Retiring..retirement..retired..all very "tired" words as far as I'm concerned.  I work with many "retired" cleints.  I'm at the age where I qualify for 55+ "retirement" communities myself!  My Buyers are not looking at Retirement homes, they are looking at Homes for the next phase of their lives.  Here in the Palm Springs Valley, there are 55+ communities in the city of Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Indio and La Quinta.   One of my favorite 55+ housing developments is Trilogy, in East La Quinta.  Shea Homes has finished the project, (just last year), and it has been extremely successful.  Low HOA's of $288/month that include killer amenities including a state of the art Clubhouse with covered indoor track, covered lap swimming pool, gym, conference rooms, computer stations and spa facili... 03/11/2014

The Citrus is a home where you will have your choice of 3 golf courses.  This can be very different from other communities that may only have one, or two options.  With 3 options, each day of golfing can be different.  You will have more of a challenge as you learn to master each course right from your own neighborhood.  Pete Dye is famous for designing award winning golf courses, and he is behind the design of the courses at The Citrus.  There is even a challenging Mountain Course that is surrounded by the beautiful setting in this outstanding community.  The Mountain View Country Club is where many residents spend a great deal of their time.  Members have unlimited access to all courses, and each course is surrounded by the Santa Rosa mountains.  The views on the grounds are often br... 03/11/2014

If you would like to see any of the properties listed below which are in the The Hideaway Golf Club , please call us at the numbers below. Were committed to helping you find the home of your dreams. Elaine has been a Real Estate Agent for over 20 years and has extensive experience in the Palm Springs, and surrounding cities Real Estate market, Elaine truly enjoys helping people in the process of buying or selling a home. Elaine Stewart - Remax Real Estate Consultants Mobile: (760) 668-2399 - Office: (760) 391-4415 Email: desertrealestate1@yahoo.com 03/10/2014

If you would like to see any of the properties listed below which are in the PGA West Homes For Sale , please call us at the numbers below. Were committed to helping you find the home of your dreams. Elaine has been a Real Estate Agent for over 20 years and has extensive experience in the Palm Springs, and surrounding cities Real Estate market, Elaine truly enjoys helping people in the process of buying or selling a home. Elaine Stewart - Remax Real Estate Consultants Mobile: (760) 668-2399 - Office: (760) 391-4415 Email: desertrealestate1@yahoo.com 03/10/2014

  I've been gone for awhile from my AR blog.  Not exactly sure why, other than I have been busy with real estate here in the Palm Springs Valley, but I also think I just wanted to take a blog break.  Probably not wise, as you write your name in water in the blogasphere so to speak, but sometimes you just need to change it up! The desert during the winter truly is a wonderland of extremely fine outdoor living and a ton of events.  Right now, we have several running, starting with the La Quinta Arts Festival.  Now ranked #1 with the Art Critics, I am heading over today to view the amazing art work by local and international artists!  Sporting events are continual, and the BNP Paribas Tennis Open is in full swing at the newly expanded facility in Indian Wells Tennis Garden.  Both of our w... 03/07/2014

La Quinta Resident Card :  You must live in La Quinta to Qualify!   As agents and ambassadors to our city of La Quinta we are often asked if residents here receive special consideration, or discounts for golf.  When the resident program first began, you could qualify for a resident discount if you had a copy of your home closing statement, and a copy of a utility bill with your name on it. The policy has now changed and home ownership no longer entitles "residents" to the locals discount.  You must now produce a California Drivers License with your La Quinta address on it.   Unfortunately this disqualifies many 2nd home buyers who purchase property here, but do not live here full time.  Complete list of rules and regulations :La Quinta Resident Card   SEARCH FOR HOMES IN LA QUINTA   03/02/2014

You enter a home and can tell it has a musty moldy smell. The clients are looking around and love the house. 1. You say nothing and let them enjoy the house 2. You look around without saying anything to see if you can find any evidence of current or prior leaks 3. You tell the clients you smell an odor that may be a sign of a current or past leak 4. You suggest the clients order a mold inpsecon for whatever house they buy What would you do?   I suggest to all clients to doa mold inspection. I also disclosure any suspicious odors or defects on the homes as I show them. To me the mantra is disclose, disclose, disclose. Many times the clients don't care, but at least I feel good that there were disclosed all I could possibly disclose. 03/01/2014

I moved to California in 1989 and there was a severe drought. I had lived n Iowa on the Mississippi River where we watered our lawns all night long and the farmers had plenty of water. Between the frequesnt rains, snow, and the mighty Mississippi, I had no clue how to conserve water. I learned fast on conserving. Outr water bills in Iowa were about $20 a month. In Saratoga, California, they skyrocketed to over $100  a month. We quickly learned to do be more careful and keep our clothes cleaner longer before washing them. We washed the cars less. We did low water usage on the landscaping. We only flushed the toilet a few times a day. We washed dishes by hand to save water. When we took a shower we got wet, turned the water off while we scrubbed, and then rinsed. No water was served in re... 02/19/2014

I see on Facebook many days that people are looking for the best place to live. I live in the best place- La Quinta, California. We have sun over 350 days a year. It is a small town so the people are friendly and nice. It is safe. There are incredible mountain views and the because the valley is small, the mountains are close. There are many golf courses, hiking trails, good restaurants, shopping, and more. There are events nearly every weekend. There are casinos and great concerts too. We have polo and horse jumping. We do not have much traffic. The schoold are good for children. The cost of living is low for Caifornia. Housing costs are still low. For people of all ages, La Quinta is a fabulous place to live. It is 80 degrees here again today! 02/17/2014

I have a short sale that was in escrow for $180,000. While in escrow the house was burglarized and severely damaged. estimates by contractors are over $50,000 to repair this home. I am taking offers util Wednesday at 5 pm to prove to the bank I am getting the highest offer possible. So far I have 18 offers and most are cash. I am appalled that many have not even viewed the home. They provide no proof of funds or proof of ownership in the LLC. This will be an interesting journey to see when and how this all works out. 02/15/2014

Art Events In The Palm Springs - Coachella Valley - Known for fun in the sun, Golf and fifties modern architecture Palm Springs is developing a reputation for Art events of all types.  Here is a brief outline of some of the major events available in our Sunny Desert. Coming right up on February 22 - 23, 2014 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden – catch a sneak peek at the revamped facility before the PNB Parriba Open tennis tournament in March.  Come to the ARTWALK at the Wells   Learn more at the event Web Site: http://www.westcoastartists.com/artists_cal.html At the ARTWALK You will see innovative works in differing styles of contemporary, traditional, modern, and southwest art. Hundreds of talented artists will present their unique works in different media such as acrylic, oils, etching... 02/13/2014

Just CLOSED TODAY on La Quinta Cove home for my First-Time Home Buyer! It has been such a pleasure working with my first-time home buyer in La Quinta!  We close today on his first home in the La Quinta Cove neighborhood.  He has been so enthusiastic, quick to respond to emails and texts, and very easy to work with.  He has appreciated the time I have spent with him and I am excited to take him the keys to his new home! FIND YOUR HOME IN LA QUINTA 02/11/2014

We are so lucky to live and work right next to a world class resort, in the Waldorf-Astoria collection of hotels... the La Quinta Resort & Spa.  I created this with my iPad using the Paper app by Fifty-Three.  It is the beautiful scene right outside our California Lifestyle Realty office at the resort! 02/09/2014

This week I went to visit my parents in Mesa,Arizona. I went to view some open houses as here in La Quinta, California we have many people who decide between moving here and the Phoenix area in Arizona. Gold Canyon is a very nice area like La Quinta on the fringe of the Phoenix metroplex area. There a incredible mountain views with nice golf courses and areas with nice homes in 55+ gated communities. For many years the prices in the Phoenix area have been about half price of here in the Coachella Valley. I was surprised to find the prices in the Gold Canyon area are now higher than they are here. I brought the comparable sales list and also flyers to show people that the La Quinta area is lower priced. It is quieter, smaller, and more personal. The mountain views in La Quinta are fabulo... 02/07/2014

I have done over 400 short sales in the past several years. I am very happy there are not many short sales in my area any longer. Nonetheless, I just got approval on a short sale I started to process on September 5, 2013. Now it is 5 months later and the buyer gets the home. I have learned over the years that each short sale is a new adventure. This one was extra interesting as it was turned over to a servicer from bank of America. The negotiator was very good and very patient, and helped me alot to learn their new process. I felt like an idiot as I learned their new ways of doing the doing short. I thought I was a short sale expert and was properly humbled through this process. Will I do more short sales? Yes I will. Now that I once again know what I am doing, bring them on. I know how... 02/06/2014

Award winning architect Guy Dreier designed home, now on the market in La Quinta! Recently updated with a state of the art entertainment center, and upgrades throughout, this contemporary beauty on the Mountain Course at the Waldorf Astoria La Quinta Resort is a perfect contemporary luxury retreat!   For a private tour or more information on this property give me a call! 77245 Loma Vista   Listing agent, Bridget Myers California Lifestyle Realty.  Kathy Schowe is seeking buyers for this amazing property!   LUXURY HOMES IN LA QUINTA 02/04/2014

My long time friend and mentor Bernie Gartland is a tax specialist. He is the former attorney general for Delaware and tax attorney in California for many years. If you have state tax or federal tax issues, Bernie can help you. He is honest and straight forward. He also is a bankruptcy specialist. He has a great accountant in his office and reviews all tax returns. Do not hesitate to call Bernie Gartland for a free tax consultation. ph: 760-771-771-0010 02/02/2014

Homes for Sale on the Golf Course in Trilogy La Quinta CA Search current golf course homes for sale in Trilogy here. You'll fall in love with the picturesque community of Trilogy located in La Quinta, California near PGA West. The 18-hole golf course community is most desirable for it's exquisite backdrop of the Coral Mountains, views so serene you may have to pinch yourself. What's the neighborhood like? A 55+ country club community, you'll find tranquil lakes, wildflowers and meandering walkways inside Trilogy.  The country club lifestyle of Trilogy offers a public 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, bocce ball, and a 28,000 square-foot Santa Rosa Clubhouse featuring a banquet room, card room and state-of-the art fitness facility with group fitness classes and an indoor walking track.... 01/28/2014

I have worked in real estate for over 12 years non stop. Even on vacation I answer my phone and return emails, do offers, etc. Yesterday I had a real wake up call about how out of touch I am becoming. I went to an outlet mall about 30  miles from where I live. I found that since I had been there they had built a 9 story parking garage and added about 40 stores and were in the process of adding 45 more. I asked a clerk how long this had been so different and she said for over a year. Then on the way home I went by Lexus to get my bluetooth synced and enroute I  went down a road that I had not been on for over ayear and there are 2 new shopping centers. I decided to take a few hours each week to go somewhere local that I have not been in awhile so I know more about what is happening in my... 01/25/2014

1. Sunshine 360+ days per year 2. Lots of events to attend- art shows, golf tournaments, car shows, wine tastings, bike rides, runs and walks, charity fundraisers 3. Lots of recreational activities- golf, tennis, pickle ball, hiking, biking, swimming, shopping 4. Lots of socializing at parties, happy hours, country clubs 5. Small town friendly atmosphere with minimal traffic 6. Affordable - prices are low compared to other areas of California 7. Lots of nice restaurants, bars, retail stores 01/20/2014