Living In Palm Springs California

Luxury Pool Villa For Lease

2009-05-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

Luxury Pool Villa In Palm Springs

Luxury Lease opportunity. Enjoy a first class Palm Springs experience in this private pool/spa villa. Vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, wet bar and atrium.

Available for 6 month or 12 moths furnished or unfurnished. Amenities include your own maintained pool and spa. Water filtration system, alarm system, double garage, even concierge glass and mirror cleaning every 90 days.

Big comfortable space. Master suite is truly luxurious with huge sitting area and deluxe wet bar. Bathroom features a sunken tub and large shower as well as Dual vanities and a totally private outdoor courtyard. Enjoy superior amenties like upgraded lighting fixtures, superior quality windows and doors as well as custom artwork.

Built in features such as shelving and desks are special touches, landscape lighting, gardner and pool service included. Enjoy the best of Palm Springs by renting the very best luxury villa.

Sundance Resort is a private gated community with a clubhouse, park like grounds, total privacy and seclusion. This villa rental features every luxury imaginable you won 't find a better Palm Springs retreat.

Contact Information

Michael

760-272-500

Location

2824 Sundance Circle W
Palm Springs, California 92262
UNITED STATES

Show Map

Links

Virtual Tour Link

FEATURES

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Floors in Building: 1

Partial Bathrooms:

Square Footage: 1855

Parking Space: double garage

Year Built: 1982

Metro Area: Los Angeles

ATTRIBUTES

View

Mountain

Rooms

Dining Room

Parking Type

Garage - Attached

Interior Amenities

Additional Storage

Air Conditioning

Cable Ready

Ceiling Fans

Central Air

Central Heat

Fireplace

Linens provided

Security System

Vaulted Ceilings

Wet Bar

Heating Source

Gas

Floor Covering

Carpet

Tile

Exterior Amenities

Courtyard

Barbecue Area

Clubhouse

Fenced Yard

Gated Entry

Guest Parking

Near Shopping

On-site Manager

Patio

Recreation Center

Swimming Pool

Tennis Courts

Building Exterior

Stucco

Wood

Building Amenities

On-site Manager

Clubhouse

Exercise Room

Security Gate

Tennis courts

Guest Parking

Recreation Center

Architectural Style

Modern

Appliances

Range / Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer / Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

PRICING

Asking Price: 1775

per: Month

Currency: USD

Deposit: 1500

Minimum Lease: 6 months

Availability Date: 2009-05-01

Included Utilities: all but gas, elec & Phone

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow (24 Photos)

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 1970578

Photo Gallery

Grand Entry To Complex

Villa Entry

Lushly Landscaped Entry

Spacious Living Room

Fireplace, wet bar and built ins in livingroom

Livingroom has vaulted ceiling

Private Pool and Spa

3 acre park in center of complex

more park view

2nd Bedroom

2nd Bedroom Builtins

Main Bath

Master bedroom

Master Sitting

Sunken Master Tub

Perfect Seclusion

Expansive grounds

Spectaciular Views

Private pool

Back Yard is walled

Atrium

Diningroom

Kitchen

Club House

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 1970578

MLS Searches On A Map

2009-05-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

Now you can see where the house is you are looking at on this cool mapping feature using the actual MLS lisitngs from the Palm Springs area. No more wondering where that house really is at!

Click the title to go to the page and enjoy!

Racquet Club East Palm Springs

2009-04-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Racquet Club East Palm Springs California

Remodeled and improved just for you. Special touches abound in this rebuilt and improved home. Great corner lot position with South and West Facing views. Circular Drive - laundry room - double garage -Amazing outdoor space with a fully fenced and private yard complete with pebble tech pool.

Contact Information

Michael

760-272-500

Location

2981 N Davis Way
Palm Springs, California 92262
UNITED STATES

Show Map

FEATURES

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Partial Bathrooms:

Square Footage: 1632

Subdivision: Racquet Club East

Lot Size: 10019

Garage Size: 2

Year Built: 1959

School District: Palm Springs Unified

MLS/IDX#: 41363703

Status: For Sale

Metro Area: Los Angeles

ATTRIBUTES

View

Mountain

Rooms

Dining Room

Family Room

Laundry Room

Master Bath

Pantry

Walk-in Closet

Parking Type

Garage - Attached

Interior Amenities

Air Conditioning

Cable Ready

Ceiling Fans

Central Air

Central Heat

Heating Source

Electric

Floor Covering

Carpet

Hardwood

Tile

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Near Shopping

Patio

RV Parking

Sprinkler System

Building Exterior

Stucco

Architectural Style

Modern

Appliances

Range / Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

PRICING

Asking Price: 399000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Currency: USD

Other Details: Remodeled and Ready Amazing ViewsGreat Corner LotRV ParkingIndoor OutDoor Living

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow (25 Photos)

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 1967780

Photo Gallery

Great Corner Lot

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 1967780

Mid Century ALexander In Central Palm Springs

2009-04-11T07:15:00.001-07:00

Mid-Century in Central Palm Springs

Mid-Century Style in the perfect setting. All the really great homes make you feel good about them from the minute you walk in the door. This home has that quality. Mere minutes from anything and everything in Palm Springs but tucked away on a quiet Cul-De-Sac on a beautiful lot. The house has a west facing back yard taking advantage of the stunning view just perfectly. Mature landscaping and shrubbery lend an estate like feel to the grounds.

The pool and spa are the focal point of the very private back yard. Enjoy both from the expansive covered lanai running the whole length of the back of the house. Open kitchen and great room design is a natural for parties. Laundry closet, 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms round out this great property.

Contact Information

Michael

760-272-500

Location

219 N Morsun Circle
Palm Springs, California 92262
UNITED STATES

Show Map

Links

Virtual Tour

FEATURES

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Partial Bathrooms:

Subdivision: Sunrise Park

Square Footage: 1296

Lot Size: 10890

Parking Space: 2

Garage Size: Carport

School District: Palm Springs Unified

Year Built: 1958

MLS/IDX#: 41360264

Metro Area: Los Angeles

Status: For Sale

ATTRIBUTES

View

Mountain

Rooms

Laundry Room

Master Bath

Parking Type

Car Port

Off Street

Interior Amenities

Additional Storage

Air Conditioning

Cable Ready

Ceiling Fans

Central Air

Central Heat

Fireplace

Kitchen Island

Vaulted Ceilings

Heating Source

Electric

Floor Covering

Carpet

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Lawn

Near Public Transporation

Near Shopping

Patio

Sprinkler System

Swimming Pool

Building Exterior

Stucco

Wood

Architectural Style

Modern

Appliances

Range / Oven

Full Refrigerator

Sink Disposal

PRICING

Asking Price: 429,000

Currency: USD

Flexibility:

Additional Pricing Information: Home Warranty Included

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow (13 Photos)

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 474324

Photo Gallery

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 474324

South Palm Springs Condo For Sale

2009-04-11T06:52:00.000-07:00

Amazing turnkey package. Your every wish is fufilled in this ready to go condo. Gated community with Pools, Spas, Tennis. Fantastic location minutes from shops, dining, entertainment and golf. Offered turnkey furnished per inventory at $319,900
Click HERE for a irtual tour.

Upgraded Fairway Home

2009-04-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

Live on the Golf Course for FREE! Yes, there are no dues at this property. Enjoy th eCountry CLub Lifestyle without any cost. This highly upgraded newer home has all the features and high end touches you want. Tile laid on the diagonal, upgraded carpets, extra closets, granite counter tops, stainless appliances, triple garage and lavish master suite. Click here for a virtual tour of this property.

Loan Modification

2009-03-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Buyer beware. It is the elusive – omni-present , secret desire in everyone’s heart –the quick fix! "I just have to take a pill and lose 20 pounds", "I just need to buy this book or DVD" and untold riches are just around the next corner. Secretly we all wish for that magic fix that makes a problem go away. When buying pills or books or DVDS your penalty for failure is very limited. A hundred bucks or less but when it comes to your financial picture the costs can be very high.

By now the intellectual side of us knows better but the emotional side of us is easy prey for next “quick fix” scheme headed right for us. So watch out emotional selves! Here comes the loan modification – debt reduction industry gunning for you. Daily, I am floored by the outrageous claims I see being made in some of the advertisements out there. If you were to believe them you would think you basically just had to call the advertiser and when you awoke tomorrow all your debts would be gone and your loan would be modified to suit you. And your life would return to “normal.” MSNBC had a story on this not too long ago and the overriding thing that I took away from this story was how vunerable we all are to this type of crime. The court systems and law enforcement are overwhelmed. If you give money to someone who doesn’t do what they promised your remedies are very weak, time consuming and financially draining. In a situation where the problem is finances it is a no win scenario.

Important rule of thumb: In California a person collecting an upfront fee to negotiate mortgage debt on your behalf must be registered with the Department of Real Estate. Go to this website to check them out. While this is not an endorsement of their services it is a basic litmus test. If they have not even done this there is the first red flag for you clobbering you over the head!

Use caution, know what is being offered, know who you are dealing with. A good first step is to have an idea of what you might be eligible for. Call your lender and ask for any information they will send you. Here is a great link to the Suze Orman website and a one page summary of options that you may have.

Places I've been

2008-12-28T22:07:00.000-08:00

Create your own travel map or travel blog

Travel Info at TripAdvisor

Be Careful Choosing Inusrance

2008-12-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

It is always tempting to take the lowest price offered for something that appears to be the same. This could be a big mistake when it comes to your home insurance. Be sure you understand your coverage when you are shopping rates.

Different Types of Coverage

There are essentially three levels of coverage:

Actual cash value - This value covers the house plus the value of your belongings after deducting depreciation (i.e., how much the items are currently worth, not how much you paid for them).
Replacement cost - This is the actual cash value without the deduction for depreciation, so you would be able to repair or rebuild your home up to the original value.
Guaranteed (or extended) replacement cost - The most comprehensive, this inflation-buffer pays for whatever it costs to repair or build your home - even if it's more than your policy limit! Certain insurers offer extended replacement, meaning it offers more coverage than you purchased, but there is a ceiling; typically, it is 20-25% higher than the limit.

Also don't forget that the value of the land is rarely included in insurance policies. You have to have special insurance if for some reason you think that you might sustain a loss to the actual land your property sits on. If this is a reality for you the insurance rates will probably be very high. One example is flood insurance which has increased quite a bit in the last ten years.

In anycase be sure you are asking the right questions and comparing apples to apples when shopping for insurance rates. If you need a good agent in the Palm Springs Area please feel free to contact me

Special Old Las Palmas Open TODAY 12/17/08

2008-12-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

LAS PALMAS TWILIGHT OPEN HOUSE. DEC 17 4pm-7pm
Look For Silver Balloons

A) 407 W Vereda Sur, 6bdrm/7bath; 4,451sq ft Monterey Spanish Colonial Architecture, Beautifully Remodeled, Furniture Available with home $1,797,000

B) 200 Vereda Sur 4 bdrm/4.5 bath, 5363 sq ft, built in 2008 Soaring ceilings, terrazzo floors, & 18ft walls of glass come together in presenting this timeless modern design by LA decorator Vance Burke. This property features exceptional space, dramatic details and truly stunning architecture with gourmet kitchen $3,465,200

C)1277 N. Via Paraiso Stunning Palmer and Krisel mid-century home. This completely renovated Alexander offers 3,600 square feet of living space with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. Sitting on one third acre with over sized, sparkling pool, outdoor entertainment area and spectacular mountain views. $1,595,000

C) 1100 N. Vista Vespero. 5 bdm, 5 ba, 2845 sqft, Seductive Oasis... The Pride of Vista Las Palmas More than $150,000 in recent renovations, upgrades & finishes! This unique Alexander'' mid-century home located on a large corner lot. Slab granite counters, new appliances & cherry wood cabinets highlight the spacious kitchen. The great room with fireplace opens to the backyard & pool via glass walls & sliding doors. Enjoy breathtaking San Jacinto Mountain & Dry Falls views from the new pool & cascading spa with a sheer waterfall feature.

D)1165 Abrigo 4bdrm/4bath 3030sq ft $800,000

E) 999 Rose Ave This Alexander Build has 3bdrm/2ba; and 2 pools! One indoor, one outside. New kitchen with pass through, new baths, new electrical, new plumbing, new ducts, new porcelain floors in entire home. Fabulous, new nine foot sliders in the living area with fireplace.

Fully wired with Bose speakers indoors, and out. $796,500.00

F) 1380 N Via Monte Vista Spacious 3300 Square foot Old Las Palmas Estate. Three big Master suites, lushly landscaped grounds, patios, courtyards, fountains and pool Spa.$1,289,000

G) 201 Camino Norte 4 bdrm/6 bath Completely remodeled 4 bedrooms 4500 sq of living space includes a gourmet kitchen with Caesar Stone counter tops, Wolf 6 burner stove and double ovens.Sub-Zero built in Refrigerator / Freezer. Butlers pantry and so much more.

Recently reduced to $1,850,000. Motivated Sellers. $1,850,000

H-A) 840 N Prescott Spanish Hacienda, 4800 sq ft, 5 bed/7bath. Half acre lot with majestic mountain views. Completely remodeled. $1,999,000

H-B) 245 W Mountain View Pl 3bdrm, 3.23bath 2545 sq ft Great Lender Owned private home in Old Las Palmas $899,900

I) 823 N. Topaz Circle Unique Alexander with Southwest Flair, remodeled & has casita with expanded Master bdrm suite $945,000

J) 193 W. Merito Awesome light filled Condo. Folded plate roof design and over 1800 Sq ft. 2 Bed 2 Bath Private patio. Blocks from Downtown, walk to everything. $399,000

Good Reasons To Lock in A loan before 2009!

2008-12-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

New loan limits and minimum down payments are coming into effect for 2009.

A good reason to get something before the first of the year!

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FHA’s minimum down payment is being increased from 3% to 3.5% as of Jan 1, 2009. The only way to honor the 3% down payment option for you, is to get your loan approved before the end of the year. So, if you don’t already have an approved offer and a loan submitted, then you should!

· FHA’s new Loan Limit for Riverside County is $355,350, not $500,000. This is also in effect on January 1, 2009, and under the same scenario as above.

· Conventional Loan limits have also been reduced back to $417,000, not $500,000 anymore. Any loan amount above 417K, is going to be considered a jumbo mortgage.

· Reverse Mortgages are going to be a great mortgage tool moving forward to help seniors over the age of 62 purchase a new home, with no income or credit qualification required. Yes, you heard that here first.

· Rates are great today, why not do a cash out refinance on your primary residence at 5%, so you can get the down payment needed to buy a investment property today.

· USDA & VA Loan’s – both offer you 100% financing as long as you qualify for the program.

If you would like more information on any of these topics, or have any other questions, please feel free to contact me

But It Is So Hot!!!!

2008-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

How Do You Handle the Heat?

Many times when I am talking to people about Real Estate in Palm Springs they will ask me "How can you stand the heat in the Summers?"

Actually that question reminds me of when I lived in Colorado and friends and family from other parts of the country always acted as if I had moved to the arctic circle. So one year, for fun, I tracked the total number of days I was, in anyway, inconvenienced by the weather in Colorado. It amounted to 11 days. Out of 365 not too bad!

Palm Springs offers such a great lifestyle it is hard to complain about anything. The summer temps are an integral part of the experience. The first year you are here for the Summer you wear it as a badge of honor. You'll tell those stories of how you survived the 120 degree day and lived to tell. You will participate in the "dry heat jokes." After the second year you'll notice that nothing over about 105-108 degrees really even seems remarkable to you anymore. You realize that most of the time in Palm Springs the weather is just one thing- perfect! Then by the third year you will be looking for a sweater if it falls below 72 degrees! You really do get acclimated. I used to be pretty hot natured but I now find myself wearing sweaters when it is in the 60's. A far cry from my childhood in New England where 70 degrees or above meant swimming wether.

The other thing that you have to understand about the heat is that it shapes your day in a new and really rather pleasant way. It is sort of an enforced siesta. No one seriously thinks you are going to go out in the peak of the days heat and show houses or put up signs or do much of anything. It is an automatic pass to stay inside. Often times I use it to get paperwork done or return phone calls. It is also great for going to the movies, enjoying a good book or even taking that siesta!

On the days when I need to do outdoor things and get out I do so early and finish those things before the peak hits. Palm Springs is not really a late town anyway so Summers see us rising earlier and enjoying the morning. It is a whole different pace.... one that is not bad at all once you've given it a try.

Scared Small

2008-11-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

Scared Small? - Is the World We Know Changing For Good?

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The recent economic meltdown and the immediate impact it has had on all our lives is not hard to miss. The media is full of it everyday so no need to take up space with all that here. The change I want to call attention to is this. As I talk to my "40 something" year old friends I hear an undercurrent of change. Partially, it is based on fear - fear of not knowing how long this will last, fear for jobs and homes, even fear for extended family members. Is it just the age group - the wisdom of another decade of experience taking hold? Is it idle chatter to just be able to comment on the enormity of what has happened? Possibly, but I sense there is something more.

Underlying the current of conversation I hear a determination. A resolute tone that this is "lesson learned" time. This time it is creating life changes. People are disposing of things in their lives, changing rituals, changing habits and generally re-prioritizing. There seems to be a clarity that just was not there before. To be sure some confusion and grey area remains in a crisis this new but I am not seeing anything that looks like lip service. People seem determined to change the status quo in their lives. Priorities have simply shifted out of necessity - if not simple practicality. All of this has made me start thinking what will our "revamped" world look like when we emerge on the other side?

After years of "credit card baby" syndrome - where we borrowed endlessly to sustain a life of lattes, fashionable things and indispensable little luxuries - has common man met the point where those things no longer hold the allure they once did? Perhaps they just don't seem worth fighting for anymore? I maintain the answer is yes. The overwhelming developing mantra is one of less is more and now they realize it. This time they mean it.

For whatever reason I take them at their word. I do not see this as an off shoot of the recent election where the "C" word was such a big deal. Though, perhaps the grinding, grim & ghastly nature of the last 8 years has just taken its toll. Whatever your politics, it would be hard to deny the simple truth that nothing got better and a whole lot seemed to get much worse. A system wide breakdown - financial- manufacturing - health - that burst its seams, overflowed the edge and creaked to a halt.

With no easy way out on the horizon the hard work of rebuilding is perhaps the engine that will drive the change. This necessity to change will be the taskmaster that will keep us all on the "diet" of the season. Once we emerge on the other side I have to wonder if we won't be in a totally transformed world. One where we can't image the excesses of the past being okay with anyone, much less politically correct. One were less is more is the rule of the day. Needing less and having that not only be okay - but be something cool. In a consumerist society like ours this would have a drastic effect. In my lifetime I remember the changes that I saw between the 1970's and the 1980's. A shift from less to more. The eighties, in my mind became a decade about change and a change to excess. Wall street and corporate mergers became daily news, new technology flooded the market styles changed and needs and wants of the consumers grew. The way we all lived our lives changed forever. It seems very possible that we are in a similar situation right now.

What remains to be seen is the extent of the change. Where will the lines be drawn? What industries will die out and what industries will be born? What will the sacrifices be? Will we all be scared into a smaller lifestyle? Will that new lifestyle then morph into a new hip and trendy? (My guess is that the marketing gurus will determine most of that) The only thing I am totally sure of is that it is bound to be interesting!

Happenings in Palm Springs

2008-10-20T08:23:00.001-07:00

This month we have seen the opening of Dinks resturaunt and the newly open and revitalized Riviera Resort and Spa! Check out the great photo courtesy of our photographer friend Paul Roberts.

The Riviera has been part of Palm Springs history for decades and the new face lift brings it all back for everyone to enjoy. Kudos to Noble House Resorts for a Job well done.

See more info and photos at PSagent.com

193 W Merito Place Las Palmas

2008-10-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

One of the great characteristics about Palm Springs is the Village atmosphere, small town atmosphere. However, there really are not that many homes walking distance to downtown. Some of those are very expensive estate sized properties. It is rare for a resonably priced home within walking distance of everything to come on the market.

Luckily that changes with the announce ment of my new listing at 193 Merito Place: important; ">

Palm Springs Condo

$399,000

Location:
193 W Merito Place
Palm Springs, CA 92262

Map and Directions

Description

1961 Architecturally interesting condo. Folded roof line - tons of glass fills this condo with light there is also all new tile including bathrooms. All the natural light makes this generous space special. Private enclosed patio - split bedroom plan - lots of extra space (larger than normal floorplan for this complex) Just add your finishing touches and you have perfection in Central Palm Springs. Best of all you own the land.

Looking for the village atmosphere of Palm Springs? Look no further. From this spacious condo you can walk to everything in Palm Springs. Located in the Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs you just could not ask for a better setting. A small quiet complex of just 10 units, beautiful grounds, private pool for the complex and a quiet side side. Just three blocks away you will find all the dining, shopping and entertainment of Palm Springs. A unique opportunity to enjoy a special place in the Desert.

Photos

Features

Condominium
Palm Springs Central
2 Bed 2 Bath
Partially Remodeled
Light and Bright
Unique Roofline
Mid Century Style
Las Palmas Neighborhood
Enclosed Patio

Neighborhood Info

Las Palmas:

Las Palmas is frequently recognized as one of the premier locations in Palm Springs. With thousands of stately palm trees, magnificent walled estates and stunning mountain views it is easy to see why. Add in the location close to downtown and it becomes obvious; when you live in Las Palmas you have it all.

Old Las Palmas boasts the largest number of celebrity homes in Palm Springs, dating back to the mid 1920's when it was first developed by New York builder Alvah Hicks and his son Harold. Formerly a citrus grove, the Old Las Palmas Neighborhood includes the area from Alejo on the South, North Palm Canyon on the East, Monte Vista on the West, and Stevens Road on the North. Being within walking distance to downtown, the area offers many special advantages.

Some of the well known celebrities that have lived in Old Las Palmas include Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez, Edgar Bergen, Liberace, Sidney Sheldon, George Hamilton, Mary Martin, Joseph Barbera, Donna Reed, Harold Mirisch, Alan Ladd, William Powell, Rona Barrett, Rudy Vallee, Harold Robbins, George Randolph Hearst, Sidney Korshak, Kirk Douglas, Kitty Carlisle, Jack Warner, Leo Spitz, Lily Tomlin and many others.

Palm Springs:

Palm Springs – A combination of perfect weather, Hollywood glamour, and an intimate village atmosphere have kept Palm Springs on the A-List of great destinations. Enjoy fine dining, shopping, and our world-famous boutique hotels and intimate properties that surround a downtown area distinguished by our famed mid-century modern architecture. For fun, experience the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, Palm Springs Pavilion Theater, breathtaking Indian Canyons, Knott’s Soak City, or spend time at Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Air Museum, or Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. Whatever you seek in Palm Springs, rest, relaxation and fun awaits your visit!

Palm Springs real estate represents some of the best over all retirement/vacation home prices in the otherwise pricey California real estate market. The value for the money remains very high when compared to other areas of the state. The proximity to the 22 million southern Californians makes it a perpetually popular weekend getaway. The warmth of our winters makes it the perfect place to escape the cold and snowy weather in the North. While many of our visitors and second home owners come from the Pacific Northwest more and more are coming from Canada and beyond. The ease of arriving by air has greatly increased since the expansion of the convenient Palm Springs International airport. Once a sleepy little, winter vacation spot in the California desert the 7 cities that make up the Coachella valley have blossomed into vibrant year round communities. Palm Springs offers an enviable resort lifestyle that includes over 320 days of Sunshine per year.

For More about Palm Springs living click here. To Read Michael's Blog click here.

Neighborhoods and Architecture: Historic mixes with trendy and new blends with old in the neighborhoods of Palm Springs. From the ULTRA modern soaring roof lines of the multi million dollar ALTA neighborhood in South Palm Springs to the more traditional California Ranch homes of Tahquitz River Estates. Mid Century architecture abounds in the neighborhoods of Palm Springs. From Deepwell, to Ruth Hardy Park to The Movie Colony and Las Palmas and little Tuscany. Palm Springs is an architectural smorgasbord.

The Future: looks quite bright for Palm Springs. A slew of high quality projects are on the books with hotel projects such as the Hard Rock Hotel, Ace Hotel and Modrigan luxury chain coming in. In addition to that the Spa Hotel downtown is scheduled for demolition later this year with a stunning new resort set to take its place. New townhome/loft developments abound including the first live work space combo called the Cameron at the corner of Mesquite and palm Canyon Drive. Other projects included Oceo, which just started showing their models in May of 2008, as well as The Delano, Tangerine and Port Lawrence.

Good Eats: Culinary delights are not far behind. The newly opened Tropicale continues to delight with amazing cuisine and a chic setting that is retro without being to kitchy. The Purple Palm and the Viceroy are also amazing culinary experiences. Hamburger Marys came to town a few years ago and now we are having a custom built DINKS restaurant. The popular Koffi has expanded to South Palm Springs with a location at the new Oceo Town home Complex directly across the street from the Biltmore Condos on the corner of Camino Real. Recently opened (10/08) is the revamped and newly wonderful Riviera Hotel and Resort Spa. Featuring many interesting dining options.

Listed by

Michael Layton

Keller Williams Realty
Phone: (760) 272-5500

Listing agent/broker: Keller Williams Realty

Loan Errors could give you Leverage with your Bank

2008-10-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

During the heady days of 2004-2006 many people got loans that they could not afford. The main difference is that some of them knew what they were doing when they did it and others were duped, pressured or outright lied to by unscrupulous lenders looking to close another deal.

A few days ago in the Los Angeles Times there was an article detailing a new service that will look over your loan documetns and check it for errors. These errors could give you legal recourse against the bank and perhaps help you if you are looking to modify your loan rate and terms in order to hold onto your property.

I have included the link here: LA Times Story On Loan Document Errors

Fun Sites For Modern Architecture Photos

2008-09-06T10:46:00.001-07:00

Living in Palm Springs I get to see the really cool 50's modern / midcentury architecture on a daily basis. It is part of the scenery and what makes Palm Springs Great.

Recently I was looking online to see what there was about the history of that architecture and I was surprised to find that most of the sites I uncovered had few if any pictures! Words just can't do justice to some of these amazing structures and the simple yet sophisticated lines that made them what they were.

Anyway, I did run across two sites that I thought were worth mentioning. They both have lots of pictures and good information. One is actually a site from Arizona but includes lots of Palm Springs pictures. So check these two out and enjoy.

www.psmodcom.com

http://www.modernphoenix.net/images/100DegreesPlacesWeLove.pdf

Flood Zone Map Changes Riverside County

2008-08-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

New Flood Zone maps and Insurance requirements are coming into play at the end of the month. Here is information, courtesy of First American Title, that you might find useful

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Effective August 28, 2008, FEMA will issue revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for all of RIVERSIDE COUNTY. These maps show areas that are considered to be in a flood plain, and therefore may require homeowners to obtain flood insurance. Flood zone disclosure is a statutory requirement in California real estate transactions.

This disclosure alert from First American NHD and JCP-LGS Disclosures.com is to inform you of:(1) flood map changes that may affect your clients(2) flood insurance requirements which these changes may trigger, and(3) opportunities that may benefit you with lowered flood insurance costs.(To view the new maps, see instructions at bottom.)

NEW ZONE BOUNDARIES & INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS-Flood insurance is generally required for federally-backed mortgages on properties within a "Special Flood Hazard Area", also called a "100-year flood" zone.The new FEMA maps will change some flood zone boundaries. A small number of parcels in Riverside County (approximately 1600) that were not formerly in a 100-year flood zone, will be included within this high-risk zone after the revised maps become effective.Prospective home buyers may wish to check with their insurance agent to see if the property's flood zone, and insurance requirements, will be affected by the map changes.

NON-CERTIFIED LEVEES ARE NOW AN ISSUE-On the new FEMA flood maps, areas behind a levee are now designated as "Zone X Protected by Levee". Approximately 84,000 parcels in Riverside County are included within this new map zone.Some levees in Riverside County may not meet FEMA's 100-year flood protection standards. If the levee owner cannot demonstrate, within a specified time, that the levee provides protection from a 100-year flood, the levee-protected zone will be revised to the high-risk 100-year flood zone designation, which will trigger the flood insurance requirement.Prospective buyers in a levee-protected area may wish to contact their insurance agent and/or local government Planning Department to investigate levee certification status and the possibility of future flood zone changes.Riverside County communities that are affected by the new "Zone X Protected by Levee" map zone include: Cathedral City, Coachella, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Riverside, and San Jacinto, as well as portions of unincorporated Riverside County and portions of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian Reservation.

"GRANDFATHERED" LOWER RATES MAY BE AVAILABLE-In some cases, low-cost flood insurance in a lower-risk zone can be "grandfathered" in place when the parcel becomes included in high-risk 100-year flood zone -- IF the policy is purchased BEFORE the effective date of the flood map. Your clients in this situation may wish to ask their insurance agent if they can buy the flood insurance before the effective date of the new map and grandfather in the lower premiums.

BENEFITS IN "LOW-RISK" ZONES-Even though flood insurance is not required outside of the high-risk 100-year flood zone, it still may be a wise investment. In the lower-risk zones flood insurance is cheaper, yet FEMA notes that one-third of all flood claims paid last year were for policies in low-risk communities. FEMA adds that, on average, a home has a 26 percent chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9 percent chance of fire.

OPTIONS FOR YOU -(A) Timely Disclosure -- FANHD and JCP-LGS disclosure reports will rely on the revised FEMA flood maps for hazard determinations as of the date the maps become effective. Our reports will disclose the new "Zone X Protected by Levee" -- and the potential flood insurance issue -- if any part of the property is in this zone.(B) Report Updates -- As an accommodation to our clients, we will update your First American NHD or JCP-LGS report at no additional charge upon request if your escrow remains open after the effective date of the new flood maps. To request a report update, please call FANHD at (800) 527-0027 or JCP-LGS at (800) 748-5233. (C) Flood Insurance Quote -- If you need an insurance quote on short notice to close a Real Estate deal, please know that we include a free insurance quote from First American Property & Casualty Insurance Company with our reports. (Available in nearly all areas of the State.) First American P&C is also an authorized agent for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program. For a flood insurance quote call (866) 620-8850.(D)

View the Flood Maps on FEMA's Website -- Follow these steps:
1. Go to http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm
2. In the left margin click on the Flood Maps
3. Enter the property address in the search form and click the button
4. Click the "View" icon on the next page
5. Use the zoom tool to enlarge the map when it appears (this may take several seconds).

A printable version of this disclosure alert is at the link below:http://www.fanhd.com/Portals/0/fanhd/pdf/Riverside_FEMAmaps_2008.pdf

Amazing Potential In South Palm Springs

2008-08-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

JUST LISTED!

1389 E Mesquite Palm Springs CA 92264

Newly Listed - Large home in great neighborhood. Asking $575,000.

Click title of post for detailed information

Can We Get By With A Little Help From The Fed?

2008-08-09T09:41:00.001-07:00

This month some pretty sweeping changes came into play as President Bush signed into law the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. This legislation primarily seeks to protect homeowners from foreclosure, stop declining home prices, and stabilize the mortgage industry. While I can’t Dissect the whole thing here in one blog post I wanted to point out three provisions that I feel are of interest to most home buyers and sellers:

As a seller you no longer need to give the buyer your social security number!

I say …….THANK YOU! this was a long overdue change. Up until now seller(s) had to sign a disclosure giving the buyer - who by the way our friends at the IRS hold liable - this paperwork with their social security number on it and their declaration of how they will be treating the proceeds of the sale. Of course with all the identity theft this was just one more opening for a problem down the road. While the buyer would probably never do anything with your SS# to me just having it laying around is too much risk. Lets’ face it: boring documents like these tend to get shuffled around left in boxes in garages and attics …so who knows who would wind up with it down the road. Now Escrow can have the number in their files and that is enough.

Here is the text for this portion of the bill:

(- SELLER NEED NOT REVEAL SSN TO BUYER UNDER FIRPTA: Effective immediately, sellers are no longer required to provide to their buyers the Seller’s Affidavit of Nonforeign Status (C.A.R. Form AS), which includes the sellers’ social security numbers, under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). Instead, as another option, no federal withholding is required if the seller furnishes the Seller’s Affidavit with his or her social security number to escrow or other qualified substitute as defined, who in turn, furnishes a statement to the buyer stating, under penalty of perjury, that it has the Seller’s Affidavit in its possession. A “qualified substitute” is a person responsible for closing the transaction, such as an escrow company, title company or the buyer’s agent, but not the seller’s agent. The federal withholding law is now similar to California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) policy which allows the escrow officer to remove the seller’s tax ID number from the buyer’s copy of the California withholding tax statement, but not other copies.)

Now on to the part that many distressed homeowners are waiting for. You can get a better loan that you can afford but……….

$300 BILLION IN FHA REFINANCING: Under the HOPE for Homeowners Program, 400,000 distressed homeowners can pay off their troubled mortgages and replace them with more affordable, FHA-insured loans. To qualify, a borrower’s monthly payment on existing mortgage loans must be over 31% of his or her income as of March 1, 2008 (hence demonstrating the borrower’s inability to afford the original loans). The original loans must have been originated before 2008, and secured by the borrower’s principal residence (as well as only residence). Also to qualify, the borrower must satisfy FHA underwriting requirements for the new FHA-insured refinance loan. The FHA refinance will be a fixed rate loan up to $550,400 for at least 30 years, and will include charges for FHA insurance premiums. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of the FHA refinance is 90% of the appraised value. If the refinance proceeds are insufficient to pay off the existing liens, the refinance will not go through unless the original lenders voluntarily agree to accept a short payoff as payment in full. Rules will be established to allow, among other things, equity sharing for the original junior lienholders. Upon obtaining the FHA refinance, the borrower must share with the FHA at least 50% of any equity realized through a subsequent sale or refinance. The FHA’s share in equity will be based on a sliding scale of 100% of any equity realized within the first year of the FHA loan, 90% the second year, and so on, but not less than 50%. The HOPE for Homeowners Program shall be in effect from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2011.

As you can see this help is not going to come without a price tag. 50% of any future profit on the home. If anyone was looking to just be totally cleared of responsibility for their bad loans this shows that won’t be happening. However, if it helps someone keep their home perhaps it is a trade off that is well worth it. I do wonder about the effect these loans will have on the sales process down the road. I fear that some homeowners will forget that they have this arrangement as the years go by.

First time homebuyers get a $7,500 tax credit that is really a loan:

With certain exceptions, a first-time homebuyer will receive a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price up to $7,500 maximum, for the tax year in which the buyer purchases a principal residence. The tax credit, however, must be repaid like an interest-free loan in equal installments over the next 15 years or in full if the homebuyer sells the property for a gain. A buyer qualifies as a “first-time” homebuyer as long as the buyer (and spouse if any) has not owned a principal residence in the U.S. for the last three years. The tax credit phases out for a taxpayer with a modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 (or $150,000 for joint returns). This tax credit is available for qualifying homes purchased from April 9, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

New loan limits next year for FANNIE MAE, FREDDIE MAC, AND FHA REFORM: The new law permanently sets the conforming loan limit for FHA and government-sponsored enterprises (GSE) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac at 115% of an area’s median home price, not to exceed $625,500. The new loan limits take effect after the current $729,750 loan limit expires on December 31, 2008.

One last thing - check with your tax professional as there are going to be changes to second or vacation home ownership as well.

So no handouts here though there is some much needed help for homeowners in distress. I can’t emphasis enough the importance of talking with a competent loan professional and/ or tax adviser who can help you navigate these changes. Don’t let anyone rush you into making changes before you fully understand the implications to you.

Valley Expansion

2008-07-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Many people have flown in and out of the Palm Springs airport on the commercial flights. However, at the growing East end of the valley there is a whole new aviation world taking shape.

In Thermal, about 35 miles from Palm Springs, the small airport that served the military in World War II was renamed the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in 2004. She was the first female pilot to break the sound barrier and actually lived in the area until she died in 1980.

Expansion and growth at the airport has been climbing steadily. Due in no small part to the large number of homes in the area. With builders steadily filling in the gaps between La Quinta, Indio and the edges of the Salton Sea it was only natural that this once rural and remote airport would spring to life.

100+ new hangars have been built and corporate and private jet traffic is on the upswing. The 2003 extension of the runway allows for jets as large as a 767 to use the facility. The city is now working on plans to develop the surrounding industrial land to its best use.

New Listing

2008-07-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Great Home - high above the Desert Floor in Desert Hot Springs. Sweeping views of the valley and Mountians. This bank owned home is offered at the carzy low price of just $144,900. Amazing value on a newer home that is in superior condition. Tile upgrades and a covered porch across the entire back of the home.

Great home at unheard of low price. Click here for more information.

Just Reduced Bank Owned Home IN DHS

2008-07-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Buying a Home is Now More affordable

2008-05-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Although at first glance it seems like a boring economic statistic - the affordability index of homes is actually a crucial indicator of where the market is heading. As we work through the oversupply of homes and look toward a recovery the fact that homes are an astonishing 18% more affordable is actually an important peg in the ladder back to recovery. Attached here is the full article which also shows an increase in the total numbers of homes sold.

-----------------Affordability Increases-------------------------
Entry-level housing affordability rises 18 percentage points in first quarter - California Homebuyers are Responding to Lower Prices

LOS ANGELES (May 20)—The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California stood at 44 percent in the first quarter of 2008, compared with 26 percent for the same period a year ago, according to a report released today by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).

C.A.R.’s First-time Buyer Housing Affordability Index (FTB-HAI) measures the percent?age of households that can afford to purchase an entry-level home in California. C.A.R. also reports first-time buyer indexes for regions and select counties within the state. The Index is the most fundamental measure of housing well-being for first-time buyers in the state.

The minimum household income needed to purchase an entry-level home at $356,350 in California in the first quarter of 2008 was $67,830 assuming a 10 percent down pay?ment. First-time buyers typically purchase a home equal to 85 percent of the prevailing median price.

At $67,830, the minimum qualifying income was 30 percent lower than a year earlier when households needed $96,500 to qualify for a loan on an entry-level home. Recent decreases in home prices and mortgage rates have brought affordability into better alignment with income levels of the typical California household, where the median household income was $50,700.

At 64 percent, Sacramento County and the High Desert region were the most affordable areas in the state. Monterey was the least affordable area in the state at 29 percent, fol?lowed by the San Francisco Bay Area at 30 percent.

DataQuick reports Southern California home sales surged last month to the highest level since August as bargain shoppers took advantage of price slashing. Although some higher-end costal markets also posted gains, the swell in transactions mainly reflects more sales of homes under $500,000 in inland areas where depreciation and foreclo?sures have been greatest, a real estate information service reported.

A total of 15,615 new and resale houses and condos sold in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino and Orange counties in April. That was up 21.9 percent from 12,808 the previous month but down 19 percent from 19,269 in April last year.

Sources: DataQuick and California Association of Realtors

Palm Springs Party Pad $449,000

2008-04-06T08:16:00.000-07:00