Cupcake & Wendy Celebrate New Year 2012 in Beverly Hills

Cupcake & Me in front of $1.7 million dollar Bugatti on Rodeo Drive in front of Bijan

Beverly Hills, Dec. 31, 2011 and Jan. 1, 2011
When my friend Jane offered me her apartment to use while she was visiting relatives in New York City for New Years, I decided to take her up on that offer. Beverly Hills is one of my favorite places in the world, so why not celebrate New Years Eve and Day there? 

As my Chihuahua puppy Cupcake and I strolled down Rodeo Drive, we  joined the small crowd of people ogling the late Bijan’s $1.7 million Bugatti parked outside his eponymous men’s clothing store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on the last day of 2011.  I have since learned that Bijon, a man of great style and remembered with a perpetual smile in all his photos, died this past year at the young age of 67 of a stroke.  But his store and car are still around and attracting fans.

A view of the back of Bijan's Bugatti

Cupcake and I then headed to one of my favorite restaurants Villa Blanca, which is owned by Lisa Vanderpump of the reality TV show “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”, and her husband Ken Vanderpump.

But then I decided to have lunch instead directly across the street at the Brighton Coffee Shop, which has tables outside that are dog-friendly and besides, I didn’t want to be tempted to have a glass of wine since I was going to wait til the evening to begin my New Year’s Eve celebrating with spirits, be it wine or martinis or champagne. This is a great corner for people-watching, here at Camden at Brighton!

Cupcake and Me at the Brighton Coffee Shop

 And who should come right by my table where I was sitting with Cupcake, but Ken Vanderpump himself! I greeted him and asked him how was Giggy, his and Lisa’s now famous adorable Pomeranian dog.  He good-naturedly said that’s what so-and-so (someone just a couple tables down from me) just asked him, and he added that Giggy was fine, and I introduced him to Cupcake, whom he petted briefly. I told him I’m looking forward to the next episode of the show.  I had actually bumped into him a few weeks ago while checking out their other restaurant Sur on Robertson Boulevard, and asked him about Giggy then too. I’m sure he gets asked about their beloved Giggy all the time!

 

After he moved on to attend to his duties of the day, all of a sudden I heard some people across the street singing “Happy Birthday” to someone at Villa Blanca.  Lo and behold, there is Lisa Vanderpump dressed in a demure gray and white outfit holding none other than Giggy himself, leading the song!  I should have taken a photo at that moment but I was too mesmerized.  It was a surreal moment to witness this and especially after talking to Ken Vanderpump.  Forget about Reality TV, this was Reality!

My view of Villa Blanca, from across the street

Of course, afterwards, I was thinking it would be fun to introduce Cupcake to Giggy, but I then I thought it would be better not to.  I’m sure Lisa was very busy attending to her guests there. I have been there for dinner a few times with friends, and it is a magical place.  You feel as if you could be on the French Riviera or Cabo San Lucas (I’ve been to both), or Ibiza or St. Barths (haven’t been to those two places yet).  All airy whites, silvers, crystal, enormous bouquets of white flowers, simple yet luxuriant country style. Wonderful ambiance. 

 

After lunch, Cupcake and I walked around Rodeo Drive and surrounding streets, people-watching and window-shopping, perhaps the best in the world. When New Year’s Eve finally arrived, I dressed up in my favorite dress, from Nanette Lepore, and my favorite evening shoes, Louboutin look-alikes by Guess, and my new necklace, a Christmas gift from a good friend, and drove down Sunset Boulevard just for fun.  Drove by all the hotspots, the House of Blues, The Roxy, The Key Room, The Comedy Store, the Chateau Marmont.  There were people out but not huge crowds. Many people, even in Los Angeles, spend New Year’s Eve at private parties, apparently, or just play it safe and stay at home. 

 

I went back to the apartment to park my car, and walked practically across the street and thru a passageway to one of my favorite hotspots in Beverly Hills, Cafe Roma. There I met new friends and had a ball.  It was a great way to spend New Year’s Eve.

One of my very last martinis of 2011

 

The crowd there was eclectic and having fun.  There was a DJ and people were dancing. Including me!

Living it up in Beverly Hills

Everyone got into the act!

Young reveler at Cafe Roma on New Year's Eve

It was a wonderful ambiance, and although the music was loud, one could still carry on conversations.

Me and a handsome friend at Cafe Roma on New Year's Eve 2012

The spirit was upbeat, and balloons floated around.

A crowd scene at the Cafe Roma New Year's Eve 2011-2012

In general, I had a total blast, and it was a New Year’s Eve I will always remember!

I just love being treated like royalty!

After the countdown to the New Year 2012, confetti was released from the ceiling and it fluttered down on us and into our drinks.

A colorful aftermath on New Year's Eve, worthy of a painting!

I didn’t indulge too much in drinking martinis thankfully, so the next morning, Cupcake and I headed out to have breakfast at one of my favorite spots for breakfast in Beverly Hills, Le Pain Quotidien, which is very dog-friendly with its outdoor tables.  It’s got a great French country chic ambiance as well.  You never know who you’ll see there.  Once I saw actor Michael York buying some bread there.  It’s a very pleasant place to read the morning papers (borrowed from someone else there usually), drink some fresh squeezed orange juice, nibble on the fresh baked bread and sample one of the delicious omelets.

 

After re-fueling, Cupcake and I embarked on a long hike throughout the tree-lined streets of the residential section of Beverly Hills, starting with the parks.

Cupcake and me under the Beverly Hills sign in the park

The residential streets are lined with mostly palatial homes that are simply gorgeous.  I’d love to list one or more of them, after all, I’m a realtor with Power Brokers International, and we have an office in Beverly Hills, as well as in Palm Desert.

 

Let’s face it, I’d love to own one of these fabulous mansions!  Cupcake would love rolling around in the grass.

Close to the Rodeo Drive shops, yet in a quiet neighborhood.

 

Bushy-tailed squirrels dashed about doing their business in the grass and in the luxurient leafy trees. This house looks comfy, eh?

 

There were some teardowns, here and there, but I expect they won’t last long.  Most of the homes along the residential boulevards were beautifully kept mansions.  Some were reminiscent of homes in New England or in the Hamptons, while others were more Italian or French-inspired.

An Italiannate manse

Many of the homes have gated driveways, and some with security cameras, and high walls of brick and mortar or of manicured bushes, but others are surprisingly “open”, as in no wall, no gates, just out in the open in plain view.

Palms tower over the homes of many Beverly Hills homes

There are many beautiful parks around Beverly Hills for everyone to enjoy, whether walking, jogging or strolling with the dog.

Cupcake and me in Beverly Hills Will Rogers Park

With Cupcake, I’m never alone!

The Look of Love

After our long stroll, Cupcake and I refuel at the Beverly Hills Deli, where they were kind to bring a little bowl of water for Cupcake. Then, for desert we headed to my favorite cupcake bakery Crumbs, on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Cupcake wanted to taste my chocolate pecan cupcake at Crumbs Bake Shop

 

On the way back to the apartment, we met a Chihuahua that was even smaller than Cupcake.  His name was Mario and he is a teacup Chihuahua who is seven years old!  His owners had just bought him the sweater he is wearing in the photo at the Ralph Lauren store on Rodeo Drive, which is where this photo was taken.

Cupcake befriends a teacup Chihuahua named Mario

 Soon, it was time for Cupcake and me to head back to the desert, although I was tempted to take him to the beach since it was so downright HOT!

Before we left, I indulged Cupcake in one of his favorite things to do in Beverly Hills: rolling around with delight in the green grass!

Cupcake LOVES to roll around in the cool, green grass of Beverly Hills

 

Life *Can* Be Exciting in the Desert!

Palm Desert, Dec. 17, 2011
After my recent exciting good times hanging out with a good friend in Beverly Hills, I was missing being there already.

But, after my friend and artist Virginia and I attended the latest artist reception at the congenial Heather James Fine Art gallery with its excellent eclectic collection of masterpieces, on Highway 111 at Portola, we stumbled upon a happening opening of the popular fitness clothing store Lululemon on El Paseo.  There was music, dancing, flowing wine and beer, and lots of interesting people.

The clothing line of Lululemon activewear is a tad pricey in these days of recession-depression, and as for me, I go to the gym to work out, not socialize.  So although I do love the flashy yoga wear and gym clothing, I generally just stick with basic black. However, Lulelemon is definitely a nice addition to the mix of stores on El Paseo, and I trust they will find many customers who will enjoy shopping there.

Party for opening night at Lululemon, a new boutique featuring activewear clothing

Then, since the night was still young, the only place we thought to go to was Sullivan’s, since it is the place to see and be seen and mingle in Palm Desert.

 

As we go into to find a seat in the bar area, lo and behold, it’s Taylor Armstrong from my most favorite TV show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”!  I greeted her by name and gave her a hug, and she was so gracious and friendly, she seemed to know me as well! I told her that I was happy that she seems happy now, and she pointed to her new beau, indicating that he was the reason.  I do wish her all the best because she has been through hell and back, which we who watch the show have witnessed.

 

After that, my friend and I found a table to share with a nice couple, Paul and Betty, he was from Pennsylvania and she was from Banning.

 

The two man band was *smoking* big-time, especially on the Jimi Hendrix covers. Wow. Awesome.

 

We met a couple of oil men from Canada who were quite dashing and interesting, and also a local talent agent, who was originally from New York, then Beverly Hills and now is very happy with the peaceful and healthy lifestyle that the desert affords.  One of the Canadian men told me that Lululemon is a Canadian company.

 

By the end of the night, we had great conversations, some laughs and made new friends. 

 

What more could one ask for?

Wendy and Jane’s Excellent Adventures in Beverly Hills

Me and Jane toasting to friendship and The Good Life

Beverly Hills, CA; Dec. 8 – 9; Dec. 13, 2011

My friend Jane and I have been partying together on and off since 1978, and we both love “The Good Life” although we are in the 99%.  But we both have had our share with hobnobbing with the 1%. Because it’s fun!

My philosophy is that life is meant to be enjoyed and la joie de vivre must be embraced. Jane’s pretty much got the same philosophy, fortunately, so since it’s the Holiday Season, now is the time more than ever to celebrate life and friendship.

 

For the past three weeks, I have just spent two days and one night each week partying with Jane in her fabulous ‘hood, in the heart of Beverly Hills.

 

The first week at the beginning of December, we headed to Roberston Boulevard because after reading  my latest issue of Architectural Digest, I was captivated by the ads for the home decor store Restoration Hardware.  Jane didn’t even know it was there! Just goes to show that sometimes out-of-town guests know more about their host’s hometown than they do!

 

We paid it a visit and it was indeed impressive, and quite expansive. It even had a palatial quality to it. There was an enchanting outdoor area with outdoor furniture and twinkling lights, and inside there were two floors of tasteful home furnishings.  There were massive chandeliers and sprawling distressed leather couches, and so on.  As much as I liked what I saw, it was definitely a bit overly masculine for my tastes.  I would temper the look with some feminine accents to balance the yin and the yang.  I could see how men might love this look for their “man caves”, libraries, offices and dens.

Jane outside the courtyard entrance to Restoration Hardware

 Next, we strolled down Robertson Boulevard and stumbled upon a wildly colorful and fun home decor boutique called Indigo Seas, which is owned by interior designer Lynn von Kersting. This kind of decor is more to my style, with its bright colors and whimsical accents. She has quite a collection of nostalgic vintage knick knacks and collectible books, from the 5os and 60s. I wanted to take some photos of the interior but alas the manager of the store said that was forbidden, so I had to satisfy myself with taking a photo of the exterior.

Exterior of Indigo Seas on Robertson Boulevard

 Apparently Ms. von Kersting is also co-owner of the celebrity lunch spot The Ivy next door to the Indigo Seas boutique.

 

We headed over to the Boa Steakhouse on Sunset Boulevard for Happy Hour, but it was a windy, cold night and not well-attended.  I’ve learned that it is extremely popular on the weekends, and many celebrities drop in there. Jane told me about some friends of hers that were staying at a local upscale hotel, and the hotel’s limo dropped them off at Boa.  The papparazzi rushed up and after taking a close look at them, declared them “nobodies” and stepped back.  I find that rather humorous myself!  Cheers to the nobodies of the world! We are somebodies to some people anyway!

Interesting bottles on display on Boa's shelves

 The next day we walked from Jane’s apartment to what I call Ground Zero of Rodeo Drive, or even Ground Zero of Beverly Hills— the hugely picturesque steps with a fountain at the base of it leading to exquisite shops and galleries where Rodeo Drive begins from Wilshire Boulevard.

Steps leading to Rodeo Drive

Every year, the streets of downtown Beverly Hills are decorated exquisitely, and it’s so festive to be here at this time of year.

Fountain at the bottom of the steps to Rodeo Drive

And this year was no exception!

Rodeo Drive Christmas Tree

And I saw Santa and his sleigh flying over Wilshire Boulevard!

A Santa sighting over Wilshire Boulevard!

We also strolled into Saks Fifth Avenue to ogle at the shoes. Oh my God. I tried on a pair of $2095 shoes, I kid you not. Jimmy Choo shoes. High, high heels with straps covered in crystals. A bit over-priced, I’d say! My current  favorites are the Louboutins with their red soles.

 

Shoes at Saks Fifth Avenue-- works of ART!

Later on, we went to Cafe Roma for Happy Hour and spotted this couple who were French-kissing endlessly.  They were still in this exact position when we left. I actually think they were doing some kind of Performance Art, or perhaps trying to break the World’s Guinness Record for longest French kiss.  They seemed like one of those Duane Hanson sculptures of extremely life-like people. It was another one of those “only in Beverly Hills” moments!

A Duane Hanson sculpture? No, it's Performance Art, Beverly Hills-style!

 After dinner at the Villa Blanca which is owned by Lisa and Ken Vanderpump of the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”, one of very favorite TV shows, Jane and I traipsed down the street and stumbled upon not one but two red carpet events at boutiques.  It’s non-stop fun in Beverly Hills, I tell you! The first one we dropped into was the brand new men’s toiletries store called The Art of Shaving. Here we were treated to flowing drinks, whether it’s champagne, wine, scotch, you name it, and endless platters of delicious hors d’oeuvres, along with a DJ supplying the hip music and the Beautiful People in abundance, an all around thoroughly enjoyable ambiance.  Then as we walked out, we were given gift bags, containing a $65 gift certificate! Very nice indeed!

 

After that there was a red carpet event at a jewelry store, again with flowing champagne, and papparazzi flashing with their cameras.  I didn’t recognize any celebrities but I’m not totally up on all the latest stars and starlets. It’s all good.

 

My next trip the following week was equally as great as the previous visit. The displays in the windows around Beverly Hills are so creative and spectacular.

A hair salon's windows in Beverly Hills

I loved the display in Dolce & Gabbana’s windows, showing a table laden with fruits and flowers. Jane said she has been to weddings in Beverly Hills that have tables festively decorated in this manner.

Dolce & Gabbana's lush window display

 I’ve always wanted to go to the Ice Hotel inside the Arctic Circle in Sweden, but I must admit it’s not tops on my list, since there are so many places I want to go.  However, when I heard about the Vodbox at Nic’s Lounge on Canon Drive, I told Jane, we have to check this out. What it is, is a room off the main room, that is behind closed glass doors, and has a temperature of 28 degrees.  It houses hundreds of vodkas from around the world, and you can have fun deciding which ones to taste.  You are offered a faux fur coat and hat to wear while you are in there.  I tried the Pinky Vodka, which was designed by Swedish wine-makers and is infused with rose petals, and the Reyka Vodka from Iceland, which is Iceland’s only vodka, and it’s filtered through lava rock which is found in abundance there. Both vodkas were very good indeed!

Inside the Vodbox at Nic's Lounge

 

Of course we checked back  into The Art of Shaving again to do some Christmas shopping with our gift certificates in hand and once again, it was prime party time there with flowing drinks and appetizers.  The people who work there are all so incredibly charming and nice, too.  What a hip spot! And their products are very high quality. The prices are reasonable as well.

 

While we were there we heard there was going to be a party at the Chanel.  The next day, I checked in with Chanel and managed to score a couple invites.  Just another great reason to return back to Beverly Hills and party it up with Jane and whoever we might meet along the way!

The party was on the tent-encased rooftop of Chanel on Rodeo

Upon entering the store, we were handed some champagne and showed to the elevator to the rooftop where the party was being held.

Toasting to friendship and the good life at Chanel party!

It was very beautiful inside the party area with an understated Moroccan theme.  We were offered delicous hors d’oevres of caviar blinis, appetizers with tuna, lamb, shrimp, and veggies. After that, came the sweets, such as teensy meringue and chocolate mousse tartes, and many varieties of the French macaron cookies. Of course, they were impossible to resist! Finally, I had to say “Non! Merci beaucoup!”

"Yes, I think I will have yet another bon-bon!"

 

 We even met a Beverly Hills pooch there! I asked his owner if Romeo, the pooch’s name, was friends with Giggy, the famous pomeranian of Lisa and Ken Vanderpump of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” fame, but no, they have not made each other’s acquaintance just yet.

Romeo also enjoys drinking a spot of champagne says his owner

We met some very interesting people there, including Kathrine Baumann who designs whimsical purses and her friend who co-owns the Clippers, a basketball team.  The party’s focus, besides the food and champagne, were exquisite jewels and watches, which some were trying on, and even buying.

Jane is tempted

Jane enjoys the ambiance

After the party, we were now hungry for a real meal, and headed to Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener (not Wolfgang Puck) on Canon Drive.  There we shared a delicious New York strip steak recommended by the very congenial bartender who seemed alot like Matt Damon. We also shared a huge baked potato laden with sour cream and butter.  There goes the diet!  Now I’ve got to work out at the gym that much more. Oh yeah!

 

The evening ended with a huge laugh.  It was another “only in Beverly Hills” moment.  Jane came back from the ladies room at Wolfgang’s and told me that she just used the toilet in there that had buttons for cleaning various areas of the derriere and so on.  I told her, you must be hallucinating, Jane. Have you had too much champagne?

 

Nonetheless, I went into the powder room myself and used the facilities.  Lo and behold! There was a strip of buttons by the toilet with various commands, including a blow-dry command.  What a hoot!!!

 

What a way to end this story of “Wendy and Jane’s Excellent Adventures in Beverly Hills”!

 

Buttons next to the deluxe toilet at Wolfgang's-- you have to see this to believe it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Homes Being Bought in the Desert, from Palm Springs to Indio!

The Morrison, new homes in downtown Palm Springs

The snowbirds are back and buying up real estate, since everyone loves a good deal.  From Palm Springs to Indio, there are not only great deals as in short sales and foreclosures but resales and new homes are often priced just as competitively by their sellers.

For example, the picture above is The Morrison, which is now selling like hotcakes, 6 today alone!

These brand new contemporary homes consist of three bedrooms and three bathrooms, approximately 2100 square feet, with high end fixtures and appliances included.  The price range is from the mid $400s to the mid $500s.

Close to the action of downtown Palm Springs, where no other place in the desert matches the nightlife!

On the other side of the valley, east Coachella Valley, there is Indio, one of the oldest desert communities, but which has experienced incredible growth over the last decade.

Indio is home to two world class polo clubs, world class music festivals including Coachella and Stagecoach, many restaurants, shopping malls, and all surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and towering palm trees.

One example of a fabulous value for home buyers is Whittier Ranch, a brand new home development with Tuscan and Spanish-style single family homes from 1674 to 2335 square feet of living space, starting in the low $200s. There are only 9 left now, and if you buy now, Whittier Ranch is paying for your closing costs and offering to give you a 46″ flat screen TV!

Right now, qualifying FHA buyers can get a 30 year fixed rate loan under 4% and with only $8047 down, you can own this home for less than $1300 per month!

Whittier Ranch home in Indio, CA

Clearly, now is a fantastic time to invest in real estate.  I am even working with investors who are buying fixers and fixing them, and flipping them, again!

 

If you have the cash, and cash is king, real estate is a tangible investment, and although there is always an element of risk in any financial investment, at these prices, I think it makes sense to invest in real estate today, provided you have a seasoned realtor such as myself to help you do the due diligence required to assure you that the particular property you are thinking about buying will be a smart investment. This applies also to those who will be needing a loan to purchase real estate. 

A Night at Porcupine Creek, Larry Ellison’s Estate in Rancho Mirage

The author enjoying the ambiance at Porcupine Creek

Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage is one of the premier estates in the Coachella Valley. It boasts the exclusive and private Porcupine Creek Golf Course which is touted as one of the finest by golf enthusiasts.

 

Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle and a true bon vivant who owns mega-yachts and prime real estate in other parts of California including Malibu, bought the property which had been foreclosed on by banks when it was previously owned by Tim and Edra Blixseth, who after a bitter divorce, faced many financial disasters.  It was first listed at $75 million, then reduced to $55 million and Mr. Ellison picked it up for a cool $42.9 million.

 

As a realtor who loves luxury real estate properties, I really wanted to be able to see Porcupine Creek in person myself, so when it came on the market, I called the listing agent and asked if I could be allowed to preview it, or if they were going to have a brokers’ open house (for brokers and realtors only) but I was told that since only about 1500 individuals in the country (or perhaps in the entire world) would be able to afford such a property, that they were not opening it up to anyone except for those who were truly in that category.

 

So, for the time being, I had to be satisfied with reading about it in the Palm Springs Life Magazine and the view from the Bump and Grind Trail, as portrayed in the photo I took below of Porcupine Creek.

View of Porcupine Creek and its golf course from the Bump and Grind Trail

Then I saw the advertisement in the Palm Springs Life Magazine that Larry Ellison would be hosting a charity event there for the Desert Cancer Foundation, and so I decided to go! That way I could support a good cause and satisfy my curiosity.

 

Driving through the gate and down the winding driveway lined with majestic towering palm trees and up to the main entrace where there were beautiful fountains and water features was impressive.

 

Once inside, I loved the wood parquet floors and in the main living room, there was an intricately carved wooden fireplace mantle that looked like it was probably an antique from a French hunting lodge.

 

We weren’t allowed to tour the house or much of the grounds, and of course we weren’t allowed to take photos of the property.  I did walk out to the pool area which was expansive and the view of the house all lit up from that angle was impressively beautiful.  The place was made for parties and entertaining, that was for sure.

 

The people at my table were all very nice and the food was delicious. Alas, the generous host Larry Ellison himself was not in attendance. Someone outbid me on the two Malbec bottles of wine at the silent auction, but that is just as well! All in all, it was a lovely evening and a great way to see Porcupine Creek in person, as limited as it was.  Hats off to Larry Ellison for hosting the event!

A perfect getaway from the desert heat: Malibu!

A surfer surveys the waves at Malibu Colony Beach

One of the great benefits of living in the desert, as we call the desert cities of which the most famous is Palm Springs, is that if you can’t take the heat of the summer here, you can just hop in your car, and in approximately in two and half hours, you will be at the fabulous beaches of Malibu!

I was there yesterday for the Malibu Arts Festival, where there were many artists and artisans there with their arts and crafts.  There were also food trucks and live music, to round out the fun experience.

After that I headed almost directly across the street to the Malibu Colony Beach, which is mostly reserved for surfers.  That’s fine with me, because I love to watch the surfers and the water is too cold for me to swim in it anyway.

The extra added bonus of going to this beach is that you walk down a dirt path past the Malibu Lagoon where many varieties of birds flock and it is surrounded by many fragrant shrubs and flowers.  It’s a great little nature walk. Some of the birds that you will see there are great blue herons, white egrets, seagulls, pelicans, terns and others.

Brown Pelicans dominate this crowd of birds in the Malibu Lagoon

After enjoying the joyous scene at the beach of surfers and children frolicking at the edge of the shore, I decided to head over to the newly reopened Malibu Inn.

Although they need to seriously improve their food (I had to return two different dishes, and I rarely ever return anything), the service was excellent and it was a great place to meet the very interesting Malibu locals, many who are connected to the entertainment industry.

After leaving there around 9:45 pm, I was home around midnight after another glorious getaway to the legendary seaside town of Malibu, and back to my beloved desert home.

Hot Summer in the Desert, But Great Time to Buy or Sell!

Too hot to swim by day, but great at night!

With the temperatures into the 110 degrees plus, it’s simply too hot to swim by day, but at night it is divine to float in the pool and look up at all the stars in the desert sky.

It’s also a hot time to sell and buy real estate in the desert, and there are several reasons why.

One is that only serious sellers have their properties on the market in the summer.  They have a goal and that is to SELL.  The good thing for sellers who have to sell is that during the summer months, many sellers take their properties off the market during this time, thinking that they will wait until the “snowbirds” come back during our season, which begins late October and runs until late May.  This means that for the sellers who leave their properties on the market, there will be less competition for buyers, since the inventory of homes will be lower.

As for buyers, any buyers who brave this heat have to be serious buyers!  And many of them expect to find better bargains since only serious sellers hav their homes listed, and generally at competitive market rates.  And of course, there are still many short sale and foreclosure listings on the market as well.

I can assist both serious sellers and serious buyers with achieving their real estate goals, so please call me on my cell: 760-587-6009 for a free consultation.  Serious buyers should have Proof of Funds and/or a Pre-Approval Letter from their Loan Agent, not dated more than 30 days ago, to accompany any offer to be treated as a serious offer.  Please contact me for more details. I am glad to be of assistance!

Foreclosure in Indian Wells Ultra-Luxury Gated Community: Toscana

Gorgeous house in exclusive Indian Wells gated community: Toscana

I have pre-viewed many luxury homes in almost all the exclusive luxury golf communities throughout the desert here in the Coachella Valley, and I personally think that Toscana Country Club offers some of the best values for those seeking a premium home at a prestigious address in Indian Wells.

 

Per capita, Indian Wells probably has the highest number of wealthy individuals who are lucky enough to call this desert city their home, or at least home-away-from-home!

 

There are many prestigious gated communities in Indian Wells, however Toscana is quite new in comparison, has spectular views and feels like a paradise upon entering, and for those who love their creature comforts, their spa center is probably the best of all of them!

 

It is very rare to find a foreclosed home anywhere in Indian Wells, but especially in such prestigious gated golf communities such as Toscana Country Club.

 

The foreclosed property pictured above is one such foreclosed property, and offers 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms within 3766 square feet of luxurious living area on a spacious 11,761 square foot lot.  The kitchen offers all the top-of-the-line appliances and materials such as granite countertops with a center sink island.

 

It offers a spectacular view of the second fairway!

 

The master bedroom offes a sunken tub, dual vanities, and a glass encased shower.

 

Besides the fabulous golf courses,there are five tournement tennis courts, and much more.

 

As is typical with virtually all offers, it is required that buyers also submit Proof of Funds (dated within the previous 30 days), and pre-approval letter from a direct lender.  Other requirements for special addendum also often apply when buying a foreclosed property of any kind.

 

Please contact me for more details and if you would like to view homes for sale in this or any other desert community at 760-587-6009.

Short Sales for Luxury Estates in the Desert: Amazing Deals Now

Stunning Tuscan Villa Bought for 50% Off Original Price

Sometimes a Short Sale does not seem worth anyone’s effort, for a number of reasons.  The main reason is because a high percentage of short sales don’t sell as a short sale, but end up either being saved at the last minute by the owner, or going through the long process of foreclosure, and all the twists and turns often prove to be a complete waste of everyone’s time.  Not only that, but there is a fairly large inventory of aggressively priced standard sales as well as REO (Real Estate Owned by banks aka foreclosed properties) that are available to buy in a streamlined process compared to the generally arduously long short sale process.

However, when the stakes are high as in the Big Ticket luxury estate market, it can be well worth everyone’s time to pursue a short sale.

 

Case in point, on this second day of summer in the desert, two luxury homes closed escrow that are tremendous bargains.

 

Pictured above is a gorgeous newish construction home (built in 2005) in the south of La Quinta, in a gated community called Stone Creek Ranch, which was built out by Toll Brothers around 2005.  The HOA dues are only $136.00. The seller bought this exquisite property around that time for $1,695,000.  It just sold for $850,000 in a short sale transaction — that’s 50% off!  Wow.

 

Just take a look at what this 3381 square foot estate on a 11,326 square foot lot offers:

Your own Tuscan village-- or so it seems!

A stunning infinity views with fabulous views!

 

Fabulous gourmet kitchen with island and top of the line appliances!

The private courtyard with a fountain, fireplace and a 2 room detached casita for guests truly lends the owner the feeling of owning a Tuscan village estate.  The gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, granite counter tops, an island counter to making cooking up a feast a delight, a wet bar, a formal dining room, a great room with a fabulous rock fireplace, electric patio pocket doors (no struggling with sliding glass doors!), wired for stereo music throughout the estate including pads in rooms to activate the system, vaulted ceilings, regal rotundra entry with beam ceilings, the fabulous infinity pool with spa, outdoor kitchen with BBQ, and much more.  Additionally, golf memberships are available at PGA West, Andulusia, The Quarry, the Palms, and Plantation. I think you would agree with me that the new owners of this Tuscan dream got an Amazing Deal.

This 4 bedroom, 4 bath luxury estate is located in the south of La Quinta near other luxury estate communities such as The Quarry and Andalusia.  The ONLY drawback to some people is that one must drive a bit of a distance to get to the shopping areas in Palm Desert, and even in La Quinta, although that is steadily changing.

If buyers of luxury real estate prefer to be closer to “the action” in terms of being close to Palm Desert’s El Paseo, here is another fabulous property that sold today, and it’s in the highly desirable city of Indian Wells.

Remodeled luxury estate in Rancho Palmeras Estates of Indian Wells

Residents of Indian Wells receive many benefits from the City of Indian Wells, including highly reduced rates at golf courses there, and free tickets to the world class tennis matches at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, just for a couple examples.

It has its own shopping areas for convenient shopping and great restaurants such as Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Vickys Santa Fe and Don Diegos.

And as mentioned it is very close to the high end shopping on El Paseo that not only has Saks Fifth Avenue and fabulous boutiques, but also many art galleries, which open their doors every first Thursday each month during our Season, from October to June.

The  3556 square foot luxury estate on a 10,890 square foot lot featured in the above photo is in the Rancho Palmeras Estates community of Indian Wells, and there is no gate.  The HOA dues is only $50 annually and covers a big community get-together at St. Germain Restaurant. 

This particular property was bought for $1,100,000 in 2007 and it just sold today in a short sale transaction for $650,000.  That is 59% off!  Another Amazing Deal!

Although it was originally built in 1987, it has been extensively remodeled with travertine floors, custom paint, slab granite in the kitchen with stainless steel Thermador and Bosch appliances, custom cabinetry and more.  Other features include two fireplaces, walk-in closets in all bedrooms, side courtyard, built in BBQ, retractable weather proof awnings, and lush landscaping.  And of course, there is a fabulous pool and spa for relaxation and entertaining.

Private pool and spa!

Gourmet kitchen with many upgrades!

As you can see, pursuing  luxury real estate via a short sale can really, really pay off.  If this appeals to you, please call me to help assist you with acquiring a fantastic luxury estate for the best possible price.  I can be reached easily via my cell: 760-587-6009.

 

Choose Realtor Wendy Campbell to List Your Luxury Estate: Here’s Why!

Equestrian estate in La Quinta, in the Vista Santa Rosa area

At a board meeting the other day in Palm Springs, one of the speakers said that he advises owners of luxury real estate to hold on to their properties to ride out this sluggish, cruel market.

 

However, I noticed that my broker, who sells luxury listings like clockwork every week, and who was also on the panel, did not concur with the other broker’s opinion.

 

That is probably because of her amazing ability and leadership position in selling luxury real estate in the Coachella Valley!  She works hard at it too. “Obsessed” is a word that some apply to her drive! Since this little article is a commercial for me and not for her, I will leave her unnamed for the time-being.  But call me and I’ll tell you who she is if you don’t know already!

 

I feel privileged to work in the same office with her, and her team, and actually in a way, I am a part of her team and vice versa, since I sometimes do open houses for them, and also when I have questions about situations that come up in my real estate deals, I get advice from them.  So, it’s a win-win all around!

 

The property in the photo above, is a listing I had, which started out listed as over $10 million! Other listing agents had the listing, but when it expired, I was persistent in persuading the owner/seller to award me with the listing.  I started out listing it for around $8.25 million.  But as the summer wore on, the price came down to $6.95 million, still a hefty price tag for most people.

 

To make a long story short, I showed it to an agent and his clients (who coincidentally enough had refused to look at it previously with me because of the price tag, and so I showed them another property, but lost contact with them).  Since it was summer, and my client was cutting corners with the upkeep of the 9.44 acre property, I put in a good three days of personally cleaning, trimming trees and shrubs, picking up litter and overseeing the clean-up of the pool and windows to make it presentable.  So by the time the agent and his clients came to see the property, it was back in dazzling shape.

 

I left the agent and his clients alone at the estate to savor and fall in love with the place.  And they did.

 

We received an offer.  But for only $3 million!  I needed some armor to put on before I presented that to the seller, who I knew would be extremely unhappy with that offer.  As it turns out, he did not want to even counter it, although I convinced him to at least counter something, but it was not enough.

 

As it turns out, since my client, the seller, had agreed to the clause  in the listing contract, that anyone I showed the property to while it was my listing, I would be able to receive a commission for the time frame (after the listing expired ) as specified in the contract.

 

Therefore, even though the buyers’ agent negotiated a short sale after my listing officially expired, I did receive a reduced commission, when it finally sold to the buyers a few months down the road. For $3.6 million. What a deal for the buyers.  My seller was able to move on with his life and his investments on the East Coast.  It was the largest sale of the east Coachella Valley of the year, 2010.

 

I feel I certainly deserved that commission since I put my all into that listing, which I do for all my listings, but for luxury listings, since the stakes are higher and since it takes a special outreach to find the right buyer from the smaller pool of buyers for luxury real estate, I go far beyond that to achieve my goals on behalf of the seller that I represent.

 

Since this property was an equestrian property, I advertised in equestrian magazines as well as luxury real estate magazines.

 

I also hosted a Broker’s Open House, serving champagne, caviar, wine and other appetizers along with red roses, since it was around Valentine’s Day.  Brokers and realtors came and were wowed by the property.

 

I purchased a large sign on wooden stakes that advertised the features of the property and it was placed on the main thoroughfare, next to the little road leading to the property. 

 

I hired the people from Real Estate Showcase to come over and film me and the property for their TV show which airs every night on local TV, and is available 24/7 on-line.

 

I made custom brochures. 

 

I advertised in the local newspaper, the Desert Sun.

 

I even actually pitched the property to real estate investors in Dubai during my short trip there!

 

I personally networked with luxury realtors, especially those who specialized in equestrian properties, in Malibu and Rancho Santa Fe.  I put up flyers in upscale equestrian stores and stables in those areas, and here in the valley.

 

And of course, as I mentioned above, I oversaw the intensified upkeep of the property so that it showed in the best light possible.

 

You could say that I get “obsessed” with successfully selling my listings,and especially when I am charged with selling a luxury listing, I move into turbo-charged high gear.

 

While it is true that there are some luxury estates that have been sold lately as foreclosed properties or short sales, the majority of them are standard sales.  As with most real estate, these luxury estates often sell at  prices that are discounted compared to what they could have sold for during the real estate bubble and before the crash of 2008, however, depending on your situation, you still might find it advantageous to sell now, at a discount, and then buy somewhere else, also at a discount.  Or take your proceeds and put them to good use in another venture, whatever that may be.

 

You can count on me, Wendy Campbell, a full-time realtor and resident of the desert, to perform a stellar job listing, promoting and selling your luxury estate. 

 

For those who wish to buy luxury real estate, I have a thorough knowledge of and access to all the luxury estates actively listed on the MLS.  If you want someone who can expertly guide you and assist you in acquiring a luxury estate here in the Coachella Valley, please contact me directly.

Wendy Campell, Realtor

 

Gorgeous luxury estate in the Hideaway Country Club in La Quinta

 The best way to reach me is by calling me on my cell phone: 760-587-6009.