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

Remodeling Tips

If you're looking to remodel your home and want to know what the latest trends in home remodeling are, then check out this great article. Don't forget to click on the other links. Many of the latest trends in flooring, kitchens and baths suit our desert homes!

A fix and flip story in Los Compadres, Palm Springs, CA

A fellow blogger has shared her Palm Springs fix and flip story. As of this date, the home remains on the market at a list price of $669,000. As far as I can tell, the remodel was done very well. Probably the biggest draw back to this property is the location on a busy street. Perhaps she should consider investing in a hedge or blockwall to shield the property from the street visually and, most importantly, the traffic noise. Otherwise, this is a great South Palm Springs Home! Los Compadres is HOT!

Million Dollar Homes becoming more common in California

California has more million dollar home sales as price appreciation continues.

Local market continues with price increases!

No crash is forecast in our desert market, but inventory is growing. Read The Desert Sun article here

Palm Springs Open House Sunday, January 15; 12-3pm

Cathedral City: 37580 Bankside Dr
$449,000

See photos above

Modest Appreciation expected this year

Are we returning to an equilibrium between buyers and seller? As our inventory grows, it's not just a seller's market any longer

Home for Sale - $449,000. - Great private retreat in the desert

Curb Appeal! This 3 bedrm, 2 bath plus den home is bright and cheery and has easy access to the private backyard with saline pool and above ground spa. This home is perfect for desert indoor/outdoor living. New carpeting and tile and designer paint mean you can simply move right in.

When I first knew I loved houses

I was five years old when my parents bought their house in suburban Austin, TX. We had moved from Dallas to Austin for my dad to attend the University of Texas @ Austin. We rented a house over the spring through the summer of '72. It must have been June or July when we started looking at the new construction house my parents ended up buying. I recall being so excited looking at all the houses, but I remember especially liking 2407 Sheri Oak Ln. We moved into our new home Labor Day weekend, 1972. To my five year old eyes it seemed so big and "rich" (the house is just over 1500SF). I loved the celery green shag carpeting, the large print bright yellow and green floral pattern wallpaper in the dining room, the big paisley pattern wallpaper in orange, gold and avacado green in my bathroom and the large corner stone fireplace in the livingroom. Thirty-three years later my mom still lives there (my dad moved after their divorce in the early 80s). The carpeting is gone and all the wallpaper, except the paisley, is gone too. My parents tell me they never dreamed that either of them would be there so many years later. Today, my mom can't imagine living anywhere else. The house has changed a lot over the years, but I remember it clearly the way it looked and smelled in the summer of 1972.

Through the 70s and part of the 80s our nieghborhood was surrounded by pasture and wood lands. Over the years new development after another changed the feel of our isolated streets. Today I wish it had developed differently, but as a kid I loved the sight of a bulldozer clearing land for new streets and houses. I loved the opportunity to look at the new homes and dream of living in one nicer than ours. I still remember prefectly the floorplans of my friends' houses and to a lesser degree, the "dream houses" my parents considered buying in the early 80s.

It took me a long time to figure out that I had a passion for houses. Today, I love showing houses and get great satisfaction in helping my clients buy and sell real estate, whether it's an investment or their's or their kid's dream home.