Palm Springs & Desert area Real Estate

Palm Springs Area Real Estate Sales.

RUSSELL HILL, Realtor, HomeSmart, 760.898.8399; russell@poolsidewithrussell.com,DRE 1427657

Friday, December 30, 2011

Deasy/Penner&Partners, a boutique real estate firm

deasy/penner&partners was featured in yesterday's LA Times.  The story is HERE.

What I find most interesting about the article is the fact that small real estate companies are finding success  in our current market.  It shows you that many sellers (and buyers) appreciate the high level of service and attention they get from agents who understand and appreciate the benefits of working at a "boutique" firm.

I've had conversations with sellers who think the only way to sell their home is by hiring an agent who works with a large company. They think the large company can market their home more successfully.  In reality, that's not necessarily the case. Since most buyers begin their search on-line ( as you're doing now), it's important for a listing agent to have quality photos of the home. These photos aren't shown just on the local MLS, but get "shared" on blogs like mine, on Face Book, Twitter and other real estate sites, such as Realtor.com, Trulia, etc.etc. They're there for the world to see! It's important for those photos to be the best quality and to show your house in its best light.

An agent at a small firm has as much access to buyers for his/her listings as an agent at "X" big brokerage. It's simply true in our high-tech world.

A good quality agent with a small firm who invests the time, effort and money required to market your home for sale in a manner that will get it in front of more buyers in its best light is better, by leaps and bounds,  than an agent at a big firm who doesn't.

When you want to sell your home, don't automatically contact agents at big firms only; meet with the agent at a boutique firm who understands the importance of quality marketing and who works for a firm that cultivates creativity and teamwork.  It might be the difference between buyers looking at mediocre photos of your home plastered across the internet and reading boring descriptions of your home OR enticing buyers around the world with professionally done photos and with a well thought out and creative written description of your home.  

Russell Hill
760.902.3121

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Palm Springs Condos for Sale - Riviera Gardens - 353 E Via Escuela, #217, $149,000.

My focus is selling real estate located in South and Central Palm Springs, but occasionally I'll showcase a property on the North end.  I saw this terrific Riviera Gardens "bungalow" condo last week when I was showing condos.

Most units in Riviera Gardens are upper/lower.  You're either climbing stairs, or you're under a neighbor.  The "bungalow" units are 2 bedrooms, 2 baths on one level with no one above you.  They also have a wonderful courtyard entry, plus a smallish "back" patio.  There's 1183 square feet of conditioned space, but with our wonderful climate, don't forget the large courtyard for al fresco dining, or for enjoying evening cocktails.  

This unit is tiled in a stylish, neutral color tile throughout.  There are lots of windows for great natural light, plus direct mountain views and views of the green space.  The setting really is fantastic.  

The two bedrooms have great separation.  Laundry is inside.  See the mountains from the kitchen window!

You own the land.  Reasonable Homeowner's dues.  Contact me to see this one! 760.902.3121

Russell Hill
760.902.3121


Most recent bungalow unit sales in Riviera Gardens: $140K, $141,750, $153,500.

Ample dining area. Large Living room with lots of windows is to the right.


Bright kitchen with lots of storage.

Riviera Gardens Bungalow unit. Courtyard entry. Only one common wall.





Listed with Becky Bowles and Rhonda Mann

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Palm Springs Homes for Sale - The Morrison - Central Palm Springs, $550,000.

Are you looking for new construction and want to be close in to downtown Palm Springs?  Do you want your own private pool, but don't want a big yard to worry about?  Check out The Morrison, A Nexus Companies development located at Alejo and Avenida Caballeros in Central Palm Springs, just a short stroll to downtown Palm Springs.

The architecture is modern contemporary.  This particular unit, offered at $550K, is three bedrooms, three baths in 2181 square feet.  The lot is 5,713 square feet. Each of the four floor plans offered are two levels.

Land is fee simple (you own).

The developer encourages broker cooperation, so contact me to introduce you to this new development. 760.902.3121

Russell Hill
760.902.3121







Photo source: Nexus Companies Palm Springs

Friday, December 16, 2011

Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs

Curbed LA reports that Sydell Group, the developers of the Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs received approval for their colorful exterior color scheme from the Palm Springs Planning Commission.  Good for them!  After the Architectural Review Committee and City Planning Director rejected the bid last month, the developers appealed to the planning commission, and, thankfully, received approval, 5-0-1. Saguaro Palm Springs will have the same design ascetic as Saguaro Scottsdale.

Sydell Group also developed the Ace Hotel & Swim Club located just down Palm Canyon from the Saguaro. 

The Ace Hotel is hugely popular and a big improvement for the adjoining neighborhoods.  It's a fun place where nearby residents can go for a delicious meal or a cold drink.  Or, just sit by the pool and people watch! 

I'm hopeful the Saguaro will be the same for us residents close by! 

The Saguaro Hotel coming to Palm Springs!
E Palm Canyon Dr and Sunrise Way.

Russell Hill HomeinPalmSprings.blogspot.com 760.902.3121 

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Palm Springs Homes for Sale, Foreclosures - Los Compadres - 2347 E Sonora Rd, $348,000.

Here's another great opportunity to get a sought after Los Compadres neighborhood home.  The foreclosure signs are up, but it's not listed on the MLS yet (no price to list, but guess it's going to be in the low to mid $300Ks. Likely higher given repairs bank is making.  See below). LISTED AT $348K.

The two blocks of Sonora between Farrell and Cerritos are part of the original La Reina Estates neighborhood developed in 1973-1974.  The other streets of the original small neighborhood, four of which are cul-de-sacs, are Santa Ynez Way, El Chorro Way, La Reina, Amarillo Way, Conchita Way and Cerritos (between Sonora and Palm Canyon).  There are five homes on each block, ten on each cul-de-sac.

If you're not familiar with these homes, they're very well constructed and have great floor plans and lots of natural light.  This home is 4 bedrooms, 3 baths in 2224sf.  South-facing pool and mountain views. 11,761sf lot.  Power lines are buried.

I got to take a look inside yesterday and the photos I took with my iPhone are below.  It will need some work, first and foremost, a new roof. Bank has painted interior and is putting on a new TILE roof.  I'm sure it's the original shake roof.  The home has newer floor tile, which many people will find in good taste.  The tile is laid on a diagonal and looks to be in good shape.  Shower enclosures have also been done.

If you're interested in getting in before it goes on the market (or even after!), contact me.  760.902.3121


Good California Ranch architecture. clerestory windows, vaulted ceilings
in the living, dining rooms.
View to the pool from the kitchen, dining room and "bar car".
Dual fireplace separates the living room and dining rooms

Dining area looking to the kitchen. Two large patio doors
open to the backyard and pool
Fantastic mountain views from the south-facing backyard.
A few improvements and this backyard could be spectacular!
Click on the link above at "Los Compadres" to see other homes for sale in the neighborhood.

Listing agent Unknown at this time 12/15/11 Listed with Evan Badt

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Palm Springs Homes for Sale - Twin Palms - 1825 S Aquanetta Dr., $695,000.

I saw this great Alexander located in the Twin Palms neighborhood today on broker caravan.  It's modern with lots of mid century elements such as clerestory windows (newer double pane for energy savings!), exposed tongue-and-groove ceilings and open beams.  The kitchen and baths are remodeled nicely.  The home is flooded with natural light and has a modern, yet warm feel.  The saltwater pool and spa are tiled in soothing and stylish white.  There is a pool cabana that is also perfect as a home office, or guest bedroom.

Fantastic views of the mountains, from inside and poolside!

The location is superb, within a short stroll to Koffi and the Ace Hotel.

If you're looking for a remodeled Alexander that remains mid century in style, feel and flow, contact me to see this one. 760.902.3121

Russell Hill
760.902.3121

Beautiful private pool and gardens.
Captivating mountain views.
Lots of clerestory windows provide lots of natural light and mountain views!






Listed with Dean Sipe

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Palm Springs Real Estate Sale Data - November, 2011

Sales remain brisk in Palm Springs, particularly in the the condo resale market and single family homes priced below $500K.  The data for November, '11 is below, along with comparisons for November, 2009 & 2010.

Central Palm Springs:

Condos:

19 sales,  median sales price, $143K, $149.51sf.
low sales price: $58K; high sales price: $602,500.

2010: 19 sales, $163K, $138.71sf
2009: 15 sales, $157K, $150.36sf

Single Family Homes:

35 sales, median sales price, $467,395., $221.87sf
low sales price: $135K; high sales price: $2,000,000.

2010: 16 sales, $469,500., $242.81sf
2009: 13 sales, $370K, $241.84sf


South Palm Springs:

Condos:

23 sales, median sales price, $145K, $109.78sf
low sales price: $38,600.; high sales price, $385K

2010: 30 sales, $203,500., $116.68sf
2009: 29 sales, $187K, $138.68sf

Single Family Homes:

15 sales, median sales price, $490K, $204.87sf
low sales price: $205K; high sales price: $852,500.

2010: 19 sales, $389K, $174.59sf
2009: 17 sales, $521,500., $206.09sf


Source: Desert Area MLS.

Russell Hill 760.902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com HomeinPalmSprings.blogspot.com

Monday, December 12, 2011

Palm Springs Homes for Sale - Indian Canyons - 2469 S Caliente Dr. - $1,235,000.

I saw this fantastic home last weekend and couldn't wait to post it on the blog.  Located on a great street in South Palm Springs' Indian Canyons neighborhood, this light-filled home is on the 12 fairway of the Indian Canyons Golf Course and has awe-dropping views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.  Designed by Wendell Veith, AIA and constructed in 1969, this modern desert home offers floor-to-ceiling glass, clerestory windows, stacked stone and a flat roofline. Stunningly modern, yet warm and inviting.

The private pool and spa are front-loaded in what essentially is an outdoor room that receives ample sunshine for year around use. Golf course side is an enclosed patio space with beautiful landscaping, a large water feature; it's a perfect spot for morning coffee and evening cocktails.

All rooms are nicely sized. There are 3 bedrooms, 3 baths in 3560sf.

Contact me for an appointment to see this exceptional desert home.  760.902.3121

Russell Hill
760.902.3121




Private front-loaded pool & spa.
Walls of glass open to the enclosed back patio located on the 12th
fairway of the Indian Canyons Golf Course.
California indoor-outdoor living is ideal in the modern designed home.
Updated kitchen for today's lifestyle.
Beautiful enclosed patio with fountain, fire pit & desert garden. 
Modern architecture - walls of glass, clerestory windows, stacked stone
flat roofline. 





Listed with Marc Lange/Carl Blea

Friday, December 09, 2011

Palm Springs Condos for Sale - Biltmore - 1552 S Camino Real, #333, $118,000.

The Biltmore condos are quite popular with snowbirds.  This one bedroom, one bath top floor unit is all done and ready to move in to.  Offered furnished, so just bring some clothes and a toothbrush!  This is an end unit, with no common walls in the bedroom.  An ample sized balcony offers beautiful views of the mountains and grounds.  While not large, the layout of these units is superb; there's no wasted space and there are various options for furniture layout!

Worried about climbing stairs to a top floor, no one above you unit?  Don't be, because the Biltmore is one of the few condo developments in Palm Springs that has an elevator. You get the top floor with fantastic views + no need to climb stairs!

If you're looking for your place in the sun in a great location in Palm Springs, see this one.  760.902.3121

Great pool/spa surrounded by palm
trees and mountains.
Russell Hill
760.902.3121



Living room and "bar car" open to balcony. 18" tile on a diagonal.

Beautifully remodeled kitchen with solid surface counter tops,
maple cabinetry and good flow.  Lots of storage.

Stainless Steel appliances, gas cooktop, separate dining area.  























Listed with Russell Hill

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Palm Springs Homes for Sale - Los Compadres - 1481 S San Joaquin Dr., $359,900.

This Los Compadres foreclosure just came on the market.  I haven't had an opportunity to see inside yet, but it appears to be a good deal for the neighborhood.  It has three bedrooms and three baths in 2300sf. The lot is just over a quarter acre and has a pool. If you're interested in seeing this well-priced home, contact me to see it.  760.902.3121

The last foreclosure in the neighborhood - 2275 E Conchita Way - sold in October, 2011 for $347,000./$168.61sf.



Russell Hill
760.902.3121


* click on the link above (Los Compadres) to see other homes currently listed in the neighborhood.

good curb appeal on a well-kept street.


Covered patio and pool.


Vaulted ceilings in the living room/dining room. Separate family room
is located off the kitchen. Pool access from living room and family room.


Listed with Yolanda Ferrero