The Tompkins Residence, c. 1960, Thorton Ladd & John Kelsey (Ladd & Thorton) AIA. First offering since 1976.  Classic mid-century design infused with Japanese Modern influence. Two pavilions flank the lotus blossom shaped pool. Both pavilions are encircled by a series of moveable screens which incorporate both translucent and solid panels, allowing for various options for transparency, privacy and ventilation—a brilliant modernist interpretation of the shoji-panel design.  The movable screen system are replicated inside the residence.  The original design from landscape to floor plan, from cabinet to hardware, appears to be original, creating a unique time capsule view of a stunningly cohesive vision by the architects. The orientation allows for domineering mountain views and privacy. This jewel is a symphony of design, style and chicness providing a harmonious living space. Given that this is a recently discovered architectural trophy, expect multiple offers.

The residence proudly sits on 1.25 acres of prestigious Thunderbird Heights, a gated community within Rancho Mirage, CA.  The main pavilion is a 1 bedroom plus study.  The master suite boasts double baths plus a dressing room.  There is a formal living room and a dining terrace.  The kitchen features Subzero, Thermador and a garbage chute.  The guest pavilion hosts a bedroom and bath, or can be used as a pool cabana.  The elephantine mountains across the road protect the privacy of the property.  The valley floor twinkling lights are visible from the east windows.

For all the photos click:  40941 Thunderbird Road

This property will be soon available for purchase.

Palm Springs is back in business!  The recession appears to be coming to a close.  All season (December to April), the streets of Downtown and uptown were jammed, the eateries were packed, the hotels booked and cash registers were ringing.  It was noticeable to everyone.  And, the locals are grateful.  The City Council is thrilled.  One of my friends quotes, “Palm Springs is fun again!”.

Hank Plante (an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist) wrote a powerful article in the SF City Buzz Examiner to this effect.  It is so powerful, that I re post here:

That faint “boom” you hear in Palm Springs these days isn’t coming from this weekend’s Coachella Music Festival, it’s the sound of an economic recovery that’s as real as the numbers behind it.

If you’ve spent any time walking through downtown Palm Springs – or the Uptown district as well – you’ve noticed the crowds, the busy restaurants and the hum of a comeback. That feeling is more than just wishful thinking.

 Every economic number is moving upward, and in economics – as in politics – it’s the trend line that is most important.

Look at recent headlines: “Retail had a ‘booming’ holiday,” “Economic Return,” “Modernism Week Attendance Surges.”

Now look at the real data behind those headlines: hotel occupancy was up 9.5% during the fourth quarter of 2011, while the number of airport passenger grew 11.3% during the same period. Record crowds were reported for Modernism Week, the Dinah Shore weekend and the White Party. The Tour de Palm Springs drew over 9,000 riders. The list goes on.

And then there’s real estate. Home and condo foreclosures fell 17% in February (Valley-wide) and real estate sales rose for the eighth month in a row. In other words, sales are up, inventory is down, foreclosures are harder for investors to find, and prices are rising in desirable neighborhoods.  Local realtors report the so-called “bottom” of the market appears to have happened last summer. Today, properties in Palm Springs under $500,000 sell almost immediately, while homes above that price that have been renovated are again selling with multiple offers.   And as for who’s buying, it’s not just gays and lesbians with taste and disposable incomes, it’s also a new mix of demographics: younger straight couples moving in from the outer suburbs because they’re attracted to the city’s vibe, and who want a safe, comfortable environment for their children.

None of this is lost on retailers and restaurateurs. (There’s an old expression in the construction trades: “retail follows rooftops”). It’s impossible to keep track of all the new restaurants in town, let alone the impact they have on their surroundings. LuLu California Bistro not only revitalized an important corner downtown, it also created 200 jobs which didn’t exist here before.

Some of this growth is fueled by simple demographics. There are 76 million baby boomers in this country, the first of whom started turning 65 last year. Many are choosing to leave expensive, urban environments for relaxing resort towns like this one. It helps that they’re bringing their newly-accessed 401(k) accounts with them.

But some of the growth is also the result of smart planning by city officials. The expansion of the airport and the convention center came just in time for what we’re experiencing. And the hotel incentive program, pushed by Mayor Steve Pougnet, paved the way for so many cool resorts that London’s Guardian Newspaper last week called Palm Springs “the Hamptons of the West Coast.”

And then there’s Measure J, passed by the voters last November. Its overwhelming passage makes this the only city around to update its infrastructure. And the real untold story about Measure J is that it will probably generate much more money for the city than even its backers predicted.  Measure J’s one-cent sales tax increase is supposed to generate $8 million per year for the next 25 years. But that’s a conservative model that doesn’t account for inflation (costs of items we buy will go up over 25 years, so the tax money generated will go up). And even the $8 million dollar figure may already be out of date. Last year alone, Palm Springs took-in $9.6 million in sales tax money.  Nor does the model account for the downtown Wessman redevelopment project being a success, which will generate even more tax money.  In fact, some City Hall sources think that instead of the $200 million that Measure J was predicted to generate, the figure may be closer to $300 million over the course of it’s life.

All of this means if you feel like the city is on a roll, you’re right, it is. And since success breeds success, the upward trend we’re seeing may be just the beginning.

This listing hit the market over the weekend.  1510 S Camino Real, Palm Springs CA.  At the famed Biltmore complex, this stunning 2/2 condo is one of the rare floor plans with a split master floor plan.  A gracious south facing balcony with mountain views is a zen-like place to start a day.  Gorgeous upgrades to the kitchen, bathroom and hardwood flooring make this a dynamite value.  The Biltmore is located in South Palm Springs near the trendiest of new spots in Palm Springs: Koffi, the ACE Hotel, the Saguaro Hotel, Smoke Tree commons restaurants and the nearby neighborhoods of Deepwell, Twin Palm and the Mesa.

An awesome value at $132,500!!  What are YOU waiting for????

1510 S Camino Real #215A

With the excitement of Spring, many of us take a closer look at the condition of our homes, even if we do not have a home for sale.  Upon deeper inspection, we may find areas that need an extra bit of care.  If you happen to notice mold in your home, do not panic.  Instead take a deep breath (outside) and a few minutes to educate yourself!

While mold can be dangerous to your health, with symptoms ranging from breathing problems or congestion and watery, red eyes to aches and pains and even memory loss, it is also an issue easily solved.  Mold can grow in areas of constant moisture, as a result of flooding, a leaky roof or plumbing, or improper ventilation in rooms that are moist.

If you discover mold while your home is for sale, a professional inspection and treatment should be done. If not, then you must first determine the source of moisture to begin your plan of attack.  If the area is large, you should consult with a professional for proper treatment methods.  If however the damage is slight or only affecting a small area, you may want to attempt the repair yourself.

After applying the appropriate protective gear (mask and gloves), you need to remove all porous materials such as ceiling tiles, drywall, carpeting and wood.  Non-porous surfaces such as cement, metal, tile or glass can remain.  Allow the area to completely dry over a 2-3 day period and use fans if necessary to help in this process. Then, with a non-ammonia detergent and a stiff brush, scrub the entire area, rinse and dry. Once dry, disinfect the cleaned surface with a solution of bleach and water (use one cup of bleach for every gallon of water). Allow the area to dry completely and then, retexture, paint, or decorate as needed.

Owning a home still has more appeal than renting for Americans, according to Fannie Mae. A sign of stability, safety, family and community, home ownership is an essential component of the “American Dream” of success and happiness and has been for many generations. The recent National Housing Survey (Q4, 2011) conducted by Fannie Mae found that this is still true.

The majority of those surveyed (at all education and demographic levels) still believe that owning a home is preferable to renting. The study, conducted from over 3,000 interviews, also showed that 64% of the renters surveyed planned on a future home purchase. Most of the survey participants listed high-ranking schools and safety as prime concerns when considering the location of that future home.

About 34% of those interviewed felt that “now” is a very good time to buy a home, but only 5% felt it was very likely that they would be purchasing a home in the next 12 months. The majority of survey participants (53%) felt that the housing market was likely to stay the same in the next year, but nearly all realized that the possibility of rental prices decreasing was unlikely. In fact many of those surveyed recognized the possibility of rental prices increasing, with 43% believing rents would increase and 47% believing they would stay the same. The majority of the respondents listed income, amount of down payment or job security as the largest obstacle to home ownership.
Click here to review the entire survey.

A record 700,000 people from around the world have flown in and out of Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) during high season — up 17 percent compared with the same time last year.

Two new airlines (Virgin America and Frontier) and new nonstop destinations of Houston, Winnipeg and San Jose have all contributed to this amazing growth!  PSP now serves five Canadian markets of Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto and Winnipeg!

“The new service provided by the two new airlines, coupled with a resurgence in Palm Springs tourism are the primary reasons for the Airport setting new record passengers,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet.

“Palm Springs International Airport, unlike other airports, is a relaxing and stress-free destination,” according to Mayor Steve Pougnet. “It’s one of the few airports in the world where you can step off your plane to 80 degree sunshine and spectacular mountain vistas and get away from it.”

Nonstop destinations from PSP:

• Bellingham, Washington (BLI)
• Calgary, Alberta (YYC)
• Chicago , Illinois (ORD)
• Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)
• Denver, Colorado (DEN)
• Edmonton, Alberta (YEG)
• Houston, Texas (IAH)
• Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)
• Los Angeles, California (LAX)
• Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota (MSP)
• Phoenix, Arizona (PHX)
• Portland, Oregon (PDX)
• Sacramento, California (SMF)
• Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)
• San Francisco, California (SFO)
• San Jose, California (SJC)
• Seattle, Washington (SEA)
• Stockton, California (SCK)
• Toronto, Ontario (YYZ)
• Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR)
• Winnipeg, Manitoba (YWG)

Palm Springs, CA-April 1, 2012…..’Building on an thirteen-year tradition of presenting the most talented young opera singers last year’s Palm Springs Opera Guild’s production of Opera in the Park was another crowd pleaser. The 14th annual Opera in the Park will present yet another group of opera stars of ‘tomorrow’  to grace the stage of this FREE public event.

“Co-sponsored by the City of Palm Springs, Opera in the Park is one of the premiere public events in the Coachella Valley. We are particularly grateful to all of our generous sponsors, The Augustine Foundation, Thomas Patrick & Stephen Rulo, George Klauss, Jean Carrus, Terry Hendrix;  and all our other generous donors and  supporters. Under the skillful guidance of our Music Director, Mona Lands, and all-star conductor, Valery Ryvkin, our performers  will again captivate the audience as last year,” said Kenneth Morris, President, Palm Springs Opera Guild.

Furthering the mission, the Palm Springs Opera Guild provides Opera Outreach programs to children residing in the desert. The 2011 outreach presented musical programs to over 12,500 students from kindergarten to high school seniors attending schools and academies throughout the Coachella Valley.

The main goal is to enrich the lives of children by providing them access to opera which in turn will allow them to find their own musical passion.

For more information on sponsorships, booth space or volunteering at the 14th Annual Opera in the Park, contact the Palm Springs Opera Guild  at 760-325-6107 and online at http://www.palmspringsoperaguild.org

Front view

First time being offered since 1996, the original owners are selling.  In “The Colony” of Indian Wells Country Club comes this brilliant new listing.  76925 Comanche Road.  3 en-suite bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, great room and over 2900 square feet of living space.  Commanding south facing views of the mountains.  Other amenities include a fireplace, triple car garage, laundry room, powder room and extra high ceilings.  Voluminous rooms and impressive poolside patio will make entertaining in the home a dream.  Attention decorators: this a great blank canvas ready for your modern touches!

All this for $689,000.

Click for more details: 76925 Comanche Road

What do you know about your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?  Have you evaluated it recently?  If not, it is a good idea to review it every six months to ensure that your coverage is as expected.  Obviously, the best time to review your policy is prior to a crisis situation.  So take some time out of your busy schedule and spend a few minutes today going over the details in your insurance policy.

You  should contact your insurance agent if you have questions or need to make a few adjustments.  He or she should be able to answer your questions.  If you don’t feel comfortable with your agent or question whether or not he or she are providing you with the best policy for your situation, please contact us for a reference.  You may find that a change could save you money both short-term and long-term.

Some helpful questions:

Ask – Can I qualify for a premium reduction by installing smoke detectors, alarms, new locks or doors, or improved roofing material?  Do I qualify for a preferred customer or senior/student discount?  What is really covered by my insurance?  Ask about the phrase “acts of God” and the interpretation of the insurance company.

Discover – What is insured, the actual home or only the land under it?  Is land value part of my policy amount and if so, why?  Did I opt for replacement value or actual cash value in your home coverage and does that still apply?

Discuss – Are my valuables and heirlooms in need special coverage?  Would a higher deductible result in a significant reduction in my premium? Should I get earthquake or flood damage insurance?

Asking these questions now and periodically in the future will give you peace of mind and give you the knowledge you will need should you ever encounter a crisis with your home.  It is a good idea to place a copy of your homeowner’s policy in a place away from your home, as well, in case just such an accident does occur.

Spring is in the air, making it a great time to focus on sprucing up your home.  Whether you have just purchased a home or are planning to sell, a little bit of effort spent and a few quick cleaning tips will help your home to sparkle!  Along with the need for general de-cluttering and cleaning, the tips below list easy fixes to resolve issues you may encounter in your new home or home for sale.

Before you start to spring clean, open up the windows so air can circulate throughout your home.  This will help remove any mustiness and you can use candles, essential oils, and other room fresheners to add a pleasant scent to your home.

Look at your walls and surfaces and use a melamine sponge to wipe away anything from soap scum to marker or crayon.  You will be amazed at how easily the dirt is removed with the sponge and a little water.  A popular brand of sponge is the Magic Eraser by Mister Clean, but there are many on the market today that act in the same way.

For the most painless and fast dusting method, use a microfiber cloth to capture the dust most effectively.  Follow up your dusting with a quick run of your vacuum, to clear away any particles that may have settled.  You can also reduce the amount of dust in your home by cleaning any filters on circulation systems in your home.

Remove the dust from curtains in your home by dry-cleaning or washing them (be sure to follow the label instructions) before rehanging.  There are many tools available for clearing dust from other window coverings, so spend a few minutes researching techniques here, if you have a question about the quickest method.  If you have a shower liner, add it to your laundry load.  Just make sure you allow it to air dry rather than dry in the dryer.

Hopefully these tips will inspire you and help you to get your home “Spring Clean” whether for your enjoyment or because you have a home for sale.