Homeowners in La Quinta and across California will be getting help soon, as approx. half of the $410 million coming to the state from the overall settlement with the nation’s five biggest banks (due to accusations that they improperly or fraudently foreclosed on homewoners) has flowed into its coffers.
State Atty. General Kamala D. Harris disclosed on Friday that this money will be put into funding the state’s housing counselors and legal service agencies that help struggling homeowners. She also plans to spend the rest of the money on reaching out to and educating homeowners stuck in the hardest-hit parts of the state, on further investigations and oversight of the settlement funds and on helping borrowers who aren’t able to stay in their homes.
Over half a million California households are currently in the foreclosure pipeline. State authorities say they realize the importance of getting funding into those communities where they are needed and assisting the homeowners who were most affected by the crisis.
Community organizers have voiced that the money needs to go towards helping homeowners and not to help lower the state’s budget deficit, as has happened in other states. They state that the settlement was intending for homeowners who are dealing with the foreclosure crisis. Many housing counseling agencies across the country are struggling as the demand for their services has gone up. This financial boost could be the shot in the arm that is needed to bring homeowners back into good stead in California.
My question is, what about all the homeowners who have already lost their homes, how does this help them? Couldn’t anything be done to help them to get back into home ownership again? I know people in La Quinta and elsewhere… I’m sure you do too… who were caught in the timing of this foreclosure crisis such that they lost their homes, are now having to rent and have ruined credit. What is being done to help them to get back into the home ownership saddle, so to speak???
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Palm Springs has many cool neighborhoods with much history to write about – Vista Las Palmas is one of those – a scenic and historic Mid Century community nestled up against the San Jacinto Mountains in the northwest side of Palm Springs.
A little of the history – in the late 1950s, a father and son team of George and Robert Alexander of the Alexander Construction Co. built over 1200 “tract” homes designed in what is now called “Southern California Modern” style in the Palm Springs area.
For the times, the homes they built were very modern and included soaring rooflines with elegant minimalist facades – inside they boasted post and beam construction, walls of glass and spacious, open floorplans, capitalizing on the Sou. Cal. lifestyle which flows from the inside to outside.
The Alexanders began constructing homes in the southeast end of Palm Springs, but as they grew more successful, they were building in the Vista Las Palmas area on the northwest side of town near Las Palmas where the wealthy Hollywood crowd had been building Spanish Revival homes.
Also, the firm of Palmer and Krisel built about 330 homes in Vista Las Palmas. Krisel is known for his iconic “butterfly” roof design and their architect is responsible for the distinctive “Swiss Miss” A-frame style found there as well. The mix of design styles in Las Palmas has created one of the most architecturally diverse, yet cohesive communities in Palm Springs.
Also to be mentioned is “The House of Tomorrow” located in Vista Las Palmas- a futuristic style house for the time. It was featured in Look Magazine in 1962 and set a new standard for luxurious living in Southern California. The home became the secret getaway for Elvis & Priscilla Pressley in 1968 – it was where they honeymooned.
In the 1950s, many celebrities from Hollywood designated their homes in Vista Las Palmas as their desert retreat. Some of the elebrities who once lived and played there include Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Debbie Reynolds, Joan Collins, George Hamilton, Kirk Douglas, Dinah Shore and more.
Today, Vista Las Palmas has become a symbol of Mid-Century Modern design for the distinctive homeowner who wants the relaxed lifestyle of the desert. Owners include full-time residents, Snowbirds and weekenders from nearby Los Angeles. The residents in this iconic picturesque neighborhood share an interest in preserving the history and architecture that is unique to Palm Springs and so perfectly complements our desert landscape here.
Should you be interested in looking at Homes for Sale in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood in Palm Springs, give Kimberley Kelly, Realtor with HK Lane a call and set up an appointment today.
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If you’ve never heard of this little secret in La Quinta – a small guard-gated enclave of custom luxury homes directly across from Rancho La Quinta Country Club . . . well, you have now! The next time you happen to be driving on Avenue 50 between Washington and Jefferson Streets, be sure you make it a point to check out the beautiful entrance to The Estancias at Rancho La Quinta. These great luxury homes are built on half acre or larger lots – quite unusual here in our valley – and afford a definite sense of spaciousness for their fortunate residents.
The Estancias does not have its own golf course . . . BUT, residents do have the convenience of being just a quick golf cart drive away from all of the amenities offered at Rancho La Quinta Country Club. Along with the estate sized lots and magnificent mountain views, these 49 special homes at The Estancias at Rancho La Quinta offer just about everything one needs for the perfect desert lifestyle.
If we’ve piqued your curiosity and you’d like to visit The Estancias at Rancho La Quinta and tour the incredible homes for sale there, feel free to contact Kim Kelly to arrange your private tour.
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Quite frankly, there are few, if any, communities in the fair city of La Quinta that don’t have a view. Some neighborhoods are tucked right next to the mountains like La Quinta Cove and Traditions . . . others have a more panoramic view from a distance, quite dramatic . . . like La Quinta Fairways.
La Quinta Fairways is a well kept secret in our desert, conveniently located off of 50th Ave. near Washington St. and right around the corner from Old Town La Quinta. It is a quiet neighborhood, but very accessible – just 10 minutes away from Hwy. 111 and about 20 minutes from Interstate 10.
There are 254 homes in La Quinta Fairways and it is adjacent to La Quinta Resort and Club – with several of the golf holes of the resort’s Dunes Course winding through this private gated community. Though membership to The Dunes Club is not included in LQ Fairways HOAs, residents can receive discounted rates to play by using their city resident cards. Discounts apply to the Mountain Course and La Quinta’s public course, SilverRock, as well. Since there is no Clubhouse, community pool or fitness center, all is available at the Resort and consequently La Quinta Fairway’s HOAs are much lower.
La Quinta Fairways’ homes were built from 1994 to 2000 and are located both on and off the golf course. The streets are quiet and ideal for families with children and pets . . . and people are noticably friendly here. The smooth stucco homes in neutral colors with tile roofs are one and two-story and many have private pools with front and rear patios and courtyards, making for the perfect desert lifestyle. Floor plans range from approx. 1700sf to approx. 4,000sf and spectacular views of the Santa Rosa Mountains are a bonus.
La Quinta Fairways is truly a FIND !!! Allow Kimberley Kelly, Realtor with HK Lane Real Estate, to help you find your Desert Dream Home here . . . give her a call at 760-285-3578.
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Recently, I had an inquiry from a client looking for a tennis property somewhere in the Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage area. There are some amazing tennis communities there… but there’s one that bears mentioning because of the additional amenities it offers. It’s called Lake Mirage Racquet Club and it’s located on 75 acres of unique lakefront property right in the heart of Rancho Mirage.
Lake Mirage Racquet Club boasts 11 championship tennis courts and is considered one of the finest tennis facilities in the whole Palm Springs Valley. Built out between 1984-1990, it was originally designed with tennis players in mind, but has much wider appeal. If you happen to enjoy being around water and water sports, Lake Mirage features 238 guard-gated condos located around 2 community lakes. Residents can participate in electric boating, catch-and-release fishing, rowing, sailing and even join a yacht club here. Honestly, it is rare to find these types of water opportunities offered here in our desert!!!
But I’m not done yet…Lake Mirage sports a 3-hole pitch and putt golf course, 11 heated swimming pools & spas, 3 racquetball courts, a fitness center and more. There are beautiful walking and biking paths around the lakes, a clubhouse with a full calendar of social events and even kitchen facilities where residents can host private parties.
Lake Mirage Racquet Club’s guard-gated 238 condos are available in 10 distinct designs including some two-story units and some freestanding. They range in size from approx. 1,600sf to more than 3,000sf and every unit has access to a boat dock, many with lake frontage. Recent HOA is approx. $660/mo. and includes unlimited tennis. Recent prices range from approx. $170,000 to approx. $515,000
Ideally situated close to Eisenhower Medical Center, Bristol Farms and The River, there is no better location in the valley than Lake Mirage Racquet Club. Palm Springs Airport and the I-10 freeway are just a 15 minute drive away.
Didn’t I tell you that Lake Mirage Racquet Club has it all?
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There is a certain magic one feels when driving past the entrance to Thunderbird Heights on Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage. Just a feeling . . . can’t really put my finger on it. Perhaps it’s because of the neighborhood’s illustrious past – having been home to some of Hollywood’s great personalities like Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It is a community filled with the history and drama of by-gone days, offering strong appeal to a particular type of discerning buyer in today’s home market.
Location is a huge draw for most people who live there or are looking to buy in Thunderbird Heights. It features incredible panoramic views of the valley, yet is snuggled right up against the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. You can see from the windmills near Whitewater in the west clear across to the east end of the valley. Thunderbird Heights is situated smack dab in the center of Rancho Mirage’s Restaurant Row and is less than a mile away from The River. Interstate 10 access is only about 6 miles from the main gate. How convenient !!!
Thunderbird Heights in Rancho Mirage offers a quiet, serene environment, since most of its homeowners are seasonal. The homes are elegant and architecturally unique, boasting a mix of midcentury moderns, contemporaries, ranches and bungalows. Most of these homes were built in the 1950s on huge estate-sized lots and many have since been remodeled and updated, yet still maintain their original character.
Thunderbird Country Club is right across Hwy. 111 from Thunderbird Heights and the two are connected by an underground tunnel. It is one of the oldest golf clubs in the Palm Springs Valley and the par 71 course dates back to the 1940s, though it was redesigned in 1987.
So, whether you’re a MidCentury Modern architecture buff or are fascinated with the stories about Bing, Lucy, Desi and other stars, Thunderbird Heights is definitely one of Palm Springs Valley’s treasured neighborhoods.
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Check out new Short Sale Listing in Mission Lakes Country Club Desert Hot Springs, this one is a Slam Dunk . . . a very clean short sale.
This is an outstanding opportunity with a golf course location and magnificent Southern mountain views . . . what an outstanding location for this beautifully maintained single family home – approximately 2500 sf including a 3bd/2 ba main home + a detached Casita with a full bathroom! Just gorgeous!
On an over-sized lot, this Short Sale home sits on just under 10,000 sf . . . and there is only one neighbor as there is a berm on the West side of home. The West side yard has a shuffleboard court and the yard is entirely landscaped with low maintenance desert scape. A high wall has been added in the back yard in one corner of the covered porch to block the wind and create a calm, entertaining space.
In the beautiful gated community of Mountain View Country Estates within Mission Lakes Country Club in Desert Hot Springs, the affordable HOA is only $98/mo. This includes a community pool, tennis court and basketball court. Owners here may “pay as you play” at the adjacent golf club or buy a membership.
This Short Sale is offered at $275,000, is a Primary Residence with only one Note with GMAC. Originally sold for almost $495,000 in 2006. Seller only one month delinquent, NOD is not filed.
Don’t miss the Open House on 5/12 12-3 pm for viewing. Keep an eye out on the price !!!
Just another Short Sale opportunity presented by the Palm Springs Valley Short Sale Closer, Kimberley Joy Kelly… I list, work and CLOSE my short sales, and I’ll CLOSE this one too!
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We hadn’t had the chance to check out the Cliffhouse in La Quinta, perched on historic Point Happy, since it was recently taken over by Pacifica, the fabulous seafood restaurant and bar at The Gardens in Palm Desert. Pacifica is a class act and I could only imagine that the Cliffhouse would benefit by its new management. I had heard that the valet parking is a little dicey . . . and I must admit that I experienced that firsthand on Saturday. The energy of the valet team is a little aggressive and not welcoming – as they seem to cater to those driving Ferraris as opposed to regular “middle class” cars. BUT, once we climbed the stairs that meander next to the rock boulders and refreshing waterfall, we had regained our sense of good spirit and were delighted with what was to follow.
The Cliffhouse has a comfortable and earthy ambiance, that of a historic ranch house, offering magnificent mountain views from the indoor bar and dining area, an outdoor dining alcove carved into the adjacent granite mountain- complete with a flowing waterfall and a massive stone fireplace.
We met our friends at the Cactus Grill indoors and the atmosphere was festive and upbeat. The bar menu bears resemblance to the old Cliffhouse one, with a few subtle changes here and there. It feels a little more upscale, but prices are still affordable. The service was good, the Pinot Grigio I selected from the Happy Hour list was delightful and my simple order of a Wedge salad was executed perfectly. It was served at room temperature and everything was sumptuous and fresh. My friends offered up tastings of their French Fries and the yummy dishes they had ordered. We were all pleased as punch and very happy with our “new” Cliffhouse experience.
Hopefully, the valet parking situation will be resolved over time – there is no more park your own car, you must valet park. I have no beef with that, but the parking dudes could stand to take some lessons in customer service and proper valet etiquette. I won’t let that stop me from returning to the Cliffhouse for another delightful repast . . . and the sooner the better.
Living in La Quinta just keeps getting better and better !
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la quinta home buyers; multiple offers
La Quinta and the Palm Springs Valley is on fire. The entry level price point used to be saturated with inventory..up until about mid 2011. Last quarter of 2011 and first quarter 2012 and now to second quarter..things have changed. The mid price ranges..$500-$800,000 have largely moved laterally. Meaning there is still inventory and the price/sf has not changed dramatically over the past 18 months or so. Luxury properties and super luxury properties have come down and are selling. However, they will most likely see more price decreases through 2012.
The entry level however has more buyers than it has inventory. So..that led me to this blog. I often work with Investors, and also first time buyers that will NOT offer a number that will win the bid. They are still in the past..”no matter the price, offer less..sellers are desperate..and hey, I’m cash!” Doesn’t matter..
If you have found a fantastic property that is listed fairly, it will probably garner multiple offers. Short Sales in La Quinta generate mulitples almost always..
1. Cash still trumps, but NOT if your cash offer is way below fair market value. Sellers know they will get what they have it listed at. Cash does eliminate potential contingencies and also decreases close time, so that is worth something. However, do not think you are the ONLY cash buyer..you are not.
2. Loan type: If you are a conventional loan buyer, you should offer List Price or a little above to beat out the Cash buyers on a multiple offer property. If you are FHA or asking for Closing Costs, your offer needs to be better than List price because Seller has to see a value to crediting you back your closing costs. You will be competing with Cash buyers..make your offer stronger to persuade the Seller that you are serious!
3. Clean, well written offers: Don’t tangle your offer up with contingencies, and pieces of furnishings, and this and that. Make it easy, clean and straight forward. Nobody wants to have to “figure out” what you want. Sellers want it as easy and clean as possible.
4. Cash buyers…don’t be arrogant. There are many other cash buyers in the market. Investors, foreigners, people that saved their $, people pulling cash out of CD’s and buying real estate..make an offer that makes sense!
Get there first. Submit a clean, fair offer..that means pay attention to the comps and believe them! Your Realtor should be giving you a number that will garner attention..listen! If you are interested in Short Sales, that’s for another blog..
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short sale just listed in La Quinta
Short Sale at the Norman Estates in PGA West, La Quinta. 81375 National Dr. $1,200,000. This is a killer house! Southern Fairway views from the back yard which has a large pebbletec pool/spa and built-in outdoor entertainment area. There is a circular driveway in the front of the home which leads to a hand-carved wooden front door. Enter the door to a huge great room with 3 sets of french doors that open to the interior courtyard with it’s private fireplace, then continue on to the lovely backyard. Both wings of this entertainers’ home open to this party courtyard through French Doors and accented with stone floors.
The home has 5 bedrooms + 5.5 baths on an almost 18,000sf, corner home site. Inside the main home is a chefs’ kitchen with Wolfe/Sub-zero stainless appliances, Fisher/Paykel dual dishwashers, custom granite slab counter tops and an eat counter to seat 4 easily. The dining area and wet bar open to the interior courtyard large french doors as well. The entire home is centered around the interior courtyard that is accessed through multiple sets of french doors.
Attached Casita, Master retreat with fireplace in each, 2 more ensuite guest rooms and a laundry room that is enormous! Then we go outside to the couryard, take the stairs up to the enclosed sky deck. A special place, with it’s private bathroom and balcony. What views! Up Fairway to the lakes and mountains beyond. Imagine sipping a glass of wine and watching the sun set from this vantage point!
Two notes. First with B of A and second with Chase. Sellers have all docs in order. Purchased in 2006 for $1,400,000 plus all the upgrades, this home is a steal. I list, work and CLOSE my short sales, and I will get this one CLOSED too!
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