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

How to keep the "home" out of a home office

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:39:24 -0600

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:

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.
Install additional phone or cable outlets if needed to accommodate your various office equipment.
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

What are your Thanksgiving traditions?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:32:38 -0600

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be with family, full of rich traditions.

My family and I wake up early and all help in the kitchen. Since they were young the kids loved helping, even if it was simply cracking an egg or stirring a few ingredients together. My mother-in-law always makes the mashed potatoes, she has the best recipe that no one else can seem to re-create. We always have something Italian in the spread of food and eat around 3 in the afternoon. The next day consists of relaxation, a long run, and left-over turkey sandwiches.

What are your family traditions? I'd love to hear them!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy the time off, and remember to always be Thankful!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

Oprah says goodbye

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:50:56 -0600

According to many reports, Oprah will announce on Friday that she has decided to end her talk show. The show is said to end September 9, 2011--the last day of her current contract.

Oprah is a legend. Her show has changed the lives of thousands. The Queen of Daytime is set to change the landscape of television with her departure.

Do you think this is true? Or will it be a Brett Favre-like retirement only to come back the next season?

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

Top 10 Wackiest Holidays

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:09:52 -0600

Source: Toptenz.net. Read Here.

The traditional holidays Christmas and Thanksgiving are fast approaching, but did you know there is a special holiday or observance for just about any day or month of the year? Here are some TOP 10 WACKIEST HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES

10. International Talk like a Pirate Day

Talk like a Pirate Day is observed on September 19th every year and it’s always a fun holiday to celebrate. This holiday encourages you to talk like a pirate all day. Refer to your friends or others as maties. Or throw in random pirate language in your everyday speaking like ahoy or aye aye or arrrr!!! There is a whole new vocabulary to learn when talking like a pirate so make sure you are prepared by going to the official talk like a pirate day web site. They even have a countdown to the next Talk Like a Pirate Day. They take their holiday very seriously!

9. Go for Broke Day

Go for Broke Day is always observed on April 5th each year. Go for Broke Day is the day to put it all on the line, take a chance, place a bet, roll the dice and take a risk. It could be money or love. It could be taking a new job or initiating a risky project. Many of us go about our daily lives playing it safe, just floating through life and not really taking that many big chances. If you are overly conservative or hardly ever take chances then this is the day to let loose and put it all out there. You just might have an exhilirating experience if you take a chance on something. If you can get up the courage to take a risk, then put it all out there and go for broke!

8. National Sarcastics Month

National Sarcastics Month is observed for the whole month of October. You can observe this wacky holiday by being as sarcastic as you can be. Go ahead and try it out! You will also be made aware of how sarcasm can affect others when you are being sarcastic with others or they are sarcastic with you. Some people take this type of humor nicely and others really don’t care for it, so be careful who you choose to be sarcastic with.

7. International Moment of Frustration Scream Day

This holiday is observed on October 12th every year. On this day every year you can share your frustrations with all the citizens of the world. You are encouraged to go outside at twelve hundred hours Greenwich time and scream for a solid thirty seconds. Screaming can make you feel better when you are frustrated. I’m seriously thinking about observing this holiday every time I get frustrated from now on! This holiday was created by Thomas & Ruth Roy under the name of Wellcat Holidays & Herbs.

6. National Whiners Day

National Whiners Day is observed on December 26th each year. As you can imagine this is the day to whine about anything and everything in life or whatever. If you’re already a whiner this will come easy for you. For someone who’s not usually a whiner, find something that’s annoying you and whine incessantly about it. You may not be able to change it, but you can gripe and whine your heart out about it today. Go ahead and whine because no one can blame you for whining like a baby today.

5. International Panic Day

International Panic Day is always observed on June 18th and is a day for everyone to be worried and concerned. There is no one reason that is provided for the panic, just that this is the day to observe widespread and mass panic. There is also a Panic Day that is observed in March.

4. Blame Someone Else Day

You can celebrate this day on the first Friday the 13th of the year. This is the day of the year where you can take every mistake you’ve ever made and put the blame on someone else. Go ahead, blame the Democrats, the Republicans or anyone in between. Find someone to blame for everything you’ve ever done poorly or started and never finished. Be careful though because remember others can blame you for their shortcomings this day too. Once this day passes it’s all your fault again, so remember to use Blame Someone Else Day wisely!

3. Have a Bad Day Day

Have a Bad Day Day is always observed on November 19th each year. Have a Bad Day Day is observed by encouraging people to wish other people to have a bad day. Instead of saying have a good day all the time, this is the one day a year when it’s okay to instead say “Have a bad day!”. So, I hope you have a bad day!

2. Get a Different Name Day

Get a different name day is for people who do not like their name or the name that was given to them at brith. That’s okay, because you didn’t have a choice at birth, you had to go with whatever your parents gave you. If you like your name that’s great. But if you don’t like your name, then this day is definitely for you. Take advantage of the day and change your name. Get a Different Name Day is actually a copyrighted holiday. Even if you like your name you could still changed it up on this day just for fun. Get a Different Name Day is observed on February 13th every year.

1. National Inane Answering Message Day

Observed on January 30th every year, this holiday encourages you on this day to bring an end to all of the mindless and endlessly long answering machine messages that annoy and waste the time of callers. Or, you could leave a long, drawn out, insane message on your machine this day. The choice is up to you.

Written by Amanda Haddix

ENJOY!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

Changes to California Disclosure Forms!

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:53:22 -0600

C.A.R. is releasing new forms today. They are available in WINForms or zipFORM or at your local board this

week. California REALTORS® pay attention!

Most notable among the forms is a revised Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships (Form AD). The revised AD form aims at ending the confusion surrounding the form by allowing a buyer’s agent to use just one form for both the seller and buyer to sign. According to C.A.R., "REALTORS® may now handle the delivery of the AD form in either of two ways:

Alternative A: Agents may continue the existing practice of generating three AD forms in a typical transaction. The first AD form is generally signed by the listing agent and seller before entering into a listing agreement. Absent dual agency, the second AD form is generally signed by a buyer's agent and buyer before writing an offer. The third AD form is generally signed by the buyer's agent and seller. An AD form signed by the buyer's agent and seller does not create an agency relationship between the buyer's agent and seller because the AD form is merely an information sheet. The actual confirmation of agency is stated separately in paragraph 27C of the C.A.R. Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA).
Alternative B: The procedure for Alternative B is stated in the explanation box at the bottom of the newly revised AD (revised 11/09). Agents will still prepare the first and second AD forms stated in Alternative A. The buyer's agent, however, may now deliver to the seller the second AD form signed by the buyer's agent and buyer. The seller may sign acknowledgement of receipt of that AD form on the signature line in the explanation box. No third AD form is needed under Alternative B."

Other new and newly revised C.A.R. standard forms include the following: REO Advisories (Forms REO and REOL) and Property Management Addendum.

For a complete summary of these and other forms in C.A.R.'s November 2009 Forms Release, click here.

And Thank You For Making Me Your Orange Count Real Estate Connection!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

Welcome to Hollywood

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:06:20 -0600

Beautiful California!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

Christmas already?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:25:31 -0600

It's not even Thanksgiving yet but we are already being hit with Holiday reminders.

Santas are filling the malls, I've been hearing Christmas songs play in stores, and commercials are telling us what to buy as gifts. In NYC the tree is already up in Rockefeller Plaza and Radio City Music Hall's Christmas spectacular is already performing.

It looks like the economic situation is forcing companies to remind us to buy for the holidays ahead of time. Retailers are already offering lay-a-way plans to boost holiday sales. I think there needs to be a rule that Decorations can only go up after a certain date. I know my neighborhood doesn't allow lights until after Thanksgiving. What do you think??

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7979

Skin Cancer in the Winter?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:58:25 -0600

If you think its fine to slack off on the sunscreen in winter because the sun isn't as strong, your wrong.

The sun's rays are just as harmful when the temperature drops. UVB rays may be weaker, but you shouldn't pass on wearing sunscreen. The glare from the snow, buildings, and even sidewalks can make short wave UVB waves, which burn you, up to 80% more intense. UVAs, which cause skin cancer, remain the same year round. You acquire the same about of UVA damage when your outdoors on a rainy day as you would on a sunny beach day in the summer.

So, wear sunscreen! Yes, even if its gloomy out!

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

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

Find your true calling

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:04:48 -0600

With many Americans without a job, its forcing people to reexamine their career path. Advice from Rick Smith, author of The Leap, "You'll be most fulfilled and successful if your duties merge your strengths and passions."

Rather than job hopping, pass on these 3 low-risk steps to help friends and family, or yourself, choose a career:

1. Determine your strengths: find the sweet spot between your talents and interesrts. Based on your passions, look into such careers you may flourish in.

2. Test-Drive your dream: To find out if the career you're looking at is right for you, pursue projects in our office or outside that use your talents. You might even try volunteering. You won't know until you try

3. Gain experience: if the career you are test driving seems like a good fit, try to transition into it at the workplace by building your reputation and showcasing your talents. Or help a friend or peer out with something you want to get in to so they can see your talents, pass along your name, and you'll be gaining practice all at the same time.

If you are still having trouble, www.colorassessment.com helps you discover what career you may flourish in and www.vocationvacations.com provides you with condensed, few day internships. Good luck!

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

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

Happy Birthday Big Bird!

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:11:08 -0600

Sesame Street, The children's television show home to Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird turned 40 today.

My kids watched this when they are young and it is amazing to know that their kids may be watching it too. Sesame Street is shown in 140 countries and has helped millions of children learn to count and read.

To celebrate, Michelle Obama was featured on the show today.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street! From all of us at the Michael Caruso Real Estate Group!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

Where were you when the Berlin Wall fell?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:50:53 -0600

November 9, 1989 we all watched the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was a night of joy, celebration, and great momentum for the future.

On the 20th anniversary, thousands of people are joining world leaders Germany today to remember the night when a euphoric wave of people swept away the Berlin Wall and began the end of the Cold War. And this anniversary is a reminder that we need to help others find freedom. Liberate them of their repressive regimes and take greater strides toward global progress.

While most of you won't be celebrating today, let's reflect. Do you remember where you were or what you were feeling when the wall fell? Please share!

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

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

Visit CNN.com for a Berlin Wall anniversary special feature.

Photo: AP, BBC News

How Many AR Points Can You Earn in a Year

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:03 -0600

Earlier this week I wrote about the point driven AR junkie (nothing wrong with that) who is diligent and makes their 10 comments a day and 10 posts per week...

Just how many points can they earn in a year?

There were 3 choices.

The reason for the post is that I've seen a few members surge well beyond the maximum awardable points by AR and simply wondered 1) How they manged to beat the system? 2) Is that a character trait...a win at any cost mentality? and 3) Why hasn't the fairly good customer service technical staff discovered the highly unusual accumulation of points in a relatively short period of time by system abusers?

I find AR a great platform for sharing ideas, systems and referrals. I hurts me to see that a few people choose it to drive their ego rather than see it as another community they can thrive in by being creative and ethical.

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

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRD GREEN GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

Pray for Fort Hood Victims

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:02:16 -0600

If you are unaware of this tragedy you can read it here. 13 were killed and 31 injured during this shooting rampage at the nation's largest military facility. So I am asking to keep the victims and their families in your prayers. We are so fortunate to have people like this who have signed up to fight for OUR freedom while we remain safe at home. It is even more sickening that this has happened on our soil, by a fellow citizen. God Bless.

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

WWW.MICHAELCARUSOREALESTATE.COM

949-753-97900

Beautiful Italian Architecture

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:54:56 -0600

This was taken in Rome.

And thank you for making me your Orange County Real Estate Connection!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

How many AR points can you get per year?

Michael Caruso Real Estate Group — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:07:14 -0600

We blog to share information, build relationships, network, and do more business. And a lot of us blog to get points. Those precious Active Rain points.

So, given that you get all the points your supposed to and there are no technical difficulties, can you guess what’s the most points a person can get in a year for basic blogging?

(Not including comments received on your blogs, featured posts, invitation points, contests, spam reporting, and staff awarded bonus points as that can be almost infinite.)

a. 405,600

b. 352,000

c. 257,400

I will post the answer later! Good luck.

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

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President Orange County Association of Realtors