Saturday, September 26, 2009
Our Blog Has Moved
Please visit us there.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Agent Team Has Already Sold 100 Homes This Year!
Michael explains, "We work meticulously and are diligent to make sure we put together deals that will close and appreciate your role in 'making it happen.' We do our best to make sure the communication is open, informative, honest, respectful, supportive and professional. Our biggest thrill is to take a sad little house and to help make it back into a happy home, what we all do by moving REO’s is a good for the communities and public we serve. Thank you very much again, your support means a lot!"
Thank you Mike and Mike for being of such service to our desert area home buyers and sellers. Congratulations on your amazing achievement.
To contact Windermere agents Michael Ricks or Mike Haque, visit www.DesertBankOwned.com.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Agent Specializes In Desert Homes Fit For Healthy Lifestyles
In his free time, Michael is also Executive Director of Wellness Foundation Palm Springs. Michael says "The mission of WFPS is to meet the needs of local organizations by supplying experienced fitness professionals to work free of charge within these organizations. Group exercise classes, lectures, seminars and consultations will serve to augment the services of local agencies. Free instructional DVD's will provide long term fitness education in the areas of exerice, nutrition and wellness."
He's also just produced his first yogo DVD, Mike Masters Healing Yoga. Masters is his middle name. For more information about the foundation, visit www.WellnessFoundationPalmSprings.org.
Photography by Reedar Dybdahl
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Golf Home Specialist Carol Hochsprung Reports From Solheim Tournament
Here I am beside the 2009 sign showing opposing Captains Beth Daniel, USA, and Allison Nicholas of the LET. This unique competition occurs only every odd year. 2011 will be held in Ireland; 2013 will be at a Colorado Club outside Denver, CO, my former residence. I plan to attend both, wearing the red, white, and blue of the America.
Opening ceremonies are thrilling even if most of us had no bleacher seating. Here’s European Legend, Laura Davies, ready to hoist her country’s flag.
Here’s desert resident, former LPGA tour star, and Golf Channel commentator Donna Caponi posing with me beside the 17th green the day before competition began. She and fellow announcers Dottie Pepper & Kay Cockerill were testing and evaluating the breaks on the green- Because this competition was totally about who could putt better.
“Here’s a gorgeous view of hole # 18! Rich Harvest Farms Golf Course in Sugar Grove, IL was in excellent condition, perfect, in fact! It was very difficult and a real test
for the best women players in the WORLD.
I wanted to share photos and commentary to honor these women, to maybe pique your interest in playing, and to let you know that this kind of first hand golf tournament experience – actually being there – captivated me and excited my passion for golf once again. I’m going out to hit some practice shots today – in spite of the desert’s
100+ temperature. I’m fired up!
To have your own close interaction with great women golfers, head on out to Mission Hills C.C. September 14-19, 2009 to follow the players attempting to qualify for the LPGA tour. For a second opportunity for following in person, the LPGA Tour then returns to that same course March 29- April 4, 2010 for the Kraft Nabisco (formerly The Dinah Shore) LPGA Championship – a major event in our desert on the schedule for over 30 years. Is this desert perfect for golf or what?
Monday, August 24, 2009
No Payments For The Rest Of Your Life
Bonnie offers Janet and Tom as an example. Both are 74 and they want to purchase another home after they sell the old family home up north. They agree on a sales price of $300,000 and want to keep some of the proceeds of the sale on their home in the bank. They do a reverse mortgage for $197,711. and put the remaining cash, $102,289, into their new home.
Windermere Agent Appointed To Commission
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Buyer’s Federal Tax Credit Program Ends November 30th
The federal tax credit has been a great program for those seeking their first home. It can be used in many ways. To help first time homebuyers with down-payments and closing costs, the government will allow buyers who finance their purchases with a federal insured loan to apply their anticipated credit immediately toward the transaction. Others may choose to wait until they file their 2009 taxes for the refund. Still others may apply the tax credit via an amended return for 2008 taxes. Buyers with specific questions should always consult a tax professional.
In order to Close by November 30th?
Buyers should consider the following timeline. They must look for a house (10-20 days minimum), write the offer, wait for the acceptance (up to 4 days although see special note below regarding short sales), secure financing (7 days), do inspections (7-14 days), request the seller correct major or safety defects (2 days) wait for seller’s response (5-7 days). The escrow begins when there is communication of acceptance and approval. With the new requirements from the federal government and mortgage lenders, a traditional escrow now takes at least 30 days and more closely 45-60 days.
Special note regarding short sales: When buying a short sale, the full acceptance and approval process is currently taking 3-6 months plus the normal 30-45 days in escrow.
A buyer should be prepared to complete a simple transaction in 2-3 months. The buyer should also be prepared for minor delays to resolve issues that might arise and which might delay a closing. The buyer should also consider that November is really the shortest month of the real estate calendar. The Thanksgiving holidays at the end of the month mean there are fewer days to record and close escrows. The bottom line, buyers who want to receive the federal tax credit need to act now, or they will loose out on a great opportunity.
Who qualifies for the federal tax credit?
A first time homebuyer is defined as anyone who has not owned a principal residence in the last three years. If a married couple purchases a home, neither of the parties could have owned a primary residence in the last three years, in order to claim the credit on their joint return. Non-married joint owners who qualify may proportion or divide the credit on their taxes as long as it does not exceed the credit due for the purchase property.
What kind of property qualifies for a federal tax credit?
Only principal residences, new or re-sales are acceptable properties for the tax credit. The primary residence may be a condo, townhouse, single family dwelling, mobile or modular home, or even a house-boat. Vacation homes, second homes, and investment properties do not qualify for the tax credit.
How is the federal tax credit calculated?
The maximum credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price up to $8,000. Income is a factor in the final amount of the actual tax credit.
For a single taxpayer: With an income below $75,000 the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price up to $8,000; With an income between $75,000 and $95,000 the tax credit is reduced on a sliding scale; With an income greater than $95,000 no credit is given.
For a married couple filing jointly: With an income below $150,000 the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price up to $8,000; With an income between $150,000 and $175,000 the tax credit is reduced on a sliding scale; With an income greater than $175,000 no credit is given.
Conditions if you take the tax credit?
A home purchased during the specified time period cannot be resold within a year of purchase if the tax credit is taken. After that year, there are no conditions for the re-sale.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Jedidiah Thurner Gives New Meaning To The Word "Vacation"
Friday, August 14, 2009
Q & A About Heritage Palms Country Club
"The second question that I hear most," she says, is "How do you keep your HOA so low when you own all the amenities, golf, tennis, pools, fitness center, ball room and kitchen?"
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Connecting With Carol Hochsprung - And Mother Nature
If you're looking for a golf course home, Rancho Mirage agent and golf pro, Carol Hochsprung, is available to guide you to the perfect clubs. If you're looking to escape the desert heat, she has a few suggestions too.
"When I want to 'escape' our desert heat, I take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains where it's 40-degrees cooler. At an elevation of 8,516 feet, and a brief ride of under 15 minutes, I can breath in that cool air and instantly feel terrific!" she exclaims. "The options are many. You can walk to a picnic table for lunch, walk the nature trail, relax on a nice boulder, or hit the trail and head for Round Valley, Wellman's Divide, and San Jacinto Peak at 10,400 feet."
For me, she adds "It's about serenity and connecting with Mother Earth. It's about wellness and longevity. It's about clarity and focus. It's about loving the mountains."
To contact Carol, visit her website.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Elton John Introduced Me To My First Employer In The Music Industry
For over a decade, from 1973 to 1985, Steve was executive VP of ATV/Sony Music. It was at ATV Music, while in charge of worldwide music publishing development and exploitation of catalogues (most importantly, the Lennon & McCartney copyrights), that a good number of creative and administrative ideas were first developed.
Steve was one of the two primary architects of the success that led to the company being regarded as the most valuable independent music publisher of its time. Subsequently, ATV was purchased by Michael Jackson and merged with Sony Music Publishing.
Today Steve, and wife Greysha Gordon-Love, live and work in Rancho Mirage and specialize in achieving value in the buying and selling of all real estate throughout the Coachella Valley, from condos to estates.
You can contact or follow Steve and Greysh on their real estate blog.
Agent Supports Idyllwild Summer Concert Series
Rancho Mirage Realtor Dan McGeary, along with his partner, Bret Hubbard, became sponsors of the Idyllwild Summer Concerts a while back when they learned that the series was low on funding. The concerts are held every Thursday evening, through August 20th.
Dans says, “The series brings in terrific talent with opening acts under the cool, towering pines starting at about 6:00PM. Each night attracts between 500 and 1000 people, families and all ages, who bring picnic dinners, adult and regular beverages and our dogs.”
“Most of the acts make it impossible not to dance on the cleared concrete pad in front of the stage, so dancing boots are encouraged,” adds Dan.
Dan and Brett have owned homes in Idyllwild since their first humble cabin in 1988, which they say has morphed into a new “tree house” in Fern Valley. In addition, Bret recently accepted the position of Controller at Idyllwild Arts Academy.
For additional information about the series, or if you have real estate questions, you can reach Dan directly at 760-413-2549.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Brokers Go Friday Four-Wheeling
Windermere owners Bob Bennion and Bob Deville spent last Friday at their Garner Valley Ranch with their Coachella Valley office brokers, for just a little horsing around.
“It is important to remember those that guide our agents and offices through the real estate maze. We are very fortunate to have the support we do, and we just wanted a down day to say ‘Thank you,’” says Bob Deville.
Top photo: Top row, David Cantwell (Palm Springs Main) left, Diana Weiss (Rancho Mirage), Charlie White (Indian Wells), Nathan Heibeck (Palm Springs South), Emily DiSimone (Palm Desert, Cook & Hovley). Bottom row, Don Rosignol (Palm Desert, San Pablo), Sandy Beakey (La Quinta), Bob Bennion (at the steering wheel), Bob Deville (standing).
Former Frank Sinatra Family Estate For Lease
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Realtor Invites Square Dancers From Around The Country To Kick Up Their Heels
For updated information on the “Swing Thru The Palms” event, dance schedules, or class information please see their web site
Mikel Springer is active in the community helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs and is a member of Boots in Squares, local duplicate bridge groups, and the Senior Center at Tierra del Sol in Cathedral City.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Committed To Staying On The Cutting-Edge Of Real Estate Marketing
Friday, July 31, 2009
550 Teddy Bears Given To Children In Crisis
“I’ve been on the board of directors of the Desert Outreach Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) for about four years and am currently the Vice President,” shares Michael.
“Our two primary objectives are to provide scholarships to local students and to provide teddy bears to children in crisis. The Foundation has been around for more than 15 years and we're all volunteers. We’ve given out nearly $200,000 in scholarships over the years to recipients who are locally based students, though they can attend school anywhere,” he adds.
The Desert Regional Medical Center, JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio, Healthy Family Living, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children, Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, Betty Ford Center's Children Program, Olive Crest Homes and Services for Abused Children, Palm Desert Police Department, Shelter From The Storm, and Child Protective Services of Riverside County have all received teddy bears for distribution.
To find out more about Michael or the foundation, visit http://www.michaellarson.net/
What Is An Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®)? And Should You Care?
The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of REALTORS® who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.
It is my opinion that buyers and sellers deserve full representation. If you are looking to buy, you should insist on full representation and not settle for limited service from the seller's agent.
Until you sign a Buyer’s Representation Agreement, the agent you meet at the open house, the listing agent, or the agent that is showing you houses is actually working for the seller. The non-listing agent is known as a sub-agent. Both the listing agent and a sub-agent have a duty to disclose any information shared by a potential buyer to the seller.
When the same agent is working for the seller and the buyer, this is called dual agency. A dual agent cannot share information or give full advice to either party because it might diminish the other side’s standing. This limits the service they can provide to both the seller and also to the buyer. When it comes to negotiating, this is especially true.
When you are considering buying a home, it is important to find an agent with whom you can work and one who knows buyers need their own representation. In California, you may get the representation you need without any additional fee, because it is the practice for the seller to pay for the buyers agent services. It just does not make sense not to have someone fully committed to your side through the entire real estate process – and especially during negotiations.
Mikel Springer has both the (ABR) as well as the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designations. He is a full time Realtor (for more than 7 years) is in the Windermere Rancho Mirage Office and works in the communities from Palm Springs to La Quinta. Contact information: www.MikelSpringer.MyWindermere.com and email address mikels@windermere.com
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Top 10 Ways Staging Can Help You Sell Your Home For More
(Before and after photos above.)
1. Historically homes tend to sell in fewer days on the market when staged.
2. Homes generally sell for higher prices when they sell faster.
3. Professional staging accents the positive aspects of the home.
5. Staging leaves the impression that the home has been well-maintained.
8. Specialized furnishing placement facilitates traffic flow and socializing areas.
9. Professional color analysis and consultation are keyed into current trends. Just as with clothing fashion, colors go out of vogue and need to be updated.
10. A staged property has the advantage over unfurnished homes since most buyers can not effectively visualize furnishings in an empty room. And, in this market, every advantage counts.
If you decide that Staging is the correct option for you, be sure to check around for the company that best suits your needs. Some stagers will only reorganize your own furnishings while others provide full decorating services and advise on everything from minor remodeling projects and paint color changes to even completely furnishing an empty residence.
The costs for Staging can vary from only a few hundred dollars for a simple redecorating plan that rearranges your own furnishings to a cost per square foot charge when staging the home with leased furniture and accessories. You can expect the square foot charges to be approximately $1.50 to $3.00 per foot of area.
Staging may also offer some tax advantages depending on your individual circumstances. The costs may be a tax deduction so check with your financial advisor to see if your property qualifies.
For more information on the benefits of staging you can contact me, John Kleppinger “The Staging Realtor” or www.raymondrobertdesigns.com.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Office Manager Frances Chafe Makes The News
In an article by reporter Patti Myers, on the front page of the Desert Sun Sports Section, Sunday, July 19, Francis and her son, Nicholas, were profiled.
Titled “Mom, son bond over bikes - Cathedral City track brings families together,” the article continues “Frances Chafe was a little hesitant signing up her 5-year-old for team sports.
She heard the stories about rough play, too many players sitting on the sidelines and the out-of-control parents.
As a single parent to Nicholas, she said that time will come when he is bigger, stronger and more learned, but for now she's happy that she took one of his favorite sports and turned it into a learning experience.
Both are BMX bike racers and participate in events twice weekly at the BMX track tucked behind East Palm Canyon Drive near the Target in Cathedral City.
“Nick really loved to ride bikes and since we live in a gated condo complex, it's really hard for him to go off and bike,'' said Chafe, a Palm Springs resident and real estate office manger. “There are no little boys for him to play with. So after a while, my mom (Bonnie) found a track and I took him there. On the first night, he loved it. He's learning about taking care of the equipment with a sense of accomplishment. (The bikers earn trophies on a weekly basis). And at 5, I don't have to worry about getting him to two or three practices a week and games on the weekend.” You can read the rest of the story at MyDesert.com.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A Furry And Lovable Golf-Ball Collecting Machine
Jennie is been a top-producing agent and has been a well-known resident of the desert for the past 18-years. You’re probably familiar with her tagline, “Let me swing a deal for you!” Lately, however, Riley Rose, is getting all the press.
This past month, Golf News Magazine wrote an article about this “furry golf-ball collecting machine.” The article begins, “How would you like to find 25 to 30 golf balls a day, virtually all in perfect condition, many of which are Titleist Pro V’s? This unique golf ball collecting “machine” resides in the desert but is not available in any stores, not even in Pete Carlson’s! Golfsmith doesn’t have it either. Feed it and love it is all you have to do.”
According to the article, Riley Rose has a unique ability to smell the balls and track them down even in the deepest grasses. And she loves a challenge. The more the ball is hidden or buried, the more she likes the hunt.
In case you’re wondering, the golf balls are donated to junior golf and according to the magazine “Riley Rose searches for golf balls only during her morning and evening walks and only seeks golf balls that are in the bushes and never retrieves balls on the fairway.”
To contact Jennie or Riley Rose, visit http://www.jennierobinson.com/.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Realtor Helps The Children of Trash Dumps In Nicaragua For His Birthday
“This year for my birthday I'm asking for donations to a good cause: Help The Children of Trash Dumps In Nicaragua,” says Jedidiah.
“I had the privilege of personally taking my first trip (the 4th trip for The Desire of All Nations or D.O.A.N.) with my wife, Amber, to Nicaragua in July 2008. During this trip, our lives were radically changed as we ministered to the poor, fed thousands, provided new resources of support and education, and challenged and changed the mindsets of various leaders, business owners, and individuals which have been limited by poverty, war and natural disasters.
It is with great excitement that we have the opportunity to return to Nicaragua, July 17 through August 1st. We will be joining our family and the D.O.A.N. team as they conclude a three-month mission trip in Nicaragua.
We will be helping build a community kitchen that has the capability to serve food to over 300 street children living in one of the largest trash dumps in this country.
We will also be establishing a safe house for homeless youth. This safe house will serve as a refuge for kids who are at risk of being physically, mentally and emotionally abused due to living on the streets. The safe house will provide the opportunity for youth at risk to receive physical and spiritual healing, food, clothing, and education,” adds Thurner.
Contact Jedidiah at jedidiah@exclusivedeserthomes.com if you’d like to help, contribute or find out more. You can also visit www.thedesireofallnations.com directly.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Short Sale Or Foreclosure? How To Choose
Most homeowners are not aware that a Short Sale has less serious consequences for the homeowner than a foreclosure.
For example, a homeowner who loses a home to Foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage for a period of 5 years as opposed to a Short Sale which makes them ineligible for only 2 years. Investors are ineligible for 7 years compared to 2 years.
In addition, a Foreclosure will typically lower your credit score anywhere from 250 to over 300 points and will affect your credit score for over 3 years. A Short Sale will typically lower your credit score as little as 50 points if all other payments are being made and will affect the homeowner for as little as 12 to 18 months.
Foreclosure remain as a public record on a person's credit history for 10 years or more. A Short Sale is not reported on a credit history. The loan is typically reported "paid in full, settled."
Homeowners (and many Realtors) do not understand Short Sales and are mainly interested in the consequences to their credit and their life.
We advise them to do a Short Sale ... IF THEY QUALIFY. It's not a "get out of my mortgage free card," though. A homeowner must be able to demonstrate a verifiable hardship such as a job loss, death in the family, mortgage rate adjusting to the point they cannot afford it, illness etc. But, there is no point in listing a home as a Short Sale if the bank will not agree to it. The homeowner CANNOT have assets that could be used to pay the mortgage.
Most problems with Short Sales stem from Realtors who are not familiar with them. For example, a smart Realtor will only present ONE offer to the bank – the highest and the best. You must present all the rest of the offers to the Seller but you present only ONE offer to the bank. You also need to present a COMPLETE package to the bank.
For additional information, you can contact Anne at www.thealexanderteam.net or email: thealexanderteam@windermere.com
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Why Windermere So Cal Uses Facebook And Twitter
Now, more than ever, consumers are turning to blogs, vlogs, Twitter, Facebook and other web social media tools to help them through the home buying and selling process. And more and more, they expect the real estate agents they hire to be taking full advantage of these new tools.
In an effort to stay on the cutting-edge of real estate marketing, we’ve launched a company Facebook page and a Twitter page. We answer real estate questions on our blog and invite home buyers and sellers to connect with us using whichever tool they feel the most comfortable with.
Co-owner Bob Deville believes that, "In any business, if you want to remain a valuable partner with your customers, you’ve got to give them what they want." What today’s buyers and sellers expect and deserve are agents who can help simplify the process and give great customer service. Technology can certainly help do that and knowledge is power.
"Whether you prefer to begin your real estate search in our print or online magazine, on our website, on Twitter or Facebook, or by stopping by one of our offices, you’ll find a knowledgeable Windermere agent there for you. After all, in the end, it’s not really about selling houses, it’s about providing great customer services – in whatever form that takes," adds Deville.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
First Mother-Son BMX Racing Team In Palm Springs
The Office Manager at Windermere in Palm Springs Main, Frances is dedicated to being an active participant in her son's activities. Nicky has been racing every week at the Palm Springs BMX track, garnering trophies on a weekly basis, since last December.
His mother, always cheering him on from the sidelines watched a number of Dad's riding each week with their sons. There were never any mothers out there and she decided there was no reason she couldn't make race night a special mother-son event, just like the Dad's were doing.
Now she's a member of the ABA-BMX Association, racing in the Cruiser Class against men in their 20s and 30s, since there aren't any other women racing in her Class. Frances is doing it to have fun with her son, but she did win a Third Place trophy in her first race!
Her words to other mother's of biker children, "Besides having a lot of fun, it's a great cardio workout. It's also a great way to burn off those extra calories while doing something fun with your child!"
Many locals don't know that we have our own ABA-BMX District in Coachalla Valley. Tucked away behind the ARCO20 gas station on Highway 111, across from the Target shopping center, is Palm Springs BMX psbmx@aol.com.
Thanks to Bonnie Chafe, Nicky’s grandmother, for writing and sharing this story.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
545 Mile Ride Raises $10.5 Million Dollars For Charity
The two charities involved are the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center. The funds are "designed to advance their shared interests to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by AIDS."
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Summer Editon Of HOMES & LIFESTYLES Magazine Now Online
The print version of the magazine will be on stands July 1st.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Always Going The Extra Mile
Even during off hours, Windermere agents and staff go the extra mile.
Director of Services, Patrick Robinson, who works in the Rancho Mirage office, participated this past Saturday in the world famous Camp Pendleton Annual 10K Mud Run.
“There were 4,000 people in the race,” says Patrick, “including individuals and teams of five. We finished 13th out of 73 men’s teams and 21st overall, out of 376 total teams. We even beat all the military teams.”
Congratulations, Patrick. Thanks for sharing.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Realtor Keith Blomgren Wins Race
When they're not selling homes in the Coachella Valley, Realtors Keith Blomgren and his dad Bruce Blomgren are race car enthusiasts. It runs in their blood. Keith's grandfather Jim Blomgren was a NASCAR driver in the 1950s and '60s.
Keith recently won the April 11th Stock Car Race in the Pro 4 Division at the Orange Show Speedway. You can watch him race for a second trophy on Saturday, May 23rd, again at the Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino.
Admission is $10 per person, $8 for seniors, military and students. Kids 10 and under are free.
Contact Deanna Ray at 674-3452 for additional information and to RSVP.