Lorraine & Dan Milosevich's Real Estate News

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Prudential California Realty — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:43:31 -0600

The origin of Thanksgiving began in 1621 when American colonists in Plymouth, Massachusetts and the Wampanoag Indians shared the first Thanksgiving meal. Given some misnomers, we don't think the menu included today's traditional Thanksgiving meal favorites. Thanksgiving historians doubt that there was pumpkin pie (sugar and flour were not available) or mashed potatoes (the Europeans still considered the potato poisonous at this time). Original feast foods that might surprise you were fish, eel, berries, watercress, lobster, dried fruit, clams, venison, and plums. The original feast lasted three days and was based on traditional English harvest festivals that usually occurred in England around September 29th. It wasn't until two years later in 1623, after a horrible drought, that the actual "Thanksgiving" celebration occurred. It was called Thanksgiving because the drought finally came to an end after a period of intense praying by the colonists.

Wishing everyone and their families a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Wasting Away in Traffic ... Not Just for the Holidays!

Prudential California Realty — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:30:02 -0600

Do you ever feel like there aren't enough days in the week to get everything done that needs to be done? Have you ever thought about exactly how many hours you waste sitting in traffic on the way to and from work?

Think no more! According to a recent national study, drivers waste about an entire work week each year while sitting in traffic. This means that each driver wastes 38 hours. And there is no end in sight. "Things are bad and they're getting worse," said Alan Pisarksy, a transportation expert and the author of Commuting in America.

The study summed up the results by saying there are "too many people, too many trips over too short of a period on a system that is too small." Go figure!?

Holiday Traffic not included!

What Do Buyers Want?

Prudential California Realty — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:56:30 -0600

If only we knew? But here's a start ... Over-sized Garages?

Home buyers in increasing numbers want garages with two or more spaces in their homes, according to the 2007 NAR Profile of Buyers Home Feature Preferences.

Since the last survey in 2004, oversize garages saw the biggest growth in terms of what recent buyers considered very important in a home, gaining 16 percent points to 57%. Among buyers who purchased homes without this feature, 56% of them said they would have paid more for an oversize garage, compared to only 6% in 2004.

Other priorities for today's home buyers include air conditioning, with three out of every four respondents ranking this as "very important," and a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, which was very important to 53% of respondents. Hardwood floors and granite counter-tops each gained 7 percentage points from the 2004 survey, with 28% and 23%, respectively, of buyers viewing these features as "very important." Gaining 6 percentage points was cable/satellite TV-ready at 46%.

The survey reports responses from buyers who purchased homes in 2006. Home buyers were asked about 75 features and room types to assess the importance of each.

According to the survey, nearly six out of 10 recent home buyers took on remodeling or home improvement projects within three months of their purchase. Close to half of home buyers who remodeled or made improvements updated their kitchen, and nearly half remodeled or improved their bathroom. New homeowners spend a median of $4,350 on home improvement or remodeling projects undertaken within three months of purchase.

So what is it the Buyers want? Besides the obvious answer of a "great deal" they want comfortable amenities to make their home lives a little more comfortable.

How's the Weather Out There?

Prudential California Realty — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:45:31 -0600

For much of the year, Southern California's Coachella Valley weather is idyllic. The more than 330 days of sunshine and average daily temperature of 75 degrees make the valley a popular destination.

Although the area features mostly sunny skies and little rain, residents endure occasional gale-force winds and sizzling summer temperatures that climb well over 100 degrees. The mountains also get their share of snow storms, and in the highest elevations, cool year-round temperatures.

During an average year, summer daytime temperatures hover between 105 and 115 degrees. In the winter, temperatures average about 73 degrees.

During spring and summer, winds pick up in the mid-afternoon and blow 20 to 30 miles per hour, a result of the unique desert valley.

Average Temperatures:

January low 43/high 70
February low 47/high 75
March low 51/high 80
April low 56/high 86
May low 63/high 94
June low 70/high 104
July low 76/high 108
August low 76/high 107
September low 70/high 101
October low 61/high 91
November low 48/high 76
December low 44/high 70

Visit www.mydesert.comfor additional information on the Coachella Valley.

What's Happening Locally?

Prudential California Realty — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:19:59 -0600

Free Thanksgiving meal to be served at senior center

There will be a free Thanksgiving Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the La Quinta Senior Center at 78-450 Avenida La Fonda. Entertainment and food for the event are being donated by Desert Cities Catering. Reservations are required. Information: 760-564-0096.

St. Francis church sponsoring blood drive

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church youth ministry and senior adult ministry will sponsor a community blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 25 in Bluett Hall. Appointments can be made by visiting or calling the parish office at 760-564-1255.

Henry's collecting food for Father Joe's

Henry's Farmers Market at 79-050 Highway 111 is collecting food as part of the Grab 'n' Give food drive. Food can be dropped off in bins in front of any of the 19 participating stores until Dec. 31. The food will go to Father Joe's Villages. The organization shares its donated food supply with eight neighborhood food banks. For more information, visit neighbor.org.

Your Job: Stay Positive!

Prudential California Realty — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:59:57 -0600

Something to remember, something to think about!

Take time to work. It is the price of success.

Take time to think. It is the source of power.

Take time to play. It is the secret of perpetual youth.

Take time to read. It is the fountain of wisdom.

Take time to be friendly. It is the road to happiness.

Take time to love and be loved. It is the nourishment for the soul.

Take time to share. It is too short a life to be selfish.

Take time to laugh. It is the music of the heart.

Take time to dream. It is hitching your wagon to a star.

You Be the Judge!

Prudential California Realty — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:18:20 -0600

Dilemma:

Susan has been unable to keep up on her mortgage payments on her primary residence in California. Susan's lender has properly recorded a notice of default. Rick is intereted in purchasing Susan's property as an investment. He wants to pay Susan fair market value for the home before the foreclosure sale occurs. Susan is elated at the offer and knows this will help minimize the damage to her credit. Rick asks his REALTOR to be the agent for the transaction. His REALTOR agrees.

Has the REALTOR violated any laws by becoming Rick's agent in this transaction?

Yes! In order for the REALTOR to represent Rick, under the Home Equity Sales Contract Act, the REALTOR must have both a valid real estate sales license and a bond from an admitted surety insurer for twice the fair market value of the property. Unfortunately, such bonds are not currently available in California. Since Rick's REALTOR cannot legally comply with the bonding requirement, the REALTOR cannot represent investment buyers in purchasing properties that are in foreclosure if the property is the current residence of the seller. Rick's REALTOR should immediately remove himself as Rick's agent in writing and no longer be involved in this transaction. If the property is listed, his REALTOR may receive a referral fee.

Trick or Treat!!!

Prudential California Realty — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:57:08 -0500

Wishing everyone a happy, safe and healthy Halloween!!!! Here are a few tips for after trick or treating is over and before your kids (or you) eat any candy:

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

Keep Business Flowing!

Prudential California Realty — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:51:27 -0500

Every day, everybody you meet, and people who called you - send them a THANK YOU card.

You basically say, "It was very nice meeting you. Thank you for getting to know you. I am a Realtor and would
appreciate it if you would refer my name to someone you know who is thinking about buying or selling
real estate."

You handle all of your mail - especially junk mail - the same way. Thank them for the information they sent, etc. etc.

Every one you meet, talk to, or get mail from you send them a thank you note. And stretch. Send as many thank you cards as you can.

Even bills. Thank them for sending the correct bill - no errors. (whatever works ... practice DOES make perfect)!

The expense is small, but the result could be big. Everyone will remember you. The reason is ...

Nobody does it. Nobody sends thank you cards any longer. Think about it. When was the last time YOU received a thank you card? In 1983?

You can even have your assistant do this. Especially mail. Brilliant and easy way to keep your name in front of people. Thank them when the least expect it and they will remember it and YOU forever!

Look Before You Leap

Prudential California Realty — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:00:18 -0500

Finding a community that fits your own set of criteria requires a fair amount of research:

Before making an investment in real estate, those in the know suggest spending a couple of months in a community to make sure you like it well enough to settle there.
Talk to locals to learn their overall satisfaction in the community's services and amenities.
Read the community newspaper to gauge the cultural and political climate to make sure you'd be comfortable with it.
Be cognizant of some intangible qualities that you may require such as volunteer or social networking opportunities.

Other factors to think about include:

Availaibility of quality healthcare.
Affordability and local taxes
Weather
Access to culture, shopping and entertainment
Good transportation and/or proximity to an airport

Living in a gated community or resort area requires a little bit of effort and research but if you take your time and choose your best fit the benefits are endless!

Not all News is Bad News!

Prudential California Realty — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:49:54 -0500

La Quinta became a safer place to live from 2005 to 2006, according to the latest FBI statistics

The city of nearly 39,000 residents experienced a 21 percent decrease in violent crimes and a 9.2 percent drop in property crimes between 2005 and 2006.

The data are part of a national report, titled Crime in the United States, compiled from information by law enforcement agencies nationwide. The FBI collected these data via the Uniform Crime Reporting Program and released the results Monday.

The program gathers data for violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.

Nationally, violent crimes have risen while property crimes fell. In the Coachella Valley, cities experiencing the most growth saw generally crime rise. But in La Quinta, Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage crime was trending downward in both violent and property offenses from 2005 to 2006.

Capt. Colleen Walker of the Riverside County Sheriff's department, the Chief of Police for La Quinta, declined to comment because she had not seen the FBI report.

Police in La Quinta's east valley neighbor Indio - which experienced double-digit increases in crime - called the report dated.

"We feel it is not specific to Indio," said Ben Guitron, spokesperson for the Indio Police Department. Indio Police Chief Brad Ramos was unavailable for comment.

Guitron said FBI data does not show a current picture of Indio, which is better reflected by statistics gathered by the department on a weekly basis.

According to department data, crime has actually decreased when year-to-date numbers are compared to the period a year ago, Guitron said.

This year's decrease in crime will not be reported by the FBI until next year, he added.

Back in La Quinta, some residents still exercise "common sense" regarding crime even though FBI data paints the city as safe. "I think La Quinta is safe if you don't give anyone the opportunity to commit a crime," said local resident Caroline Doran. "You need to be careful about your whereabouts and look around."

Doran said she locks her car, her windows and doors.

"I am not going to let fear stop me from going out, but I am not going out at 10 at night and walking around either," she said.

Safety Update

Prudential California Realty — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:31:58 -0500

It is important to your company that employees enjoy an accident-free environment. While the first priority is to prevent any work-related injury or illness, another important goal is to ensure that if an incident does occur, it is report immediately to Human Resources so that the circumstances can be recorded and next steps formulated.

If your position involves extensive time doing computer or administrative work, having a well planned work station and doing periodic exercises can make your workday more enjoyable and safe. Even small changes, like placing a phone in a more appropriate spot can make a surprising difference in comfort and efficiency.

A great website reference on workstations can be found at: www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/.

Action Speaks Louder!

Prudential California Realty — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:00:20 -0500

It's time for us to fight the good fight and stand up against the negative media who's only real motivation in what they report is pushing their product!

The flap surrounding the '60 Minutes' story on real estate in May stirred many in our industry to take pen in hand and vent frustration at what seemed to be the ultimate assault on the traditional real estate brokerage model. From the burnished town of CBC News, the media once again took aim at full-service brokers with an inflammatory headline and slanted editorial.

In the time that has passed, that one story has been replaced by numerous others. The news cycle continues to churn, and we should expect no significant change to the tone of headlines that are designed to fetch the widest audiences and the highest advertising dollar.

So, what's next? Beyond writing a letter, venting on a blog (would we do that?), or complaining to our spouses, what can we do to counter this assault? The answer lies with a common-sense approach of winning mind-share one customer at a time. In a sustained and concerted effort, it is imperative that the residential real estate industry promotes our value and successes, educates our professionals, and informs the public about important real estate issues. We need to take these actions in each and every community we serve if we ever expect to win the hearts and minds of our customers, which is all that really matters.

Trite but true, everybody loves a winner. The first thing we do is promote our successes by letting people know that houses are selling and that our customers are enjoying great service. If every brokerage firm in the U.S. dedicated at least 20% of their online and offline advertising to promote recently sold listings, we could communicate in a very graphic fashion the clear fact that the housing market is healthy and that our customers have achieved their success through our efforts on their behalf.

The next thing we have to do is educate our sales professionals on how to effectively articulate our value proposition. As a routine part of any marketing presentation, associates should be able to share a number of performance-related facts with the consumer regarding average time on market, list-to-sale price ratios, and other data that clearly illustrate the tangible benefits of conducting business with our firms. In addition, we should be able to easily outline the value of the human service element that cannot be replicated by some kind of mapping mash-up alone.

And finally, we need to stay abreast of the industry issues and become a resource to our local media and sphere of influence regarding real estate issues that surface in the national media. All real estate is local and all real estate news is local, too. When the Wall Street Journal runs a headline that at first glance would herald doom and gloom for every homeowner in America, when, in fact, it only describes a single local market, we need to approach this as an opportunity to inform the public. Armed wit the facts as they pertain to our own markets, the national story becomes our opening to reach out to the local media and our customers to provide relevant context and meaning regarding the local impact of the issue. In doing so, we can become the expert resource for the local media while building credibility with our customer base.

It won't be long before the next inflammatory real estate story invites rebuttal from myself and any number of professionals from our industry. Rather than sitting idly by waiting for that day, a proactive approach to communicating our value proposition and demonstrating service excellence will do far more to keep our industry strong, our professionals well compensated, and our customers well satisfied.

Simply put, actions speak louder than words and now is the time to act!

Can You Afford That Loan?

Prudential California Realty — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:38:12 -0500

You've read or heard about the crisis that many homeowners are facing because they can't pay their mortgages. Some of these homeowners were lured into loans with extremely low rates (teaser rates) that adjusted up. When the rates reset, monthly payments rose beyond what many homeowners could afford, and some borrowers are losing their homes to foreclosure. Consequently, maybe you think this is a good time to get a deeply discounted property.

When loan shopping, remember there's a big difference between qualifying for a mortgage and affording it. Frequently, lenders will qualify you for mortgages that are too big of a stretch for your budget, so it's up to you to crunch the numbers.

Seek advice: Don't rely on a single loan officer for advice, recommends Paul Leonard, the California director for the Center for Responsible Lending, Oakland. "Consumers have to be vigorous in their own financial self-interest, not relying on recommendations of lenders who are not their financial advisor's," he says. Shop multiple lenders and fully understand the loan products you're considering. Seek advice from a real estate lawyer or a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - certified counselor. For a list of HUD - certified, California based counselors, see www.hud.gov/local/indes.cfm?state=ca. "Even if a lawyer costs a couple of hundred dollars, it's money well spent before you lock into a financial transaction and put thousands of dollars at risk," argues Leonard.

Be a wise consumer: Don't base mortgage decisions on low teaser rates. When rates rise, will you be able to service the loan? Factor in principal and interest, as well as taxes and insurance, when considering the monthly payment. Know that taxes will likely rise. Consider other major expenses - saving for college and retirement, for instance - and monthly costs, such as gas, food, car insurance, and entertainment.

Be realistic: Rising housing prices aren't a sure thing. Don't sign a mortgage betting that housing prices will rise and that you'll sell if items get tough. Realistically evaluate your long-term ability to make the payments and only borrow what you can afford.

Crunch your numbers: There are a multitude of on-line calculators to help you determine how much house you can afford, whether to opt for a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage, and how different down payment amounts will affect your monthly payments. One source is www.credit.com/calculators/home_mortgage.jsp.

Debt-to-income Ratios: This term refers to how much you earn versus how much you own (excluding your mortgage). The ideal ratio is a matter of debate, and to determine you threshold for debt, you need to consider all of your expenses. Typically, financial planners recommend that this ratio not exceed 20 percent of your take-home pay. In addition, financial planners recommend that this ratio does not exceed 40 percent when including your mortgage payment. For more information visit http://www.debtsteps.com/

Listen to Your Skin!!!

Prudential California Realty — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:48:49 -0500

Although summer is winding down for most of you, we are here in the beautiful Southern California Desert which I like to refer to as The Land of Eternal Sunshine! Here are some tips for keeping yourself healthy when outdoors.

If your skin could talk, it would tell you a lot. Remember that really bad, blistering sunburn? Ouch! And what about all those trips to the tanning salon? Ouch again! If you've been spending too much time in the sun (or in the tanning bed) without taking care of your skin, now is the time to start listening.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, accounting for one-third of all cancers in the United States. That translates to more than one million skin cancers diagnosed each year - more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined.

Sun exposure adds up day after day, not just when you go to the pool or beach. Fortunately, you can take steps to minimize the harmful effects of the sun and help prevent skin cancer or catch it early before it spreads.

Limit your outside time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are most intense. Don't forget that UV rays can pass through clouds or water, and reflect off sand or snow, increasing the amount of UV intensity.

Wear clothes to cover up as much skin as possible. Dark colors and dry, tightly woven fabrics usually provide more protection against harmful rays.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat that protects you neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.

Apply sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher to dry skin at least 30 minutes before going outside. Use at least an ounce for adequate coverage and reapply every two hours. Don't forget sunscreen lip balm.

Wear sunglasses to block UV rays. Look for labels that say "UV absorption up to 400 nm" or "Meets ANSI UV Requirements." These glasses block 100 percent and 99 percent of UV rays, respectively.

Your skin is feeling better already. But while you are doing your part to pamper the largest organ in your body, you may still be at risk for developing skin cancer. Approximately 10 % of people who develop melanoma (a potentially deadly form of skin cancer) inherit genes that cause the disease. other inherited traits that can contribute to developing skin cancer include having fair skin and light hair and/or eyes.

If you notice a suspicious mole or spot, keep in mind the ABCDs of melanoma detection. "A" is for asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half.

"B" is for border. The edge of the spot may be irregular or blurred.

"C" is for color. The mole may not be the same color all over.

"D" is for diameter. The spot is approximately 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser).

Anyone can develop skin cancer. That's why it is so important to examine you skin for suspicious moles or other spots. Even if you have spent a lifetime in the sun or even developed skin cancer, it's never too late to start protecting your skin.

Questions When Hiring a Mover

Prudential California Realty — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:18:19 -0500

TELEPHONE QUESTIONS:

How long have you been in business?
Average years experience for drivers and packers?
Do you offer storage?
Are you licensed for interstate moves?

QUESTIONS FOR THE AGENT WHO COMES TO MAKE THE ESTIMATE:

What insurance do you offer?
Is the mover bonded?
Can I call to find out the location of my things during the move?
Can you move my car?
Is there a senior citizen discount?
What is insured if I do some of the packing?

Always better to be safe then sorry when hiring outside services. The best place to start would be of course by asking your friends and relatives for a referral. Then you need to do you own work to make the right decision for your move!

10 Cool Things to do with Kids the Summer!

Prudential California Realty — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:28:24 -0500

1) High-tail it up the Tramway: When kids are bored, it's so tempting to tell them to go take a hike, and in some cases, that wouldn't be such a bad idea, especially if the trails are in a cool place. Check out Mount San Jacinto State Park, where volunteers are available to take adventurous tram visitors on free guided nature walks every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day. A walk on the 1 1/2 mile Desert View Trail begins at 10:30 a.m. and loop around the 3/4 mile Long Valley Nature Trail is offered at 1:30 p.m. both days. The first tram up on Saturdays and Sundays is 8 a.m. and tickets to ride are $21.95 for adults and $14.95 for children 3-12. For more information call 888-515-TRAM or 325-1391 or visit: http://www.pstramway.com/.

2) Attend a Party for the Stars: Forget Hollywood, the true superstars are right about our heads. The Astronomical Society of the Desert will make that perfectly clear during its free Monthly Star Party on the evening of August 11th. At this month's event, Jupiter and its moons aret he stars of the show. Astronomical Society members will set up six or more telescopes and/or giant binoculars to give stargazers a chance to look at these galactic wonders. They also will give a tour of the sky using a powerful green laser to point out constellations and other bright objects on the night horizon. The Monthly Star Party will be held at the Saw Mill Trailhead observation site up Route 74 (about 15 12/ miles from Highway 111 and Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert). Party-goers should meet at the far end of the parking lot to enjoy the dark and starry night. A map to the site is available by visiting http://www.astrorx.org/ or call Bruce Gottlieb at 329-9029.

3) Let your Imagination Take Flight: If there's one thing "kids of any age" have in common it's a fascination with flying. Throughout the summer months, the Palm Springs Air Museum offers a variety of ways to indulge this flight of fancy. With 65,000 square feet of climate-controlled hangars, the museum is a perfect place for the whole family to combine fun with learning. Kook Kids Summer events kicked off in June with daily activities including the Nose Art Coloring Contest (as in decorating the nose of the airplane) and the Paint the Plane project. Tuesdays are designated as Grandparents Day and Movie Days are scheduled for Wednesdays throughout the summer. The young ones also will be entertained by the Grate Paper Airplane contest, Kids Storytelling, the Wild Goose Hunt, the Warbird Simulator Shoot-out, an Aircraft Carrier Landing Contest an Pilot Rocky's Hands-on Aviation Class. The Palm Springs Air Museum, located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail near Palm Springs International Airport is open during the summer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 for adults; $8.50 for seniors, students 13-17 and military; and $5 for children 6-12. Those under 6 "fly" free. For more information call, 778-6262.

4) Take a Dive Together: It has been said "the family that swims together, stays together." Well, maybe those weren't the exact words, but a little pool time is still a fun way to spend a summer afternoon. With that in mind, the YMCA has set aside time for families to swim at Fritz Burns Pool, located at the corner of Avenue 52 and Avenida Bermudas in La Quinta. The Family Swim sessions are scheduled for Fridays from 1:30 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 1;30 to 4 p.m. Daily admission prices are: youth (up to age 17) $1, adults (18-61) $3, and seniors (62 and up) $1.50. Pool rentals also are available for special events or family gatherings. For details, contact the Family YMCA or the Desert at 320-9622.

5) Go Out for a Really Big Show: Sure it's cool to catch a movie at the theater, but it's way cool to watch a show outdoors on a giant 20-foot screen. Tickets are the right price too. These family movies are free, compliments of the City of La Quinta through its Open Air Cinema movie-in-the-park series. Families are invited to bring their chairs and blankets to the La Quinta Civic Center campus at 76-495 Calle Tampico for the 8p.m. showings. the movie schedule for the next three Saturday evenings is as follows: August 11th "Racing Stripes", August 18th "Open Season", and September 8th "Cars". For additional information call 777-7000.

6) For Cool Fun, Apply Ice: A great way to get the best of summer is to skate right through it. The Ice Garden in Cathedral City offers a plethora of activities in the cool of the ice rink. The kids can score the competitive edge by joining an ice hockey league, make the rounds in freestyle skate sessions or practice figure eights. For those who seek guidance, skating classes for all experience levels are offered on Monday evening and Saturday morning. The hours for public skating are 10 a.m. to noon on Monday and Wednesday; 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, plus an evening session from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday. Admission for ages 11 and under is $10 and $12 for ages 12 and older. The Ice Garden is located at 68-037 E. Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City. For more information call 770-7046.

7) Go Bonkers at Boomers: If the kids can't decide how they want to spend the day, Boomers is a place that covers all the bases. There's no particular theme to this park - it's just all about fun. Depending on one's energy level, there are go-karts, bumper boats, miniature golf and video games. The kids can even climb the wall (the rock wall, that is). And, there's a fabulous deal offered during these dog days. It's the "Summer Super Pass," which allows unlimited use of the park's attractions "all day and all night," Monday through Thursday for only $19.95. That's a lot of playtime, considering the park is open from noon to 9 p.m. on those days. There are extended hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Boomers is located at 67-700 E. Palm Canyon Drive, right next to Trader Joe's in Cathedral City. Call 770-7522 for more details.

8) Take a Bowl down Fantasy Lanes: Just because it's hot outside doesn't mean exercise is out of the question. Whether the kids feel fidgety during the day or evening. Fantasy Lanes in Indio knows how to let the good times roll. Every member of the family will be able to bowl on any one of the 24 state-of-the-art lane "featuring bumpers for the little bowlers." For the night owls, Fantasy Lanes offers laser bowling, which is an experience in itself. The lasers light up the lane from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. and again from midnight until 2 a.m. The price of adult games is $4, while junior games cost $2.75. Shoe rentals run from $2.50 to $3.25. In addition to bowling, the facility offers a large arcade with he latest video games, a snack bar and sports lounge for the adults. Open seven days a week, Fantasy Lanes bowling center is located in Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at 84-425 Indio Springs Drive in Indio (exit Hwy 10 to Golf Center Parkway). Call 342-5000 for more information.

9) Ride the Wild Surf: As advertised, Knott's Soak City is "not a mirage, but the coolest spot in the desert." This 21-acre oasis, patterned after Southern California's surf cities of the 1950's, boasts 22 water rides and attractions to float your boat. There are body slides, wave pools, a lazy river and a water funhouse with names like Surf Rider Rapids, Pipeline Point and Kahuna's Beach House, all designed to inundate guests with fun. When it's time to regroup, refreshments are available at any one of four snack bars or "watering holes," if you will. Further relaxation can be found by retreating to one of the 20 poolside cabanas, which are available for rent by the day. Knott's Soak City, located at 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail between Hwy 10 and Hwy 111, opens its doors at 10 a.m. during the season (March through late fall). Regular admission prices (offering unlimited use of all rides), are $27.95 for adults, $16.95 for children (3-11) and seniors (62 and older). Children under 2 are admitted free. Call 327-0499 or visit: www.knotts.com/soakcity.

10) Get the Family Pumped Up: It's hard to believe, but there's a cool place in Indio that will have the whole family jumping for joy. In fact, besides jumping, guests can also climb; slide and bounce to their hearts' desire at Pump It Up - "The Inflatable Party Zone." The main attractions at Pump It Up are the giant, custom-designed, interactive inflatable play structures. In addition to the play areas, there are brightly decorated party rooms making this a perfect location for birthday parties. Even if there's no special occasion, kids ages 2-10 and parents of any age are invited to attend Family Jump Time on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per child and their accompanying parents can "play for free." Pump It Up is located at 82-740 Atlantic Avenue in Indio, north of the Jackson Street exit in the Shadow Hills area. For more information call 775-0620.

Thought of the Day for Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Prudential California Realty — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:42:06 -0500

Be cheerful! Of all the things you wear ... your expression is the most important!

We can never remind each other too much to take it in stride! Ours can be a tough business, we've seen an influx of "new" agents jump into the mix over the past years in pursuit of the fast & easy $$ and given a little more time they will filter out and the true professionals will remain to service their clients!

Thought of the Day for Friday, July 20, 2007

Prudential California Realty — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:47:08 -0500

Is there a way to separate ourselves, in this chosen profession, from all of the negative reporting the media builds up? If I was an untrained consumer my brain would be so confused by the roller coaster ride the media takes us on! So, just another little reminder to stay positive, but honest (tuff to do ... but necessary) because as with every roller coaster ride ... when the car goes down ... it ALWAYS goes back up!

"To belittle ... is to be little!"

Thought of the Day for Thursday, July 19, 2007

Prudential California Realty — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:37:20 -0500

Awww! The "dead" of the summer ... sometimes I forget how quickly time can pass!? It's been a week or so since I posted my Thought of the Day (I've gone into relax mode temporarily ... but I'm back) ... so here it is:

People forget how fast you did a job ... but they will ALWAYS remember how well you did it!

Simple ... but to the point! Happy selling! ~ Lorraine

15 Personal Skills You Need on the Job

Prudential California Realty — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:05:50 -0500

You can never have too many skills on the job (or in life for that matter) ... here is a break down of areas we all could focus on and possibly enhance in our business and personal lives.

Businesses are looking for employees with strong "personal" skills ... who have that special something: the skills, tendencies and attributes that help to keep productivity and profits up. What are they:

CAREFULNESS: Do you have a tendency to think and plan carefully before acting? This helps with reducing the chance for costly errors, as well as keeping a steady work-flow going.

COOPERATION: Willingness to engage in-interpersonal work situations is very important in the workplace.

CREATIVITY: You've hear of "thinking outside the box"? Employers want innovative people who bring a fresh perspective.

DISCIPLINE: This includes the ability to keep on task and complete projects without becoming distracted or bored.

DRIVE: Businesses want employees who have high aspiration levels and work hard to achieve goals.

GOOD ATTITUDE: This has been shown to predict counterproductive work behaviors, job performance and theft.

GOODWILL: This is a tendency to believe others are well-intentioned.

INFLUENCE: Groups need strong leaders to guide the way. Influence includes a tendency to positively impact social situations by speaking your mind and becoming a group leader.

OPTIMISM: A positive attitude goes a long way toward productivity.

ORDER: "Where did I put that?" A tendency to be well organized helps employees to work without major distractions or "roadblocks."

SAFE WORK BEHAVIORS: Employers want people who avoid work-related accidents and unnecessary risk-taking in a work environment.

SAVVY: This isn't just about job knowledge, but knowledge of coworkers and the working environment. It includes a tendency to read other people's motives from observed behavior and use this information to guide one's thinking and action.

SOCIABILITY: How much you enjoy interacting with coworkers affects how well you work with them.

STABILITY: This means a tendency to maintain composure and rationality in stressful work situations.

VIGOR: This is a tendency to keep a rapid tempo and keep busy.

We can never practice these skills too much! It's an ongoing effort to improve ourselves!

Thought of the Day for Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Prudential California Realty — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:34:36 -0500

"Most people don't plan to fail ... they fail to plan!"

That has never been so true then at a time like this! After being in the real estate business for over 25 years I learned long ago that the "good times" come and they go away just as fast. If you haven't learned to plan for the not so good times then you may be finding yourself in trouble these days! My approach to any real estate market is to stay consistent with my budget and my exposure. Visibility is very crucial in a slower market. It lets the consumer know that you're serious about your business and committed to your clients 110%!

Two actors to join Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Prudential California Realty — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:45:29 -0500

Our little valley is growing with leaps and bounds! New construction continues, but not at the pace of the past years, home sales slightly declining and with that we must continue to reinvent ourselves! Downtown Palm Springs continues to honor old school Hollywood!

Interesting that our little slice of California, collectively referred to as Riverside County, will be the second largest county in the state by 2050. Looks like there's no stopping our growth!

The president of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars announced today that actors Tab Hunter and Rhonda Fleming will be honored with their own stars during a fan appreciation fair and film festival late this year.

Hunter and Fleming are among dozens of celebrities scheduled to
participate in ``Starfair'' and the ``Palm Springs Classic Film Festival,''
scheduled for Dec. 7-9 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, according to Walk
of Stars President Robert Alexander.

Hunter is slated to be on hand for screening of two of his films --
``Ride the Wild Surf'' (1964) and ``Polyester'' (1981) -- and participate in
question-and-answer sessions afterward, Alexander said.

Fleming is scheduled to field questions after the 1957 film ``Gunfight
at the OK Corral'' is shown, he said.

The three-day event will feature 26 film screenings and more than 150
star appearances, Alexander said. Attendees will be able to obtain autographs
and have their photo taken with celebrities in addition to catching a screening
and shopping for books, DVDs and memorabilia.

Additional stars expected to attend screenings and participate in
question-and-answer sessions include:

-- Carroll Baker, ``The Carpetbaggers'' and ``Baby Doll'';
-- Ernest Borgnine, ``Marty'';
-- Carol Channing, ``Thoroughly Modern Millie'';
-- Tony Curtis, ``Some Like It Hot'';
-- Tippi Hedren, ``The Birds'';
-- Trini Lopez, ``The Dirty Dozen'';
-- Stefanie Powers, ``Palm Springs Weekend'';
-- Stella Stevens, ``Girls, Girls, Girls'';
-- Mamie Van Doren, ``High School Confidential''; and
-- Lindsay Wagner, ``The Paper Chase.''

Tickets are $30 a day, or $50 for all three days. More information can
be obtained online at www.palmspringswalkofstars.com.

Thought of the Day for Friday July 6, 2007

Prudential California Realty — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:23:25 -0500

Life is like a bridge - cross over it but don't establish yourself upon it!

A man can fail many times but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame someone else!

Happy Friday and good luck this weekend! We can all use a little boost of encouragement in this more "settled" market ... especially here in the Sunny Southern California Desert with temperatures reaching 120 ... we sometimes need a reminder to stay cool and keep moving forward!

Have a GREAT weekend! Happy Selling! ~ Lorraine

Thought of the Day for Thursday, July 5, 2007

Prudential California Realty — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:23:56 -0500

If a person measures life by what others do for him, he is going to be very disappointed; but if one measures life by what he does for others, there is no time for despair!

People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges! Live the life you were ment to live by tearing down the walls and opening yourself up to new experiences! You will be amazed at what you've been missing.