Caruso’s *LAGUNA NIGUEL* Closed Sales Report ~ JULY

 

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 Laguna Niguel Closed Sales Report for JULY:

The Laguna Niguel Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the 0-$500,000 Range:

2012   44 listings closed escrow             

2011   41 listings closed escrow            

The Laguna Niguel Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $500,000-$1,000,000 Range:

2012   52 listings closed escrow

2011   36 listings closed escrow

The Laguna Niguel Closed Sales Report for Homes Sold in the $1,000,000+Range:

2012  9 listings closed escrow                  

2011  14 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

 

 

 

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

 

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

 

Call Today for More Info on Our Fall into Fall Marketing Plan 

 

 

 

 

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

     

      

 

The Good Old Days of Real Estate vs Present Day Real Estate

 

 

I remember back when Real Estate was simpler but not necessarily easier.  I remember having to write up every contract by hand and having to chase clients around for signatures.  I remember when listing presentations weren’t an audition to get “that role”.  I also, remember when clients didn’t ask for a lower commission, and when I carried a huge portable phone.  I remember my days of wearing my gold coat at Century-21 and wearing the Re/Max pin with pride and winning numerous awards and trophies for Top Salesperson, #1 Realtor of the Year, Achievement in Sales, etc.  Those were the Good Old Days!

Nowadays, we have computers, cell phones, electronic key openers and e-signatures to make our lives easier, we work harder and have less personal time.  Listing presentations are a casting call now and agents must dress and audition for the role.  Sometimes, you get asked back for a second audition, and if you played your part right and have an excellent reputation, you get “that role”.  Sometimes, the role involves a lower commission, especially if it’s a multi-million dollar contract.  As a Broker and owner of my own company, I don’t receive medals or trophies anymore, no matter how hard I work or how much business I do.  These days, when I have met my personal goals and receive high praise from my clients, I feel a sense of gratitude, accomplishment and a job well done. Even without the trophies or awards, I’m still pleased and honored.  

It seems like to get ahead in the game, you have to have a loyal following, excellent track record, sophisticated marketing, and be educated on all new electronic and marketing tools.  It seems to me, that the easier our life becomes and the faster we work, our job becomes harder, longer and sometimes more stressful. 

I remember the good old days of real estate with fond memories, and sometimes wonder; how did we do it all?  Maybe, it was my age…a young man in his twenties, eager to take on the world.  Perhaps, it was that we didn’t know any better?  Today, the challenges we face with our economy, our competition and this generation of instant gratification and must have attitude, can stress a person out.  

I’m glad I was able to experience both worlds and see the marked differences.  I’m satisfied with the way things are now.  I’m a little more humble, less gullible, wiser and much older.  Sure, I’m a little overwhelmed about deadlines and future auditions but, I  think I was also overwhelmed, some 30+ years ago.  I guess, it’s all relative and we have to go with the flow.  In the meantime, I’ll keep trudging on with a positive attitude. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.  So I’ll enjoy the ride.  These are the Good Old Days!

 

 

 

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

 

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

 

Call Today for More Info on Our Fall into Fall Marketing Plan 

 

 

 

 

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’s Green Tip of the Day!

 

With summer’s warm temperatures in full swing, it becomes even more important to be mindful not to waste water – as the average MNWD customer uses 70% more water during the spring & summer months. Here’s an easy way to use water more efficiently.

Do you know how often your irrigation controller is set to water your landscaping? Could your sprinklers be running in the middle of the night or while you’re at work & you not know it?

Did you know most lawns only need a maximum of eight minutes of watering four days per week to stay green this time of year. Make sure you also verify that the back-up battery is working so your controller doesn’t default during the next power outage. And now you know!

 

 

 

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

 

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

 

Call Today for More Info on Our Fall into Fall Marketing Plan 

 

 

 

 

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

     

      

 

8 Signs the Housing market is on the Rebound

 

To know if the housing market in any given year is improving, you’ve got to compare activity not only month-over-month but also year-to -year.  Real estate markets move in cycles.  Once, the job market improves and there are fewer For Sale signs, less distressed sales and interest rates remain low, then we will see a rebound.  In my territory, I have seen prices stabilize and more closed sales.

According to Realtor Magazine and Daily news the Housing Market is improving.

8 Signs Housing Is on the Mend

Daily Real Estate News | Monday, August 06, 2012

Some Americans are still jittery over the housing market, but here are eight positive signs that should quell some of their fears. 

1. Housing prices are on the rise across the country.
2. Foreclosures have slowed. Analysts suggest that as the supply of distressed homes slows, buyers will be forced into higher-price properties too.
3. Inventories of for-sale homes on the market are decreasing. In fact, inventories of for-sale homes have dropped 24 percent from a year ago.
4. Mortgage rates are at ultra record level lows, for those who can qualify
5. Housing starts rose 6.9 percent in June. Also, existing-home sales were up 4.5 percent higher in June compared to one year ago. 
6. Home building stocks are on the rise.
7. For investors who are buying homes, rents are soaring, allowing them to cash in on their investments. Rental prices are at a 10-year high as median units rent for $710 a month.
8. Home affordability is at record highs for the median income family, due to falling home values and super low mortgage rates. In fact, a recent study found that it is cheaper to buy a home than rent in basically ever major city in the U.S. For those who buy, you can save the cost of renting by owning the home for five years or less.

But while the signs point to a housing market on the mend, some Americans still remain hesitant. Many Americans are still underwater on their mortgage, owing more on their home than it is currently worth. Also, the economy continues to weigh on the recovery, particularly a dampening employment outlook, which analysts see as tied to housing.