There's an acronym in the computer world - WYSIWYG (pronounced wizzy-wig) - that stands for What You See Is What You Get. While home buyers may be tempted to apply it to their purchase, WYSIWYG does not apply in the world of real estate!

The problem is what you don't see. While honest sellers would never attempt to conceal problems - and in fact are required to disclose defects prior to sale - a coat of paint could temporarily cover evidence of leaks or carpet cleaning might not show damage to the wood floor below.

We always very strongly urge that the buyers we represent request a home inspection prior to closing - even for newly built homes. A home inspector checks all the major systems in the home, running the dishwasher and the air conditioner, shining a bright light into dark corners, looking at plumbing, foundation, roof, windows, etc.

But it's important that buyers understand that the home inspection is visual. That means, for example, that while the inspector will look at the roof, he (or she) is not required to actually walk on the roof; the inspector will check the baseboard around the perimeter of a room (for obvious evidence of pests or other damage) but will not lift the carpeting to check beneath.

Before you hire an inspector, interview several and find out what they will and will not cover as part of the inspection. If you're concerned about a particular aspect of the property, further inspection may be required, usually at the buyer's expense (including repairs to any damages caused by the inspection).

If you would like referrals to qualified home inspectors or if you have questions about any part of the home buying or selling process in the Coachella Valley, please give us a call!

The super-luxury segment of the Coachella Valley market - estate properties priced $2.51-$9.0 million - is selling at exactly the same pace this year as last. The good news is that the price per square foot in this market segment has increased by 11% over the same period in 2009. Similar to luxury home sales, about 89% of super-luxury properties sell in all-cash transactions.

Our two favorite words in these all-cash deals? "Wire Transfer!"

Want to look at (or talk about) Palm Springs real estate? Call Scott + Jim at 760.567.1550.

The Coachella Valley - the low desert region around Palm Springs in Southern California - has a substantial luxury market comprised of homes priced between $1.5 and $2.5 million.

The Desert Area MLS reports that this segment of the market experienced a year-over-year 49% increase in sales Valley-wide, January-June. Some 87% of these luxury-segment properties sell in all-cash transactions!

To see printed reports from the Desert Area MLS, or to talk about selling or purchasing a luxury property, give us a call at 760.567.1550.

Are you ready for some good news? We have it! What we call "entry level" homes here in Southern California's Coachella Valley - those priced $500,000 and below - are selling at a brisk pace. Our Windermere office is processing about 500 escrows a month compared to 200-300 during the same period in 2009.

Foreclosures and Short Sales are down substantially year-over-year. While they continue to apply some downward pressure on prices, they're having less of an effect than last year and prices seem to have stabilized in the last two months. Some bank-owned properties - in better neighborhoods, well-maintained and presented - are selling quickly in multiple offers.

In some areas, especially in the most desirable country club developments, prices have begun to INCREASE a few percentage points in the last three months!

Homes that have quality finishes, make a good first impression and, most importantly, are priced correctly for their market are seeing faster offers and selling well.

Whether you're selling or buying, if you're looking for an edge on the competition, call us! We are the Coachella Valley real estate experts. 760.567.1550.

Talking about the current market outlook, California Association of Realtors® President Steve Goddard recently commented, "Mortgage interest rates continue to hover near their historic lows, and many buyers are out in force to take advantage of the combination of low interest rates and affordably priced homes. It's an ideal time for many families to purchase their first home even though they may face stiff competition."

If you're looking for a way to get an edge on the competition, call us! We are the Coachella Valley real estate experts. 760.567.1550

Whatever your portfolio, whatever your equity, the past couple of years have been economically nasty. Now-at last!-there's a dribble of good news: Bloomberg News reports today that lenders can be expected to loosen the purse-strings on home-equity loans in 2010.

What that means is homeowners with equity-those who owe less than their property is worth-will be able to bank on their home's value for loan funding. Forecasters predict that those who seek such loans will forego the luxury spending of the recent past in favor of renovations and other practical expenditures. They also predict that lenders remain extremely cautious, and even those with outstanding credit and tremendous equity may have to shop around.

For those smart enough to invest in the Coachella Valley real estate market-Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells-there's more good news: our market is bustling with buyers eager to find a second or third home, a romantic pied-à-terre or an all-amenities condo on the 7th green.

If you're thinking of selling or buying, or just curious about our desert communities we would be happy to show you around, introduce you to the desert lifestyle and answer your questions about real estate. We are your Palm Springs Realtors, so give us a call today at 760-567-1550.

In real estate, knowledge is power. Let us put our knowledge of Palm Springs and the Valley to work for you!

Here come the ladies! The first major tournament of the year on the LPGA Tour, the Kraft Nabisco Championship gets underway with practice rounds on Monday, March 29, and wraps up championship play on Sunday, April 4. Hosted at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage for the 39th year, the 2010 tournament will see 2009 defending champion, Brittany Lincicome, defending her title against Lorena Ochoa, ranked number one in the world.

In addition to dazzling greens, blue skies and world-class golf, a two-day pro-am (March 30 and 31) offers a chance to play a round with the top golfers on the LPGA Tour. Proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Information, tickets and Pavilion packages are available online at www.kncgolf.com. Kids 17 and under get in free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Through the Integrated Wealth Management TICKETS Fore CHARITY^TM program, all ticket purchase monies will be donated to participating desert charities.

Rancho Mirage residents enjoy a relaxed, high-quality resort lifestyle in this appealing community of about 17,000 located halfway between Palm Springs and Indio. Slightly elevated (246 feet) above the surrounding desert, the city boasts some of the Valley's most beautiful new residential developments. If you're curious about life, homes or condos in Rancho Mirage, we would be happy to take you on a tour. We are your Rancho Mirage Realtors!

Can't wait? There's more information on Rancho Mirage here plus additional details on desert living here .

Give us a call today at 760-567-1550. And remember: In real estate, knowledge is power.