Over the years of being a real estate broker, it has become very clear to me that focus, miindset, drive and planning equals results. I was very lucky to have almost 8 years of coaching with Tome ferry and also trained to be a coach. I was always driven and real estate has always been my passion. Through the coaching and meeting and sharing with other agents adn training other agents, I have learned that skills truly matter. Even with good skills consistency and constant marketing also mean results. Suiting up and showing up matter, but you must be focused, driven, and have a plan that you follow diligently. I write goals and review them frequently to reallize results. What is your plan? Are you focused, driven, and planning with a positive and aggressive mindet? 03/18/2013

Happy Monday!    It's going to be a big week- I'm working on 2- Million Dollar deals this week.  One is a listing, and the other is just a few doors away, and I represent the buyer!  Plus we are making some progress with my new website SchoweProperties.com, and should have it up and running soon.   P Can't wait to get going and see how it all unfolds!  Hope you have a great week!   03/18/2013

Last night my husband and I went to a grand opening party for a new restaurant in our area- Figue. We were so honored to get the invitation and the party was spectacular from the red carpet out front and food and drinks so well presented. The best part was that we did not know may of the people in attendance so we connected with several new friends and potential clients. We did see a few people we knew and were able to reconnect with them too. This event brought back memories of the old economy when luxurious parties were the norm. It is fun to go such events and good for my business too. Now we will visit the restaurant with our old friends and new friends too and I will be their on site realtor of choice. 03/16/2013

Here are a few of the new home developments that are springing up all over the area. Toll Brothers -Escala, Estilo, Alta in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Ponderosa - The Gallery in North Palm Desert Pulte - Sun City Shadow Hills GHA Communities - Sunrise- Bermuda Dunes and University Place - Palm Desert KB Homes - La Playa - Coachella and Kingston Court - Palm Desert Whittier Ranch - South Indio Andalusia - South La Quinta Cordoniz - La Quinta Rancho Santana - La Quinta D.R. Horton - Renaissance at the Gallery - Palm Desert and Mountain Estates - North Indio Madison Estates - Indio Each week more and more new homes are becoming available. For people who have been waiting for many years for a new home, now is the time to buy. With new features and gorgeous spacious floor plans, a new ho... 03/16/2013

I spoke with an out of area agent today about a listing I have in my own, La Quinta Country Club neighborhood- he requested a copy of the CCR's and asked me a few questions about our HOA.  He asid he had a client who was very interested and that they had already previewed the home.  I was a little surprised since the property is appointment only and I am supposed to accompany any buyers or agents when they view the property.  Apparently the buyer is acquainted with the sellers and they called the sellers directly to preview the property. I was happy to hear that my sellers honored our arrangement (listing agreement) and have asked the buyers agent to contact me. It is encouraging to have loyal clients and top notch agents with integrity to work with.  He told me that they were putting ... 03/15/2013

These are fabulous new homes being built in a great 55+ community with golf, tennis, fitness, clubs, and a restaurant. There are 8 floor plans with prices from the low $200,000's to the low $400,000's. There are less than 300 homes left to be built. Now is the time to buy a new home in a wonderful area. Enjoy a fun lifestyle and sunshine everyday. 8 models are open daily for viewing. Take me along as your real estate agent to get the best deal and my knowledge of new homes from selling hundreds of new homes over the past 10 years. 03/15/2013

In 2005 the area of Palm Springs, California, was increasing daily by 53 people. Then by 2009 there were -2 people a day. Now for the good news. The latest figures show for 2012 we had a gain of 31,000+ people or 85 people a day. More people puts more money into the economy. It also means more house sales. This is a big win for the Palm Springs area. 03/15/2013

We have been shaking this week in La Quinta, California. Now is the time to get prepared for a bigger earthquake. We need water, food for 3 days, medication near you atall times, batteries, flashlights, propane, automatic shut off on gas to home. Be sure phones and tablets are charged to aid communication In my neighborhoos we have a committee that is set up to spring into action at any emergency. Being prepared can save lives and at least alot of stress. 03/13/2013

LA QUINTA REAL ESTATE AGENTS Call Us Now: 1 (888) 9-LIST-IT Are you like many homeowners in La Quinta having trouble paying your mortgage every month? You may be behind in your mortgage payment, or not behind yet. Don't let foreclosure happen to you. Hire the best La Quinta Real Estate Agents to help you with your difficult situation FREE OF CHARGE! We are La Quinta real estate short sale agents, and we have extensive real estate experience and success negotiating with dozens of the nation's mortgage lenders and banks. Whether you have one, two or more mortgage loans, we can offer you many short sale options and information. Our La Quinta real estate agents assist homeowners throughout Southern California every day, including all areas and cities of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties... 03/11/2013

We have so many sunny days here.  In my opionion, the best photo opportunities here are on cloudy days.  The clouds provide a backdrop for our palms and mountains and golf courses.   The rare clouds inspire me to capture them in photos and share them with you!  This week we will reach 90 degrees and have clear skies and sunny days! 03/10/2013

Trilogy by Shea homes has opened a new information center at Avenue 52 and Jackson in Indio, California. There will be approximately 800 new homes of all sizes and amenities like fitness, tennis, hiking, and biking. There is no golf course at this location but there is plenty of golf nearby. The Information Center opened last week. For an active adult lifestyle and good value living, this is the place to be. Watch for updates and more information soon. 03/10/2013

When I have new clients who are buyers, I have a meeting with them to explain to them how I work. I then make a list of their wants and needs for their home they are buying including price and time schedule to buy. I tell them that I will take them on a tour of all developments and areas that meet their criteria. They can tell me when we drive into the area if they like the area. If they do like the area, I shoe them a few homes and move on. After a few areas and a few homes, I can usually drive them right to a home and area that they love. That is because I know the areas and the inventory. I do not want buyers talking to friends and neighbors and have them say that I did not take them to a certain place that is ' the best.' I tell the buyers that I am taking them to the best places fo... 03/10/2013

The past 3 days I have been at social events with friends and neighbors. Now more than ever I am being asked about the real estate market. I used to say - are you a buyer, seller, investor, or renter? Now I ask what do they want to know about the market. I then say - As I see it, which may not mean a thing and it may change at anytime, the market has stabilized. In our area near La Quinta, California, we do have many homes for sale, but for several reasons many of the homes for sale sit on the market. The 'good' homes at 'good' prices sell fast and many times with  multiple offers. People have been 'waiting' for a long time and many people realize that now more than ever is a great time to buy a home. The prices are still low and the interest rates are low too. I then give examples of h... 03/10/2013

I have some really nice clients who the husband is a retired real estate broker. I met their family and the adult children and grandchildren were also very nice. I asked them how they met. Guess what? The husband was doing an open house about 40 years ago and she was on a walk in the neighborhood. She stopped into the open house even though she did not want to buy a house. She wrote down her name and phone number. A few days later he called her and asked her to lunch. The rest is history. I guess you never know what you will gain from an open house. The man got a wonderful wife and good life - way better than selling the house. P.S. They said the house never did sell and the owner cancelled the listing. It truly does all work out. 03/09/2013

When I have guests, even my own parents, or when I am when friends, I see now more than ever, that real estate is 'my life.' I carry my phone all the time wherever I go. If I am home, I am doing minor appointments like delivering keys, showing a few homes even when I have guests. I also blog even when I have guests or am traveling. I text, email, and answer calls. I even sell homes. It all seems 'normal' to me. I know it is easier to do it as it comes rather have it pile up. People try to feel sorry for me, but I love real estate. Of course, there are some days where it is frustrating, but most of the time I understand it is my life and I am grateful to live my passion. 03/09/2013

As we all know, the economy has changed. People are starting to vacation more and spend more money again. We have very few rentals in La Quinta, California and many events like tennis tournaments, art shows, music festivals. You can buy a vacation home at a bargain price and get rental income when you are not using the home. Here is an example of how this can work: Home purchase price $300,000 ( 1918 sq. ft. home on the golf course on PGA West.) Loan $200,000 Payment $800 HOA $600 Taxes $400 Insurance and maintenance $100 Cost per month $1900 mo. Potential rental income $4000 mo. for 4 months is $16000 You can own a home and use of it 8 months a year for only $300 a month. This is a great investment and costs less than regular vcations. Figures and calculations are approximate.   03/08/2013

Mortgage interest is your best friend Mortgage insurance is still deductible Qualified renovations count - tax credits are still available for hot water heaters and solar panels Unqualified renovations can count later - you may be able to deduct renovations when you sell to save taxes Claim selling costs - when selling a home you can deduct title insurance, advertising, and real estate broker fees Don't forget moving expenses - If you move due to a job relocation, you may be able to deduct some expenses with receipts. 03/08/2013

Over 60 homes currently for sale Homes are rpiced for $204,000 - $795,000 Average days on the market and homes are still not sold 100 Median price OF HOMES ON THE MARKET$499,000 24 homes sold since December 1, 2012 Homes sold from $210,000-$729,000 aVERAGE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT $204.16 mEDIAN PRICE of homes sold $$347,000 Figures from 3-1-13 03/07/2013

Hear it directly from those who live there: We were looking for sunshine. We found so much more. We've gone from Wall Street to street pedalers. We are so active here. We call it Camp Doolin. We fell in love at first sight. Better living through more fun. Good times in good taste. A beautiful experience in many ways. The number one thing that distinguishes Andalusia is the people who live here. Distinctive rises to etraordinaty levels. 03/07/2013

It has been a long time coming, but it does look like La Quinta and the Desert Area housing market is making a recovery – and this time, it may stick around. January, the median price for all existing Desert area condos and newly built homes increased 32.9% to $220,000 from last year, San Diego-based DataQuick recently reported. This continues the upward trend we started to see last year of 31% in December; 21% in November; 26% in October; 19% in September; 19.8% in August; and 20% in July, DataQuick reported.   Existing homes prices increased 22% year-over-year in January to $365,000 from $286,000, according to the California Desert Association of Realtors, based solely on the Desert Area Multiple Listing Service. The average sale price of a condo rose to $215,000 in January from $192,... 03/04/2013