Stunning Ocean Ranch Property: Open House Schedule

Stunning views & outdoor entertaining! 4 BR/4.5 BA Nearly 4,200 sqft. Ocean View & Pool.

$2,188,000

Neighborhood: Ocean Ranch in Laguna Niguel

Address: 36 Newcastle, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

• Thursday (March 2): 10 A.M.- 1 P.M.
• Saturday (March 4): 1 P.M. – 4 P.M.
• Sunday (March 5): 1 P.M. – 4 P.M.

Check out photos prior to the open house below! See you there.

Trending First Time Home Buyers….WHO ARE THEY?

While the overall number of first-time homebuyers continues to decline, one segment of the population is bucking the trend. Young people ranging in age from their late teens to mid-30s, known as millennials, are the largest and fastest growing group of homebuyers, according to the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR). Instead of converted industrial spaces and hip coffee shops in city centers, these young people are opting instead for older single-family homes with manicured lawns and soccer leagues in the suburbs.

The median age of millennials, 30, is the driving force behind this trend. “This is typically the time in life where one settles down to marry and raise a family,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. And these buyers are choosing the suburbs over the city, he adds, because of a shortage of condos in urban centers fitting their entry-level price range. “Affordability pressures make buying in the city extremely difficult for most young households,” he says. “Even if an urban setting is where they’d like to buy their first home, the need for more space at an affordable price is for the most part pushing their search further out.”

Source: Council of Residential Specialists

Michael Caruso is a long time member of the Council of Residential Specialists, designation CRS

mcaruso@surterreproperties.com

www.CarusoRealEstate.com

Stats are in for 2016- Homes Sold in Dana Point, Laguna Beach & Laguna Niguel

Dana Point – Homes Sold:
$0-1M = 346 homes sold
$1M- 3M = 142 homes sold
$3M+ = 45 homes sold
Highest Priced Sale: $19,997,500
Lowest Priced Sale: $186,000

Laguna Beach – Homes Sold:
$0-1M = 45 homes sold
$1M- 3M = 256 homes sold
$3M+ = 73 homes sold
Highest Priced Sale: $45,000,000
Lowest Priced Sale: $261,600

Laguna Niguel – Homes Sold:
$0-1M = 879 homes sold
$1M- 3M = 209 homes sold
$3M+ = 8 homes sold
Highest Priced Sale: $6,295,000
Lowest Priced Sale: $235,000

Are you interested in finding out the 2016 stats for your city? We have homes available throughout OC, for everyone and at every price. Call 949-545-2080 or email us at mcaruso@surterreproperties.com with questions.

www.carusorealestate.com

Tips on Holding a Safe Open House

 

NAR has designated September as Realtor Safety Month. There’s no time like the present for some safety tips.

Most of us will hold an open house at one time or another, so it’s a good idea to follow some safety guidelines so we don’t become a victim of crime.

Open houses are a great way to meet new buyers and expose your listing to the public, but they can be a target for criminals.

Here are 10 Tips for Holding a Safe Open house:

1. If possible, have at lease one other person working with you at the open house.

2. Check the strength, signal and the battery life of your cell phone before the open house.

3. Upon entering the house, check all rooms and select several “escape ” routes.

4. Make sure that escape routes through the back door do not prohibit your escape from the back yard. Make sure there are no high fences or locked gates.

5. Have all open house visitors sign in. Ask for full name, address, phone number and email.

6. When showing a house, try to walk behind them or along side of them.

7. Avoid getting cornered or trapped in small rooms, etc. Do not let a visitor distract you while someone else is in the house.

8. Inform a neighbor of the open house and make sure your office, family or friend are aware of your open house and check in with them frequently.

9. Tell the owners not to leave any drugs, jewelry or valuables out.

10. At the end of an open house, check all the rooms and yard before leaving. Close all windows and lock all doors. Be aware of your surroundings and be careful getting into your car.

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Call Today for More Info on Our

Distinctive Marketing Plans

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

http://www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker Associate ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Surterre Properties

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 495-8600

Being Likeable Can Help You Get More Clients

Likeability is a subjective term. Who’s likeable and how important is it?

According to Best selling author and psychologist, Richard Wiseman, in his book “59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot”, 30 years of research says it doesn’t always come down to qualifications, experience, education or a host of other criteria. Often times. it comes down to likeability.

Likeability has also been linked to the success of presidential candidates in a presidential race (as predicted in Gallup poll). Likeable people are reported to be far less likely to get a divorce, or be sued by malpractice. Likeable people are easier to work with and trusted more.

So instead of cutting your commission or adding even more designations behind your name to get business, you may want to try being irresistibly personable to help win over more clients. However, don’t go too far, or people are also less likely to trust you if you come off as “too perfect”.

Here are nine easy things you can practice to become more likeable:

1. Be known for your Positive attitude

2. Be passionate about what you’re doing

3. Have a good sense of humor

4. Assume the best in people, especially in front of others

5. Be complimentary, but not over the top

6. Listen more than you talk. Here’s how: Hear it, Acknowledge it, Add something of Value

7. Be known for your adaptability

8. Be polite. Have good manners, good grooming and good language

9. Be humble

And what would you think the 10th thing would be?

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Call Today for More Info on Our

Distinctive Marketing Plans

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

http://www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker Associate ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Surterre Properties

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 495-8600

How A Homeowner Can Sabotage Their Own Appraisal…

 

For decades there has always been a difference of opinion with  homeowners and an appraiser when they need that critical number to match the refinance package that is underway with their lender.

The appraiser value opinion is only 1 opinion…but guess what, it’s the opinion that counts with your lender.

Here are some ways you can sabotage yourself:

1) Leaving the home untidy. Having an un-kept exterior or interior can cause an appraiser to decrease the value somewhat. Reminder owners – curb appeal is also important for an appraisal. Overgrown bushes or an un-kept home exterior could prompt an appraiser to take as much as 3 percent off the value, according to a CNN Money article.

2) Having incomplete remodeling projects. Don’t keep a remodeling project unfinished prior to an appraisal. If it’s a must, make sure you include details of the complete project and when it is to be finished to the appraiser.

3) Failing to list improvements or upgrades made to the home. Compile a list of upgrades and home improvements made to the home and provide it to the appraiser. While some items, like a new roof, may not help raise the appraised value, other items might.  Source: Realty Times

So needless to say, all the complaining in the world to your lender won’t overcome the self sabotage…take care of projects, clean up and focus on the homes overall presentation before starting your refinance package. Treat the home like you were getting it ready to go up for sale. Lots of preparation, repairs and primping is worth all the effort. Because, when the time comes for that appraisal value analysis…you’ll be glad you did! 

 

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

Call Today for More Info on Our 

 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) 495-8600

     

 

 

 

New Ocean View Listing in Guard Gated Ocean Ranch!

NEW LISTING!

12 Brownsbury Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Gorgeous and Popular floor plan with 1st and 2nd Floor Ocean Views. Main floor Office or Den, 3 upstairs Bedrooms and a Bonus Room that very easily converts to 4th bedroom if needed. Master Suite is generous with remodeled bathroom and walk-in cedar closets. Kitchen remodel w/Full Granite Finish, Center island, Sub-Zero & Dacor. Family Room has impressive B-I Ent Ctr w/Theater Speakers. Yard is smartly designed with beautiful Pebble-Tec Spa and peaceful Fountain serves as focal point from Formal Living & Dining Rooms. Maple hardwood entryway, Limestone floors in Kitchen & Formal areas. High quality carpet in Family Room and Bedrooms. Bathrooms remodeled w/Stone Sinktops & Showers. Ocean Ranch is a 24 Hour Guard Gated Community a half mile to 2 golf courses and 2 tennis clubs, minutes to award winning public & private schools, 1.5 miles to clean sandy beaches and Marina. Shopping and Dining nearby at Ocean Ranch Village.

http://www.postlets.com/repb/8435691

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

Call Today for More Info on Our 

 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) 495-8600

Spooky and creepy Halloween decorations don’t help to sell homes…

Not everyone coming to your home is a trick or treater…some may be Potential Buyers!

With Halloween less than 30 days a way it seems that many homes are getting decorated for the holiday.  However, if your home is on the market, the less you decorate the better. Less is more.

Follow these simple rules for decorating and you can still have a Happy Halloween and get your home Sold!

• Do not decorate the exterior of your home with spider webs strung from tree to tree or draped over shrubs.  No scary witches, ghouls or bats hanging from the front porch. No signs pointing to the haunted house or dungeon.  Most importantly, do not build a cemetery in your front yard! No tombstones, crypts or skeletons should cover any part of your yard.  Keep it happy not creepy.  Many buyers can’t seem to look past the decorations, and if the decorations make their kids cry, they won’t stay long enough to see the home.

 

• Less is more.  Limit yourself to just one room if you must decorate and keep it simple and happy.

 

• If you have an annual haunted house or birthday party planned, perhaps you should decorate a few days before and Hold all showings until after Halloween. Lastly, makes sure you put all decorations away and clean up the yard the following day.  Your home should be timeless and have wonderful curb appeal.

 

Make the home look happy and inviting and it just may sell on, October 31^st!   

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

Orange County Mid October Events

October Orange County Events

Haunt at Heritage Hill     Oct. 19
Dare to take part in the “Friday Night Fright,” as the park is transformed into a haunted adventure that is fun for teens and adults alike. Heritage Hill Historical Park: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. www.ocparks.com/heritagehill

Golf Tournament & Helicopter Golf Ball Drop     Oct. 19
Enjoy a fun, relaxing day of golf while supporting animal rescue. Entry Fee includes: Golf, cart, range balls, lunch, dinner and FREE BEERS and water while you golf! Tijeras Creek Golf Club: Rancho Santa Margarita. www.greatpets.org

 Silverado Days     Oct. 19-21
Community festival includes games, crafts, contests, rides, food and fun for the whole family. Featured contests include World Amateur Arm Wrestling Championship, Amateur Horseshoe Contest, Baby Contest, Dog Show, Chili Cook-off. William Peak Park: 7225 El Dorado Dr., Buena Park.

Autumn Harvest Festival     Oct. 20
Festival with family fun attractions that include the Princess Bride trick-or-treat stations, The East India Trading Company Pirate Adventure Maze and the Harry Potter School House. Heritage Hill Historical Park: 25151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest. www.ocparks.com/heritagehill

Great Park Pumpkin Harvest     Oct. 20
Experience the time honored tradition of fall activities and family fun including: pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin carving demo, treat stations, mini hay maze, train rides, art and craft activities, and more. OrangeCounty Great Park: Irvine. www.ocgp.org

Blackie’s Longboard Assoc. Halloween Costume Contest     Oct. 27
Blackie’s by the Sea, a Newport Beach surfing institution, calls out costumed surfers to compete in this fun event off of Newport Pier, judging surfers not only by their surfing technique, but by their spooky and outrageous Halloween costumes! www.visitnewportbeach.com

Rancho Los Alamitos Family Festival     Oct. 28
California on the Move, a family festival with demonstrations, maps, music and activities. Explores how people got to California, where they were coming from and how they moved around. 12-4:30pm. Rancho Los Alamitos: 6400 Bixby Hill Rd. Long Beach. www.rancholosalamitos.com

Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo     Oct. 28
Civilian and military helicopters and aircraft, plus a custom car show featuring classics, muscle cars and more than 300 varieties. Vendor fair with more than 100 exhibitors. 9am-4pm. Joint  forces Training Base, Los Alamitos. www.wwrexpo.net

  

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

 

 

 

Sunday Photo ~ Fall is here!

Summer has come to a close. The kids are now back in school, baseball season is winding down, and football season has begun, which must mean that fall is here! Getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air and fall foliage is one of the joys of fall; as well as, it is sweater weather time, pumpkin season and a great time to buy a house.

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