What a beautiful time of year! It is our springtime. Flowers are in bloom. The grass has just been reseeded and the golf courses are pristine. The temperatures are amazing- low 80's daytime and low 60's at night. The cool crisp sunny mornings are invigorating. People have come back to their homes after escaping the summer heat. Outdoor events are everywhere- runs, airshow, art show, farmer's market, soccer, football, wine tasting, open houses, BBQ's, and on and on. People are happy, friendly, and healthy from the sunshine, warmth, and activity. What a wonderful place to live! Come and join us!   11/10/2009

I have tried both of these Twitter helpers... and I have found that Hoot Suite actually offers more.  It came later in the Tweet craze and has had time to learn from other formats.  With Hoot Suite you can actually track your tweets and find out how many clicks you are getting on any of your Twitter accts... and follow individual tweets.  This can be a terrific tool for letting us know which tweets are reaching our clients/friends.... plus you can even see the regional demographics on each tweet.  Are your tweets being followed in Brazil?  I wonder???? 11/08/2009

I'm planning a long weekend away in the desert with my best gal pal.  I have a capable partner to watch over the business while I'm away for three or four days.  It was planned as a rest and relaxation break before the holiday madness begins.  I wondered if I would be lost without my daily real estate fix.   No worries, it looks like I will not suffer from real estate withdrawal.  My friend wants to check out the best deals on Rancho Los Palmas condos while we are in Rancho Mirage.  That's easy since we'll be staying in a friend's condo at the resort.   I'm working with a developer on the Boitano Palms development in the Coachella Valley and really need a few more photos of the area.  My camera will be tucked in my bag and I'll sneak out early one morning to catch the sunrise over the m... 11/07/2009

HOW COLD IS IT? If you live where it's freezing cold-- just play this video and you will WARM right up ☼ ! On this fabuouls Friday---we have the most amazing sunny day in LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA! No wonder so many people come visit in the fall and winter-- ! We are so lucky to live in a place that warms us with its ☼ SUNNY DAYS ☼ and soothes us with its BEAUTY! 11/06/2009

  The Desert winter Polo Season is here!  The Polo season here in the Desert officially begins with the first Tournament, The Road Runner Tournament, which will be played November 21 & 22.  Indio, home of the Coachella Valley Music Festival, Phish Festival and Stagecoach Music Festival is also home to the second largest Polo Club in the United States!  Florida is the only State that has more fields for it's players.  Eldorado Polo club has 13 fields and the neighboring Empire Polo Club has 4 of it's own.   Horses and players begin trailering in, setting up housing for themselves and their families and help about mid-November and stay until about mid-April.  Practice Games are Weds through Friday, and Tournament play is Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  League play will begin in January.  If... 11/06/2009

Everyone knows what an eyesore utility boxes are, but they are necessay as we all need electricity so we live with them.  The city of La Quinta has decided to hire an artist named Julie Kirk to turn these boxes into a masterpiece.  Each utility box is in the process of being painted with the theme of La Quinta in mind.  Mountain scenes, desert scenes, wildflowers and more.  I happened to pass one on my way to work today and wow do they look nice.  No longer an eyesore, but something to gaze upon as art.  Once again, I am grateful to be able to work and live in La Quinta.  Thank you La Quinta and Julie Kirk. What types of things does your city do to make the area more enticing?   This picture was taken from the local newspaper "The Desert Sun" 11/06/2009

Tonite I had a call from our Escrow Officer, Denise Dupont, Oasis Escrow-- she was working late, of course.  She had just spoken to one of my clients to help clear up some details on a deal.  I asked her what time he had called her--- and she said... I called him.  She had heard he had some questions on the paperwork-- and she took it upon herself to contact him to make sure everything was done to his satisfaction!  Escrow Officers are the unsung heroes of our business, and if you have a good one... let her/him know how much you apprecieate them!  I know Denise is crucial to our business at the Lori Bowers Group... and we should all let her know it!  11/05/2009

It is that time of year again, the courses have been reseeded and the new grass is picture perfect.  It is so beautiful to drive through La Quinta and see the scenery and how clean and well kept everythig is.   * SilverRock, La QUinta's beautiful city course has reopened and is offering special rates till Christmas!  Be sure to take time to enjoy the mountain views from the amazing course. *If you are a golfer, you will enjoy this event on Novemebr 10th from 6 to 7 pm at the La Quinta Museum.  The topic is Golf Fitness!  Learn how to improve your game by becoming "Golf Fit".  This free class is cheaper then a new set of clubs!    11/05/2009

I got a call yesterday from a man who is going to the court house steps and buying homes.  It seems the banks are now not buying the homes as much themselves. This man says in most cases as long as there is someone on the courthouse steps bidding on the home, the bank representative is letting them have it. Now this does save the bank money, but on our side it is driving down the price of homes in our market. One example is a home we sold on short sale for $165,000 and the sale did not go through as the bank said the home appraised for more. Neither the buyer or seller would bring money to the table so the home went to trustee sale. This man bought the home on the steps for $144,000. The bank did save the cost of the fixup and repair of the home, more downtime to resell, and the real es... 11/05/2009

HK Lane Real Estate co...the Fastest Growing in the Desert!  We've only been in business since July 1, 2009 and already we are 71 agents strong!  September saw 19 sales and October's last count was at 34 sales..this is unbelievable for a new Company.  "New" of course, is relevant.  Our CEO, Harvey Katofsky, and our Broker, Ron Gerlich, have between them about 30 years of real estate experience here in the desert area..so "new", they're NOT!HK Lane Real Estate Co., is opening a new office in Old Town La Quinta, (I'll be working out of this one), and it is fantastic!  Located in 3 suites across the Old Town Promenade from Devane's new restaurant venture, Viva!, it's perfectly situated for lots of traffic and exposure.  It is such a kick to be affiliated with a fun group that is as driven ... 11/05/2009

I am getting it all connected-- and once you do your work becomes easier.  Once you are connected-- your blogs, or tweets, or other content is shared thru all the networks and reaches the maximum number of poeple.  Now, all we have to do is come up with good, interesting content, be honest, and share with our clients, friends, family and fans.  Easy peasy.  And every once in a while... write a letter!  We are so lucky to be living in a time when we have so many tools available to us!  Stay connected-- get connected! 11/04/2009

La Quinta has so much to offer its residents and visitors alike.  Here is just another thing that The La Quinta Museum is offering. "On Earth To Stay" is a new exhibit in the Historical Lecture Series.  Alice Kotzen, an expert on Native American crafts, basketry and foods will be sharing with us the importance of native palms in the lives of our native desert people. This is a hands on experience and there will be so much to learn and appreciate.  Be sure to reserve your spot early as this is a free event.  &60-777-7170 Sat Nove 7th 10-2 La Quinta Museum 11/04/2009

The City of La Quinta and Helix Disc Golf have joined together to host this free day of fun.  Come out and play a round of Disc Golf with prizes and games.  Sunday Nov 22, 2009 from 10 am to 12 noonish.  This will take place at our beautiful La Quinta Civic center Park on Calle Tampico. This an event the whole family can enjoy together!  All ages welcome! The City of La Quinta always has something fun to do!   11/04/2009

The Coachella Valley Chapter of California Women for Agriculture is hosting a guided tour of the agricultural industry here in the Coachella Valley.  The tour is $50 per person and includes a guided luxury bus, narrated tour guide, lunch and fresh produce grown right here in our valley.  The bus will leave The La Quinta Museum at 8am and return at 3pm.  The La Quinta Museum is located at 77-885 Calle Montezuma. Enjoy the day learning about our local farming community, enjoy lunch in a date garden and learn about the worries of Coachella Valley Farmers. What a way to spend the day, learning and having fun.  If you need more info you can reach the La Quinta Museum at 760-564-1283 11/04/2009

I have been doing extensive research on our MLS this morning for homes in the $150,000- $250,000 price range in Indio and La Quinta. It seems homes in most of the lower price ranges are falling at least 5% and in many cases 10% since last week when I was showing homes. There seems to be more homes available. Not many that were for sale have gone into pending. This may be a function of time of year, loss of $8000 credit, and  higher interest rates. This is more good news for buyers in this price range. Boy, do they have it all- lots of homes to choose from- even more this week than last week and very nice homes, lower prices, and time to make a good choice before someone else grabs the home. It looks like we as agents are in a good position to sell lots of homes as our season approaches.... 11/04/2009

Golf Carts in the La Quinta Cove..Zipping Idea!!   What a great idea and one that Cove residents have been waiting on for a long time.  Looks like we may know by December 1..speed limit of 15 mph sounds about right.  There is a 7.2 mile biking/hiking/walking path around the cove and there shouldn't be a problem with carts sharing it.  I just love the idea of zipping down the hill from the La Quinta Cove, straight to Old Town.  Much easier to navigate back home with your fresh vegetables from the Sunday Farmer's Market, catching Art Under The Umbrella's or even sipping a glass of wine at the Wine Bar, Devane's, or Palmer's.  One could even take their pet in for their check up at Kathy's old town Vet bldg.  Oh..and don't forget the Museum!I like this idea and I think it provides opportuni... 11/03/2009

I live near Old Town La Quinta, and work in Old Town La Quinta, and love to shop, eat, drink and play there!  This part of the desert  is becoming a destination to rival the old Palm Springs, the foot traffic of El Paseo, the dining of the old restaurant row in Rancho Mirage--- Old Town La Quinta has charm and community.  Young people are finding it and making it a vibrant place--- and the locals are supporting it.  I love Old Town-- and the people we meet there.  From the Old Town Cellar to Devane's and Hog 's Breath... Palmers, Stuft Pizza, Solano Bistro, and all the other merchants! 11/03/2009

Open Houses Should Be FUN!!!  I just do not understand Agents that sit Open Houses and don't make it fun..both for themselves and for the agents or clients or looky-loo's who take the time to stop by.  What a great opportunity we, the Open House Agents, are missing here..Some ideas to consider for your next Open House. Attach balloons to your signs.  Hoist flags..movement is interesting! Open those Front Doors..INVITE people in. Bowl of colorful candy along side your Property Brochures. Personalized pens sitting next to your Sing-In book. All lights on, soft music playing and GREAT SMELLS.  Cinnamon sticks are good..anything to keep "stale" out of the air. Have area comps available and KNOW them. Most importantly of all, do NOT sit there as people enter your home.  GET UP!  I don't pers... 11/03/2009

I have just begun the e-pro class and have found most of the material very familiar--- With any web experience at all you can breeze through the first module.  But I have found some good ideas to put to use-- that I had'nt used before.  One of the ideas involves creating a domain with your property address:  eg.  123missiondrive.schoweproperties.com, that sends your clients and prospects directly to the specific page on your site for more info on the property.  To take this idea further-- I have created business cards that have a picture of my listing and the web address of my site and specific location for that property.  This particular property has prominent owners who are much more likely to pass out cards that have their own property on them-- than, say, my own business card.  This... 11/02/2009

If you are a local to our desert, you know that Marthas Village & Kitchen is a huge part of helping out the less fortunate in our Coachella Valley.  So here is the perfect opportunity to show our gratitude for what we do have and the blessings we have been given even in this tough year.  Date Thursday, November 26, 2009 @ 8:00 AM local time Address La Quinta Park79255 Westward Ho Drive Brief Description Help Martha's Village & Kitchen provide over 500,000 meals this year. You can help change the lives of your neighbors in need. Register or contribute today. Date November 26, 2009 Time 8:00 am Address 79255 Westward Ho Drive La Quinta, CA 92253 Fees Ages 13 & above: $25.00 through 11 /15, $30.00 after 11/15. Ages 6-12: $15.00 through 11/15, $20.00 after 11/15. Age 5 and under: Free!Dogs ... 11/02/2009