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.

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

Surterre Properties

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

New Custom Home Listing in Laguna Niguel

 

Beautiful European Style Custom Home in Guard Gated Ocean Ranch, in Laguna Niguel, California

61 POPPY HILLS ROAD ~  Offered at $3,195,000

 

Front Elevation

 

Dramatic Staircase and Foyer

Formal Living Room

Formal Dining Room

Gourmet Kitchen

Great Room and Bar

Otis Elevator

Yard with Pool & Spa

Library and Office

Private Gym

Keep Flies Away With One Simple Trick…It Really Works!

Keep flies away the natural way…

  

I recently saw a post on facebook about this trick…and I never thought about blogging about it until now, since so many people had never heard of this, I thought it would be worth sharing.

My wife’s family has been doing this for many years to control flies the natural way. I was skeptical until we tried it ourselves. It really does work. We would just put in 1 penny and sometimes a crumbled up piece of aluminum foil in a bag, filled it with water and then hung it by a tree, under a patio umbrella or wherever pesky flies would be. It definitely works!

Below are comments on this fly control idea.

Zip-lock water bags: #1 Says: I tried the zip lock bag and pennies this weekend. I have a horse trailer. The flies were bad while I was camping. I put the baggies with pennies above the door of the LQ. NOT ONE FLY came in the trailer.The horse trailer part had many. Not sure why it works but it does!

#2 Says:Fill a zip lock bag with water and 5 or 6 pennies and hang it in the problem area. In my case it was a particular window in my home. It had a slight passage way for insects. Every since I have done that, it has kept flies and wasps away. Some say that wasps and flies mistake the bag for some other insect nest and are threatened.

#3 Says:I swear by the plastic bag of water trick. I have them on porch and basement. We saw these in Northeast Mo. at an Amish grocery store& have used them since. They say it works because a fly sees a reflection& won’t come around.

#4 Says:Regarding the science behind zip log bags of water? My research found that the millions of molecules of water presents its own prism effect and given that flies have a lot of eyes, to them it’s like a zillion disco balls reflecting light, colors and movement in a dizzying manner. When you figure that flies are prey for many other bugs, animals, birds, etc., they simply won’t take the risk of being around that much perceived action. We went from hundreds of flies to seeing the occasional one, but he didn’t hang around long.

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

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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

Desiderata – An Inspirational Poem

 

 

 

 

Desiderata

 — written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s —

 

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

 

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?

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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

Keep your Pets Safe and Cool in the Summertime

Five Ways to Keep Pets Cool
Water play, shade and tasty treats…

In the heat of the summer, you may be cranking up the air-conditioning to stay comfortable, but don’t forget about your four-legged pals — especially if they’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Consider these five fun and easy ways to keep them cool and happy.

H2O and treats

It may sound obvious, but your dog and other pets need access to plenty of fresh, cold water. On a really hot day, you might toss a few ice cubes in the bowl to keep the water even colder. There are also ice cream treats designed specifically for dogs, or you can find recipes online to make your own. Here’s one clever idea — fill an ice cube tray with chicken broth or beef broth and then toss your dog a “pop” once the individual squares are frozen.

Water play

Many dogs love to get wet, whether they are splashing in a stream, swimming in a lake or jumping into a kiddie pool in your backyard. You can also set up a sprinkler for them to run through.

Check out new products

There are always new products on the market to keep pets cool in the heat, such as cooling bandanas and collars, pet beds that can be filled with cool water, and a collapsible water dish that you can carry anywhere — from a hike to a car ride. Keep in mind that if you’re driving with your dog, do not leave him waiting in the car for you, even if you crack the windows. His body temperature can rise quickly in a hot car and prove fatal.

Limit activity in the middle of the day

If you’re heading out for a walk or involving your pet in other outdoor activities, make sure to plan your excursion during cooler parts of the day (morning and early evening). The middle of the day is usually the hottest, and too much activity during this time can lead to an overheated pet. Pay attention to your pet’s cues and seek the advice of a vet if she is exhibiting any health problems.

Provide shade

If your pet stays outdoors, make sure he has a shady place to retreat when the heat becomes too intense. If you don’t have any natural shade in your yard, consider getting a beach umbrella or invest in a doghouse.

With a little bit of thought and preparation, you can prevent your pets from suffering in the summer sun. And they’ll love you all the more for it.

This article is presented by M.Benz of Laguna Niguel, California

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

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Platinum Marketing Plan

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

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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

A Patriotic Light Display Honors Our Soldiers ~ A Memorial Day Tribute!

A beautiful tribute in honor of our troops, veterans and fallen soldiers.

A family honors our 1.3 million fallen soldiers with this amazing patriotic light display – it’s a must see!

God Bless our soldiers and our country!

http://www.godvine.com/Patriotic-Light-Display-fb-gh-3370.html

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

Call Today for More Info on Our

Platinum Marketing Plan

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

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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

Caruso’s Saturday Shot ~ When Life Gives You Lemons…

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

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.

http://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

Carpe Diem…

Special Day Today ~ 12.12.12. 

It is the last repeating number date of the century, and just possibly holds a bit of magic.  So go seize the day and make it magical.

    

Carpe diem…

 

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  

The Truth About Social Media Sites

Why is Social Media Important?

• Great way to Network and increase our trustworthiness, goodwill and credibility.
• Social media can help generate leads, track clients, sales and distribution, as well as improve productivity.
• Print media is largely losing its appeal, and people are now looking to a different direction to promote their business and improve their business prospects.
• Social media sites make you more visible to the client, and can relate to them on a personal level.
• Social media allows you to create meaningful and personal relationships with clients and potential customers.
• Generate powerful traffic to your website.
• Cost effective way to announce new properties or services.
• Meet new people across the globe.
• No mass email or promotional marketing to sort out and read in your email inbox.

 Facts and Figures

•  The top social networking websites is divided into three categories: General purpose, special interest social networks with a specific theme, and international sites.
• 79% of companies use Social Media
• 65% of Adults online use social media for personal and professional use.
• Users that follow brands or businesses has increased by 106% and are more likely to continue usage and recommend to others.
• 23% of facebook users check their account 8 or more times daily. Average of total users is  4 – 5 times daily.
• Fastest growing segment in social media are 45-55 years old.
• Facebook , Twitter and Linkedin has the biggest subscribed members and the greatest impact on consumers and businesses.
• It has been estimated that in 2012, social media revenues will reach 17 billion dollars globally with the majority coming from advertising.
• In 2013, the idea that social media is a soft, networking tool will slowly give way to its acceptance as a serious business tool.

 Will you jump on the bandwagon in 2013? There really is no other option…

 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