Contest for ages 6 to 18 at Walter D. Ehlers Community Recreation Center.The Exchange Clubs are holding a contest for the kids with the most talent. Meet at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at Ehlers Community Recreation Center, 8150 Knott Ave., Buena Park. There are no residence restrictions. Three levels of competition, according to age, and the top finalist in each age category will advance to the regional competition. Finalists will move to the District Exchange Club Convention contest, and the first place finalist in each category will receive $500.
CYPRESS
Nothing to report
FULLERTON
Friday, March 4th from 8:30p to 11:00p at The Historic Imperial Ballroom & Fullerton Dancesport Center is Friday Night Dance Party! Join us for a night of Ballroom and Latin dancing in the beautiful Historic Fullerton Ballroom & Dancesport Center. No partner required, professional dance teachers available to dance with! For more information you can call 714-525-5155
GARDEN GROVE
Thursday, March 24th starting 8:00p at Gem Theater, is the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.
LA HABRA
Nothing to report
LA PALMA
Nothing to report
PLACENTIA
Want to Quit Tobacco? FREE 5-Week Series starting March 2nd from 5:30-6:30pm at Placentia-Linda Hospital. This FREE series (for adults only) features a counselor-led group that addresses issues such as identifying triggers, developing coping skills, making lifestyle changes, creating a support system, preventing relapse and more. *Adults (18 and over) who complete all five behavior modification classes may be eligible for one-month supply of nicotine patches, while supplies last. For reservations, please call 1-800-554-7879 today!
STANTON
Thursday, March 3rd from 4:00p to 7:00p, at Stanton Civic Center (7800 Katella Avenue) is Stanton Community Foundation’s College Fair! College fair Representatives from many area schools will be present and information concerning applying for and receiving financial aid will be presented as well.
WESTMINSTER
Sunday, March 20th from 9:00a to 3:00p at Temple Beth David will be the Spring/Purim Carnival and Fundraising Auction! Come to Temple Beth David for a great day of family activities at our annual Spring/Purim Carnival & Auction. The Silent Auction begins at 9am & includes one-of-a-kind items, sporting events and theater tickets, dinners, boat rides, art, jewelry & more. Browse the Sisterhood gift shop or take a break and enjoy tile painting. The Carnival begins at 11am. For $10, you will have access to 4 hours of unlimited games and activities. Enjoy hotdogs, popcorn, snow cones, and more. The price is $10 for 4 hours of unlimited games and activities!.
YORBA LINDA
Sunday, March 6th from 2:00p to 5:00p at Black Gold Golf Club, is Black Gold Spring Bridal Show! Brides Register FREE! Join Black Gold Golf course at their Spring Bridal Show on Sunday, March 6, 2011 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne, come check out all of our vendors, including florists, photographers, video photographers, DJs, local hotels and much more! Brides are complimentary and each additional guest is $10 at the door. A Groom’s Golf Clinic will take place from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. A mock up ceremony and reception will be set for review and to help gather ideas, as well as watching a fashion show. For More Information, please visit us online at www.BlackGoldGolf.com or call 714-961-0253 ext. 117 to speak with our Wedding Coordinator, Julie Spencer.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
CENTRAL COUNTY
COSTA MESA
Starting Tuesday March 1-6 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall in is the Rock of Ages Musical. Rock of Ages is a rock/jukebox musical built around classic rock hits from the 80s, especially from the famous glam metal bands of the decade. The musical features songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Asia, among other well-known rock bands. For more information you can visit http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Orange Coast Memorial and Memorial Care Home Caregivers are sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon for seniors. For ticket information, please call the Center at Founders Village Senior and Community Center at 714-593-4446.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Coming up Saturday March 5th from 7:00am-3:00pm will be a Charity Surf Contest, also known as SALSA (Surfers against Lou Gehrig’s disease Surf Alliance). Surf for the Cure! SALSA is a surf competition that helps raise funds for the ALS Association. The proceeds will be used to research cures for Lou Gehrig’s disease and for patients who have this disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease that can strike anyone without warning. Every 90 minutes someone in this country will be diagnosed with ALS & every 90 minutes someone will lose their battle against this devastating disease. Come out and support our cause! The price is $40 and for more information you can call 714-396-5259.
IRVINE
Sunday, March 6, 2011 from 9:00am-3:00pm will be the Toy Soldier & Miniature Figure Show (The Irvine Marriot Hotel,18000 Von Karman Ave.). This event features Antique Britains, Dimestore, Composition & Plastic, Military & Civilian figures and sets. There will be an international gathering of leading manufacturers, dealers, and collectors. Admission is $6 and children under 12 get in for free. For more information you can call 760-758-5481.
LOS ALAMITOS
TOMORROW February 26 is Race on the Base! The yearly event has continued to provide not only a forum for local avid runners and walkers, but has also instilled a sense of pride and teamwork between the Los Alamitos City Council, the citizens of Los Alamitos, the Rossmoor Community Services District, and the local business community. All proceeds will benefit the USA Water Polo National Aquatic Center at the Joint Forces Training Base. For more information you can call 562-430-1073.
NEWPORT BEACH
March 7-13, 2011 is the Toshiba Golf Classic at the Newport Beach Country Club. This is the 16th year of this popular PGA Champions Tour event. One of the most successful tournaments in Champions Tour history, the Toshiba Classic has risen over $12 million in the past 12 years for its lead beneficiary Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian as well as other Orange County charities. To order tickets and to inquire about corporate ticket packages, please call 949-660-1001.
ORANGE
Saturday, March 12th from 7:00a to 4:00p will be the Orange Flea Market. The Orange Flea Market is located at 146 N. Grand Street in the city of Orange. We are open from 7am to 4pm on the second Saturday of each month. The Orange Flea Market is free, parking is free, and you will love the deals on jewelry, musical instruments, collectibles, vintage clothing, cd’s & records, furniture and so much more!
SANTA ANA
Sunday, March 6th from 12:00p to 3:00p at Bowers Museum is the Persian Family Festival. On the first Sunday of every month, the Bowers invites you to bring your family to the museum for a free afternoon of cultural fun! This month’s spotlight shines on the music, dance, arts, and food of Persia.
SEAL BEACH
Calling all Lifeguards! It’s that time already! Coming up May 21st, 2011 are tryouts for Ocean Lifeguards. Check-in is at 8 AM @ Lifeguard Headquarters. You must have a valid California Drivers License and diploma or GED equivalent. If under 18, a parent must sign the waiver of liability. Forms and information are available at Lifeguard Headquarters (562) 430-2613.
TUSTIN
Coming up April 16th from 8am-12pm is the Community Yard Sale! The event takes place at the Tustin Area Senior Center parking lot. Vendor applications are now being accepted for the event through March 4th. For more information you can call Erica Desselle at 714-573-3321 or email her at edesselle@tustinca.org. Applications for the event are located at www.tustinca.org
VILLA PARK
Coming up this summer on June 25, 2011 the Friends of the Villa Park Library (FOVPL) are happy to be putting on the seventh annual Villa Park 5K run/walk, the second annual Progressive Marathon, the first annual 10K, and the first annual interrupted 15K which starts and ends at the Villa Park High School. Race Day Registration starts at 6 AM, 5K Run/Walk at 7:15 AM and 10K run at 7:55 AM. For more information or to fill out an entry form you can visit http://www.villapark.org/vp5k.html.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
SOUTH COUNTY
ALISO VIEJO
March 8th from 6:00-10:00pm at Aliso Viejo Conference Center (31 Santa Barbara Drive) will be Mardi Gras Ball! The Aliso Viejo Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley will celebrate its 5th year at a Mardi Gras Ball! Enjoy a full buffet dinner featuring New Orleans cuisine, specialty drinks, live music, an opportunity drawing and live auction. Call Marybeth Stephens at 949-240-7898 for more information. A king and queen of Mardi Gras will also be crowned. Tickets and sponsorships are available.The Aliso Viejo Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley will celebrate it’s 5th year at a Mardi Gras Ball from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the Aliso Viejo Conference Center at 31 Santa Barbara Drive in Aliso Viejo. Enjoy a full buffet dinner featuring New Orleans cuisine, specialty drinks, live music, an opportunity drawing and live auction. Price: $150 per person, $275 per couple
DANA POINT
Coming up March 5-6 & 12-13, 2011 is the annual Festival of Whales! It‘s time of the year for the whales to make their annual trip down south and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will celebrate with their Annual Street Fair, which is part of the Whale Festival with a weekend of fun, food, entertainment and an arts & craft show with over 100 vendors. For more information you can call 949-472-7888 or 888-440-4309.
LADERA RANCH
Coming up in the future on April 30th from 7:00am-3:00pm will be the community garage sale. More information to come as the day nears.
LAGUNA BEACH
Nothing to report
LAGUNA HILLS
South Coast Symphony Presents “The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming!” Friday, March 25th starting at 7:30p at Crossline Community Church. This spectacular concert under the musical direction of Conductor Barry Silverman will feature Russian artists performing Russian music. The performers will include Michael Voronel and Ruslan Biryukov. The highlights of the evening will include “Night on Bald Mountain” by Mussorgsky, “Variations on a Rococo Theme” by Tchaikovsky, “Symphony No. 1” by Kalinnikov, and selections from “Swan Lake.” For more information you can call 714 731-8079.
LAGUNA NIGUEL
**OPEN HOUSE** Saturday February 26th from 1:00-5:00pm at 2 Lime Orchard in the prestigious Bear Brand Ranch Community. Come and see this Brand New French Country Estate. For more information you can visit www.2LimeOrchard.com. **OPEN HOUSE** Sunday February 27th from 1:00-5:00pm at 5 Marsh Creek in the Ocean Ranch Gated Community. This custom home sits on a 20,000 sq. ft. lot and has everything you could want. JUST REDUCED $250,000. Only 2 miles from the beach, don’t wait till it is too late! The seller is VERY motivated and wants to get this home sold! Bring all offers! For more information you can visit www.5MARSHCREEK.net or call Michael Caruso at 949-753-7900.
LAKE FOREST
Still looking for a job? Join Saddleback Church in a Career Fair the first Monday of each month from 7:00pm-9:00pm and meet with employers offering a wide variety of employment opportunities. Make sure you dress to impress and bring your resume!
MISSION VIEJO
Coming up Wednesday, March 23rd at 7:00pm Kristi Yamaguchi will visit Mission Viejo City Hall! Kristi Yamaguchi, an Olympic Figure Skating Gold medalist and celebrity champion in the sixth season of “Dancing with the Stars” – will appear in the Writers Present program. The Olympian, who was born with club feet, will discuss following your dreams and her new children’s book “Dream Big Little Pig.” Yamaguchi will sign copies of her books purchased at the event. This FREE event is sponsored by Irvine-based A Whale of a Tale Bookshoppe and the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library. For more information you can call 949-830-7100 x5105.
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Coming up Tuesday, March 22nd from 8:30a to 3:00pm is the Annual Home Tour in Rancho Santa Margarita! The National Charity League Canyon Chapter’s 2nd Annual Home Tour takes place to directly support local philanthropies. Attendees will tour up to 6 finely appointed homes in Coto De Caza. Transportation will be provided to all of the homes. Proceeds will benefit 16 local charities. Tour tickets are $50.00 per person which includes light breakfast, lunch and transportation to homes and can be purchased on the tour website at www.nclhometour.com or in person at Cal Elite Kids (22982 Avenida Empresa). For more information you can call 949-274-5654.
SAN CLEMENTE
Coming up Saturday, March 12th from 5-10pm at the Community Center (100 N. Calle Seville) is the 44th annual community St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance sponsored by the Exchange Club in partnership with the City of San Clemente to benefit local charities. Corned beef and cabbage with all the trimmings served from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Ticket donation includes a door prize raffle ticket. Green beer and a full service bar at extra cost. For ticket or event information, call (949)492-6138
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Coming up March 19th from 6:30pm-11:30pm will be the La Presidenta Ball (El Adobe Restaurant). Journey back to the late 1800s of early California and let the Fiesta Association show you how “the West was fun” at this western style dinner dance. Join the dining, dancing and gaming where all colorful characters are welcome! For more information you can call 949-493-1976.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
Coming up Saturday, March 26, 2011 will be the annual Swallows Day Parade. Over 120 parade entries will be featured in the 53rd Swallows Day Parade in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Fiesta de las Golondrinas – meaning Festival of the Swallows – activities pay tribute to the annual return of the swallows and San Juan Capistrano’s Spanish, western and Juaneno Indian heritage.
One of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades, the Swallows Day Parade boast approximately 500 horses in various equestrian entries, high school and military marching bands, floats, folkloric dancers, historical reenactments and dozens of community groups. Highlights include the United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, California State Firefighter’s Association with Horse Drawn Steam Fire Engine and the Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society featured in the 2011 Rose Parade.
Las Golondrinas owners and longtime San Juan Capistrano residents Arturo and Maria Galindo are the 2011 grand marshals. The parade begins 11:00 a.m. at Ortega Highway and Del Obispo Street and continues along Camino Capistrano. Attendees who arrive early can catch the annual Pancake Breakfast from 6:00 – 10:30 a.m. at the Women’s Club located at 31442 El Horno St. Another major parade-day attraction is the Mercado Street Fair with live music, dozens of food booths and a variety of vendors at the historic Town Center Park off of El Camino Real and Ortega Highway from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The Fiesta Association will host a Shuttle Bus from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with pick ups at Endevco and FluidMaster along Rancho Viejo Road between Ortega Hwy and Junipero Serra and at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center and Sports Park off of Camino Del Avion near Del Obispo. Roundtrip fee is $2.00 for adults and kids under 10 free. For more information about the Swallows Day Parade or Fiesta de las Golondrinas events, call 949.493.1976 or visit http://www.swallowsparade.org.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
Did you know identity theft and fraud remain the fastest growing crimes in America. Taking simple pro-active crime prevention steps can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Properly discarding documents that contain vital personal, residential, or financial information is one of the most effective ways to safeguard yourself against identity theft and fraud.
This Saturday February 26, the city of Laguna Niguel will be hosting a Shredding Event at the Laguna Niguel City Hall (27801 La Paz Road) from 7:00am-11:00am.
This shredding event will give you the opportunity to have confidential documents destroyed on site, free of charge. Now is the time to safely discard unwanted vital paperwork, including:
Please remove notebooks, folders, binding clips, or any type of heavy metal clasp before bringing your items to be shredded. There is no need to remove staples or standard paper clips. Due to the capacity of the shredding trucks, there will be a daily limit of 10 banker boxes, plastic bags, or paper bags, per car load. First come first serve.
For more information, you can call the Shredding Hotline at 949-362-4312.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
For those of you seeking a greener lifestyle, an overseas trip is not necessarily the place to start. Unfortunately, as we all know, air travel has a killer impact on the environment. On the flip side, most environmentalists agree travel is essential for the development of cultural sensitivity and Eco-awareness. So how is it possible to be green and travel around the world?! Lets be realistic – short of carbon offsetting, eliminating your travel footprint altogether is not a very realistic option. Regardless, there are ways that you can minimize your impact without too much effort…or any of those pesky additional funds!
As a first step, why not give up on the chain hotel train and book yourself some Eco-friendly accommodation? While once a relative rarity, such green hostels and hotels are now popping up in locations across the world from Canada to Costa Rica and the Czech Republic. So, wherever you intend on visiting, here are a few green accommodations to get the ball rolling:
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
Okay, you have the prequalification and preapproval process behind you (whew!), now is the time to start doing your homework and taking some field trips. The best advice I can give any buyer is do your research!
If you are changing cities, start reading the local news and classified ads to get a feeling for different neighborhoods. Howver, using the Internet to find a home, find a Realtor, find a neighborhood and find resources is probably the fastest and easiest way to research your new town. Or you can visit www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com where I provide all the information you need in one place.
For local moves, you have the advantage of driving around neighborhoods that interest you and looking at lawn signs. Particularly on weekends, you will see “Open House” postings. Do not hesitate to visit open houses, as it is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the market.
Your Wish List
Making sure you end up with the right home involves figuring out what features you need, want and do not want in a home. Before starting your search, make a “wish list” to decide which features are essential, which are nice “extras,” if you happen to find them and which are completely undesirable.
The more specific you can be in what you want, the more effective your home search will be. Keep in mind, that in the end, every home purchase is a compromise. Create your own personalized “wish list” and when you are finished, share it with your Realtor-partner.
For Example:
Make a list of the activities – movies, health club, church, etc. – you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you are considering to engage in your most common activities.
Check out the school district. This is especially important if you have children, but it also can affect resale value. If you have school-age children, visit schools in the neighborhoods you are considering.
Find out if the neighborhood is safe. Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type, such as burglaries or armed robberies, and the trend of increasing or decreasing crime.
Determine if the neighborhood is economically stable. Check with the city’s economic development office to see if income and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the percentage of homes to apartments? Apartments do not necessarily diminish value, but do mean a more transient population. Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?
See if you will make money. Ask your Realtor to get information about price appreciation in the neighborhood. Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give you a sense of how good of an investment your home will be. Your Realtor also may be able to tell you about planned developments or other changes in the neighborhood – like a new school or highway – that might affect value.
Make personal observations. Once you have narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there and walk around the area. Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? How does it feel? Pick a warm day if you can and chat with people working or playing outside.
Buying a home can be one of life’s most exciting experiences – and one of the most challenging. The more prepared you are, the less overwhelming the buying process will be.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
Is the market is improving or at least stabilizing!? We provide the latest market updates regularly, as well as personal consultation of market direction…
The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for January:
The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the 0-$500,000 Range:
2011 4 listings closed escrow
2010 12 listings closed escrow
The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $500,000-$1,000,000 Range:
2011 12 listings closed escrow
2010 12 listings closed escrow
The Dana Point Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $1,000,000+ Range:
2011 2 listings closed escrow
2010 2 listings closed escrow
*Does a sales report tell the whole story about market environment, consumer sentiment and the value of your home? Is it time to sell? Is it time to add a property to your investment portfolio? Is the market changing, and in which direction? Information is critical to your success. My Web Site and Blog can keep you up to date.
Call our office if you have any questions or want more information on a particular neighborhood. Learn What it’s Like to Work With Someone Focused on Your Success….not Theirs. 3 decades of experience, education and proven production. Call Michael at 949-753-7900 or 949-495-8600 or email Michael@MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com! Everything is also available online at www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors
Run full dishwasher loads.
You’ll save up to 20 gallons of water per load, or 7,300 gallons a year.
That’s as much water as the average person drinks in a lifetime.
And that’s your green tip of the day!
*FAST FACT: You can save even more money by running your dishwasher during off-peak hours, usually from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Many utility companies offer off-peak energy rates. And don’t pre-rinse if your dishwasher can handle it.
And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
Caruso Luxury Real Estate Blog 
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