Welcome to 2008, the year of the turnaround in the housing market. Here's your local situation report:Local Job Market - is healthy and growing. Unlike past housing downturns, which were accompanied with severe job cuts, the local economy continues to add jobs. Since the peak of the housing market two years ago, 98,000 new jobs (net) have been added. Last year, there were 51,300 new jobs added, an increase of 13.8% vs. 5.0% national average.  Inflation - is contained. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is currently around 2.1%. Compare this to a rate of 3.5% in 2000, dropping to around 1% in 2002, and increasing to nearly 4% in late 2006. Mortgage Rates - near historic lows. Although not (yet) producing buyers due to continuing uncertainly and lack of confidence, this will change as uncerta... 12/30/2007

Now is the time to buy Homes at PGA West golf community in La Quinta CA. Like most Realtors, I have been keeping an eye on the selling price of homes sold at PGA West, La Quinta CA and surrounding communities in the Palm Springs area for the last several years. In watching the average selling price as measured by the sales price per sq. ft., it looked like prices were actually holding fairly steady until the last half of 2007, so I decided to do further research. Based on an analysis of data from the local MLS, there were 432homes sold in PGA West, La Quinta CA., from 1/1/05 through 12-21-07. The "yearly" average selling price (as measured on a price per sq. ft. basis) was $285 in 2005, increasing to $293in 2006 and dropping back to an average of $285 for 2007 year-to-date. Thinking sel... 12/21/2007

Things are falling into place for the fabulous 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. In fact,  the PGA has just announced its entire tour. Golfing venues have been chosen for this year's rotation, the 2008 Classic Girls have been chosen and George Lopez will be the official host. As usual, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the Desert Cities of La Quinta and Palm Desert as the world famous charity event moves to its opening on January 17th.  But, for some, the excitement is not just based on being spectators watching a popular sport, but on participating in an event that launch their careers and change their lives.  The young ladies chosen to act as goodwill ambassadors for an event that has become a tradition in this area are Emily Harrison now called "Hope", Colie Cullen, ne... 12/10/2007

Free Thanksgiving meal to be served at senior centerThere will be a free Thanksgiving Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the La Quinta Senior Center at 78-450 Avenida La Fonda. Entertainment and food for the event are being donated by Desert Cities Catering. Reservations are required. Information: 760-564-0096.St. Francis church sponsoring blood driveSt. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church youth ministry and senior adult ministry will sponsor a community blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 25 in Bluett Hall. Appointments can be made by visiting or calling the parish office at 760-564-1255.Henry's collecting food for Father Joe'sHenry's Farmers Market at 79-050 Highway 111 is collecting food as part of the Grab 'n' Give food drive. Food can be dropped off in bins in front ... 11/13/2007

Many communities have chosen this slogan to describe their piece of Paradise over the years, not just in the Coachella Valley but in other southwestern states. I'm sure it won't surprise you to learn that Las Vegas and Phoenix once claimed this moniker, now long forgotten to them as they seek loftier goals for their megapolisis'. But our own La Quinta is at a place in their growth and history right now when Jewel of The Desert is not only an appropriate description, but could be rightfully crowned if such things were awarded. A magnificent example of careful level-headed environment-friendly and eye-pleasing development, nothing seems to rise above the endless gardens and fairways more than two stories high. This leaves the spectacular mountain vistas in clear view from nearly any vanta... 11/05/2007

La Quinta became a safer place to live from 2005 to 2006, according to the latest FBI statisticsThe city of nearly 39,000 residents experienced a 21 percent decrease in violent crimes and a 9.2 percent drop in property crimes between 2005 and 2006.The data are part of a national report, titled Crime in the United States, compiled from information by law enforcement agencies nationwide. The FBI collected these data via the Uniform Crime Reporting Program and released the results Monday.The program gathers data for violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.Nationally, violent crimes have risen while property crimes fe... 09/27/2007

Map of Residential Sales - June 2007 580 Residential properties sold through Desert Area MLS in the cities of Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, Bermuda Dunes, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Indio, Coachella, Thousand Palms and Thermal during the month of June, 2007 Average sold price: $528,407Median sold price: $400,000Average Days on Market: 108.75   This data in this is based on the data supplied by Desert Area Multiple Listing Service and its member Associations of Realtors, who are not responsible for its accuracy   07/19/2007

Opening another major north/south corridor, CVAG is tackling the traffic issues facing the east valley.  The Jefferson Street Project was identified by voters as one of the primary roadways to be completed with Measure "A" revenues in 1988.The second phase of the project is open with the bridge north of Hwy 111, giving an option on the north/south commute and relieving the overcrowding on Washington Street.  The six lane corridor will extend from I-10 to Avenue 54 when the third phase is completed, giving commuters easier access to La Quinta dn Indo businesses and residences.Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) has agreed to fund 75% of project costs for all three phases, with funds collected from Measure "A" sales tax increment and Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (T... 06/15/2007

Should a buyer get a home inspection for a home they are buying? Should a seller order a home inspection prior to putting the property on the market? There are advantages for both. Simply put, a home inspection is a visual examination of both the physical structure and major systems of the entire home including: walls, ceilings, floors, decks, exterior covering, the roof, foundation, insulation and ventilation, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning. It is not an appraisal to validate the value of a home, nor a pass/fail exam. A third-party inspector will give a report on the physical condition and suggest repairs.BuyersFor buyers, a home inspection clause in the written offer that makes the purchase contingent upon the findings can provide peace of mind. If a serious proble... 05/23/2007

Home owners want their good taste to show.Some seers predicted that rising oil prices would make McMansions the housing dinosaurs of the 21st century.  However, many buyers still view bigger as better.  But whether their home or condo is built large or small, owners today want the interior to be designed with more varied marterials, textures and colors.  They also wan their home updated with the latest technological advances that provide pleasure, improve safetly and save time. 05/21/2007