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Sheri’s Palm Springs Area Blog

Whether it be real estate updates, restaurant reviews, events, or highlights of unique homes in Palm Springs, follow Sheri as she covers all that Palm Springs and the surrounding area has to offer.

Rare Luxury Home Resale At Stonefield Estates

Rare Luxury Home Resale At Stonefield Estates

Not Listed On The MLS: 80952 Rockberry Court, Southwest Indio

Resale homes for sale in the luxury community of Stonefield Estates rarely come on the market. Our Sheri Dettman & Associates team just listed a four-bedroom, five-bath former model home at Stonefield Estates that was built in ’06.

For a limited time, this home is not being listed in the Palm Springs area MLS. Instead, this home is offered as an exclusive listing to our Sheri Dettman & Associates clients and their friends.

Adobe Ranch Plan One Residence

This Adobe Ranch plan-1 home was built with extensive upgrades as an impressive showcase home and originally sold for over $1.5 million. The plan-1 homes at Stonefield have proven popular with buyers for several reasons, one of which is the attached two-room Casita guest suite. The Casita includes a spacious sitting room, bedroom, bath and walk-in closet.

Entering the private courtyard, you’ll discover one of several custom water features. These bubbling waters infuse ambiance in the courtyard area and in the home itself. Stepping inside you’ll immediately be drawn to the impressive stone floors, and vaulted ceilings with wood beams (real wood!).

I’d highly suggest taking a tour here on our website. Browse the magazine-quality photos and be sure to view Sheri’s exclusive three-minute HD video tour.

100 Rose Bushes, Citrus Trees & More

If you like colorful plants, this home includes 100 rose bushes that bloom throughout the year with huge multi-colored flowers. And speaking of beautiful landscape, you’ll also discover mature, non-fruit olive trees, citrus trees (lemons and oranges), potted palms, seasonal flowers and much more as you stroll the estate-sized grounds.

Huge Saltwater Pool With Elevated Sides

As long as you’re outside, be sure to check out the large lavish saltwater pool area. The unique design features raised edges with stacked stone offering extensive seating for gatherings and helps keep the pool cleaner. Adjacent to the pool you’ll find a unique Cabana with sliding curtains available on four sides. For convenience, the pool, spa, and all water features can easily be controlled from your smartphone or tablet.

Don’t Miss The Impressive Chef’s Kitchen

Back inside the home the Chef’s kitchen is a must see. The Wolf Dual fuel Professional Range offers the best of both worlds. Gas cooking on top, and below, two Wolf dual convection-electric ovens with two fans and four heating elements for consistent heat. Users of a dual fuel range seldom go back to single fuel ranges.

Adjacent to the kitchen you’ll find an informal dining area offering views of the pool and patio areas. A butler’s pantry with wine cooler and large walk-in pantry leads to the connected bonus room. Enjoy this room as a media room, den, game room or a formal dining room. Dual French doors in the bonus room open to the private front courtyard.

Spacious Master Bedroom Suite

The spacious master bedroom suite offers abundant natural light and includes built-in storage, a large fireplace surround and private access to the main patio. The luxurious master bath features dual sinks, vanity, walk-in shower, spa bath and a French door leading to an outside spa.

Two guest rooms with private baths are located in the main residence while the fourth bedroom is located in the attached two-room Casita suite.

Impressive Sierra Pacific Windows & Doors

This home features Sierra Pacific Windows And Doors. These aluminum and wood clad doors and windows are a major upgrade from standard traditional vinyl windows and doors.

Professionally Staged & Decorated Furnishings Available

The furnishings, accessories and art can also be yours, and are available for purchase outside of escrow directly from the staging company per inventory. Please don’t hesitate to contact Sheri Dettman & Associates to arrange your private tour of this luxurious and unique home.

From Sheri Dettman
In Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog, Featured Properties
Palm Springs Communities Photo Shoot; Day 2

Palm Springs Communities Photo Shoot; Day 2

Spencer's Restaurant At The Palm Springs Tennis Club

Our Sheri Dettman & Associates marketing team has been in Palm Springs the last few days capturing hundreds of new photos. They're in the process of updating dozens of our Palm Springs Non-Golf Community photos. I picked three Palm Springs shots to share with you today.

The first photo above was taken at the entrance to Spencer's Restaurant at The Palm Springs Tennis Club. Spencer's is located just blocks from downtown Palm Springs.

The photo below shows a newer modern home in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs. The photo at the bottom of this post shows our sense of humor at work. We couldn't pass up this home up in the hills of Araby in South Palm Springs with the sign reading "El Dumpo Adobe."


From Sheri Dettman
In Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog

Existing Homes Sales Continue Sales Growth

The Financial news website CNBC reported this week that resales of homes in the U.S. rose to the highest level in nearly 8-1/2 years. On an annual basis, existing home sales increased 3.2% to the highest level since 2007.

These numbers seem to indicate that the U.S. economy is looking pretty good despite a drop in retail sales, and a slowdown in job growth during June.

Remember, Palm Springs Real Estate Is Local

This national real estate data is interesting and important, but as I always say, real estate is local, right down to the Palm Springs area golf & country club neighborhoods. For desert area homebuyers here’s what’s important right now:

  • The Price Segment
  • The Location
  • Finance
  • Community Or Property Back Stories

Golf Course Luxury Home At Andalusia, La Quinta

Price Segment

Every price segment in the Palm Springs area real estate market can be different. The sales comps for $400,000 condos in the desert have little significance on the buyer or seller of a $1 million country club property. And frankly, similar homes in different developments can often be worlds apart in sales trends.

Locations

A home or luxury condo in golf community “A” could be trending up in sales and value. By comparison, a similar property in another golf community just down the road can be trending in the opposite direction. We see this almost daily, and this makes real estate here in the desert local.

Finance

Cash is always king for buyers. The second best thing is having your finance ducks in a row before you discover you place in the sun here in the desert. Get pre-approved (not pre-qualified) by a local mortgage provider. Lot’s of mortgage providers including big national banks can make promises they can’t keep. Local specialists know the market and generally won’t deliver unwelcome surprises just days before closing.

Back Stories

Most every property, including our own Featured Properties, and certainly every development in the Palm Springs real estate market will have what I call a backstory. Backstories can include the owners reason for selling (lots of moving up this year), and information about adjacent listings and recent sales.

Top agents network with other top agents to research backstories. Knowing today’s sales comps is great, but it’s important to discover the real estate backstory for every home and community as well.

Backstories are much more unique to a large portion of the Palm Springs real estate market than most metro areas because this market has a so many niche developments. The Palm Springs area has a high concentration of master-planed, gated communities. Two of these communities in the same price range, and within the same city can have two entirely different backstories (and different sales and pricing trends) even though they are just blocks apart.

Busy & Experienced Is Also Important

 

At the end of the day, the most experienced, busiest, and thus, most successful Realtors likely know the comps and backstories that can best help their buyer clients find their home in the desert sun. Our Sheri Dettman & Associates team of specialists completes 10 times more transactions than the average Palm Springs area real estate.

From Sheri Dettman
In Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog, Buying - Info For Buyers, Real Estate Market Updates
Dining Around The Desert: The Grill On Main, La Quinta

Dining Around The Desert: The Grill On Main, La Quinta

The Grill on Main has been thru several transitions, and the most recent is a winner in my book. Opened in 2010, and now managed by former Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant Executive Chef, Brett Maddock.

My husband Bill and I have been back several times (restaurant reviews are hard work after all), and we’re happy to report we recommend The Grill On Main, especially with a new summer menu.

Classic American Fare In Old Town La Quinta

The Grill On Main features classic American fare, specialty microbrews, a nice wine list and a full bar. Open Tuesday thru Sunday during the summer season, The Grill serves lunch, dinner, and on the weekends features a Sunday Brunch. The Grill offers live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Happy hour is a big draw between two and seven every night. The Happy Hour menu features everything from Tempura Cauliflower with a Lemon Aioli, Carne Asada Nachos and Hot Wings to Fish & Chips and Burgers. My favorite is the Chicken BLT Salad with Greens, Avocado, Onion, Grilled Chicken & Blue Cheese Dressing. It’s a very generous portion and at eleven bucks it’s a bargain!

I’ve also sampled the Bacon-Mac and Cheese in the past and do I have to say anything more? Bacon? Mac and Cheese? It’s all good!

Fish & Chips In Beer Batter

Bill has enjoyed the Fish & Chips in beer batter. Light and crunchy served with Fries, Coleslaw and Tartar Sauce. The Grill Burger is an excellent choice served with Cheddar, Grilled Onions, House Bacon and Fries. The Albacore Tuna Melt with Cheddar and Tomato served on Toasted Sourdough is also tasty.

We usually enjoy our dinner with a nice Acacia Unoaked Chardonnay or the Rombauer Chardonnay. Both are excellent choices on a warm summer evening.

6 Kinds of Taco’s On Taco Tuesday’s

Locals love Taco Tuesday’s. The Grill offers a choice of six types of tacos for just $2 each. A very tasty deal!

The Grill On Main in Old Town La Quinta (not that old really, as Old Town is celebrating its 10th anniversary) at 78065 Main Street. La Quinta. (760) 777-7773.

From Sheri Dettman
In Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog, Dining Around The Desert
Dining Around The Desert: The Chateau At Lake La Quinta

Dining Around The Desert: The Chateau At Lake La Quinta

Views From The Bistro's Patio Deck

Located just a few blocks from our La Quinta real estate offices you’ll discover Lake La Quinta. This gated community of homes features a 25-acre private lake with electric boating, kayaking, fishing and more. In the near future residents of Lake La Quinta will be able to dock their boats right at the Chateau.

Located on the West side of Lake La Quinta is The Chateau at Lake La Quinta (formerly the Lake La Quinta Inn). The Chateau is a boutique hotel offering newly remodeled rooms overlooking the lake.

My husband Bill and I have been watching the progress of the Chateau’s recent addition and remodel the last few months as we drive by it on Caleo Bay Road near our offices. After hearing about their bistro, we recently decided to stop in and check things out.

The Bistro’s Soft Opening

R To L: Sheri, Bistro Mgr Chris, & Sous Chef Manual

The Bistro is not advertising yet as they are working on permission for more parking across the street for the restaurant. They are also working on ramping up their service and menu with the goal to be ready to promote the Bistro this fall.

First off, let’s just say that the location is beautiful and unique to the Palm Springs area. Outside the small bistro, you’ll find a large patio right on the Lake, and the setting couldn’t be better. There’s even a wood burning pizza oven on the patio. And since the patio faces East, you’ll get welcome shade later in the evening as you watch the electric boats pass.

Salads, Sandwiches & More

On our recent visit, the bistro had about ten items on the menu. We’ve enjoyed the Spring Salad with fresh strawberries, raspberries and Feta with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing–one of the better simple salads we’ve enjoyed here in the desert.

In the interest of sampling for this review, I enjoyed the Munster Grilled Cheese sandwich stuffed with Proscuitto and Pesto and another day the Salmon with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables.

Flatbread Pizza From The Patio Pizza Oven

Bill sampled the Flatbread Pizza that you could customize to your liking and also the Filet Newport. In spite of being over-cooked one time and under-cooked the next, it was a high-quality piece of meat. In fact, we found all of the ingredients are of very high quality, and you cannot argue with the integrity of the food.

We are looking forward to seeing what evolves from this summer’s experimentation as we like the setting, and we’d love to put the Chateau into our regular restaurant rotation! In the meantime, I’d highly recommend libations and flatbread or salads on the patio.

Worth noting is the fact that some people might be put off by the bistro’s automatic 20% gratuity on all checks. The Chateau also features a full bar and a limited selection of wine by the glass.

A Room On The Lake

And if you’re looking for a place to stay, the Chateau is worth checking out. The reviews on TripAdvisor are very good. The Chateau At Lake La Quinta: 78-120 Caleo Bay, La Quinta, between Avenue 47 and 48, one block East of Washington Street. (760) 564-7332

From Sheri Dettman
In Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog, Dining Around The Desert
Dining Around The Desert: The Edge At The Ritz-Carlton

Dining Around The Desert: The Edge At The Ritz-Carlton

Fine Dining Views At The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

My husband Bill and I have dined several times at the Ritz-Carlton’s State Fare restaurant, and we've always enjoyed it. This season the Ritz opened its new fine dining restaurant. Perched on the edge of a hill adjacent to the Ritz pool area you'll find The Edge. The Edge’s location offers sweeping down valley views. Nighttime, however, is when the valley lights up.

Prior to dinner, I sampled an excellent Moscow Mule. For starters I enjoyed Charred Octopus served with petite potatoes, herb salad, smoked paprika and vinaigrette dressing. Bill ordered the King Crab plate with gooseberries, English cucumber, hearts of palm and trout roe. Both starters were exceptional.

A Carnivore’s Delight

A Cut Of Authentic Wagyu Beef At The Edge

The Edge entrée menu is a carnivore’s delight. Having grown up on a dairy farm, I gravitate toward fish and poultry. Besides the vegetarian dish, I had three choices; Mary’s Chicken, Maine Lobster or my choice, Levantine Sea Bream. My Sea Bream was prepared with Littleneck clams, spring peas & tendrils; I enjoyed this dish although I thought it could have used a touch less salt.

Bill decided to try his first genuine Wagyu steak. To be specific, this was Satsuma Japanese Wagyu from Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu Island, Japan. Bill ordered a six ounce New York cut that priced at $130 a la carte! The steak was first presented to Bill before cutting, then again before cooking. The marbling was amazing. But with all that marbling Bill found the steak a bit too fatty tasting, and it was under seasoned.

Brussels Sprouts Trying To Impersonate Asparagus

We dined with another couple, and they enjoyed their starters and dinners. And yes, we all sampled some tempting desserts. The company was great, the dining room and views were beautiful, but the service was not consistent throughout the evening for a restaurant of this price range. One server thought our Brussels Sprouts were Asparagus, and another tried several times to remove two plates that were still being enjoyed.

Hopefully, any service kinks will be worked out shortly. I’m also hoping that Chef will add a few more non-meat dishes for us non-carnivores. Drinks and starters at the Edge bar could be another possibility for you to consider.

The Edge at The Ritz-Carlton is open during the summer on Friday’s and Saturday’s and returns to regular hours in the fall. The Ritz-Carlton, 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA (760) 321-8282.

Top Photo: Courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Ranch Mirage. Wagyu photo: William Dettman

From Sheri Dettman
In Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog, Dining Around The Desert
Summer In The Palm Springs Area: When It’s Hot, It’s Hot

Summer In The Palm Springs Area: When It’s Hot, It’s Hot

Andalusia At Coral Mountain, La Quinta

From A Mild May To Triple Digits In June

This summer we enjoyed a very mild May with days in the 80’s and low 90’s. Things changed in June as the desert heated up to, well, desert temperatures. Living here full-time I’m often asked about our typically warm summers. Is it too hot? Do you go away to escape the summer heat?

During the summer, most people get outside activities done earlier in the day. This week the highs ranged from 105º to 112º. But between 7 AM and Noon it's mostly in the 90’s. Golf, tennis, walking, biking and other outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed well before temperatures peak around 4 to 5 PM.

It’s Cool Inside

Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta

Later in the day most people are cozily inside air-conditioned stores, homes, restaurants, theaters and other activities. Frankly, the biggest hassle is getting into a hot, parked car. Tip: Look for shade when parking and open two doors for a minute of airflow before getting in.

My husband Bill and I typically enjoy a variety of little travel breaks during the summer. A two or three day mini trip to Laguna Beach or San Diego is just a couple of hours away. A variety of nearby mountain towns or an overnight trip to adjacent LA is another popular option. Another of my favorites is the 90-minute flight or one-day drive to San Francisco. Then, every other year we’ll enjoy a longer trip.

Before You Know It, Fall & Then Winter Have Arrived

Our desert summers tend to go by quickly. Before you know it Fall has arrived, and all the snowbirds are on their way back to escape old man winter. Long story short, I'll take a few months of desert heat over the prospect of cold and wet anytime.

Can we help you find your home in the Palm Springs area sun?

From Sheri Dettman
In Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog, Buying - Info For Buyers
Legacy Villas La Quinta Real Estate Update

Legacy Villas La Quinta Real Estate Update

Our Sheri Dettman & Associates marketing team was onsite at Legacy Villas in La Quinta this week. If you’re not familiar with Legacy Villas, it’s a popular resort lifestyle community featuring two to three bedroom condos (called Villas) and both single and dual level townhomes.

We originally sold this Condo located at 77781 Tradition Drive in ’07. I like the location near the back of the Legacy community. You'll find this to be one of the most private locations within Legacy Villas. The two balconies have great views of the nearby mountains. One of the community pools is located just across the street.

Updated Legacy Villas Video Tour

Our production assistant, photographer and video crew were at Legacy to shoot our newest Legacy Villas Condo For Sale. While there, they updated our Legacy Villas video tour with new footage. It was a beautiful sunny day at Legacy with temps of about 83º F. You'll find the video at the bottom of this article.

Legacy Villas Amenities

Condo and townhome resale units are a great way to enjoy the Palm Springs desert lifestyle for people looking for a lock and leave experience. Most everything is taken care of for Legacy owners. And if you don’t want to do anything you can take advantage of optional cleaning services to handle the inside chores for you.

In addition to the 14 community pools, you'll have access to the fitness center, the expansive clubhouse, and one of my personal favorites; the hammocks strung between several palm trees.

Rental Opportunities At Legacy

The condos at Legacy are unique for rentals in that each of the one to three bedrooms can be locked off from the others, and they each have private entry doors. Some owners choose to lock off their master suite, leaving the other bedroom(s), great room and kitchen for renters or their guests to enjoy.

Legacy townhomes are larger than condos and offer a bit more privacy. Unlike condos, townhomes don’t have the lock off feature, but are very popular for vacation rentals.

Find Your Place In The Sun At Legacy Villas

If you’re considering making an investment in a vacation lifestyle condo or townhome, you’ll want to consider Legacy Villas. Over the years, our Sheri Dettman & Associates team of specialists has helped dozens of buyer and sellers at Legacy. We know the community and the inventory well. So please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to arrange your visit to Legacy Villas.

From Sheri Dettman
In Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog, Buying - Info For Buyers, Non-Golf Communities

Going The Extra Mile For Our Home Sellers

Our Sheri Dettman & Associates team just completed a sales transaction for one of our Palm Springs area home seller clients, and frankly, it was more challenging that most. Looking back on this sale though the result was what counted.

Personally, I Liked This Home A Lot

I liked this home from day one. The first challenge though was the home had been and investment property with renters living there. When the renters moved out, the furnishings moved out too, and the home looked, well it looked rather empty.

Our sellers did their best in having the home painted and added a few pieces of furnishings and staging items. Our marketing team created their video tour, magazine quality photos, and we launched their marketing campaign. But months later we only had received several lowball offers.

So after a number of months on the market, I suggested bringing in additional furniture and staging props (like towels, plants and table settings). The owners did a great job of restaging of their home. Our marketing team re-created their video and property photos, and we started to get some good offers on the home. Yes!

Offer Accepted!

In time, we presented a reasonable offer to our sellers, and they accepted the offer. We opened an escrow account, and this transaction was moving along just fine. Then, at the 11th hour, the buyers financing fell apart, and we went back to square one. Our sellers at this point were feeling a bit crushed.

Another Offer Accepted

Here’s where being very busy and successful comes into play. We’re working with over 1,000 active buyer clients in various stages of the home buying process. Some are ready as soon as they find a property, others next week, next month or next year. But we stay in touch. I let our team know that this home was back on the market. Everyone reached out to their buyer clients, and with 24 hours one of our team members brought a new offer to our sellers and the property closed in 14-days.

We Get Email

Just this week I received this nice email message from one of the sellers:

“Hi Sheri! I wanted to first thank you for all that you and your staff have done over the past year to sell our house! What an amazing find I came across last year when I decided to Google La Quinta realtors and found Sheri Dettman & Associates.

Each and every step along the way, you and your team were professional, courteous and patient with questions that arose from curious minds. Let me just say that what we experienced explains your amazing success. Congratulations on your dedication and perseverance.

Secondly, we want to thank you for the Williams-Sonoma gift card. This is very thoughtful of you and much appreciated! How perfect to be able to remember your benchmark service often; when we are in the kitchen preparing a favorite dish.

Thank you again for the outstanding service and the opportunity working with you and your team as a buyer.”

Sincerely, Richard K.

From Sheri Dettman
In Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog, Selling - Info For Sellers
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