Sun City Real Estate Blog by Linda Novick

I'm sitting here watching another beautiful sunset here in Sun City Palm Desert. It is so beautifully clear and still; I just love fall season here. Sun City is buzzing with activity as most of our snowbirds have returned for season. Both of our championship golf courses are plush with their new green coats. The tennis courts are busy as are all of the swimming pools. Our restaurants are full as most are eating out while getting ready for the big Thanksgiving Day celebration this Thursday. Our main restaurant will have two seatings of Thanksgiving dinners for a very reasonable $25.00 each. It is a good thing we have two fitness centers as we will need them to work off the holiday calories.

Our semi-annual arts and crafts show just ended. It seems to grow larger each year. So many gifted people live here in Sun City and participate in the shows. The writers club featured books for sale, the jewelry club had 5 tables of beautifully handcrafted and elegant bracelets, necklaces and earrings, the ceramics club is always a draw with hundreds of custom handcrafted items from holiday santas, desert creatures, vases, and various decorations for the home. The woodworking club had beautiful birdhouses for sale as well as various wood bowls and carvings for sale. The stained glass club was present with many colorful and decorative items and the sewing, knitting and quilting clubs had beautiful handmade blankets, baby clothes and misc. items on sale. This twice annual show is always received well and very much looked forward to by residents and local neighbors.

Today I drove through the Joshua Tree National Park with my husband and his son and family. They are here visiting from Denver, Colorado and had not seen this 'out of the world' rock scape before. I love the look of the giant bolders and watching the climbers and rapellers in action. People come from all over the world to view and climb these jumbo rocks. I did, however, miss seeing the wildflowers that are only present during the spring season. The park covers 800,000 acres from the low Colorado Desert to the high Majave Desert. We are very lucky to live so close to such a unique National Park.

I better run now as I have to prepare for some home showings tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Life in Sun City Palm Desert

Greetings Desert Lovers,

I can hardly believe tomorrow is the 1st of November. Our snowbirds are steadly arriving and you can feel the hum of the community as we ready ourselves for another fabulous season. The activity clubs such as golf, baseball, tennis, biking, hiking, billiards, bocce and bowling are getting organized. Meetings have started for the resident interest groups and all things are under way. You can feel the buzz as friends see one another after a summer away. Life is good.

The Santa Rosa golf course opened this week after scalping and reseeding. The grass looks like velvet. The San Gorgonio course is being scalped and reseeded and should be ready for play in about two weeks. There is no doubt that our championship courses are of the highest quality here in Coachella Valley, home to over 120 golf courses.

Residents have been decorating for Halloween. The quantity is not high but the quality is spectacular. It is really fun to drive through the community and see how talented some of our neighbors are.

Yesterday I added a new video to my website (LindaNovick.com)of the Sun City Palm Desert Yacht Club. There were out in force for a big race on the fishing pond lake. Members are engaged in the sailing of radio controlled boats, both sale and power. Watching a regatta is really a kick. We are talking serious competition here.

The Trim 'N' Tone class just got back from a 5 day party cruise. These girls (and guys) really know how to have a good time. There are many other fitness classes in addition to two complete fitness centers.

Our bi-annual Arts and Crafts Show will be held on November 19th, 20th and 21st. Articals from the Art Club, BZB's, Ceramics Club, Crafty Ladies, Homecrafters Club, Jewelry Club, Paper Arts Club, Quilters, Stained Glass Club, Stitch 'N Sew, and our Writers Circle Club will be providing hand made articles for sale. There is some amazing talent here at Sun City Palm Desert.

If you have been thinking about moving to an active adult community, you must consider Sun City Palm Desert. We are certainly the flagship of gated golf and tennis communitys for the +55 active senior. Many here are retired and many still work. For the most part, those that are retired use the club amenities during the week and those that still work enjoy the activities on the week-end. The main theme here is that everyone is grateful to live in such a beautiful environment where friendships are found at every event. And forget the extremely low association dues.

For addition information on Sun City Palm Desert call me, Linda Novick at 760-397-3652. You can also see videos of activities here at Sun City on my website at www.LindaNovick.com. You can also email me to request a copy of my monthly e-newsletter. I have been helping people find their perfect dream home for over 37 years. I would like to apply for the job of assisting you.

Sun City Palm Desert Activities

Hello Readers,

It is another beautiful day here in Sun City Palm Desert. I am seeing a steady stream of golf carts going down the main street as the Ladies 18 Golf Club has just finished their round and are heading over to PaPa Dan's for lunch and game review. I know they will all be talking about the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies and their new show celebrating the music, dance and comedy of the 1940's, 50s and 60s with renowned guest stars, and a cast of 56 to 86 years young. If you have never seen the Follies, put it on your 'must do' list. People travel from far and wide to see this entertaining extravaganza. The show is held at the historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs. For tickets call 760-327-0225.

Outdoor activities rule here during season. Hiking and biking and walking trails run through-out the Valley and up into Joshua National Park. Joshua National Park is just 1/2 hour from the Valley floor, but you would think you were in another world. The landscapes vary as you drive through the Park, from Joshua Tree gardens, to wildflowers in spring, to rocks and bolders that make you feel like you are on another planet. This is a world renown haven for rock climbers. Camping is also permitted in the Park.

Speaking of outdoor activities I want to remind you of all the arts and crafts shows and certified farmers markets that are abundant through-out season. Every week-end at the College-of-the-Desert (COD) there is a huge outdoor festival with art, clothing, jewelry, hats and food. You can easily spend 3 hours wandering up and down the isles viewing all the wonderful goodies. Music too!

The Palm Springs Villagefest is every Thursday evening from 6-10pm along Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. This is somewhat similar to the COD event but differs because it is at night and all the stores and restaurants along Palm Canyon are open for the event. Go early for a good parking spot.

The certified farmers markets are in Palm Springs on Saturday (8-12) at the Palm Springs Mall, in Old Town LaQuinta on Sundays from 8 to 12:30, and in Palm Desert at the Palm Desert Visitors Center on Wednesdays from 8-12:30. The Palm Desert Visitors Center is located at 72567 Hwy 111 and is a worth while stop anytime.

For more information on Sun City Palm Desert, California's premier active adult gated golf and tennis community, or Coachella Valley Real Estate, call Linda Novick, Associate Broker at Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley. Direct: 760-397-3652. I also publish an e-newsletter once a month and would be happy to put you on distribution.

Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Website: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com
Blog: www.suncitypalmdesert.blogspot.com
Linda Novick: Working with happy home buyers for 37 years.

Sun City Palm Desert Active Adult Community by Linda Novick, Realtor

Hi Readers,

It is Friday night and I thought I would share a couple of things that have happened here at Sun City lately. First of all, one of our palm trees fell over last Sunday. I have lived here for 10 years and have never heard of this happening. But there it was, laying across our main street. Fortunately no one was hurt, but you can bet I will be watching for flying palm trees in the future.

I also have been busy making a few videos for those of you who would like to know a bit more about our beautiful guard gated golf and tennis community. The latest one showing our great library can be viewed at the following website: http://www.wellcomemat.com/video/DCDA66BF71. I also did a video on how my husband David and I made the decision 10 years ago to purchase here at SCPD. I tried to be very open and take a look at some of the real questions that face us when choosing to move into a senior retirement home. We are so happy we made the move. The friends that we have made and the adventures that we have shared with them are the best in our lives. Live here is so unbelievable that we have to pinch ourselves on occasion to make sure we aren't dreaming. If you think you would enjoy this lifestyle, please give me a call. I would love to help you find the perfect retirement home, and to introduce you to a life worth living. Give me a call at 760/397-3652. Together we will make your dreams come true. You can also reach me by email at lindanovick@windermere.com.

We are into October now and and weather is right on cue, down into the 90's during the day and the low 70's at night. I'm excited to start walking outdoors again and playing golf on Tuesdays with the ladies. I have missed that this summer as I have worked almost daily. This has been one of the most active real estate summers here in the Coachella Valley in many a year. In May we had over 8,000 properties for sale in the Valley and now we are below 5,000. Of course many were foreclosures, and that brought the investors in from all over, primarily Los Angeles County. According to the National Association of Realtors there are still over 7 million foreclosures to be released over the next couple of years.

We have seen between 1.2 and 1.4 million buyers using the $8,000 tax credit to buy their first home (or first within three years). All sales using the tax credit have to close by December 1, 2009. There are, however, 12 more bills in Congress to make money available for home buyers, and not all of them are for first time buyers. The bill that is creating the most buzz is one for a $15,000 tax credit to anyone (not just first time buyers) who plans to occupy the home. We should see the results of those bills within the next month or so.

This is the time of year here in the Valley and at Sun City Palm Desert, where I specialize in real estate, that the golf courses are scalped and reseeded for the coming year. It is amazing to watch as one day the course is beige from the scalping, and within 3 weeks is green and plush. The trees are getting their haircuts and the planting of the winter and spring flowers is beginning. Snowbirds are starting to return and pretty soon the place will be buzzing about summer adventures and travel as friends reunite and begin a new season.

The Clubs here at Sun City Palm Desert are planning their schedules and agendas for season. Schedules for ladies, mens and couples golf will be posted online. Tennis courts are ready for you. Flyers describing hikes, bicycling trips, travel trips and other outings will be posted. The softball season will soon begin and teams will be at the ball diamond practicing. The 2 fitness centers will be full again, artists will be spinning and firing and painting their ceramics, taking classes in oils and pastels, how to make jewelry, create stained glass projects, wood projects, sewing, knitting and all other crafts. The creativity of residents here is quite amazing, as you can see for yourself at our bi-annual craft fairs. And don't forget about the billiard club, the bocce club, pet club, card clubs, writers club, drama, singing clubs and games in general. It is all here, and in abundance at Sun City Palm Desert.

If you are an active senior (55+) and would like to live in one of the most desired gated golf communities in the nation, then give me a call. I will help you find your dream home.

Linda Novick, Associate Broker, Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley

Direct: 760/397-3952 Email: lindanovick@windermere.com

Website: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com Blog: www.suncityrealestate.blogpost.com

I live and specialize in an active adult gated golf and tennis community. I have seen business picking up all around our area and was really looking forward to a healthy market in 2010. I have been spreading good news and then tonight I read an article in one of my real estate letters that talks about the 'new housing crash'. Apparently over 7 million foreclosures will be hitting the market over the next year. I have known for some time that there was still a wave of foreclosures coming, but I had no idea it was so huge. It is rather a dicy situation. Do the banks flood the market and kill the housing recovery that has just started to take place? Or do the banks hold onto the foreclosures and end up going under? It is a very sad and scary situation. If the market is flooded with the foreclosures, it will no doubtedly depress values even more, and just when we saw our first gain (0.03%) in several years. I have been looking forward to a stellar year, but now just hope we remain steady.

Linda Novick, Associate Broker, Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley Website: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com Email: lindanovick@windermere.com

Copy this URL and paste into your Browser. You will see me talking about how my husband and I decided to join the active lifestyle here at Sun City Palm Desert, Ca.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzpNSHwA5s8
We have been here in Sun City Palm Desert for almost nine years now, and we have been so busy enjoying our activities and new friends, that time has just gotten away from us. I'm sitting here thinking about all the wonderful people we have befriended and the melting pot of cultures resulting from our diverse backgrounds. And yet we all wanted the same thing in our senior years, i.e., a beautiful and well maintained gated golf community with so many activities available that we couldn't possibly fit them all into our schedule. Interestingly, a large number of residents here still work, some in their original line of endever, while others have branched out and are trying new things. Others volunteer their time at many of the nature and wilderness opportunites in the area, some prefer helping at the local schools, while others enjoy volunteering at the local cultural centers. Palm Springs has a fabulous museum; Palm Desert hosts the McCallum Theater where many of the nations finest artists perform; numerous casinos in the area host Las Vegas type acts and artists; The Living Desert is the model for desert botanicals and endangered animal species with something for everyone. We are just 1/2 hour from a mountain community that is generally 30 degrees cooler than here in the valley. Take the Tram up and enjoy the outstanding views. We are located about 1 1/2 hours from the mountain communities of Big Bear and Arrowhead, where some residents have cabins to use during ski season and for fishing on the lakes during the summer. It is less than a 3 hour drive to the Colorado River where I have been water skiing for years. And we are only 2 hours from Los Angeles, where you can find many theaters with Broadway type shows and plays. Yes indeed, we have it all!
Linda Novick, Associate Broker
Direct: 760-397-3652
Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Website: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com

Check this out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzpNSHwA5s8

Sun City Palm Desert 9/04/09

As my fellow realtors were previewing my new listing at 35871 Cumberland Court, a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with pool and spa here in Sun City Palm Desert, I heard them all remarking about the beauty, peacefulness and privacy the back yard affords. And while that is all true; it is one of the loveliest backyards in Sun City; I got to thinking that everything about Sun City is the best of the best. You could absolutely get rid of your car and the expense that goes with it, and use your golf cart for everything. We have 3 restaurants inside our gates, an on-site post office, 2 golf courses, tennis courts, stocked fishing pond, complete library, 2 fitness centers and so many game clubs and game rooms it would be hard to settle on just 4 or 5. Plus we have direct gate access to the shopping center next door where we can grocery shop, bank, get prescriptions filled at the drug store, buy clothing and eat at more restaurants. Talk about having it all! This is where active adults dreams do come true.

Linda Novick, Associate Broker
Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley
Direct : 760-397-3652
Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Web Blog: http://www.suncityrealestate.blogpost.com/
Website: http://www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com/

Linda's Sun City Real Estate Blog 9/3/09

Welcome back to Linda's Sun City Palm Desert Real Estate Blog. I'm sitting here at my computer and enjoying the view of our fishing pond (stocked) and the putting green on hole #17 here in Sun City. Another beautiful day here in Palm Desert. It is still pretty quiet around here as our snow birds have not started arriving from all points North. This is the time of year that those of us who stay around through the summer months find the golf courses to ourselves and at rates everyone can afford, last minute dinner at our favority restaurant with no reservations required, and traffic so light that many just buzz through stop signs because they are sure they are the only ones on the road (yes, I see this often). Some of the clubs are dark during the summer months but the golf, tennis, bocce, tennis, fitness centers, restaurants and game groups are still going strong. Book clubs are numerous here at SCPD and summer is the perfect time to catch up with your reading list. And of course the movie theaters are at capacity.

I just saw a huge bass at the fishing pond. Come join me for a walk around the pond.

Linda Novick, Associate Broker Making peoples dreams come true for over 37 years.
Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley
Direct: 760-397-3652
Blog: www.suncityrealestate.blogpost.com
Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Web: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com

Ethics in Real Estate

Blog #3 8/27/09

Greetings and welcome back. This blog is a bit, actually a lot, more serious than the past. I have something that I need to share.

I have been selling real estate in So Cal for over 37 years and I have always firmly believed that ethics; ones conscience, principle, standards and morality; had to be impeccable in order to be a successful sales person, no matter what the product. While updating my Facebook and Twitter pages today I ran across a blog that really brought into question the lengths some people go to when marketing a product. The blog was talking about a video posted on the web by a couple of real estate agents. I watched the video, thinking it was kind of quirky, not unlike the Keystone Cops of old. It even had the music, but with their own lyrics. While I didn't find distain with the video, I did wonder what kind of person would be moved to call these realtors after watching this goofy video. The agents who posted the video are probably nice people, but a poor judge of character when it comes to the seriousness of the public today.

My question was answered in reading Marc Davison's blog. To quote Mark: 'In my opinion, this so completely misses the mark given the serious nature of the most important transaction of our lives'. He goes on to state that this is not the way to market responsibility, and I totally agree. Marketing should not make you look foolish; just the opposite. And of all times to be cartoonish; when the consumer is deeply mired in fear and confusion regarding real estate; the rampant distrust they have regarding some of its practitioners. We are talking about hopes and dreams here, many whose have been crushed by the current economy. Fears of what the future will bring keep many awake at night. As real estate practitioners, we should have knowledge about how the economy is affection our markets, and provide clients with whatever it takes to help make their dreams come true. At the very least, we should know which direction to point them for assistance if they are in trouble. Real estate is not a game and should not be taken lightly. We have an obligation to be ethical and always exibiting integrity at every level of our business.

Linda Novick, Associate Broker Making real estate dreams come true for over 37 years
Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley
Direct: 760-397-3652
Blog: http://www.suncityrealestate.blogpost.com/
Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Website: http://www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com/

Living in Paradise

It is absolutely true; we do live in Paradise Toto. I remember when we still lived in Orange County, and our son, who lived in the Coachella Valley where the wonderful cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and La Quinta are located, would come to visit and cry the whole time he was with us about how cold it was, that the traffic is terrible, and that I lived in a concrete jungle. Was he ever surprised; more like shocked and scared; when I said that we (my husband and I) were moving to Palm Desert and were going to share his little corner of Paradise. What he had done, and not intentionally I must say, is to convince us that this was the place to be. And he was right! We couldn't be happier.

I had sold two friends, from Orange County, homes in Sun City Palm Desert prior to deciding to move here myself, and I still was not convinced that this was where I wanted to be. As a real estate broker I treated myself like a client and previewed all of the communities where I thought we might enjoy living. I had three criteria: 1. The home had to be single story. No more stairs for me. 2 & 3. The community had to have a golf course and be a gated community. After spending many months of viewing properties I knew that Sun City Palm Desert was the place for us. My gosh, the amenities are amazing. We got our gates, our single story, and not just one golf course, but two! In addition to that we have 2 complete fitness centers, 3 clubhouses, 4 pools, a gigantic library, post office, billiard room, 3 restaurants, softball diamonds, tennis courts, driving range, dance studio and over 70 clubs to meet anyone's interests.

Yes indeed! If you are a 55+ active adult and want to live life to the fullest, then this is the place to be. More later....

Linda Novick, Associate Broker Making real estate dreams come true for over 37 years
Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley
Direct: 760-397-3652
Blog: www.suncityrealestate.blogpost.com
Email: lindanovick@windermere.com
Website: www.lindanovick.mywindermere.com