Another beautiful day at California Lifestyle at La Quinta Resort It is always a treat to come to the La Quinta Resort at the California Lifestyle office in La Quinta.  This morning I captured this little girl in her rainbow dress dancing along the wall in front of our beautiful flowers! Hope you have had a wonderful week! SEARCH FOR HOMES IN LA QUINTA  11/15/2013

There are several reasons why you may be faced with having to list your home as a short sale in La Quinta, California  .   We understand that things happen and are out of your control.  Some of the reasons that we have helped other homeowners short sale their home are :   Medical Emergency Bankruptcy Unemployment Medical Bills Death in the Family Divorce Failed Business Reduction in Work hours Job Relocation/ Transfer  Do not  work with inexperienced real estate agents. Negotiations are crucial in a short sale transaction.  There are many steps, processes and procedures an agent must take to work a short sale.  The Desert Dream Team has many years of experience in short sale negotiations and will guide you through the entire transaction.  Call or email us today and we can sit down with ... 11/14/2013

Wordless Wednesday:  Stunning Sunset in La Quinta   Even though Thanksgiving is on its way and many of you in other parts of the country are having your first cold snaps... it was 91* in La Quinta yesterday.  To top it off we were treated to this amazing sunset!   11/13/2013

Our season is officially underway. The snowbirds are back. The golf course are open. The flowers are blooming. The restaurants are packed. There are lines at the grocery store checkout. The parking lots are full. The area is full of life. The weather is gorgeous - cool evenings and warm sunny days. This is our springtime. Best of all - people want to buy houses! This is our season! 11/13/2013

Playing golf today for the first time this Season! Our course opened last week at La Quinta Country Club, and today will be my first opportunity to get out there and play it!  Over the last month they were over seeding, and the course has been closed.  We have watched the winter grass take over and it looks magnificent! The forecast is 91* and sunny! SEARCH FOR HOMES AT LA QUINTA COUNTRY CLUB 11/12/2013

Hot Purple Energy has  been installing solar panels from SUN POWER on our roof over the last week.  We decided to convert to solar after several friends and our son shared their experience- and how much they are saving.  You not only create your own power, you put power back on the GRID!  Residential Solar Power Installation Process   Contact Hot Purple Energy – Joe Adams (760) 799-5915 to begin application process.  Joe will come out to your house and determine the optimum location and number of solar panels that will be required depending on your average energy consumption. Check with your HOA about regulations regarding SOLAR and get approval. Fill out IID application for solar or Edison application and schedule an energy audit on your house.  Often used light bulbs should be replace... 11/10/2013

Art Under the Umbrellas     Right in the heart of Old Town La Quinta, 80 + artists present works in painting, glass, ceramic, jewelry, wood, sculpture, photography, fiber and mixed media at each Art Under the Umbrellas show.    Just find Main Street and the Event Lawn and you will know you are there by the beautiful white umbrellas lining the street!  Art patrons and locals will find quality artwork of every genre while tourists will discover a trove of treasures. Sometimes calypso, sometimes folk...live music complements the event and sets the stage for fun.   The setting in Old Town is breathtaking and you won't want to miss it!Art Under The Umbrellas will also be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following Saturdays in Old Town La Quinta: January 11, January 18, February 1, Februar... 11/09/2013

Here are some tips to get more money for your home 1. Have all maintenance issues fixed - examples: leaky faucet, sticky door locks, touch up marks on paintetc. 2. Have the home spic and span clean - people love a home that is so clean it sparkles. This includes yard, windows, and garage too. 3. Declutter your home. Get the counters clear. The closets can be no more than 50% full. Remove personal photos. 4. Have a home stager rearrange the home. This can make you alot of money on your bottom line. They know what buyers want in a home. 5. Have a few upgrades and areas that really WOW! a buyer - examples - a redone master bath with huge shower and closet and maybe a large tub too, an outdoor fireplace or firepit, commercial grade appliances in the kitchen. 11/08/2013

 CAMP RunAMutt in La Quinta   Camp RunAMutt opening soon in La Quinta...Cage Free Doggie Day Care located at the Village Park in La Quinta (Old Vet’s office)  A kinder way to board your pet! Dogs are temperament tested and allowed to play all day and even stay overnight…cage free. They are supervised 24 hours a day, play in the yard and hang out on furniture or dog beds inside. Lovingly referred to as controlled chaos.  And you can watch your kids on line to be sure they are having a good time  http://www.camprunamutt.com/    No Need to Register to Attend Barbeque - We would love to give you a tour!   Bring your Mutt / All Pre Registered Canine Campers welcome! Pre Opening Barbeque on Friday, November 15th from 5 pm to 7 pm.    Official Opening Day is Monday, November 18th, 2013.   You ... 11/07/2013

 FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL IN OLD TOWN LA QUINTA 7th Annual Fall Family Festival  Saturday, November 9, 2013 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Old Town La Quinta. Family & kid friendly activities for the entire family! OVER 50 family themed vendors and exhibitors along with car seat safety checks, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, local resources, entertainment, raffle prizes and much more.Free admission and parking! For more information: 760-342-7400; www.lqfallfamilyfestival.org    SEARCH FOR HOMES NEAR OLD TOWN LA QUINTA 11/06/2013

Speechless Sunday:  In praise of the Beet Salad         We had dinner the other night at one of our favorite La Quinta restaurants, La Brasserie Bistro & Bar at the corner of Washington and Hwy 111.  Beets are one of my favorite winter vegetables, and I'm so glad they are becoming a popular ingredient.  This roasted beet salad with a crunchy goat cheese croquette is perfection!   11/03/2013

For the past several years, I have had an event to raise money and get new shoes for Christmas for children in Coachella, California. The charity is through the Valley Missionary league and 100% of funds go directly to the children. This year our event will be on December 2 at Mountain View Country Club. There is a golf event at 8 AM for $125 and includes unch. For those that do not golf, lunch only is $35.  There will be a silent auction and raffle as well. The party for the children is on December 19 at Dr. Carreon School in Indio. Santa will arrive on a fire truck. There will lunch and cookies. The families will receive food and gift cards. The children will get shoes and toys and even some bikes. This is a great charity. Please attend or at least donate to support our local community. 11/03/2013

From the greens on two championship golf courses to the Santa Rosa Mountains and beyond, The Hideaway La Quinta is nothing short of breathtaking.  Golf and country clubs go hand in hand together and within the acreage of this fine club you will find some of the most luxurious courses on this planet.  And just beyond that rests elegant homes waiting for you to get cozy in.The Hideaway La Quinta boasts two championship golf courses that were designed by Clive Clark and Pete Dye.  Spanning over 600 acres in the La Quinta area, you are sure to be challenged day in and day out while living life to the fullest in the majestic setting of La Quinta.   It is an upscale community that lives in peace and luxury with most members ranging from thirty years up to their eighties.  Overall, it is one o... 10/27/2013

  The grass is green on the golf course here at La Quinta Country Club, and soon it will be open for play!  Our driving range opens on November 1st, so we can get out hit some balls before opening day on November 9th!   Come out and see us... the weather and course are fabulous! SEARCH FOR HOMES AT LA QUINTA COUNTRY CLUB 10/27/2013

Meet you at the fountain, Kathy Schowe! Last month I wrote a post about an ActiveRain member whom I havent yet met, but she lives and practices real estate in a place I know and love, and her local expertise as well as her presence in this community has certainly impressed me. For obvious reasons, I look forward to meeting La Quinta CA real estate broker, Kathy Schowe, in person.... and on her turf. Here are just a couple of them: These are glossy note cards created by Kathy herself! I'll bet her clients love receiving these and hold on to them, too. I sure was thrilled by these beautiful local shots, although they make me awfully homesick for La Quinta. We've made a connection here in the Rain, and she recently sent me a packet of these creations, and a sweet note. Thanks, Kathy.   I’d... 10/24/2013

La Quinta Cove you have new neighbors on Avenida Herrera.   The Desert Dream Team recently had the privilege of handing over keys to a new homeowner on Avenida Herrera in the La Quinta Cove. We are so happy for our buyer because we found the perfect home for their needs.  A large lot, upgraded kitchen and in move in condition.  From start to finish it took only 28 days and they were moving in. This morning  we received this note from them and with their permission I want to share it with you.  To The Desert Dream Team Words can not express how thankful I am  to have found you to be our Realtor.  I know there are many agents out there but I  know I  chose the best! Kimberlee the hoops you jumped through and your constant communication really made my home buying experience less stressful ... 10/22/2013

Everyone that owns a home in the La Quinta Cove knows the charm and beauty it holds.  From the great location to Old Town and the shops and dining it offers to the mountains which offer the most amazing scenery: La Quinta Cove is a special community within La Quinta. Buyers are seeing more and more the amenities La Quinta Cove offers and the prices in recent sales backs that up.   Thinking it might be time to sell your property in La Quinta?  Call The Desert Dream Team and find out what your home is worth in today's current real estate market. We can show you what is selling , what is not and why.  No cost or obligation but we are here to answer your questions and create the best possible selling experience for you. We have an office located right in Old Town La Quinta and we have worke... 10/21/2013

Speechless Sunday:  La Quinta Country Club Reflections Our course at La Quinta Country Club is closed for a few more weeks while they are over-seeding for our winter season.  The rye grass is coming in now in it's brightest green, the water lilies are blooming, and I can't help photographing the beauty.  While the course is closed we are able to walk the cart paths in the morning and enjoy the views! SEARCH FOR HOMES AT LA QUINTA COUNTRY CLUB 10/20/2013

Yesterday I received a very nice call from on of my favorite past clients. This couple is so nice. I have sold 2 of their homes and now they have moved out of the area. They nice, kind, proactive in helping get through the sale process and realistic on expectations through the process. It was so nice to hear about their new and then to receive photos. I love to see people's dreams come true. Our community lost a nice couple, but their new community has gained some really good people. It is very rewarding to hear about the client's life  after the home is sold. I was also impressed and grateful as she told me she is still reading my Active Rain blogs. 10/19/2013

Wordless Wednesday:  My Office at The La Quinta Resort ( I bet you wished you worked here!)   Not only is our California Lifestyle Realty office housed at the La Quinta Resort & Spa... there are several great restaurants and shops, including a candy shop, a Ralph Lauren shop, and a Tommy Bahama shop!   Not a bad place to hang out on a Wednesday afternoon! SEARCH FOR HOMES IN LA QUINTA 10/16/2013