The Paul Kaplan Group is excited to be listing another classic example of Palm Springs Mid-Century Real Estate.  Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of the historic Palm Springs’ Racquet Club Road Estates neighborhood, this mid-century home is one of the best  examples of the forward-thinking design of the architecture team, Palmer and Krisel. The original design has been brought back to life from years of neglect and poor remodeling choices;  It is elegantly simple: a “butterfly” sloping roof thin plane, with tongue-and-groove ceilings resting gently on beams and posts, the purest modernist expression of form and function. Twelve-foot wide sliding glass retractable doors allow the free flowing open plan to continue outdoors, featuring an oversized yard, sparkling pool, lounging area, accented by a gas fire pit. The addition of clerestory windows, seen in the original 1959 blueprints but never originally built, open up the living room to capture views of the majestic San Jacinto mountain that guard over the Palm Springs valley. Inside, natural materials express themselves including concrete floors, wood paneling accents, as well as heavy timbered ceiling beams. Recent renovations include custom natural wood cabinets in the kitchen, quartz-style countertops and stainless appliances, baths upgraded with designer tile, and sleek modern fixtures and fittings.

A thorough renovation, took the home down the the studs, and then restored from the inside out.  New systems, including plumbing, electrical, heating and airconditiong, bring 21st century comforts to this classic Palm Springs mid-century home.    Offered at $549,000.  Click here for more information.

The following article was posted on the National Association of Realtor’s website.  This article echos whats going on in Real Estate in Palm Springs as well-  sales have been robust this past year-  we’ve suddenly entered into a period of extremely low inventory.  Although we have not seen prices start to sky-rocket in Palm Springs, we are seeing multiple offers that are starting to drive prices North.  Maybe the balance is shifting a little-  regardless, hopefully its a good sign of economic recovery and a balance of the real estate markets in Palm Springs, as well as the entire United States.

WASHINGTON (April 26, 2012) – Pending home sales increased in March and are well above a year ago, another signal the housing market is recovering, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 4.1 percent to 101.4 in March from an upwardly revised 97.4 in February and is 12.8 percent above March 2011 when it was 89.9.  The data reflects contracts but not closings.

The index is now at the highest level since April 2010 when it reached 111.3.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said 2012 is expected to be a year of recovery for housing.  “First quarter sales closings were the highest first quarter sales in five years.  The latest contract signing activity suggests the second quarter will be equally good,” he said.

 “The housing market has clearly turned the corner.  Rising sales are bringing down inventory and creating much more balanced conditions around the county, which means home prices will be rising in more areas as the year progresses,” Yun said.

The PHSI in the Northeast slipped 0.8 percent to 78.2 in March but is 21.1 percent above March 2011.  In the Midwest the index declined 0.9 percent to 93.3 but is 16.9 percent higher than a year ago.  Pending home sales in the South rose 5.9 percent to an index of 114.1 in March and are 10.6 percent above March 2011.  In the West the index increased 8.7 percent in March to 108.0 and is 9.0 percent above a year ago.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

*The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales.  In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months.

An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales; it coincides with a level that is historically healthy.

NOTE:  Existing-home sales for April will be reported May 22, the next Pending Home Sales Index will be released May 30 and first quarter metro area home prices will be released May 9; release times are 10:00 a.m. EDT.

Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. News releases are posted in the website’s “News and Commentary” tab.  Statistical data in this release, as well as other tables and surveys, are posted in the “Research and Statistics” tab of www.realtor.org.

Keep cool this summer and remember to perform annual maintenance on your air conditioning units now, before the real heat hits and A/C contractors become busy!

There are a few things that most homeowners can do themselves to help maintain their air conditioner:
Ensure the filter is clean or replaced regularly. Disposable filters are inexpensive and should be replaced once per month during high use periods.
Trim back plants so there is at least one foot of clearance from the A/C unit – this allows proper air flow, reducing motor strain.
Sand and other debris can get sucked into the condenser coils. To clean the coils, first disconnect the power to the A/C and then use a garden hose to spray the coils clean.
The best advice you can give your clients is to have an annual maintenance service performed by a professional air conditioning technician. Always ensure the following items are included in the maintenance service:
Condenser – check pressure, oil motor bearings, and current electrical draw; tighten all hardware and visually inspect wiring and condenser coils.
Air Handler/Evaporator – Visually inspect wiring and oil motor bearings; clean or replace filter, tighten all hardware, inspect condensation drain, pan, pump, and auxiliary pan; clean drain system, and check that evaporator coils are clean and free of damage.
With proper maintenance, the air conditioner should run smoothly for years. However, should the unit break down due to normal wear and use, your home warranty company should repair or replace the covered parts and components – saving your hard-earned money and keeping your home cool during the heat of summer!

Our grand opening of the new Raymond|Lawrence boutique in the  Uptown Design District of Palm Springs was a huge hit.  Our new  Paul Kaplan Group’s “Mod-Shack” is located in the center of the space, where we are showcasing all the cool mid-century and modern homes we have listed for sale.   

Palm Springs Life posted this on their blog:

 More than 300 guests attended the highly anticipated grand opening party for Raymond | Lawrence, an innovative new concept in retail located in the heart of Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District. Mayor Steve Pougnet spoke at the official ribbon cutting by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce as building owner Peter Mahler and entrepreneurs Raymond McCallister and Larry Abel welcomed guests beneath a glittering disco ball at the front of the building. Celebrity attendees included actor John Barrowman, fashion guru Michael Costello, and Barbie Artist Judy Ragagli.  Several of the ‘pop-up’ store owners were in attendance. Guests enjoyed refreshing cocktails and noshed on mini hot dogs from a retro-style hot dog cart, with sweets provided by Patina Catering Company. The event was sponsored by Patrón Spirits and produced by Socialize Palm Springs. Raymond | Lawrence is a retail ‘incubator’ for brands that are new to Palm Springs, and offers home décor, furniture, real estate and architectural books, [The Paul Kaplan Group] accessories, textiles and bedding, men’s and women’s fashion, and more.

In additional to real estate, our booth, Paul Kaplan’s Mod Shack, will be offering architectural books and videos on various topics related to Palm Springs.  Part of our collection include tribute journals, produced by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, in addition to books sponsored by the Palm Springs Mod Com committee. 

The store is located at:

Raymond | Lawrence
830 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-459-1396

www.PaulKaplanGroup.com
www.raymond-lawrence.com

Paul Kaplan of The Paul Kaplan Group announced today the return of Escena, a This Century Modern home development in Palm Springs, CA. Escena, like many other new home developments lay fallow during the economic downturn, but builders are responding to increased demand for homes in the Coachella Valley.

“This Century Modern designs are a spin-off of Mid-century Modern which are still the rage in Southern California,” remarked Kaplan, owner of The Paul Kaplan Group, a real estate firm that specializes in Mid-century Modern resale homes in Palm Springs. Continuing, Kaplan says, “but the major differences are in the construction. In newer homes, buyers get the sleek architecture combined with modern features like upgraded insulation, electrical, and energy-saving features. Plus, the developments offer features such as world-class golf courses, club houses, and as in Escena, top-notch restaurants. You get it all.”

During the economic downturn, Escena’s builder, Lennar, like many other builders in the area, stopped building with the intent of letting the development lay fallow until the market improved. Alta Verde, the new developer at Escena, recently announced that it is set to build 130 new luxury homes in the “This Century Modern” community. Alta Verde will launch four distinctive modern home designs that range from 2,000 and 2,800 square feet, which provide open floor plans, stunning architecture and dramatic desert views. Reservations for sales will commence this summer.

And, the existing homes at Escena have remained popular. “There is currently just one of the original Escena homes originally built by Lennar being offered. The home has all of the  luxury amenities that buyers want, and has a sleek  Modern style. This Century Modern home features  generously sized bedrooms and more bathrooms, a two car garage with golf car partking, wet bars, and guest casita. The kitchen comes with under cabinet lighting, islands, and so on.”  Click here for more information.

Escena, for instance features a top notch Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that was voted the 6th best public golf course in California. An elegant $15 million clubhouse that features Chef Oscar Ayala’s legendary Escena Grill which is sure to please golfers and fans alike. “We are very proud to present these homes as Escena makes its reappearance in the This Century Modern home market,” added Kaplan. “We’d like to invite everyone who is interested in Mid-century Modern design but wants the latest features in building and design to tour Escena.”

The Paul Kaplan Group office is located at 1701 N Palm Canyon Drive Suite 5, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 and can be reached by phone at 760-459-1396 or via email at info@paulkaplangroup.com. Their website
is located at www.PaulKaplanGroup.com.

Their retail store is located at Raymond | Lawrence, 830 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA.

The Paul Kaplan Group in Palm Springs, is exited to be partnering with Raymond | Lawrence in their innovated new retail venture in the heart of the Uptown Design District.  Known as the hot spot for design related shopping, the Uptown Design District is one of the most popular retail destinations in Palm Springs .  The Paul Kaplan Group will be part of the new joint retail experience at the new Raymond | Lawrence, along with other unique design related enterprises.  As well as representing real estate, we’ll also have architecture books, Dvd’s and other  related merchandise, focusing around Palm Springs design.  The Grand opening event is scheduled for April 19th. 

Read below for more info:

PALM SPRINGS – April 3, 2012: Raymond | Lawrence, an innovative retail incubator located in the heart of the Palm Springs Uptown Design District, will host a grand opening celebration on Thursday, April 19 from 6 to 9 pm at 830 North Palm Canyon Drive. The event will be a benefit for AIDS Assistance Program.

 “The incubator will provide an integral tool to help us foster the growth of design and lifestyle-oriented businesses that are new to Palm Springs and will bring even more variety to the uptown design district,” explains co-founder Larry Abel. “The synergy of the District has been building for quite some time now, and we feel this concept will help solidify the area’s reputation as yet another thriving component of the current Palm Springs renaissance. This is all about fostering creativity, uniqueness, an entrepreneurial spirit, and exclusivity.”

Raymond | Lawrence will include ‘pop-up’ stores for a variety of retail businesses, some of which are already established enterprises in other cities, and some that are new concepts. There will be home décor, furniture, accessories, textiles and bedding, men’s and women’s fashion, shoes, and jewelry, along with private concierge, real estate and architectural bookstore, and interior design services. A café and an international newsstand will make Raymond | Lawrence a destination for lovers of style.

Abel and co-founder Raymond McCallister have partnered with building owner Peter Mahler to enhance the concept of modernism for the 21st century lifestyle. Mahler is Managing Director of El Paseo Holdings LLC and has been instrumental in the revitalization of the Uptown Design District. ASI (Art – Style – Innovation), sOUP Home, Crate, Made 2 Measure Fashion, Paul Kaplan Modern Real Estate Group, Fit to Print, K. Berwick, Pavilion, Kateyln Grace, LASC, and a new concept by Royale Projects are among the initial ‘pop ups’ to be included.

The new venture has already been praised by Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, Downtown Administrator Tammy Perezchica, and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce for the anticipated positive economic impact, and the way landowner and entrepreneurs have come together for the good of the community.

Abel and McCallister are also the co-owners of Abel McCallister Designs, an award-winning event production company with offices in New York & Los Angeles that produces pop-up shops, corporate events, and red carpet parties for clients such as L’Oreal, Chase, Patrón Spirits, FOX, PEOPLE, Netflix, Entertainment Weekly, Disney, Hellmanns, and Audi. This talented duo appeared on Oprah designing her first edible set, made entirely of pure Godiva Chocolate. Since 2004, they have been working to create brand experiences at high profile entertainment-related events nationwide. In May, a division of Abel McCallister Designs, ‘Socialize Palm Springs’ will offer special events production of the highest caliber in the Coachella Valley. “Up until now, we’ve only done corporate events and have turned down all requests from charities, weddings, or other non-corporate events,” says Abel.  “Now, as a way to further our commitment to the Coachella Valley, we’re launching a branch of the company that will focus exclusively on social and charity events in the desert.” The showroom for Socialize Palm Springs will be located in the former ASI space at 668 North Palm Canyon Drive, and will soon be producing its first major social event, a spectacular society wedding celebration.

“Everything in our current retail store in the Uptown Design District, ASI, was inspired by an event we created,” McCallister added. “We had received ongoing requests from clients and event attendees who wanted to purchase the furnishings and décor used to create our unique environments. So when we purchased our weekend home here in Palm Springs in May 2009, we thought doing our own pop-up retail shop would be a welcome respite from our cross-country trips and work. Little did we know how quickly we would come to love the people of Palm Springs and eagerly seek to become a permanent part of the community.” Now ASI will become part of their larger vision for Uptown Design District: Raymond | Lawrence. “It’s almost as if ASI was the incubator for Raymond | Lawrence.”

For more information about The Paul Kaplan Group, Inc. visit www.PaulKaplanGroup.com .

Here are a few pics of the final product:

Have you thought about dabbling in Palm Springs Real Estate?  For more information on Palm Springs Real Estate,  this home or other mid-century homes in Palm Springs, please visit our website at www.PaulKaplanGroup.com  We specialize in mid-century properties, from fixers to beautifully renovated homes, whatever you pleasure.  Come discover the excitement going on in the Palm Springs Real Estate market.

The Paul Kaplan Group, Modernism Week 2012

As of March 1, 2012,  The Paul Kaplan Group, Inc.  opened our new brokerage in a cool Mid-Century office complex,  located in the heart of Palm Springs, at 1701 N Palm Canyon, Suite 5.  In the past few years, we’ve grown to 5 agents, with a staff of 4 administrative helpers that keep things running smoothly!  We can now spread out with our own reception area, private conference room, agent bull-pin, AND a kitchen.  (And it doesn’t hurt being located across the street from our favorite liquor store for when we want to celebrate property closings with our clients!)  We’re set up with all the latest technologies to help our clients with all their real estate needs.

Here’s a little history about us:

1701 N Palm Canyon Dr. Ste #5

The Paul Kaplan Group, Inc.,  was started by a professional team of Palm Springs’ Realtors,  who share a passion for architecture and modern properties, an eye for style, and  a knack for spotting great deals.  We are committed and dedicated  to providing customer service that’s a cut above the rest.

The Group was formed by, Paul Kaplan.  With a degree in  architecture  and design,  Paul shares his background and knowledge with his clients that are also passionate about everything mid-century.   For over a decade, it has been his goal to deliver innovative professional real estate services using the latest technologies, in a down-to-earth  pressure-free style.    The Paul Kaplan Group, Inc. is an avid  supporter of  historic preservation, and dedicated to preserving and celebrating Palm Springs, as “the Mecca for Mid-Century Modern.”  The Group has had the pleasure to watch their clients ease in and out of some of the most architecturally-fascinating properties in Palm Springs.
 
Palm Springs is an international resort destination; The Paul Kaplan Group, Inc. has helped numerous foreign nationals purchase properties.  They specialize in second homes for their clients, in addition to offering seasoned advice on owning and operating Vacation Rental Properties. The business has also cultivated a thriving investment arm.  Daily tracking and analysis of market trends has  allowed them to develop a trained eye that confidently identifies lucrative investment opportunities in Palm Springs, from rental condos to hotel resorts.
 
They don’t just sell properties, they sell the Palm Springs lifestyle.  The Paul Kaplan Group, Inc., strives to offer a fresh approach to local real estate in the Palm Springs area.

The Paul Kaplan Group are proud sponsors of the Palm Springs Modernism Week.  The 2012 Palm Springs annual Modernism Week celebration, was recently held in February-  Reports are  out, and   officials estimate the 11-day event generated $10.9 million, up from $7.7 million the previous year.

The seventh annual event also saw a 40 percent increase in attendance, with 35,400 people attending from more than 39 states.  Additionally, officials said 86 percent of participants were from outside of the Coachella Valley. 

We talked to people from all over the US as well as other countries, excited and passionate about mid-century modern architecture, and what Palm Springs has to offer.  This year’s event drew visitors from Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands, per officials.

 Some 300 volunteers helped put on more than 90 events, from home tours, films and lectures to fashion shows and receptions.  As an annual sponser of the event, we had record attendance at the Modernism Show booth we hosted as well as our open houses. 

For more info, check out www.mydesert.com/modernism and www.Modernismweek.com

And if you’d like to own a piece of Palm Springs Modernism for yourself, we’d be happy to assist you!  Check out our website at www.PaulKaplanGroup.com

Palm Springs Modernism Week starts February 17.  Hoards of Mid-Century design and architecture fans will be embracing Palm Springs, the mecca for Mid-Century design.  This is an excellent opportunity to visit some mid-century real estate,  currently on the market, that we have available for sale here at The Paul Kaplan Group.  The following will be open the weekend of Feb. 18 and 19th in Palm Springs

Address:  2155 George Drive, Palm Springs                                                

Open House Dates and Times:

Saturday, February 18, 1-4:00 PM

Year Built: 1959                        Price:  $339,000

Neighborhood:  Racquet Club Road Estates

Description:  Classic Alexander home designed by Palmer & Krisel. Vaulted, gabled roof, beamed tongue and groove ceiling, and decorative wall of block along the façade creates an intimate courtyard setting. Spacious 3 BD/2BA, lots of light throughout and large private pool. Private casita with kitchenette and bath! Great sunset and mountain views on this quiet cul-de-sac property.

Address:  3440 E. Paseo Barbara, Palm Springs                                         

Open House Dates and Times: 

Sunday, February 19, 12-3:00 PM

Year Built: 1961                        Price:  $379,000                  

Neighborhood: El Rancho Vista Estates

Description:  Beautifully updated 3BD/2BA  remodeled home designed in the early 1960s, by famed Palm Springs architect, Donald Wexler. A resort style pool and spa highlights the home, complete with tanning decks, pool benches and fountains….the centerpiece of the Palm Springs desired lifestyle. The home was restored top to bottom, new kitchen and baths, flooring, and systems. Concrete style custom tile floors throughout, new stainless appliances, Caesar stone style counter tops, all add to the home’s sleek modern design.

Address:    590 N. Paseo De Anza, Palm Springs                                    

Open House Dates and Times:

Saturday, February 18, 12-3:00 PM

Year Built: 1961                        Price:  $395,000

Neighborhood: Movie Colony East/Ruth Hardy Park

Description:  Mid-century bungalow, updated throughout. Modern sleek lines, meticulously updated 3 BD/2BA home. Remodeled kitchen boasts new cabinets and quartz-style countertops. New sliding windows open onto spacious outdoor deck with lovely ground-buried fire pits, a charming setting  to enjoy mountain and sunsest views. Spacious lot with ample room for pool.

Address:        242 NE Cerritos Drive, Palm Springs                           

House Dates and Times:

Saturday, February 18, 12-3:00 PM

 Year Built:  1955                      Price:   $449,000

Neighborhood:  Sunrise Park

Description:  Mid-century modern fans- here’s your own private compound in the heart of Palm Springs. Updated throughout, this 1950′s home has vintage modern charm, for your Palm Springs Weekend getaway or full time living. The great room plan features a brick fireplace, and large open kitchen with granite counters. Glass sliders open to the outdoor pool area, featuring amazing views of our glorious San Jacinto Mountains. The property is fully gated from the street, with desert low maintenance landscaping, providing a unique private environment for your desert escape.

 If you’re like more info on these homes or any Palm Springs properites, feel free to call us at 760-459-1396.  Or visit us at the Modernism Week Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center, Feb. 17 to Feb 20.  www.PaulKaplanGroup.com