Seems that tourists are keeping in step with Global Warming . . . as Palm Springs hotel operators have noted elevated growth for the months of May and June, when tourism typically tapers off. What used to considered “off-season” around here is looking more and more like “on-season.”
The city has worked on creating partnerships with Germany and the UK . . . and it’s paid off, as more and more tourists from those two countries have been visiting Palm Springs during the summer months.
A Viceroy Hotel representative has commented that weekend traffic has been strong at their hotel, especially drive-in traffic. Also, a strong international representation has been noticed, particularly from the UK.
Recent data released from the city of Palm Springs shows that the number of visitors to Palm Springs last summer was up 25% from the previous year 2010. Since last year at this time, tourists have spent $15.1 million in Palm Springs and are projected to spend about $3 million more than that in this next year. And that’s no small potatoes!
These tourism dollars are being spent in the obvious places such as restaurants, resorts and hotels . . . and also at one of Palm Springs’ most iconic destinations – the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which sees a lot of activity from locals trying to escape the heat (at this moment, it’s 80.8 degrees at the top and it’s 113 degrees in Palm Springs).
Besides being popular with Europeans, Palm Springs is also attracting tourists from south of the equator, such as Australia, where it is winter right now.
It’s a beautiful thing, that the summer heat we locals complain about and dread is another man’s paradise. Go figure.
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These days, lenders are demanding historically high FICO credit scores from buyers looking to obtain a loan. With lenders Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the average they look for to approve a loan is around 760.
You want and need to know what can push your scores up or down if you’re in the position of shopping for a mortgage. Hearsay is that multiple credit inquiries by lenders and others to pull up your national credit bureau reports push your score down. Is this true? Could multiple inquiries do damage enough to prevent you from being approved for purchase of a home?
Since maintaining high FICO scores is so important now, let’s look at the key “rules” that govern how inquiries affect homebuyers and mortgage applicants.
- Accumulating large numbers of inquiries CAN lower your score. The FICO models consider them significant because research has shown that people who seek new credit accounts are more of a risk and more prone to defaults. Statistics show that people with 6 or more inquiries on their credit reports can be up to 8 times more likely to declare bankruptcy than people with no inquiries on their reports.
- Suppose you’re shopping for a home loan or refinancing and 6 lenders pull your credit reports – that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be hit with 6 separate inquiries that will lower your score. The FICO models ignore all mortgage related inquiries during the 30 days prior to computation of the score. And all mortgage inquiries made during the 45 days prior to your loan application count as only one inquiry.
- Most often, a single credit inquiry is not a big deal, as it subtracts less than 5 points off of your score per inquiry. But, negative impacts can be had – especially on people who have thin credit files, such as those without extensive credit histories and young folks who are first time homebuyers and have thin credit files.
- You need to make sure your loan officer for auto loans, etc. properly codes the purpose of the inquiry when they report it to the national credit bureaus so it will be accurately identified in your credit file.
It’s highly advised that mortgage applicants avoid all credit-related shopping (home improvements, furniture, credit cards, etc.) in the weeks before their closing so that a string of inquiries won’t interfere with the home purchase process or delay it.
And last but not least, if you’ve checked your own credit before applying for a mortgage – through www.annualcreditreport.com (where once a year reports are free) or by buying them from Experian, Equifax or TransUnion, you FICO score will not be affected.
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The City of La Quinta has a proposed plan to put in a roundabout near the entry of the La Quinta Cove neighborhood at the intersection of Eisenhower Dr. and Calle Sinaloa. The roundabout would replace the existing four-way stop there.
Roundabouts are used extensively in Europe and are becoming increasingly popular in this country. They require those vehicles approaching it to have to slow down and yield to circulating traffic, thereby reducing accidents by up to 60%, according to traffic engineers
There are already four roundabouts located in La Quinta and they keep traffic moving without having a signal there. Because the roundabouts force traffic to slow down, there is a reduction in broadside collisions from drivers who run traffic stops.
The roundabout is expected to be installed later this year and will cost approximately $600,000. Additional landscaping could run the cost up more, and one design includes installation of an art piece that serves as an entryway to the Cove neighborhood.
Some Cove residents who got a look at the new road design are not in favor of it. Nearly 7,700 cares travel on Eisenhower Dr. up into the Cove during off-season, and city staff estimates that the number increases 10% during peak season. That’s a whole lot of cars coming in and out of the Cove.
FYI – the La Quinta Cover Neighborhood Association is in favor of the roundabout. Landscape designs will likely go before the City Council at its meeting on July 17.
What are your thoughts?
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Some say that we have “Beverly Hills” right here in our very own Coachella Valley. It is the community of Old Las Palmas and it is one of Palm Springs’ oldest neighborhoods. Once a citrus grove, this historic neighborhood was developed in the 1920s by a father and son, Alvah and Harold Hicks.
Old Las Palmas gained the distinction of Coachella Valley’s “Beverly Hills” as this community has the highest number of celebrity owned homes in Palm Springs. Some of the rich and famous associated with the area are Kirk Douglas, Donna Reed, Lily Tomlin, Liberace, Sidney Sheldon and George Randolph Hearst, to name a few.
Old Las Palmas is comprised of over 300 homes with large lots and well-manicured homes. It is bordered on the west by the San Jacinto Mountains and North Via Monte Vista; on the east by North Palm Canyon Drive; on the north by West Stevens Road and on the south by West Alejo Road.
The neighborhood mixes the old with the new and all the homes are bound by their rich history. The homes in Old Las Palmas are more accurately distinguished as estates, rather than just homes. One of the largest estates in the community is situated on a 4 acre parcel.
The architectural styles featured in Old Las Palmas range from Spanish to Colonial to Palm Springs Modern. Many of the estates are gated, with lush landscaping and swimming pools. The community is tucked close enough to the mountains so as to be shielded from the winds and fabulous views are afforded.
Old Las Palmas is part of Palm Springs Neighborhood Organization Program, and the close knit residents work together in organized beautification and security committees.
Another cool feature about this iconic neighborhood is its ultra convenient location within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs, with its many restaurants, shops, art galleries and other attractions.
It’s worth it to take a little drive around this interesting part of Palm Springs and take in the interesting architecture and lifestyle harkening back to those golden Hollywood days. “Beverly Hills” indeed . . .
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It’s a must go to
in Palm Desert . . . if you like deliciously fresh, innovative and inspired food, a friendly warm and welcoming atmosphere, a place where people are meeting up and talking and laughing, somewhere to pick up cool FrencH and Mediterranean themed gifts . . . Clementine is all of that, and so much more !!!
It’s a deli, it’s a cafe, it’s a marketplace, you can get a beer, glass of wine . . . a Mimosa. It’s the new “go to” place in the desert, and for having only been open for a matter of weeks, it’s doing gangbusters.
Jennifer and Christophe Douheret are the talented and creative couple who gave birth to Clementine – its first incarnation was located beside Trader Joe’s in Palm Desert two years ago where it began as Clementine Patisserie. What a lovely little place where you could get a latte and something scrumptious that was baked right there onsite, like a fresh almond croissant. The French bistro furniture out front of the store coaxed you to sit for a spell and enjoy the desert day.
Move the clock up to now – the second incarnation, which has morphed into Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Café. As it says on its Facebook page, Clementine “is a beautiful homage to the bright marketplaces of ‘The Countries of the Sun, ‘ describing Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and other countries along the Mediterranean.” Jennifer, Christophe and their handsome, talented and attentive staff now offer a wide array of take-home deli items, delicate desserts, breakfast and lunch options, and fabulous gift ideas.
You can dine in at Clementine . . . or take out. Stop by on your way home from work to pick up something mouthwatering for your dinner or a dinner party. You can pick out dishes from the deli case, stop off at the pasta bar or just order a glass of wine and take in all of the good energy of the people working and dining there.
Don’t be surprised to be greeted at Clementine’s front door as if you are an old friend. There is something at this establishment for everyone and you owe it to yourself to stop by and see for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed. But you may suffer a bit as you try to pick out which delectable dish from the many offered that you will nosh upon today. Just remember, you can always go back and try something new another day.
Located at 72990 El Paseo (and Monterey) in Palm Desert.
Breakfast is served from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
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La Quinta Buyers..do you qualify for a mortgage with a 3 in front of it???
You too could qualify for a mortgage rate with a 3 in front of it. Refinance? Same thing. This is a very enlightening article from today’s New York Times talking about a young couple that did just that. Huge documentation will be required of course, but that’s true with ANY mortgage or refi.
The keys are…
1. Your Credit score..it needs to be in the 700’s minimum.
2. Money in the bank..prove you can cover a couple months’ payments.
3. Job Security..prove you’ve got a good job that seems secure
4. Other assets? The more cash, or paid off assets..the higher your odds.
The appraisals are starting to come in where they should here in the Palm Springs Valley, so if you’re qualified, why not give it a go? Of course..the paperwork will be equal to that of a Short Sale, so have your docs in order!
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Have you heard the buzz in Palm Desert about Piero’s Pizza Vino on El Paseo? This home of authentic Neapolitan Pie is getting a lot of attention and all I’ve heard is good things about it’s true to form pizza.
They make their pizza in a wood burning oven (imported from Naples, Italy) with four key ingredients – the oven itself, San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte Mozzarella and 00 Flour. Simple. Delicious.
The San Marzano tomatoes are the perfect pizza tomato – grown in the Campania region of Italy near Naples. They are kept longer on the vine, have few seeds and a meaty flesh.
The Fior di Latte Mozzarella is made fresh in-house daily by Piero’s chefs from pasteurized or unpasteurized cow’s milk.
Piero’s dough is made daily using the basic Neapolitan recipe from flour imported from Naples and is called 00 or Doppio Zero. It is the most highly refined flour but has a higher protein content than many of the less-refined ones.
The pizza cooks between 60 and 90 seconds and never more than 2 minutes, making the crust crispy and a little bit charred.
Did you know that cooking authentic pizza is such a science?
Besides serving the obvious, custom pizzas, Piero’s has a full menu featuring salads, appetizers and pasta dishes. Beer and wine are served and there is an outdoor patio, bar and dining room seating for your dining pleasure.
So if you’re a pizza lover or just love everything Italian, put going to Piero’s Pizza Vino
in Palm Desert on your summertime calendar. They’re open daily from 11:30am to 10:30pm.
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Palm Desert is home to many of the finest upscale country clubs, certainly in the valley, and in the whole country as well. Indian Ridge Country Club is one of them. And there are many reasons why.
Indian Ridge Country Club was voted “Best of the Best Private Golf Club in the Coachella Valley 2011-2012.” That tells you something right there. World class golf, played at the club’s two fantastic Arnold Palmer Signature championship golf courses. And its 42,000sf Clubhouse is both beautiful and an award-winning piece of architecture.
Did you know that Indian Ridge is an equity club and one of the few completely member-owned, member-operated country clubs in the valley? The club is fully developed, established and financially stable . . . and not many clubs in the valley can boast that.
Did you know that Indian Ridge Country Club is superbly located right in the heart of Palm Desert and the Palm Springs Valley? It’s minutes away from Interstate 10 and the Palm Springs International Airport, as well as fashionable El Paseo Shopping District, the McCallum Theatre, The River and many other desert attractions.
Did you know that the club has outstanding tennis facilities and program and state-of-the art fitness center and full-service day spa?
Did you know that Indian Ridge has two restaurants with outstanding food and a social calendar that never ends?
Indian Ridge Country Club is surrounded by a gated community of approx. 1,000 homes, with every home on the golf course and boasting gorgeous views? The homes are available in a wide range of sizes and floorplans, from approx. 1,500 to 4,580sf.
It’s a lifestyle all to its own at Indian Ridge. Friendships are easily formed here. Members here are diverse and interesting – some still working, some retired, some snowbirds. And they all live at Indian Ridge because they’re living the perfect desert lifestyle . . . active and engaged in their lives.
Are you intrigued? There’s so much more to know and learn about Indian Ridge Country Club. If you would like to tour the property and find out more about the real estate and lifestyle there, call Kim Kelly, real estate agent with HK Lane in La Quinta at 760-285-3578.
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Looking for fun and refreshing things to do now that it’s officially summer and the triple-digits are upon us?
One of the Palm Spring Valley’s coolest attractions is none other than the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. It is owned by the city of Palm Desert and operated by the Family YMCA of the Desert. There is something there to please every member of the family. . . every age and fitness level.
The facility sits on 8 acres in Palm Desert’s City Center Park and includes 3 year-round pools for exercise and pleasure. There is a 50 x 25 meter Olympic-sized competition pool which allows for lap swimming and competetive events. It is also equipped with 1 and 3 meter diving boards.
The 50-meter by 25-yard Olympic-sized competition pool provides long course and short course options for lap swimming or competition events. It is equipped with one and three-meter diving boards.
The 25-yard family recreation pool is shallow, heated and features two waterslides and a wade-in entry. And the splash playground pool is ideal for those younger in age.
The Aquatic Center can be rented out for special events such as birthday parties, swimming competitions, corporate events, etc.
Admission: $4 for Palm Desert adult residents and $6 for adult non-residents: $3 for seniors over 60 and children ages 6-12 residents and $4.50 for non-residents: $2.50 for children ages 2-5 residents and $3.75 for non-residents. Annual and 3-month passes are also available.
Location: 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive on the northeast corner of Civic Center Park in Palm Desert.
For more information about the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, call 760-565-7467 or visit pdpool.com.
Just don’t forget to wear your sunscreen !!! See you there !!!
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South Palm Desert? One of the most coveted neighborhoods in the Palm Springs Valley . . . homes located in this beautiful hillside area south of El Paseo have Location Location Location !!!
Monterra is a small, 24 hr. manned gated community of 95 luxury residences built on large estate-sized lots, high up off of Mesa View Drive. It is adjacent to the renowned Ironwood Country Club and is just minutes away from several other exclusive country clubs – Bighorn, The Vintage, The Reserve and more. So if you are a golfer, you just hop on your golf cart and make your way to some of the finest golfing in the Valley… or in the world, for that matter.
Another benefit of living in Monterra is its panoramic mountain and down valley views, they are beyond compare. Being located on a hillside, you’re protected from the wind. The homes here were built in the late 1980s and are pristine, with beautifully manicured yards and private streets. HOAs are low at only $238/mo.
And even though you feel like you’re in your own little world when you own a home in Monterra, you are remarkably close to fashionable El Paseo, with its fine dining, upscale shopping, galleries, entertainment, etc. Also minutes away are The Living Desert, the McCallum Theatre and many other desert amenities.
So, think about the convenience, the views, the golf, the privacy . . . and other advantages that living in Monterra has to offer. You may just want to take a tour and see what life would be like living here . . . and having your own little piece of heaven.
Call Kim Kelly, experienced realtor with HK Lane Real Estate, who has the knowledge and experience you need and want when purchasing a home. You’ll be glad you did !
- Location: South on Hwy 74 (up hill), left on Mesa View Dr & follow to Monterra 24 Hr manned security guard house on left side, Palm Desert
- Year Opened: Built in the late 1980s
- Number of Homes: 95
- Recent HOA: approx. $238 (includes 24 guard gate and private street upkeep)
- Recent Home Values: from approx. $660,000 to approx. $760,000
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