Many real estate agents, brokers, buyers, and sellers do not carefully read the title report. This is so important as getting clear title is essential to getting real ownership to the property.  Recently I have had 2 issues that make me so grateful for reading closely the title report. 1. My client is named Ronald and they listed him as Donald. Also they had the wrong date on his trust. Then they had it wrong on the grant deed. They corrected the grant deed and it was still wrong. Thank goodness my client read his grant deed carefully. We are hopeful that this is resolved now. 2. I have another client that is buying a house where the home is listed in a guy's name at 50% ownership and a trust with the guy and his grandmother at 50% ownership in a trust. They want to quit claim the home ... 01/17/2013

I was so lucky when I started in real estate to be at a great company with alot of great agents. A few had stayed in contact with me for 11 years even though I have moved from the Bay area 1.5 years ago. I just had lunch with one of the agents who I met way back then. She is such a sweetheart and I learned so much from her over the years. She has retired from real estate but still is a wealth of knowledge and information. I feel grateful and honored to know real estate agents like Barbara Howard. She is a wonderful friend and great mentor and role model. 01/15/2013

1. You feel you will not be relocated or have to move outside the area for at least 5 years 2. You have good credit 3. You have adequate savings for a downpayment 4. You need tax writeoffs 5. You attend open houses 6. You have a loan preapproval 7. You watch HGTV regularly 8. You know what neighborhood you want to live in   01/14/2013

Exposure to mold can cause health effects through inflammation, allergic response, or infection. Allergic reactions often referred to as hay fever are the most common health issues reported following mold exposure. Typical symptoms reported by people exposed to mold include: Breathing problems such as wheezing difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath Nose or sinus congestion - stuffy feeling and sinus headache Eye irritation - burning, watery, or reddened eyes Dry, hacking cough Nose or throat irritation - runny nose, sneezing, sore throat Skin rashes or red itchy skin Also - headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are also reported in mold cases, but the cause is not yet understood. 01/14/2013

Most people are very kind to real estate agents. Some people for whatever reason are mean, rude, abusive. They act like real estate agents know nothing about real estate and they are the experts. They don't value our time. They make rude comments about the homes and the process. They have unrealistic expectations on price of homes and what you can get for your money. Why would a real estate agent price a home 50% over value? I have a mantra for all of life - be kind, be calm. Life would be better for everyone is all people learned to be kind and be calm. How about buying your real estate agent lunch? How about telling them how good they are at what they do? How about telling them how much you appreciate their help and expertise? How about referring them to your friends and neighbors? I ... 01/13/2013

Certain cities entice residents to "get fit!"  Here in Palm Springs, especially in the winter time, that is definately true!  Staying fit or getting fit in the Palm Springs Valley is easy.  What do you like to do?  Let's see.. 1.  Hiking?  There are so many hiking trails and hiking clubs that no matter your level of expertise, there is a hike for you! 2.  Yoga or Pilates or gym time?  Every City, from La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Cat City and Palm Springs offers these! 3.  Biking?  There are biking paths around the La Quinta Cove that Triatheletes us to train, bike paths through most of our desert cities and then there's the ultimate Tour de Palm Springs. in February. 4.  Horse enthusiast?  The HITS horseshow and polo at Eldorado and Empire Polo Clubs offer spectators a thril... 01/11/2013

Who would have thought showing homes could be dangerous? Yesterday my friend and co-agent was showing homes for me while I was at a home inspection with another client. She and the clients got locked in a garage so she went out the side door and went to the front to open the door so they could exit the garage. On the way she tripped and fell. She hurt her arm, shoulder, ankle, and hand. The client she was showing is a doctor and his wife is a nurse. She called me and I went and got her and took her to an urgent care. Luckily she has contusions, no breaks. The lesson to be learned is to always have your phone on your body when you are showing homes. ALso, move slowly and carefully. Be careful to not lock yourself or the clients in or out of a house. Just another good real estate story! 01/09/2013

Here are some common household hazardous products. Some products are hazardous on their own, but can become even more dangerous when they are mixed with other household products. Cleaning products containing ammonia Chlorine bleach and cleaning products containing it Drain cleaners Carpet cleaning products Oven cleaners Metal polishers Garden supplies such as weed and insect killers, rat poison, fertilizer Charcoal lighter fluid and kerosene Automotive supplies such as antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, batteries, and brake fluid Paint, varnish, paint removers, glues, and waxes Electronic products such as cathode ray tubes, televisions, computers, cell phones Universal wastes such as fluorescent lights, small batteries, andproducts containing mercury 01/08/2013

Here are some sources of carbon monoxide in homes: Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters Gas water heaters Improperly adjusted or maintained furnaces or boilers Wood stoves and fireplaces Gas stoves and ovens Gas powered equipment such as generators Automobile exhaust Tobacco smoke These are areas to look for when considering carbon monoxide risks in your home. 01/08/2013

La Quinta Tennis Villa REDUCED $200,000!   Private Tennis villa at La Quinta Country Club just reduced $200,000.  The sellers are motivated and are ready to sell their 3500+ sq.ft. exclusive luxury property with 4 BR/5BA, private pool and spa, mother-in-law suite, and stunning views of the La Quinta Country Club 8th hole and the Santa Rosa Mountains! This large estate with gated driveway and 25,000+ sq. ft. lot has been reduced to$1,295,000. Please give me a call for questions, or to schedule a private tour of the estate!  Kathy Schowe (760)333-8886   Private Tennis Villa in La Quinta California Tennis Villa at La Quinta Country Club-- Private Tour! La Quinta Country Club Tour La Quinta Country Club Market Trends October 2011 La Quinta Country Club Neighborhood-- close to Old Town La Qu... 01/07/2013

Here are some examples of hardships I have encountered over 6 years of processing short sales. 1. Death of spouse 2. Major illness 3. Divorce 4. Loss of job 5. Moving to another area due to job 6. Illness of child or family member 7. Bad car accident 8. Fire 9. Flood 10. Earthquake damage 11. Handicap or disability 12. Loss of limb 13. Military service 14. Major damage to home from burglary 15. Too much credit card and other debt 16.Increase in interest rates on other debt 01/07/2013

Many real estate agents do not seem committed to real estate. Here are some ways that I can tell quickly if real estate agents and brokers are committed to real estate. 1. They answer the phone 2. They blog 3. They view 10 homes a day 4. You see them in the office working 5. They stay in touch with their clients 6. The do lots of coaching, classes, and tech training 7. Their staff is well-trained and professional 8. They know how to put a deal together and get it closed 9. Their service people and vendors are competent and professional 10. They are available - ready and willing to help with a 'can do' attitude 01/06/2013

Many homeowners are asking this question. Here are a few checkpoints to see if this is the time for you to sell your home. 1. What do I like about my home? 2. What don't I like about my home? 3. Why do I want to move? 4. Where do I want to move? 5. How soon do I want to move? 6. Can I afford the home of my dreams? 7. Are my dreams realistic? 8. What is my current home worth? 9. Can I update or change my current home to make me happy? Selling your home is a process. With careful planning, it can be a fun and profitable move.   01/04/2013

Spring is the most popular time to buy a home for several reasons. Corporate bonuses are given in January. School ends in June. The spring selling market starts right after the holidays in January. Sellers are advised to interview several agents and inquire about their negotiating skills, where she lives, what area she covers, and how she handles challenging situations like bidding wars. Sellers can gain dollars and lose stress by using a house stager to present their home depersonalized and picture perfect. Declutter is imperative. These tips will help sellers in 2013 with a quick sale and top dollar too. 01/04/2013

Most of us have too much stuff. The cure for a bloated room is editing. It's a project that can be tackled in a few hours. Empty the room of everything. Clean the room thoroughly. Then put back on the things you really like or need. It is surprising how many belongings we can easily do without and how much better the room looks without them. Editing a room yearly can give a fresh new look to your home with minimal cost and effort. Is today the the day to start editing? 01/04/2013

1. Clean and simple contemporary 2. Quartz composite counter top 3.Hardwood floors 4. Glass backsplash 6. Deep single sink is in 7. Deep gray and charcoal is the in color 8. Calacatta marble is the preferred stone finish 9. Accents with golf and/or silver with glossy glass tiles and nickel fixtures burst forth this year 10. Multigenerational living and living longer on your own make an easy to work in space matter 11. Homes that are free of toxins and are energy efficient are very popular 01/04/2013

Air leaks - sealed or unsealed Cooling system Heating system Water heating system Heating and cooling ducts and/or pipes Insulation - attic, walls, floor Windows Attached lighting fixtures Major appliances Solar electricity generating systems- if any Other energy  uses Air purification systems Water purification systems Air recirculation 01/04/2013

Align yourself with a good realtor Have references Bring photos of your past residences Show them your clean car Show pay stubs and bank accounts Get a co-signer who has good credit Pay rent upfront or direct deposit 01/04/2013

Homeowner vacation rentral is a trend that increases every year and can be a win-win for both the homeowner and the renter. Vacation rental homes are a good deal for families and couples providing more room, cooking facilities and privacy too. Vacation rentals are mostly second homes and is a great way for homeowners whose homes are vacant much of the time to get some extra money to help pay property taxes and repairs. Aligning with a good property manager helps makes the process easier and profitable too. 01/04/2013

This is why so many "snowbirds" come to my Palm Springs Valley...the sunshine!  Today is COLD by my standards and I had to wear a sweatshirt.  It's always pretty funny to see visitors from Canada, the Midwest, Alaska, Seattle, even the Beach city visitors are always in shorts and t-shirts!  Amazing, but for them it's HOT! Lots of people have been looking in the La Quinta are for their winter residence.  One of the popular golf course communities that I've shown alot the past week or so is The Citrus.  Located near to the La Quinta Hotel and about 5 minutes from Old Town, it's central, and offers homes both on and off the golf course.  If the Citrus isn't for you, but you're looking for a La Quinta Golf Course home, check these out.  We have many different options for our visitors and se... 01/02/2013