545 Mile Ride Raises $10.5 Million Dollars For Charity

Agents Randy Wiemer (top left) and Robert Kalin (top right), along with Director of Education, Curt Hempel (middle photo), road their bikes from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money for AIDS LifeCycle8 2009.

Collectively the 545 mile ride took 7 days and raised $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."

You can see more photos on Curt, Randy and Robert's Facebook pages.

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.

The Late Sidney Sheldon's Palm Springs Compound For Sale

Windermere Realtors Scott Palermo and Jim Sanak open the doors to the late Sidney Sheldon's Palm Springs Compound, located at 425 W. Via Lola in Old Las Palmas. The compound includes three homes, available together or seperately.

The Sidney Sheldon Estate (below) is where the author wrote each of his 18 best-selling novels. Sheldon was also the creator of the popular 1960s television shows "I Dream Of Jeannie" and "The Patty Duke Show," among other achievments.



Modern double doors open to reveal the home's courtyard.



Inside the Mid-Century modern estate designed by, the equally legendary, Arthur Elrod.

Poolside view of the San Jacinto Mountains.

In the author's 2-bedroom casita/home office.

To see the famous yellow room Jim Sanak mentions, you'll need to visit the estate. To view additional photos, visit http://www.thesheldoncompound.com/.

Asking prices:
The Sidney Sheldon Estate $1,700,000.
The Former Rockefeller Estate $1,900,000 (located next door).
Running Water Estate $2,200,000 (across the street).

The three homes are shown, by appointment, to qualified buyers. To contact the agents visit: http://www.scottandjimhomes.com/.

The Former Rockefeller Estate

The former Rockefeller Estate is part of the late Sidney Sheldon's Palm Springs Compound, which is now on the market. The compound includes three homes which can be purchased together or seperately. Windermere listing agents, Scott Palermo and Jim Sanak, discuss some of the highlights of the estate in the videos below.




Realtors Scott Palermo and Jim Sanak in the large front yard.

Jim Sanak in the enormous back yard with enormous views. The pool house even has a rooftop deck.

Scott Palermo mentions that former neighbors included Dinah Shore and Kirk Douglas.

To view additional photos, visit http://www.thesheldoncompound.com/.

Asking prices: The Sidney Sheldon Estate $1,700,000.
The Former Rockefeller Estate $1,900,000 (located next door).
Running Water Estate $2,200,000 (across the street).
The three homes are shown, by appointment, to qualified buyers. To contact the agents visit: http://www.scottandjimhomes.com/.

Sidney Sheldon's Running Water Estate

The late Sidney Sheldon's Running Water Estate was used exclusively as a five bedroom, six and half bath guesthouse! Realtors Scott Palermo and Jim Sanak offer a video tour of the property which is one of the homes that makes up the author's Compound.

Like many homes in the area, the pool is in the completely private and gated front yard.



The Suit of Armor isn't for sale, but everything's negotiable.



The backyard is an amazing Living Desert-style oasis.

To view additional photos, visit http://www.thesheldoncompound.com/.

Asking prices:
The Sidney Sheldon Estate $1,700,000.
The Former Rockefeller Estate $1,900,000 (located next door).
Running Water Estate $2,200,000 (across the street).

The three homes are shown, by appointment, to qualified buyers. To contact the agents visit: http://www.scottandjimhomes.com/.

RELAY Is Almost Like Having A Personal Assistant

Realtor Mark Wolfe, who works in the Rancho Mirage office, has been using RELAY for three years now and uses it almost like a personal assistant. Mark has logged in and used it while in Morocco on vacation, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (while on a cruise) and in a client’s living room.

A RELAY® testimonial from one of Mark’s clients:

“I am very satisfied with the current state of my transaction. Mark Wolfe helped us through a very difficult and challenging transaction with the utmost professionalism and care. It was nice to be able to trust and rely on him to take care of all the details throughout the entire process. We also appreciate the fact that he really listens and tries to come up with an optimal plan. He is definitely an "out of the box" thinker.” - Alan Wu

Where did this testimonial come from?

Buyers and sellers participating in RELAY® transactions can update you on their satisfaction with the progress of this transaction at any time through the Customer Satisfaction tab on their RELAY® transaction screen.

What are my clients choices? Clients can select from three choices:

- I am very satisfied with the current state of my transaction.
- I feel neutral about the current state of my transaction.
- I am very dissatisfied with the current state of my transaction

They can also enter their own comments, questions, or replies in a text box below their selection.

Who receives these reports?
Any agents participating on your side of the transaction, as well as their site’s customer service. This is just one of the many benefits of using RELAY.

After watching the video, your broker and office manager will be glad to answer all of your questions.

If you have a question for Mark you can reach him at:
Cell/Direct: 760-285-9900
Email: mark@desertwolfe.com
Web Site: www.MarkWolfe.MyWindermere.com

Lynda Stefani Relies On RELAY To Improve Customer Satisfaction

Windermere agent Lynda Stefani, who works in the Palm Desert, Cook and Hovley office, has been using RELAY (the online transaction management tool) for over a year. Her broker, Emily DiSimone, also uses RELAY, when working with Lynda's files and they both swear by it.

In the video Emily and Lynda explains why your clients will love it too.

If you have questions about the program feel free to ask Emily, your broker or your office manager. If you have a question for Lynda, you can reach her below:

Cell/Direct: 760-406-1063
Email: lstefani@windermere.com
Web Site: www.stefanirealty.com

Mr. Sun City Offers Free Newsletter

Realtor and Sun City Palm Desert resident, John Gonnello offers his free Sun Life News! Monthly newsletter to anyone considering a move to a retirement community in the desert. To find out more about Sun City, visit his website http://www.suncitypalmdesert.info/.

To request a copy of the newsletter, phone or email him:
Phone: 760-772-8899
Web Site: http://www.jgonnello.com/

Craig Coleman Helps Raise Money At Charity Auction

Windermere agent Craig Coleman talks about raising money for local charities with his pet chihuahua Daisy. Last year Craig and Daisy helped raise $13,000 for The Boys and Girls Club of Desert Hot Springs, The Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City, The Well Of The Desert and The Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs. This year's charity auction takes place Wednesday, April 8. Contact Craig for further details.

Cell/Direct: 760-408-8062
Email: ccoleman@windermere.com
Web Site: www.CraigColeman.mywindermere.com

Mayor Steve Pougnet At Windermere Grand Opening

Realtors Patrick Jordan and Stewart Smith talk with Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet during the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony at Windermere's Smoketree Commons office in South Palm Springs.

During the Saturday April 4th celebration, Windermere gave away a hot air ballon ride for two valued at $370.

Patrick and Stewart had an additional drawing and gave away a 2-night stay in a luxury cabin in Idyllwild. The team specializes in high end properties in the Palm Springs area and have recently expanded to include the Garner Valley area.

For more information about their properties or to contact them, visit http://www.patrickstewartproperties.com/ or http://www.garnervalleyca.com/.

Meet Realtor Jeff Palmer - A Desert Native

I was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and bring a unique understanding of the desert and each of the Valley’s communities to every property transaction. I have watched the desert transform from a seasonal destination where businesses closed and residents departed each summer, to a year-round community that is growing and thriving.

A seasoned real estate professional, I bring 25 years of experience in the development of unique properties ranging from renovations of existing projects to new construction of singular homes to my new role as an agent for buyers or sellers. I am an internationally recognized fine art photographer who has published three monograph books; I, and my partner Joe, produced a tremendously successful AIDS Benefit Calendar that raised over $500,000 for people with HIV and AIDS and I continue to support these organizations through my art; I am a board member of TRENO – the Tahquitz River Estates Neighborhood Organization.

These are interesting times in the real estate market. Buying or selling, in any kind of market, can be nerve-racking. I am here to help you have the most trouble-free and pleasant experience possible. I feel that communication is the key to a successful real transaction and I invite you to call me to explore how I may assist with the purchase or a sale of a desert area property.

You can reach Jeff at:
Cell/Direct: 760-218-8030
Email: jeffpalmer@windermere.com
Web Site: www.jeffpalmer.mywindermere.com

Every Day Is Sunny At Sun City, Palm Desert

Windermere Realtor Wendy Formica lives and works in the popular 55-plus community of Sun City, Palm Desert, and loves it. Wendy has over 20 years real estate experience. In her career Wendy has worked for two of the largest financial institutions as Vice President of the Western Region for Corporate Relocation Mortgage Programs and as Director of Relocation for a national and international real estate company. Wendy is currently President of the Women's Council of Realtors for Palm Springs/Desert Cities. She also serves as Education and Program Chair for CA State WCR. Wendy has the CRP(Certified Relocation Professional) and PMN (Performance Management Network) designations. She is most proud of recently being named the 2008 Business Woman of the Year for WCR.

To contact Wendy:
Cell: 760-567-2332
Email: wendyformica@windermere.com
Website: www.wendyformica.com

The Cathedral City Cove Specialists

We have been full-time residents of the Coachella Valley since 1995. It has been exciting for us to see the growth in our desert resort community. Our primary motivation is making our buyers dreams come true. We have an extensive knowledge of our area, understand how important it is to listen to our clients needs & then show them the types of properties that will be of most interest to them. Selling your home today requires a team effort and a strong marketing plan to attract qualified buyers to your home. We create professionally photographed color flyers & produce our own virtual tours of our listings.
Cell/Direct: 760-880-8987 / 760-880-8986 Email: ARTandTERRY@windermere.com Web Site: http://www.artandterry.com/

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