Reasons to buy a home in La Quinta, California - 03/31/12 08:51 AM
There are many reasons to buy a home in La Quinta, California. Here are a few:
over 120 golf courses
 360+ days of sunshine
lows in the 60's in the winter
gorgeous mountain views
lush green landscape
hiking
biking
tennis
friendly people
lots of events and social activities
 great restaurants
low cost houses
clean area
lots of open space
clean air
lots of shopping
… (1 comments)

Here's what buyers want to see in real estate ads - 03/30/12 10:45 AM
location and neighborhood
price and price range
appearance ( include a picture)
layout or floor plan
total number of rooms
number of bedrooms and bathrooms
size of lot and square footage of house
details about community
amenities and features
clear and simple contact information - avoid a bunch of phone numbers and email addresses
… (1 comments)

Why is your home not selling in La Quinta,Ca.? - 03/28/12 09:55 AM
There are many reasons homes may not sell. Sometimes it is just bad luck. The 4 main points in making a home attractive to buyers are:
Exposure to buyers
Location
Marketing by agent
Price
Other important ways to get homes to sell:
Staging
Open house
Broker open houses
Flyers to agents
Internet exposure on at least 30 websites
A well-know reputable real estate agent to market the home
Good photos online and on the MLS
The real estate agent shows up for the showings to get buyer feedback on the home
… (2 comments)

Why pay HOA dues in La Quinta, Ca.? - 03/28/12 09:50 AM
There are many benefits to paying HOA dues in La Quinta, Ca.
Area's with HOA dues usually have better security
Area's with HOA dues are usually quieter
The HOA's provide amenities like pools, fitness, and even golf
The Hoa dues many times include landscape and gardening, cable, and even exterior maintenance
The HOA dues save the owners time and in many cases money too.
HOA dues are good for owners for property value.
The neighborhoods with HOA's are usually more well-kepy and uniform in appearance.
There are many reasons why HOA dues are good for owners in La Quinta, Ca.
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Is now the time to short sale your house in La Quinta or Indio, California? - 03/27/12 08:03 AM
Do you owe more than your home is worth?
Do you have a hard time making the payment?
Are you behind on paying the property taxes or the HOA dues?
Do you have deferred maintenance you cannot afford to do?
Have you tried a loan modification with no success?
Are you aware that the law allowing relief of tax from a short sale of your primary residence expires at the end of 2012?
I am a short sale expert with successfully completing over 200 short sales for happy clients.
Please call me if you are ready to get rid of the … (0 comments)

Have patience when buying a home in La Quinta or Indio, California - 03/27/12 07:33 AM
Buyers are seeing that buying a home right now in La Quinta or Indio, California is not as simple as picking a home and making an offer. Sellers and banks are resistant to low offers or non- cash offers.
There is a low inventory of homes. Many homes available are distressed properties with alot of deferred maintenance. Some even have air conditioners missing. Many have dead yards and trees.
When a well-kept low priced home comes for sale, buyers flock to the property and we see multiple offers of cash and over asking bids.
The key is to have patience if you … (0 comments)

Trilogy La Quinta - the place to live for 55+ active adults - 03/27/12 07:27 AM
Trilogy La Quinta continues to mature with an active lifestyle for active adults 55+. The HOA dues are low at $288 per month which includes your membership to the clubhouse with 2 pools, fitness, indoor walking and running track, pool tables, cafe, and many activities and clubs.
The homes are from the low $200,000's to $800,000's. The people are friendly. The area is quiet. There are sidewalks for walking through the neighborhood and green areas for dogs and grandchildren too.
The mountain views are spectacular and the golf course is top notch semi- private.
If youa relooking for a low cost … (0 comments)

Monday morning sure comes fast for real estate agents - 03/26/12 07:13 AM
The weekends are usually a busy time for buyers here in La Quinta, California. Between showing houses, open houses, and some social time with family and friends, the weekends fly by.
Now it is Monday morning. Off to the office for a tour from 9-10 and then process the offers from the weekend. Then I have a lunch date with a referral agent and 2 clients to show homes this afternoon.
This is a great Monday and will fly by too. I am grateful the market is picking up and I have alot of action in my business.
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Lori Bowers - Broker Associate in La Quinta, Ca. who knows and cares - 03/25/12 08:39 AM
I have been a broker associate in La Quinta, California for over 11 years. I have sold over 2000 homes. I know the market and the inventory of available homes and sold homes.
I am professional, ethical, honest, enthusiastic, and top skills.
I know how to get through a transaction with ease and flow and minimal hassle.
I can get you a low price, good value, and amazing home too.
My service continues long after the sale is complete.
To buyer, sell, invest, or lease in La Quinta, California, I am the broker associate for you!
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Intero Real Estate Services - Old Town La Quinta, California - 03/25/12 08:34 AM
If you are looking to buy, sell, lease, or invest in real estate in La Quinta, California, Intero Real Estate Services in Old Town La Quinta, California is the real estate company for you.
Intero enetered the Southern California market a few years ago after becoming the most loved real estate company in the Bay Area.
The professionalism of Intero Real Estate Services is only surpassed by the technology provided and shared with Intero clients and agents too.
For all of your questions regarding real estate in La Quinta, Californi:
Lori Bowers #01293735 - Broker Associate
Intero Real Estate Service
78065 … (1 comments)

My real estate agent does not have time for me - 03/24/12 12:59 PM
Twice in the past week I had people tell me that their real estate agent did not have time for them.
I got a referral from a lender I use. I took the people out and they were so worried I would ignore them or drop them as clients as their last real estate agent had cancelled on them twice and then only showed 3 homes and said he had to leave for another appointment.
Now today I am at an open house and a couple comes in and says they may call me to view property later as their agent … (1 comments)

Property taxes due in California on April 10 - 03/23/12 09:22 AM
Don't forget that the 2nd half of your property taxes are delinquent after April 10.
If the taxes are not paid on time, there will be a 10% penalty and a interest of 1% per month.
After 5 years the property can be auctioned on the court house steps.
Having a tax impound account is helpful for many people, as this way you pay the taxes monthly and do not have to have such a big amount to be paid at once.
Letting taxes go delinquent and accumulate can get out of hand quickly.
… (1 comments)

I finally got the Ipad 4 - 03/19/12 08:10 AM
I have had the original Ipad for a long time. I am able to use it for basic internet.
Now I am learning the apps. I think this will be very helpful for business. Even the GPS is really good. I cannot believe the speed and resolution.
I want to learn DocuSign and Docuscan. It looks like you can scan without even having a scanner.
I feel connected 24/7 now. What next? Maybe an Iphone?
… (7 comments)

Don't wait! Sell your house NOW! - La Quinta, California - 03/16/12 10:50 AM
The past few weeks we have seen alot of activity in the real estate market in La Quinta, California. There are multiple offers on many properties and homes that have been sitting on the market for a long time are selling. If you have been waiting for the real estate market in La Quinta, California to start opening up, IT  HAS! Now is the time to list your home and get it sold in La Quinta, California.
For a free market analysis and ideas to get more moeny for your home by home staging, please call me. I get results.
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What have you learned recently from Active Rain Blogs? - 03/15/12 01:26 PM
There are so many blogs it is almost overwhelming to review them all. I do like the people who blog on the 5 or 10 best blogs they see in a week. I also like to read the featured blogs.
I really like to hear about market reports in various areas of the country and also see marketing ideas from agents in other area.
I also like to hear the rants, see the photos, and also the no word blogs are really interesting to me.
What are your favorite blogs on Active Rain and what have you learned recently?
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Desert Vacation Rentals near La Quinta, California - 03/15/12 01:15 PM
A good way to learn about the Palm Springs and La Quinta, California area is with a vacation rental. Many people lease their homes for 3-5 months a year and use them the rest of the time. The mountain views are fabulous and the small town atmosphere features sun everyday and warm temperatures.
With over 120 golf courses in the area, the lush green is vibrant year round. There is also hiking, biking, tennis, lots of concerts, casinos, shopping, world class restaurants.
The La Quinta  - Palm Springs area is a great place to live, work, and play. Doing a desert rental is … (0 comments)

The market is HOT!!! in La Quinta, California area - 03/14/12 10:25 AM
I just called to check on 2 listings that recently came on the market. Both are bank owned properties. One is priced at $125,000 and is a nice house but nothing special. Within 2 days, there are 23 offers and many cash offers close to $160,000. The other is $115,000 and also has multiple cash offers way over asking.
What a difference a few months makes on buyers, prices, and sales! This is a frenzy market! I am so happy after so many years of challenging buyers, sellers, investors, it seems the pent up demand is finally acting.
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Inventory is decreasing in La Quinta, California - 03/12/12 11:36 AM
Day by day there are fewer and fewer houses for sale - especially in the price range under $150,000. Just last year there were over 250 homes for sale in La Quinta Cove and now there are about 60.
Even in the higher end homes in the Country Club areas, there are fewer and fewer homes for sale and multiple offers when a 'steal of a deal' appears.
I feel the next event will be the prices are rising. Now is the time to buy. It looks like you will be paying more soon.
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3 day real estate seminar or Active Rain? - 03/11/12 04:11 PM
Our company owners wants us all to go to a 3 day real estate seminar this coming week and one of my top team agents asked me how I felt about it. I told her I have learned alot over the years at seminars, but since I have become so 'active' in Active Rain blogging, I find I can learn more in less time and not be away from my business.
This does not mean I will not ever go to seminars, but right now is our busiest time of the year for selling houses. Also, I feel my time is … (5 comments)

Signs the real estate market is improving in La Quinta, Ca. - 03/11/12 03:55 PM
1. I called on some homes to show at 10 am on Fri. I showed the homes 11 -2 pm and by 3 PM they were in pending in the MLS.
2. My clients who have been on the sidelines for 3 years are aggressively searching for homes.
3. Agents in my office are writing several offers each day for investors.
4. There are more regular listings than short sales and foreclosures coming on the MLS each day.
5. The amount of listings is decreasing and the amount of sales and pendings are increasing.
Now seems to be the time to … (0 comments)

Bank of America lowering loans amounts! - 03/10/12 07:22 AM
The news is great on this! Bank of America is finally lowering loan amounts to over $100,000. It is way past due to finally help people who owe way more than their home is worth and want to keep their home. I cannot wait to see the details on this program and how long it takes to implement.
In our area Countrywide, formerly Bank of America, is one of the main lenders. I am excited to hopefully see many people I know keep their home at close to the current market value. This will help families and the local economy too.
Let's hope … (1 comments)

How to avoid home burglary in La Quinta, California - 03/07/12 07:51 AM
1. Have a burglar alarm and use it
2.Hide your valuables and do not talk about valuables with other people
3. Lock all doors and windows- even when you are in the house
4. Trust your instincts - report anything suspicious to the police
5. Keep your phone on and near you even when in the house
6. Leave a light on when gone for a few hours
7. Keep garage door closed at all times
8. Have security or a close friend or relative check on your home when you are gone for even one day
9. Post a sign … (2 comments)

Warren Buffet's comments on home ownership - 03/06/12 11:04 AM
In his 2011 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, Billionaire Warren Buffet said, home ownership makes sense for most Americans, particularly at today's lower prices and bargain interest rates."
 He went on to say that buying a home was the 3rd best investment he ever made - after the rings he bought his first and second wife.
 
… (1 comments)

Now is the time to buy real estate here in La Quinta? - 03/05/12 11:49 AM
Here in La Quinta, Q4 2011 results show a total 296 homes sold with an average sales price of $432,000. This reflects a price decrease from Q4 2010 of 2.9% when then average price was $453,000 and 4.5% decrease in the number of sales from the same period.
People in the market for homes at $800,000 or more are seeing tremendous value. Many of those homes were priced well over the $1 milllion mark just a months ago.
With listing inventories low,prices down, interest rates at the lwest levels in decades and the Canadian dollar at or near par with the … (0 comments)

How people choose a realtor - 03/04/12 03:35 PM
Here are some ways people choose a realtor
Friends, family, co-worker, sign, referral from friends and clients, other realtor referrals, accountant referrals, attorney referrals, people you  meet in clubs and charities, school, and church, bankers, service people - gardeners, painters, cleaners, electricians, window washers
Networking groups, Chamber of Commerce, people who work near your office in other businesses, friends froms seminars and coaching, doctors
These are some ways that people choose a realtor
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Do you go to open houses? - 03/04/12 03:21 PM
I have started to go to more and more open houses.
1. I get to see properties easily
2. I see if the listings are popular with buyers
3. I meet new agents
4. I learn how other agents do open houses - marketing, showing, free offers etc.
5. I get ideas for flyers
6. I learn the HOA particulars and other special information
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The market is RED HOT in La Quinta, California! - 03/01/12 12:31 PM
Wow! We have action - buyers, sellers, investors in La Quinta, California.
After 4 years of low business and a declining market we have lots of action in La Quinta. The agents in my office and I are swamped with showing himes and listing homes. I am so happy after all this time to finally have action in our market.
People are buying - not just looking and waiting. The prices are low. The interest rates are at record lows. Now is the time to buy a home in La Quinta, California.
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I am prepared to show houses - 03/01/12 12:21 PM
I love it when I feel prepared to show houses.
1. the clients are clear on what they want
2. They call a week ahead to schwedul showings
3. I can preview so I know where the homes are and which ones are the best
4. I have appointments set and in correct order
5. I have amade enlarged on the copy machine to aide in the route
6. I am prepared to make an offer
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