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

    This morning, my husband, Kirk, and I enjoyed the season's debut of the La Quinta Farmers' Market, now commencing its second year in the streets of Old Town. You couldn't ask for a more appealing backdrop for a food-and-flowers market than the Spanish Colonial architecture of Old Town. The pedestrian-friendly venue has become the heart of historic La Quinta and the nascent market has transformed normally slow Sundays into the week's busiest day for the retail shops. Between 500 and 1,000 people packed Old Town during the market's first season and the number of vendors this season has increased to 23. Although September in La Quinta has been unusually warm and today promises temps reaching 106°, the early-morning adventure afforded vacation-perfect weather. We savored homemade pastr... 09/27/2009

Selling Tips for Sellers that REALLY want to sell..we all know the basic wisdoms to impart upon our Sellers about how to "tidy up" their potential Sale properties.  The ever used and oft repeated.. Curb Appeal First Impressions are everything! Smells..everyone hates 'em Pets..pen them up! Add sparkle to the windows by cleaning them. Pops of color add zip and draw attention De-clutter.  Package and Store..everything! Neutral colors rule Now, we get to five newer ideas that I just picked up from the recent edition of MONEY magazine, and I think they really pertain to Sellers that REALLY want to sell.  Sellers in my market here in the Coachella Valley, MUST be competitive with the dominant REO's which are driving every market in the valley right now.  Forget about beating their price/sf.  ... 09/26/2009

Looking for something fun to do?  Why not try The La Quinta Playhouse for a unique evening out?  Located in Old Town La Quinta , the playhouse has a new address.  79015 Main St is the new location, still in Old Town La Quinta, next to Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill. This non profit theater is a fun and exciting way to enjoy yourself and also help out a non profit group.  While your down here, stop by and say hello! "The Gin Game" Oct 1-25 Baby With The Bathwater" Oct 29-Dec 6 Shows start at 7:30 pm Thursday thru Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.       09/23/2009

Buyers and Sellers have two very different perceptions of a home.  Sellers tend to see their homes as "the best on the block!"  "People will pay more for mine because...."  "Someone will fall in love with it, just like I did!"  Here is the Seller's view of their home.  The Listing Agent can go over all the comparable homes they can with this Seller, but to no avail.. The potential Buyer, on the other hand sees this same home something like this...The Buyer's Agent can run all the comparables they wish to, but until the Buyers become a bit more educated about the local market. (and lose a few properties), they will not budge from their VERY LOW offers. If the Buyer and Seller do manage to agree on an opinion of the home that stimulates a contract between the two, they will have to deal w... 09/23/2009

  We finally got our dba approved by the CA DRE.  Sid and Laurie Kirkland will also be working under the name "Kirkland Properties".  If you need any assistance with buyers and sellers in the Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs to La Quinta, please let us know.  We do pay referral fees and will treat your clients like gold! This is only a dba, we are still part of California Lifestyle Realty in La Quinta.  The premiere real estate agency in La Quinta with onsite offices at the La Quinta Resort, Old Town La Quinta, The Citrus and PGA West.  No other agency has the presence and expertise in the La Quinta market and surrounding areas. 09/22/2009

Right now more than ever having funds for a down payment is crucial. A lot of buyers are not creative on how or where to get these funds. They think if there is not enough money in their bank account, they cannot buy a home. This is the lenders and Realtors can help to find funds the buyers did not think about. I tell them they have to want to buy a home more than I want them to buy a home in order for it to happen. I have found they usually have to pull  a little money from several sources to make it happen.Here some I have used to help put buyers in homes. What are your ideas?1. Retirement accounts2. Gifts from relatives- even a few hundred dollars from several people add up3. Sell a car, personal items, have a yard sale, jewelry4. Ask for the year end bonus early5. Sell stock6. Tax r... 09/21/2009

I have an excellent transaction coordinator.Thank goodness. Right now it seems the banks are trying anyway possible to delay escrows and dot every "I" and cross every "T." Each day is a new challenge to keep buyers from getting so frustrated that they give up. Even our escrow officer who is sooooo good, has been pushed to her limits recently.  Loan docs are drawn sometimes 2 and 3 times. Files are now 4 to 5 times thicker than just a few years ago. Our job more than ever seems to be: stay calm, be the voice of reason, keep working to get whatever is need to close no matter what, be positive for all sides, and keep going and going. We tell people it is like having a baby. The last few days before closing are like a very hard and long labor. Once the baby is born, the pain is soon forgott... 09/21/2009

1. Most of all we are having more fun and laughing harder than ever2. Each of us is out of our comfort zone on a daily basis- who would have thought we would enjoy doing videos!3. We are learning more each day about technology and ourselves4. Our business is increasing too - more leads and much easier to get listings- clients love the Internet knowledge, presence, and enthusiasm5. This has built even more cohesiveness on our team6. We are learning what agents and clients are interested in learning more about response on comments and video views7. This is reward to us for all the hard work we do in a day. We all have fun doing this.How has social networking changed you and your business? 09/21/2009