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.

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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

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

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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

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! 

 

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Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

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

     

 

 

 

Caruso’s Friday Funny & Quote

Ho! Ho! Ho!  Even Santa played…

 

The only real mistake is the one from which…we learn nothing. ~ John Powell

 So… this year,  I’ll try to do my Christmas shopping early instead of waiting till last minute!

 

Happy Friday, Everyone!

 

  We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

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

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Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

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

 

 

 

Happy Turkey Day!

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

I am very grateful for my family, friends, clients, and affiliates not only today, but every day. Many Blessings!

Total Eclipse of the Moon

 

“Treasure the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your gold and good health have vanished.” ~ Og Mandino

“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” ~Goethe

“Are you in earnest? Then seize this very minute. What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power and magic in it; only engage and then the mind grows heated; Begin, and then the work will be completed.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Happiest are the people who give most happiness to others.” ~ Dennis Diderot

“I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.” ~ Anna Freud

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Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

Caruso’s OC Happenings ~ North County

 

 

NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM

Coming up May 10, 2012 is the annual Taste of Anaheim! The Taste of Anaheim showcases all things Anaheim including restaurants, beer and wine, local art, music, and the business community. This year’s Taste of Anaheim is expected to feature fifty of your favorite restaurants, three exciting bands, and more than 5,000 patrons. $40 in advance/$45 at the gate. For more information you can call (714) 758-0222.

BREA

Nothing to report

BUENA PARK

Nothing to report

CYPRESS

Nothing to report

FULLERTON

TOMORROW – April 15 from 10:00 am-4:00pm is the annual Green Scene Plant and Garden Show! Green Scene is the perfect place for any gardener looking for new ideas to improve their gardens or outdoor habitats. This is the only major outdoor sales event in Orange County focused exclusively on the home gardener, garden accessories, environmental education programs and products. Ticket Price: $6.00 for all ages. For more information you can call (714) 278.3407.

 

GARDEN GROVE

Coming up May 25-28, 2012 is the annual Strawberry Festival! The festival is a parade and carnival celebrating the city’s strawberry-growing history. Free admission! For more information you can call 714-638-0981.
LA HABRA

April 19 (rides only), 20, 21 & 22, 2012 is the annual Spring Citrus Fair! The La Habra Chamber of Commerce will produce its Annual Spring Citrus Fair — full of period charm — showcasing the history of the La Habra Valley. This year’s event features Food Truck Frenzy. Enjoy some of the most popular food trucks in Southern California! Event will include entertainment, carnival rides, local food, exhibits & character mascots. Free Admission. For more information you can call 562-697-1704.

LA PALMA

Nothing to report

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report

STANTON

Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER

Nothing to report

YORBA LINDA

Coming upMay 18, 2012 from 5:30 – 11:00 p.m. is the annual Yorba Linda Lobsterfest!  One of Yorba Linda’s biggest events, the all-you-can-eat Lobsterfest is YL Sunrise Rotary’s main fundraiser each year. Live & silent auction, live entertainment under the stars. For more information you can call (714) 701-3027.

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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 *EASTER* OC Happenings ~ North County

 

 

NORTH COUNTY

ANAHEIM

Nothing to report

BREA

Nothing to report

BUENA PARK

TOMORROW Saturday, April 7, 2012 starting at 8:00am is the annual Spring Eggstravaganza! Breakfast starts at 8:00am & the Program begins at 9:00am. Come be a part of the “Egg-citement” this spring at Buena Park’s very special Spring Eggstravaganza! Activities include stage entertainment, children’s crafts, field games, a petting zoo, moon bounces, visits with the Spring Bunny, and of course, the candy scramble for children 12 years of age and younger. Come early for a special Pancake Breakfast starting at 8:00 am sponsored by the Buena Park Noon Lions.

CYPRESS

TOMORROW Saturday, April 7, 2012 starting at 10:30am is the annual Spring Egg Hunt & Flash Light Egg Hunt! The egg hunt is for ages 11 and under ONLY, and that begins at 10:30am. There will be crafts, activities, food, egg hunt with toy and candy filled eggs, visits with the Easter Bunny (Please, don’t forget your camera!). Don’t be late, this event starts at 10:30 SHARP! The event takes place at Oak Knoll Park (5700 Orange Avenue). AND starting at 8:00pm is the Teen Egg Hunt for ages 13-18. Be sure to bring a flashlight and basket for an egg hunt in the dark! This event is held at Arnold/Cypress Park (8611 Watson Street (meet at Cypress Park bldg)). For more information you can call the City of Cypress – (714) 229-6780.

FULLERTON

Nothing to report

GARDEN GROVE

Nothing to report
LA HABRA

TOMORROW beginning at 6:30am is the annual Spring Family Eggstravaganza! This event includes a pancake Breakfast, games, bounce houses, crafts. Here is the schedule of events 6:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast 8:00 a.m. Game booths, inflatable jumpers, arts and crafts, a mini health fair, and visits with the Easter Bunny will begin. 10:00 a.m. Egg Hunt begins. The event takes place at El Centro-Lions Park. For more information you can call (562) 905-9700.

LA PALMA

Nothing to report

PLACENTIA

Nothing to report

STANTON

Nothing to report

WESTMINSTER

Nothing to report

YORBA LINDA

Nothing to report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*As seen in orangecountyregister.com & orangecounty.net

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

Call Today for More Info and our “Spring Thing….”

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

By 2020….

 

By 2020, 80 million American will be over 65 years of age, 1/3 of household age 65 to 74 will be headed by women. Realtors should market to senior housing needs for seniors which include:

-Convenience to grocery stores and medical facilities

-Access to public transportation

-Homes that are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant or designed for aging-in-place

-Proximity to social centers, libraries, universities

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

Call Today for More Info and our “Spring Thing….”

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

Happy 3rd Anniversary Michael!

Michael Caruso owner of Michael Caruso Real Estate Group has been recognized by the prestigious Institute for Luxury Home Marketing for the 3^rd year in a row on his performance in the million-dollar and above luxury home market within Orange County, California “Real Estate professionals who have earned admittance to The Institute’s Million Dollar Guild not only have specific upper-tier market knowledge, but they also understand the unique needs of affluent buyers and sellers and recognize the importance of being discreet,” said Institute President Laurie Moore-Moore.

“Whether you’re buying or selling a multi-million dollar property, you can depend upon The Institute’s Million Dollar Guild members to have the competencies necessary to help you meet your objectives.”

“To have this recognition of my accomplishments in serving Southern California is an honor,” said Michael Caruso. “It has strengthened my commitment to the community and its residents and I can proudly offer my Luxury Home Marketing expertise to the upper-tier homes throughout Orange County.” Members of the Million Dollar Guild are Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists (CLHMS) who have documented their success in assisting affluent buyers and sellers with million-dollar properties.

The recognition is awarded by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing which trains real estate agents in the luxury home market and awards international designations to those who meet stringent performance standards. 

Michael Caruso is an award-winning real estate Broker and 2007 President of the Orange County Association of Realtors, specializing in the Southern Orange County market in Residential Sales, Buyer Representation, Luxury Home Sales, Relocation Services and High Rise Condo Sales. Michael Caruso boasts 3 decades of experience in Real Estate Sales and Real Estate Development/Management. Michael has owned his own Real Estate Brokerage since 1994 after working many years for large franchise brokerages and being ranked at the pinnacle for Sales and Service. He has served on numerous California Legislative and Professional Standards committees and on various committees for the National Association of Realtors.

Michael is an ardent community volunteer and has served on the Executive Advisory Board for California State University at Fullerton. Special skills include listening to clients, continuing professional development and serving the community and surrounding area.

For current information on the upper tier market, contact Michael Caruso at 949-753-7900 or e-mail Michael@MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com. Visit michaelcarusorealestate.com and carumic.featuredblog.com for market information, listings, and more.

About The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing exists to help real estate professionals around the world provide high quality service to buyers and sellers of luxury properties. Institute members have completed special training to build expertise in the marketing of upscale homes and estates and those who meet performance standards may earn the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation. Information and an international membership list can be found at CLHMS.org. Members are also listed on the Wall Street Journal’s RealEstateJournal.com website.

 

 

We Are Now Accepting Qualified Listings

Now providing “Short Sale Services”

Call Today for More Info and our “Spring Thing….”

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