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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.

First Quarter 2011 Desert Real Estate Update

First Quarter 2011 Desert Real Estate Update

Clubhouse and pool at Madison Club, La Quinta

Our first quarter sales this year were very strong and continue to track well ahead of last year. Our sales breakdown so far this year is 50% traditional (regular) sales, 7% bank owned properties, and 43% short sales. Short sales currently outpace bank owned sales since banks and lenders now seem to prefer completing short sales versus more costly foreclosures.

Our buyer’s market continues, since all properties need to compete on price with short sales and bank owned properties. That said we are seeing some major tightening up of inventory in a number of popular desert communities where up to 80% of homes in a given community have resold at highly discounted prices over the last three years.

During the past 12 months we’ve assisted 59 clients find their perfect desert homes, satisfying both full-time and part-time lifestyles. Much of our success is due to the fact that our team visits hundreds of homes in dozens of desert communities every month, allowing us to have current, first-hand knowledge of the changing desert home inventory and the communities themselves. This will continue to benefit you whether you are interested in buying or selling property here in our beautiful desert.

Dining Around The Desert: Solano’s Bistro, La Quinta

Solano’s West Coast Bistro is tucked away in Old Town La Quinta on the less-traveled Calle Estado. Solano’s is one block south of the more-traveled Avenida Fonda (Desert Sage, Crab Pot etc.) and the main Old Town shops and restaurant scene.

Solano’s features an intimate inside dining area and a small patio out front. I’ve been getting rave reviews from both friends and clients over the last year, leading to my husband Bill and I visiting Solano’s last week. Several things were apparent. The friendly and attentive staff at Solano’s gets to know its regulars - and there seem to be plenty of regulars! And, Solano’s is a great value with good food, good service and very modest prices.

On a busy Thursday evening, service was fine-tuned and attentive. Co-owner and former PGA West Golf Pro, Alex Lee Wipf escorted us to our table. Alex partnered with co-owner and former PGA West Executive Chef Francisco “Paco” Solano and opened Solano’s in late ’09.

Solano’s menu is interesting and offers something for everyone. During our recent visit, Bill and I started with Dungeness Crab Cakes and then both chose one of two fresh fish specials offered that evening. I dined on Halibut and Bill enjoyed a White Fish. We ended the evening with a wonderful Tiramisu desert and agreed to return on a regular basis.

Other menu items that looked interesting were their “Famous” Short Ribs, King Salmon, Pecan Crusted Sand Dabs, Rosemary Crusted Pork Chop, Vegetable Wellington, Pomegranate Sea Scallops and Prawns, and Italian Scampi Pasta.

Solano’s West Coast Bistro is located at 78-110 Calle Estado in Old Town La Quinta. Reservations are suggested. (760) 771-6655.

> View ALL Desert Dining Suggestions Here

Update on 2011-10-22 20:59 by Sheri Dettman

Two visits so far this season. Found the food not quite as good as last season. Still, we like Salono's so much we will give it another try.

Tennis In The Palm Springs Area

Rancho La Quinta Country Club

The Palms Springs area has always been a Mecca for tennis. Once known as as the "Playground of the Stars" the desert now boasts over 300 courts for public, private and club play. Many of the golf and gated communities in the Valley feature active tennis programs. Fitness, tennis and social memberships are available at a number of top-rated clubs and resort lifestyle communities. Top photo: Rancho La Quinta

Popular Tennis Communities
Andalusia at Coral Mountain, La Quinta
Bighorn Golf Club, Palm Desert
Heritage Palms Country Club, Indio
PGA West, La Quinta
Lake Mirage Racquet Club, Rancho Mirage
La Quinta Resort & Club
Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage
Palm Desert Tennis Condos
Palm Valley Country Club, Palm Desert
Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage
Rancho La Quinta Country Club
Silver Sands Racquest Club, Palm Desert
Sun City Shadow Hills, Indio
Trilogy, La Quinta
Vintage Club, Indian Wells
Woodhaven Country Club, Palm Desert

Indian Wells Tennis Gardens
You can also choose to play where the pros play–The Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home to the BNP Paribas Open (formerly the Pacific Life Open) provides a world-class facility for the ardent tennis player. The Tennis Garden features 20 hard courts, 2 Har Tru clay courts, a member lounge, fitness and locker rooms for its members and guests to enjoy. Memberships are available monthly, seasonally, and annually. The staff can match you up with other players of like ability or bring your own game. The club also offers discounted rates to visiting hotel guests. Call the Pro Shop at (760) 200-8200.

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