Now is a Good time!

2014 - Now is a good time for people to put their home up for sale!

Patience seems to have paid off for those who’ve postponed putting their home on the market until this year.  They stand to pocket the kind of profits not seen since the housing boom.  We recently sold a Canterra model for $240,000. A year and a half ago they were selling in the $200-215,000 range.

Some prices surged more than 10% in many markets last year and once again we saw some multiple offers. Now is a good time for people to put their home up for sale.  Fueling this seller’s market are several factors that have unexpectedly converged: For-Sale listings are limited, which is pushing prices up at the same time that mortgage rates are rising.  That has created a sense of urgency among buyers, many of whom fear that the door to affordable real estate in their market may be closing.  Homes were selling 11% faster in 2013 than a year previously.

It’s expected that the number of for-sale homes will rise this year, with much of the extra supply coming from home builders.  This event alone could stall price gains this year.  The level of price appreciation will likely be nowhere near what we witnessed in 2013 but will probably level off.  Now is a good time for people to put their home up for sale.

Selling your house is a big decision and one that requires careful planning and attention to detail.  You’ve hired the right Realtor®, taken their advice for repairs, updates and staging.  The marketing has driven buyers through the door and you get an offer.  It’s not full price but, it’s a solid offer and one that warrants a counter.  Now is not the time to start thinking about the family dinners where you’ve laughed til you cried, or any sentimental memory you have from living in your home.  Now is the time to remember you’re selling a house, not your home.  Getting emotional during negotiations can kill a deal before it even gets started.

Other mistakes home sellers make that keep them on the market longer and ultimately cost them money is having too much furniture.  Too much, as in both quantity and size.  Just because it fits... doesn’t mean it’s flattering.  Its worth the time and expense to minimize the larger and unnecessary furniture.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A QUALITY AGENT & A HIGH FLYER R E AGENT/GROUP

Whats the difference between a QUALITY real estate agent and a HIGH FLYER real estate agent?

The QUALITY agent will take a personal interest in your home, treating your home like it was their own.  

The QUALITY agent makes sure that they communicate with the you on a regular basis and reports back to the you after each showing as to the feedback from the agent who showed their home and what comments were significant. 

The QUALITY agent makes sure that your home is presented in the best light possible that shades are open, lights are on and all clutter has been removed.

The QUALITY agent does not encourage low offers & then pressure the seller to accept the offer that is way too low just to gain a commission check for themselves.

The QUALITY agent does not list more homes than they can service effectively themselves, without bringing in less experienced agents to do their job.

The QUALITY agent does not lie to their client but maintains an honest rapport with their client at all times and keeps their client advised of changes in the market place.

HIGH FLYER's seem to impress the uninformed... but they ultimately disappoint half of the sellers who list with them and fail to meet the seller's expectations.

By David Lang

Have been on Jury Duty! 


After a week and a half of being on jury my life schedule has changed. The last 2 weeks have taken a tole on my life, not only day or night life, but dreams & nightmares, etc.  Something very important is that I now realize our regular juries are made up with mostly those who do not know how to focus on the facts.   

Every jury needs some common sense people who know how to listen to the facts and who will not try to make their own story.   I could say more but I'm tired and will catch you later!   Want to say thank you to you great jurists who understood the basics.   I wish I had your names, but we were not suppose to go there…If you read this you were the 2 young men to my left in the deliberation room, and jurors #1, 2, 4, 5, 6. And Juror #6 God bless you! You took it all in and made the only decision you could.

Holiday Safety Tips To Prevent Kitchen Mishaps during Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about food and family and friends coming together for – turkey, stuffing, giblet gravy, cranberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and family fun time. Many home cooks get busy preparing large holiday meals for family and friends and often fail to abide by a few safety tips. With an increase of cooking fires during Thanksgiving it’s easily prevented by following a few safety tips listed below.

• Don’t drink alcohol or take medicine that can make you drowsy while cooking.
• Never hold a child or pet while cooking.
• Multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher is a must have to keep in one's kitchen.
• Throwing baking soda or salt on a grease fire works but never use water or flour which can explode, if you have a cover use pot holder and try sliding lid over the pan and turn off burner.
• Keep fires controlled if they should happen, never open the oven or microwave door if there’s a fire, opening the door fuels the fire with oxygen and will cause it to burn faster and hotter.   Turn off the oven or microwave.
  
• Usually our kitchens don’t have enough plugs especially in older homes so overloading outlets can blow fuses and cause electrical fires, avoid extension cords.
  
• Appliances with plugs should never be near heat/water source, electrical currents travel to the nearest conductor and our human bodies, technically speaking, are actually a good conductor however our bodies don’t respond well to being in the path of electricity with high voltages and we should always keep hands dry.
  
• Number One: Never leave cooking unattended, this is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires.
  
• Cooks should start by not wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
  
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

Happy Holidays!

Technology Is Great But Can’t Replace The Human Touch. 

This is a time we can have almost any information, or most anything we want at the click of a button.  Technology helps us run our business faster and more efficiently through computer automation. But no matter how sophisticated computers and technology get, they cannot eliminate what still is desired most, human contact.  

Technology Is Great But Can’t Replace The Human Touch.

In the Real Estate Industry we have Winforms which make it possible for us to produce documents quickly.   Computers have also made it possible for us to stay in front of our clients through e-mail, electronic news letters, and e-blasts.  

But even with all this, people are people, and people want human contact.  That means as much as technology can simplify our lives, speed up our business, and make us more efficient, technology is not us.  

Technology Is Great But Can’t Replace The Human Touch.

No matter how great technology is, in sales people still want human contact in the process.  Computers may make it easier and faster for people to get information, and in a large part the answers they are looking for, but when it comes to major life decisions like purchasing a house, people want people to help them arrive at the final decision and hold their hand through the process.

Loyalty equals trust, and trust is the backbone of any successful business.  Computers and all technology in the world cannot in my opinion do the most important part of our business.  Computers and technology cannot produce the trust which leads to loyalty, which leads to repeat business and referrals.  I love technology and computers, and everything they enable me to do quickly and more efficiently, but technology and computers cannot replace the ME component in the process.  

Technology Is Great But Can’t Replace The Human Touch. 

People still want human contact. 

TO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS:  WHEN LOOKING ON LINE FOR A HOME FOCUS ON HOMES THAT SHOW "ACTIVE STATUS"

When shopping for a home in today’s Coachella Valley market, it is most productive for buyers to focus on houses in Active status. 

When a home listing status is Active, this is where the seller is still looking for a qualified buyer.  They usually have no offers in hand, or if they do have an offer, they have not reached an agreement with the buyer and therefore another buyer has a chance to make an offer.  You’d just have to hurry.

When a home listing status is Back Up Offer, this is a different animal.  Back Up Offer status means the seller has a signed contract with a buyer.  The seller will consider additional offers, and if an agreement can be reached, that contract is put in Back Up position, contingent on the cancellation of the existing contract.

Why in the world would a buyer in today’s market even spend an ounce of energy on looking at, considering an offer, making an offer and negotiating an offer only to be placed on hold with the outcome of your home purchase resting in the hands of another buyer?  Someone you don’t know and who you certainly cannot influence.  Well, in most California residential real estate transactions, the buyer has 17 days from the date a signed agreement has been reached between the buyer and the seller.  During that 17 days a lot of things can happen.  So that’s really the bottom line in pursuing house in Back Up Offer status – you are betting on the buyer to cancel.

Oh, don’t get me wrong.  This is truly a low percentage strategy.  But in some cases, it might make sense.  Consider these top four reasons buyers cancel purchase agreements today and consider your willingness to take a gamble.

• They no longer qualify for financing.  Interest rates have been bobbing up and down and there’s further speculation about what the future will bring.  An increase in interest rates can push the payments outside of the buyer’s affordability zone and therefore disqualify him from the purchase.  The buyer has to cancel their agreement.
• Finding something unacceptable during the home inspection.  Mold, slab leak, previous water damage, zoning, unpermitted additions – these and other discoveries have been known to cause buyers to cancel their agreement.
• Finding something unacceptable on the Natural Hazard report.  Soil liquefaction, earthquake fault lines, high fire hazard areas and flood zones have been known to make buyers uncomfortable enough to cancel their agreement.
• Finding something unacceptable on the Termite Report.  Dry wood termites don’t appeal to many people.  The thought of fumigation is distasteful to some.  These have been known to cause buyers to cancel their agreement.
• Purchasing another home.  In the case of a Short Sale, the buyer may have lost patience waiting for the bank to reply and may have entered a contract to purchase another home.  Despite the shaky legality of such behavior, it has been known to cause a buyer to cancel their agreement.

Of course, if your Back Up Offer becomes the accepted offer, you have 17 days to decide if you’re comfortable with the facts concerning the property and see if you want to stay in the deal.  Oh, it might be helpful to know that some lucky Back Up buyers do request a price reduction based on the information received concerning the condition of the home.  Which home listing status will command your concentration?

Re-Post of Active Rain blog by Melissa Zavala.  Thank you Melissa for the information!  Bonnie Hart & David Lang

Mortgage Debt Relief in the State of California

The California Senate passed the California Association of Realtors®-sponsored tax relief bill without a single “no” vote on June 20, 2013. SB 30 protects homeowners from paying income tax on a short sale. As you may remember, one of the major successes Congress reached in the “fiscal cliff" negotiations late last year was the extension of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act for another year. The measure will continue to exempt taxation of mortgage debt that is forgiven when homeowners and their mortgage lenders negotiate a short sale, loan modification (including any principal reduction), or foreclosure.

Although debt relief was extended at the federal level, the state exemption for California expired at the end of 2012, so forgiven mortgage debt is still considered taxable state income in California. In order make state and federal law confirm, the California Association of Realtors® sponsored Senate Bill 30, so California homeowners on the brink of foreclosure could get much-needed debt relief. 

In the Senate Appropriations Committee, SB 30 was linked to SB 391 meaning that it cannot become law unless SB 391 is enacted. C.A.R. strongly opposes “linking” these two measures and will continue efforts to delink them. SB 30 is a “two year” bill and can be signed into law as late as April 14th of next year to protect taxpayers on their 2013 tax returns, which must be filed by April 15, 2014. Unfortunately, because of this link between SB 391 and SB 30, SB 30 has not yet become law. So, any seller that participates in short sale in California may be liable for state taxes on the forgiven debt. As such, short sale sellers should consult their accountant or CPA before preparing their taxes for 2013.

Melissa Zavala BROKER/REALTOR® ● CA BRE #01324959

 THE MARKETING APPROACH IS IMPORTANT TO YOU AS A SELLER!

Timing is critical in this business.  The marketing and pricing approach we suggest today may not be appropriate in six months.  The marketplace is stabilizing at the present time and we are currently experiencing a low inventory of available properties.  Interest rates are low and the marketplace remains competitive.  Homes that are realistically priced, are in desirable locations, and in good condition are the properties commanding the highest market prices and selling in the shortest period of time, some with multiple offers.

In today’s market, the best way to obtain the highest price is to create a sense of excitement, urgency and exclusivity about the property and then expose it to all qualified buyers at the same time.  This motivates prospective buyers to make their best offer immediately instead of trying to negotiate on the  listed price.  It also is a successful tool we use in attempting to secure a back-up offer on the property.  (A back-up offer serves three purposes.  First it allows us a second opportunity to sell the property if the first offer fails to come together.  Secondly, it puts the first Buyer on notice that there is someone in line to purchase this property should he fail to perform per his contract, and third in many instances it keeps the first Buyer focused and realistic on their inspection contingency.  This usually prevents them from asking for unreasonable repairs.)  Whenever market conditions permit, we try to create a situation where more than one purchaser will want to make an offer at the same time.  We have worked hard to establish a reputation of obtaining the very best prices for our clients.  Once the listing price is established, we will do everything in our power to obtain it for you in the shortest period of time possible.

The interest rates are beginning to creep up but at this time are still excellent rates.  Now is a great time to buy the home of your dreams!

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!

The following was taken from CNN Money

Buying a home won't get much cheaper

By Les Christie @CNNMoney May 3, 2012: 11:48 AM ET

"Several housing experts are predicting that this year will be the last chance for homebuyers to cash in on the weak housing market."

"NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Buying a home may never get any cheaper than this. Several housing experts are predicting that this year will be the last chance for bargain hunters to cash in on the best deals of the weak housing market.

With home prices down 34% nationally since 2006 and mortgage rates at historic lows, homes have never been more affordable -- but it won't stay this way for much longer."

"..........Stuart Hoffman, chief economist for PNC Financial Services (PNC, Fortune 500), said he expects home prices to flatten out by the third quarter and start climbing by next year.

A number of factors will help bolster the housing market, he said, including a decline in the number of foreclosures and continued job growth. In addition, homebuyers will have better access to mortgages as they get their finances in order and improve their credit scores.

Some economists, like Trulia's Jed Kolko, expect home prices to pick up even more quickly. Trulia's data shows that the national average for asking prices already increased 1.4% in the first quarter of 2012, compared with the last three months of 2011."

Check out the following link to read the whole story:

http://money.cnn.com/2012/05/03/real_estate/home-buying/?source=linkedin

SPECTACULAR RE-SALE HOMES IN PHASE 1 & 2

Sun City Shadow Hills

Bonnie & Clyde -­‐‑ The Home Team

We have SPECTACULAR re-­‐‑sale PRICE opportunities in Phases 1 & 2.

Call us for entrance through the FRONT gate on JEFFERSON ST.

(760) 972-­‐‑7520 or (866) 961-­‐‑5597

SAVE THIS AND BRING IT WITH YOU!

MLS 21438906, 81642 AVENIDA BOLERO, CANTERRA MODEL, TURNKEY FURNISHED, 2BR/2BA APPROX. 1257 SQ FT $214,900

MLS 21444530, 81917 AVENIDA LAS RAMBLAS CANTERRA MODEL SOUTH FACING BACKYARD

FURNITURE NEGOTIABLE, 2BR/2BA APPROX. 1257 SQ FT

$214,500

MLS 21441037, 80612 AVENIDA SAN FELIPE SAN EMILIO MODEL PREMIUM LOT, PORCELAIN TILE, PLANTATION SHUTTERS, 2BR/2BA APPROX. 1823 SQ FT $295,000

MLS 21445004, 81728 CAMINO VALLECITA DORADO MODEL MOUNTAIN VIEWS, 2BR/2.5BA APPROX. 2446 SQ FT PRICE REDUCTION TO $315,000

MLS 21437008 40431 CORTE SANTA SUSANA SAN BENITO MODEL WATER FEATURE, CROWN MOLDING, PLANTATION SHUTTERS, STONE FACIA, 2BR/2BA APPROX. 2147 SQ FT $319,999

MLS 21438338 81156 AVENIDA CASTELAR CASTELLANO MODEL PREMIUM LOT, LARGE ENOUGH FOR LARGE POOL AND SPA SPOTLESS, PLANATION SHUTTERS 2BR/2.5BA APPROX. 2230 SQ FT $345,000

MLS. 21439585 80576 CAMINO SAN LUCAS SAN RAFAEL MODEL BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH POOL & SPA

FURNITURE NEGOTIABLE 3BR/2.5BA APPROX. 2376 SQ FT $379,000

MLS 21433933 80458 CAMINO SANTA ELISE SAN MIGUEL MODEL BEAUTIFUL LIKE NEW HOME ON THE GOLF COURSE, FURNITURE NEGOTIABLE 2BR/2.5BA APPROX. 2569 SQ FT $439,000

Bonnie Hart, Realtor® & David Lang, Assoc. Broker

www.BonnieAndClydeRealEstate.com

Our Best to All for A GREAT NEW YEAR!

Our Best to All for A GREAT NEW YEAR!

If you are interested in what the Sun City Shadow Hills New Years Eve party is about and how to have fun with the Bonnie & Clyde Team check out our video below of our fun evening!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-kUkjlq2fE

PROPERTY UPDATE - GREAT BUYS IN SUN CITY SHADOW HILLS!

Property Update - Great buys in Sun City Shadow Hills!

AS OF JANUARY 11, 2012 - AVAILABLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE

Click on the Blue You Tube Link to see this home!

40764 CORTE LOS REYES, (SHORT SALE) $179,900,

http://youtu.be/aZmaowZ5ln8

81917 AVENIDA LAS RAMBLAS (FURNITURE NEGOTIABLE) $214,500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcjMQJRx0Cg

81642 AVENIDA BOLERO, (FURNITURE NEGOTIABLE) (OPEN SAT.1-4) $214,900

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh674CmbuTA

81897 AVENIDA DEL TORO (SOUTH FACING BKYD) (OPEN SAT 1-4) $282,000,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHOrjxxsC74

80612 AVENIDA SAN FELIPE (PREMIUM LOT) (OPEN SUN 1-4) $295,000,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwIvZInojmk

81728 CAMINO VALLECITA (MOUNTAIN VIEWS) $329,000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuT10w7WHRM

81156 AVENIDA CASTELAR (PREMIUM LOT) (OPEN SUN 1-4) $345,000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpMCFje9lA8

80576 CAMINO SAN LUCAS (POOL/SPA/furniture negotiable) (OPEN SUN 1-4) $379,000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRovuybWfiQ

80458 CAMINO SANTA ELISE (GOLF COURSE HOME/furniture negotiable) (OPEN SAT & SUN 1-4) $439,000

http://youtu.be/7CiW0tcWfhI

OUR NEW YEARS EVE FRIENDS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-kUkjlq2fE

New Listing

Sun City Shadow Hills - New listing $214,500

Great South facing backyard Canterra model

1257 sq ft 2 bedroom 2 bath

Great LOCATION, SOUTH facing backyard, Gorgeous Canterra! Can be TURNKEY furnished if buyer wants to negotiate for the furnishings. Like new and upgrades include Extended Tile in SPACIOUS greatroom and hall, Granite kitchen counter tops, maple Raised Panel CABINETRY w/PULL out sliders, Ceiling FANS, attractive window covers (some with optional black-out for energy efficiency), Low maintenance yard, STAINLESS Steel Appliances, breakfast nook, long breakfast/entertainment bar and finished off utility room with sink & storage. The SOUTH facing rear covered patio is ideal for desert outdoor living; Soak up the warm SUNSHINE or dine under the stars; you will ENJOY this home in this quiet neighborhood. 81948 Avenida Bahia, Indio, CA

This beautiful & rarely used San Emilio home features...

This beautiful & rarely used SAN EMILIO home features...

2 Bedrooms plus Den and is situated on an OVERSIZED lot with peek-a-boo MOUNTAIN VIEWS from the EXTENDED PATIO. The interior has been thoughfully upgraded to include 16x16 Italian porcelain TILE FLOORING THROUGHOUT, neutral carpeting in the bedrooms and den, plantation WOOD SHUTTERS and CEILING FANS throughout. The gourmet kitchen features light granite slab counters, rich maple cabinetry, under-cabinet lighting, a large walk-in pantry plus additional pantry for storing larger appliances. The master bedroom suite includes direct access to the rear patio and features a large walk-in closet with three-tier shelving for winter/summer storage. The guest bedroom is one of the largest available and has plenty of closet space. There is a linen closet just outside in the hall by the guest bath. Don't miss out on this great home.

(760) 972-7520 - We can be there in 5 minutes to open this home!

Bonnie Hart, Realtor

Bonnie & Clyde Team

Windermere Real Estate Old Town, La Quinta, CA

www.BonnieAndClyde.WindermereSoCal.com

bonnieandclyde@windermere.com

(866) 961-5597 toll free

How to Prepare for that Smaller Home when Downsizing!

What a sweet relief! Can you survive & thrive with meager square footage?

If you have too much stuff but want to sell your home and move to a smaller home with lower taxes and less upkeep you can do it!

Of course you will have to get rid of “stuff”. A small space will feel very cramped with too much “stuff”. If you conquer the clutter before you move in moving day will not be so overwhelming.

How to choose what to keep and what to pitch...

Don Aslett, author of Clutter’s Last Stand: It’s Time to De-Junk Your Life, says to give each item the same test.

“How long you’ve had it, who gave it to you, how much did it cost -- all that’s irrelevant,” says Aslett. “Just ask yourself ‘Does this enhance my life right now?”

If it hasn’t been used in two years, it’s gone. Get rid of anything you have in duplicate. If you have children who live elsewhere, tell them to pick up their things or it will be picked up by someone else...Good Will, etc. Don’t keep notorious clutter items like unfinished projects, unread books, unused paint, and cleaning products that are more than half empty.

Once you have sorted out the keepers, have a sale...yard sale, Ebay, local Penny Ads, Craigs List, etc. Take a load to the Good Will or call your local Charity group who may pick up. The more than you are able to sell or give away the less you have to pack and pay someone else to move. Be willing to accept lower offers for hard-to-sell items. There is a sweet release that comes when we downsize our things.

We have all heard the “Less is More” and it is true! There is nothing that zaps your energy like clutter in your home. And there is nothing like a tidy place to rest your head, relax and enjoy in peace.

Happy moving!

ADVANTAGES TO A RE-SALE! CONTACT US TO SEE THE RE-SALES WHEN PUTLE MOVES OUT OF PHASE 1&2

Soon the day will be here in Sun City Shadow Hills when Del Webb/Pulte will move their Sales Office out of the gates of Phase 1 & 2 over to Phase 3. At that time all sales traffic will be directed from I-10 to Monroe Exit, to 40th St and to Phase 3 main gate. Totally skirting the main gate to Phase 1 & 2. This is scheduled for November 2011.

Buyers who are looking at new homes but would like to view and consider the alternative, re-sales, can find access to Phase 1 & 2 homes on the market by staying in touch with this Active Rain connection, Bonnie & Clyde Team, or going to our web site at:

www.BonnieAndClydeRealEstate.com

We will also advertise once a week in the Desert Sun homes that are on the market and Open houses.

ADVANTAGES OF A RE-SALE!

So what are the ADVANTAGES of buying a Re-sale rather than New? They are MANY! First of all there are expenses one will immediately incurr with a new home that a re-sale may already have in place such as:

Ceiling fans

Window coverings

Upgraded lighting fixtures

Beautiful built-ins

Custom paint

Custom walls, fireplace surrounds

Landscaped backyard

Extended patios

Patio covers

Front courtyard

Storage in the garage

Custom closests

Healthy mature plants

Outdoor water features

Perhaps all the appliances

Some may even negotiate furniture for pennies on the dollar

And a One Year Home Warranty can be negotiated in the purchase

And the list goes on...

If you are financing this home ALL those things (other than furniture) are included in the financing! If you buy new and add all these upgrades you can pay $20,000 and UP on top of your original down payment investment. Some of these home owners have added upgrades up to a hundred thousand and some more to their original investment.

Another benefit is the quirks in the home have been worked out already for you. And it doesn’t matter how well built homes are - and these are - there will always be things that need to be attended to.

The re-sales we have here in Sun City Shadow Hills are impeccable! Think about it! Contact us to see the best!

Golf, Not Just Another Four Letter Word!

Golf, Not Just Another Four Letter Word~ Fripp Island SC (edit/delete)

This is the best story I have ever read about the game of golf and thought it should be re-blogged so more people could enjoy it. Great Writing Cherimie!

Via Cherimie Crane, www.BeaufortTime.com (Cherimie Crane & Associates, Ballenger Realty):

Climbing Mt. Fuji wasn’t really that hard, sky diving in Wyoming wasn’t really all that scary, bungee jumping in Tennessee was more stupid than exhilarating, Zorbing down a mountain in New Zealand was slightly akin to the morning after a night out with my best friend, and eating food that I couldn’t pronounce in Peru, well that was just darn right asking for trouble.

My youth (yes I said youth, you can define it your way, I will define it mine) is full of memories, adventures, and moments of great anxiety mixed with highlights of humiliation. My inability to back down from a dare, a challenge or anything in the genre of idiocy has certainly led me down the road that is less traveled for a reason. Facing something I know nothing about, have no business being involved in, or really no natural skill and/or ability to participate is somewhat unpleasant. The phrases “I can’t.” or “No, I shouldn’t.”, don’t roll off my tongue quite as fast as “Heck Yeah.” or “Let me try.”

If I had the inner strength to admit ignorance, defeat, fear, and those other odd emotions I do believe I would have less visits to the emergency room and possibly less need for serious therapy. Some consider me adventurous; those who know me consider me lucky to still have all my limbs. Bull riding (both mechanical and breathing), hang-gliding , and scuba diving do not cause the slightest twinge of doubt in my can do determination; however, Golf scares the @%#^ out of me. (I mean that in the most non obnoxious and mannerly way Momma)

My fiancé was born for golf. He has the gentle way, the respectful attitude, the focus, the talent, and the right shoes. I have the attention span of a hungry hummingbird, the focus of a ferret, and just don’t see the point in closed toe anything.

And of course, my golf voice is more suited for a football stadium and a mega phone.

Opposites attract, they say. I think it is more that opposites fascinate and confuse; but no one asked me.

Because my fiancé is the gentleman and kind person that he truly is, the members of Fripp Island so generously organized a tournament in honor of our wedding. The amount of time, effort, and sweet thoughtfulness that went into every detail was both humbling and overwhelming.Couples who have been married for more than forty, even fifty years shared their time and experiences. It was a day I will never forget, for a few reasons.

One of those reasons was my new found respect for the game. Golf is basically 18 holes of life lessons. I say this with confidence as I learned all 18 of them in one day. That little ball can be quite the slippery little sucker. Its natural desire is to do exactly that which you do not want it to do. The grace, poise and stamina you see on televised golf tournaments is hogwash. I am certain they edit out the good stuff. The first lesson I learned was flip flops may hinder one’s ability to both accelerate a golf cart and maintain the appropriate golf stance. Noted.

As I watched in amazement at both men and women who actually hit the ball and knew where it went, I realized that maybe I have found my foe. This may actually take a little time to perfect, more than 18 holes no doubt. Asking the question “How hard can it be?”, is silver -platter -serving your soul to the Devil of the Driver (the driver is the big club that is supposed to persuade the ball to go far preferably in the right direction). Realizing my limitations, something both rare and uncomfortable for me, I decided maybe my talents were more in the putting arena. Life lesson number two, putting isn’t easy.

Being faced with something I couldn’t easily master, or easily muster, caused great discomfort and wrinkles in between my eyes. Neither is desired.

Apparently this Golf requires a stillness, a concentration and understanding that I can’t sashay my way around. It is quite the phenomenon. Three feet from this hole in the ground and that darn ball mocked me in ways that burned deep into my soul. Now in any other instance in life I could get anything I wanted to go three feet, this was not the case. I have doubted the inner strength this game requires and unleashed my outer sailor. Golf was NOT the only four letter word going through my head. Sorry Momma.

The more appropriately dressed golfers were graceful, patient, quiet, and respectful of this game that taunted me. They obviously know much that I do not. My fiancé is in his element. He patiently persuades that hard headed ball to go great distances, avoid hazards, and gently directs it to its quiet little home in the hole. No matter how frustrated, he pushes forward with respect and dignity even when going against the wind.

Like a cannon ball to the head, I realized how he is able to calm me when gale force winds are no match for my mood. He knows my natural desire is to do exactly that which he does not want me to do. He understands there is more than one approach necessary when handling a woman of the difficult type. His ability to persuade me away from hazards is simply uncanny. Even willing to walk through the rough to find me, when I don’t agree with his desired direction, he won’t give up. He will always get me home, one way or the other.

Thank you Fripp Island Ocean Creek golfers for showing me that golf is far more than a four letter word, far more than chasing a slippery little white ball, far more than a hobby one can swoop in and master, far more than a game. You have taught me that in life some things require more than will and determination. You taught me that keeping my eye on the ball and knowing my goal doesn’t always mean it will go as planned. It is a day I will never forget, and for the rest of my life when someone yells fore, I know to duck!

The Perfect "Dual" Agency!

The Perfect "Dual" Agency! (edit/delete)

Earlier I wrote about representing buyer and seller. Asked for other's opinions. This happens more often with "teams" that have multiple agents and it may not be looked upon as dual agency, but it is...even as it is with listing and selling agents both working for the same broker; which is dual agency to the broker.

I have been in the business, in and out, since the mid 1970's and so much changes and yet so little really changes.

Laws change, documents change and our adherance to both must be followed. Ever since the mid 70's my ethics remain and continue and always will...the client(s) always come first, honesty and rightful disclosure, treating every client as I would want to be treated myself, working for a win, win transaction.

We are still in the same dual agency transaction as when my first blog went out asking for input. This has been one of the most blessed transactions I have ever been a part of. Needless to say the property is perfect, the seller is wonderful and blessed and the buyers are so special. The buyers knew every property on the market for the last 6 months better than most Realtors. And all the Realtors who had listings and open houses in this beautiful community knew them.

While working through this offer and acceptance I learned some things that we all need to keep in mind. We had the only offer and the seller had countered at full price. Another agent (who knew the seller) called the seller direct and told her she had a client who wanted to make an offer. Our seller called us and told us to tell our buyer that there was another agent with a buyer who wanted to make an offer the next day. (That agent had been showing the property when we were there with our buyer...and that agent called us too to say she was going to be writing an offer.) We said nothing to our buyer until our seller called us and said she wanted us to tell our buyer. We told our buyer...left them to think about it...a half an hour later they called us back.

Our buyer knew the value of the property and accepted the counter at full price. It is always a pleasure working with clients who are well aware of the market and of value. It makes it so much easier to give back!

This has to be the "Perfect" dual agency transaction!

And the added blessing...so far...as there may be many more...was the home inspection and inspector. After a most perfect inspection we had the priviledge of learning more about our seller and our client's inspector...medical miracles that broke my heart and at the same time filled it with joy! This is why I love my work!

My best to You All!

Bonnie Hart, Realtor

Bonnie & Clyde Team

Windermere Real Estate Old Town, La Quinta, CA

www.BonnieAndClyde.WindermereSoCal.com

bonnieandclyde@windermere.com

(866) 961-5597 toll free

Palm Springs-One of the Top 10 Hottest Vacation Real Estate Markets

Palm Springs #4 of the Top 10 Hottest Vacation Real Estate Markets

Recently on MSN Real Estate - Palm Springs was named as #4 of the top 10 hottest vacation real estate markets. Some of the comments regarding real estate in the Palm Springs area (which also includes Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Indio, etc.) were that this area has seen the same severe home-price declines as the rest of California. The median sale price they said is down 52.4% from its peak and is now at $130 per square foot, the same level as in the fall of 2002. They stated that the prices are relatively unchanged since the start of 2010... since we live here and work here had to check it out.

The statistics below only involve Palm Springs. Keeping in mind that the CA Desert is made up of diverse communities and each community has its own statistics that may not match the average of Palm Springs. This report is simply to show that the average sale in Palm Springs is much higher than the $130 per sq ft that the article I am attaching below states.

Palm Springs average price per square foot has been as follows since the first of this year: 2011

January sales - $171 per sq ft

Febuary sales - $220 per sq ft

March sales - $208 per sq ft

April sales - $223 per sq ft

May sales - $213 per sq ft

June sales - $203 per sq ft; The average for the six months was $206.33.

In 2010, Jan-June the average price per sq ft was $200.33

In 2009, Jan-June the average price per sq ft was $188.17

In 2008, Jan-June the average price per sq ft was $279.00

In 2002, Jan-June the average price per sq ft was $177.33

Of course we all know that price per square foot depends on a great many details...i.e. upgrades, condition, location, etc. These records are coming right from the MLS and they indicate that the low time was 2009 and that since 2010 the prices have stabilized if not increased a bit. Since the records I researched are much different from the article on MSN (they were quoting $130 per sq ft) we found it necessary to blog this information. Too many times our markets are wrongly publicized and it hurts us all.

http://realestate.msn.com/10-hottest-vacation-real-estate-markets#4

This being said Palm Springs and surrounding communities are on the Top 10 Hottest Real Estate Vacation Markets and we are grateful for that fact!

Bonnie Hart, Realtor

Bonnie & Clyde Team

Windermere Real Estate Old Town, La Quinta, CA

www.BonnieAndClyde.WindermereSoCal.com

bonnieandclyde@windermere.com