Now that Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  So I thought being it is November already, its time to think about Turkey Dinner.  There is an amazing place here in La QUinta, called Cooking With Class, which will teach you everything you ever wanted to learn about cooking and more.  So if you are making your first Turkey Dinner or just want to add a flair to your usual spread, check this place out.....Sure to be a hit....  Open for retail sales and walk in business Monday through Saturday - 10:30am to 5:30pm, unless a day class is in progress (typically Mondays and Tuesdays). Most evenings' we are closed for classes. Saturdays are available exclusively for Private Events. We are occasionally open on Sundays - please call first 760-777-1161.   Their address is:478... 11/02/2009

Nov 6th from 5-7 pm at the La Quinta museum is a night to attend Southern California Bird Singers perform traditional songs of our native Desert Cahuilla Indians.. Artist David Salk and  resident Dennis Wharton James, descendant of George Wharton James will also be there. Come out and experience what the natives knew about this beautiful valley, long before we existed. This exhibit presented by the La Quinta Arts Foundation and the La Quinta 11/02/2009

Well, I heard it hear first! That is saying something--- Sunday morning and an Active Rain blog notified me via auto featured blog e-mail--- that Google Maps was now featuring a Real Estate finding application. It is amazing! I checked to see if my listings in the La Quinta area showed up---- and they did! By using Postlets -- they were automatically fed to google maps--- There is also a share and embed option that I have added to my blog-- for whatever region you want to map. If you click on the map or zoom-- It automatically updates! Here is what our area of La Quinta, California looks like! View Larger Map 11/01/2009

As a member and homeowner in the La Quinta Country Club community we have waited over 3 years for the opening of our new Clubhouse-- Our old Clubhouse had been damaged by earthquake activity-- and we have been making do in temp facilites for a long time! Tents, trailers, mobile pods... you name it! But our wait has been worth it! To provide updates and as marketing tool for the residents here, I have recorded many videos of the property and the clubhouse to send out to fellow residents and members--- I have gotten many favorable e-mails and traffic to my site this way-- Check out the new Clubhouse--- and let me know what you think! 10/31/2009

I used to be a music fanatic--- and spent so much time downloading and burning and uploading to my ipod-- now I have become a social media and marketing nut- and spend alot more time working on my site-- livethedesertlife.com and keeping current with new and interesting stuff on the web! I found this embeddable player-- so I can share my latest favorites on my site and thru facebook and twitter-- check it out and see what's hot right now in desert music! MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com 10/31/2009

Palm Springs Follies..What a Show!!!  Just because I live in La Quinta doesn't mean I don't head into Palm Springs for some good night life once in awhile and today it was day life!  Took my mom to see the Matinee of the Palm Springs Follies.  What a great time.  Sounds kind of creepy I know..dancers in their 80's (60's and up), but I am here to attest to the fact that these guys and gals are jumping around up there in one professional production number after another.  It feels like Vegas..and I am not exagerating.  You have to understand that I couldn't do it..there will be no tap dance lessons and poundage dropping here, but these are ALL professional dancers and singers..they've all got resumes that kick ***!The oldest gal is 86 and the oldest man is 80.  I was with my mom and there ... 10/30/2009

I read a post from Shirley Parks about the top costumes for Halloween this year--- I must be out of touch, because I did'nt recognize most of them.... When I was a kid-- I picked the costume I could run the fastest in! That way I could cover more ground and come home with the MAX candy! I did'nt really care if I was spooky or cute... it was all about that pillow case full of loot! As long as I could wear my sneakers and wasn't covered in cardboard or wearing a dress.... I was happy! Wishing you a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and hope you come home with a full bag! p.s. Think I'll be a kitty this year! ( a fast one!) 10/29/2009

I have been working to get noticed online-- blogging, facebook, twitter, activerain, etc... I also have a Point2 web=site-- schoweproperties.com, to promote my listings and real estate services.  But where I am having my real fun is my secondary site-- livethedesertlife.com..... This site is for promoting life here in the desert-- and includes local events, golf news, dining, late=nite stuff,real estate, our country club news, etc.... I don't know if I will get business from this site--- but I sure am having fun working on it and posting videos, podcasts, and super current info--  Let me know if any of you are doing 2 sites--- and if it has impacted your business!  Kathy 10/29/2009

                                                                         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