The desert surrounding Palm Springs is not only known for it's high temperatures, dry air and spacious quality, but also for the shocking beauty of the desert life.  For those of you that have not taken the time to view the desert life as it displays itself during each season, then you need to pay a visit to the Moorten Botanical Gardens where you will find yourself immersed in the beauty of the hidden desert life and you can find out for yourself exactly why it is that so many people have chosen to make it their home. Proudly claiming to be a "living museum", this magical location provides the average visitor with enough information to understand and recognize the beauty of the desert, with a twist -- Moorten gives you a view of the desert life, re-invented.  With so many paths to cho... 02/19/2008

 Energy Saving TipsAs consumers we have always been looking for ways to be more environmentallyfriendly as well as save energy for the sake of saving of our pocketbooks. With energybeing such an expensive commodity, just look at gas prices, we need to be morediligent now in saving energy than we ever have been in the past. Throughout thisreport you will discover the many ways that you can save energy in your home, whichwill directly affect you and how much money you spend each year on energy.According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average family spends $1,300 per yearon home energy bills. Much of this energy is wasted due to inefficiency in heating, aircondition and ventilation units. Windows often leak conditioned air due to age andolder appliances tend to use much more energy ... 02/18/2008

This situation happened to me a few month's ago:I was driving across town to preview a home in Palm Springs for client, and I was in a hurry to make my appointment. I came to the intersection, but did not make a complete stop. I did what is called a "California stop", looking both ways to make sure there weren't any cars and kept driving. I didn't see the Palm Springs Police car sitting on the side of the road, and he proceeded to pull me over and issue me a citation.After a expressing a few expletives inside my head, I was thinking to myself:Doesn't the Palm Springs Police Dept. have anything else better to do?I have been living in the city of Palm Springs for the last 9 years, but I really did not know anything about the Police Dept., including the name of our Police Chief. So I decid... 02/17/2008

Palm Springs, CA -- Too much of Palm Springs' trademark mid-century modern architecture has been lost in recent years. Even today, development continues to swallow up some of the desert's best buildings. But the recently-renovated Horizon Hotel proves that preservation and development are not necessarily mutually exclusive. In May of 2006 - following a two-year, multi-million-dollar renovation - the 22-room luxury hotel once again opened its doors, thus beginning a new chapter for this legendary desert getaway. When real estate developer Dave Scharf bought the Horizon (originally called L'Horizon) in 2004, it needed more than a little TLC. In the eyes of many developers, it was an ideal "tear-down." For more than 50 years, guests had enjoyed the hotel's privacy - something architect Wi... 02/17/2008

  Following with the over all modern look to Palm Springs comes the Port Lawrence Residences, newly offering a place for those modernists that cannot seem to feel at home in anything less than a true awe inspiring residence.  Port Lawrence  offers a wide variety of living arrangements, from studio lofts to penthouses and nearly everything in between. Only in Palm Springs is the evidence clear that modernism is largely still alive and will be kept that way with the aid of most of the benefactors, founding fathers, and committees that oversee the growth and recording of Palm Springs as it was and as it is now.  These societies and committees, such as the Palm Springs Historical Society and many others keep the culture alive and the memories of what once was, very active even today.  They ... 02/16/2008

 The Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival, a benefit for the Culinary Institute of America's Endowed Scholarship Fund is presented by Wells Fargo and will be one of the most prestigious food and wine festivals in Southern California. Located at the Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs, this event will be uniquely educational in focus showcasing Palm Springs as a culinary destination. This Festival is the only one of its kind on the West Coast as it benefits the premier culinary school in America, the Culinary Institute of America.  Locally, the Festival also benefits the Desert AIDS Project whose mission is to provide crucial services for those with HIV & AIDS.  In the spirit of these two organizations and their mission of education, the Festival and all of its partners will have edu... 02/16/2008

The Kaufmann House in Palm Springs is one the most architecturally significant modern homes in the United States. Yesterday, the city of Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Modern Committee, and the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation designated the Kaufmann House as a Class One historical site. The home was designed by Richard Neutrain 1946, but the home came into prominence due to the photography of Julius Shulman.Julius Shulman is a American architectural photographer whose works captured the California mid-century modernism movement and introduced it to the world.Starting today, the works of Julius Shulman will be on exhibition at the Palm Springs Art Museum, in conjunction with Modernism Week. Modernism Week is the annual collaboration between the Modernism Show, Palm Springs Preservat... 02/15/2008

This Saturday will be the first Certified Farmers Market in Palm Springs.  This will be a weekly event.Located next to the Camelot Theatres, at the corner of Farrell and Barristo, across from the Palm Springs High School.  8:00 to 12:30.Should be a great opportunity to pick up locally grown fresh fruits and veggies!  Their will be entertainment too!Please come on down and support our local produce providers and the Farmer's Market! http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M19978     02/15/2008

 One of the perceptions that many people have about REALTORS is that all we do is show a few homes, write an offer, then collect a big commission check.   That's it, end of story.  For me, and my fellow REALTORS, it is so much more than that.I have been selling real estate since 1999, and have always tried to maintain high standards  for myself and  my chosen profession of Real Estate. Since the beginning I have always believed in giving back to the community that has given me so much. This year, I joined the Special Events committee of the Palm Springs Regional Association of Realtors.  This committee plans the events for the year to raise money for the various community charities that we give to.  Our first event for the season is the Annual Valentine's Day cake auction.Every year, we... 02/14/2008

I am a Palm Springs Mortgage Guy and I recently had a client story that I would like to share with all. I think this will enlighten those that may believe that "Loan Modification" cant happen. My clients were on their way to being 60 days late on their mortgage payment. There payment adjusted up $800 from $2200 to $3000. They called me stressed out and ready to give up. I told them that they should call their mortgage company and see what options were available to them. They were nervous, scared and didnt want to make the call. I offered to do a conference call with them. The rep was kind and patient with us. They asked why the homeowner was in their current situation and they answered truthfully. The husband commission job wasnt producing the income he normally received. The rep procee... 02/13/2008

Palm Springs is a truly unique city, the location for some of the most amazing activities and demonstrations.  The weather is mostly balmy and year round decent.  This of course, draws many people from all over to experience the natural habitat by hiking in Palm Springs.  Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran of hiking, there are some important safety tips and facts you should be aware of before you visit one of the numerous hiking trails located in and around Palm Springs.  For views of some of the most awe inspiring landscape you have to visit the Araby Trail for a terrific hike that has one of it's entrances near the home of Bob Hope.  With a moderate level of difficulty and stretching 1.6 miles, the Araby Trail gives you a spacious view of the Coachella Valley once you r... 02/13/2008

  With the myriad of astounding architectural designs used in and around Palm Springs, it is obvious that some of the most notorious architects have lived or designed there.  One of the more noteworthy ones being William Krisel, AIA of the firm Palm & Krisel which began it's reign in 1924.  Since 1954 William Krisel has been invariably building his fame and notoriety, literally, as a landscape architect and winning the hearts of many with his intriguing designs that have lasted over a duration of time.  Some of his more popular designs have been used world wide as models for studies and instruction in the intricacies of modern architecture. Over the course of his fifty-one year career, he is personally responsible for having designed well over thirty thousand domestic units in and aroun... 02/12/2008

10 Years, Thousand of Steps.... Hundreds of LivesCome join The Desert Women's Council for its 10th ANNUAL HIKE FOR HOPE on Sunday, March 2 and support women's cancer research at City of Hope. HIKE FOR HOPE 2008 will again be held in the beautiful Indian Canyons in Palm Springs, courtesy of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.  Guides from the Coachella Valley Hiking Club supported by Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue will lead participants on hikes ranging from very easy to strenuous. There will be 10 different trails from which to choose a hike for everyone! There is a $40 pre-registration fee before February 25 or $45 after that date which includes entrance to the Indian Canyons, a tee shirt, snacks, prize eligibility, and more! Hikers are encouraged to raise additi... 02/11/2008

 PSMODCOM PARTY 2008 MODERNISM WEEK LOCATION IN PALM SPRINGS,CA FEB 16th 8 to MIDNIGHTPalm Springs, CA is truly becoming a city that never rests.  Although this might seem contradictory to the general atmosphere in the scenic town, it has begun to define the majority of activities there.  With something going on nearly every week, it comes as no surprise to announce another awe inspiring occasion.  Beginning February 15, Thursday through February 24, Saturday is the famed Modernism Week in Palm Springs.  This annual event has gained notoriety for the exciting mosaic of a multitude of architectural and design programs and events that are taking place in Palm Springs.  This collaboration between some of the hierarchical seats of power in Palm Springs, such as the Palm Springs Historical S... 02/11/2008

Wow, wanted to spread the word on my latest visit to The Purple Palm restaurant at the newly opened, Colony Palms Hotel, in central Palm Springs.http://www.colonypalmshotel.com/home.php What a great property that evokes the spirit of the old Palm Springs era.  Dine pool side in a lushly landscaped courtyard in the middle of the property.  Enjoy amazing mountain views as you dine to classic Rat Pack style music.  Great staff, good food, and really a relaxing enjoyable experience.  I've taken a couple of clients there recently, and have really been impressed.  Hope you can stop by sometime and enjoy it for yourself. Paulwww.RepoCaravan.net  02/07/2008

Providing expert service to both Buyers and Sellers. From Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta to Indio, the Coachella Valley continues to be an extraordinary real estate investment opportunity (whether primary or second homes or commercial investment), to say nothing of its unsurpassed resort lifestyle. THE STRENGTH OF THE CANADIAN LOONEY IS PROVIDING UNUSUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR NORTHERN NEIGHBORS. The distinct US and Canadian governmental requirements (including residency terms, tax withholding and loan issues) can be easily navigated and I am pleased to offer my expertise to our Canadian friends. BUYERS: SEARCH ALL AREA LISTINGS FROM EVERY BROKERAGE THROUGH MY SITE AND THEN LET ME HELP YOU COMPLETE YOUR SEARCH, COMPARE AND NEGOTIATE! Clients rely on my... 02/06/2008

I attended the Board of Realtors weekly meeting this morning, to listen to newly elected Mayor, Steve Pougnet, update us on what's going on in town. Here are some highlights:Two new hotels, the Hard Rock and the Mondrian are moving forward, to provide more rooms for the Convention Center.  The Ace Hotel is moving quickly to renovate the old Howard Johnson's, on "Spring Break Row" on East Palm Canyon, which will provide a hip new hotel in that corridor.The City of PS is offering loan incentives for hotels to encourage the growth of more hotel rooms in town.The mixed use project of Port Lawrence at the corner of Alejo and Palm Canyon, is also moving forward, despite rumors of problems with financing.  They should have their sales trailer on site soon.The renovations of the Riviera Resort ... 02/06/2008

     Like a breath of fresh air on one of the dog days of summer, the Palm Springs Art Museum comes close to being a once in a lifetime experience.  Located in the desert surrounded by the arresting beauty of this strange world that appears on the outside to have no life, the museum was once a center focused on educating locals and tourists about the desert and it's different moods.  Completely unlike the traditional museum, the Palms Springs Art Museum ventures into another realm of reality, one that challenges your very senses to explain what is in front of you. An excellent website for the museum enables you a wide variety of choices to view some of the most unusual displays that were produced by artists and arranged for the purpose viewing them.  With colors and shapes, these artist... 02/01/2008

Located on North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs is the epitome of heaven for an exotic car buyer.  For the past 22 years, English legend, Keith McCormick has made available some of the most highly sought after exotic cars and trucks.  Best known and respected for his immaculate record for honesty and success, he has held a Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction  twice a year, in November and February, in the hub of activity for Palm Springs -- downtown.  Set on the grounds of the fabulous Spa Resort Casino, the auctions draw a myriad of attendees from curious onlookers simply there to enjoy the people, location, and electricity in the air from the upbeat crowds to the serious die hard fans of exotic cars.  Whatever you desire, there is something there for everyone.Although Keith McCormick h... 01/29/2008

So many people come to Palm Springs half the year to ditch the harsh winter climates, they call themselves Snowbirds, we just call them family. In fact, most people who live in Palm Springs are not really from here at all. Oh sure, there are a few old timers here, who have lived here since they were born, but most of us are transplants and sometimes I think that's why everyone gets along so well here in Palm Springs.That brings me to the point I was trying to make here today. You see, as a Palm Springs Realtor, I see many folks spending a whole lot of money on rent each year when they come for three or four months. What they may not realize is that rental they are in during their stay with us, could actually be their own. That's right, the rents are quite high here in the Winter time, a... 01/20/2008