Now is the time for reserving vacation rentals for next fall and winter in La Quinta and Hawaii - 06/30/10 10:19 AM
   I specialize in vacation rentals in La Quinta, California, and the Hawaiian Islands. Now is the time for you and your clients to reserve for your fall and winter vacations. There are many more homes to choose from. This is the slow time of the year so many owners are more willing to negotiate some on the rental rates. As you know, the best properties fill up fast.
Have you visited La Quinta, California - over 120 golf course communities in the Coachella Velley. A few like Mountain View Country Club in La Quinta even allow the renters to golf … (1 comments)

Catch phrases for listings and ads - 06/29/10 06:10 PM
Chic home
grand scale Spanish manor
large grassy yard
Live the Amalfi Dream!
on a coveted street
character details
exposed beam ceiling
designer appointments
seller's incentives
exquisit attention to detail
huge entertainer's terraces
Rare opportunity
tastefully done
secluded setting
enchanting hillside home
both serene and dramatic in scope
ample storage
gracious & inviting
breathtaking views
romantic balconies
extraordinary quality
sumptious master suite
flexible floor plan
unobstructab;e views
trophy residence
 
 
 
… (1 comments)

La Quinta, California - the Way to Play - 06/29/10 03:31 PM
It's playtime in La Quinta... Come join the fun! Make a day of it and visit the La Quinta Museum, go golfing, browse La QUinta's fabulous shopping venues and indulge in a number of casual and fine dining restaurants.
Up coming events in La Quinta, California
Friday July 2 - 8 PM
Moonlight Movie - "The Blind Side"
More information (760)777-7108
Old Town La Quinta - FREE
Bring your blanket and catch a flick under the stars. Presented by the City of La Quinta, Old Town La Quinta and Time Warner Cable
 
July 5- August 9 - JUNIOR GOLF CAMP!
… (0 comments)

This Blog Will Put Me Over 100,000 Points on Active Rain - Please add your comments! - 06/28/10 05:30 PM
  I have been a member of Active Rain for almost a year and with this blog I should go over 100,000 points. This blog has helped me learn alot about blogging and alot about real estate too. I have met alot of really nice agents and brokers. I have even gotten referrals and clients. This has opened my eyes to a world I did not even know existed.
… (13 comments)

Let's Say Thank You Instead of I'm Sorry - 06/28/10 05:19 PM
  Several years ago we started to tell unhappy people, Ok- Thank you when nothing else worked. I started to ocunt how many times a day I was saying I'm sorry to calm people even when I did nothing wrong. I then decided to make my mantra Thank You instead of I'm sorry. Suddenly, I got alot more postive happy comments and less unhappy disgruntled people. I now start nearly every conversation with Thank you-----It makes such a difference. Whatever the situation, people are much happier and easier to please when you start with Thank You. I even have people thank … (1 comments)

Closing Gifts for Clients - 06/28/10 05:09 PM
1. Home Goods Gift Card $300+
2. Housewarming party for their friends. You get you meet their friends. $300+
3. Dinner at their favorite restaurant $200+
4. Gift Basket  $100+
5. Wine  $100+
6. Air purifier  $100
7. Net flix  for a year  $100
8. Gardening service or cleaning service for 3 months or longer depending on price of home  $300+
9. 10 hours of babysitting  $100+
10. Coffee table book from the area $50
11. Flowers- big arrangement  $250
12. Tiffany key ring  $300
13. Alarm and service for 2 years  $600
14. Lawnmower or snowblower $500+
15. Tree for … (3 comments)

The Lori Bowers Group - La Quinta, Ca. -We Love Mondays - Our Busiest Day of the Week - 06/28/10 04:24 PM
   Here at The Lori Bowers Group, we love Mondays. It is our busiest day of the week. We start off with our team meeting at 8:30 to find out what is happening for everyone and where they are headed. I , Lori Bowers, as the broker try to give market updates, motivational information, and tips for the agents to generate more sales and closings. We have alot of energy and alot of fun. Each team member shares.During this time, we are able to talk on a more personal level with each other.
  When we get back to the office, … (1 comments)

Tips for Referral Clients in La Quinta, California - 06/28/10 03:45 PM
1. Ask for referrals everywhere you go. Have your 30 second speech ready.
Who do you know this is looking to buy, sell, lease, or invest in real estate? I can get it done!
2. Farming at least twice a month
3. Facebook
4. Active Rain
5. Websites
6. Neighbors and friends of sellers where you have the listing
7. As buyers right when they sign an offer- this is the time they are really happy and want to help you the most
8. Children's friends families
9. Your friends
10. People in clubs and associations you attend
11. Employees of … (0 comments)

My Ears Still Hurt from the Alarm! - 06/28/10 11:27 AM
Yesterday I went to one of my listings. I studied the directions for the alarm which was in the laundry- a long way from the front door. I went as fast as I could from the front door to the alarm. I carefully did the procedure I was given by the owner and set off the alarm anyway. It was the oudest most disturbing alarm I had heard in my 10 years of real estate. Of course, the alarm company called. Since I was so shook up, I could not rememebr the password so they sent the police. The officer was nice but … (5 comments)

5 Hottest Things to Do in La Quinta, California Today - 105 Degrees - 06/27/10 02:19 PM
1. Take a run in the desert sand- be sure it is uphill
2. Hold an open house 2-4 PM in a home with no air conditioning
3. Sit in a car with windows rolled up and no air ( not very long, you may die)
4. Put on wool sweater and jacket, hat, and mittens and walk thru a big blacktop parking lot.
6. Turn the BBQ on high and cook 50 steaks at 3 PM.
We do not do these. We work at being cool and calm -
1.lay in thepool,
2.stay in air conditioning,
3.dress cool,
4.go to … (4 comments)

10 Ways to Use Craigslist in Real Esate - 06/27/10 01:59 PM
1. Learn about an area- prices of all items, events in the area, who's hiring and expanding with new agents
2. Wording for other real estate flyers, ads, emails etc. The wording on Craigslist works.
3. Rentals
4. Post a listing at least 3 times a day for action. The can bring buyers for this and other homes. This also will attract potenial sellers looking for tech savvy agents
5. Open houses - inexpensive and effective way to promote an open house
6. Connect with othere services who use Craigslist for referrals - movers, cleaners, landscapers, painters, etc.
7. Search out … (5 comments)

Law of the Garbage Truck - 06/27/10 01:50 PM
Received this on an email and really liked it -
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.We were driiving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by inches. The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.
So I asked, "Why did you just do … (1 comments)

La Quinta, California - 103 Degrees Today- Why Live Here? - 06/26/10 08:28 PM
I had been out of our area for a few days and just returned. Was I ever glad to get home. Our areas is so clean and so beautiful. We have gorgeous mountains, lush landscaping with lots of flowers and world famous golf courses galore. There are not traffic jams. The people are friendly. Prices for homes and living items are low. The energy here is so calm, peaceful, and positive. How could life not be good in La Quinta with sunshine 360 days a year!
… (3 comments)

Name 3 Things You Consistently Do to Attract Buyers and Sellers - 06/26/10 08:04 PM
The next questions is which of the three so you like to do most and which one works best for you.
I sure hope we get alot of ideas on this as I am sure we all do it alittle differently and we may get some good new ideas from others.
Here are some of the things I do daily to attract buyers and sellers:
Basically, I spend my life connecting with people and connecting them to others as well. I love relating with people.
1. I answer the phone, text, email, active rain, facebook and all leadas received through any … (3 comments)

Make Some Quality Time and Good Memoeries with Your Family - 06/25/10 12:07 PM
  As realtors and brokers, much of the time is very hard for us to take quality time and pay special attention to our families. I try to take at least one hour each day when I get home to listen to my husband without spilling my real estate drama of the day. I also learned several years ago from Tom Ferry to not walk into the home on the phone - not even texting or emailing on my PDA.
  Each three months, my husband has to go from La Quinta to Los Angeles for his doctor's appointment for his … (3 comments)

Is Your House Making You Sick? - 06/25/10 11:37 AM
   If you are sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, evening excessive snoring, materials and/or pets in your home could be part or all of the cause. We know mold is very common in various forms. How many of us have ever had a mold test done on our own home? Maybe now is the time to check this out and start an annual or bi-annual test.
  Dust mites are a key factor also. Some recommendations for dust mites protection is special covers for furniture cushions and pillows. Also, it is recommended to wash all sheets, towels and bed covers in 120 … (0 comments)

What I Do During an Open House - 06/24/10 05:03 PM
  Where I live in La Quinta, California, we do not get alot of people to open houses. Most of the communities are gated and allow only 1 sign. Our city ordinance does not allow signs in the medians or sides of the road. We still do open houses as each year I sell 5 - 6 houses on open houses. While I am at the open house, I do not sit and wait. I spend my time wisely to attract people to come to the open house and also to get caught up on my business.
1. I put flyers … (4 comments)

Looking for a vacation home or rental? - 06/24/10 04:54 PM
    I specialize in Vacation Rentals in La Quinta, California and Hawaii- Waikiki, Diamond Head, Hawaii Kai on Oahu and Wailea area of Maui. Through this process, I have become familiar several very wonderful vacation homes arund the world. How nice to spend your vacation in a real house! with a house there is more privacy, solitude, space, and relaxation plus you get a real feel of the loacl area and culture.
   Whether it is a condo or large home, why not give renting a vacation home a try for your next time off. We have also made several very … (0 comments)

Short Sale Fraud Warning Issued - 06/24/10 12:42 PM
As with everything and every industry there are always those people who try to take advantage of the underdog.Sadly, Real Estate and Mortgage is no exception to the rule. In times of homeowners distress, there are slime who are looking to profit off of the suffering of others.
Thankfully, a warning has been issued by California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr., the California DRE, and the State Bar of California warning consumers about short sale fraud.  Hopefully people will read the news, and pay attention to this warning before it happens to them.
Quoted from C.A.R Newsline it defines this short sale … (3 comments)

700 million to help California Homeowners - 06/24/10 12:27 PM
With unemployment rates still so high in the state of California as well as many of our military struggling to survive, help is finally on the way. 
CalHFA Allocated $700 Million from
New Federal Program to Assist Homeowners
 
The program is due to be up and running by the fall and has three seperate mortgage assistance programs. This is great news for California and offers a ray of hope for the economy and real estate market.
I am looking forward to brighter days!
… (0 comments)

The Lori Bowers Group Paradise Properties- Expands- Real Estate in Paradise - La Quinta - Waikiki - 06/24/10 10:54 AM
  The Lori Bowers Group, the best boutique real estate company in La Quinta, California, with 15 top experienced agents in all price ranges plus longterm and vacation rentals and short sale experts has expanded to Hawaii too.
  Lori Bowers, broker, is a licensed California and Hawaii real estate broker. Lori has joined with Best Realty and broker Karel Kon in Honolulu to assist clients intesteted in paradise properties on the mainland win La Quinta, California area and in Hawaii too - the best of both places.
  La Quinta features beautiful sunshine days with radiant heat and warmth with … (0 comments)

Best Sandwich ! - 06/23/10 01:15 PM
Great info and yes these places are great! 
Via Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group):
Best Sandwich!  
Sandwiches RULE...but we’re not just talking PB&J or turkey and Swiss here. We went out in search of the most unique sandwiches in the valley, where sliced bread and tasty fillings have been taken to a high art form.
Here are five reasons to look forward to lunch:
Special Sandwich #17 RESTAURANT: Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, 401 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
CONTENTS: Chopped liver, salami and pastrami.
DESCRIPTION: This hefty sandwich (actually three half sandwiches) is piled high with the deli’s best offerings. … (1 comments)

First Aid for SUMMER - 06/23/10 12:39 PM
Always good info to have on hand!
Via Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group):
 
7 S's of Summer Keep your first-aid kits handy! Some tips from Dr. Tedd Mitchell on how to Get Ready for Summer!
 
To fill your summer first-aid kit, remember the seven S's: sprains, strains, splinters, stings, scrapes, scalds and sun.
 
Sprains and strains. Your summer kit should contain elastic wrap bandages (2-, 3- and 4-inch wraps are a good start).
Splinters. Keep safety pins, tweezers and alcohol (for cleaning and sterilizing the instruments) handy to remove splinters.
Stings. Anesthetic sprays or lotions can ease stings. … (2 comments)

Tips to Lower you Cell Phone Bills in La Quinta, California - 06/22/10 07:01 PM
Irma Madrigal one of our top agents who works the Indio and La Qunta area  just got a phone with Boost Mobile. She switched from Verizon as she was able to get full unlimited usuage for $60 a month for phone, voice mail, email, text and internet. She got a new Blackberry Bold for $200 amonth. Her Verizon plan with $160 a month. She was able to keep her same phone number.
I have the ATT&T $69.99 a month plan + $29.99 a month for text, vociemail, email, and internet. I thought I was doing well until I heard Irma's plan. … (2 comments)

La Quinta, California is 105 Degrees today and we have 5 showings on 1 house! - 06/22/10 06:55 PM
  Our market is heating up in more ways than one. It is 105 degrees here today in La Quinta, California, and we have 5 showings on one house. The house is a good deal and does have a pool, but who would think thaton one of the hottest days so far this year people would be out so aggressively looking at homes. Hooray! The market is heating up! It looks like buyers are back in the game- 1 st time buyers, move up buyers, 2nd home buyers, and investors too. We have them all. The best part is that many … (0 comments)

Kathy Schoewe of Team is the Featured Realtor of Our Team on Active Rain - 06/22/10 11:01 AM
   Congratualtions Kathy! You deserve this feature recognition. You are such a great representative of our team and of our community. We all aprreciate how you share such great informaion on La Quinta events, restaurants, food, golf, and just fun ideas. We love your upbeat attitude and of course your knowledge of La Quinta real estate and particularly your expertise of the La Quinta Country Club. You are a shining example a truly good person and an excellent realtor! We love you.
Lori Bowers - Broker
The Lori Bowers Group
… (1 comments)

How Can I as Realtor Best Spend my Weekend to Help My Business and My Family Life Too? - 06/18/10 02:02 PM
1. We are having a Happy Hour for our agents and significant others at the restaurant above our office this afternoon 4-6 PM.
2. While I am at open house, I will call my mom and dad, sister, son, and daughter while people are not there.
3. I will write 3 nice and romantic emails while at open house and no clients to send to my wonderful husband throughout the week.
4. I will cook my husband a really nice dinner.
5. I will do my computer work at home this weekend instead of at the office
6. I will text … (4 comments)

Bank of America Stope HELOC Settlements 6-16-2010 - 06/18/10 01:49 PM
When speaking to Bank of America for one of my clients who is trying to settle a sceond as part of the process of saving their home, I was told by the customer servie re, they had just received a company wide email that No more HELOC settlements were being approved. So sad. We thought they were finally on the way to helping all of save our homes and improve the real estate market and the economy too. Hopefully, this is short term, and they will reconsider this policy.
 Has anyone heard anything about this and where this is headed?
… (1 comments)

Palm Desert Short Sale Listing SOLD - 06/17/10 01:10 PM
It is amazing that this home sold for 390,000.   South Palm Desert is such a great location and the schools are well recognized.  Great job Tina
Via Tina Droessler (La Quinta, CA ~ The Lori Bowers Group Desert Properties):
Palm Desert Short Sale Listing SOLD!

Buyers don't let another short sale deal fall apart. Deal with an experienced Palm Desert Short Sale agent!  

If you are considering selling your home as a short sale in the Palm Desert area, please contact me for a free consultation to see if a short sale will work for you.
Search for homes in Palm Desert
 The Lori Bowers Group … (2 comments)

Palm Springs Area Local Food Products! - 06/17/10 01:07 PM
Amazing to think of the things that grow and get produced right in our desert
Via Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group):
                                                         Palm Springs Area Local Food Products!
 

Our Coachella Valley mangoes, strawberries, grapes and citrus journey far beyond California, providing nourishment across the nation. That's the big business of local food. Less heralded are food products created by small local entrepreneurs. Try these treats at your own table or share them all season long.
 
 
Brandini Toffee - La Quinta                         
Brandini Toffee was created by … (1 comments)

Do you know anyone who needs to do a loan modification? - 06/17/10 12:15 PM
It seems this is the time to do a loan modification. The banks now seem organized, ready, and willing to do loan modifications, loan amount adjustments, and settlements. If you know anyone who needs help, now is the time for them to call. We are seeing quick and positive results for loan modifications and settlements on 2nds from several banks.
 On person got their loan balance reduced over $110,000 and paymetn lowered pver $500 plus settled a $50,000 second for $5000. Another got their payment reduced by $500 and already had very challenged credit. Even people with jumbo loans are getting … (0 comments)

Polo Under the Lights! - 06/15/10 12:21 PM
Our Coachella Valley has something for everyone.  What a fun way to spend the day outdoors.  Thanks Kathy!
Via Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group):
                                                                              
 
                                      Polo Under the Lights!
When:  7pm Saturday-Sunday through September; practice sessions 7:30-9:30 am Wednesday-Sunday.
Where:  Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA
Details: Scheduled tournaments include Pollo Cup (June 19-20), Chupacabra Cup (July3-4), and the Coyote Cup (Aug. 28-29)
Information:(760) 342-2762  empirepoloevents.com
 

 

Kathy Schowe   760.333.8886             livethedesertlife.com  schoweproperties@msn.com 
The Lori Bowers Group  La Quinta, California
                                                                           
 
 
… (1 comments)

Google saves me so much frustration, time and money! - 06/15/10 11:43 AM
We all have had days where we are running around going from place to place and realize we need to make a call but do not know the number.  Remember the good old days when we could call 411 for free and a real live operator would not only give you the information but also ask about your day? I realize that was pre cell phone days, but it sure was nice.
A few months ago when I received my cell phone bill I was astonished to see all the charges for 411 calls.   Being the economy is tough I started asking … (2 comments)

Art + Wine = Fun in Old Town La Quinta! - 06/08/10 01:09 PM
Even with the Desert heating up, there is still fun to be had!  This event is a winner!  Thanks for sharing Kathy!
Via Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group):
 
 
Art + Wine = Fun in Old Town La Quinta! 1st Tuesday of Each Month All Summer!
Presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation come enjoy a series of artists at Old Town Cellar throughout the summer months while sipping your favorite wine!
Tuesday, June 1st – 5pm to 7pm Artist: Rebecca Molayem, Painter Wine: Zaca Mesa Winery Nibbles: Old Town Cellar
Tuesday, July 6th – 5pm to 7pm Artist: Robert Ferguson, … (1 comments)

The Real Estate Market is Hot! Hot! Hot! in La Quinta, Ca. - 06/04/10 04:39 PM
   Here in La Quinta, California, as out temperatures are climbing- 105 today and over 110 tomorrow and the next 5 days, our sales seem to be climbing too. Buyers have been thinking for many years that if they wait to buy a house until the weather heats up, they will get a better as many people leave in the summer. This has not been true in a slow market, when the market was very good, and now as we climb out of the slump.
   There are people on the sidelines who have been waiting for a house for several months. … (1 comments)

The Lori Bowers Group Summer Vacation Postcard Contest - 06/04/10 11:58 AM

Via Tina Droessler (La Quinta, CA ~ The Lori Bowers Group Desert Properties):
The Lori Bowers Group Summer Vacation Postcard Contest Starts Now! Summer is near and we know you're not here in the desert. We want to know where all of our friends and clients are going this summer to shake the heat or seek new adventure. Share your fun with interesting postcards from your summer vacation along with a brief description and the location and we will post them on our blog. Together we can experience the travels of many and see how close our engagements bring us. 
Categories and Prizes for 5 winners will … (1 comments)