The Palm Springs Follies is an absolute must see.  Every year a group of Seniors aged 55 to 85 puts on the world famous Palm Springs Follies. This years show has the Route 66 Theme.  Anyone that has lived along any portion of Route 66 knows the history, and the famous saying "Get your Kicks on Route 66" , and what could be more delightful than the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies performing their Production of "Get your Kicks."

Location-the Historic Plaza Theater 128 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA

Cost - Tickets range from $49.95 to $91.95 depending on seating choice.

Day & Time- Matinee's are at 1:30 PM W-Sun in April up to May 17th (the final performance of this season)

Evening Performances are at 7 PM (No Evening Performances on Thursdays)

If you want more information or to make reservations,

 call:

 760-327-0225

Route 66 is often called the Mother Road and wound through 8 different states.  It went through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois.  Starting in Chicago, Illinois and ending in Santa Monica, CA Route 66 went through Eight States and 3 Timezones.

San Bernardino, CA  also has a big celebration each year commorating  Route 66 with festivities and a large car show and various forms of  entertainment.  This year the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Stater Brothers Route 66 Rendezvous® will be held September 17 - 20, 2009. 

So if you want to have a great time and enjoy some good old American Fun, don't miss the Palm Springs Follies Route 66 Show but hurry as the show only goes till May.  Then in September you can enjoy the Stater Brothers Route 66 Rendezvous®.

In the meantime if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in one of the Active Adult Communities of  Sun Lakes Country Club, Solera at Oak Valley Greens  or Four Seasons  give us a call.  All three of these developments are Guard Gated Resort Style communities in Banning and Beaumont. 

Sun Lakes Realty- Banning, CA wants to make sure that our clients and prospective clients have the information they need to help them with all their Real Estate Needs.  We're in the Albertson's Shopping Center on Higland Springs Road.  Call us anytime:      951-845-7578  www.sunlakesrealty.com

St. Patricks Day is a fun day for both kids and Active Adults. Today is the day that we remember most as kids as the day that if we didn't wear GREEN that we'd be pinched :)   Look around you at the kids....see how many of them are wearing green today.  Not that they know why they're wearing it, except they know that if they don't their friends will "pinch" them; the joy of childhood memories!

    St. Patricks Day

History of wearing Green...It started with England trying to curb a rebellion led by Irish Protestants in the 1700's. This group of Irishmen wore Shamrocks to identify themselves,  but the Queen of England outlawed the Shamrock, and if you were caught wearing one you could be hung. 

Many years later, when a Group of Irish Soldiers fought well for England in South Africa, the Queen rewarded them by allowing them to wear the Shamrock on their caps.  This has now become a symbol of honoring the Irish. It started with Shamrocks, and this really is the most universal symbol, but it also includes anything green.

Today anything Green worn on March 17th symbolizes the Irish.   

One of the most Traditional St. Patrick's Day Meals is Corned Beef and Cabbage.  It's very simple to make, and the stores have good prices on the ingredients right now. You can pick up a head of cabbage for under 50 cents in town.  Food for Less has them for 50 cents each, and the Corned Beef for under $5.

Note:  Corned Beef Briskets and all those Green Cookies and Cupcakes will most likely go on sale tonight or in the morning...so if you miss out on having this Traditional Dinner tonight, you can always buy them cheaper tomorrow. 

Cooking Tips:

One Brisket of Beef, Potatoes, Cabbage, carrots and onions if desired

• Cook the Corned Beef approximately 50 minutes per pound, cut off excess fat
• The Crock Pot or Slow Cooker is the easiest way to cook your meal- about 6 hours on high, put your corned beef in first, then add potatoes and cabbage
• Sprinkle the spices that came with the meat over everything
• Some people add a mixture of brown sugar, water, and mustard at this point or
• Add a little Beer to the Pot to spice it up
• Cook about 6 to 61/2 hours on high or about 10 on low.  The Corned Beef will be very tender when it is done

• Most people boil their Corned Beef but you can also bake it, or grilll it (need to cut meat up for grilling) 
• Also some people don't like their cabbage to have the taste of the corned beef, so you can cook this separately.

We hope everyone has a Wonderful St. Patricks Day, and in case you didn't know, we are in the same Shopping Center as Albertsons.  So while you are out and about today stop on by and say hello.  Our office is dedicated to listing and selling homes in the three Active Adult Communities of Sun Lakes Country Club, Solera at Oak Valley Greens and Beaumont's Four Seasons.  All three of these developments are Guard Gated Resort Style communities in Banning and Beaumont. 

Sun Lakes Realty- Banning, CA wants to make sure that our clients and prospective clients have the information they need to help them with all their Real Estate Needs.  Call us anytime 951-845-7578

I've got to give a thumbs up to my fellow Rim High School Alumni Greg Steffens in Lake Arrowhead for posting this blog.  Even after living in the San Bernardino Mountains for 10 years during my childhood, I've never seen this beautiful daffodil garden in Running Springs.  Greg has let us know that this Spring is the last year the garden will be open to the public.  If you haven't made a point to seek this place out, this year is the time to do it.  I'm adding it to my list of things to do for the end of March or early April.   For those of you who live in Banning, Running Springs is about a 45 mile drive away.  What a great destination for a day trip to the local mountains!  For more info and directions visit: http://www.geocities.com/thedaffodilgarden/info.htm

Cheri McRae, Sun Lakes Realty

After weeks of listening to the news, and reading about "The Economic Stimulus Package" also known as The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, it has passed both the House and the Senate.  Now how does this affect YOU if you are trying to buy or sell your home? The new Stimulus Package has a few things in it that affects Real Estate Transactions. If you are like the rest of us, we just want to know how this will affect us and the home we want to buy or sell.  In other words how will this affect YOU?

Our office is dedicated to listing and selling homes in the three Active Adult Communities of Sun Lakes Country Club, Solera at Oak Valley Greens and Beaumont's Four Seasons.  All three of these developments are Guard Gated Resort Style communities in Banning and Beaumont, CA.  If you are thinking of buying in one of these communities and you haven't bought a home in the past 3 years, and meet a few other requirements, then there is good news for you.  

How the new Stimulus Package concerns you, and your Real Estate Needs

One of the things the Stimulus Package did was raise the limit for FHA loans, however The Average Price for a home in Sun Lakes, or Solera, or Four Seasons is not anywhere near the FHA loan limit of $727,000, so this wouldn't affect anyone buying or selling in one of these 3 Active Adult Communities.  

The next big thing is The Tax Credit of $8,000 - this one is something that could affect you.  Before this new Stimulus Package this was a $7,500 LOAN, which you had to pay back in payments over a period of 15 years.  The good news for you is that now it is NOT a LOAN.  Here's how it works:

• If you are a 1^st time Home Buyer (haven't bought a home in the past 3 years)
• Must buy a home Between January 1,2009 and December 31,2009
• You have to live in the home for at least 3 years, or you will have to pay the money back.
• Income limits for people that file single or joint (taxes) 

If you are looking to buy or sell in Sun Lakes Country Club

Call us to see how one of our Certified Senior Specialists can help you

Sun Lakes Realty in Banning, CA wants to make sure that our clients and prospective clients have the information they need to help them with all their Real Estate Needs.

Active Adults, 55+, what does this mean in today's world?  Today we are living longer and healthier lives. Today's Senior isn't the same as in our Grandparents generation.  Sun Lakes Country Club, in Banning, CA is a Master Planned Community that was designed with this in mind. A community for today's new "Senior" the ones that might have retired from work, but not from life.

How many of your friends:

• How many of your friends want to downsize, or move to a community that offers everything you thought retirement was about; enjoying life while having more time for family and friends? 
• How many of your friends moved to Arizona or Florida only to move back to California to be near their children and grandchildren?
• How many of your friends thought they could take the extreme heat of some of the Retirement States, only to find out that they had not considered how the weather would affect them?

Here are the top 5 things to consider when choosing where you want to buy that Retirement Home. 

1. Location- It's important that your new retirement home is close enough to the things that are important to you and your family.
2. Weather- Can you stand humidity?  If not you might not want to live in Florida.  How about temperatures that can cook an egg on the sidewalk, is this too hot for you?  The ideal location would have all 4 seasons, but never get too hot or too cold.
3. Proximity to Medical Facilities- Do you need specialized medical care, want to be close to a Hospital, need a Veterans Facility? How about a great Dentist that specializes in Senior Dentistry?
4. Shopping, Transportation, Entertainment- We all need to shop, and some might need taxi service. Entertainment is another big thing: the Theater, Bowling Alley, Fishing, Golf, RV Parks, Farmers Markets, Museums...... 
5. Employment or Volunteer Opportunities- Many towns and cities benefit from the Volunteer Activities of people that live in 55+ Active Adult Communities.  Seniors know how the value of dependability and responsibility, so they also make good part-time employees. 

 You want to think about what's important to YOU.......and your family, and choose your Retirement Home with the help of someone that knows the area.

And once you find that perfect Community you want to make sure that they have the types of activities you want.  Some people don't want a Homeowners Association, but if you want all the extras, you might want to consider Sun Lakes Country Club.  It is centrally located in Southern California, and within less than 2 hours you can be just about anywhere in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, or San Bernardino Counties. 

Residents of this gated community enjoy a variety of activities from Golfing on the Executive or Championship Golf Course, to a variety of activities that the "new" Senior enjoys.

Sun Lakes Country Club Residents have a variety of interests and just a few of the Clubs and activities include:

• Stained Glass Classes
• Scrap booking
• Singing
• Aerobics
• Painting and Woodworking  
• Cooking, and Photography
• RV Club
• Garden Club
• Drama Club
• International Culture Club

There are also Bowling Teams, Tennis, Men's and Women's Golf, Table Tennis (Ping Pong), Poker, you name it they probably have it.  Or if you can't find what you want, you can start your own Club.

 Active Lifestyles take on new meanings at Sun Lakes Country Club.

By: Sun Lakes Realty- Cheri and Larry McRae Owners/Broker of Real Estate Company that specializes in Sun Lakes Country Club, Solera, and Four Seasons, all Premier Active Adult Communities in Banning and Beaumont, CA

2008 MLS Sales Stats

Active Adult 55+ Communities in Banning & Beaumont, CA

Sun Lakes Country Club

14 Condos sold - Ave Price $189,064

Lowest price = $124,900, Highest price = $235,000

64 Homes sold - Ave Price $252,973

Lowest price = $135,000, Highest price = $475,000

Solera at Oak Valley Greens

37 Homes sold - Ave Price $220,700

Lowest price sold = $159,900, Highest price sold = $362,000

Four Seasons in Beaumont

13 Resale homes sold - Ave Price $210,358

Lowest price sold = $110,250, Highest price sold = $335,000

Data collected from the Inland Valley's Assoication of Realtors.  Deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Wow Golfers!

I just learned today that Golfsmith will open a 37,000 square foot Golfsmith Xtreme store on January 17, 2009 in Palm Desert in the Costo shopping center.  This retailer will feature an indoor driving range and full sized tennis court.  The driving range will allow golfers to try out gear and evaluate their swing on hightech launch monitors.  There is also an indoor putting green, and the store will offer custom club-making and repairs, along with golf lessons from PGA-certified pros.  The location of the new store will be 72-700 Dinah Shore Drive.

Although Golfsmith has more than 70 stores in the United States, this Golfsmith Xtreme will be the first in the US.

LOCAL REALTOR® AWARDED CRB DESIGNATION

Banning, 12/8/2008 - Larry McRae,  a Banning member of Sun Lakes Realty, was awarded the coveted CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager) Designation conferred by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB).

The Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB), an affiliate of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, is the professional organization for brokerage management. The Council is dedicated to providing quality professional development programs, products and services that continually enhance the management productivity and profitability of its more than 7,000 members.

The CRB Designation is recognized throughout the industry as the highest level of professional achievement-a symbol of excellence in brokerage management. The most successful brokerages are owned or managed by professionals having the coveted CRB Designation.  In the state of California there are approximately 180,000 Realtors®, and of those Realtors® only 418 have the CRB Designation.  Of the 25 cities in Riverside County, Larry McRae is one of only 22 with the earned Designation and the only Realtor® within the San Gorgonio Pass.

The Council awards the CRB Designation to those individuals who successfully complete the requirements and demonstrate excellence in real estate brokerage management. Candidates must complete academic and professional courses covering such topics as finance, marketing, training, recruiting, and strategic planning.

Larry McRae is the Broker/Owner of Sun Lakes Realty at 300 S. Highland Springs Ave Ste. 2K in Banning., a member of the INLAND VALLEYS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.  Larry McRae has also served as the Banning Chamber of Commerce Vice President, President of the Banning Kiwanis Club, Director for the BBCV Board of Realtors, and Chairman of the City of Banning Board of Appeals Commission.

Sun Lakes Realty - 951-845-7378

Larry McRae, Broker/Owner of Sun Lakes Realty is proud to announce that REALTORS® Vikki Bullock and Charlotte Maté have been awarded the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES) designation by the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Vikki Bullock and Charlotte Maté

Vikki and Charlotte join agents Carolyn Burton, Ray Fowler, Melinda Jones, Bob Oesterlein and Broker Larry McRae of Sun Lakes Realty as those who have earned their nationally recognized designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers aged 55 and older.

Larry McRae states, "With this training our agents are better able to counsel senior clients through the major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, buying or selling a home. In addition to special training, SRES® agents also receive regular updates, and are prepared to offer the appropriate options in making life changing decisions." McRae adds "I'm very pleased to have the addition of Vikki and Charlotte to our office. Both agents are new to Sun Lakes Realty this year and they both have an outstanding reputation within the Active Adult Communities they work in. It's reassuring to know that agents within our office have made the commitment of both time and money to gain the SRES® designation. Sun Lakes Realty agents are in it for the long haul and will do whatever is necessary to become better agents and provide better service to their clients."

SRES Council, founded in 2007, is the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 16,000 active members of the organization world-wide. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, "The Voice of Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing more that 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Choosing the right agent can make all the difference in the world. To learn more about the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation or Sun Lakes Realty go to www.sunlakesrealty.com

Press Release 9-9-08, Sun Lakes Realty, Banning ,CA