My broker, Lori Bowers, of the Lori Bowers Group in Old Town La Quinta gave us an assignment last week-- TO FIND NEW AND CREATIVE WAYS TO ATTRACT NEW CLIENTS AND BUSINESS! She had run into a fellow Agent over the holidays who had changed her focus and BOOSTED her business BIG-TIME by marketing her services to Chinese prospects-- BUYING AND INVESTING in the desert area!  Talk about being CREATIVE! I have been working on some new ideas-- but they mostly involve doing more of the SAME THING I've been doing, but being more persistent and consistent.  1. FOLLOWING MY SOCIAL-MEDIA PLAN BY CONSISTENTLY POSTING INFO ON MY WEB-SITE. 2. MAKING NEW AND OLD SOCIAL CONNECTIONS THROUGH FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. 3. CONSISTENTLY AND PERSISTENTLY BLOGGING ON ACTIVE RAIN! 4. STAY VISIBLE IN MY "REAL" COMMUNI... 01/03/2010

Short Sales Should go faster..April of 2010?  The New York Times is reporting that because Foreclosure Alternatives Program, which goes into affect April of 2010 may push the Short Sale process into doable timeframes.  In late November, with scant public disclosure, the Treasury Department started the Foreclosure Alternatives Program, through which it will encourage arrangements that result in distressed borrowers surrendering their homes. The program will pay incentives to mortgage companies that allow homeowners to sell properties for less than they owe on their mortgages - short sales, in real estate parlance. The government will also pay incentives to mortgage companies that allow delinquent borrowers to hand over their deeds in lieu of foreclosing. Short Sales right now are not tha... 01/01/2010

Approximately 3,000,000 snowbirds from Canada escape to warmer places such as Palm Springs and La Quinta each winter.  Now with Canada's national currency at favorable levels against the US dollar, Canada's oil and natural gas industries booming, many Canadian financial experts are are calling for even more Canadians to head south and invest their new found wealth in areas like Palm Desert and La Quinta, California. That's why many Canadians are looking to buy even more than one property now while the picking is ripe.  To many in real estate, this attitude is not a passing fancy. Canadians say," everyone is heading south. It is financially attractive now. It makes so much sense, so it is enticing to more people now than ever. 12/31/2009

We are expecting a sunny beautiful day of 70 degrees plus. Most Americans are spending the first day of the New Year watching parades and football and eating big meals. This is the perfect day for Canadians visiting to take advantage of Realtors with some open appointments and find a great home. Prices are lower than ever. Interest rates are lower than ever. The exchange rate is great. La Quinta has  many Canadians who winter here so there are many friends to socialize. The sun shines nearly everyday in La Quinta. The is the perfect way for Canadians to start the New year in La Quinta- a new home! 12/31/2009

We are a top group of 17 agents and really enjoy working with Canadian buyers- our specialty! We have sold over 10 homes to Canadians in the past few months! We have worked hard to target their special needs and wants to make the process hassle free and fun for them. Here are a few services we provide for a smooth and easy purchase and close.1. We stay in contact by phone and email each day.2. We communicate clearly and concisely what the Canadians are looking for- their needs and wants, location, price, size of home, style, recreation desires, amount of time here, and more.3. We know where to find the best values and go after them.4. We preview homes and send you tube videos of the best ones5. We show the best homes and others too, so they know they are getting the best deal6. We are t... 12/31/2009

Over the past several years, we have more and more Canadians purchasing property in La Quinta. Canadians love our sunny warm weather and the beautiful golf courses here. Our Palm Springs airport has non-stop flights to Calgary and to Vancouver each day making travel to Canada easy within 3 hours. A few years ago the dollar was so deflated our real estate was on 50% sale to the Canadians. Now our prices have gone down 50%-70% so they are buying alot of homes again. Most of the Canadians buy with cash. They are friendly nice people and add alot to our economy for restaurants, stores, hair salons, nails, and even medical and other services. We have made good friends with them and their friends and work with all them on referrals for homes. We have worked hard to understand their country an... 12/31/2009

Desert Home Sales Numbers Up;  Prices Down..This article from the Business section of the Desert Sun stresses again that although actual number of home sales continue to rise, the prices continue to drop...http://tinyurl.com/ydylsmk  The thing is once again that when we read reports about "prices continue to drop", remember the following: Location!  Yes, it is ALWAYS a factor in price/sf.  Very Recent Comparables:  If those price/sf SOLDS have held for 12 months or so..you are seeing the bottom and there are buyers waiting to purchase in that particular price point in that particular development. The slides in prices for mid to high end properties is pulling down the median and that is often what is meant by "prices continue to drop" REO's and Short Sales are still driving our Desert ma... 12/30/2009

With the housing prices at record lows here in our desert paradise, we are seeing many of our Canadian friends coming back to town this season and picking up a few houses as an investement.  It is a domino effect, last year they bought one and this year they are picking up as many as they can.  Several of our past Canadian clients are now returning with friends who want to jump on board, amazing what word of mouth does. We are so excited to have our Canadians back in town, they are a great bunch of people and not only do we sell them a home or two, but also rent them out for them and make friendships for years to come. If you know of someone loking to buy in our beautiful desert, we are here to find you the perfect deal. 12/29/2009

I just got off the phone on another short-sale call.  This time they called ME-- but it was NOT good news.  I have a signed offer from OCTOBER 21,2009 and have FAXED 71 DOCUMENTS in entirety TWICE!  Now they inform me that all information must be uploaded into their system via EQUATOR, an outsourced processor.  Am I STARTING FROM SQUARE ONE ....AGAIN???  The appraiser is coming tomorrow-- and today I am scanning and uploading the 3rd Party Authorization form, and the initial offer and date. He assured me that the Appraisal would continue and be input from their side.  He assured me that NOW the process would move along more smoothly and efficiently.  He assured me that the 20+ other Agents he spoke to this morning were all not as ANGRY as me. I AM SO FRUSTRATED!!  IS THIS HAPPENING TO ... 12/28/2009

I am working on my E-PRO designation-- basically to earn a badge that confirms my knowledge of the internet, proficiency in on-line marketing, and my passion for Web 2.0  What about the other designations?  Which ones matter to clients?  We live in a resort community with a large number of retirees... should I be a Senior Specialist?  I also am located in Southern California-- Does that mean I should be a Divorce Specialist as it pertains to Real Estate? I'm a scratch golfer... Do I qualify for a  "golf community" designation because I know my way around a golf course?  Which courses really teach you new and valuable lessons, and which ones are "just for show" ?  Let me know which designations make the most impact with clients... AND which ones you learned the most from! 12/27/2009

I recently listed a house on my street-- and was thrilled to get the listing!  I love the area, love the neighborhood, love the views... I'm hoping I can convey my enthusiasm for my home to any prospects looking at my new listing!  What a great way to establish myself as an "expert" here-- by promoting my business right here at home. I already know the HOA info, Country Club info, Tennis and Pool specs, and most of the neighbors! Plus, it makes it easy to check on the property, do open houses, replenish flyers-- It just does'nt get any better!  Now, a quick sale, and a big SOLD sign in the front yard are what I want for the NEW YEAR!  12/27/2009

          I am close to completing my E-PRO class and will be certified shortly.  I consider myself internet and computer saavy-- I have my own domain name, 2 web-sites,(1 Real Estate + 1 Lifestyle),  Facebook Fan-Page, LinkedIn, Plaxo, 2 twitter profiles, ActiveRain and an Outside Blog.  But I had all these things going BEFORE I even started the E-PRO class.  I agree E-Pro has cnnected me to a few new RE Community Sites and has given me a few new marketing ideas-- but has it made me a better Realtor?  I mainly wanted to complete the class to gain the Designation as an E-PRO... because I alread was ONE!  Now, will the client notice or even CARE if I am "certified" ?  I hope so!  12/27/2009

Museum Hours 10am to 4pm - Tuesday through Saturday FEATURED EXHIBIT   Opening REception Southern California Bird Singers perform traditional songs of the Desert Cahuilla people. Meet artist David Salk and Coachella Valley resident Dennis Wharton James, descendant of George Wharton James. This exhibit presented by the La Quinta Arts Foundation and the La Quinta Historical Society. Date: November 6, 2009 Time: 5-7pm                                                              Events Lecture and Native American Basketry Demonstration by Alice Kotzen, noted artist and author. Limited to 30, reservations required. Date: November 7, 2009 Time: 10am - Noon "Muskat's People: The Story of the Cahuilla" by Ginger Ridgway, Curator and Director of Programs for the Agua Calien... 12/23/2009

Over 300 children benefited from the La Quinta Police Dept Annual Christmas Toy Drive.  The La Quinta police station began collecting toys in November for local children who needed a little Santa style Christmas Cheer. 15 officers volunteered their time to hand deliver the toys and were greeted with many smiling faces. For 12 years now the La Quinta Police Department has been playing Santa and w are so thankful for them. 12/23/2009

HK Lane Opens La Quinta office!  HK Lane Real Estate Co. has opened it's new 4,000 sf La Quinta office located in Old Town on the corner of Tampico and Desert View.  With over 80 agents, HK Lane, as of November 2009 already ranks 5th in the marketplace...and only in business for 6 months!!!  That's because so many of the local top producers moved to HK Lane when Harvey Katofsky decided to return to the business he started many years ago here in the desert.The La Quinta office joins the Palm Desert office, which is run by Broker Ron Gerlich, HK Lane's VP and Chief Operating Officer.  Gene Darr, most recently with California Liefstyle Realty, will be the onsite broker serving the La Quinta office.  Gene is a 30 year real estate sales and management professional.  HK Lane's progressive Int... 12/22/2009

Today I had floor-time and it was a cool, cloudy day here in the So. California Desert-- highs in the 60's are our "winter days".  I was bundled up in turtle-neck and sweater and went out front to talk to a couple who had stopped to check out our flyers.  They were dressed like it was a warm and balmy day-- and I easily guessed it--- they were from Canada. They were'nt in the market for buying or selling-- but asked me for restaurant info and I found out they were staying all the way up in Palm Springs-- 45min away from our Old Town La Quinta.  I recommended Melvyn's Ingleside Inn for a romantic dinner and told them to ask for Brian to get a great table!  We talked about the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and their grand daughter who hopes to play there in a few years. They have been coming... 12/21/2009

A beautiful new hotel, with a prime location shut its doors in Aug due to the economy and hard times.  It was such a disapointment to all around because it was not only a beautiful new hotel but the location was superb.  Located right across the street from the famous Indian Wells Tennis Garden, this one one closure no one anticipated. However the good news is, Homewood Suites was able to restructure the loan and will be reopening in January.  Not only is this a great sign of the market getting better but is also good for the valleys low unemployment rate.  The hotel has rehired the former employees and many will have a job in the new year. Is this truly a good sign that the tides are changing? 12/21/2009

Foreclosure & Defaults;  Banks set precedent.  The thing is that trying to predict the numbers of homes that will be foreclosed on in 2010 is impossible..because of THIS!  http://tinyurl.com/y9n962x  When consumers are told it is immoral, but the banks and big businesses use abandonment as a business tool, it is only logical that homeowners will follow suit..and with much less guilt.  This is not a new topic, but it is really eye-opening how the Media is beginning to approach strategic defaults from the "other side".  The "other side" being from the point of view of the homeowners, rather than simply the side of the Mortgagors..er..Lenders and Banks.  As the year has progressed, and we homeowners have watched bank after bank, and business after business either walk away, restructure, mo... 12/19/2009

I played Santa today. With a dozen Windermere colleagues, we loaded up the vans and trooped south to deliver Christmas gifts to our fourth-graders at Oasis Elementary. Although only 23 miles south of our La Quinta office, Thermal is a world apart from its ritzy, country-club neighbor. Date-palm orchards, produce fields and forlorn businesses bracket the two-lane road. The snow-tinged Santa Rosa Mountains follow us southward, reminding me that this is still part of our beautiful Coachella Valley. Oasis now has a brand new school this year—thanks to the tenacity of its spirited principal, Elizabeth Ramirez—but that doesn't alter the fact that the students are primarily the children of migrant workers and endure the concomitant obstacles—poverty, lack of stability, illiteracy. The median h... 12/18/2009

I called for an update today on a short sale that I have been working on since October  and was told that I did not have authorization--- WHAT?  I have been talking to them (and getting info) for months, and now I am not AUTHORIZED?  The nice lady told me that actually, the file was short on authorization docs, and pretty much short on everthing else.  Hmmmm.  So I was given a new set of numbers for faxing and I returned to the machine and sent off my 69 pages to the appropriate departments.  Am I back at square ONE ?  How can this be? If I call back tomorrow will I get my place back in line?   12/16/2009