LivetheDesertLife

Fariy Tale Agents Please Put Your Magic Wand Away!

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:06:08 -0400

Anna Banana Kruchten has a way with words, and she is "right on" in this post! Please Fairy Tale Agents... make our lives easier by putting your magic wand away!

Via Anna 'Banana' Kruchten, Phoenix Property Shoppe 602-380-4886:

Fariy Tale Agents Please Put Your Magic Wand Away!

Yesterday I received a phone call from a very nice couple wanting to talk with me about selling their home. That seems normal enough, right?

Not so fast! This was not the first time this couple had wanted me to go to work for them. In early January we had met to discuss getting their home on the market and they really wanted me to be their agent. The husband just happened to mention that he had a potential offer coming in from his FISBO time on the market - at $370,000.

Before we went any further I suggested he jump at the chance and accept that offer as I was quite certain I could not sell his home for that amount. A few weeks later he said the offer didn't pan out and would I please come back and write up the paperwork. Of course I would. So once again we sat down around the table for coffee and cookies and this time I brought my listing assistant so he could be totally familiar with the home and the couple. About 5 minutes into the conversation I brought up the fact that his competition had reduced their listing prices significantly and we would have to lower ours as well. Whaaaaaaaat? "I'm not listing for anything under $399,000"!

So you can imagine I once again attempted to 'reason' with him and show him the comps. And I let him know that I couldn't take the listing at a price I knew wouldn't work in our current market. Not only would we all be wasting our time he would loose valuable marketing time but perhaps they'd have to accept a much lower sales price six months from now! He didn't agree. He wanted his way so we enjoyed our coffee and my assistant and I trotted on back to the office.

I knew he had talked with several other agents. And you guessed it - he went with the one who supported his unrealistic listing price (Fairy tale agent)! I watched the progress - or rather lack of progress. They finally reduced the price to $380,000 - but by that time the market had fallen even more.

Yesterday I received a phone call from a very nice couple wanting to talk with me about selling their home! I wasn't too surprised by the call as it's happened quite a bit this last few years. The sellers again asked would I please take over the marketing of their home. My question to them - are you willing to be totally realistic with list price? And of course they said yes - they just want it sold so they can move forward with their plans.

Now I really like this couple - they're really good folks and I'd enjoy working with them. I am hoping that they really are realistic this time around. If not - I won't take on a overpriced listing which does nobody any good whatsoever! I'm meeting with them at 3:30 today so I'll let you know - the rest of the story!

Fariy Tale Agents Please Put Your Magic Wand Away!

****************************************************************************************************

If you're thinking of selling your Phoenix-area home, please give us a call. We're here to help you and make the selling process simple and stress free.

Call us today to request your complimentary market analysis to determine how your home compares to others in your area.

Feel free to contact me by phone 602-380-4886 or Email Anna Banana

You can also visit our website for more information on Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

******************************************************************************
The Masters Series

Anna "Banana" Kruchten was recently chosen as one of 12 Masters of Real Estate by the National Association of REALTORS® at realtor.org. ‘Banana’ has a knack for using unique strategies to market her properties, gain new clients & train her agents how to build a successful real estate practice.

Let's Connect!

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

How to Type Faster on Your iPhone

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:19:09 -0400

HOW TO TYPE FASTER ON YOUR iPHONE

Now that you have an iphone, wouldn't you like to be able to type faster on it? Some of the tips included on this short video:

Type in landscape mode
Type with your thumbs
Tips on using shortcuts
Look at what you are typing
Learn the A-B-C to 1-2-3 trick

How To Type Faster on Your iPhone on Howcast

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

Who is the Most Influential Real Estate Leader?

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:50:21 -0400

I saw this on the Inman News wire this morning-- After spending last week at the Tom Ferry Summit in Anaheim, there is no question in my mind who has been the biggest influence on me in the last two years.

I am not a coaching client, but I have gained an incredible amount of value from attending his seminars! They have changed my attitude, my business, my habits, and my life. If you feel the same-- send Tom your vote!

Who do you think is the MOST INFLUENTIAL LEADER in the Real Estate Industry-- click on the Inman 100 below and vote for your choice!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Inman News is seeking your nominations for the most influential individuals in real estate, including the industry's power brokers, movers and shakers.

The annual Inman News 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders list recognizes those whose actions change the industry.

Among them are those who embody strength, common sense, innovation, ingenuity, perseverance and progress.

They include the industry's brain trust and dealmakers, and those outside the industry who impact the business of buying and selling homes.

This year, Inman News is combining its lists of real estate's most influential leaders and most influential online (which includes bloggers and others) as a single list of the top 100 leaders.

The online nomination process begins today and ends Friday, Oct. 1, 2010.

Please fill out the survey below. You can nominate yourself, and please do not nominate any individual more than once.

Nominations will be reviewed by an Inman News review team, which will consider these and other influential individuals that fit the criteria before compiling a final list.

This year, Inman News will open the list of nominees up to a popular vote of readers to recognize one nominee as the most influential by "People's Choice."

The 2009 list of the top 100 leaders included such heavyweights as Realogy's Alex Perriello, Keller Williams' Mary Tennant, Trulia founders Pete Flint and Sami Inkinen, and MRIS leader David Charron, among many others. And last year's 50 Most Influential Online list featured National Association of Realtors social media manager Todd Carpenter, Miamism.com's Ines Hegedus-Garcia, and 4realz.net's Dustin Luther, among others.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

As I completed the form: The Categories Listed were:

4. Which ONE category fits this nominee best?

Which ONE category fits this nominee best? Brokerage

MLS/Trade Group

Technology

Blogging/Social Media

Economist/Consultant

Government

Mortgage/Ancillary

Media

I checked the "Blogging/Social Media category, but I think

Another Category should be: Real Estate Training and Inspiration!

Tom inspires people to not only to grow their businesses but to grow themselves. He changes lives with his coaching, seminars, videos, blogs, messages, tweets and by how much he cares about people. Tom has changed my life by giving me the tools to become more focused, dedicated and attentive to my business. And to give, give, give your Level 10 best everyday!

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

Luxury Real Estate Marketing: Are You Expressing Your Difference?

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:35:50 -0400

I love the Vespa... would have one hanging on the wall of my pool room if I could get it rigged up there! Very cool blog about standing out and being different, while still being yourself!

Via Ron & Alexandra Seigel (Luxury Real Estate Marketing) (ra@napaconsultants.com):

In our work with luxury real estate marketing professionals we encourage our clients to stand out or bow out. It is important to have a look and make a statement about you as well as the marketplace you are part of.

Recently while having a quick bite in Sly's American Restaurant in Carpinteria, we snapped a picture of the bar area, because it our opinion it was buzzworthy seeing a real Vespa sitting above the bar. The Vespa illustrates Sly's love of all devices that move us and his spirit of fun. It is definitely out of the proverbial box thinking, and we felt it illustrated our point rather admirably.

How are you expressing your difference?

- WATCH VIDEOS-

Buzz-Worthy Luxury Real Estate Websites

Personal Branding Case Studies Company Branding Case Studies

About Language of Luxury

- JOIN THE LOL COMMUNTIY -

GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!

Linked In, Facebook, Active Rain

Broker Agent Social, Proxio, Real Town, & Bigger Pockets

Follow Us on Twitter: LuxuryMarketing

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

How Much Are the Closing Costs?

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:15:15 -0400

Many times clients ask what it will take to close a deal. What are my costs and where does all the money go? This list will help answer those questions!

Via Michael J. O'Connor, MBA, CDPE (Diamond Ridge Realty):

Typical Escrow Settlement Costs in Riverside County

I'm often asked by home sellers "How Much Are the Closing Costs?" Here are some of the typical costs that I have seen that are paid by home sellers in Riverside County.

Mortgage Payoff: Usually this is the largest expense to be paid from escrow proceeds. The amount of money to be paid is determined by the existing lender. In addition to the principal balance (the overall amount owed), the bank will charge for outstanding interest and possibly ‘demand fees' and other similar fees. Usually these fees are relatively small (under $100). Many sellers will underestimate their mortgage payoff because mortgage payments of interest are made ‘in arrears' or after they've been incurred. So a payment made on April 1^st is actually paying for the interest expense on the loan from March 1^st through the end of March. If the sale is scheduled to close on April 10^th, the bank will likely ask for about 44 days of interest (31 days in March, 10 days of April plus 3 days to allow for money to arrive from escrow). If the funds arrive early, the bank will make a refund of overpayment back to the seller sometime after the sale.

Prepayment Penalty: This is an item included in the mortgage payoff but worthy of special notation as the penalty can add significantly to the cost of the sale. The amount is usually a percentage of the outstanding mortgage balance and may be in effect for quite a few years after the mortgage is put in place. Make sure you understand your penalty dates and amounts if you have a mortgage that includes early payment penalties!

Broker Commissions: The commission that is paid to the brokers will typically be the largest expense (after mortgage payoff) related to the sale. This is often a percentage of the total sales price. When you list your home you will be paying the listing brokerage and you will authorize a portion to be paid to any other brokers who may ‘participate' and represent a buyer in the sale. This is referred to as the commission split. Real estate commissions are fully negotiable and must be in writing to be enforced.

Buyer Closing Costs: Often an offer to purchase a property will include a request for the seller to pay either a fixed amount or a percentage of the sales price to be credited to the buyer for the buyer's closing costs. This is especially common in transactions involving 1^st time homebuyers who are often working with limited funds.

Property Tax Pro-Rations: Property taxes are only paid ‘current' on two dates, June 30 and December 31^st. Sales on any other dates will involve either a credit or debit from or to the seller. If you have already made the property tax payment due in the current ½ year (ie. Selling between July and December and you've made the payment due in December OR selling from January to June and you've made the payment due in April) then you will receive a credit from the buyer through escrow. If you have NOT made payment yet, then you will be responsible for a pro-rated portion of the taxes due through the date of closing. And of course if you are in tax default, all old outstanding bills will need to be brought current including penalties, interest and a reinstatement fee.

HOA Fees: Most purchase contracts will ask the seller to pay for HOA documentary costs and HOA transfer fees. These costs are usually relatively small but it's important to remember that the HOA will be charging for all those HOA docs as well as setting up the new owner account. It's not unusual to see these costs in the hundreds of dollars.

Pest Control: Most purchase offers will include a request to sell the home free-and-clear of termites and similar infestations. Many termite inspection companies will perform complimentary inspections and some will charge a nominal fee ($75-$85) with credit for the inspection applied against any work that may be needed. You do not need to be in a sale situation to have a termite report completed so if you are worried about the cost of repairs you can do an inspection prior to listing the home for sale. Remember though that termite reports are public records that are filed by the termite company with the State. The report will be on file for a two-year period.

Home Warranty: A home warranty policy allows the buyer of a home to have repairs made for a fixed fee (typically $55 to $65) and will cover many of the major components of the home. These policies cost anywhere from $350 to $700 depending on options selected and most sale contracts will ask that the seller pay these expenses.

Septic Certification: If you're not on a sewer line, the buyer is almost guaranteed to request a septic certification. They don't want your leftovers left at the property. Clean-outs and certifications can run in the $700 to $1000 range.

Natural Hazards Report: As the home seller, you are obligated to disclose hazards of a general nature related to a property. There are several companies in the marketplace which will provide this service and the cost is usually around $90 and is paid by the seller.

Smoke Detector Installation: If you home is older, you may not have smoke detectors installed on the property. You will be required to have smoke detectors in place prior to the sale of the property. These can run anywhere from $8 and up depending on brand and whether they are hard-wired or battery. You are not required to provide hard-wired so if you don't already have them in place, just provide the inexpensive battery operated detectors. There should be one inside each bedroom and ideally at least one outside the bedrooms within 10 feet of the bedroom door.

Water Heater Strapping: All water heaters need to be strapped to prevent tipping over in the event of earthquake. The straps are relatively inexpensive and a handyman can install for a relatively modest cost (probably $100 or less).

Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation: California codes are changing and CO detectors are required effective January 1, 2011. They are similar to smoke detectors in appearance but run closer to $40 in cost and only one unit will be required.

Escrow Fees: The escrow office is the coordinator of the paperwork for both sides of the sale. The costs of escrow are usually split 50/50 between buyer and seller. Some escrow companies charge a flat fee, others have a minimum fee and then charge a fee per $1000 of sale price. The costs can vary quite a bit and often the listing agent is the person making the recommendation for who will handle escrow. Make sure to understand if there is a related party relationship between the listing broker and the escrow company (i.e. both companies are owned by the same company or individuals) as this may lead to higher (or sometimes lower) costs. Reasonable escrow fees on a sale of $300,000 would be something less than $1000.

Title Insurance -Owner's Policy: The seller of property is generally asked to pay for an owner's title policy which insures the buyer that the seller is the true owner. The title company will be responsible for any ownership claims that may be filed after the sale and title will be responsible to ‘make-it-right' if there were any problems with the ownership transfer. Often title company costs are proportionate to the sale price. Reasonable title fees on a sale of $300,000 would be something near $1000.

County Transfer Tax: The county charges a transfer tax on all property sales. The amount is $1.10 per $1,000 of transfer value. So home selling for $300,000 will have $330 of county transfer tax. If your property is in the City of Riverside, the transfer tax is $2.20 per $1,000 of transfer value.

Private Transfer Tax: In some areas, there are private transfer taxes which are similar to the county transfer tax but paid to private entities. These situations are rare.

Notary Fee on Grant Deed: As the seller, you typically have only one document to notarize and the fee should be about $10.

Messenger & Similar Fees: Escrow often will need to send documents back and forth to you and to your agent. Escrow will probably charge a flat fee of about $50 to cover their costs.

Escrowed Impound Refund: If you pay impounded property taxes and insurance (payments with your mortgage payment) you are likely to have a refund of the balance in this account after you close escrow.

Insurance Refund: Regardless of whether you impound your insurance payments, make sure to contact your insurance company as they should return a pro-ration of the annual insurance premiums that you've made.

Water Company Bill: If your property includes stock in a water company, you may have transfer fees and water pro-rations to attend to as part of the sale.

Document Fees: Other miscellaneous (sometimes called 'junk' fees) may apply to the sale such as grant deed preparation, etc. and generally should run $100 or less.

So "How Much Are the Closing Costs?" is a difficult question to answer precisely. Much will depend on your individual situation but most sellers will pay somewhere between 7% and 8% of the sale price towards closing costs and easily upwards of 10% if there are special situations at play such as buyer closing costs, prepayment penalties or significant termite damage.

If you are a Riverside County homeowner and you are thinking of selling your home, please contact me for a free evaluation of your home value as well as an analysis of your potential sale proceeds. I can be reached at DiamondRidgeReal@aol.com or by phone at 951-898-8912 (office).

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

Trina Turk Shares Her Favorite Palm Springs Spots!

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:02:06 -0400

Trina Turk Shares Her Favorite Palm Springs Spots!

Trina Turk, international fashion designer, and part- time Palm Springs resident recently shared with C Magazine her favorite things to do in the Palm Springs area!

The national magazine about California style features Turk for its September issue and lists her favorite stores, restaurants and hiking trails and more.

A few of her recommendations include Cheeky’s Restaurant, The Estate Sale Company and The Ace Hotel & Swim Club.

Turk moved to the desert with her husband, photographer Jonathan Skow and opened her first Palm Springs store in 2002.

The Los Angeles-based fashion designer has seven of her own stores nationwide, with two in Palm Springs.

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

Simply Incredible Story That Really Makes You Think About Life

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:29:20 -0400

I found this blog after it had been re-blogged... it is truly thought-provoking and I thought worth sharing again. Let me know what you think! Kathy

Via Maya Thomas (Sellstate Island Properties):

One of my friends sent this to me in one of those emails that your friends forward. It was so incredible that I had to share this here so I can always come back to it and read it.

Perception and Mind

THE SITUATION

In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped

for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

About 4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At 6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.

At 45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $200 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:

* In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

* If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

* Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . .

How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

just because of the preprogrammed MIND - the product of the dead past

Maya M. Thomas, Realtor
Sellstate Island Properties
829 Simonton Street
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 522-1398

Market Snap Shot
Buyer Service Commercial
Search Real Estate
Blog
MyRealPro@gmail.com

Maya has sold 100% of the short sale properties she has listed for sale. Visit www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com or call (305) 522-1398 to learn more.

BA from Florida State University, Communication, Cum Laude, REO Realtor, Certified by the National Association of Realtors as a Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist (SFR), Certified At Home With Diversity, National Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, Key West Association of Realtors, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, National Association of Hispanic Realtors (NAHRE) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA).

Disclaimer: Not all properties or businesses talked about in this blog are my listings or my businesses. Information has been gathered from my life, my habits, my favorite stores and restaurants and things to do as well as the multiple listing service.

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

" where my sales at?" Getting Your Swagger Back!

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:51:30 -0400

"where my sales at?" GETTING YOUR SWAGGER BACK!

We learned so much at the Tom Ferry Summit in Anaheim last week-- it opened with this very cool video introducing the theme of the Summit. Getting Your Swagger Back! It speaks to all of us that feel beat up, overwhelmed, and frustrated with the real estate market right now! Check it out!

In this Rap video, top real estate coach and trainer Tom Ferry presents an all-new real estate rap video to talk about the market and the experiences people are going through right now.This video debuted at Tom's Success Summit in Orange County, CA in August 2010 for more than 3000 real estate professionals.

Tom hosts events all across the world-if you're interested in attending his next event, call 888.866.3377. Tom's focus of the event was getting your "swagger back" and operating your business at a level 10, no matter what the market is like!

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

The Lori Bowers Group Summer Vacation Postcard Contest

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:32:35 -0400

Here are even more postcards that our clients and friends mailed in to our postcard contest-- truly some interesting places and photos! Keep them coming! Kathy

Via Tina Droessler (La Quinta, CA ~ The Lori Bowers Group Desert Properties):

More photos from our summer fun contest! We asked our clients to send us postcards from where ever they traveled this summer. We had great results and a lot of fun looking at the postcards as they came in. Thank you to all of our clients for sharing your summer vacation with us!

The Lori Bowers Group Desert Properties, La Quinta, CA

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

The Lori Bowers Group Summer Vacation Postcard Contest

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:31:09 -0400

We had many, many, postcards from far and wide come in this summer during our postcard contest--- thank you for sharing your summer with us! Please keep them coming! Kathy

Via Tina Droessler (La Quinta, CA ~ The Lori Bowers Group Desert Properties):

From Alaska to New York, we asked our clients to share their summer trips with us through postcards. What a pleasure it was to receive them and explore the journey our friends went on. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. More postcards to follow....

The Lori Bowers Group Desert Properties, La Quinta, CA

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

It's Always Sunny in La Quinta

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:41:31 -0400

I have heard many statistics about the number of days of sunshine in the Palm Springs area... over 350 is probably the most accurate! We are blessed with so many ☼ sunny days ☼, that sometime we welcome the occasional cloud, or the rare thunderstorm! To get a glimpse of today, August 28th, in La Quinta-- check out the short video below! Enjoy!

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

Get Focused and Stop Multi-Tasking!

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:26:18 -0400

GET FOCUSED AND STOP MULTI-TASKING!

Do you pride yourself on your MULTI-TASKING skills? Are you the consumate plate-spinner... deal juggler with many balls in the air at the same time? You may be undermining your productivity by jumping from task-to-task!

A recent study from the University of Michigan shows that multi-tasking really reduces productivity by 20% to 40%! By constantly asking your brain to re-focus and rebound you are actually ricocheting between the 2 or 3 or 4 projects you have going!

It turns out the secret to getting more done... is to focus on the task at hand. Get it done-- then move on.

Here are several ways to keep yourself focused and really boost your productivity:

Wait on checking Facebook until you have read all your e-mails... and answered them.
Don't click on links that will take you away from the task you are working on.
Take a break from your task-- then come back and focus.
Make lists of what you want to accomplish. If you think of another obligation, write it down and refocus!
Set a time-limit, and (if you need to... use a timer--there's one on your phone) get your task finished within the time you have set.

So stop multi-tasking and start getting more things done!

Inspired by USA Today post by Laura Hoxworth

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

Best Shopping in the Desert!

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:13:07 -0400

Fine Chinese antiques and other home accessories from Dwight Polen on El Paseo.

photo by Dwight Polen

View Larger Map

The Best Shopping in the Desert!

Not only the best shopping and the most amazing stores... but the best place to people-watch too!

Can you imagine a mile of divine temptations, from dazzling jewelry and exclusive international fashion to fine art, home décor, spas and salons, award-winning restaurants, and a sizzling calendar of events ?

This is El Paseo. This mix of more than 300 shops offers just about everything you could ask for. From Asian imports to luxurious accessories, it’s a one-stop shopping adventure.

More than two dozen restaurants, cafés, and bakeries — many with outdoor patios — make it perfect for lunch, coffee, or a glass of wine between stops. Start your day with a latte, have lunch at a sidewalk café, then shop and return to a chic restaurant for dinner and dessert, or a cocktail served on a mountain-view terrace. This stylish street also serves up public art, colorful flowers, and statuesque palms that sway in the breeze.

Smart El Paseo shoppers stay more than an afternoon or two. From this hub in the heart of Palm Desert, you’re within minutes of live theater, wildlife and nature, elite golf courses and country clubs, luxurious resorts, scenic drives, sophisticated nightlife, and more. In March, the boulevard comes alive with Fashion Week El Paseo, and a food and wine event showcasing the tastiest edibles and drinkables, plus exciting chef demonstrations and tastings.

The Shops on El Paseo
At the west end of the shopping district, celebrated designers, specialty retailers, and fine restaurants make up The Shops on El Paseo. Burberry, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren represent only a few of the fine retailers on this block. Break up your shopping excursion with lunch or dinner at California Pizza Kitchen or Daily Grill.

The Centre on El Paseo
A fabulous array of shops and businesses in the center of El Paseo buzzing with independent boutiques, many of which have invested more than a quarter of a century in the desert. Among these desert classics are Frasca Jewelers, Mr. Marcus, Storekeeper, Mephisto, Diane’s Beachwear, and Palm Desert Tobacco.

The Gardens on El Paseo
In the midst of this shopper’s paradise, you’ll find The Gardens on El Paseo, a 200,000-square-foot ode to tranquility and fashion. This major shopping Mecca includes fine department stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue, and designer brands like Coach, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton. It’s also the perfect spot to tickle your taste buds at some of the city’s most popular restaurants.

El Paseo Village
This fall, you’ll want to be the first to experience the new El Paseo Village, on the south side of El Paseo between San Pablo Avenue and Lupine Lane, adjacent to The Gardens. The luxurious complex features Juicy Couture, Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Bebe, Lucky Brand Jeans, and Janie & Jack. The well-known Mastro’s Steakhouse will also be spicing up the village. We have it on good authority that a nationally acclaimed computer store will be part of the retail mix, but we don’t want to spoil the surprise. We just wanted to give you something to bite on.

El Paseo Collection
Art enthusiasts enjoy the eclectic art galleries that line the street, appealing to many different tastes. More than 20 venues celebrate some of the area’s most venerated talent, as well as Western, modern, abstract, and Renaissance art — from paintings to sculpture. Indulge your creative side while absorbing all the culture that El Paseo offers.

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

Social Media Not Just for Kids Anymore

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:33:28 -0400

After attending another Real Estate seminar heavily focusing on social media and our need to adopt, integrate, 'friend' it and make it a key focus of our marketing efforts... this article appears on the front page of our local Desert Sun newspaper. Our market comprises a large percentage of aging baby-boomers who are searching for a second home, or retirement home, in our sunny climate... and are hoping to take advantage of the great deals available here now.

The great news is our target audience is embracing this new technology in record numbers... meaning we can not only reach them...but their sphere of 'friends'. By creating Facebook Fan Pages I have been able to connect with the consumers I am targeting. My 365 Things to do in the Palm Springs, CA Area page has been consistently growing and my newer La Quinta Country Club Homes page has attracted current owners and prospects as well!

Social-media use nearly doubles among people 50 and over

As of May, 42% of Americans age 50 or over were using social-networking tools such as Facebook, a Pew Research Center survey shows. In April 2009, the figure was just 22%.

August 27, 2010|By Mike Swift

San Jose, Calif. —

This is not your father's social network — oh, wait a minute, maybe it is.

The phenomenal growth of Facebook, Twitter and other social sites has come in part because of a surge in adoption by older members, with a national poll released Friday saying that the share of Americans over 50 using social networks nearly doubled in the last year.

In April 2009, just 22% of Americans age 50 and over were using social networking tools such as Facebook, according to the Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project. But by May of this year, 42% of Americans 50 and older were posting status updates or sending tweets. A near-majority — 47% — of people 50 to 64 are now using social networks.

"Young adults continue to be the heaviest users of social media, but their growth pales in comparison with recent gains made by older users," said Mary Madden, author of the Pew report. "E-mail is still the primary way that older users maintain contact with friends, families and colleagues, but many older users now rely on social-network platforms to help manage their daily communications."

While Facebook may have started as a way for college undergraduates to flirt, it may end up being the thing that closes the gap between generations, as the thorny question of whether to "friend" Mom

and Dad becomes an increasingly universal dilemma, even for middle-aged people. The Pew report found that 13% of Americans 65 and older now log in to a social network on a typical day, compared with 4% in 2009.

"Social media has the potential to bridge generational gaps," Madden said. "There are few other spaces — online or offline — where tweens, teens, sandwich-generation members, grandparents, friends and neighbors regularly intersect and communicate across the same network."

Pew's findings come from a nationwide survey of 2,252 American adults who were interviewed on land phone lines and cellphones. The margin of error for the total sample is plus or minus 2.4 percentage points.

Swift writes for the San Jose Mercury News/McClatchy.

If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

Luxury Real Estate Marketing: Sunflowers for a gloomy day

Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:30:39 -0400

We never have "gloomy" days in La Quinta... but these flowers sure brightened my day!

Via Ron & Alexandra Seigel (Luxury Real Estate Marketing) (ra@napaconsultants.com):

"We have had the coldest summer in 60 years in Santa Barbara", and old timer just told me this morning as I was picking out heirloom tomatoes as this Saturday's market. "Santa Barbara usually has more sunny days than any other coastal city, he continued." I have counted, we have a 14 days of full sun so far (I am staying optimistic), and about 20 days of partial sun with MR or MS sunshine showing up late afternoon.

Sunflowers were everywhere around us, and I decided that we need some for our house to brighten up the day, for now they are a wonderful substitute. Enjoy your sunshine, wherever you are! Alexandra

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If you are looking for a great real estate agent in the Palm Springs area,

Let me GOOGLE one for you!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886

Visit: schoweproperties.com & livethedesertlife.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California