La Quinta California Real Estate: January 2011

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to take a day  off each week - even if it is a 2 hour day off. I have worked hard to do this. Today is my day off. I slept in ( until 6:30 am). I had a big cup of coffee with the local paper. Then I cleaned out some closets and drawers. I went to the store for groceries. I talked to my son in Hawaii. Now I am home to watch the golf tournament. I already feel clearer and less frustrated with the real estate market.

It does help to get away from our job no matter how much we love it. I am still answering the phone and doing emails and blogs. It is nice to have a day to do whatever I want to do. Maybe it's time for a nap?

1. a mountain view

2. 3 car garage

3. great room

4. lots of storage - walk in closets

5. stainless appliances

6. fireplace

7. efficient a/c

8. plantation shutters

9. walk in showers

10. closet organizers

11. at least 3 bedrooms

12. safe area

13. quiet area

14. inside laundry room

15. access to swimming pool

I was so frustrated today. Nothing major happened, but put it altogether and I feel like I had a wasted day.

I went to a new home I was selling today and buyers are all set to sign and we find out that lot does not have an extended garage. The onsite sales people pulled it together a few hours later with a different lot, so we will see if it sticks.

Then I run to open house and sit for 3 hours and only 2 people show up with no interest.

My handyman goes to put a TV in a rental for tomorrow arrival and then we find out the owners already put in TV's last weekend and did not tell me.

Then I call a listing to client to tell her it has been 30 days since we listed her home and she needs to lower the price. She says she wants to cancel as I should have had her home sold by now. Onto the next one, that  is ready to sell, but still hurts.

I get home and my husband tells me one of his friends called and his wife wants to buy an investment. I research the MLS for what she wants and then call her. She is out shopping - but not for houses, I hope.

It is 4 o'clock and I am ready to call it quits for today and wait for a day with better results tomorrow.

The past week I have been showing homes to my husband. He is my most challenging client of all. My husband is a wonderful man, but as far as looking at homes, he has taught me alot. My husband is disabled with CIDP so even looking at 1 or 2 homes is difficult plus he has trouble walking and with balance.

The first home we looked at took over an hour. He even had me pull my car into the garage to see how it fit. Then we go to the model home and of course, that's one he likes. Then we go to the lots. Like most of our clients, he wants the most expensive lot which is for sure out of our price range. I was laughing so hard.

I also learned alot about moving slower, giving my clients more time, asking them questions rather than tellinng them all they need to know. I also learned that even though I think my clients are slow at making decisions and signing contracts, they are sure faster than my husband.

The most challenging client of all - my husband!!!

I love my team - working together to help each other and the team too. Kathy is our internet pro. Her blogs and facebook postings are amazing.Now Leanna is on board with Tina and Glenda too. The Lori Bowers Group rocks!

Today Jan. 26, 2011 is a good day with good news for the housing market!

The Dow hit over 12,000 with news that new home sales are going higher and higher.

The Feds also left the interest rate at the current low rates.

The economy continues to improve.

Ok - buyers, get off the sidelines and buy those homes now before prices and interest rates rise!

Here are some unbelievable deals on the market right now! Act FAST or they will probably be SOLD!

The Orchard near 49th and Jefferson - $289,000 ( sold for around $650,000 new) This home is almost 2700 sq. ft. Large lot, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage, travertine floors, ceiling fans, plantation shutters in some rooms, stainless appliances, coated garage floor, courtyard fireplace. The home is REO bank owned and in excellent move in condition.

Lake La Quinta - Near Washington and Ave. $675,000. Over 2700 sq. ft. Living room, dining room, 3 bedrooms including large master suite, pool and spa, firepit, BBQ island, 3 car garage,  incredible west mountain and lake views, and best of all boat dock for your electric power boat.

There are other deals too! Call me to buy, sell, lease, invest - Lori Bowers, Broker ph:760-831-1595

The Lori Bowers Group

Old Town La Quinta

Over my 10 years in real estate, I have sold over 1500 homes in and near to La Quinta, California. I have met all kinds of buyers and sellers. This weekend I found a very challenging client - my husband.

My husband is not a realtor. He is a retired chirporactor. He does know alot about real estate after listening to me for 10 years in the business.

We are in the process of downsizing out home in La Quinta, California. I took my husband to view some homes in Trilogy La Quinta where we are considering moving.

He spent almost 30 minutes in the 1st home that was 1500 sq. ft. Then he asked me to pull my car into the extended garage so he could see if his golf cart would fit. Now he wants to measure the golf cart.

It was an eye opening showing for me as I just whiz people through the homes and tell them- oh don't worry about that. We can handle it. Or - this will be fine- this is usually how it goes. I learned that many of these people probably know less about real estate than my husband and probably trust me less too.

I have taken a new approach of asking questions, taking more time, and listening. I think it is good to be assertive, take control - you are the parent, they are the child, but let people figure out what works for them and then move through it.

Showing my husband homes at Trilogy La Quinta was a learning experience for me.

Here is the part of being a realtor that most people don't seem to know or understand. We are available all the time and still work when we are sick. Whether we are tired or sick or just don't want to work, we suit up and show up and do it happily.

Trilogy Development in La Quinta, California is a gated community with over 1200 homes. There are only 26 new homes remaining.

Are you looking for a beautiful community and a low cost too for people 55+ years old? Trilogy La Quinta is the place for you.

The amenities at Trilogy are amazing- 18 holes of championship golf at low costs, an indoor-outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness center, and indoor cooled and heated jogging track.

The prices are $200,000 - $600,000 and the Homeowner's dues are only $298 per month.

Trilogy La Quinta is a wonderful place to live and a good value too.

To view new homes and resales too, please call me for your personal tour -

Lori Bowers

The Lori Bowers Group

ph:760-831-1595