Thanks to federal law, you can easily check your credit report for free. Even if you aren't looking for a loan or mortgage, it's a good way to make sure your record doesn't include any errors that could count against you in the future. You can see whether there are any accounts open that you don't know about, or if anyone you don't know has recently asked for a copy of your report; either of these might indicate suspicious activity.



There are many websites that will charge you for this service (and may collect your personal data for marketing), but there is one official site that is safe and definitely free. AnnualCreditReport.com is operated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and provides more information on the service here.

Your credit report will NOT include a "credit score"-the FICO number (between 300 and 850) that you see used extensively in mortgage marketing. While you can purchase your credit score, it is generally not important unless you plan to get a loan in the near future. When you apply for a mortgage, the mortgage company will get its own credit report. You'll be billed for it, but then you will get a copy that includes your credit score.

We have the knowledge to help you save money on your real estate investments. Give us a call!

At a time when libraries elsewhere are cutting branches, hours and staff, it's encouraging to learn that the Palm Desert Library is booking upgrades and improvements. This may be a general sign of health for our region.

Though the library is only 14 years old, The Desert Sun reports that it is the second-busiest in the Riverside County Library System, which operates 34 libraries, including branches in La Quinta, Palm Springs and Indio. The Fred Waring Drive branch (which has its own page on Facebook!) will enjoy improvements such as new paint and carpeting, additional computer terminals and self-checkout stations.

Construction is expected to begin in about September 2011 and take approximately six months. The project architect, Tim Holt of Holt Architects, Rancho Mirage, anticipates that the branch will remain open during most of the construction.

A lively library is just one of the many perks of Coachella Valley life. We'll be happy to tell you more...just give us a call.

Ever wonder who all those people with the name badges are? Palm Springs and Palm Desert are convention destinations year-round. Between lavish hotel accommodations and conference facilities, direct flights to Palm Springs International and appealing recreational options, the Coachella Valley is a great option for large groups as well as individual vacationers.

Here are just a few of the visitors we'll be seeing over the next couple of months:

August 2-5 - American Society for Horticultural Science - JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert
August 11-14 - Toastmasters International - JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert
September 3-6 - The Rainbow Show - Palm Springs Convention Center
September 26 - Southern California Writers Conference

If you're a visiting conventioneer, a resident or simply passing through, we'd be happy to show you around and tell you more about the desert lifestyle. Give us a call!

Summertime, sunshine and it's hot hot hot! If you're a long-time desert dweller, you probably have your stay-cool methods in place by now. But if you're a newcomer or a visitor, here are a few tips that might just save you a few bucks on air conditioning.

• Drink lots of water. Water cools you from the inside out. And if you're having cocktails or coffee, drink water along with; alcohol and coffee are diuretics.
• Cool your dogs. Stick your bare feet in a bucket, pool or bathtub of cool water. 
• Spritz and spray. Keep a spray bottle nearby and spray your face or wrists with cool water.
• Stay out of your car in the heat of the day. (And of course, do we need to remind you? Never, ever, leave your pet in the car when it's hot - even for a few minutes!)
• Sit in the shade. In our dry desert climate, shade can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler.
• Have your own wet t-shirt party.
• Do the fan-dango. A fan can create a cool jet of air even in a hot room. Even a hand-held fan can help!
• Close curtains and blinds. You'll spend less time trying to get the heat out if you don't let it in.
• Turn stuff off. Computers, lights and other electronic equipment generate heat. If you're not using them, turn them all the way off.
• Go to a movie...or the mall...or the grocery store.

While you're cooling off, learn more about the Desert Lifestyle, or give us a call and let us show you what's cool about Coachella Valley real estate!

Just when you were ready to plunk down some cash on that snazzy hybrid, the Wall Street Journal comes out with an article on the latest trend in housing: walkability. Apparently buyers at both ends of the spectrum - retiring baby-boomers and their first-time-homebuyer children - are looking for homes within walking distance of amenities. Walking is good for the health and good for the budget; if you have the time, you save on gas. Proximity to shops and schools is important. So are sidewalks, crosswalks and safe neighborhoods.

If you'd like to know more about walkable communities and neighborhoods in Palm Springs, Palm Desert or other parts of the Coachella Valley, we would be happy to show you around. Give us a call!

You look out the window and there's your sparkling swimming pool. It's an appealing part of the desert lifestyle, right? But did you know that without a pool cover, you might be throwing money away? Yes, the sun helps to heat the water in your pool, but, especially in our low-humidity desert environment, it also evaporates gallons and gallons of water every day - to say nothing of the sand, leaves, debris and lawn furniture that get carried pool-ward by the wind. Add up the cost of 30+ gallons of water daily, replacement chemicals and frequent cleaning and a pool cover starts to look like a really smart idea.

We have loads of ideas to help you make the most of the desert lifestyle in Palm Springs, Palm Desert and throughout the Coachella Valley. Give us a call! 760.567.1550

Whether you enjoy the fashion shows, the champagne, the shopping, the exhibits or just all those really, really stunning models, Fashion Week El Paseo is the place to get your gorgeous on!

From March 20 through March 28, Palm Desert-always style-savvy-turns into fashion central with a packed event schedule that includes everything from trunk shows to a bachelor auction! For those with a real taste for fashion, this year's Fashion Week dresses up with two days of culinary events featuring a delicious line-up of celebrity chefs.

You can find lots of details, photos and ticket information at www.fashionweekelpaseo.com.

If you're curious about Palm Desert, check out our Palm Desert page. Palm Desert real estate is as hot as next season's fashion right now, and of course we'd be happy to take you on a tour of Palm Desert homes or condos for sale. We are your Palm Desert Realtors, so give us a call today at 760-567-1550.

Don't forget: In real estate, knowledge is power. Let us put our knowledge of Palm Desert to work for you!

As the ladies are swinging (their golf clubs) in Rancho Mirage at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the ladies are just plain swinging at the Dinah Shore Weekend, known as "The Dinah." Stand back or jump in-The Dinah is considered the largest lesbian event in the world, attracting thousands of women from around the planet who come to Palm Springs to party, March 31 through April 4.

This is The Dinah's 20th year and it promises to be bigger, hotter and more glamorous than ever. Parties, dancing, pool parties, comedy, celebrities, parties, music, benefit performances, parties and so much more fill the hotels, streets, restaurants and venues of Palm Springs with non-stop fun.

Tickets and information are available at www.thedinah.com and event tickets may also be purchased at the door-cash only!

Palm Springs is a delicious vacation and party spot, but with its incomparable mid-century modern architecture and luxury residential developments, it is a wonderful place to call home year-round. While our market is springing back faster than other places, Palm Springs real estate still offers some tremendous investment opportunities for the savvy buyer. If you'd like to talk about Palm Springs condos or homes for sale, we are your Realtors in Palm Springs, so give us a call today at 760-567-1550.

In real estate, knowledge is power. We know how to help you make the most of your home investment and we look forward to helping you with all your Coachella Valley real estate sale and purchase needs.

We love Spring in the Coachella Valley. The temperatures are mild, the cactus and palms and wildflowers have started blooming and serious, fabulous, exciting tennis comes to town.In case you hadn't noticed, the BNP Paribas Open is now underway at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Competition continues for the next ten days, with the finals on Sunday, March 21.

One of the largest events in the Coachella Valley, the Paribas Open is also one of the Valley's largest sources of revenue, drawing fans-and incomparable players-from around the world.Tickets are available online at www.bnpparibasopen.org or call the Indian Wells Tennis Garden box office at 800-999-1585.

Meanwhile, Spring is the perfect time for real estate shopping in Indian Wells. Small and affluent, Indian Wells is known for luxury living in a pristine desert atmosphere.

We would be happy to talk with you about current options and values and to show you what's available in this beautiful desert community.Give us a call today at 760-567-1550. In real estate, knowledge is power. We look forward to sharing our knowledge with you.