New FHA Guidelines;  Bye-bye Flipping Rule..Great summation of the new FHA guidelines courtesy of RealtyTrac.  Working with first time buyers and investors here in the Coachella Valley, both of these issues will be important in 2010. Securing FHA-insured mortgages are attractive to borrowers because down payments are only 3.5 percent. Most conventional loans now require 20 percent down, keeping many creditworthy borrowers on the sidelines. New Guidelines The new rules - which are temporary and take effect this summer - come after more than a year of stringent standards from lenders. Among them: Better Credit Score - New borrowers will have to have a minimum credit score of 580 to qualify for a 3.5 percent down payment. Previously, there was no minimum score. Those with lower scores will... 02/11/2010

With the desert providing the kind of temperatures needed for outdoor activity, La Quinta is easily one of the most desirable destinations in the valley.  Unlike what you may believe the desert does offer desirable spots such as the Griffin Ranch where perfection is made.  With majestic mountains backing the ranch and roaming pastures in the foreground, this ranch is everything Merv Griffin imagined it to be. The overall theme at Griffin Ranch is equestrian, the luxury and elegance is precisely what you will find with the homes.  The guard-gated community offers four residential collections that consist of 11 unique single-story floor plans.  Some of the architectural styles you can expect to find within the community are based off of Monterey, Andalusian, Spanish Colonial, Contemporary... 02/10/2010

Coachella Valley Property is Hopping!  The market has risen again..totally different conditions and terms, but it is definately alive.  La Quinta, Palm Desert, West Indio, golf course communities and high end properties..and yes, dare I say it..even vacant land is generating interest.Vacant land prices have dropped spectacularly..from a high of approx $250,000/acre in the East Valley to a range between $30-50,000/acre now.  That is what is driving interest again.  Developers are looking as always, but also small farmers, equestrian riders, date farmers, ag farmers.  They are able to pick up parcels at a reasonable price, with plentiful water, and amazing views.  I don't see building picking up for the next 12 to 24 months due to a standing inventory of homes still out there, but buying ... 02/10/2010

Our prices have leveled out for the past month. It looks like now is the time to invest in real estate in La Quinta and Indio, California. Prices are at prices of 2001 and even lower. There are many nice homes in great locations available. Interest rates are lower than in many years. La Quinta and Indio is where the sun shines 360 days a year and there are over 120 golf courses in the area not to mention hiking trails, biking trails, restaurants, and great shopping too. There are very few apartments in La Quinta and Indio so there is a need for homes to rent, both vacation rentals and long term rentals. You can expect a break even on rentals up to a 10% positive cash flow. Most homes in Indio and La Quinta are less than 10 years old so maintenance is minimal. This is the time to invest ... 02/10/2010

I have several deals going right now-- working with skittish buyers, and frustrated sellers.  It is no accident, that I went to work FOR WITH a very experienced Broker, Lori Bowers.  I have been in the Real Estate business for less than 5 years-- and I sought out a forward thinking, progressive, and saavy Mentor to guide me and help me steer through these challenging markets. Tomorrow morning we are meeting with Sellers who are anxious to get an offer-- I am hoping to learn some new techniques, verbage, and skills  to help build their confidence,  settle their nerves, and find out what their bottom line really is. Next week, we will meet with the Buyers and explore some creative ways to put the deal together-- perhaps with owner financing , a longer escrow, or assuring them we can sell ... 02/09/2010

For all the wine lovers out here in the Coachella Valley, I wanted to remind you to save the date. Feb 27 @ 9 am with bus returning around 5:15. What a great way to enjoy fine wine, tour the beautiful wineries in Temecula and meet new people.  For $29 per person you get a luxury bus ride, time at 3 well known wineries and the best part is you don't have to worry about drinking and driving.  Cost of wine and extra.   You can register onine at  www.la-quinta.org 02/09/2010

My Broker, Lori Bowers, is a very progressive Broker, Realtor, and Agent... she embraces change, believes in the power of social media and the internet-- and the advantages of joining ActiveRAin !  In the last few weeks she has begun a campaign within the office to get our Agents to join the ActiveRain community and get blogging!  She has had contests for fun prizes like gift cards to Old Town Coffee and the requirements are 1. Post 3 Blogs on ACTIVERAIN! 2. 5 Comments on our YOUTube videos 3. Post 3 ads on Craigslist 4. Record 3 Flip Videos of properties 5. Make  5 comments on fellow Agents blogs   She is FORCING us to not only participate in AR, but to get our names and our brands out there!  Not only are we engaging in the AR community, we are engaging in the world-wide-web Community... 02/08/2010

Every year they publish the Best of the Valley picks for the Coachella Valley and California Desert area!  The categories include burgers, sports bars, theatres, hiking, happy hours, spas, dog parks, wine shops, furniture stores, tennis courts, car washes, high schools, and many, many more categories! If you love the desert as much as I do-- check out LiveTheDesertLife.com! You can cast your vote until February 14th-- and I will publish the results to see how your favorites fared!  Click on the icon below to cast your VOTE !    02/08/2010

Do you owe more than your home is worth? Are you having trouble making your payments due to financial hardship like divorce, health issues, loss of job or cut of income on job?Our Company the Lori Bowers Group has been doing many short sales in our area for over 3 years. We are very proficient in getting the short sales excepted by the banks at minimal hassles to our clients.Here are 5 tips to help you get through this process:1. Be sure you have a complete and accurate and professionally presented package. This really makes a difference for bank approval.2 months bank statements2 years tax returnsfinancial statementhardship letterThe agent will provide the rest if the information - compatibles,2. Stay in constant contact with the bank- you and your agent. The squeaky wheel gets the oil... 02/08/2010

La Quinta offers a serene beauty...Before the game on Super Bowl Sunday, I took a hike behind the La Quinta Cove.  Ended up in Old town and swung back to the park across the street.  It is the BEST family park.  There is a shaded area with a jungle gym and swings and the best thing is the footing.  The ground is a padded, cushioned thing..amazing.  I don't even have kids, but it's fun!Looking North from hiking trail towards Old Town.The beauty of no HOA's!Street Scene in Old Town Baseball field at the parkwhich also has outdoor fitness area along with the basketball courts..La Quinta is alive; desertscape.La Quinta is full of active things to do, a beautiful setting and peace..for more info on Coachella Valley properties.. 02/08/2010

Yelp is a n online listing of businesses categorized by city or zip code-- It is a forum for people to share reviews and rate local businesses.  It is also a great way to connect with your customers and clients and answer questions, address concerns, get kudos, and reply to compaints.  This short video will help you get signed up with Yelp-- and show you how to promote your business online!  So get yelping!! How To Use Yelp For Business Owners on Howcast 02/07/2010

Coachella Valley Community Theaters...Live Entertainment!  Nothing like seeing a play in a more intimate setting.  When there are 40 to 200 seats, you feel like you're part of the acting family..and your family members are performing for YOU especially!  Great fun, and also supports the Arts and Entertainment of your community..Here are some ideas for Coachella Valley Live Theatres..La Quinta Playhouse: #104 La Fonda, Old Town, La Quinta.  760-360-9191  "The Fantastics"  Feb18-March14Indian Wells Theater:  37-500 Cook St.  Palm Desert:  760-341-2883"Trying" starring Harold Gould,    March 5-14The Thorny Theater:  2500 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs  760-325-0853"MENsky's Burlyesque"  Feb 5-28Indio Performing Arts Center (IPAC):  45-175 Fargo St., Indio  760-775-5200"Reflections"  Feb.... 02/07/2010

We don't have many days like this in La Quinta, California!  It actually is kind of nice to have some cool cloudy days, considering the California desert has an avg. 340 days of sunshine!  We will have many, many days of bright warm weather coming soon so I am savoring this cozy day in front of the fire!  A perfect day to catch up on correspondence, answer e-mails, work on my web-site, and make some ActiveRain!  If you love the desert, follow my link to livethedesertlife.com! 02/06/2010

This little video speaks VOLUMES!  A great tutorial for new home buyers- this could work for lenders, appraisers, inspectors,  attorneys, bankers, realtors, you name it!  Send this to newlyweds, college kids, investors and anyone who wants to buy a house!  I love that they include  the internet search along with..... CONTACT YOUR Realtor!  HOW TO BUY A HOUSE! How To Buy a House on Howcast 02/05/2010

It seems that every couple I engage with outside our office (The Lori Bowers Group) in Old Town La Quinta lately is from CANADA!  I mean every single one!  I just have to walk outside the office and say hello-- and what part of Canada are you from?  The Canadian dollar is strong here-- and the weather is bright and sunny ☼... a very potent combination for our northern neighbors.  The desert is the perfect place to come during those long, cold, winter months for golf, hiking, tennis, and beautiful scenery. You can check out the area by visiting LiveTheDesertLife.com If you are a Canadian agent, or citizen-- come and see us in Old Town La Quinta-- we speak your language!    02/05/2010

My broker feels that all of our friends SHOULD do business with us.  They should WANT us to list and sell their homes, and they SHOULD WANT to call us when they want to buy.  But this is not reality.  There are some (overpriced-underwater) listings that I would NOT want to try to market and sell, even for a very good friend.  Some friends would be IMPOSSIBLE to work with in finding the perfect home.  I am finding that there is alot of business out there-- don't worry if your friends choose to work with another Realtor. My friendships are very important to me-- even more than suffering through a very difficult or improbable sale.  It can create havoc and hard feelings... I'd rather work with friends of my friends! 02/05/2010

If you are like me,  you have buyers-- but they just won't pull the trigger-- it can be very frustrating!  I have been working with some of my buyers for years... they are waiting for "the bottom", waiting for "a steal", waiting for their finances to turn around, waiting and waiting.  Here are some questions to ask your buyers to help them clarify and take action!  3 QUESTIONS to help them get off the FENCE! 02/05/2010

Tonite I held an appointment only OPEN HOUSE, with fire pits, fire place, pool lights, & outside down-lites a blazing!   I opened some wine and softened the lights to create a cozy atomosphere and the buyers came to see a fabulous home at night. Our La Quinta CC Clubhouse created a beautiful backdrop in the distance with the lake fountain on the 18th hole dancing in the distance! I feel that an evening showing can show the buyer my listings in a very unique way.  Some homes are so much more appealing with the lights low and the special fire features available today.  Go to LiveTheDesertLife.com ! So light up your listings by doing an evening showing !  Do you have any other ideas for creative showings?  02/04/2010

Qualifying Short Sale Sellers.  If a Short Sale is judged to be a distresed homeowner's best option, the Realtor on the Listing side has to be exact and thorough in qualifying the homeowner for a Short Sale.  Not every Seller is a Short Sale candidate..unfortunately, not every Seller can  be saved from Foreclosure.Are you a Short Sale Candidate? Do you have a valid hardship? Is there enough time to accomplish the Short Sale? Have you contacted the appropriate finance, tax and legal professionals? What is owed on the property? Are there other liens?  Such as...tax liens, HOA liens, seconds? The condition of the property?  Are you willing to complete the Short Sale documentation, maintain the property for showings, and respond to your Agent immediately? If you think you may be a good cand... 02/04/2010

As we sell homes in La Quinta to more and more Canadians, we of course introduce them to each other. We are finding that many of them live and work near each other and have friends in common. We are working on a profile of Canadian home owners in Palm Springs and La Quinta- age, where they live and work in Canada, why they chose La Quinta and Palm Springs, what they like about La Quinta and Palm Springs, favorite restaurants, favorite past times, amount of time spent in La Quinta and Palm Springs, what developments they live in La Quinta and Palm Springs.We are finding most Canadians in La Quinta and Palm Springs are 40-60 years old, from Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary. Most Canadians are in La Quinta 4-6 months a year. Canadians in La Quinta and Palm Springs unanimously love sunshine.... 02/03/2010