Deepwell neighborhood - new listing

1063 Paseo De Marcia, Palm Springs. 3 bedrooms, three bath, great mid-century home with back views to Mt San Jacinto and to your own pool. Listed at $929,000. Call for more details.

Sunrise Country Club - 7 Majorca DR., Rancho Mirage

New listing at Sunrise Country Club. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, vaulted ceilings in the living room and no popcorn!

Sunrise Country Club offers many amenities, including an 18 hole Executive, par 64 golf course, many tennis courts, club house and swimming pools throughout the development.

1393 S San Joaquin Dr, Palm Springs - Sold

1393 S San Joaquin Dr., Palm Springs, located in the Los Compadres neighborhood sold for $415,000. The list price was $429,900. The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths in 1560SF.

photo and data source: Desert Area Multiple Listing Service

2270 Conchita Way, Palm Springs, CA - Pending

2270 Conchita Way, Palm Springs, located in the Los Compadres neighborhood has an accepted offer. This extensively remodeled home with a master suite addition was listed at $900,000

photo and data source: Desert Area Multiple Listing Service

Deepwell Estates Neighborhood Organization meeting

The Deepwell Neighborhood Organization will meet Sunday 1/28 at 1:30pm at the Mizell Senior Center (time will be announced soon).

Check out the organization's website here

DENO is very well organized; all residents of Deepwell should be proud of their neighborhhood's involvement with city government and its effects on the neighborhood's quality of life standards.

Signs that buyers are back in Palm Springs!

We're seeing signs that the Palm Springs real estate market is turning. Open houses have been busy and many homes that have been on the market quite a while are going into contract. Granted, most of these homes are priced very well, wether they're a fixer or are completely remodeled in a well-done fashion. Price it right and it's going to sell!

Another sign that our local market is picking up is the number of agents anouncing sales. In our meeting today, we had six sales for the week ranging from a condo for $255K to a single family home for over $800K!

2498 El Chorro Way, Palm Springs

2498 El Chorro Way, Palm Springs. This Los Compadres neighborhood property has an accepted offer and is in escrow. This remodeled home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and was last listed at $749,000.

photo source: Desert Area Multiple Listing Service. All properties on this site are not neccessarily the listings of Zephyr Real Estate - Palm Springs or of Russell Hill's.

Keys to selling in 2007

This article from Inman News Real Estate has some good advice for those selling their home in 2007. Pricing, of course, is key.

Open Houses- Palm Springs : Los Compadres, Deepwell, Tahquitz River Estates

Opn Houses for the weekend of 1/13 - 1/14 in the Palm Springs neighborhoods of Los Compadres, Deepwell and Tahquitz River Estates.


Los Compadres:

2270 E Conchita Way, Palm Springs: Saturday, 12-3pm. 4 bedrooms, 4 baths. remodeled. $900,000.

Deepwell:

1011 S Sagebrush Rd, Palm Springs: Saturday & Sunday, 11-2pm. $729,000.
1632 S Sagebrush Rd, Palm Springs: Saturday & Sunday, 12-3pm. $939,000.
1063 S Paseo de Marcia, Palm Springs: Saturday & Sunday, 12-3pm. $929,000.
1155 E Cactus, Palm Springs: Saturday & Sunday, 12-3pm. $1,149,500.
1515 Manzanita, Palm Springs: Saturday & Sunday, 12-3pm $1,400,000.

Tahquitz River Estates:

1329 S Riverside Dr., Palm Springs: Saturday, 12-3pm $549,000.
1488 N Riverside Dr., Palm Springs: Saturday & Sunday 12-3pm $569,000.
922 E Mesquite, Palm Springs: Saturday & Sunday 12-3pm $759,900.
1671 San Lucas, Palm Springs: Saturday 11-2pm $789,900.

Open House - 1671 San Lucas Rd., Palm Springs

Open house, Saturday 1/13, 11-2pm. 1671 San Lucas Rd., Palm Springs, CA 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Completely remodeled, lush grounds, new pool and spa. listed at $789,900.

Ramada Inn Makeover

The Ramada Inn at E Palm Canyon and Sunrise Way in Palm Springs is getting a major remake. The dated and dingy hotel was overdue for a remodel in a city that has several new swank boutique hotels. Hotels like Zoso and Horizon are stiff competition in a market that likes it hip and cool.

The "new" Ramada promises a modern, mid-century feel in a complete, from the ground up, remodel.

2193 E Amarillo Way, Palm Springs, CA

2193 E Amarillo Way, Palm Springs, CA Price reduced to $679,000. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths. Great location at the end of a cul-de-sac. Huge mountain views! Originally listed at $698,000.

photo source: Desert Area Multiple Listing Service. Properties shown here may not be listings of Zephyr Real Estate - Palm Springs or of Russell Hill's

The Palm Springs International Film Festival starts today

The Palm Springs International Film Festival runs from 1/4/07 to 1/15/07. The film festival has grown quite popular; bringing glamour back to Palm Springs. The LA Times has a great story about the history of Hollywood's love affair with the desert and what to expect in the coming years as Palm Springs remakes its image. It's an exciting time to be in Palm Springs!

Gorgeous Winter Sunrise over Mt. San Jacinto

I shot this photo of sunrise on the mountain this morning. It was a beautiful January day in Palm Springs!

Solar Power comes of age

The LA Times has a great story about the "rebirth" of solar power. Here in Palm Springs, one would imagine that solar panels would be popping up on roofs across the valley. For some reason, they're not. Oddly, we're not the leaders in the state when it comes to solar power. The Bay Area is. I did notice a solar company truck, Sun Power Corp, parked on Conchita Way the other day. Looks like someone local is taking the plunge and going solar. I hope to in the near future! I would hope our local elected officials would advocate solar power for new projects in the planning stage.

682 S Bedford Dr., Palm Springs - Contingent

682 S Bedford Dr., Palm Springs, Los Compadres neighborhood has an accepted offer. Listed at $749,000. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.

Source: Desert Area MLS

Smoke Tree Commons

The developer, Donahue Schriber, says on their website that the shopping center will be open by Spring, '07. So far, Michael's, Jensen's Walgreens, Wells Fargo and others are opening up in the new South Palm Springs shopping center, located at Farrell/Barona and Palm Canyon.

Bring new life and organization to your garage

If one of your new years' resolutions is to clean out the neglected garage and perhaps even spruce it up a bit, read this do it yourselfer's article on how she transformed her cluttered and ugly garage into a space she could use.

Are we near the bottom?

Read what the National Association of Realtors reported today. Read the story here

Home price appreciation slows

www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/business/4426850.html (Houston Chronicle)

Listed: 2336 Caliente Rd., Palm Springs, CA

2336 S Caliente Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92264. Offered at $909,000.

A custom built contemporary home by renowned architect, Stan Sackley. Strong architectural lines, clerestory windows and 12-foot ceilings make this unique Canyon Country Club home highly prized and special. Dramatic 11-foot wide front entry leads you down a sweeping foyer to a sunken living room, floor-to-ceiling dual sided fireplace, family room and walls of seamless floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking a very private and meticulously manicured yard and pool area. There are stunning mountain views from the updated kitchen with granite and private pool and multiple patio areas. There are three private bedroom suites with the master suite boasting dual walk-in closets and a spacious bathroom. The home also offers updated electrical, plumbing, roof, kitchen and a/c units with a central vacuum system and built-in sound system. Now is your chance to be part of a multi-million dollar neighborhood.

Listed: 922 Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs

922 Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264. Offered at: $759,900.

This stunning mid-century modern on a large lot in Tahquitz River Estates shows like a model, AND it has fantastic mountain views from both inside and out. The open floor plan has large rooms and a great separation of bedrooms, master suite on the west, guest suites on the east. The large eat-in kitchen offers granite counters, stainless appliances and a breakfast nook. The dining area overlooks a patio with an outdoor fireplace with custom seating. In that great outdoors is a tinted-bottom salt water swimming pool in a very private rear yard that also features a bubbling night lit fountain. The separate workroom in the rear yard could be an artist hideaway, cabana, an office, or whatever you like. With recessed lighting throughout and a 2 car garage, this home is a stunner.

It's Christmas in Palm Springs!

US Census Data shows Arizona the fastest growing population in the country

Arizona replaces Nevada as the fast growing state in the union, according to the US Census bureau. See their report here. According the the LA Times, much of Arizona's growth is due to an exodus of mostly Southern Californians seeking cheaper housing and less congestion.

As we know, our desert communities are growing for much the same reason, presumably with people wanting to keep the "California lifestyle".

Open House - 3308 E Loma Vista Cir., Palm Springs, CA

Open House Saturday, December 23, 2006 11-3pm. 3308 E Loma Vista Cir., Palm Springs, CA, Los Compadres

Considering a kitchen or bath remodel?

Check out Remodeling Magazine's 2006 survey of cost vs value report first. In Los Angeles, the average cost of a minor kitchen remodel was $19,555. The resale value was $20,081. Cost recouped was 102%. If you're considering a Home office remodel, the value isn't there according to the survey. In Los Angeles, on average, a homeowner will recoup only 80.8% of the cost if they sell. Considering adding a sunroom? Not a good idea, especially in our desert climate. In LA, a homeowner would recoup only 76.4% of the cost when they sell.

Here are a couple of photos of my Standard Poodles

Wolfie is the older of the two at just over 15 months. Kosmo, our new addition, is 12 weeks tomorrow!

2270 E Conchita Way, Palm Springs, CA. Extensive remodel for sale

If you're looking for extra square footage in the Los Compadres neighborhood in South Palm Springs, this remodeled stunner might be the home you're looking for. You'll love the expanded master suite and the expanded gourmet kitchen!

*all homes on this blog may or may not be Zephyr Real estate and/or Russell Hill's listings

photo source: Desert Area MLS

1393 S San Joaquin Dr, Palm Springs - Contingent (pending)

This well priced Los Compadres home has an accepted offer. Again, well priced homes are still selling quickly. This home has 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths in 1560SF. Listed at $429,900.

Wessman Development expects to turn in a complete application for the Desert Fashion Project - tentatively renamed Museum Market Plaza - to the city a

Perhaps now Wessman Development will move forward with bringing shoppers back to downtown Palm Springs

Housing: curb your enthusiasm about a recovery

Does our local market relie on those bigger markets such as Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay area, New York, Washington DC to remain in the growth column? Perhaps. Read Bussiness Week's article to see what they say about America's housing outlook.

LISTED: 38790 Paradise Way, Cathedral City, CA

38790 Paradise Way, Cathedral City, CA "Cove" Listed at $519,000.

Opportunity to own one of the very few new construction homes in the Upper CC Cove. Southwest style, with 10ft ceilings, 18 inch tile flooring and berber carpet, beautiful pool and spa, stainless steel appliances, complete privacy.

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LISTED: 983 E Sierra Way, Palm Springs, CA

983 E Sierra Way, Palm Springs, CA. Offered at $840,000.


This is resort living at its best!! Situated on the 15th fairway of the Canyon Country Club with unobstructed views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, this home is a gem and priced well below recently sold homes of similar type and size.The two master bedroom suites provide complete separation from the main living area and 2 other guest bedrooms. The updated/upgraded kitchen is huge with a built in appliances.There is a bonus breakfast/morning room to spend relaxing time over coffee and newspapers. The home has great curb appeal with very nice landscaping on all sides. A super covered patio in the rear with a professional misting system and built-in gas Bar-B-Q completes this perfect year round residence. The current owners have installed state of the art insulation in the attic and double pane Pella windows and doors throughout. This, and the 2 heating/cooling zones and the whole house evaporative cooling system keep energy costs to a minimum.

OPEN HOUSES - SOUTH PALM SPRINGS

12/16 to 12/17

Single family:
$390,000 1310 E Camino Primrose Palm Springs 12/16/06 12-3pm
$519,000 2084 S Divot Ln Palm Springs 12/17/06 2-4pm
$549,000 643 S Beverly Dr Palm Springs 12/16/06 11-2 Sat & Sun
$599,000 1987 S Divot Ln Palm Springs 12/17/06 2-4pm
$729,000 701 E Ocotillo Ave Palm Springs 12/16/06 9-3pm
$909,000 2336 S Caliente Rd Palm Springs 12/16/06 12-2pm
$939,000 922 E Anza Dr Palm Springs 12/17/06 12-3pm
$1,149,500 1155 E Cactus Rd Palm Springs 12/16/06 12-3 Sat & Sun
$1,210,000 2222 S Caliente Rd Palm Springs 12/16/06 11-2
$1,695,000 3125 Marigold Palm Springs 12/17/06 1-4pm
$2,379,990 466 Bella Cara Way PS 12/16/06 10-4
12/17/06 10-4

Condo:
$187,700 1655 E Palm Canyon Dr #618 Palm Springs 12/16/06 12-3 Sat/Sun
$209,900 2701 E Mesquite South Ave #AA140 Palm Springs 12/16/06 11-2pm
$340,000 500 S Farrell Dr #D28 Palm Springs 12/16/06 11-2PM
$420,000 2600 S Palm Canyon Dr #18 Palm Springs 12/17/06 12-3pm
$469,000 1975 S Camino Real Palm Springs 12/16/06 12-4PM Sat/Sun
$579,000 2910 Cervantes Ct Palm Springs 12/16/06 1030-230

Listed: 1672 E San Lucas Rd., Palm Springs, CA

This contemporary show stopper brilliantly combines elements of the 1950's with the richness & new conveniences of 2006. Surrounded by mature ficus, mature desert landscaping, fruit trees, cool grass & wonderful accent lighting. A new pool & spa has been carefully situated to maximize spectacular western mountain views. The custom kitchen offers new stainless steel Frigidaire Professional Service grade refrigerator, dishwasher,a 4 gas burner stove & convection oven. Marble tiled floors with Bisazza tiled backsplash along w/ custom built wood cabinets provide finishing touches. The spacious family room, stacked stone gas fireplace, floor to ceiling glass Fleetwood Sliding doors & windows allows great pool/mountain views. Oversized bathrooms w/ designer touches, large bedrooms which offer both privacy & mountain views. A partial list of this homes renovations include NEW: roof, dual 13 SER HVAC systems, Fleetwood sliding doors & windows, electrical, plumbing, marble tile floors & carpet. three Bedrooms, 2 baths. Listed at $789,900.

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Palm Springs home wins award

Judges at the Pacific Coast Builder's Conference bestowed the home of the year honor on Alta

The 2875SF home was designed by Patel Architecture. Design elements include an outdoor pavilion wiht a dinign area that juts out over the pool.

The award was given at the 43rd Golden Nugget awards in San Francisco. click here to see the complete list of winners.

The Alta community is located in South Palm Springs just off South Palm Canyon Drive.

Sunrise East - Palm Springs, CA

There are currently eight homes on the market in popular Sunrise East. Sunrise East is a gated low density community in South Palm Springs. There is ample green space and only 130 units. All have double attached garages. Square footages range from 1518SF for the two bedrooms, to 2136SF for the largest three bedroom units. Enter off Mesquite Ave.

1053 W Oakcrest Dr, $385,000.
2262 Oakcrest Dr, $400,000.
2222 Oakcrest Dr, $459,000.
2311 Oakcrest Dr, $477,500.
2450 Silver Oak Cir $485,000.
2236 Oakcrest Dr, $489,000.
2396 Oakcrest Dr, $489,000.
2452 Oakcrest Dr, $495,000.

400 Block N Palm Canyon

The Palm Springs city council voted unanimously tonight to uphold the Historic Preservation's vote last month to allow the demolition and thus the future development of 400 Palm , a mixed use development planned for 400 block of N. Palm Canyon. The Historic Preservation board had voted 4-2 to allow the demolition of the several buildings that make up the new development site. An appeal was made by one member and supporters of "historic preservation" to block the demolition on bases that the current buildings are historic and should be preserved. Emotions were high on both sides. Those wanting to prevent demolition say that the current buildings have historical significance and that they should be saved and incorporatated into the new development. The shuttered Monte Vista Hotel was the main concern. Those in support of demolition say that downtown needs this project to revitalize the downtown corridor. The new project cannot incorporate the current buildings, nor are they worth saving. Many speakers went beyond what the council was considering tonight (perhaps they knew the City Council's position all along?); those supporting the appeal said the new project is not the appropriate scale for the downtown "village". They worry the project is much too big. Those supporting the Historic Preservation Board's decision say those supporting the appeal are simply anti-growth, no matter the project. Council member Steve Pougnet said there were those who spoke before the council who don't support any development at all, even when it is pedestrian-friendly.

While the council voted tonight only to support the Historic Preservation Board's decision to allow for demolition, it is clear that the coucil supports whole-heartedly the 400 Palm development. As of this date, the project does not have all the neccessary approvals to begin construction. Demolition of the entire block can begin with tonight's unanimous council vote supporting demolition.

Plant of the Week

Cycas revoluta
Sago Palm

These plants look great in our desert gardens. They bring a tropical, "palm-like" look to our landscapes. With age, they can get as tall as 20ft, but probably much smaller in our desert climate! Generally, they do best with afternoon shade, but with time they can be acclimated to full sun. They're generally slow growers, but they're beautiful plants at any stage. I think they're well worth planting in the garden at any size! Pictured is a larger specimen that belongs to my neighbor. The other is a small one in my front garden. It's been planted about one year.

Smoke Tree Commons

Smoke Tree Commons, the large shopping center planned for E. Palm Canyon Drive at Barona, won approval from the Palm Springs city counsel on a unanimous vote. Only Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat had reservations about the project. In April the Planning Commission rejected the project on grounds that there would not be enough parking and there was concern about the architecture. The Desert Sun has the story

One concern of some in the community is the impact such a large development will have on traffic in the area. The plan calls for a new traffic signal at E Palm Canyon and La Reina Way. Concern is this will create a bottle neck. As a resident of Los Compadres/La Reina Estates, I think a traffic signal or pedestrian cross walk is mandatory at the new "intersection". Many in the neighborhood, I imagine, will walk to the new shopping center, especially if a specialty grocery store, such as Whole Foods, would locate there. The city counsel wants a new grocery store in the shopping center. Do we want La Reina Way opened up to thru traffic? Probably not. A traffic signal, however, is of utmost importance in linking the new shopping center with the Los Compadres neighborhood

New on the Market: Cathedral City Cove

This bright and airy Santa Fe-style home has three bedrooms, 2 baths in over 1700SF. Tasteful ceramic tile floors are throughout the common areas of this open floorplan home. The large kitchen has plenty of storage and counter space and is ideally located to take advantage of morning sun and pool views. The master bedroom faces the pool and has direct access to covered patio, which is pool side. The spacious master bath offers dual vanities, a soaking tub and a large seperate shower. Outside, there are mountian views from the pool and raised spa and a wonderful covered patio for al fresco dining and cocktails by the pool. All surrounded by lush landscaping.

37321 Melrose Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Listed at $499,000.

Plant of the Week

Pachypodium geayi
Pachypodium lamerei

Madagascar Palm

This is an excellent plant for our desert climate. Thought it's a succulent from southern Africa, it provides a wonderful "tropical effect" to our desert gardens. The spiny trunk has a profuse green leafy head with fragrant white plumaria-like flowers in the summer. Plant will be 15 to 20 ft tall at maturity. Plant in a desert landscape with morning sun, afternoon shade.

ACTIVE LISTINGS IN LOS COMPADRES, PALM SPRINGS, CA

Currently, there are 15 active listings in Los Compadres. They range in price from $495,000. to $869,000. Below are addresses and list price as of 6/7/06

1015 S Farrell Dr, $495,000.
1284 S Farrell Dr, $499,000.
1274 S Beverly Dr, $499,000.
2996 E Sonora Rd, $509,000.
1356 S Beverly Dr, $525,000.
3188 E Anzuelo Cir, $539,000.
3140 S Cambridge Ct, $559,000.
2925 E Alta Loma Dr, $575,000.
2933 E Orella Cir, $579,000.
2981 E Los Posas Cir, $579,000.
3460 E Loma Vista Cir, $599,500.
3187 E Sonora Rd, $609,000.
1391 S San Mateo Dr, $700,000.
655 S Roxbury DR, $749,000.
2498 E El Choro Way, $869,000.

Magruder Chevrolet spot available

A prime location for new development is available at the old Magruder Chevrolet location at 999 S Palm Canyon Drive (@ Mesquite) in Palm Springs. It's advertised as a "mixed use" opportunity. Perhaps this is Palm Springs' opportunity to develop a "New Urbanist" community. While the site isn't quite large enough to develop a true New Urbanist community, it is adequate in size and perfect in location to include many of the principals of New Urbanism. This is especially true if this project were developed in conjuction with the one slated for the site directly across the street. What is New Urbanism? Click here to see

New on the Market: Sunrise Country Club

This 2 bedroom 2 bath condo is located in Sunrise Country Club. It's offered turnkey furnished and offers lots of privacy with its courtyard entry and greenbelt at the rear. No popcorn on the ceilings. Sunrise Country Club is superbly located near The River Shopping Center with its sought after shopping, dining and other cultural amenities. Listed at $324,000.

The address is 7 Majorca Dr., Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

El Dorado, Palm Springs, CA, Home for Sale

316 San Domingo Dr, Palm Springs, CA

Mobile home for sale: $192,000. You own the land; no space lease! 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, plus den. Bright and airy with great, spacious covered patio space. Senior park with swimming, tennis and clubhouse activities.

Inventories up, but so are prices

Our local market saw an increase in the median price from November '05, but our inventory is growing substantially. Read here to see what it may mean for you if you are about to sell