Paul Kaplan - Modern Real Estate » Palm Springs Real Estate

Palm Springs – The light at the end of the tunnel is here

Paul Kaplan — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:11:22 +0000

We never want a repeat of 2009 in Palm Springs, what felt like the depths of the Recession…. The good news, is that things are picking up in Palm Springs, as reported in The Desert Sun this past week. The following are highlights of the article that shows Palm Springs is experiencing an economic recovery.

Palm Springs has experienced a surge in tourism; tax revenue from hotel stays up 17.7% from 2010 to 2011, and new airline routes by Virgin America connecting the city with New York and San Francisco are expected to open up the link for visitors from the East Coast.

Real Estate is also on an upswing in Palm Springs. Housing prices are up over 10% from 2009 to present, showing an ever increasing demand for Palm Springs Real Estate. People are scouring the market for great deals on vacation homes, after a few years’ drought of buyers waiting for the economic climate to improve. The Paul Kaplan Group experienced record sales in 2011, to become #1 in sales for the year in Palm Springs. 2012 is proving to be as robust with over 21 homes sold by the Paul Kaplan Group in January, as buyers flock to the desert to buy 2nd homes, and vacation homes.

The local Palm Springs economy is further boosted by the high season events: International Film Festival(this year attracting the likes of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and George Clooney). We’re gearing up in February, for the annual Modernism Week, celebrating the wondrous architecture of the desert with works by Albert Frey, A. Quincy Jones and William F. Cody. Tickets for the events are mostly already sold out. And in April there’s the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival,one of the biggest and most profitable outdoor concerts in the country. This year it extends over two weekends this year from April 13-22 and brings performances by Radiohead, Florence + the Machine and David Guetta.

“Bohemian spirits in search of eternal sunshine and a less hurried urban life have always been at the root of desert migration, and those dreaming of a different life fuel many of the city’s burgeoning businesses — quirky cantinas, mid-century antique shops, lively bars and restaurants,” says Michael Martin. The Saguaro Hotel is a vibrant new venue operated by the Joie de Vivre hotel chain, opening Feb. 1, promises to infuse life to the South Palm Canyon area with vibrant guest rooms and lively restaurant.

Cheeky’s Restaurant has proven one of the city’s tastier success stories and become an eatery known for its creative healthy breakfasts and feel-good foodie lunches. Last year, the restaurant added a pizza eatery called Birba next door, and this year the company has expanded to include the Alcazar Hotel. Alcazar Hotel sits just west of the city’s downtown stretch, on the edge of the Palm Springs design district amid stylish antique stores, clothiers and art galleries. Lulu’s, opening this past year in downtown Palm Springs, is a hip trendy new restaurant that has become a popular hot spot for visitors and residents alike. One of the hot spots in Palm Springs, with a booming successful business, is Trio, voted one of the top restaurants in town. They recently started a lunch service which has proven to be very popular.

The recent demolition of the decrepit Palm Springs Fashion Plaza in January, show signs that redevelopment is finally underway in the downtown core of Palm Springs.

All good news for the recovery of Palm Springs… Many people including myself,have commented that after a tough few years, it feels like we’re about to experience another Palm Springs Renaissance! Bring it on!

To Read the full article, click the link below:

Palm Springs Is in Economic Bloom Again

By Michael Martin 01/26/12

http://www.thestreet.com/story/11384427/1/palm-springs-is-in-economic-bloom-again.html

Palm Springs Neighborhood: Vista Las Palmas

Paul Kaplan — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:31:43 +0000

We’re in the process of documenting each of the mid-century neighborhoods here in Palm Springs. The first in our series is the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood:

For more information on Vista Las Palmas or other Palm Springs neighborhoods, please contact The Paul Kaplan Group at 760-285-8559.

You can also visit our neighborhood map by clicking here.

Gearing up for Palm Springs Modernism Week

Paul Kaplan — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:24:18 +0000

The Modernism Week committee just announced the Palm Springs Modernism Week app for iPhone (and iPad) is now live and ready to be downloaded from iTunes App Store for free. Get your app everyone so you can have immediate info on all the exciting happenings for February’s Palm Springs Modernism Week

Look forward to seeing you at our booth at the Modernism Show!

Tickets sell out fast. Here are some of the first weekend’s highlights:

Friday 2/18: click here for details…
*11th Annual PS Modernism Show – Preview Reception, 6 – 9 PM

Saturday 2/19: click here for details…
*11th Annual PS Modernism Show, 10 AM – 6 PM
*Open house tour: Edris house by E. Stewart Williams 10 AM – 12 PM
*The Architecture and Design Film Series: in Partnership with Design Onscreen: Desert Utopia: Midcentury Architecture in Palm Springs, 2:30 PM
*Park Imperial South Home Tours, 3 – 5 PM, poolside cocktail reception,
5 – 6:30 PM
*PS Modern Committee Annual Gala Benefit: 8 PM – 12 AM

Sunday 2/20: click here for details…
*Double Decker Bus Tours, 9 AM & 1 PM
*Design Lecture Series: Collecting Design, Riviera Palm Springs, 10:30 AM
*11th Annual PS Modernism Show, 11 AM – 5 PM
*Open house tour: Alexander Twin Palms Butterfly with William Krisel, Noon– 2 PM
*Interior Design Home Tour, 1 – 5 PM
*The Architecture and Design Film Series: in Partnership with Design Onscreen: William Krisel, Architect , 2:30 PM
*The Architecture and Design Film Series: in Partnership with Design Onscreen: Designs of Lucienne & Robin Day, 7:30 PM

Looking forward to an amazing week, showcasing Modern design in the perfect setting, Palm Springs.

“Butterfly Roof” Mid-Century Home $750,000

Paul Kaplan — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:43:48 +0000

Palm Springs Bargain Priced Mid-Century $169,000

Paul Kaplan — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:23:23 +0000

Yes, there are still hot real estate deals to be had in Palm Springs- This home is located in Racquet Club Road Estates- it was built by the famed Alexander Construction Company around 1960, and designed by William Krisel, FAIA.

For the buyer that has vision, wants a project and enjoys remodeling, then this house definitely has potential. It is a Short Sale, which means it is subject to the Bank’s approval- however we’ve been very successful lately at the Modern Real Estate Group in closing these types of deals.

Because we haven’t seen these homes come on the market in this price range for a long time, I’m pretty sure there will be a lot of interest! So if you or anyone you know is interested, please have them call me at 760-285-8559. (Listing Courtesy of Prudential California Realty)

Palm Springs Modernism Week schedule announced

Paul Kaplan — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:25:26 +0000

I’m proud to be sponsoring Modernism Week again this year for 2011. This year’s schedule has just been announced. I’ll be hosting another booth at the Show on Saturday and Sunday with the Modern Real Estate Group.

The 6th Annual Palm Springs Modernism Week is poised to take another quantum leap, setting new records for fun and attendance. As word of the annual festival continues to spread, Modernism Week continues to expand its event schedule.

As one of the city’s most successful signature events, Modernism Week is a fun-filled celebration of all things “modern,” defined by a cultural movement between 1940 – 1970 that redefined forms of art, architecture, and design.

Modernism Week, held February 17 – 27, 2011 in various venues throughout the city, will offer modernism aficionados a variety of entertaining, educational and exciting events that will include the Modernism Show, films, architecture tours, swank parties, art exhibitions, music, food and fun. Many events will be offered free to the public.

Each year, a dynamic mix of new events are added while continuing the popular audience favorites. Over 50 events are scheduled for the 2011 Modernism Week. Some highlights of new and continuing events for the 2011 Modernism Week:

NEW: A festive kick-off Celebration, Downtown Palm Springs on Thursday, February 17

NEW: A West Coast Premiere Exhibition of amazing vintage Braniff Airlines uniforms by Fashion Designers Pucci and Halston

NEW: A Design Lecture Series featuring Karim Rashid, Mayer Rus and other nationally-acclaimed designers and tastemakers

NEW: An interior design tour of several fabulous homes

NEW: 2 days of lectures and panel discussions on Modernism Preservation in Chicago, Miami, Australia and Cuba by noted speakers

For more info, click the attached link: Modernism Week 2011

California home prices edging up 10 months in a row!

Paul Kaplan — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 01:51:57 +0000

Check out the August update for home sales by the California Association of Realtors’ cheif economist:

http://videos.car.org/mediavault.html?menuID=1&flvID=10

California home sales and price edge up from July
California home sales edged up 1.8 percent in August compared with July, but were down 14.9 percent from August 2009, C.A.R. reported today. The statewide median home price also increased 1.2 percent from July and was up 8.6 percent from a year ago.

“Buyers who are holding out should consider the opportunities in today’s market,” said C.A.R. President Steve Goddard. “Favorable home prices and interest rates at or near historic lows make housing affordability the best in recent memory. Anyone who is in a position to buy a home should do so before either of these key factors rise.”

The statewide median home price posted its 10th consecutive year-over-year gain in August. The median price of an existing, single-family detached home sold in California during August 2010 was $318,660, an 8.6 percent increase from the revised $293,400 median price recorded in August 2009, C.A.R. reported. The August 2010 median price was up 1.2 percent compared with July’s $314,850 median price.

“The housing market is transitioning from the conclusion of the housing tax credits as is evidenced by stronger home sales in the higher-price range and weaker sales in entry-level homes and condominiums, which are typically favored by first-time home buyers,” said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “As a result of the strength in the upper-end market and inventory levels that are higher but still lean by average, we’re seeing home prices holding steady.”

If you’ve thought about taking advantage of current conditions by buying a home in Palm Springs, please give us a call, we’d love to help you out! 760-285-8559 Modern Real Estate Group

Palm Springs Mid-Century Homes- New book

Paul Kaplan — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:45:43 +0000

The Modern Real Estate Group in Palm Springs book pick of the week! We saw this posted on wwww.Mid-Century-Modern.net and wanted to share it with our readers:

“Palm Springs Mid-century Modern” by a New York based photographer Dolly Faibyshev features a stunning photographic collection of mid century modern architecture in Palm Springs, California. The book includes 178 color and black/white photos of residential, municipal, and commercial buildings designed by mid century modern architects including Donald Wexler, E. Stewart Williams, William Krisel, Albert Frey, William F. Cody, and Richard Neutra.

Palm Springs Mid-century Modern

The book includes images of many familiar/iconic structures of Palm Springs such as the Kaufmann House, Frey House II, Tramway Gas Station, House of Tomorrow, etc. as well as many other hidden gems that are probably only known to the locals, Palm Springs architecture experts or frequent visitors.

Color or black/white, the images in this book are crisp and stunning. Even though these images were taken at present times, they have a “vintage feel” to them. Ms. Faibyshev also did a great job presenting distinctive architectural features of mid century modern buildings of Palm Springs in all of her images in this book. This book will be a treasure for any mid century modern enthusiast.

Book Summary
Title: Palm Springs Mid-century Modern
Author: Dolly Faibyshev
Format: Hardcover, 128 pages
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (June 28, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764334611
ISBN-13: 978-0764334610

Caring for your dog during the summer in Palm Springs

Paul Kaplan — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:22:50 +0000

I read the following article in About.com about caring for your dogs for those that live in Phoenix (Same type of severe weather that we have in Palm Springs). Most of it is just common sense. But for those of us that are dog lovers, there are some valuable tips offered here:

Dogs and Hot Weather

Desert Heat Means Special Care for Your Dog

By Judy Hedding, About.com Guide

I receive many questions about living with a dog in the desert. Certainly, many desert area residents have dogs as pets, but living in a region where summer temperatures can be higher than 100 for a good part of the summer means that there are some things you should know to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Things to Know About Having a Dog in the Desert Heat

Dogs in the House
The best situation for your dog would be to have the dog be trained as an indoor pet, where she can keep cool inside the air conditioned house during the hot summer days. Keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature for your pet.
Dogs in the Yard
If the dog must be kept in the yard during the hot parts of the day in the summer it is absolutely essential that there be a dark, shady place where the dog can escape from the blazing sun. A tree is probably not good enough. A ventilated dog house, or a pen with shade cover, or a covered patio is a must. Make sure that there is adequate shade at all times of the day that the dog is outside.
Dogs and Water
If the dog is outside, make certain that there is a good supply of clean water in a weighted dish (or two in different locations in case one gets knocked over anyway).
Keeping Dogs Cool
Some dogs enjoy water and can keep cool if a misting system is left on during the day, or if there’s a kiddy wading pool for them with a couple of inches of water in it where they can sit to cool off. Keep these in the shade, too. Sitting in a tub of 110 degree water won’t help the dog. Some people I know say that they provide a sandbox with damp sand for the dog. Digging must be allowed in the sandbox–you’ll only frustrate a dog with a sandbox where digging is not permitted!
Dogs in the Pool
If your dog has access to your swimming pool or spa, make sure the dog is trained to get out of the pool. The dog needs to know how to get to the steps. If there are no steps or shallow areas, like in some lap pools, make sure the pool is fenced and locked so the dog can’t get in. Every year puppies and dogs drown in backyard pools because they could jump in, but they couldn’t get out.
Dogs That Swim
Speaking of dogs that love to swim, we know that there are certain breeds that were born to do just that, and they are ever-so-happy cooling off at the beach or at the lake. Here’s the problem–we don’t have a beach in Phoenix, and animals are not allowed in our lakes or canals. Even if they were, you wouldn’t want your dog wading in, or even drinking, the water in our local lakes which are mostly reclaimed water and can easily make your pet very sick. If you have a breed that must play in the water, there is only one place in the Valley where you can take her, and it is in Gilbert.
Walking the Dog in the Summer
Can you walk your dog in the summer? Yes, but it is generally accepted that you should only walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening, about an hour after the sun has gone down. That’s because not only is the temperature high, but the sidewalks will be too hot for the pads of the dog’s paws. They’ll burn. General rule: if the sidewalk is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is too hot for your dog to walk on. If you choose to walk your dog in the summer, hopefully early or late, bring along water and make frequent water stops for the dog. Don’t take long walks or over-exert in the summer. Consider these walks light exercise.
Dogs and Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is common in dogs. It can happen your own yard, or on a walk. Dogs cool themselves by panting. If panting does not reduce the body temperature the dog will develop heat stroke. Early signs of heat exhaustion include rapid breathing, heavy panting, and salivation. Other signs are fatigue, muscle tremors, and staggering. If you see a dog that is experiencing heat exhaustion, take the dog to a cool, shady place, and apply wet towels or cloths to help cool the dog’s body down. Try to give the dog small amounts of water, and immediately call a vet.
Dogs and the Sun
Dogs get sunburned. Especially dogs with short hair or little hair on some parts of their bodies. Keep them out of the sun.
Hiking with the Dog in the Summer
Like to hike with your dog? Please do it very early in the morning. Carry plenty of water, and make it the easy hike, please.
Dogs Breeds That Don’t Like Heat
Overweight and older dogs will have more difficulty with the heat. As far as breeds are concerned, it is generally accepted that snub-nosed dogs, like boxers, bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus have poor panting mechanisms, and so are more susceptible to being affected by heat. These should be indoor dogs, and should not be kept in the yard during the day. They should spend their days lounging in air conditioned comfort. Dogs with heavy coats can be trimmed for the summer, but not shaved bare or else they’ll have a hard time insulating themselves and will be prone to sunburn and other skin irritations.
Dogs and Summer Exercise
It’s never a good idea to exercise your dog by having him run alongside your bicycle. If for some reason you do this from time to time, please don’t do it in the summer.
Dogs and Trucks
If your dog loves to travel in the back of your pickup, please avoid the temptation. If for some reason you must take your dog with you in the back of your truck, make sure the surface of where the dog has to sit/stand is not metal, and does not absorb heat. Test it. Leave your truck out in the sun for two hours and then go stand in it for 20 minutes in your bare feet (or sit on it with your bare butt!). If it feels hot to you, or it burns the skin right off your body, it feels that way to your dog, too.
Dogs in the Car
I know that Fido loves to ride in the car, too. I’ve never met a dog that didn’t. If you are going to run some errands, and it’s 100 degrees outside, and the dog wants to come along in the car, please do him a favor and leave him home. If for some reason you have to take him along, do not ever leave him in the car without the A/C on. Even with the windows cracked, that car will heat up fast enough to cause brain damage or death in just a few minutes.

Using common sense, and taking some of these tips into account, you should be able to keep a happy healthy pet in our desert climate. If you have specific questions about your breed, contact a local breed club for assistance.

Canadians Snapping up US Real Estate (especially in Palm Springs)

Paul Kaplan — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:05:30 +0000

Welcome Canadians!! Per the Globe and Mail news, the Candian national news source, a recent study says Canadians have become the biggest foreign buyers of U.S. real estate. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/canadians-snap-up-us-properties/article1638310/

The report states that says Canadians have become the biggest foreign buyers of U.S. real estate. Per the National Association of Realtors, 23% of all foreign national purchases in the US last year from Mar 09 to Mar 2010, were Canadians.

“Although international purchasers from a wide variety of countries are present throughout the United States for a variety of reasons, proximity to the home country and the convenience of air transportation are believed to be important considerations in selecting the buying location,” the study reported.

And really, can we blame them??? Here’s a email I received from one of my Canadian clients in Calgary today, July 13, 2010:

“Our current temperature is 9°C or 48°F – yours is 39°C or 102°F. It’s also pouring rain with brutal winds but, that’s an improvement from the golf ball sized hail and tornado warnings yesterday! Luckily no damage to my car but, lots to many others – knocked out windshields, etc. from the monster hail.”

Seriously? I think I’ll take our 105 degree weather any day!!! (Makes me think twice about complaining about our weather).

Canadians continue to purchase in Palm Springs. A large majority of my buyers this past year, were from all over Canada, as more and more Canadians recognize the good buying opportunities in the US, let alone our good weather here.

For more information on Canadians buying here, please see: http://www.paulkaplanrealtor.com/ForeignBuyers.php