There's an acronym in the computer world - WYSIWYG (pronounced wizzy-wig) - that stands for What You See Is What You Get. While home buyers may be tempted to apply it to their purchase, WYSIWYG does not apply in the world of real estate!

The problem is what you don't see. While honest sellers would never attempt to conceal problems - and in fact are required to disclose defects prior to sale - a coat of paint could temporarily cover evidence of leaks or carpet cleaning might not show damage to the wood floor below.

We always very strongly urge that the buyers we represent request a home inspection prior to closing - even for newly built homes. A home inspector checks all the major systems in the home, running the dishwasher and the air conditioner, shining a bright light into dark corners, looking at plumbing, foundation, roof, windows, etc.

But it's important that buyers understand that the home inspection is visual. That means, for example, that while the inspector will look at the roof, he (or she) is not required to actually walk on the roof; the inspector will check the baseboard around the perimeter of a room (for obvious evidence of pests or other damage) but will not lift the carpeting to check beneath.

Before you hire an inspector, interview several and find out what they will and will not cover as part of the inspection. If you're concerned about a particular aspect of the property, further inspection may be required, usually at the buyer's expense (including repairs to any damages caused by the inspection).

If you would like referrals to qualified home inspectors or if you have questions about any part of the home buying or selling process in the Coachella Valley, please give us a call!

If Palm Springs living is about mid-century modern, this summer's exhibition at the Palm Springs Art Museum is about what you might call Century Modern. Modern Masters Celebrate Line and Form (June 26 through September 26) includes drawings, prints, sculptures and paintings by such renowned artists as Pierre Bonnard, Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Edgar Degas, Roger de la Fresnaye, Alberto Giacometti, Juan Gris, Marino Marini, Henri Matisse, Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Auguste Rodin and many other Modern masters. It's a gorgeous and inspiring exhibition.

Get the details here, learn more about the Desert Lifestyle, or call and let us introduce you to the fine art of Coachella Valley real estate!

The super-luxury segment of the Coachella Valley market - estate properties priced $2.51-$9.0 million - is selling at exactly the same pace this year as last. The good news is that the price per square foot in this market segment has increased by 11% over the same period in 2009. Similar to luxury home sales, about 89% of super-luxury properties sell in all-cash transactions.

Our two favorite words in these all-cash deals? "Wire Transfer!"

Want to look at (or talk about) Palm Springs real estate? Call Scott + Jim at 760.567.1550.

The Coachella Valley - the low desert region around Palm Springs in Southern California - has a substantial luxury market comprised of homes priced between $1.5 and $2.5 million.

The Desert Area MLS reports that this segment of the market experienced a year-over-year 49% increase in sales Valley-wide, January-June. Some 87% of these luxury-segment properties sell in all-cash transactions!

To see printed reports from the Desert Area MLS, or to talk about selling or purchasing a luxury property, give us a call at 760.567.1550.

Are you ready for some good news? We have it! What we call "entry level" homes here in Southern California's Coachella Valley - those priced $500,000 and below - are selling at a brisk pace. Our Windermere office is processing about 500 escrows a month compared to 200-300 during the same period in 2009.

Foreclosures and Short Sales are down substantially year-over-year. While they continue to apply some downward pressure on prices, they're having less of an effect than last year and prices seem to have stabilized in the last two months. Some bank-owned properties - in better neighborhoods, well-maintained and presented - are selling quickly in multiple offers.

In some areas, especially in the most desirable country club developments, prices have begun to INCREASE a few percentage points in the last three months!

Homes that have quality finishes, make a good first impression and, most importantly, are priced correctly for their market are seeing faster offers and selling well.

Whether you're selling or buying, if you're looking for an edge on the competition, call us! We are the Coachella Valley real estate experts. 760.567.1550.

Talking about the current market outlook, California Association of Realtors® President Steve Goddard recently commented, "Mortgage interest rates continue to hover near their historic lows, and many buyers are out in force to take advantage of the combination of low interest rates and affordably priced homes. It's an ideal time for many families to purchase their first home even though they may face stiff competition."

If you're looking for a way to get an edge on the competition, call us! We are the Coachella Valley real estate experts. 760.567.1550

Whatever your portfolio, whatever your equity, the past couple of years have been economically nasty. Now-at last!-there's a dribble of good news: Bloomberg News reports today that lenders can be expected to loosen the purse-strings on home-equity loans in 2010.

What that means is homeowners with equity-those who owe less than their property is worth-will be able to bank on their home's value for loan funding. Forecasters predict that those who seek such loans will forego the luxury spending of the recent past in favor of renovations and other practical expenditures. They also predict that lenders remain extremely cautious, and even those with outstanding credit and tremendous equity may have to shop around.

For those smart enough to invest in the Coachella Valley real estate market-Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells-there's more good news: our market is bustling with buyers eager to find a second or third home, a romantic pied-à-terre or an all-amenities condo on the 7th green.

If you're thinking of selling or buying, or just curious about our desert communities we would be happy to show you around, introduce you to the desert lifestyle and answer your questions about real estate. We are your Palm Springs Realtors, so give us a call today at 760-567-1550.

In real estate, knowledge is power. Let us put our knowledge of Palm Springs and the Valley to work for you!

As the ladies are swinging (their golf clubs) in Rancho Mirage at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the ladies are just plain swinging at the Dinah Shore Weekend, known as "The Dinah." Stand back or jump in-The Dinah is considered the largest lesbian event in the world, attracting thousands of women from around the planet who come to Palm Springs to party, March 31 through April 4.

This is The Dinah's 20th year and it promises to be bigger, hotter and more glamorous than ever. Parties, dancing, pool parties, comedy, celebrities, parties, music, benefit performances, parties and so much more fill the hotels, streets, restaurants and venues of Palm Springs with non-stop fun.

Tickets and information are available at www.thedinah.com and event tickets may also be purchased at the door-cash only!

Palm Springs is a delicious vacation and party spot, but with its incomparable mid-century modern architecture and luxury residential developments, it is a wonderful place to call home year-round. While our market is springing back faster than other places, Palm Springs real estate still offers some tremendous investment opportunities for the savvy buyer. If you'd like to talk about Palm Springs condos or homes for sale, we are your Realtors in Palm Springs, so give us a call today at 760-567-1550.

In real estate, knowledge is power. We know how to help you make the most of your home investment and we look forward to helping you with all your Coachella Valley real estate sale and purchase needs.

Palm Springs is always pretty wonderful in the winter, but it's just bustling right now. The Palm Springs International Film Festival is in full swing (January 5-18, 2010) and half of Hollywood is here. The town is rocking, restaurants and hotels are packed, screenings are sold out and there is a real buzz in this little village of fabulousness. Did you know that the Festival ranks in the Top Three Film Festivals in the WORLD?! True, right up there with Cannes and Sundance.

Palm Springs is home to a thriving film society with a year-round program of screenings and special events in addition to this month's Festival and the ever-popular "Shortfest" in June. To learn more, check out the Palm Springs International Film Society site at www.psfilmfest.org.

Meanwhile, as if things weren't lively enough, the real estate market in the Coachella Valley is on fire! Homes are selling very quickly and we're seeing more going into multiple offers. Buyers are moving on homes that are priced well and staged well, especially when the property is a great value for the neighborhood. The sales per month have been trending upward since May 2009. Based on our Windermere office meetings, we believe the Coachella Valley may be experiencing the beginning of a real estate recovery.

If a move in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta or Indian Wells is on your 2010 wish list, give us a call today at 760-567-1550. And remember, in real estate, knowledge is power!

Selling real estate in today's marketplace means having a powerful referral network-local (for specialized properties, such as commercial), regional, state, national and even international. Naturally, as we exchange clients and referrals, we also exchange news, information-and, yes, gossip!

One of the things we keep hearing from agents in other areas is what a huge impact stimulus funds-the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit-have had on their sales numbers. But not here! In the Coachella Valley, only about 5 to 10% of our buyers fall into this category.

In fact, most Valley buyers are affluent consumers with top-tier credit scores and plenty of cash or other assets. Most have already owned one or more homes. They come here to shop for a second, third or fourth residence because they CAN and WANT TO. Some 60% of our buyers come from out of the area and most are friends or associates of a local homeowner. Typically, buyers visit our desert valley a few times, stay with their friends and then realize they love the lifestyle and want to purchase a residence of their own.

If you're ready to stop being a houseguest and start being a desert homeowner, give us a call today at 760-567-1550. And remember, in real estate, knowledge is power!

P.S.: By the way, there is now a $6,500 federal tax credit for "move-up" home buyers who close escrow between Nov. 6, 2009 and June 30, 2010. Give us a call and we'll explain how it works!