Last week I saw this really cool widget →        I had to have it!  I'm not sure how it works, or IF it works-- I just wanted it for my sidebar-- So I commented on Shirley Parks from San Antonio's blog-- and what do you know??  She wrote me back, and said her husband had put it on her site.  He then wrote me and gave me the html code for the widget and info on how to install it.  I had problems doing it-- so wrote back--- and the then e-mailed me and sent his phone number!!  That is above and beyond the CALL !  Active Rain is amazing-- and the people who participate make it that way.  Thank you Shirley and Stephen for your help--- and thank you ActiveRain!!  Kathy 10/28/2009

We moved our office to a sleepy little village area in La Quinta, California called Old Town La Quinta about 3 years ago. There was one other real estate office in the area of about 1000 sq. ft. Since then, we have real estate row. The landlord finally gave us a larger space since 2 large companies in our area took major space in the center.There are 12+ companies within a 2 block area. The center is mainly restaurants, Small boutiques, and other professional offices. We think these real estate offices want to be here as we are the best small real estate company in our are with the highest number of units per agent. They are thinking our business is coming from walk ins which in reality it is coming from our past client base and our other forms of lead generations done daily. Also, we w... 10/27/2009

We try adopt the clients into our circle our friends as many of them are new to our area. Here are some ideas that have worked well for us to stay connected and build on our relationship with our clients in La Quinta. 1. We call them within 24 hours to congratulate them and share their joy2. We send a thank you card and gift from a local hotspot within a few days letting them know what a pleasure it was to work with them. It introduces them to a new place right away.3. We provide a list of referrals for services like painters, gardeners, pool service, etc. - people who love us and will talk us up as well as provide good service at reasonable prices.4. Ask the client for a referral letter for presentations and website5.Add them to our newsletter list and list for parties and events in th... 10/27/2009

Strategic Foreclosure..why???  I make my living finding Buyers for Homes, and helping Seller's find Buyers for their Homes.  Yet, every foreclosed upon home gets me thinking of who the owners were, why they had to leave their home, if it WAS their home, what the children are doing, WHERE are they now???  I do not feel people that abandon their homes do so out of any other reason than that they HAD to..even if it was a second home or investment property.  The worst picture in my head is always of a family that had finally realized the American Dream, only to have it become an overwhelming burden to them.  A burden so great, that they chose to lock the door and leave their home.  The following is a good article on why people "choose foreclosure" which is what "strategic Foreclosure" reall... 10/27/2009

Here in La Quinta, we are known as a resort, desert and golfers paradise.  We have people relocating from thousands of miles away and besides price, and views they always ask about neighborhoods.  Being that everyone is different in what they like, dont like I always try to give them guidance but never influence their decision.  After all, they have to live where they buy, not me.  It will not be the end all beat all, but it helps.   Have the client go to the local library and community center to see what activities are available Send them all the info on the school districts Tell them to drive through areas at different times.  It gives a better feel for what is really going on in the neighborhood. I think just these few things help a potential buyer in their decision process.  What id... 10/26/2009

☮ I am still so amazed everyday when I wake up her inI look out my back door and see the purple mountains, the green-green, golf course, grapefruit trees, yucca plants, cacti, the clear bluer than blue sky.... words cannot describe it!  I am constantly reminded of why our friends and neighbors keep returning to this spot.  Some are here for a few weeks, or months in the winter-- others make it down for a relaxing weekend from LA.  It does'nt matter how long you can stay--- once you come here, you will be back again and again! ☼ 10/25/2009

I realized with a start that Saturday-morning breakfast at Panera Bread in La Quinta has become de rigueur for my husband and me. The warm ambiance, cheerful service and yummy fare are constants in an inconstant world and I am instantly cheered upon crossing the welcoming threshold. This morning I chatted up manager Ralph Sidorowicz while imbibing my first cup of aromatic coffee (whose brew-time is trumpeted on each urn). An outgoing, affable man who befriended us way back, Ralph exemplifies Panera’s customer-centric approach. He riffs on the company’s cultural values—greeting customers by name, anticipating their needs—and adds, “It’s not a “Ralphism” but how all employees are encouraged to treat customers.” Gosh. And I just thought I was special. “What’s neat about this company is tha... 10/24/2009

If you are addicted to sunshine--- La Quinta, California is the place for you!  Our weather now is in the 80's-90's and it just keeps getting better.  Next week the nights will be down in the 50's while warming up during the day to the sunny 80's!!  If you are tired of the rain/cold/wind/sleet/fog/--- come on down and enjoy the best the desert has to offer!  Our golf  courses are going thru their overseed period and many will be opening up (with that gorgeous bright green rye grass) in the next couple of weeks--  Prices are right for investing and finding that special desert property you have been dreaming about!!  COME AND VISIT LA QUINTA!! 10/24/2009

California Sales Statistics..the Desert is Settling Down.  I have witnessed this over the past summer and now continuing into the fall here in the Coachella Valley.  There are certain areas with particular developments in La Quinta and Palm Desert that have actually seen very small increases in their price/sf.  This, of course is due to the REO's and Short Sales in these particular parts of our Desert that have driven the prices down to a settled price/sf.  They have remained there for a solid year or so now.  Good News for La Quinta, Palm Desert and the Eastern Coachella Valley. The following is courtesy of CAR with regards to California's Home Sales Statistics..LOS ANGELES (Sept. 25) - Home sales increased 9 percent in August in California compared with the same period a year ago, whi... 10/24/2009

I was at a seminar for the state of real estate in California and in our area yesterday. These facts I am presenting are from very well made computer calculations over many years. This is important information as we live our new life in a new economy.We all have a good life, just a different life.1.It looks like there will be 15,000-20,000 foreclosures a month in California over the next 2-3 years.2. The stimulus is working. Inflation is a concern.3. Consumers are not spending. The credit impaired younger consumers cannot spend the way the used to. The wealth impaired older affluent consumers will not spend.4. 2012 a huge amount of commercial debt is coming due and for now there is no financing available for commercial loans.5.Housing starts are lower in the United States than since 195... 10/23/2009

Seller's MUST be more Aggressive!  By this statement, I mean ONLY IF you really intend to sell.  Even to Lease, you MUST be on top of the market..actually in front of the market.  Don't get caught watching the REO's and Short Sales get all the offers.  If you cannot compete realistically, then maybe it's better not to list your property at this time.  If you MUST sell and can take the financial hit, then price your property aggressively!Here's an example on a small scale.  I had two properties listed for lease..took both Listings about two weeks ago.  One Landlord HEARD me.  We priced ourselves to be the best price available, AND we added some bonuses..both for the Tenant's Agent and the Tenant themselves.  The other property, although a killer location as well, wanted to stitch an addi... 10/22/2009

      Kathy Schowe, here===I took this photo tonite at our La Quinta home... the desert sky is amazing and --without a tripod I captured the heart-felt moon.  It was such a beautiful evening -- a balmy 77* and with the low crescent moon I could not resisit sitting outside for awhile to admire the beauty.  This is why we live in the desert--- nights just like this.    To see more of my photos-- go to livethedesertlife.com and check out my Photo Gallery! 10/21/2009

We have spent the last several days transitioning from our old office to the new one.  While we had all the furniture moved, the phone line was still set up at the old office.  So we laughed at the way we sat on the floor and worked.  Is this where Floor time got its name?  Oh well, we had fun! 10/21/2009

My team and I are so thrilled to have been a featured post in Lore Magazine.  If we can jump on board to the Internet and social networking, so can anyone.  It is amazing how quickly things have progressed and taken off and how excited our agents are to jump on board.  Please check out the article and leave us a comment.  We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!     http://www.loremagazine.com/go/?blog_id=110 10/20/2009

Ok, so our team decided it was time to find a bigger space and we found the perfect spot a few weeks ago. With all of the remodeling, construction plus keeping the real estate side of things going smoothly, i want to congratulate my team for being amazing! Moving day came fast and not only did the agents move their personal belongings, but also rolled up their sleeves and moved desks, chairs and whatever was needed. Sweeping floors, cleaning up trash and running last minute errands was common and on top of that we had a remarkable weekend in sales. I am truly proud and grateful for my team, we work together in business and in fun and that is why we truly do have such amazing results. The friendships and memories created this past few days will be cherished forever! Way to go team! 10/19/2009

I just found out about a great program offered by The City of La Quinta and the Stewards of the Fred Wolff Bear Creek Nature Preserve and Trail.   The 3rd Sat of every month you can go on a guided walk/hike with a group of others and learn something new about our great valley.  For example, Geology, wildflowers, track animals, history of the La Quinta Cove and thats just to name a few.  If you are interested go to the Shade Shelter oon the Bear Creek Nature Trail at the corner of Calle Ensanada and Avenida Montezuma. The walk begins at 8 am and the next walk is Oct 21st at 8am.  The topic of the day is La Quinta Trail Days....Sure is a great way to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.     10/19/2009

If you are looking for some safe family fun, this is the place to be.  Presented by the La Quinta Community Services and President Gerald R Ford Boys and Girls Club on Friday Oct 30th .  The fun starts at 3pm and of course it wouldnt be Halloween without a costume contest starting at 4.  Come out for the fun, the games, prizes and candy! Best of all , this is a free event and everyone of all ages are welcome. Fri Oct 30th 49-995 Park Ave La Quinta, Ca In the Gym of the Gerald R Ford Boys and Girls CLub     10/19/2009

Come experience Old Town La Quinta!  In the center of this quaint little town you can bring a blanket and a picnic dinner and watch a movie for free.  Or you can plan on coming early and eating dinner at one of the restaurants here in Old TOwn. What a great way to spend a family night .   Nov 20th  "Hotel for Dogs" Dec 11th  "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"   Bring the kids and plan on having a relaxing fun time.. 10/19/2009

I have sold real estate for over 9 years and sold way over 1000 homes. I still love the thrill and the high of the sale. The money is what we need to live, but the good and happy feeling of selling a house is what really motivates me to keep going and selling more. For me, this feeling comes right after an offer is accepted. Usually, the buyers and sellers are very happy then too. Research shows that is the best time to receive referrals.Putting a buyer in a home they love is like making a dream come true for them and me too. I also feel that my thrill passes to and is shared by the buyers. For many people, this is one of the biggest and most important decisions of their life. I am grateful to be a part of it. 10/19/2009

Going Green in Coachella and La Quinta.  It's always so encouraging for those of us who LOVE the outdoors and the environment in general to see an article such as this one in today's local paper, The Desert Sun.  http://tinyurl.com/yljrkyvI heard Mr. Freed speak last week and he's so fun, funny, inspirational and optimistic that I left feeling great!  There are many Green developments here in the Coachella Valley and La Quinta has several as well.  One of the developments that is certified LEEDS "green" is Puerta Azul.  Located in the East valley off of Madison and 54th, the small, gated, Spanish style community is user friendly.  Walking paseos meander throughout, with desert scape providing lots of interest as well as shade along the paseos.The homes are heavily insulated, cool and en... 10/18/2009