On May 13th 2008, the world-renowned auction house, Christie's, premiered its Post War and Contemporary Art auction to a full-house at 20 Rockefeller Center. There were many of the world's best paintings up for auction, including Elizabeth Peyton's "Kurt Cobain" and Andy Warhol's "Four Jackies". But the highlight of the evening was the auction of Richard Neutra's Kaufmann House in Palm Springs. I had never been to a live auction before, so watching the live video stream was the next best thing. There were 57 lots (items) that were up for auction, and the Kaufmann House was Lot 42. The opening bid for this architectually significant home started at $9 million. The bidding was fast & furious, but the winning bid for this came in by telephone for $15 million. This is now the most expensive... 05/13/2008

  E. STEWART WILLIAMS(Emerson Stewart Williams (1909-September 10, 2005) Coachella Valley Architect Around the Coachella Valley, when you hear the name E. Stewart Williams, you think of the Palm Springs Desert Museum, his most dramatic and well-known architectural design. E. Stewart Williams' born in 1909, with his unique modernistic architectural style, had a significant impact on the building landscape around our desert communities.   Early Years Mr. Williams' father, Harry Williams, was a well-known Dayton, Ohio architect who designed the offices of National Cash Register in Dayton, Ohio.   Julia Carnell, whose husband was the Nash Cash Register controller commissioned Harry Williams in 1934 to design a commercial real estate development in Palm Springs, California, where she spent h... 05/10/2008

  If you are looking for a night out of fun and entertainment in the Palm Springs area, then you might want stop by the famous CopyKatz Showroom at 200 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Spring, CA 92262 to see the CopyKatz Celebrity Revue featuring the world famous  Kenny Kerr and other celebrity look-alikes and female impersonators. Some of my favorite celebrity impersonations include Cher, Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand and Judy Garland and many more.  Impersonations are subject to change so it is best to call and find out who is performing. You can also have dinner while enjoying the show. The CopyKatz Showroom and Backstage Bistro is a great place to hold your favorite corporate, holiday, birthday party or pretty much any entertainment event.  To book an event, call (760) 770-6611 or (888) ... 05/07/2008

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 3400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Telephone number 760 318-3800 Palm Springs Airport Website Airport Status Report AIRLINES  If you are planning a vacation, business trip or thinking about relocating to the Palm Springs area or other surrounding desert communities in the Coachella Valley, you will discover that the Palm Spring International Airport is served by over a dozen airlines with connections to most major U.S. cities and many international cities throughout the world.  The following is a list of the airlines that service the Palm Springs desert communities which include Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Indio:   Air Canada (Seasonal)                    ... 05/07/2008

The 8th Annual Palm Springs Film Noir Festival will held May 29, 2008 - June 1, 2008 at the Camelot Theatre, 2300 Baristo Road, Palm Springs, California. Tickets will be available at the door or through the Palm Springs Film Noir website   Matinee shows before 5:00 p.m. are $11.50.  Evening shows after 5:00 p.m. are $13.50.An all access pass is $110.00, which entitles holders to attend the Opening Night Celebration on May 29th at the Camelot Theatre-No-Host Bar following the film, and the Wrap-Party on June 1st at the Camelot Theatre's Cinema Lounge with complimentary hors d'oeuvres, No- Host Bar. The Palm Springs Film Noir is planning a tribute to Arthur Lyons, who unexpectedly passed away this year.  Mr. Lyons co-founded and produced the Palm Springs Film Noir.  He was also an author ... 05/05/2008

With the laws that govern the practice of foreclosing on real property varying from state to state, it can be highly confusing attempting to understand the procedures involved in the process.  Unless you know of benchmark cases that have set precedence in the state you are interested in pursuing buying foreclosed property, you will need to investigate the local ordinances and laws governing such pursuits.Foreclosure is the process a bank, lending company, or realty company enacts against the owners of a specific piece of property or property location.  If the person or persons attempting to purchase the property are in default or are expecting to be in default of the loan, the property, having been the recipient of a lien in lieu of payment on the full balance of the loan is then seized... 05/02/2008

For those of you dreading the warmer weather guaranteed to bring higher temperatures, Knott's Soak City opens their doors to a whole new wild, wet, and fun world to jump start your summer adventures.  Offering fun for the whole family from the youngest to the oldest, there is something here for everyone. As another added attraction to the legendary good times available in Palm Springs, Soak City brings new meaning to making the most of the heat.  For your convenience, you have the option of renting a personal locker for containing any personal items you bring with you or your own private cabana for the day.  With exceptional service and the promise of a fun filled day, your adventure is only the beginning of many more to be had at one of the most popular water parks currently open. Wit... 05/01/2008

Exclusively the only guest ranch currently operating in Palm Springs, Smoke Tree Ranch offers you a journey into the past over legendary trails through an exceptional history dating back more than six decades.  Humble beginnings precede the deep rooted tradition of a home-like atmosphere that values dedication, inspiration, and above all, simplicity.  Without a need for showy displays, the ranch maintains a welcoming ambiance enhanced by the decor that helps carry you back in time to another era. Truly experiencing the desert around you is a necessity here by indulging in a trail ride, either for an hour or spanning all day.  Following trails carved out of the mystical desert spread across 150 acres, you will find yourself immersed in another world full of memories and history.  Stunni... 05/01/2008

Every Wednesday morning, the Palm Springs Association of Realtors has its weekly Board meeting at the Mizell Senior Center at 8am.I always get to the meeting about 15 minutes early to get a good seat.  When I got there this morning, the meeting room was packed.  There was a TV news crew setting up in the corner, and was wandering what all the hoopla was all about. Were we having a special guest speaker?  Who was it?  The Mayor?   The Governator?  My curiosity had piqued.  It turns our speaker was Larry Ward, the Riverside County Tax Assessor.  Now I thinking to myself "Why all the fuss?  Death & Taxes are the only things certain in life."I know that sounds a little pessimistic so early in the morning, but I did not have my morning cup of coffee yet.  The topic that Mr. Ward was covering... 05/01/2008

I am noticing a lot of short sales are selling at very close to full price and some of the better ones may have several offers on them. The market here has changed a bit. The good bank foreclosures also have multiple offers as well. I have several clients that are waiting for the bank to sort through the offers and get a response; it is not for the faint of heart and can take two to four months or more to complete a short sale. Foreclosures are tricky also and most people don't know that the bank can get an offer at the last second and accept it, even if you have been told you are 1st in the running. Short Sale negotiators may have hundreds of files on their desks, so you must have good steady contact. I have sold dozens of short sales starting back to the 90's when we had another low h... 04/21/2008

Here are the current listing statistics on active, pending and sold Palm Springs condos from 150,000 to 200,000 price range. These condo listing are from the period for 3/14/2008 to 4/14/2008. This also shows you the list price to sell price as well as average days on the market breakdown, and average % of list price received on solds by market time. Please call Elaine Stewart at 760 668-2399 to see Real Estate in the Palm Springs or surrounding areas.Active: 16 Pending: 9 Sold: 9 Other: 0 Total: 34  Bedrooms Bathrooms Square Feet List Price Selling Price Days on Market Minimum 1  1.00  589  $150,000  $152,000  5  Average 2  1.86  1,131  $183,622  $178,322  61  Median 2  2.00  1,116  $187,000  $180,000   22  Maximum 3  2.50  1,545  $205,000  $199,900  548  Total Dollar Value      $1,604... 04/14/2008

   The mysteries of the Earth while being numerous and complex also serve to capture the attention of people everywhere.  Perhaps one of the most prevalent mysteries that man has often wondered and mused over is the ancient spirits and their beginnings.  One such location is widely known for its legend and remarkable stories that tell of an air of power and mystery while displaying the beauty of the desert and of a people that time holds suspended in memory through ruins and rock huts built into the rocky trails and winding paths.   Tahquitz Canyon is the location that offers each visitor a view of the awe inspiring San Jacinto Mountains from various locations on winding trails that carry the traveler past ancient irrigation ditches as well as foundations and house pits built by the Agu... 04/01/2008

What does one solid week of delectable dishes flavored with precision and care added to over forty restaurant participants gives you?  The highly anticipated Palm Springs Restaurant Week.  With nearly unlimited amounts of food, drink, and fun you and everyone you bring or meet in attendance are guaranteed to experience something few people will ever have the chance to. You can taste many wonderful specialties from Copley's on Palm Canyon, Chop House, Melvyn's, Pomme Frite, The Falls Prime Steakhouse & Martini Bar, Zin American Bistro, Le Vallauris and more.  This event is a must to attend for those of you that enjoy a savory experience when you partake of a meal.  With dishes ranging from simple bistro menus to extreme culinary creations that will make you request more, the experience ... 03/31/2008

The 21st annual Palm Springs home expo is coming to Palm Springs next weekend!  April 4th-6th at the Palm Springs Convention Center.  Admission and parking are FREE all three days.Find everything for your home, health and well-being all in one location! You can't afford to miss it!For more info: http://local.mydesert.com/splash/homeexpo/  400 exhibit boothsFree seminarsDIY workshopsFree fitness assessmentsHealth ScreeningsOpening night reception with VIP tours. 100% proceeds benefit Desert AIDS Project** EntertainmentHealth and Beauty sectionPrizes and Giveaways Home Home FurnishingsKitchens and BathroomsBarbequesLandscapingPatios and GardensPaints and FinishingsWindows and DoorsLive AuctionSeminars and WorkshopsDesigner RoomsSpas and Pools 03/28/2008

If you're in town this weekend, please note the following event:Please join us this Saturday night between 6-9 for a pre-release book party at Modern Home in Palm Springs! Andrew Weaving, author of "Modern Retro" and "Sarasota Modern" will be there signing his latest book "Living Retro". This new hardbound features some amazing homes in Palm Springs, London, Florida, Copenhagen and New York including Jonathan Adler's swanky pad! With photography by Andrew Wood, this one is a must for any lover of Mid Century design. There will be drinks, snacks and socializing. Feel free to pass this invite along to any lover of the era! Hope to see you there!!   Saturday March 29th 6-9pmModern Home2500 N. Palm Canyon Dr. @ Racquet clubPalm Springs, CA. 92262760-320-8422 03/27/2008

Who is taking advantage of the low housing prices? Smart Canadians. In the past few months we have been receiving a number of inquiries from our neighbors in the North, inquiring about purchasing in the Palm Springs area.  The strength of the Canadian dollar  compared to the US dollar, is added incentive for foreign nationals to invest in Palm Springs, which has been a popular winter playground for Canadians, for years. Recently, my clients from Vancouver were shocked at what they could purchase here for $400,000 compared to what that same house would cost them in Canada.  Smart buyers are realizing the values.To help Canadians understand the process of what is involved with purchasing here, I've put together a page on my website: http://www.paulkaplanrealtor.com/ForeignBuyers.phpWe hav... 03/26/2008

 Here are the figures for California-  if you look at the averages for California for % Change in Sales from 2007, Palm Springs if one of the areas least affected by the current market conditions.  Palm Springs area Prices dropped 13.6%, compared to the average for California, of 26.2% from 2007 to 2008.  February 2008 Regional Sales and Price Activity*Regional and Condo Sales Data Not Seasonally Adjusted February-08Median PricePercentChangein PricefromPriorMonthPercentChangein PricefromPriorYearPercentChangein SalesfromPriorMonthPercent Change in Sales from Prior Year Feb-08Jan-08 Feb-07 Jan-08Feb-07Statewide       Calif. (sf)$409,240-4.8% -26.2% 9.5%-28.5%Calif. (condo)$366,390-1.0% -15.0% 9.6%-40.8%        C.A.R. Region       Central ValleyNANA NA NANAHigh Desert$220,380-5.9% -31.1% ... 03/26/2008

Waking up early yesterday I turned the TV on to CNBC to check out the tortuous news on the housing market ( I guess I am a glutton for punishment). To my surprise it was the first time in a year that there was positive news about housing. They reported that sales were up 2.9% country wide, I thought wow my four escrows couldin't have pushed it that much! But I have been talking to more buyers lately!I sell in the Palm Springs area and work for a company that has 420 agents in the valley. Monday is office meeting day so off I went to hear the basic stuff see some friends and get a free breakfast from the vendors, I know kinda shallow. The news was good, it wasn't your typical things will be ok meeting. It was things are getting better! Our company Windermere Real Estate actually had a 10... 03/25/2008

The Palm Springs Follies opened in December of 1936, Earl Strebe the manager and owner, offered Camille, a now historic and classic picture show as the first performance given. Not only did the Plaza Theatre immerse you in a bygone culture and way of entertainment that is difficult to find today, but also they boasted performers such as Frank Sinatra, Donald O'Connor, and many other great actors and performers. These stars were the limelight of the shows, and helped to make the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, CA a popular place back in the day, read more here 03/24/2008

Looks like we're going to break 90 degrees this weekend!  Its clear and beautiful and definately great pool weather. Hope everyone has a great weekend and spring break! If you have time, come on out to Palm Springs for a visit!! Paul 03/22/2008