La Quinta Homes

Our Nation's Symbol Was Almost The Turkey

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:32:58 -0600

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone - here is an interesting post about our nation's symbol!

Via Debi Boucher - "Realtor Showcase" Real Estate Slideshows/ Photographer (Memories DVDs - Realtor Showcase Slideshows):

        Our Nation's Symbol Was Almost The Turkey...

After the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a committee was formed to come up with an idea for the new country's seal. The committee members were Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. The idea they selected was of a woman representing liberty, and holding a shield that would represent the states. Congress didn't like it, and hired an artist that came up with a design that included an eagle.

Franklin didn't like the eagle idea, claiming the bird was of "bad moral character" because they had a tendency to 'steal' from other birds who had worked hard for their catch. Franklin argued that the turkey, being an American native as well, and much more respectable, would make a better symbol for the new United States.

Congress did not agree, and the bald eagle was decided upon.

Thank goodness.

Imagine eating bald eagles instead of turkeys on Thanksgiving.

             He doesn't look crazy about the idea either.

           Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

DBoucher Photography

Nature and Wildlife Photography Notecards

Real Estate Showcase Slideshows

Position yourself above your competition - Utilize a "Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow as a listing tool. Post it on your own website - Realtor Showcase Members can upload it to Realtor.com - Post it on your blog to showcase your listings.

"Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow and Web Presentations, more captivating than a virtual tour!

Photos taken by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission.

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com. Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Too Old to Play Kickball? Not in La Quinta!

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:01:57 -0600

The City of La Quinta's Community Service Department is hosting a "Co-Ed Kickball League" beginning with registration on November 23rd from 8 am to 4:30 pm at 78495 Calle Tampico.

Do you still have what it takes to kick the ball? This is a 4 male & 4 female players league and the first 8 teams to register will play. The games will begin January 17th - May 2nd on Sundays between 4 pm and 6 pm at the La Quinta Sports Complex.

Lace up your sneakers and bring your friends and neighbors and kick the ball around!

La Quinta Market Report for The Madison Club in La Quinta

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:34:59 -0600

Below is the current market report for the homes & lots in the La Quinta golf course community of The Madison Club:

Current Available Listings in the Multiple Listing Service: 1 Home / 37 Lots

Home is listed at $10,500,000 and features 4 bedrooms/5.5 baths and approx. 9,500 sq. ft.

Least Expensive Lot on the Market: $1,195,000 - Approximately .63 of an acre

Most Expensive Lot on the Market: $4,300,000- Approximately .79 of an acre

Current Homes in Escrow/Under Contract: 0

Most Recent Sales (past 180 days): 0

Whether you are interested in selling your home or buying a home in The Madison Club, contact us anytime to assist you in meeting your real estate needs!

La Quinta Market Report for The Hideaway Golf Club in La Quinta

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:13:16 -0600

Below is the current market report for the homes in the golf course community of The Hideaway Golf Club in La Quinta:

Current Available Listings: 49

Least Expensive Home on the Market: $1,299,000 - 3 bdrm/3.5 bth, 2,644 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Home on the Market: $8,500,000 -5 bdrm/6 bth, 8,266 sq. ft.

Current Homes in Escrow/Under Contract: 3

Most Recent Sales (past 180 days): 4

Least Expensive Sold: $1,850,000 - 4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 3,670 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Sold: $2,325,000 - 4 bdrm/5.5 bth, 5,062 sq. ft.

Whether you are interested in selling your home or buying a home in The Hideaway Golf Club, contact us anytime to assist you in meeting your real estate needs!

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:30:54 -0600

Great consumer information warning! During these times it is important to be vigilant about your personal information and this post is an excellent reminder.

Via Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage:

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cautious. The major concern is that individuals don't become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, cre dit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, the Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit http://www.bbb.org/.
Larry Bettag - Regional Vice President, Midwest Region

Illinois FHA Specialist

630-417-7172

An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

Updating - Where should I invest my time and money.

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:50:51 -0600

Are you thinking of selling your home? If so, please read this post regarding what upgrades will benefit your home's value the most!

Via Janice Ankrett ASP (Janice Ankrett Home Staging):

You have decided to sell your home. You have set your budget and now .....

WHERE DO YOU START? WHAT WILL MEAN THE MOST TO BUYERS?

Updating Lighting: New light fixtures fall under Lightening and Brightening. A $200-$300 cost will give you a $1000-$1500 price increase with a 572% return on investment and 95% of Agents recommend it according to the HomeGain 2009 survey. If you are in a newer home and you have basic builder fixtures, replace them in key areas. Keep within your budget while going for style. This shows the buyer you have made the house your home. Light is important to buyers. They value bright cheerful rooms. Make sure the light fixtures you are not replacing are in good working order. Keep the wattage at the highest safe level for the fixtures.

Updating Flooring: Carpeting should be shampooed or replaced. Clean the carpeting making sure spots and high traffic areas have come clean. If the carpeting is worn in those high traffic areas or those spots or pet damage/odors did not come out then consider replacing the carpeting. You look and the sheet flooring is has paths worn in it or the seams are separating. The style or color is no longer in vogue and dates the house. Replace the flooring. A $400-$500 cost gives a price increase of $1000-$1500 and a 295% return on investment. 97% of Agents recommend it in HomeGain's 2009 survey.

Updating Landscaping: Curb Appeal is important when you are selling your home. You have 7 to 10 seconds when the buyer arrives to make that great first impression. Trim the shrubs, edge the lawn, mow the grass regularly, weed and add flowers for color. Remember the buyer has to be able to see the house from the curb. You may need to remove plant material that was ok when you planted it but now hides the front door. If the landscaping is just old and overgrown, consider removing it and planting new material. Choose shrubs within your budget and freshen up your curb appeal. In the backyard, show the buyer where they can entertain and their children can play. Get those weeds out of the cracks in the patio. A $300-$400 cost gives $100-$2000 price increase and a 473% return on investment with 94% of agents recommending it according to HomeGain's survey.

Updating a Kitchen: There is a kitchen update for everyone's budget. You can totally replace the kitchen which really falls into the category of a renovation. You can update by replacing the counter,back splash, sink and faucets. You can paint walls and cabinets, replace flooring, or new window treatments. New cabinet hardware will also make a difference. Buyers need to feel they can move in and live comfortably. A $1000-$1500 cost gives a $2000-$3000 price increase and a 237% return on investment.

Updating a Bathroom: Like the kitchen there is an update for you. Your goal is to make the buyer feel the bathroom is functional all the way to their dream bath. Replace the vanity counter,sink and taps if necessary. Look at the flooring. Most importantly does it look CLEAN everywhere. How is your shower curtain or door? Do you have a mold problem? Does everything function at peak performance? Once again changing cabinet hardware can bring that vanity into the present. Maybe your tile is dated. You may want to replace it or you may just need to find a different paint color that co-ordinates with it. Do you have wallpaper that is past it and need to paint for a fresher look? A $750-$1000 cost can give a $1000-$1500 price increase with a 172% return on investment (HomeGain survey 2009).

Updating your home can be done over time if you know that moving is in your future. You can also do it right before the sale. Get advice from a professional before you start so that you are investing in the correct areas of your home.A Home Stager and/or Agent can look at your home with the eyes of a buyer and guide you. Together you can look at your budget and decide where your time and money will do the most good.

La Quinta Market Report for The Citrus Golf Course

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:27:49 -0600

Below is the current market report for the homes in the golf course community of The Citrus Golf Course:

Current Available Listings: 33

Least Expensive Home on the Market: $500,000 - 3 bdrm/3.5 bth, 3,306 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Home on the Market: $2,250,000 - 4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 4,835 sq. ft.

Current Homes in Escrow/Under Contract: 2

Most Recent Sales (past 180 days): 14

Least Expensive Sold: $520,000 - 3 bdrm/3.5 bth, 2,577 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Sold: $1,350,000 - 4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 3,971 sq. ft.

Whether you are interested in selling your home or buying a home in The Citrus Golf Course, contact us anytime to assist you in meeting your real estate needs!

La Quinta Market Report for Rancho La Quinta Country Club

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:02:15 -0600

Below is the current market report for the homes in the golf course community of Rancho La Quinta Country Club:

Current Available Listings: 101

Least Expensive Home on the Market: $380,000 - 3 bdrm/1.75 bth, 2,038 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Home on the Market: $1,995,000 -4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 4,243 sq. ft.

Current Homes in Escrow/Under Contract: 7

Most Recent Sales (past 180 days): 31

Least Expensive Sold: $450,000 - 3 bdrm/2 bth, 2,038 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Sold: $1,650,000 - 4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 4,243 sq. ft.

Whether you are interested in selling your home or buying a home in Rancho La Quinta Country Club, contact us anytime to assist you in meeting your real estate needs!

La Quinta Market Report for Palmilla

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:40:58 -0600

Below is the current market report for the homes in the gated community of Palmilla:

Current Available Listings: 16

Least Expensive Home on the Market: $799,000 - 5 bdrm/5 bth, 4,296 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Home on the Market: $1,349,000 -5 bdrm/5.5 bth, 4,358 sq. ft.

Current Homes in Escrow/Under Contract: 3

Most Recent Sales (past 180 days): 3

Least Expensive Sold: $615,000 - 3 bdrm/3.25 bth, 3,251 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Sold: $800,000 - 4 bdrm/4 bth, 3,895 sq. ft.

Whether you are interested in selling your home or buying a home in Palmilla, contact us anytime to assist you in meeting your real estate needs!

La Quinta Market Report for Mountain View Country Club

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:20:29 -0600

Below is the current market report for the homes in the golf course community of Mountain View Country Club:

Current Available Listings: 47

Least Expensive Home on the Market: $299,900 - 2 bdrm/2 bth, 2,013 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Home on the Market: $1,800,000 -4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 4,149 sq. ft.

Current Homes in Escrow/Under Contract: 10

Most Recent Sales (past 180 days): 23

Least Expensive Sold: $425,000 - 3 bdrm/3.5 bth, 2,535 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Sold: $1,450,000 - 4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 4,449 sq. ft.

Whether you are interested in selling your home or buying a home in Mountain View Country Club, contact us anytime to assist you in meeting your real estate needs!

La Quinta Market Report for Lake La Quinta

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:56:43 -0600

Below is the current market report for the homes in the community of Lake La Quinta:

Current Available Listings: 16

Least Expensive Home on the Market: $390,000 - 4 bdrm/3 bth, 2,957 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Home on the Market: $1,199,000 -3 bdrm/3.5 bth, 3,701 sq. ft.

Current Homes in Escrow/Under Contract: 5

Most Recent Sales (past 180 days): 8

Least Expensive Sold: $299,250 - 3 bdrm/3 bth, 2,257 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Sold: $680,000 - 3 bdrm/3.5 bth, 3,212 sq. ft.

Whether you are interested in selling your home or buying a home in Lake La Quinta, contact us anytime to assist you in meeting your real estate needs!

La Quinta Market Report for Griffin Ranch

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:37:26 -0600

Below is the current market report for the homes in the equestrian community of Griffin Ranch:

Current Available Listings: 9

Least Expensive Home on the Market: $849,000 - 3 bdrm/3.5 bth, 3,972 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Home on the Market: $1,299,000 -4 bdrm/3.5 bth, 5,089 sq. ft.

Current Homes in Escrow/Under Contract: 4

Most Recent Sales (past 180 days): 5

Least Expensive Sold: $615,000 - 3 bdrm/3.5 bth, 3,373 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Sold: $870,000 - 4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 4,529 sq. ft.

Whether you are interested in selling your home or buying a home in Griffin Ranch, contact us anytime to assist you in meeting your real estate needs!

La Quinta Market Report for Andalusia

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:17:18 -0600

Below is the current market report for the homes in the beautiful golf course community of Andalusia at Coral Mountain in South La Quinta:

Current Available Listings: 16

Least Expensive Home on the Market: $1,195,000 - 4 bdrm/3.5 bth, 3,695 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Home on the Market: $2,599,000 - 4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 5,089 sq. ft.

Current Homes in Escrow/Under Contract: 1

Info: $1,199,000 - 3 bdrm/3.5 bth, 3,067 sq. ft.

Most Recent Sales (past 180 days): 4

Least Expensive Sold: $1,072,000 - 3 bdrm, 2,757 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Sold: $1,900,000 - 4 bdrm/4.5 bth, 5,089 sq. ft.

Whether you are interested in selling your home or buying a home in Andalusia, contact us anytime to assist you in meeting your real estate needs!

What is Mortgage APR, Can You Explain It?

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:35:09 -0600

What is APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and how does it affect your loan? This informational post from Bill Ladewig explains it for us!

Via Bill Ladewig Your FHA Guru - FHA and VA Loans Since 1970:

WHAT IS MORTGAGE APR, Can You Explain It?

APR Demystified and APR Predators Exposed

First, lets demystify Annual Percentage Rate (APR).

Mortgage APR was designed to allow consumers to use one standardized number to compare each lender's rate for the same type of loan while rate shopping. It is supposed to represent the borrower's cost and it works like this.

If I lend you, $10,000 and, I charge a $500 Bump-ta-Bump Fee, you will actually receive $9,500, however you must still repay me $10,000. Mortgage APR is my real yield and your real cost on this loan.

We agreed that you will repay the loan at 8% interest on $10,000, HOWEVER you only received $9,500 therefore I will earn more than the 8.0% interest rate I charge on $10,000. In this case, my yield (APR) is 9.799% on the $9,500 you received.

APR is the lender's yield on dollars actually lent ($10,000 minus $500 = $9,500); in this case, the lender's yield (APR) on $9,500 is 9.799%   (APR is computed as if the above example is a 30 year loan)

The $9,500 also represents the Amount Financed in the Truth In Lending (TIL) disclosure.

For those of you who use spreadsheets the Rate Function will find APR. Use the Amount Financed for Loan Amount and use the monthly payment on the actual loan amount.

Fees that must be subtracted from a mortgage loan to properly calculate Amount Financed for APR

Origination and Discount Points

Processing and Lender Fees

Pre-Paid Interest (Use 15 days when closing date is unknown)

Monthly Mortgage Insurance must be added to the payment of all FHA loans and Conventional loans greater than 80% loan to value.

The inclusion of Mi or MIP accounts for the large spread between Rate and APR on loans with mortgage insurance.

NOTES: Fees Not used in APR calculation; third party fees such as appraisal and credit. APR can only be compared on loans of the same type and amortization period

How Do APR Predators Work?

Many sophisticated borrowers shop interest rates by searching for lowest APR which, if property stated, is a valid way to compare similar loans. Unfortunately, APR is not always stated properly.

How is advertised Mortgage APR is misstated?

Prepaid Interest is not included - most common deception and true on all online Rate sites   i.e.: Bankrate.com, Interest.com, Mortgage101.com, ShopRate.com, etc.

Prepaid Interest is understated - must be 15 days when closing date is unknown.

MI or MIP is not included in the APR on any online rate sites, Bankrate etc.

Some lenders do not include MI or MIP on their web sites such as Amerisave.com

Lender fees are either understated or not included in the APR calculation. This is a tricky one because No or Low Lender Fees does not necessarily indicate a predatory lender. Some lenders charge a higher rate and no points or fees for their so called "Zero Cost" loan. However, the "Zero Cost" rate will always be higher than a rate with points and/or fees.

Notes to the above:

there is no such thing as a Zero Cost loan and some states prohibit lenders from advertising Zero Cost Loans.

The spread between Rate and APR on loans greater than 90% LTV should be at least 0.700%. When it is not... you are being scammed

Rate - Points - Fees are all interdependent

The best way I can explain this is show various Rate - Point - Fee combinations where the lender is making the same gross profit on each combination.

In the examples below, we will use a $200,000 loan amount and Lender gross profit of $1,000, on a day when the Lender's cost for a 5.000% rate is par (0 point).

Best Rate: $1,000 Lender profit in various combinations of points and fees

Rate

Fees

Points

APR

Profit

5.000%

$1,000

     0

5.044%

$1,000

5.000%

$500

0.250

5.044%

$1,000

5.000%

$0

0.500

5.044%

$1,000

Lowest Fees:
You pay $0 points and fees and Lender's investor pays the lender $1,000 for the higher rate.

Rate

Fees

Points

APR

Profit

5.125%

$0

    0

5.125%

$1,000

The point here is that lenders design their loans to provide talking points for their sales staff (loan officers). They all require a certain profit margin and it is not important the way the loan is structured as long as the closed loan delivers their required profit margin.

This illustration also points out the value of correctly stated APR as a way of comparing mortgage loans. For the sake of these illustrations, prepaid interest was not used. If 15 days PP was calculated it would have increased each APR by 0.019%.

Bill Ladewig

800.664.7283 (SAVE)

Bill@YourFhaGuru.com

Website

Bill Ladewig is a Mortgage Broker Licensed by the California Department of Real Estate 00968137

San Diego FHA and VA Home Loans Escondido Mortgages Escondido Localism San Diego FHA and VA Home Loans San Diego Localism San Diego UFMIP Escondido Mortgages Escondido Localism San Diego Mortgage What is APR

Palm Springs International Airport

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:03:20 -0600

Thinking of visiting La Quinta? Live too far away to drive here? The Palm Springs International Airport is serviced by ten airlines with approximately 100 daily flights. Every year our local airport welcomes visitors from over 500 cities around the world!

There are ten major airline hubs that provide non-stop service to Palm Springs including:

Bellingham, Washington (BLI)

Calgary, Alberta (YYC)

Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)

Denver, Colorado (DEN)

Edmonton, Alberta (YEG)

Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)

Los Angeles, California (LAX)

Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota (MSP)

O'Hare / Chicago , Illinois (ORD)

Phoenix, Arizona (PHX)

Portland, Oregon (PDX)

Sacramento, California (SMF)

Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)

San Francisco, California (SFO)

Seattle, Washington (SEA)

Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR)

Airlines servicing Palm Springs Airport include:

Facebook Fan Page Basics

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:05:34 -0600

Another great information source on the value of Facebook's FAN pages and how to guides!

Via John Novak - Las Vegas and Henderson NV Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace):

Most businesses recognize the huge marketing power of Facebook, but are unsure of how to use the platform. Should they set up a profile, a group, a fan page ... or a combination of these?

Facebook Fan Pages 101 provides a good overview of fan pages from Ron Jones at Search Engine Watch. One of the most important features is that "external search engines index Facebook fan pages."

Setting up your fan page is easy. Just go to Facebook Pages and you'll find a step-by-step guide as well as tips to prepare and build your fan base.

Already have a fan page? Share a link in the comments. We'll help you increase your fans, and your page just might inspire another!

More Facebook posts:

Keeping It Private On Facebook
Maximizing Your Facebook Fan Page
Five Facebook Fan Page Tips

Duct Tape for Facebook
Managing Your Facebook Fan Page
Facebook Fan Pages Done Right

Twitter Made Easy for Business (Part 3 of 3 - 'Tweeting')

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:52:30 -0600

This post is everything you need to know about Twitter and Tweetdeck - great information on how to get started!

Via Steve Schwartz, Charlotte's Premier Real Estate Videographer and Photographer (AmazingVideoTours.com):

If you’ve been hesitant to sign up with Twitter, or signed up with Twitter and don’t have a clue what to do next, this video series is for you.

If you are afraid of embracing Social Media because it is too technical for you, don’t worry, my video series is made with you in mind. I have distilled all the Technology down to lay-person terms and tested it on some folks who are really scared of the Social Media revolution, and now they are using Twitter!

If you have not seen Part 1 on Listening, watch it first. It can be found at the following link:

Twitter Made Easy for Business (Part 1 of 3 - 'Listening')

Then Watch Part 2 on Engaging:

Twitter Made Easy for Business (Part 2 of 3 - 'Engaging')

The Screen Below is the Video For Part 3 on Tweeting

Part 3 of the Series is all about ‘Tweeting' on Twitter. Once you've been on for a short while and observed good and bad behavior on Twitter, you'll want to generate some of your own tweets such as linking to your blog, or a great blog article, sharing your area of expertise with others, tweeting photos, or Engaging with other users. If this is foreign to you, then you need the video!

Enjoy!

Part 3 - Tweeting

What are you doing?

What makes a good Tweet?

Ideas for what to Tweet About

How to Tweet a Blog Article

How to Tweet a Photo

How to Interact with Others

------------- ©2009 - AmazingVideoTours.com - All Rights Reserved. Amazing Video Tours is Charlotte's Premier Real Estate Videography and Photography Provider for Realtors, and other individuals with property to sell, lease, or rent. A departure from the old fashion 360 Virtual Tour, Amazing Video Tours takes online property marketing to the next level.

"Art Under the Umbrellas" in Old Town La Quinta on November 28th

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:49:18 -0600

Old Town La Quinta is home to the popular "Art Under the Umbrellas" show which will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2009 from 10 am to 4 pm. These special one day shows, on selected Saturdays, are popular events which attract not only our La Quinta residents, but visitors to our desert communities.

Up to 70 artists participate with booths and tents lining the closed off streets of Old Town La Quinta. Enjoy the talents of many artists, purchase art or crafts for your home and then dine in one of the fine restaurants that Old Town La Quinta has to offer. Definitely a fun day under the umbrellas!

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND IN LAKE ARROWHEAD? Nov 13, 2009

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:08:23 -0600

Thinking of taking a trip up the hill to Lake Arrowhead? Now is a beautiful time to see the change of season and experience the fun events only a short drive from our desert homes. Read below...

Via Kat DeLong, REALTOR DRE# 01235311 (RE/MAX LAKESIDE):

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND IN LAKE ARROWHEAD? Nov 13, 2009

LAKE ARROWHEAD REPERTORY THEATER COMPANY will be puttin' on the dog plays Nov 13 - 15, with "Big Dog" and "Rain Man." Come join them for plays BIG DOG by Shwan Frey and RAIN MAN by Peter Floria. The plays will be held at the theater in Crestline. Call 909-744-8114. See this flyer for information

Put your hiking shoes boots on and join the MOUNTAIN TOP HIKING CLUB on their walks every Monday, Wed and Friday about Lake Gregory. Come to the South Shore parking lot on San Moritz Drive near the start of the trail. 9:00 AM. For information call Marilyn (909) 336-3923

Bring the kiddies to the "Sundays with Santa" at the RIM OF THE WORLD HISTORY MUSEUM so they can tell the bearded man what their Christmas wishes are. Date: November 15 from 1-4pm. You can even get a picture taken with him!!! (for $5.00). Enjoy the museum, located at the old fire station at 27176 Peninsula
in Lake Arrowhead. Many exhibits taking shape. Call: 909-338-0225 for more info.
Thanks so much for stopping by & reading my post!

***************************************************************************************************

For all your Lake Arrowhead Real Estate needs, call "Kat" @ 909-273-4542

Search my website, LAKEARROWHEADKAT for Active Listings

RE/MAX Lakeside in Blue Jay

Subscribe to Kat's Bog on Short Sale & Foreclosures

Foreclosure VS Short Sale ~ See the difference

Let me HELP you avoid foreclosure!

Harvesting Great Kitchen Ideas

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:35:50 -0600

Looking for some new ideas on how to improve your kitchen? Here is a post with links to some great decorating ideas!

Via Lennar Corporation (Lennar Corporation):

As we've gone from summer to fall - and even winter in many areas of the country - you might be wondering what you can do to spice up your home. We looked around and found a couple of articles with some great tips for breathing new life into your kitchen - from small finishing touches to major design projects.

Check out Harvest Kitchen by Sarah Van Arsdale and Cheap Southwestern Fall Kitchen Decorating Ideas by Jaipi Sixbear for a wealth of ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

And please feel free to send us your comments and ideas for decorating tips or home maintenance articles - we'd love to hear from you.

Be sure to check out Lennar on these social media sites:

Lennar's Family of Blogs:
The Open Door by Lennar
Lennar Communities
Lennar Cares

FAQ's On The New Tax Credit Programs For Homebuyers

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:40:22 -0600

La Quinta homeowners - are you interested in learning more about the new Tax Credit Program for Homebuyers? Here is a Q & A which provides you more information to your questions.

Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):

Much has been written on the extension of the first time homebuyer tax credit and the credit for existing homeowners. A few frequently asked questions with answers to go along with all of that:

Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?

Answer: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.

Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?

Answer: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.

Question: I am a first time homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?

Answer: Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill.

The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase,

which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement,

you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phase-out

range).

Question: I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non-negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?

Answer: No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount

above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an

absolute ceiling.

Question: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?

Answer: Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you

will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000

and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in

the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and

occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The

keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he

did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.

Question: I am an eligible first-time homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?

Answer: You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as

if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30

(or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.

Free Advice For Sellers - Show Them Something They're Not Expecting

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:32:19 -0600

Thinking of selling your La Quinta home? Here is a post from an associate that you might want to read while getting your home ready for the "top dollar" buyer!

Via Sharon Tara New Hampshire Home Stager (Sharon Tara Transformations):

It is common knowledge that you need to prepare your house for sale. You would have to be living under a rock not to know that you have to "declutter"to make your house more desirable, and it is highly unlikely that you haven't seen some form of home staging show on television.

So, I have a question for you....

What gives?

How is it possible that there are so many filthy, cluttered, poorly maintained houses out there on the market?

I'm not talking about running into one every now and then. I'm talking about more times than not...

The market is cluttered with "BEFORE" pictures!

Maybe it's just me...maybe it's the nature of my work...

I am, after all, called in to give advice. Maybe I'm only seeing the ones that really need help. Maybe I've spent too much time checking out houses on the MLS.

For those who are serious about selling their house? Here is some free advice...

Get the buyers' attention. Show them something that they are not expecting.

Surprise them!

After a long day of touring nightmares,

make your house the house of their dreams.

Show them something they didn't see in any of the other houses. Show them clean, organized, freshly painted. Show them light and spacious.

Here is a novel idea:

Clean under the sink, organize all the cabinets, drawers, and closets. Clean inside the oven and refrigerator. Clean all the windows.

It's really not that hard to impress buyers when your competition is so bad!

More information on preparing your house for sale:

The Secret To A Fast Home Sale

Are You Preparing Your House To Sell Or Sit?

NH Home Stager Reveals Secrets To Selling

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE FUTURE POSTS AUTOMATICALLY VIA YOUR EMAIL

Professional Home Staging services for the New Hampshire Seacoast

Portsmouth Rye Hampton North Hampton Exeter Dover

603.661.8524

Condition, Condition, Condition

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:25:54 -0600

Thinking of selling your La Quinta home? Be sure to read this post regarding the condition of your home!

Via Jim Kouns (Coldwell Banker Lunsford):

If "Location, Location, Location" are the three most important words in real estate, the three second most important have to be "Condition, Condition, Condition." I was reminded of this again last week when I was working with a relocation buyer and over the course of two days, looked at 25 upscale homes in the Muncie area. My client had been out of the U.S. for several years and was new to the Muncie area so we visited homes with a broad range of styles and ages.

The differences in condition really stood out. Several were vintage homes with lots of space and charm, but one had a damp, musty odor and some obviously leaky windows that completely obscured the many updates and the terrific location. Another was filled with busy, out-dated wallpaper and had a cedar-shake roof that appeared to have more moss than wood. Both screamed,"maintenance nightmare."

Many of the homes that were 12-20 years old had outdated plumbing fixtures, paint and carpet colors. Others had ceiling stains from current or previous leaks. Poorly maintained decks were also frequent. Even in great condition, it's hard for these properties to compete with newer ones in newer subdivisions. In poor or even mediocre condition it's impossible.

We looked at newer homes that were built in the last 5 yrs and even there some of the conditions were apalling. One in particular had great curb appeal, but walking up to the fron door we noticed the shrubbery was infested with bag worms, even to the extent of having bags on the railing and around the front door. Inside, the property had been beaten up. There were several holes in the drywall and lots of tape-joint cracks and nail pops. Needless to say, we didn't spend much time there.

It amazes me that some listing agents, even veterans, don't sit down and have an honest "heart to heart" with their sellers. In addition to the deficiencies noted above, many of the homes, regardless of age, were cluttered, filled with personal items and collectables and often just too much "stuff." People need to know what it takes to make their home competitive. After all that's what they hire us for. If done tactfully and authoritatively, sellers will not be offended and will thank us when the showing feedbacks come in.

Check Out the NAR Cool New Website For Consumers

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:23:46 -0600

La Quinta homeowners - are you looking for more information on how to maintain and enhance the value of your homes? The National Association of Realtors has a consumer site for you which will be available next year. Read below...

Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):

Most consumers are fairly familiar with Realtor.com for home search from the National Assn of Realtors. Now they have come up with another consumer site.

HouseLogic

It is currently in Beta version, so take a peek. It is intended for homeowners to protect, maintain, and enhance the value of their homes PLUS provide business-building tools for Realtors. How about that? Something for consumers AND their Realtors.

The site will also allow homeowners to speak together with Realtors to federal legislators on public policy issues where homeowners and the real estate industry have a common interest.

Consumers will get the big push about this site come February but for now Realtors are encouraged to explore around and give your feedback.

Aren't you glad I gave you first dibs??

Bookmark it.

You get all my good stuff!

Buyers! Here are the deals in La Quinta for under $250,000!

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:18:10 -0600

Deals in La Quinta under $250,000! Look no further - here are the bargains for you!

To view the detached homes in La Quinta under $250,000 click here.

To view the attached homes in La Quinta under $250,000 click here.

If you are looking for foreclosures, short sales or other great deals in La Quinta in different price ranges, give us a call!

Rate	Fees	Points	APR	Profit
5.000%	$1,000	0	5.044%	$1,000
5.000%	$500	0.250	5.044%	$1,000
5.000%	$0	0.500	5.044%	$1,000