The Voice of Orange County...Michael A. Caruso's Blog

Keeping your business and personal life is key to staying sane. But sometimes it can be tricky if they take place under the same roof. So if you are deciding on setting up a home office, or need to renovate, follow these tips from HGTV and Lowe’s:

 

1. Draw a line between work and play with your computer: although tempting to use the family computer for business, you should separate the two. It will eliminate the chance of someone deleting an important file.
2. Install additional phone or cable outlets if needed to accommodate your various office equipment.
3. Divide the office into 3 sections: the work center, the reference center, and the supply center. Put your desk, computer, and daily necessities in the work center along with a filing cabinet for easy access to important files. Put dictionaries, old print, books, binders, etc in the reference center. The supply center  should hold, obviously, all your supplies.

 

These tips will ensure your home office feels like a space you can get work done in and will separate the personal from professional.

 

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

Garage bursting at the seams? No more room in your closets? Sounds like you have too much "stuff". Below are some options to clean out your clutter without sending it all to the landfill...

DONATE: Donate your unwanted possessions to neighbors, the Salvation Army, charity, or a local Goodwill or thrift store. Many local churches have charitable outreach programs and will get your donated items to those who need them most. Or you can try www.freecycle.org. Join a local group, post a notice about the item you want to give away, and the people in need will contact you directly.

SELL: You can sell your unwanted things in a garage sale, online auction sites like eBay, and on Craigslist. Some of these sites don't require any fees to post. If your things are in good condition, take it to a consignment center and they will do the selling for you. But remember, if your stuff doesn't sell be prepared to donate it rather than put it back in your home.

TOSS: Yes, just throw it out. As long as you do it with care, there is nothing wrong with disposing things. Opt first to recycle. Much of your "stuff" probably is recyclable. Check disposal rules with your city for chemical clutter as there are dangers associated with improper disposal. Yours might offer a hazardous material collection day. Finally, go to www.mygreenelectronics.org for advice on how to get rid of outdated electronics which may pose environmental threats.

Your house will feel cleaner and more spacious once you get rid of your extra stuff. And if you do it in the next few months you will enter the new year with a clear mind--and closet.

Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

Don't have a green thumb but want to fill your home with life? This list of "Top 10 Hard to Kill House Plants" comes from TopTenz.net and may be your solution! Source: Read article HERE.

"10. Philodendron - Philodendron bipinnatifidum 

 

 

 

 

As a tropical plant, it requires some sun, but this can be achieved by letting it sit outside during the day, or using artificial light within your home. It can go for days without being watered, but does prefer warm moist air. In any case this is a hard plant to ruin and is a great plant if you lack a green thumb. Photo by http://www.thegardenhelper.com

9. Christmas Cactus - Epiphyllum

 

 

 

This cactus is an extremely easy plant to take care of, and usually doesn't require repotting. It's important to be sure you don't over-water it, but not watering it enough also damages the plant. To solve this, one thorough watering a week usually does the trick.

8. Jade plant - Crassula ovata

 

 

 

 

The Jade plant is definitely one that catches eyes. With its out-of-the-ordinary leaves and pink flowers that bloom during the winter, the jade plant can make a good addition to your home. Because it only requires a little bit of sunlight and doesn't need a lot of care, it's the perfect plant that won't die easily, no matter how much you neglect it.

7. Chinese Evergreen - Aglaonema

 

 

 

This plant is cold tolerant and doesn't require a lot of attention to keep it alive. However, it is important to make sure that the plant isn't over-watered, so making sure that the pot is well drained is a necessity. It is a slow growing plant, so repotting isn't a big issue until about a year or so.

6. Croton - Codiaeum

Though this plant is nothing but leaves, it surely adds a good amount of color to any bland room in your home. These plants do need more light than most, but stay colorful throughout the year. Its important to water this plant enough, as drying can damage it.

5. Spider plant - Chlorophytum comosum

 

 

 

 

 

Originally found in South Africa, the spider plant is probably one of the most widely used houseplants. This plant is definitely different looking, as its point long leaves eventually bud into flowers, that then die and turn into smaller spider plants. The spider plant loves a lot of bright light and can stand any temperature. It doesn't need to be watered everyday, but in the summer watering is very important.

4. Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum

Watering plants is an important part of keeping them alive, and since plants can't talk, it can be hard to know when its time to water them. However, the Peace Lily's leaves will start to wilt, in order to let you know that it's literally in dying need of water. The Peace Lily doesn't need much light, and is marked by leaves that bloom a white tall flower

3. ZZ Plant - Zamioculcas Zamiifolia

 

 

 

 

The ZZ plant is one that you can take with you wherever you live. It doesn't require a lot of space, and it can take neglect extremely well. The ZZ plant can live without having enough water, and doesn't require a specific type of lighting in order to grow. It is a slow growing plant, but introducing it to more light can surely speed up the process. This plant is great for those die hard black thumbs.

2. English Ivy - Hedera helix

 

 

 

When keeping an ivy plant inside, it's important that it is given enough sunlight during the day. Besides this, ivy is a very easy plant to take care of in your home. Since ivy grows so much, it's important that you have enough room for it. But, you won't regret this plant. It cleans your air for you!

1. African Violet - Saintpaulia

 

 

 

 

Putting an African Violet in your home is a great way to add a touch of color. These plants don't need direct sunlight, and are extremely hardy. They don't need to be watered more than once a week, and its best that the plant is able to dry out before being watered again. You will find this plant offered in many different colors, including lavender, purple, mauve, and a two-color flower.

If you like to garden I'm sure you know of more easy to care for plants, so please feel free to share. Remember, house plants are great stagin tools for sellers and bring a great feel to a home.

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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.                                                                                                               

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI                                   

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors  

(949) 753-7900

 

Looking to hire a contractor? Whether you're planning an addition for a growing family or simply catching up on some deferred maintenance, finding a competent contractor is the first step to successful home improvements.

Everyone has heard a story about the sloppy roofer, the careless carpenter or incompetent plumber.  But to avoid hiring the contractor from hell, follow some smart tips:

• Interview each contractor you are considering.
• Compare bids (try to get 3 bids).
•  Check for proper licensing and insurance.
• Get it in writing (get a contract).
• Secure your payments (make your check to a company, rather than an individual).

Be wary about the following conditions as they may indicate a unreliable contractor:

Solicits door-to-door.

Just happens to have materials left over from a previous job

Accepts cash only

Pressures you for an immediate decision

Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front

Suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. This can be a home improvement loan scam.

Your home is most likely your most valuable asset so be cautious when hiring someone to work on it.

Thanks for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI                                   

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors  

(949) 753-7900

Green Tip: Replace Light Bulbs with CFLs (even just one!). Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs last longer and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released by your home's power creation.

CFLs use 75% less energy that a standard bulb, lasts 10 times longer, and will pay for itself in 6 months.

Small changes make big differences!

Learn more about CFL usage at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls

 

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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards,                                                                                                            

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI                                   

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors  

(949) 753-7900

With fire season well underway in California I am posting some protection and preparedness tips. Please use the following checklist from The Personal Insurance Federation of California to keep your families and communities safe:

• Clear all flammable vegetation within 100 feet of your house. Plant larger trees no closer than six feet from the structure.
• Cut small trees and brush to leave widely spaced, larger trees. Maintain a well-pruned landscape.
• Trim tree limbs hanging over your house.
• Clean all needles and leaves from the roof, eaves, and rain gutters.
• Maintain a well-watered landscape or use drought-resistant plants that won't increase your fire risk.
• Select low-growing and less-flammable plants when landscaping your home.
• Treat wood shingle roofs with fire retardants on a regular basis.
• Ensure your address is clearly marked and visible to emergency responders.
• Maintain access to your home and property to enable firefighters and their equipment to quickly reach a fire.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit and develop a plan to respond in an emergency. Practice your plan so that everyone will remember what to do. Remember: make the plan simple and easy to understand.
• At a minimum include the following, water (1 gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, flashlight, radio, first aid, medication, sanitation/personal hygiene items, copies of personal documents, cell phones, contact info, and extra cash.

View a printable checklist HERE from the The California Department of Forestry and Fire. And let's hope the fire in Los Angeles are contained and those affected have quick recoveries.

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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.                                                                                                               

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI                                   

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors  

(949) 753-7900

As summer winds down, the BBQs keep heating up. Grilling with family and friends is a great way to spend a summer day, but we must also keep in mind safe grilling techniques. Each year, about 600 fires/explosions occur with gas grills resulting in about 30 injuries.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has developed safety standards to help prevent deaths and injuries.

Here are some safety tips to reduce the risk of fire or explosion with gas grills:

• Newer propane gas tanks have "over-fill prevention" devices installed on them. If you are unsure if yours is up to standards, the new tanks have valve handles with three "lobes" (prongs) while older tanks have valve handles with five prongs.
• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
  
  
• Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
  
  
• Always keep propane gas containers upright. Never bring one into the house.
  
  
• Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.
  
  
• Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
  
  
• Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
  
• Make sure your spark ignitor is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could explode.
• Position your grill at least 2 feet away from wood siding, deck railings, awnings, and low-slung tree branches

 Here are more Tips for charcoal grill safety:

• Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Charcoal produces carbon monoxide that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments.
• Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided. 
• Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

Always keep an extinguisher handy outside to quickly douse a fire should it get out of hand. For other safety information visit: www.cpsc.gov.

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

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.                                                                                                               

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI                                   

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors  

1-949-753-7900

(Photo: Photo Quest)