78015 Main Street, Suite #110 (behind Old Town Cellar), (760) 861-8281During the holidays, be sure to visit The Present Factory, where children create handmade gifts with the assistance of an artist while you shop or dine!  Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until December 24th. Pricing:  Drop off fee - $5 per hour/2 hour maximum (includes supervision, artistic direction, juice and snacks. One present minimum.) Present fee:  $20 per gift (includes gift bag)  Tree Ornament fee:  $5.00 each   Ages 4 & up  *all prices include one child, multiple children discount available. 12/15/2009

Wine & Dine in Old Town this Holiday Season! Devane's Old Town78-065 Main Street, Suite #104, (760) 771-5330www.devanesoldtown.comDevane's Cuisine features Western American fare and timeless Italian specialities. Anextended bar menu offers an enticing array of small plates. The lunch menu features avariety of grilled sandwiches, fresh salads and pastas. Devane's dinner menu featuressumptuous starters and salads such as Oysters on the Half Shell and Devane's WedgeSalad, and classic specialities such as Veal Parmesan, Seafood Paella, HomemadeLasagna, Braised Pork Osso Bucco and a 10 oz. Choice New York Strip. Open dailyat 11 a.m. Dinner served from 4-10 p.m. Breakfast served on Saturday and Sundaysfrom 9 a.m. to Noon.Hog's Breath Inn78-065 Main Street, Suite #200, (760) 564-5556 (2nd Flo... 12/15/2009

Have you long dreamt of finding a magnificent private golf community that offers outstanding golf and a plethora of amenities?  If so, you need not look any further than the Quarry at La Quinta.  This golf community is recognized worldwide thanks to the meticulously carved land that places it at the base of the foothills between the gorgeous Coral and the Santa Rosa Mountains. While there are countless features and amenities to rave about with the Quarry, it is the golf that ultimately makes it what it is.  The award-winning Tom Fazio golf course has been described by many as "simply perfection."  Tom Fazio, a renowned golf course architect, has pieced together a golfer's golf course that people of all levels will enjoy. Thanks to the way the site sets, Fazio was able to create a course... 12/15/2009

I'm writing again about my experience tonite--- sometimes when you head out on a $2500 lease showing, and a $500,000 foreclosure... you can end up at $798,000 short sale or showing your own $1,250,000 listing.  Especially here in the Coachella Valley... it is a playground  for all kinds of people who are looking for a 2nd or 3rd home and you never know what you may end up showing on a Monday Night!  If you keep an open mind-- and are flexible and spontaneous--- the SKY is the LIMIT! 12/14/2009

I have a new client who I showed numerous properties to in a middle price-range last week.  Today, she drove down my street on her way home and asked about a few other properties...( in a much higher price range)... she also asked about leasing options. I told her I would call her and maybe we would go look at something...... I went inside and got on the computer... I really did'nt have anything new I wanted to show her in the upper range-- that I could arrange on such a short notice.  So I looked up some leases and came up with a house or 2 we could see right away. I mainly wanted to get some more face time with this client and build trust. We met and then spent the next 2 hours looking at houses and basically clarifying what she and her husband are looking for.  We explored another ne... 12/14/2009

My Broker,LORI BOWERS, works non-stop because she JUGGLES many CLIENTS at the same time... MULTIPLE DEALS, manages and inspires our TEAM, and is always there for us should we have questions or need support.  I am usually happy to have 1 or 2 DEALS  in the hopper-- and a client flying or driving in to look at  properties once a week or so.  Sometimes 2.... sometimes none. I don't mean I went and cashed a big check--- I DO mean that I finally got home near dark and was almost ready to close my eyes and go to sleep... and it was only 5:30.  I had a day of NON-STOP clients, sealed a LISTING, SHOWED 7 propertiesto a buyer, entered the listing in the MLS, put the signs up, met again with the buyers to REVISIT a few of the properties......called several AGENTS and WHEW!  I AM TIRED!  NOW I KNO... 12/09/2009

The La Quinta Historical Society is once again doing the annual tour of The La Quinta Resort and Club on Sat Dec 12th. Tour time starts at 9:45 with luncheon beginning at 11:30. Tickets are $ 50 per person and can be purchased through the Historical Society at 760-564-1283 La Quinta Resort was once a Hollywood hangout that opened in 1926 and has had many celebrities past and present enter its doors. This is sure to be a great tour, as even if the old legends aren't your thing, the scenery is sure to captivate anyone. 12/09/2009

California Desert Update;  It Does Rain in the Desert!!  Us, "desert rats" as we locals are referred to, are not used to rain and all the inconveniences of it.  Our streets are not able to handle the water when rain is dumped from the skies.  The sand itself cannot absorb the water if it doesn't have some time between dumps to allow the water to sink into the ground, hence the flooding that occurs rather quickly.  The sand's surface gets hard and the water just runs right off it..hard to believe sometimes, but true.I love the rain!  It makes it hard to get the ponies out for exercise, but we desperately need the rain to replenish our water table..this is a desert after all, and all the water we use has to come from somewhere!  We are still very low for this season and hopefully, we'll g... 12/08/2009

We have our office in a small town area of a larger community called Old Town La Quinta. We entered in the window decorating contest with a theme of " Home for the Holidays" and won gift certificates to the nearby restaurants. All of us came to the tree lighting event on Friday evening with choirs, carolers, and Santa. We had cookies and cider in our office for our clients and others who came for the event. December 9 we are attending an event with lenders and other realtors that is held in a parking lot and catered by Ruth Chris with a band. It is a chance to dress up and network with other real estate and ancillary companies. December 12 we are assisting with a charity event that donates shoes, clothes, toys, and food to needy families nominated by teachers in local schools. The event... 12/07/2009

Are you participating in your life?  Are you a joiner?  Do you go out of your way to engage people and participate in local and community activities?  I have found that the more I ENGAGE-- THE MORE I AM REWARDED!  By entering events, volunteering to help on committees, and actively participating in golf tournaments, charity fund-raisers, membership activities-- I am getting more and more business. GETTING BY GIVING-- WHAT A CONCEPT! I played in a golf tournament this weekend-- and before the weekend was over-- I had a new buyer, a new listing, and a great showing on a million-dollar fairway home!  If you have laid the groundwork-- and done the homework to be successful-- now is the time to ENGAGE AND PARTICIPATE!  And it's FUN! 12/06/2009

Most people hear the word desert and want to run.  However, there is a spectacular beauty to some parts of the desert that often get overlooked.  This is precisely what you will find with the Hideaway Golf Club; raw beauty that is absolutely breathtaking.  From the golf to the club amenities to the views, words simply do not do this location justice. Hideaway Golf Club is located near the spectacular Santa Rosa Mountains thus providing views like none other.  It offers the perfect setting for a round of golf year round thanks to the gorgeous weather that shines down on the club.  In all, the property boasts 600 acres that are surrounded by mountains and warm weather opening the door for all sorts of activities. As a member, you will have easy access to a wide array of events and activit... 12/06/2009

BUYING SHORT SALES AND FORECLOSURES;  BUYERS BEWARE!  Great deals to be had right now in the Desert's Inland Empire.  Approx 37% (could be higher) of closed sales are for Distressed properties.  But...as with ANY good deal, Buyer Beware!  By this, I mean, educate yourself, get representation by a solid, local realtor that WANTS your business and spends the time to stay on top of any new properties that become available.  The following article is from today's New York Times, Your Money, section.  It is a very good, very basic article..have a look.http://tinyurl.com/yzkvv5o 12/05/2009

If you would like to see any of the properties listed below in Rancho La Quinta Country Club , please call us at the numbers below. Were committed to helping you find the home of your dreams. With over 20 years of experience in the local Real Estate market, Elaine truly enjoys helping people in the process of buying or selling a home. Elaine Stewart - Remax Real Estate Consultants Mobile: (760) 668-2399 - Office: (760) 391-4415 Email: desertrealestate1@yahoo.com 12/04/2009

Do you ever find yourself thinking about what it would be like to live a carefree life?  It can be easy to let work and the constant daily grind get to you.  Life is too short to go through each day stressed out and frustrated.  Rancho La Quinta gives you the opportunity to finally live the elegant and carefree lifestyle you have long dreamed of.  Rancho La Quinta Country Club is by far one of the best addresses in the La Quinta.  Residents wake up to luxurious club amenities, meticulously manicured grounds and magnificent views on a daily basis.  And if you are a golf fanatic, you will enjoy the spectacular golf course that is ready and waiting for your game. Golf has long been a part of country clubs and it is no different with Rancho La Quinta.  There are two world-class 18-hole priv... 12/04/2009

Canadians and out of towners..we're not GIVING houses away!!  The California desert has some insane deals right now.  The low end has settled to the point where I can pretty much predict that sales price/sf due to multiple offers coming in and pent up Buyer demand.  However...you CANNOT buy a 3/2 ba home in a beautifully located and maintained gated community, with all the bells and whistles, in great condition, with a pool/spa, large lot AND upgrades for NOTHING!  I understand wanting the best deal.  No, not I nor any other Realtor can guarantee you the prices will remain the same, or go up at any given time, but I can guarantee you that you MUST pay a price/sf that supports the other sales in the development!"But my papers are telling me regularly in Canada, that Buyers should offer 4... 12/04/2009

The California Desert's median home prices are all over the map!  This article from today's Desert Sun Newspaper shows just how much the median price can change..and quickly!   http://tinyurl.com/ygtbcpu  There were some high end sales here in the desert, La Quinta and  Rancho Mirage, and that immediately skews the median.  The good news is that there WERE some high end sales, the bad news is that new homes sales plummeted even more.  Makes sense.  The high end is re-setting and the new Homes cannot compete with the Resales (mostly Short Sales and Foreclosures) that are driving the market.The lowest prices are not going down.  Even with more Foreclosures, there are just too many buyers willing and waiting for their home to show up.  The middle price range, $500-$800,000 are settling int... 12/03/2009

  If you have'nt begun your Christmas shopping-- (like me)-- here are some great ideas to get you rolling in Christmas Cheer!   We are all looking for the latest, coolest, and (easiest) gifts for this Holiday Season!  I found a video from an E-Bay expert who summarizes the newest, neatest and best gifts for friends and family of all ages!  Hi-Tech Holiday Gifts For ALL Ages on Howcast 12/02/2009

Tree Lighting CeremonyFriday, December 4, 2009Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Make plans to attend the City of La Quinta's official "Tree Lighting Ceremony", with seating provided on the Old Town La Quinta event lawn.  Enjoy holiday music, decorated store front windows, extended shopping hours, artisan craft booths, caroling and a warm kick-off to the holiday season!  Festivities begin at 5 p.m., with the tree lighting scheduled for 6 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Choir & Dance Group and La Quinta High School Tough Guys & Gals Dance Group.  Also performing willbeRick Molindo's Guitar Students; Llora Cassel's Dance, Play & Pretend; and Kirsten Gilmore's Ballet/Tap and Ballet/ Jazz Students.  The Golden Tones Chorus will be strolling through Old To... 12/02/2009

We as a team decorated our office for the holidays!  Old Town La Quinta is having a holiday competition for all buisnesses in the area, so we decided to jump in the spirit.  Friday night there is a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, caroling and food and fun from 6-9pm .  We are holding an open house with cookies and cider and are looking forward to kicking off the Holiday Season. Click the link below to see what we have done, would love feedback or ideas Home For The Holidays is our theme this year!    12/01/2009

If you live, work, and play in a Country Club area-- and this is where you sell, or hope to sell homes-- It is imperatvie that you know the options, packages, and memberships available for prospective buyers!  Is it an equity-club?  Are there Junior Memberships available?  Non-Resident options?  Social Memberships or Tennis? What is the policy for Family Play?  Can you name a "designated partner"?  What is the initiation fee and what are the monthly dues?  Do you need references or a sponsor to join?  In these economic times-- Country Clubs are getting resourceful to attract new members-- many are offering  "Try-Before-You-Join" options and many other creative ways to fill up memberships.  A smart Agent will befriend the Membership Director-- and make her an ally. She can keep you up to... 11/30/2009