The average U.S. household uses about 400 gallon of water a day or 100 gallons per person per day. Here are some easy ways to save water: 1. Take short showers. A 5 minute showers uses 4-5 gallons compared to a 50 gallon bath. 2. Using a water efficient showerhead can save you 750 gallons a month. 3. By running your washer and dishwasher only when they are full, you can save 1000 gallons per month. 4. Fix leaking toilets and faucets. 5. Shutting off water while brushing your teeth, washing your hair or shaving can save up to 500 gallons a month. 6. Be sure sprinklers are only on the landscape and not over spraying onto driveway and sidewalks.     07/05/2013

Over the years I have had many wonderful clients who are still some of my best friends. On the other hand, I have some clients who are all business that I still out to get them. I do have a meeting with new clients and tell them - This is how I work. I will be there for you through this process to be sure you are treated honestly and fairly, that you get a great home for yourself, that the process goes as easily as possible, that the process follows a legal path, and that we have some fun too. The key for both of us is to enjoy the process. Try to relax and have fun, but most of all be kind and be calm. Let me know if you have questions or concerns and trust I can solve them for you or will get someone who can. We do not want drama. Many people are not kind or calm. They still create an... 07/04/2013

The city of La Quinta, California, is having a huge July 4th celebration. It all starts at 4:30 on July 4th in the La Quinta Community Park. There is a parade, chili cook off, and fireworks at 9 pm. If you want to participate in the chili cook off, the cost is $45. This is a great time to meet up with others from your community of La Quinta and enjoy some good old July 4th fun. 07/02/2013

Today it is over 110 degrees and my agents and I are going to visit several new home developments to tour the model homes. Here are some reasons why we do this: 1. We get an idea of new floor plans and surface materials like counters, cabinets, flooring 2. We get and idea of traffic of buyers out there 3. We build rapport with the onsite sales agents for listing referrals as well as they will help clients we bring to the development get the best lots and homes 4. We find out what buyers want to help our sellers stage their homes accordingly 5. We also can spot the weaknesses to sell against them when necessary 07/02/2013

La Quinta Cove is a favorite neighborhood of mine. Known for eclectic homes, wrap-around-mountain views, hiking trails, and proximity to Old Town La Quinta.  When I am previewing or working in the La Quinta Cove, I always have my camera ready because there are so many charming homes with interesting "puertas" or gates.               Whether they are in front of a hacienda style home, a Santa Fe adobe, or even a more traditional home... I love finding these charming puertas in the La Quinta Cove!                             SEARCH FOR HOMES IN LA QUINTA COVE             07/01/2013

La Quinta Cove Market Report June 2013 La Quinta CA 92253   Currently there are 44 Active Listings for sale in the La Quinta Cove ranging in price from $149,900 and $799,000.  The La Quinta Cove has an eclectic mix of homes as you can tell by the price range. Right now there are 20 Homes with Back-Up-Offer status, and a whopping 27 Homes PENDING!  So, July is off to a big start when these pending homes close! 23 Homes have sold in June 2013 in the La Quinta Cove, which proves that the market is as hot as the weather in La Quinta! 20 Homes SOLD in May 2013. Last year 32 Homes SOLD in June, and 28 Homes SOLD in May 2012.  Last year there were many more foreclosures and short-sales in the mix, and I believe that this is the reason more homes sold last year during these months. SEARCH FOR H... 06/30/2013

PGA West Palmer Private Market Report June 2013  La Quinta, CA 92253   Currently there are 21 Active listings in the PGA West Private Neighborhood, ranging in price from $190,000 to $1,050,000. Quite a price range in this neighborhood! There is 1 home listed as Contingent-Upon-Sale, 3 Homes with Back-Up-Offer Status, and 4 Homes Pending! In 2012, 9 Homes SOLD in May, 6 Homes SOLD in June. This year 10 Homes SOLD in May, and 7 Homes have SOLD in June... With 4 Pending, the July numbers should be strong!   SEARCH FOR HOMES IN PGA WEST PALMER PRIVATE   06/30/2013

This has been a source of debate by agents, buyers, sellers, investors, and others for man years. Do houses sell for less when the temperature is 122 degrees? The sellers are usually not around so they really don't care about the temperature. With that said, there are usually way less buyers around when the temperature is 122 degrees. This mean less competition on bidding on homes and more selection of homes without multiple buyers. The sellers during these hot times realize that the number of buyers is low and they like quick cash closes. Can you save some money by house shopping in 122 degree weather. The answer is probably yes! Today is another 122 degree day and a great day to buy a house in La Quinta, California. 06/30/2013

After selling over 2400 homes, I have these few quick and easy tips to get more money for your home and get it sold FAST! 1. Declutter, declutter, declutter - this is so important. The home needs to feel spacious and open. Closets need to be at least 50% empty, The garage needs to be near empty except for the cars. The cabinets and drawers need to 50% empty and clean and organized. No shampoo or soap in showers or baths. Counters to  be clear. Personal momentos and photos to be put away. No plants or anything decorative on the floor. No wall to wall furniture. 2. Have the home squeaky clean. Clean it and clean again and then have a professional clean some more. This includes windows, powerwash outside of home, window and slider tracks, garage floor, walls, carpet, tile, cabinets, drawer... 06/29/2013

I compare showing homes at 117 degrees with showing homes in a blizzard. The good part of showing homes in adverse weather conditions is that you know the clients are really serious buyers when they show up in such extreme conditions. I keep the car running and the air conditioning COLD as much as possible without taking risk of getting my car stolen. I also take water, sliced and salted apples, and dried cranberries, and ice packs to keep people hydrated and as comfortable as possible. People really need to drink a lot of water in such extreme heat or they can get dehydrated fast and at the least a heat stroke or headache. The people I showed homes today in 117 degrees handled the heat great even though they live near the beach and are not used to hot temperatures. Even if people do no... 06/28/2013

Many people think that buying for resale is different than buying for personal taste. I tell people that pretty much what you like personally is what will also have better resale value. A good location, nicely updated and upgraded home, great room plan with at least 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with a large 2 car or more garage, a nice large yard with a pool, big closets and a casita is what most people want. People like and area that looks pretty and a manned gate and low homeowner's dues. A nicely done and well- maintained home will bring more money in resale and more enjoyment for you too. 06/28/2013

Here are some tips to help stay cool this summer in 100+ degrees: 1. Wear light colors 2. Wear sunscreen 3. Wear a hat 4. Wear sunglasses 5. Drink lots of water 6. Have ice packs available 7. Condition yourself in small doses to adapt to the heat 8. If you feel dizzy or have a headache, get to a cool air conditioned space quickly 9. Stay out of the heat in the middle of the day when it is the hottest 10. Stay in the shade whenever possible 06/27/2013

PGA West Nicklaus Private Market Report June 2013  La Quinta, CA 92253    PGA Nicklaus Private Market Report June 2013 La Quinta, CA     Currently in the PGA West Nicklaus Private neighborhood there are 20 Active Listings ranging in price from $534,000 to $2,750,000.  So no matter what your price range, there is a home for you at PGA West! June 2013 finds 1 Home with Back-up-Offer status and 1 Home Pending. 3 Homes have Sold in June, and  5 Homes Sold in May, the same numbers as last year.     I sold a home on Interlachen in the PGA West Nicklaus Private neighborhood last month, we had 2 offers in the first 5 days!   SEARCH FOR HOMES IN PGA WEST NICKLAUS PRIVATE    06/26/2013

I came across a fantastic opportunity here in the city of La Quinta.  I went to view the property for one of my investors and decided it was just too good to pass up.  Got myself pre-approved, represented myself and darned if my offer didn't get accepted.  Now I'm REALLY living my Buyers' experiences! Loan Docs:  My Lender is terrific, but I wanted to kill him.  The repetition of each underwriter..good grief.  Now I know exactly what my Buyers are experiencing. Home Inspection:  I used a great inspector that I give a lot of work to.  He did a good job and I experienced negotiating my own Request for Repairs and following up.  Escrow:  List Agent negotiated his company.  Well, the good news is that I found out why I will never recommend this company.  The bad news is that I had to ride t... 06/26/2013

The Citrus Club Market Report June 2013 La Quinta, CA 92253      The Citrus Club is an enclave of custom and semi-custom homes surrounding a Pete Dye designed 18-hole Championship golf course.  Located near Old Town La Quinta and the La Quinta Resort & Spa the Citrus club is know for it's breathtaking mountain views!     Currently there are only 5 Active Listings in The Citrus Golf Club neighborhood with 1 new condo listing on Mango for $679,000. The Active Listings range in price from $679,00 to $2,385,000. 6 Homes have Back-up-Offer Status and 2 homes are Pending.   2 Homes have sold in the month of June, and 5 homes sold in May. In 2012 7 homes sold in June and 4 homes sold in May, which indicates that the inventory this year has fewer options compared to 2012.    SEARCH FOR HOMES IN... 06/26/2013

Rancho La Quinta Market Report June 2013 La Quinta, CA 92253      Currently there are 33 Active Listings in the  Rancho La Quinta Country Club neighborhood.  The homes range in price from $419,500 to $1,895,000. There are 10 homes in Back-Up-Offer status and 5 homes pending.  This is a positive sign! 6 Homes have already sold in June, and 9 homes sold in May!  Last year 11 homes sold in May, and 9 in June.  So the market indicates that the buyers are still stepping up and taking advantage of the low prices. There is one new listing in June on Rancho La Quinta Drive for $995,000.  We look for more new listings later in the summer and as fall approaches.   SEARCH FOR HOMES AT RANCHO LA QUINTA CC     06/26/2013

We have many great restaurants in La Quinta, California. During the summer months there are specials galore for great food and drinks at bargain basement prices. Have you been to: Stuft Pizza - happy hour starts at 3pm with prices from $3-$7 Arnold Palmers - happy hour too El Ranchito Hog's Breath Old Town Wine Bar Solano's Lg's Steakhouse Red Robin The Beer Hunter Buccatini Taco de Ojo La Brasserie Figue Chipotle Las Casuela The Cliffhouse 06/25/2013

Summer is a fun time at Trilogy La Quinta. Each year more and more people stay at Trilogy La Quinta for the summer. The mornings and the evenings are cool and delightful. The afternoons are hot and invigorating. You can see people throughout the community including the pool, fitness, golf course, walking, biking, and in the restaurant. There are many activities like movies, cards, dances, wine tasting, tennis, BBQ's. Even the spa is busy in the summer at Trilogy La Quinta. \ For a fun and active lifestyle for people 55+, Trilogy La Quinta is a fabulous place to be all year round. 06/21/2013

  Homes for Sale in The Enclave Mountain Estates Neighborhood La Quinta, CA 92253 Why Do People Live here? The Enclave Mountain Estates is an exclusive gated group of custom luxury homes that border the La Quinta Resort Mountain Course... nestled beneath the Santa Rosa Mountains.  Private and quiet, with amazing views, these homeowners enjoy the beauty and solitude of the The Enclave Mountain Estates , but have the amenities of the La Quinta Resort & Spa right outside the gate.  The Enclave Mountain Estates are not only just steps away from   the La Quinta Resort & Spa, , but  Old Town La Quinta is right down the street. So you have a world class resort nearby, with restaurants, spa, golf, tennis, and shopping too!   Looking for a home in The Enclave?   Interested in finding homes for s... 06/20/2013

Finally today I saw an article in the Honolulu Star Advertiser telling how former Bank of America employees were told to lie to clients about their loan modification and short sales. The employees were told to tell people that documents were missing when they were not. They were told to tell clients the files were in review when they were just sitting for months. They were even offered $500 bonus for getting people to let their homes go into foreclosure. This brought back a lot of bad memories for me. I spent many hours a day for years on the phone with Bank of America trying to help clients get loan modifications and also trying to get short sales approved. I was told over and over that they were missing papers when I had proof the fax had gone through. I would call daily and hold for ... 06/20/2013