I am noticing a lot of short sales are selling at very close to full price and some of the better ones may have several offers on them. The market here has changed a bit. The good bank foreclosures also have multiple offers as well. I have several clients that are waiting for the bank to sort through the offers and get a response; it is not for the faint of heart and can take two to four months or more to complete a short sale. Foreclosures are tricky also and most people don't know that the bank can get an offer at the last second and accept it, even if you have been told you are 1st in the running. Short Sale negotiators may have hundreds of files on their desks, so you must have good steady contact. I have sold dozens of short sales starting back to the 90's when we had another low h... 04/21/2008

Here are the current listing statistics on active, pending and sold Palm Springs condos from 150,000 to 200,000 price range. These condo listing are from the period for 3/14/2008 to 4/14/2008. This also shows you the list price to sell price as well as average days on the market breakdown, and average % of list price received on solds by market time. Please call Elaine Stewart at 760 668-2399 to see Real Estate in the Palm Springs or surrounding areas.Active: 16 Pending: 9 Sold: 9 Other: 0 Total: 34  Bedrooms Bathrooms Square Feet List Price Selling Price Days on Market Minimum 1  1.00  589  $150,000  $152,000  5  Average 2  1.86  1,131  $183,622  $178,322  61  Median 2  2.00  1,116  $187,000  $180,000   22  Maximum 3  2.50  1,545  $205,000  $199,900  548  Total Dollar Value      $1,604... 04/14/2008

   The mysteries of the Earth while being numerous and complex also serve to capture the attention of people everywhere.  Perhaps one of the most prevalent mysteries that man has often wondered and mused over is the ancient spirits and their beginnings.  One such location is widely known for its legend and remarkable stories that tell of an air of power and mystery while displaying the beauty of the desert and of a people that time holds suspended in memory through ruins and rock huts built into the rocky trails and winding paths.   Tahquitz Canyon is the location that offers each visitor a view of the awe inspiring San Jacinto Mountains from various locations on winding trails that carry the traveler past ancient irrigation ditches as well as foundations and house pits built by the Agu... 04/01/2008

What does one solid week of delectable dishes flavored with precision and care added to over forty restaurant participants gives you?  The highly anticipated Palm Springs Restaurant Week.  With nearly unlimited amounts of food, drink, and fun you and everyone you bring or meet in attendance are guaranteed to experience something few people will ever have the chance to. You can taste many wonderful specialties from Copley's on Palm Canyon, Chop House, Melvyn's, Pomme Frite, The Falls Prime Steakhouse & Martini Bar, Zin American Bistro, Le Vallauris and more.  This event is a must to attend for those of you that enjoy a savory experience when you partake of a meal.  With dishes ranging from simple bistro menus to extreme culinary creations that will make you request more, the experience ... 03/31/2008

The 21st annual Palm Springs home expo is coming to Palm Springs next weekend!  April 4th-6th at the Palm Springs Convention Center.  Admission and parking are FREE all three days.Find everything for your home, health and well-being all in one location! You can't afford to miss it!For more info: http://local.mydesert.com/splash/homeexpo/  400 exhibit boothsFree seminarsDIY workshopsFree fitness assessmentsHealth ScreeningsOpening night reception with VIP tours. 100% proceeds benefit Desert AIDS Project** EntertainmentHealth and Beauty sectionPrizes and Giveaways Home Home FurnishingsKitchens and BathroomsBarbequesLandscapingPatios and GardensPaints and FinishingsWindows and DoorsLive AuctionSeminars and WorkshopsDesigner RoomsSpas and Pools 03/28/2008

If you're in town this weekend, please note the following event:Please join us this Saturday night between 6-9 for a pre-release book party at Modern Home in Palm Springs! Andrew Weaving, author of "Modern Retro" and "Sarasota Modern" will be there signing his latest book "Living Retro". This new hardbound features some amazing homes in Palm Springs, London, Florida, Copenhagen and New York including Jonathan Adler's swanky pad! With photography by Andrew Wood, this one is a must for any lover of Mid Century design. There will be drinks, snacks and socializing. Feel free to pass this invite along to any lover of the era! Hope to see you there!!   Saturday March 29th 6-9pmModern Home2500 N. Palm Canyon Dr. @ Racquet clubPalm Springs, CA. 92262760-320-8422 03/27/2008

Who is taking advantage of the low housing prices? Smart Canadians. In the past few months we have been receiving a number of inquiries from our neighbors in the North, inquiring about purchasing in the Palm Springs area.  The strength of the Canadian dollar  compared to the US dollar, is added incentive for foreign nationals to invest in Palm Springs, which has been a popular winter playground for Canadians, for years. Recently, my clients from Vancouver were shocked at what they could purchase here for $400,000 compared to what that same house would cost them in Canada.  Smart buyers are realizing the values.To help Canadians understand the process of what is involved with purchasing here, I've put together a page on my website: http://www.paulkaplanrealtor.com/ForeignBuyers.phpWe hav... 03/26/2008

 Here are the figures for California-  if you look at the averages for California for % Change in Sales from 2007, Palm Springs if one of the areas least affected by the current market conditions.  Palm Springs area Prices dropped 13.6%, compared to the average for California, of 26.2% from 2007 to 2008.  February 2008 Regional Sales and Price Activity*Regional and Condo Sales Data Not Seasonally Adjusted February-08Median PricePercentChangein PricefromPriorMonthPercentChangein PricefromPriorYearPercentChangein SalesfromPriorMonthPercent Change in Sales from Prior Year Feb-08Jan-08 Feb-07 Jan-08Feb-07Statewide       Calif. (sf)$409,240-4.8% -26.2% 9.5%-28.5%Calif. (condo)$366,390-1.0% -15.0% 9.6%-40.8%        C.A.R. Region       Central ValleyNANA NA NANAHigh Desert$220,380-5.9% -31.1% ... 03/26/2008

Waking up early yesterday I turned the TV on to CNBC to check out the tortuous news on the housing market ( I guess I am a glutton for punishment). To my surprise it was the first time in a year that there was positive news about housing. They reported that sales were up 2.9% country wide, I thought wow my four escrows couldin't have pushed it that much! But I have been talking to more buyers lately!I sell in the Palm Springs area and work for a company that has 420 agents in the valley. Monday is office meeting day so off I went to hear the basic stuff see some friends and get a free breakfast from the vendors, I know kinda shallow. The news was good, it wasn't your typical things will be ok meeting. It was things are getting better! Our company Windermere Real Estate actually had a 10... 03/25/2008

The Palm Springs Follies opened in December of 1936, Earl Strebe the manager and owner, offered Camille, a now historic and classic picture show as the first performance given. Not only did the Plaza Theatre immerse you in a bygone culture and way of entertainment that is difficult to find today, but also they boasted performers such as Frank Sinatra, Donald O'Connor, and many other great actors and performers. These stars were the limelight of the shows, and helped to make the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, CA a popular place back in the day, read more here 03/24/2008

Looks like we're going to break 90 degrees this weekend!  Its clear and beautiful and definately great pool weather. Hope everyone has a great weekend and spring break! If you have time, come on out to Palm Springs for a visit!! Paul 03/22/2008

Are you a lover of the mid century homes but have a desire for a more "green" friendly home.  Look no further!  EcoModern Homes formerly Contempo have blended the two genres into great homes located inside the PS Country Club.  Great design finishes, pools/spas and interesting architectural elements are only some aspects of these great homes.  Folow this link http://www.contempohomes.com/PDFs/country.pdf or Call me for more information...760-672-5533. 03/21/2008

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!  March 2008Pacific Life Open Tennis TournamentPalm Springs AreaDates: March 10-23 2008Indian Wells Tennis GardensIndian Wells, CAFor more info:Phone: 800-999-1585 orVisit website: www.pacificlifeopen.comDesert Swing'n Dixie Jazz FestivalPalm Springs, CA Dates: March 14-16 2008 For more info: Call 760-333-7932 or Website: www.desertjazz.org Palm Springs Renaissance FestivalOld World FestivalDates: March 28-30 2008Location: Frances Stevens Park in Palm Springs, California, at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs , CA.For more info: Phone: (800) 320-4736 orVisit website: www.renaissanceinfo.comApril 2008Kraft Nabisco Championship LPGA TournamentPalm Springs areaDates: April 1-6 2008Location: Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, CAFor more info: Phone: 760-3... 03/19/2008

For all my mid-century clients and contacts, check out http://www.modernphoenix.net/tours.htm April 4 - 6.  Its a great opportunity to tour some cool Arizonia mid-century architecture, listen to some good lectures, participate in some hands on classes....I'll be there that weekend.  I haven't spent much time there but from the looks of things, I like the mid-century architecture.  Hope to see you there!     03/18/2008

                                    Here's the latest sales statistics for new home and resales for February.  We're not THAT far off from last year actually.  March has picked up substantially too.   CLOSINGS FOR FEBRUARY 2008               2008   RESALES       NEW              2007    RESALES       NEWPALM SPRINGS/CATHEDRAL CITY                         137               8                             176             20DESERT HOT SPRINGS/NO. PALM SPRINGS/THOUSAND PALMS                          42              16                               57             14RANCHO MIRAGE/PALM DESERT/INDIAN WELLS/LA QUINTA                        268              17                              313             54INDIO/COACHELLA EAST TO THE COLORADO RIVER                        121               4        ... 03/18/2008

We've been experiencing some Foreclosure properties selling after only being on the market for days lately!  If a property is priced right, it will sell, and often we see multiple offers. So yes, it is a buyers market.  Yet, buyers need to be prepared to jump on great deals when they hit the Multiple Listings and be ready to compete for them.  The market is flooded with buyers sitting on the sidelines, closely watching, waiting for these great buys.  As a result, be prepared,  and ready to go, so you can take advantage of well priced property deals too.   I monitor the market throughout the day and notify my registered buyers of good buys as soon as they are listed.  If you're interest, please sign up on my website, www.PaulKaplanRealtor.com or www.RepoCaravan.net to learn how to positi... 03/18/2008

   What better way to step back some years in time and re-visit your college days than to attend the happening event , the Coachella Valley Music Festival, located in Indio, California on the Empire Polo Fields.  Thousands of people have flocked to this annual event that promises to hold, this year, one of the most diverse line ups in entertainment than has ever been held in the previous years of show dates. Boasting performing artists from varied backgrounds and varied genre of music with group names like Portishead, Kraftwerk, and many more.  Over 100 artists have been listed and in years passed have played in various tents with names like, the Gobi tent, Sahara tent, Mojave tent, and on multiple stages such as the Coachella stage and the Outdoor Theater.  These locations are spread ... 03/17/2008

The local building industry in the Palm Springs area has put together a Showcase of Homes tour, highlighting new home communities in the desert.  Go to http://desertchapter.web200.inetu.net/showcase/ You can enter to win a shopping spree at Patios Plus for $10,000 too, as well as see some great model homes. Even if you're not in the market right now, its a great opportunity to visit various model homes and see what is available.Have fun!Paul  03/16/2008

The famous Palm Springs Riviera Resort has been undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation over the last few months.  Its due to reopen in the fall of 2008.I drive by it everyday on my way to the office.  This past week, I noticed they're attacking the tacky facade that was put up in the 80s, and bringing it back to its original mid-century design.  Its exciting to see this great resort re-emerge!  Check out the website:  http://www.psriviera.com/riviera_home.aspxThe new resort and spa will be a welcome and exciting addition to Palm Springs.  It will definately add to the revitalization of the hip north end of town.   03/15/2008

By this time, it seems like everyone has there own induvidual idea of where the market in going in Palm Springs.  But the truth of the matter is that with foreclosures on the rise, short sales are becoming more and more seen in the Coachella Valley.  With a knowledgable agent, sellers are able to avoid foreclosure by finding a buyer who is willing to wait out a short sale. Short Sales can benefit both buyers and sellers.  Obviously sellers are able to avoid foreclosure and a significant negative burden on their credit.  Buyers are able to purchase properties at below market values making this a Win Win for both parties. If you are a seller who would like more information on short sales, please feel free to contact me for more information.  Let my knowledge work for you!  03/11/2008