Palm Springs offers tremendous opportunity in residential real estate compared to other California real estate markets. If we look at Los Angeles and Orange County, we see there are not many foreclosures available. This is because those areas were pretty much built-out before 2005 and 2006 when the irrational exuberance took place at the top of the real estate bubble. Still, the prices are off from the 2006 highs by as much as 35% in some areas and it could be 8 or more years until they return to those highs again. There are many good deals on the foreclosures in places like Riverside, Las Vegas and Phoenix real estate markets, but the worse there is still yet to come say bankers and real estate brokers in those markets. These were some of the fastest growing real estate markets during ... 12/12/2007

  Most buyers of real estate looking to invest in their home or secondary residence in the Coachella Valley do not understand that what they really need is not just a Real Estate Agent, rather they need a consultant who understands the Valley here. And believe me there is a lot to know and it is paramount to keep up on the changes in the local market. Each city has its own dynamics, growth, way of living and within those cities are micro-communities. You can have whatever you want, its all here, but you need someone who knows the feel of these neighborhoods to attain that dream life you are looking for. You see there is quite a mix of potential properties from high-end 15,000 square foot and up super mansions to condominium communities. There are up-scale snowbird Motor Coach communitie... 12/12/2007

It is just amazing the number of well-known business personalities that live here in Palm Springs and La Quinta.It seems everyone you meet is someone, and with all the celebrity status around here and in Palm Springs just a few miles away, it is neat that everyone just treats everyone else like regular folks. We do not have the paparazzi out trying to get pictures of everyone or anything like that here. When the big PGA golf tournament is in town, there are more famous people out cruising around town than one can count.Still, it is just another day in Palm Springs - that is just the way things are around here. Folks are so very respectful, polite and the service is great, at all the businesses in town, as they never know who they might be waiting on. More Corporate Executives retire her... 12/11/2007

Lease Land vs. Fee Simple Financial Benefits   The primary difference between buying land and leasing it is obvious; lease land reduces the cost of a home by 20 to 30% on average.  Once a structure is built the land beneath it can be of no other use to the homeowner.  So, by owning on leased land, the homeowner gets the use of the land without the capital outlay - and can afford a far more luxurious home for lease money.  futhermore, since no one actually owns a home until the loan is paid off, most so-called "land owners" don't really own their property for 30 years. Won't the value of my real estate climb faster if I own the land? While many things determine resale values, all available figures indicated that resales of homes on leased land have climbed in the exact proportion as othe... 12/11/2007

The real estate in Coachella Valley has some pretty well-known zip codes, but the one which is in the most demand is of course Palm Springs 92262. Amazingly, the market after a few hiccups is doing surprisingly well, although in reality, it should be all that surprising considering demand. Many real estate analysts cite Palm Springs as a great value during these turbulent times. The history of the Palm Springs Real Estate Market shows it is generally the last hit and the first to recover, and with the net gain in population out of shear demand for the bragging rights to say that one lives in Palm Springs, that trend is expected to continue. Speaking of bragging many real estate agents have bragged that they cannot keep inventory very long and once a home is listed; you can expect action... 12/11/2007

Defending The Desert's Vitality in the Real Estate Investment MarketIt is a platitude that the value of a home is not just its design, its building materials, its size or its landscape. It always must derive its value from its location, both very local, like its block or neighborhood and more regional, like its city or state. In my opinion, Palm Springs Real Estate- and I take a broad approach to the meaning of this term, a term I take to mean real estate encompassing the entirety of Coachella Valley- is very undervalued. And that's why sales from September to October have jumped so much- by 16.5% and that's why our sales have gone down by 10% less than the rest of the state during this challenging time for the Real Estate Market. OK, there are some critical drawbacks to the area, prima... 12/08/2007

 Over 150 celebrities of classic films & TV have descended upon Palm  Springs for the 1st annual Palm Springs Classic Film Festival & StarFair.  The event is playing at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Downtown Palm Springs.The Palm Springs Walk of Stars organization is hosting this weekend's film event, and the stars will be on hand to sign autographs.  The money that you pay for the stars' autographs & pictures will all go to charity.  The price for the event is $30 per day, or your can purchase a 3-day pass for $50.The celebrities that are scheduled to be available for the event:  Rhonda Fleming, Jane Russell, Tony Curtis, Lindsay Wagner, Richard Anderson, Cheetah the Chimp (from the Tarzan movies), Patty McCormack (The Bad Seed), Del Shores, Tippi Hedren (The Birds) and too man... 12/07/2007

-An Oz-like Visitation in the Colorado Desert During the Christmas Holidays- "Lions and tigers and bears," said Dorothy. "I won't  find any of these in this silly old desert- or anything else worth bothering about,' smiling as she drove her hybrid SUV into the wiles of Coachella Valley- and piled out with the Tin Woodsman and Scarecrow into the parking lot of the Living Desert. The Cowardly Lion heard there weren't any lions and was handling a Munchkin revolt in the North of Oz anyway. Toto held the fort back at the Esmeralda Renaissance Resort at Indian Wells. Dorothy had told him that she didn't expect to see any lions, but now she regretted it. She had thought the Desert only had a few lizards and scorpions. But when Dorothy saw all the Living Desert animals on display in exhibits t... 12/07/2007

 -Palm Springs Real Estate Statistics Continue to Reveal Unique Investment Opportunities- The new run of statistics from the California Association of Realtors show an interesting upturn in monthly home purchases in Coachella Valley but the overall national and downturn in sales is still significant since last year. But, to be honest, we realtors in Palm Springs Real Estate and the rest of Coachella Valley are not crying. We see vista after vista of opportunity for us and for our clients now and in the near future.And, why not? There is a certain style of life here in the Desert that is fulfilling way beyond the vacillations of price of a house. It is so many perfect days, punctuated of course by a blazing, hot summer that drives many away. It is spectacular nights, speckled with stars;... 12/07/2007

The Children's Discovery Museum, during many holidays, provides an amazing service for busy parents who would just love to have some free time but don't want to sacrifice their kids' enjoyment. Holiday Discovery Day Camp gives parents a large measure of freedom during the day and some wondrous Holiday activities for children. And why not? For years, The Children's Discovery Museum has been showing kids how they can learn and play at the same time. During the winter holidays, when your child is out of school and you have wonderful, but time-consuming activities and tasks to take care of - some with, and some without your brood following along, the Children's Discovery Museum, located in Rancho Mirage, provides an unbelievable solution at a highly affordable cost. Camp tuition is $30 per ... 12/07/2007

The Christmas songs are blaring on the radio, the holiday parties are in full swing, and the malls are packed with Holiday shoppers.The holidays have arrived in Palm Springs, and everyone is getting into the spirit of the Season.  Last Saturday, was the Festival of Lights Parade and this weekend is the Palm Springs Classic Film Festival.   There is plenty to do here in our fine city.  If you a contemplating a move to Palm Springs, here are the lastest figures for this months Palm Springs Home Sales Report for Nov. 2007.  Use this as your guide to your decision to buying a home in Palm Springs:74 homes and condos were sold in Palm Springs during the month of November 2007.  The average median price was $534,452, and the average time on the market was 137 days.Condos Sold=36   Average Med... 12/06/2007

  - A Fabulous Film Festival Magnificently Slouches Towards Palm Springs in January- Glamorous stars, creative directors and Hollywood moguls congregate in luscious Palm Springs sunshine at the 19thannual Palm Springs International Film Festival. They come here to accept their awards, meet their fans and celebrate their notoriety. But there's also another reason for their presence here. Since the 1930's and the golden days of the Palms Springs Racquet Club, stars have been attracted to the Desert like fireflies to a porch light on a balmy, summer day.  Why is that? Forget the films, the panels, the chance to meet the stars- while you're in the middle of all that, stand outside a little apart from the crowd and look up. You will see and feel the natural opulence, the breathtaking presen... 12/04/2007

Even though winter does not arrive to the desert until December 21st, it sure felt like winter last night at the 16th annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade.  Thousands of people weathered the low temperatures to claim a spot on Palm Canyon Dr. to view the parade.Every year, the staff of Scott Lyle Realtors always gets into the holiday spirit in anticipation of the parade.  Our office, a small Spanish hacienda, is located at 483 N. Palm Canyon Dr., right in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs.   Earlier this week, we decorated our front yard with hundreds of lights. This year, there were 89 entries in the parade.  Every entry, whether its a float or a marching band, has to be illuminated in Christmas lights.  The lights usually must be white. This year, multi-colored lights made t... 12/02/2007

 The Christmas season has arrived in Palm Springs. I love this time of year in the Desert.  The holiday lights illuminate the Dowtown corridor, and there is a nip in the air that's quite exhilerating.  People here are getting into the holiday spirit, and going into full throttle shopping mode.   Last night, my office at Scott Lyle Realtors had a tree trimming party to get ready for the Holiday Lights parade this weekend.  If you have never been to this event, it is a sight to see.  There will be 89 entries in this year's parade.  Here is a list of events to enjoy during the month of December in Palm Springs:Dec 1- Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade- This annual holiday tradition is entering its 16th year.  For more information, go to the website:  Parades of Palm Springs.com  The pa... 11/28/2007

Yep, believe it or not!The California Association of Realtors (CAR) reported today that sales in the Palm Springs area are up 16.4% from last month....good news!  Although sales are down from the same period last year, at least things seem to be recovering from the mortgage difficulties from this past August. Although home sales are lower then at this point last year, the Palm Springs market is doing 10% better then California's statewide figures.  Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley ontinues to be affordable by California's standards, having a lower median price for homes.   The majority of homes sold are in the $200,000 to $400,000 price range - which tanslates to great buys on condos!!  The over $1 million market remains steady still. Although September was a slow sales month, the ... 11/28/2007

                          Richard Neutra's Kaufman House (1946) in Palm Springs, California. Located at 740 W. Chino Canyon Road, Palm Springs When you think of architectural photography, the only thought that comes to mind is buildings, and pictures. You are actually right on the mark, and Julius Shulman was the man to call for those pictures. What was once a stark and somewhat boring occupation, Shulman snapped his way to the top, completely unanticipated, and became the most widely known architectural photographer, with most of his work being photographed in Palm Springs, California.   The main rule in this type of photography is to keep people out of your pictures. Shulman took that idea, and turned it completely around and began including people, in small personal groups, in his ph... 11/28/2007

No matter where you choose to move or live, everyone is concerned about the weather.Whether there will be snow, or at least the chance of it, whether there will be loads of rain, or hail, or whether or not the heat will be unbearable. With global warming rapidly becoming a threat to our daily weather, during all of the seasons, we find ourselves more and more confused over the seasons, and why it still seems cold in the beginning of spring, or why we're sweating outside during our Thanksgiving holiday. What better way to find out the current forecast, than to find the best weather sites or stations located for this beautiful Desert area. For a list of current weather conditions there are news stations that specifically list Coachella Valley and the current and fore-casted conditions. L... 11/24/2007

With the rate of population growing daily, not many small or decent sized towns, cities, or states are actually quite ready for the anticipated growth explosion in the rapidly arriving New Year.  Coachella Valley is one of those towns that is taking it one step at a time, and planning on being prepared for population growth in the Coachella Valley, and how it will impact the current residents. This impact on these residents is what some of the city managers are using as a basis for their planning. Experts say the valley's population is expected to double in the next 25 years to about 800,000. By 2066, it should surpass 1.1 million. The Coachella Valley's population grows by 53 people daily.    We Have Grown 59 % in the past 15 years, to our current 410,974.  That growth rate tops those ... 11/24/2007

  Finding a truly historical and authentic theatre house can be a challenge, but in Palm Springs, the home of the Palm Springs Follies, you find this and more.  Surrounded by a history of famous viewers, intelligent artists, and loads of supporters, the Plaza Theatre, offers you the entertainment and taste of history you crave. The Palm Springs Folliesfirst opened in December of 1936, Earl Strebe the manager/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 others.  These well known actors and performers were the limelight of the shows, and ... 11/24/2007

Selling a home in Palm Springs? Whenever you are selling a house, you usually want it to sell quickly, so that you can move into your new home.  Sometimes, homes can be on the market for months before a buyer comes along that wants to purchase it.  Why do some homes sell faster than other homes?  There are many reasons whys some homes will sell faster than others. Location and price are some of the biggest factors.  There are many things that you can do to improve your chances of selling you home quickly.  Here are some tips that will help sell your home in Palm Springs even faster.The first thing that you have to do is to let go of any emotions that you may have associated with your home.  You have to treat your home like a common product that is being sold on a shelf.  When you are se... 11/24/2007