As I was sitting in my office early this morning, I received a call from a potential client in North Dakota.  As we talked she asked me how the weather was and wanted to know if it was raining.  I looked up outside my window and realized once again how blessed we are here in La Quinta.  I went out my door and took a picture to send to her and thought I would share it with everyone.  We may have hot summers, but the next 9 months are truely paradise.  I guess that is why La QUinta is called "The Gem of the Desert".  Have a great day wherever you are!   10/14/2009

The median single family home price in LA QUINTA this week is $677,450. The 804 homes have been on the market for an average of 133 days. THIS WEEK     Most Expensive Listing          $10,500,000 Least Expensive Listing         $ 84,900 Median List Price                  $677,450 Average List Price                 $937,505 Total Inventory                     804 Average Days on Market        133  Percent of Properties with Price Decrease 31 % Percent Relisted (reset DOM) 11 % Percent Flip (price increased) 3 %   10/13/2009

My team and I love the internet, website, blogging, facebook, craigslist, and on and on. The bottomline we have found is that when it comes down to it we still have to have the skills and personal relationships with clients, other agents,other brokers, lenders, servicers such as lenders, title companies and escrow companies to put the deals together and have them close. Even when the transactions are regular sales the personal relationships are essential in our area of La Quinta, California for several reasons. The deals flow more smoothly when the parties all are on board and work together well. Most people want to work with people they feel they knwo and can trust in a market that is at best unstable and unpredicatable at the current time. People have enought stress and chaos in most ... 10/13/2009

I left home with plenty of time to go to my office and felt like my car wasn't running well. I realized I had forgotten my phone and turned around to get it. Then the steering and transmission slipped and I pushed the gas ans slammed the brake. I hit a stone mailbox and really damaged the car badly. The car was towed. In place of my Lexus SUV, I now have a little rental car with manual roll up windows, a noisy AC, and tiny back seat- not good for a Realtor. I am waiting to see if I can negotiate a new car or wait out the repairs on this one. At least I am ok and no one else was involved. Life can sure change quickly. 10/12/2009

I love being a real estate broker in La Quinta, California, but I constantly have to watch myself for burn out. Her are some tips I have developed over the years to watch for and then I know I need to stop, relax, and take a break for a few days before continuing forward.1. I wake up in the middle of the night and start trying to solve a work related issue. I call this "hamster head."2. I frequently start completing the sentences of someone I am talking to.3. I regularly feel overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to complete.4. I start to run late alot.5. I often find it hard to concentrate, especially on tasks that are complicated or that I do not want to do.6. I get frustrated and angry more easily, often over more minor issues.Do you relate to any of these? Have you ever felt th... 10/12/2009

La Quinta has been called the Gem of the Desert. La Quinta continues to be a city of progress where the quality of life is second to none. Sunny skies, happy people, nice new homes, stores, lots of golf courses, beautiful mountains, lots of flowers, great restaurants, and shopping too.The population has grown from 24,000 in 1999 to almost 45,000 today. This is a great area to visit for vacation, snowbirds for longer winter stays, and full time living too. Who couldn't be happy everyday in such a beautiful place with so many fun things to do? If you are ever in La Quinta, give us a call. 10/12/2009

La Quinta's Art Under the Umbrellas decisively served notice today that the season has indeed begun. Under blazing bue skies and 90° temps, it is hard to believe other states have seemingly bypassed autumn for winter weather. Here in the east end of the Coachella Valley, I can see the recent infux of Canadians and others who have opted for sleeveless sartorial garb! I happily strolled the streets with my girlfriend, Marianne, salivating over artists new to me while listening to live music, enjoyed lunch al fresco, and left quite contented. Today marks the fifth season of the outdoor art festival at Old Town La Quinta sponsored by the La Quinta Arts Foundation. Its root harken back to the '90s when it started as a small art show at the La Quinta Resort & Spa. Even though the nation is w... 10/10/2009

La Quinta and Coachella Valley Condominium Sales are having even more problems.  It seems that some condominium devleopments are having a great deal of trouble getting financing for loans.  The following is information I received today from a very aggressive, local Lender, regarding La Quinta and Coachella Valley Condominium Sales.  Will more Buyers choose to WALK AWAY from their condo offers???? Several rule changes are making it harder and harder to get loan approved in Condo developments, especially here in the Coachella Valley.  Fannie and Freddie have already tightened up their lending requirements for Condos, and The FHA has new regulations that are going to have a huge impact here in the valley.   From now on whenever I receive a lead on a buyer who is buying in a condo developme... 10/10/2009

Old Town La Quinta Devane's Old Town Old Town Cellar & Wine Bar Hog's Breath Inn The Lori Bowers Group Desert Properties Come see what Old Town La Quinta has to offer. You won't be disappointed! Old Town offers restaurants, Farmers Market, Art Under the Umbrellas, moonlight movies, La Quinta Playhouse and a unique shopping experience. There is something for everyone in Old Town La Quinta. For more information visit www.oldtownlaquinta.com. 10/09/2009

La Quinta and Coachella Valley energy alternatives are coming!  I am so excited that there are now firmer guidelines regarding the installation, costs, tax incentives and savings with regards to solar energy.  The following is an article that was in todays' local paper, The Desert Sun.  I think it's important to pass this along.  I am attending a LEEDS meeting tomorrow night..green building and additions in La Quinta and the Coachella Valley (and everywhere I hope), is the next wave.. Coachella Valley solar energy is coming!  There are now companies that can actually give you a firm price on installation and figures on how much you will save when installing solar panels into your home or business, as well as tax incentives.  Read more courtesy of today's Desert Sun...   Coachella Valley... 10/07/2009

I know many locals and visitors are familiar with the farmers market in Old Town La Quinta, so i thought I would share something else fun to do when in Old Town La Quinta.  Art Under the Umbrellas is a fun way to spend the day.  Walk through the streets of Old Town La Quinta and see the many talented artists and their displays.  Stroll casually while enjoying the live entertainment and make a day of it while enjoying a bite to eat from many of the restaurants.  The best part is, the cost for admission is free.  So the dates to remember are Oct 10 Nov 7th Nov 28th Jan 16th Feb 13th March 27th April 10th. 10/06/2009

Most important to me is to eat and eat healthy to fuel my body. I work to eat at the same time everyday. I wake up early so I have spiritual quiet time for myself. I also have time to work out and build energy. I drink plenty of fluids. I visit a dentist and doctor regularly for checkups. I make sure I get plenty of sleep.I have a regular chiropractic adjustment and also massages. Good personal grooming- haircuts, nails, pedicures, facials, are essential for our health and our business too. I have a supportive family and team in my business that really helps relieve and lower stress. I have learned to take a day off before I burn out- even if it is a 2 hour day off. A lot of people still think being a Realtor is filling out some papers and getting a big check. Each of us in the professi... 10/05/2009

1. Negative office make- don't discuss issues anyone other than those directly involved or can make a change2. Indecisive buyers- if buyers are taking a lot of time, offer to put them on auto email of new listings and call you when they are serious about buying3. The ability to say no. Determine if an activity will help you achieve your goals and if not, just say no.4. Too many tasks. Create. A to-do list.5. Demanding Sellers. Set up a plan ahead of time with sellers as to when you will contact them. Be proactive rather than reactive.6. Unrealistic promises. Follow through on everything you promise. Say what you mean and mean what you say. 10/05/2009

It has cooled down to the 80's and we feel fall is in the air. The yards are being reseeded. The trees are being trimmed. Flowers are being planted and some tomato plants. Windows are washed. Paint touched up. Lots of minor repairs are being completed to homes and yards after another long hot summer. It is fun to watch our community come to life day by day as people return for the winter. The farmers market is busier each week. The golf courses are starting reopen from reseeding with more and more golfers. This is our springtime. It is truly beautiful exciting, fresh, clean, new- another adventure, another opportunity     10/05/2009

If you love horses and the Southern California Desert, Boitano Palms may be your perfect match.  There are twenty-two 2-acre lots--all zoned for equestrian use.  With polo fields nearby and the HITS horse shows and events fast approaching, now is the appropriate time to shop for an equestrian-friendly gated community.   Construction is underway on one lot, and plans are in the works to install additional infrastructure in the near future.  The project is fully entitled, recorded and ready!    If you're looking for a captivating gated retreat in Southern California's desert playground it's time to see what Boitano Palms has to offer. Individual lots for sale or the entire project.  Contact Norma Toering and Team for details. Previous Palos Verdes and San Pedro Market Reports Norma Toerin... 10/01/2009

Season is fast approaching and gratefully so after our stretch of desert heat.  With the temps now in the 90's and our evenings cooling off, our team of agents is gearing up for another fantastic season. Anticipating many months of sunny skies, people returning to this desert paradise and of course we wouldn't be agents if we weren't looking forward to our old and new clients calling, emailing or popping in the door to say hello and stay in touch.  We have so many exciting things to share with you, so here is just a brief summary: The Lori Bowers Group realizes that staying current with the times is so vital.  Not only from a business prospective, but also to enable our past clients and friends to stay up to date with the area, the market and with us.  We have brought on board a new mem... 09/30/2009

1. I am aware of my stress triggers - for me a few are:> trying to do too many things at once, being late, short on> money, being threatened with legal action> 2. Learn to relax more - I use tai chi, meditation,> 3. Exercise regularly - I like to swim, total gym, hike> 4. Stick to a healthy diet - I focus on eating a regular> time everyday and healthy foods - low fat, low sugar, not> alot of meat.> 5. I try to do alot of work in the morning when my energy> levels are at the highest> 6. I take mini day off as I do not have time to take full> day off- I call it a 2 hour day off- it really does help> 7. I focus on the positive and try not to worry about> possible failures. When I realize my mind is wandering to> negative issues< i refocus to some positive happy> thoughts 09/30/2009

. I l have learned to prioritize and learn to say no kindly2. Eat well, exercise, and have regular check ups3. I am surrounded by wonderful friends who understand me and don't criticize my juggling act4. Let go of control and delegate tasks5. Cook a few meals in advance and  use leftovers6. I hire extra help around the house when affordable to be able to spend more time doing what I love to do and am good at7. I spend time alone doing what I love to do - at least 2 hours a week and 20 minutes a day8. I spend date time with my husband each week9. I am frugal on spending10. I work hard at being organized11. I keep routines going to maintain normalcy12. I praise family, friends, colleagues, and most of all myself.This really does help to bring happiness, joy, peace, calm, success, to my li... 09/30/2009

The weather is beginning to cool and the evenings are mellow enough for dining al fresco.  We are approaching my favorite time of year here in the Coachella Valley.  It starts today (we're finally experiencing double digits) and it just gets better and better as winter approaches.  Blinding blue skies against tropical palms and desert landscapes and soon, snow peaked mountains and miles of velvet carpeted golf courses are the views in every direction. It's the end of September and  the most colorless time of year, here in the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Indio).  The lawns are been reseeded and the golf courses go through their yearly scalping.  The Palo Verde trees, usually lush with verdant greens and yellow flowers have been ... 09/29/2009

Here in the desert we love our sunshine and we do love heat, but by this time of year we are ready for a breath of cool air- not at 4 AM but at noon and even 3 PM. The summer is our winter and it is way easier than shoveling snow and scraping windows. We are tired of showing homes with AC off in 110 degree heat. Even the pools are like bath tubs. I will re-read this in a few months when the rest of the country is in the freezing range and we are in the 70's and realize how spoiled I am.I guess I'll go get in my 88 degree pool before it cools down.  This is truly paradise- La Quinta, California.   09/28/2009