Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for sale

Find Palm Springs real estate on our real estate blog.  We post all the activity for neighborhoods located in south and central Palm Springs.  Call us for professional and friendly representation when you buy or sell in Palm Springs!

RS ASSOCIATES

There's not much to report given the Thanksgiving holiday.  These two just came on earlier in the week, but were just entered into the MLS today.

Central Palm Springs:

None

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1552 S Camino Real #231, Biltmore, 2/1, $75,000.

2600 S Palm Canyon Dr., #49, Canyon Villas 3, 3/2.5, $257,700.

In Escrow:

None

Sold:

None

Source: Desert Area MLS.  Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates

Russell Hill  RS Associates  760.203.2959/902.3121  RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for sale

Find Palm Springs real estate on our real estate blog. Are you looking for a Palm Springs vacation home, full-time residence or investment property?  Contact us for professional and friendly representation.  We represent buyers and sellers!

RS ASSOCIATES

Here's the activity for Wednesday, November 25, 2009.  Not many new listings the day before Thanksgiving, as would be expected.  New escrows aren't bad, though!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:

3610 E Chia Rd., El Rancho Vista Estates, 3/2, $190,000.

795 N Dry Falls Rd., Vista Las Palmas, 3/2, $799,000.

In Escrow:

936 Village Square S., Village Racquet Club, 3/3, $249,000.

572 W Arenas Rd., #1, Tennis Club, 3/3.5, $380,000.

234 Calle La Soledad, St Baristo, 3/3, $550,000.

Sold:

800 E Cottonwood Rd., #2, Desert Arches, 2/2, $112,500.

764 N Calle Rolph, Ruth Hardy Park, 3/2, $257,000.

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

2391 Miramonte Cir W., #F, Canyon Sands, 2/2, $217,000.

In Escrow:

435 Desert Lakes Dr., Seven Lakes Country Club, 3/3, $139,000.

1660 Hillview, Andreas Hills, 4/5, $974,900.

Sold:

2362 S Oakcrest Dr., Sunrise East, 2/2, $290,000.

245 Patel Pl., Alta, 4/4.5, $1,240,000.

Source: Desert Area MLS.  Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates.

Russell Hill  RS Associates  760.203.2959/902.3121  RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for sale

Find Palm Springs homes for sale on our real estate blog. If you're looking for a Palm Springs vacation home, full-time residence or investment property, you can find it here!  We post all activity in south and central Palm Springs.

Here's the activity for Tuesday, 11/24/09.  Not bad for the week of Thanksgiving!

                                        

RS ASSOCIATES

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:
1190 E Paseo El Mirador, Ruth Hardy Park, 4/4, $$287,100 (submit offer by 11/29)

In Escrow:
351 N Hermosa Dr., #5A2, Casa Verde, 1/1, $74,900.

Sold:
None

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:
2355 Miramonte Cir., W., #F, Canyon Sands, 2/2, $215,000.
130 Eastlake Dr., Seven Lakes Country Club, 2/2, $319,000.
332 Desert Lakes dr., Seven Lakes Country Club, 3/0, $595,000.

1380 E Mesquite Ave., Tahquitz River Estates, 3/2, $419,000.

In Escrow:
4 Lakeview Cir., Seven Lakes Country club, 2/2, $399,000.

722 Desert Way, Demuth Park, 3/2, $224,900.
2071 S Tulare Dr., Canyon North, 3/3, $607,000.

Sold:
2985 E Avery Dr., #A, The Pointe, 2/2, $213,000.

Source: Desert Area MLS.  Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates.

Russell Hill  RS Associates  760.203.2959/902.3121  RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Center for Real Estate Reports available for Mobile and Baldwin County

We have received the Monthly Residential Reports for October provided by the Center for Real Estate Studies at the Mitchell Center for Business at the University of South Alabama.

Please send us an e-mail if you would like a personal copy. Let us know if you would like Mobile County, Baldwin County, or both.  We will be happy to send these valuable reports to you.

​Melbourne in 3D on Google Earth

​Been to Melbourne lately? If not, it has become a whole lot easier to get your Melbourne fix without jumping on a plane, thanks to recent updates to the 3D buildings layer in Google Earth.

Today, turning on the 3D building layer in Google Earth will show you both 3D buildings contributed by users via our 3D Warehouse, and also photo-textured buildings that we’ve modelled to really bring Melbourne to life in Google Earth.

Get a preview of the experience by checking out the cool fly-over video below.

If you'd like to take a crack at modelling a building for Google Earth, the tools are free and everything you need to get started can be found here. As inspiration, look at the amazing things ZNO have done in Christchurch, New Zealand.

If you haven’t already, download Google Earth 5.0, and fly around 3D views of great cities from around the world, including San Francisco and Christchurch. It’s one of the ways we’re continuing to make Google Earth an even richer experience, with the addition of Street View imagery, historical imagery, and terrain imagery.

Posted by Andrew Foster, Google product manager

Real Estate Activity for Monday, November 23rd, 2009

CENTRAL PALM SPRINGS

New Listings:
681 N Avenida Caballeros, Movie Colony, 3/2, $779,000
1164 Los Robles Dr. Vista Las Palmas, 3/3.5, $1,895,000

In Escrow:
2175 E Terry Lane, Sunrise Park, 3/2, $459,000

SOUTH PALM SPRINGS

New Listings:
2485 S Madrona Dr, Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $245,000
1111 E Ramon Rd #25, Ramona Villas, 2/2, $245,000
4731 N Winners Cir #A, Waverly Park, 2/1.75, $255,000
1855 E Ramon Rd #24, Villa Riviera, 3/2, $269,000
2384 S Camino Real, Canyon North, 3/3, $595,000

In Escrow:
2448 S Sierra Madre, 2/2, Canyon View Estates, $249,000
1311 N Primavera Dr N, Deepwell Ranch, 2/1.75, $334,000
360 W Crestview Dr., The Mesa, 2/2, $559,000
3035 Arroyo Seco, Monte Sereno, 3/4.5, $829,000

Sold:
5725 Los Coyotes Dr. Villas De Las Flores, 2/2, $175,000
4891 N Winners Cir #A, Waverly Park, 2/1.75, $179,900

Sneak Preview: Indulge in The Century - Penultimate Luxury Living @ 1 Century Drive, Los Angeles - Or 1 Great Reason Why to Downsize from Bel Air

While construction in most of California sputters along, 700 workers are laboring furiously twenty-four hours a day to complete construction on architect Robert A. M. Stern's The Century to hit the target occupancy date of Spring 2010.

Although the building is not yet open to the public, we had the opportunity to tour the premises and with all confidence can state this 42-floor residential tower with 140 homes is a game-changer in Los Angeles real estate.

New Yorkers may be accustomed to 6-star high-rise living, but Angelenos think of mansions and estates -- not condos in the sky -- when it comes to creature comforts. Those seeking the grand, Westside life without the gardeners and handymen should take a look at this incredible alternative right in the heart of Century City.

Expectations were high for this building since Candy Spelling purchased the top two floors for $47 million in early 2008. And The Century does not disappoint.

39 units have been released ranging in price from $3.3 million for a 2,680 sq ft 3rd floor unit to $29.5 million for a 9,501 sq ft 40th floor penthouse.

The lobby sets the tone for the building -- rich, warm materials, abundant, uncluttered space -- all very pleasing to eyes.

Units come customized in three different designs: Manor, Century (both by Robert A. M Stern) and Metropolitan (by local designers Marmol Radziner).

The Stern designs are traditional and the Metropolitan design is contemporary -- and all three will find their fans.

There are currently two 8th floor models open. One of the most impressive features is the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible, unobstructed views from every vantage point. Here is the Northeast view from the 8th floor. Another interesting feature is how the gently sloping, round contours of the building make for interesting spaces.

The list of amenities is long and impressive:

• 4 units per floor with private elevator and vestibule for each
  
• 24-hour valet, concierge, porter and doorman
• 75-foot pool with views of the Pacific Ocean
• 4 acre park setting
• 2 outdoor dining rooms with fireplaces & catering kitchens
• On premise restaurant and lounge
• Custom-designed entertainment suite on 2nd floor: lounge, screening room, fitness center, spa treatment rooms, business center, children's playroom ...
  
• Sony Cierge -- 24-hour digital access to all building services

And there is much, much more. The Related Companies that has an astounding track record in New York (Time Warner Center, et al) and elsewhere and what's great is that they stick around after the construction is complete. The company will manage with property -- and if the level of construction is any indication of their level of service -- Century owners should be living without a (material) care in the world. We look forward to the grand opening in months to come.

The Century
1 Century Drive

Developer and Sales:
The Related Company

Design Architect:
Robert A. M. Stern, LLP

Interior Design:
Robert A. M. Stern, LLP
Marmol Radziner and Associates AIA

Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for sale

Find Palm Springs Real Estate on our real estate blog.  We post all activity in south and central Palm Springs.  If you're looking for a vacation home, full-time residence or investment property, visit out blog to see new listings, what has gone under contract and what has sold.  Click on the link at the property address to see pictures and property information.  We offer professional and friendly representation for buyers and sellers!  RS Associates

Here's the activity for 11/20 thru 11/22/09

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:
458 Bradshaw Ln., #17, Pueblo Sands, 2/0, $89,000.
775 E Vista Chino #3, Desert Arches, 2/2, $125,000.
819 Village Square S., Village Racquet club, 3/3, $164,900.
1271 E Amado Rd., Palm Regency, 2/2.5, $172,900.
454 White Fox Trl., Village Traditions, 3/2.5, $349,900 to $399,900.

1220 N Avenida Caballeros, Ruth Hardy Park, 3/2, $498,000.
2025 N Via Norte, Little Tuscany, 3/3.5, $1,249,000.

In Escrow:
314 E Stevens Rd., #8, Lantana Lodge, studio, $34,900.
255 S Avenida Caballeros, #303, villa Caballeros, 2/2, $129,500.
1841 E Tachevah Dr., Desert Lanai, 3/2, $189,900.
1859 E Tachevah Dr., Desert Lanai, 2/2, $209,000.
707 E Arenas Rd., 48@Arenas, 2/2.5, $298,000.

466 N Burton Way, Sunrise Park, 3/2, $449,995.
1106 N Paseo Dero, Vista Las Palmas, 3/3, $639,900.

Sold:
None

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:
1111 E Palm Canyon Dr., #221, Ocotillo Lodge, 1/1, $74,900.
6156 Saint Andrews, Fairways, 3/2, $122,500.
505 S Farrell Dr., #I53, Mesquite Country Club, 1/1, $157,000.
2040 Versailles dr., Versailles, 2/2, $329,000.
1462 S Andee Dr., Versailles, 2/2, $349,000.
1410 Hillview Cove, Andreas Hills, 2/2, $349,500.
7573 Regency Dr., Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 3/2.5, $369,900.
54 Lakeview Dr., Seven Lakes Country Club, 3/3, $399,000.

656 Desert Way, Demuth Park, 3/2, $119,900.
3599 E El Gaucho Dr., Los Compadres, 4/3, $529,000.

In Escrow:
1900 S Palm Canyon Dr., #172, Sandstone Villas, 1/1, $50,000.
2183 S La Paz Way, Canyon Estates, 2/2, $179,000.
2255 Miramonte Cir., #D, Canyon Sands, 3/2, $239,000.
421 Desert Lakes Dr., Seven Lakes Country Club, 3/3, $249,000.

4017 E Sunny Dunes Rd., Demuth Park, 4/2, $109,900.
2925 E Alta Loma Dr., Los Compadres, 3/3, $369,000.

Sold:
2392 Miramonte cir E., #A, Canyon Sands, 2/2, $187,000.
1936 E Sonora Rd., Sunrise Villas, 2/2, $225,000.
1562 Paseo Vida, Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $231,000.
2400 E Oakcrest Dr., Sunrise East, 3/2, $359,000.

2204 S Caliente Dr., Canyon North, 3/3, $575,000.
1030 E Marion Way, Twin Palms, 3/3, $640,000.
2262 S Yosemite Dr., Canyon North, 3/3.5, $715,000.

Source: Desert Area MLS.  Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates.

Russell Hill  RS Associates  760.203.2959/902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Boost for Australian businesses this holiday season

We know Christmas is one of the most important times of the year for businesses of all sizes, from retailers to restaurants and travel agents. Though 2009 has been a tough year for many, recent reports suggest that there are reasons for optimism this Christmas: small and medium businesses are showing signs of recovery and consumers are beginning to spend again.

To help Australian businesses make the most of the month before Christmas, we're excited to offer a free $100 search marketing campaign for advertisers that have yet to try Google AdWords. This $100 Christmas bonus must be claimed before 31 December 2009 at http://www.google.com.au/stilltimein09.

Tens of thousands of Australian businesses already use AdWords and search marketing to reach new customers and drive sales. This Christmas, an online presence will be more important than ever, as a record number of Australians head online to research and purchase their holiday list. In fact, in the month of October, we saw strong query growth in several key categories compared to the same month last year, including apparel (+55%), home furnishings (+64%), restaurants (+44%), spa and beauty services (+57%), and travel (+37%).

We're also excited to launch a new way for businesses to understand how people search for and interact with their online business listing. The Local Business Centre dashboard will show business owners information like what search queries led users to the business listing and how many times users clicked through to the business's website. With this tool, business owners will be able to identify trends, such as days of the week when interest in their business spikes, or seasonality in the types of searches that lead potential customers to their listings.

The dashboard is accessible to any business owner who has claimed his or her listing in the Local Business Centre. Business owners who do not yet have an LBC account can quickly create one for free by visiting http://www.google.com.au/lbc. You can check out the video below for more information.



We hope these tools will help Australian businesses see out 2009 in a strong position, ready to make the most of the opportunities in 2010.

Posted by Will Easton, Google Australia retail industry leader

TAX CREDIT EXTENSION A POSITIVE STEP..FAQs

TAX CREDIT EXTENSION A POSITIVE STEP
The National Association of Realtors® commended the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for passing a bill that includes an extension and expansion of the current home buyer tax credit as an important step in ensuring a real estate and economic recovery.

“Realtors® appreciate the swift action by Congress to extend the home buyer tax credit and expand it to some current homeowners,” said NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Dallas-Fort Worth.

NAR economists estimate that the current tax credit has contributed approximately $22 billion to the general economy, and approximately 2 million people will take advantage of the tax credit this year.

“The substantial rise in home sales we’ve seen over the past few months proves that the tax credit is working and is being used by buyers who were waiting for the right opportunity to get into the market,” McMillan said. “This important incentive is helping to stabilize the housing market, stimulate the economy and create new jobs in communities all across our great nation. Extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit will enable even more families to take advantage of current low interest rates and affordable prices to invest in their future through homeownership.”

The bill extends the present $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers through April 30, 2010. Current homeowners are eligible for a $6,500 tax credit through April 30, provided they have lived in the home they are selling, or have sold, as principal residence for five consecutive years in the past eight years. If potential home buyers have a binding contract on or before that date, they will have until July 1 to close the transaction.

Income limits for eligible home buyers are expanded to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples. The purchase price of the home cannot exceed $800,000. To help guard against fraud, buyers are required to attach documentation of purchase to their tax return.

Mobile and Baldwin County Real Estate Trends and Statistics - October 2009

Please check out our latest post of monthly Mobile County and Baldwin County Real Estate Statistics over at the Gulf Region Properties Team Blog.

There are signs that market is recovering in both Mobile and Baldwin County. The number of Sales of Existing homes are up compared to last year in both counties. We are still concerned with inventory levels in both counties.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

What's Cooking With iGoogle?

At Google, we're huge foodies, and most of us love spending time in the kitchen with friends and family - especially around the holidays. Particularly during this season, many people turn to Google when searching for recipes - in fact, as you'll see, Australians are searching for recipes more than every country but the US and Canada! But, in addition to spicing up your recipe repertoire, Google can be a really useful resource in the kitchen. From helping you with sugar measurements, to jump starting ideas for unique Christmas table settings, the web has made becoming a culinary master much easier.

We're excited to announce that we've partnered with a number of top chefs and food industry experts to bring you some elegant new, food-focused iGoogle themes and gadgets just in time for one of the most foodie times of the year. iGoogle is all about personalisation and freshness, and in that spirit, these unique themes are sure to delight the chef in all of us. Check out our iGoogle gallery, where you'll find some tasty new themes from chefs like Iain Hewitson and Peter Gordon, food artists like Carl Warner and James Parker, and even famous bakeries like New York City's Crumbs Bake Shop and Magnolia Bakery.


In addition to these taste bud tantalising themes, we've also partnered with top food industry names to build a suite of new gadgets for your iGoogle page. For example, Supercook lets you input various ingredients you have on hand, then gives you some great recipes you can whip up — all from your iGoogle page.

We hope this new element of gourmet iGoogle personalisation will get you even more interested in enhancing your cooking and dining experiences. Here's to some great new food with family and friends this holiday season!

Posted by Katharina Friedrich, Product Marketing Manager

Activity in the market

So much activity with sales, listings and launches of new developments that one almost forgets the bad months of end 2008 and early 2009. The monthly statistics of the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board remain very positive about the number of sales and increase in values, well priced properties sell in a short time period and often in multiple offer situations and the first "after 2008" new development in the Downtown peninsula "The Mark" by Onni cnr Pacific/Seymour will be available for purchase on 28 November. Please contact me if you like to receive more information about "The Mark".

I have some great new listings:
- impressive 3,600 sq ft high floor NW condo with stunning water and mountain views in Aspec's flag ship building Two Harbour Green at 1139 W Cordova Street, Coal Harbour priced at CAD 6.6 mil
- beautiful 2 bed/2 bath condo with water and marina view, in Palladio at 1228 W Hastings, Coal Harbour. Well priced at CAD 619,500
- brand-new 2 bed/2 bath high floor condo with panoramic water/mountain/city views in well known Woodwards W43 at 128 W Cordova Street, Downtown priced at CAD 720,000 (GST paid)
- 5,250 sq ft beautiful view home in Lower Chartwell, West Vancouver. Close to good schools, easy access to shops and highway. Priced at CAD 2,198,000
- more new listings coming shortly
All very easy to show. Please contact me if you like to view these great condos.

Mobile County Real Estate Sales by Area - October 2009

The real estate sales activity level for October 2009 in Mobile County was the second highest it has been this year in Mobile County. Please check the table below for real estate sales activity for the number of sales and sales dollar amounts for month of October 2009 in Mobile County for residential sales - single family and condominiums. The table will show the following data elements: the area of the county, the number of sales, the total amount of sales, and the average sales price. This data was retrieved from the Mobile Area Association of Realtors MLS information. You can see a map of Mobile showing the MLS areas by clicking here. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information for your area of town.

Mobile MLS Area	# of Sales	Total Sales Dollars	Avg Sales Price
01 Downtown	0	$0	$0
02 Midtown South	2	$183,400	$91,700
03 MidTown East	20	$3,318,200	$165,910
04 Dauphin Island Pkwy North	11	$685,500	$62,318
07 MidTown West	9	$952,880	$105,876
09 MidCentral	2	$125,000	$62,500
10 Eight Mile/Prichard	2	$217,000	$108,500
11 Chickasaw	4	$272,500	$68,125
14 Municipal Park/West Central	24	$2,282,306	$95,096
15 Springhill/USA	13	$2,768,565	$212,967
16 Cottage Hill N	22	$3,644,825	$165,674
17 Cottage Hill S	24	$3,581,901	$149,246
18 West Mobile	33	$5,592,451	$169,468
19 Tillman's Corner	15	$2,175,252	$145,017
20 Western Bay Shores	5	$518,985	$103,797
21 Dauphin Island Pkwy South	9	$663,027	$73,670
22 South Mobile County/Theodore	22	$2,369,987	$107,727
23 Grand Bay North	1	$28,000	$28,000
24 West Mobile County	30	$5,861,186	$195,373
25 West Mobile/Semmes	33	$5,023,700	$152,233
26 Semmes/Wilmer/Lott Rd	19	$2,718,550	$143,082
27 Saraland	14	$1,860,250	$132,875
28 Saraland/Satsuma/Axis/Creola	12	$1,354,050	$112,838
29 NE Mobile County/Mt. Vernon	3	$446,900	$148,967
30 Dauphin Island	6	$1,090,400	$181,733
31 NW Mobile Cty/Citronelle	3	$261,800	$87,267
Total	338	$47,996,615	$142,002

Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for sale

Find Palm Springs real estate here. Homes for sale in many of Palm Springs' most popular neighborhoods and condo communities. We post all the activity in south and central Palm Springs. If you want professional and friendly representation when you buy or sell, call us!

RS Associates @ Zephyr Real Estate

Here's the activity for Thursday, 19 November, 2009.

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:

222 N Calle El Segundo, #530, Plaza Villas, 1/1, $119,900.

In Escrow:

1309 Via Tenis, Sunrise Racquet Club, 2/2, $229,000.

Sold:

697 Camino Sur, Vista Las Palmas, 3/3.5, $725,000. (well over asking!)

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

2301 S Skyview Dr., #22, Canyon View Condos, 2/2, $119,000.

2343 Via Sonoma, #D, Saddlerock Estates, 3/2, $239,900.

4820 N Winners Cir., #A, Waverly Park, 2/2, $319,000.

1810 S Camino Real, Twin Palms, 2/2, $695,000.

In Escrow:

2955 Lantana Ct., Canyon Heights, 2/2, $414,900.

Sold:

5301 E Waverly Dr., #185, Palm Canyon Villas, 2/2, $96,030.

Source: Desert Area MLS. Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates.

We appreciate your comments!

Russell Hill RS Associates 760.203.2959/902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Palm Springs Open House - Vista Las Palmas

Palm Springs open house - Vista Las Palmas

940 W Ceres Rd., Palm Springs

OPEN SAT, 12-2pm, 11/21/09

4/4.5, tongue and groove ceilings!

Come see us!

Click on the link above to see property details and additional pics.

Russell Hill RS Associates 760.203.2959/902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Alabama Housing Statistics - Mobile County - October 2009

The following data represents Mobile County real estate transactions and listings as reported Mobile Area Association of Realtors/MLS:

Number of Houses Sold	338
Average Selling Price This Month	$ 142,002
Average Days on Market - Solds	85
Average Days on Market - Actives	133
Number of Houses on the Market	3,597
Median Sales Price this Month	$ 125,000

Palm Springs Real Estate

Palm Springs Real Estate. Palm Springs homes for sale in many of Palm Springs' most popular neighborhoods and condo communities. If you're buying or selling, call us for professional and friendly representation. We can help you find your Palm Springs vacation home or new full-time residence.

Thanks for visiting our blog. We appreciate your comments!

Here's the activity for Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1268 E Ramon Rd., #7, Hermosa Villas, 2/0, $139,000.

1169 Primer Cir., Sunrise Racquet Club, 3/2, $288,000.

1033 E Tachevah Dr., Ruth Hardy Park, 3/2, $363,900.

2772 E Via Vaquero Rd., 5/5.5, $699,900. (Horse Property 1.46 acres)

In Escrow:

593 N Juanita Dr., Sunrise Park, 3/2, $239,000.

2821 E Livmore Ave., Sunrise Park, 3/2, $375,000.

Sold:

None

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1523 Spyglass, Fairways, studio, $59,500.

1902 S Caliente Dr., Twin Palms, 3/2.5, $925,000.

In Escrow:

1757 Capri Cir., Casa Sonora, 2/2, $209,900.

2985 E Avery Dr., #A, The Pointe, 2/2, $229,000.

Sold:

1766 E Camino Parocela #10, Sunflower, 2/2, $150,000.

Source: Desert Area MLS. Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates.

Russell Hill RS Associates 760.203.2959/902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com

Releasing the Chromium OS open source project

This is a cross post from the Official Google Blog

In July we announced that we were working on Google Chrome OS, an open source operating system for people who spend most of their time on the web.

Today we are open-sourcing the project as Chromium OS. We are doing this early, a year before Google Chrome OS will be ready for users, because we are eager to engage with partners, the open source community and developers. As with the Google Chrome browser, development will be done in the open from this point on. This means the code is free, accessible to anyone and open for contributions. The Chromium OS project includes our current code base, user interface experiments and some initial designs for ongoing development. This is the initial sketch and we will color it in over the course of the next year.

We want to take this opportunity to explain why we're excited about the project and how it is a fundamentally different model of computing.

First, it's all about the web. All apps are web apps. The entire experience takes place within the browser and there are no conventional desktop applications. This means users do not have to deal with installing, managing and updating programs.

Second, because all apps live within the browser, there are significant benefits to security. Unlike traditional operating systems, Chrome OS doesn't trust the applications you run. Each app is contained within a security sandbox making it harder for malware and viruses to infect your computer. Furthermore, Chrome OS barely trusts itself. Every time you restart your computer the operating system verifies the integrity of its code. If your system has been compromised, it is designed to fix itself with a reboot. While no computer can be made completely secure, we're going to make life much harder (and less profitable) for the bad guys. If you dig security, read the Chrome OS Security Overview or watch the video.

Most of all, we are obsessed with speed. We are taking out every unnecessary process, optimizing many operations and running everything possible in parallel. This means you can go from turning on the computer to surfing the web in a few seconds. Our obsession with speed goes all the way down to the metal. We are specifying reference hardware components to create the fastest experience for Google Chrome OS.

There is still a lot of work to do, and we're excited to work with the open source community. We have benefited hugely from projects like GNU, the Linux Kernel, Moblin, Ubuntu, WebKit and many more. We will be contributing our code upstream and engaging closely with these and other open source efforts.

Google Chrome OS will be ready for consumers this time next year. Sign up here for updates or if you like building your operating system from source, get involved at chromium.org.

Lastly, here is a short video that explains why we're so excited about Google Chrome OS.



Posted by Caesar Sengupta, Group Product Manager and Matt Papakipos, Engineering Director

If Juveniles Were As Delinquent as FHA Borrowers, We'd Have a Teen Crime Wave On Our Hands

(This Chart gives new meaning to California as a "Blue State". Darker shading indicates a higher level of mortgages that are 90+ days delinquent. Source: NY Fed Q2 2009.)

The weak job market has sapped homeowners of their ability to pay their mortgage. The situation is bad. Several years into the housing crisis, the US is still being roiled by record homeowner delinquencies and foreclosures. Consider these statistics:

1. "One out of every six FHA mortgages was late by at least one payment and 3.32 percent were in foreclosure, the highest for both since at least 1979"

Implication: FHA loans are backed by the US government and are subject to rigorous underwriting requirements. More than 30% of new loans being underwritten in California are FHA loans. But the bottom line is -- no job means no salary and no ability to pay a mortgage. And with many borrowers putting down as little as 3.5% (with a possible 6% seller credit), these delinquent borrowers become prime walk-away candidates. No downpayment = no equity = no downside of going into foreclosure except the collapse of one's credit score.

2. "The delinquency rate for prime fixed-rate mortgages, considered home loans with the least risk, rose to 5.8 percent and the foreclosure inventory rose to 1.95 percent, the highest since at least 1972."

Implication: Again, no job means no salary. And with many prime borrowers' nest eggs decimated by the collapse in the financial markets, no reserves means no ability to pay a mortgage once the paycheck stops. Now that prime borrowers are going into default, the whole housing spectrum, from low end to high, is under stress.

3. "The share of all types of mortgages with one or more payments overdue climbed to a record seasonally adjusted 9.64 percent in the third quarter. The foreclosure inventory increased to 4.47 percent from 4.3 percent. Both were the highest in 37 years of data."

Implication: 10% of mortgages are delinquent -- and we're in a housing 'recovery'!?! Yikes! It's impossible for recovery to take place without a wave of government-backed loan workout and forbearance programs. The "Making Home Affordable" program initiated in 2009 is a travesty and banks are doing everything in their power to avoid helping homeowners. And although the high level of foreclosed inventory presents buying opportunities, it also puts downward pricing pressure on existing homes for sale. See you at the bottom.

4. "Builders broke ground on 529,000 homes at an annual pace in October, down 11 percent from the previous month and the fewest since April’s all-time low, the Commerce Department said yesterday."

Implication: Horrendous news on the job front. In California, job losses in the construction industry have already been staggering. No building means no jobs means no recovery. Long-term, the lack of housing units in the pipeline (particularly in the multifamily - rental sector) will lead to a housing crunch after the housing crash. Look for high rental increases in major metropolitan areas (Los Angeles, especially) by the middle of the decade.

5. "The FHA’s insurance reserve ratio fell to 0.53 percent, the lowest level in history, and more steps are needed to shore up the agency that guarantees one of every five single family loans, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan said Nov. 12."

Implication: The FHA will be the next federal bailout. Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are close contenders.

6. The U.S. economy returned to growth in the third quarter after a yearlong contraction, the Commerce Department said in an Oct. 29 report. The world’s largest economy expanded at a 3.5 percent pace from July through September. Household purchases climbed 3.4 percent, the most in two years.

Implication: Hope. There are many, many signs that the nation is on the mend. However, during this recovery period the housing sector nationwide will be under pricing pressure as foreclosures, short sales and homeowner walk-aways shape the market.

Source: Bloomberg.com

"How did you do your hair dude?"

Let this JAPANESE guy teach you how to achieve that short spiky hairstyle in under a minute. It's like AWESOME!

Perfect for the emo/bad boy/Yakuza!!! look.

Palm Springs Homes for Sale

Palm Springs Real Estate. Palm Springs homes for sale in many of Palm Springs' most popular neighborhoods and condo communities. Follow our blog to find your perfect Palm Springs vacation home, full-time residence or investment property.

Here's the activity for November 15-17, 2009.

Central Palm Springs:

New Listings:

867 N Calle De Pinos, Sunrise Oasis, 3/2, $269,000.

500 E Amado Rd., #718, Deauville, 2/2, $329,000.

466 N Burton Way, Sunrise Park, 3/2, $449,995.

247 N Michelle Rd., Sunrise Park, 3/2.5, $749,000.

In Escrow:

280 S Avenida Caballeros #254, Caballeros Estates, 2/2, $124,900.

1176 E Casa Verde Way, Greenhouse, 2/2, $144,900.

1477 E Amado Rd., Palm Regency, 2/2.5, $259,000.

1490 E Baristo Rd., 48@Baristo, 3/3.5, $599,000.

271 Calle Tranquillo, St Baristo, 3/3, $645,000.

1080 E Paseo El Mirador, Ruth Hardy Park, 3/2, $395,000.

Sold:

222 N Calle El Segundo, #566, Plaza Villas, 2/2, $157,000.

260 W Stevens Rd., Compound, 2/2.5, $265,000.

South Palm Springs:

New Listings:

1738 Ridgeview Cir., Ridgeview, 3/2, $259,000.

2139 Southridge Dr., RimCrest, 2/3, $540,000.

885 E Sunny Dunes Rd., Warm Sands, 2/2, $249,950.

2925 E Alta Loma Dr., Los Compadres, 3/3, $369,000.

1850 S Smoke Tree Ln., Smoketree Ranch, 5/4.5, $2,400,000.

2212 Southridge Dr., Southridge, 4/5, $2,890,000.

2175 Southridge Dr., Southridge, 5/5.5, $13,890,000. (The Elrod House)

In Escrow:

1500 S Camino Real 103A, Biltmore, 1/1, $85,000.

447 E La Verne Way, Canyon South 2, 3/2, $133,000.

290 E San Jose Rd., #50, Estados South, 2/2, $139,900.

1824 S Barona Rd., Garden Villas East, 3/2, $175,000.

2465 Durango Cir., Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $239,900.

690 S Calle Palo Fierro, Warm Sands, 3/2, $155,000.

2098 Madrona, Canyon North, 3/3.5, $619,000.

Sold:

2380 S Skyview Dr., Canyon View Estates, 2/2, $239,000.

236 Canyon Cir., N., Canyon Heights, 2/2.5, $335,000.

2066 S Broadmoor Dr., Tahquitz Creek Golf, 3/2, $340,000.

Source: Desert Area MLS. Listings are not necessarily those of Zephyr Real Estate/RS Associates.

Russell Hill RS Associates 760.203.2959/902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com Lic#01427657

Making it easier to find the property you want on Google Maps

Around half of the Googlers in our Sydney headquarters are software engineers, working on some really cool things - Google Wave, App Engine, Google Docs, and of course, Google Maps.

Recently, some of us have been working on a particularly interesting project that combines Google Maps and search technology - we've been trying to work out if your search query in Google Maps means you're interested in having current real estate listings returned to you. It's nice to get to work on some 'search' engineering down here!

So here's what we've been cooking up - in the past, if you wanted to view real estate listings on Google Maps, your best bet was to select "Real Estate..." from the "More" menu at the top of the map.

Now, simply searching for "real estate" will return, well, real estate (try it)! You could also try "homes for sale sydney" or "homes for rent adelaide". Or while you're at it, check out "apartments for sale brisbane", or "homes for rent near perth". The idea is to make it really easy for you guys - you tell us what you want, and we get it back to you! Of course, we'll continue to work to return the best results for all your Google Maps queries, whether you're looking for local businesses, geographic features, or your perfect home.

We also wanted to tell you about the integration of real estate listings with Place Pages. Now clicking the "more info" link next to a listing takes you to a faster, easier-to-read page that gives you all of the information we have about a listing: photos, inspection times, videos, details, a Street View preview and nearby public transit information if available, allowing you to quickly find the listing you want and click through to the sources of the listing.


We hope you find these features improve your real estate search experience on Google Maps.

Posted by Jordan Bayliss-McCulloch and Ryan Williams, Software Engineers