La Quinta Real Estate Blog

Griffin Ranch in La Quinta - Current Market Activity

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:11:54 -0400

My previous post, "Griffin Ranch - Merv Griffin's Equestrian Community in South La Quinta" describes the Griffin Ranch community and its features. Below is the current market activity for Griffin Ranch, including the sales from January 1, 2008 thru today that were listed in the Multiple Listing Service. There may be other sales through the sales office that are not reflected in the information below:

CURRENT LISTINGS IN GRIFFIN RANCH

$920,000 - Madeira Residence Two - 3 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 3,140 sq. ft.
$1,129,000 - Madeira Residence Three - 3 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 3,373 sq. ft.
$1,275,000 - Campania Residence Two - 3 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 3,972 sq. ft.
$1,428,000 - Campania Residence Two - 3 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 3,972 sq. ft.
$1,541,000 - Campania Residence Three - 4 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx. 4,529. ft.
$1,649,000 - Campania Residence Four - 5 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx. 4,681 sq. ft.
$1,680,000 - Sevilla Plan One - 4 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx. 4,989 sq. ft.
$1,784,000 - Sevilla Plan Three - 4 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx. 5,629 sq. ft.
$1,799,000 - Sevilla Plan Two - 4 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx. 5,287 sq. ft.
$1,852,000 - Sevilla Plan Two - 4 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx. 5,287 sq. ft.

RECENT SALES IN GRIFFIN RANCH

Sold on 5/7/08 for $1,387,000 - Campania Residence Four - 4 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx, 4,363 sq. ft.
Sold on 3/7/08 for $1,431,500 - Campania Residence Four - 5 bdrms/5.5 baths, approx. 4,681 sq. ft.
Sold on 7/7/08 for $1,447,000 - Campania Residence One - 4 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx. 4,058 sq. ft.

If you are interested in searching for homes in La Quinta, researching the current value of your home, viewing our La Quinta Real Estate Website, or learning more about the current housing market please contact us by phone or text at (760) 567-9100.

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com. Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Fiore - A South La Quinta Development

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:21:26 -0400

FIORE AT RENAISSANCE is located in South La Quinta off of Jefferson and Avenue 50. This small development was built in 2005 and features the following three floor plans:

Plan 1 - 3 bdrms/2.5 baths, two car garage & approx. 2462 sq. ft.

Plan 2 - 3 bdrms/2.5 baths, three car garage & approx. 2,580 sq. ft.

Plan 3 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, three car garage & approx. 2,873 sq. ft.

FIORE FLOOR PLANS:

There are low HOA dues which cover the common area maintenance and the gated community. Fiore's streets include Joey Court, Danielle Court, Patti Court, Derek Alan Drive, Ali Court, Marne Court, Loren Court, Brian Court and Jess Ann Court.

The Estates at Point Happy Ranch - A South La Quinta Development

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:45:59 -0400

THE ESTATES AT POINT HAPPY RANCH, built by Madison Development, is a collection of 69 single family homes located on the southwest corner of Highway 111 and Washington. Nestled within the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, these homes are situated on 22 acres of prime land. Home buyers have a choice of six floor plans starting at approximately 2,800 up to 3,452 square feet of luxurious living space in 3 to 4 bedroom designs with attached 2 to 3 car garages. The floor plans are designed for indoor/outdoor entertainment and feature spacious great rooms, formal dining rooms, gourmet kitchens and much more! The developer's motto, "Where Serenity Meets the Mountains" says it all.

"Concert on the Lawn" Tonight in Old Town La Quinta

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:15:00 -0400

Tonight from 6 pm to 8 pm the last "Concert on the Lawn" of the summer season will be held in Old Town La Quinta. Tonight features music from the 60's, 70's and 80's! So bring your lawn chair, picnic basket and dancing shoes and enjoy this free community event.

If you are interested in searching for homes in La Quinta, researching the current value of your home, viewing our La Quinta Real Estate Website , or learning more about the current housing market please contact us by phone or text at (760) 567-9100.

Looking for the Cheapest Gas Prices in La Quinta?

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:35:46 -0400

The ABC7 television channel has a website where you can find the cheapest gas in your community. Click the ABC7 logo to take you to the website, and fill in your zip code for the cheapest gas list in your neighborhood. La Quinta's zip code is 92253. Great resource and hope you find it useful!

Americans have a wonderful sense of humor, even when times are stressful...

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in La Quinta, California, contact Laxson Realty at (760) 567-9100 or visit our website at www.LQ-Homes.com.

Post: Are you looking for the cheapest gas prices in La Quinta?

The Palms Country Club - A La Quinta Golf Course Community

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:40:54 -0400

THE PALMS COUNTRY CLUB of La Quinta is a gated community of Palm Collection Homes and custom homes located in the Palms Golf Club. Only 101 custom homes are built around the perimeter of this Fred Couples designed, private equity golf course. This development is also located in the Imperial Irrigation District of the Coachella Valley which offers the lowest utility bills in the Coachella Valley. The 18-hole "Palms" course at the The Palms Golf Club in La Quinta, California features 7,020 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. The course rating is 74 and it has a slope rating of 134. Designed by Brian Curley, ASGCA/Fred Couples, the Palms golf course opened in 1999.

This traditional-style golf course design features gently-rolling terrain and boasts spectacular views of the nearby Santa Rosa Mountain Range. There are more than 2,000 mature date palms and 1,000 desert mesquite trees which combine to give the layout a unique and diverse look. The overall challenge is enhanced by demanding fairways and compact, well-undulating greens. Three creeks wind through the layout and add charm and challenge to this beautiful desert course.

For more information on The Palms Country club, including price of homes, pictures, aerials and map, please visit us at www.LQ-Homes.com or you can also reach us at (760) 567-9100.

La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, California

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:29:26 -0400

LA QUINTA COUNTRY CLUB is located on Avenue 50 in La Quinta, California. The golf course is an 18 hole course originally designed in 1959 by Larry Hughes and redone by Robert Muir Graves in 1999. As one of the oldest clubs in Coachella Valley, this "grande dame" of golf clubs has been a favorite with desert dwellers for years. Real estate opportunities include homes and condominium ownership. There are several developments in La Quinta Country Club and they include the Villas of La Quinta, Country Club Estates and Montero development.

Visit our website at www.LQ-Homes.com for more details on this club and all the other ones in La Quinta.

The Hideaway Lots... Are there bargains in La Quinta high-end real estate lots?

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:33:32 -0400

The phone call was from clients in La Jolla, where I started my career and continue to work with my associates at the Coldwell Banker La Jolla office, "Susan, we are getting ready to retire, want to build a home and split our time between La Jolla and the desert. Can you help us find a lot with a golf course view, in a gated high end community and under $500,000?" I haven't had buyers for a lot in a while, didn't know what I would be able to find for them, and when I put the search criteria in the Desert MLS, it was a treat to find that "The Hideaway" was in their price range!

The Hideaway Club is considered, by many, to be one of the most "high end" communities in the desert. Situated on 600 acres, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, the Club features two distinct, par 72, 18 hole courses, designed by Clive Clark and Pete Dye and featuring extensive use of wildflowers, waterfalls, and streams. The Hideaway's master plan consists of 446 residences with a variety of styles:

Custom Residences
A variety of fine finished Custom Residences, already designed and constructed by master builders, are situated on lots from one third to over one half an acre.
Bungalows & Villas
A limited collection of luxury Bungalows nestled together in an elegant, private shared village environment.
Vacant Home-Sites
Undeveloped Hideaway home-sites, each on one-third to over one-half acre lots, provide ample grounds to design and build the custom home of your dreams.

There are currently 74 lots for sale in The Hideaway ranging in price from $395,000 to $1,375,000. Of those listed there are 12 lots under $500,000.

1) Via Dona - $395,000 was originally listed at $565,000

2) Via Bellagio - $425,000 was originally listed at $595,000

3) Via Pressaro - $445,000 was originally listed at $610,000

4) Via Bellagio - $460,000 was originally listed at $595,000

5) Via Portofino - $475,000 was originally listed at $649,000

6) Via Portofino - $475,000 was originally listed at $575,000

7) Via Portofino - $479,000 was originally listed at $545,000

8) Lot 301 - $495,000 was originally listed at $639,000

9) Via Pressaro - $499,000 was originally listed at $639,000

10) Via Pessaro - $499,000 was originally listed at $699,000

11) Via Portofino - $499,000 was originally listed at $650,000

12) Via Pressaro - $500,000 was originally listed at $550,000

One only needs to visit The Hideaway to see why it is considered to be one of the most exclusive golf clubs in La Quinta, and now it appears even a bit more affordable. The desert areas are conveniently close to San Diego County, only a two hour drive away, and a perfect location for a desert retreat!

If you are interested in purchasing a lot or home in The Hideaway or selling your Hideaway property and listing it, not only in the Desert Area MLS but also in Sandicor (San Diego MLS), contact Susan at (760) 567-9100.

Codorniz at La Quinta Development in South La Quinta, California

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:54:52 -0400

Codorniz at La Quinta are patio homes built in 2006 and are located across from Silver Rock Resort, and adjacent to The Hideaway. Amenities at Codorniz include a tennis court, pool, clubhouse, barbeque area, fitness center and outdoor fireplace. These homes were developed by RJT Homes, the builder of Palmilla, Citrus Valencia and at La Quinta Fairways.

Codorniz features zero lot line patio homes that share no common walls and are two stories. Three models are available ranging from 1,250 to 1,592 square feet. They are:

The Cassia plan offers 1,250 square feet and features two bedrooms, a loft/tech area two and one half baths, a two car garage, courtyard and patio.

The Sage plan offers 1,385 square feet features two masters plus a loft/tech area (or three bedrooms), two and one half baths, a two car garage, courtyard and master balcony.

The Cordia plan offers 1,592 square feet with two masters, athird bedroom or flex room, a loft/tech area, two and one half baths and a two car garage. An optional turn-key furniture package with window treatments, light fixtures and ceiling fans is also available with any home.

Interested in buying a home in Codorniz at La Quinta? Visit our La Quinta real estate website at www.LQ-Homes.com to learn ALL about the La Quinta area, including La Quinta development information, La Quinta school information, La Quinta neighborhoods, La Quinta golf courses, real estate prices, and much more!

Attention Golfers! Want to play in the 2009 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic?

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 09:24:24 -0400

Love golf? Want to play in the only PGA TOUR EVENT that allows amateurs - the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic? If you are a La Quinta resident, La Quinta property owner or La Quinta business owner you may now apply to participate in the only PGA Tour event that allows amateurs to play four days with the PGA Pros. The event sponsors have indicated that priority will be given to residents of La Quinta with SilverRock Resident Cards. SilverRock Resort is our Arnold Palmer course designed for and played by the residents of La Quinta as our "municipal course".

If selected, the cost of the event is $12,000 ($9,000 of the fee is tax deductible contribution to Desert Classic Charities) and includes the following:

Pro-Am playing spot for four (4) days of competition, three (3) practice rounds, and commemorative gifts.
Two (2) invitations to the Bob Hope Celebrity Ball
Two (2) invitations to the Pairings Party, as well as the Amateurs Party
Four (4) guest passes for the entire tournament Tuesday through Sunday

For more information contact (760) 777-7090

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for amateur golfers who have always wanted to be in a PGA event! The other great opportunity is to purchase a home in La Quinta and enjoy our beautiful and challenging golf courses, simply stunning scenery, wide variety of activities presented by the City of La Quinta and of course, to meet new friends who enjoy the same lifestyle that you will experience here.

Contact Laxson Realty at (760) 567-9100 to view any homes for sale in La Quinta and in a variety of price ranges.

South La Quinta Development - Bajada Estates

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:20:57 -0400

BAJADA ESTATES is a small non-gated enclave of 17 homes in South La Quinta. Built on large lots, these homes feature southern mountain views and greenbelts throughout. Bajada Estates offers easy access to the nearby La Quinta Golf Course. The homes were built in 1997 by Ministrelli Homes and feature three bedrooms with 4 bathrooms with approximately 2,443 square feet of living space. There are low homeowner's dues which cover the common area maintenance.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Bajada Estates, contact Laxson Realty at (760) 567-9100 or visit our website at www.LQ-Homes.com.

La Quinta Civic Center Campus & Park

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:59:31 -0400

One of the most scenic places to enjoy in La Quinta is La Quinta's Civic Center Campus Park. This 17 ½ acre park is adjacent to the La Quinta City Hall, La Quinta Senior Center and the La Quinta Library and located on the corner of Washington and Calle Tampico.

The park features a lake with a fountain, gazebo, walking paths, pedestrian bridges, sparkling waterfalls and public art. There are monuments to our soldiers and even walking trails with stops to exercise different parts of the body. The park is a sanctuary and the Santa Rosa Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for this peaceful setting.

Babe's Jackalope Ranch Restaurant in Indio for Lease

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:00:53 -0400

There is a beautiful new restaurant built at 80-400 Highway 111 on the edge of La Quinta and Indio and I, like many others, was wondering when the chain link fence would come down and there would be a grand opening for Babe's Jackalope Ranch restaurant. Unfortunately, the restaurant scheduled to open this summer, has been listed for lease with Coldwell Banker's Commercial Division by the Callender family. It has been rumored that Don Callender, 80, suffered a fall in his garden in Newport Beach and is in a coma. Don Callender, was the founder and former owner of Marie Callender's, which he sold in 1986. Venturing onto new restaurant ideas, Don Callender brought the Babe's Restaurant to Rancho Mirage several years ago. Callender is quoted as saying that he originally developed the Babe's concept to fill empty real estate left when several of his restaurants closed and until recently was involved in every aspect of Babe's development and daily operations. Leasing agent, Maggie Montez, senior vice president with Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis, is quoted as saying, "The Callenders are not proceeding with the opening and want to carefully select an operator with a great business resume for the 21,000 square-foot restaurant."

The listing does not include a price and states, "Rent to be mutually negotiated between Landlord and Tenant". The listing broker's office sent me the following information attached to the listing: "Don Callender's dream restaurant; complete with all custom interior finishes and new equipment is now for lease. Jackalope Ranch consists of a 21,000 SF building offering a main dining room and bar, several banquet rooms, game room, pie shop, private dining room and stunning entrance area. The kitchens are state-of-the-art. The grounds provide 6.4 acres, lushly landscaped with double waterfall, many sculptures, palapas bar, and patios for dining and outdoor venues. The owners of this tremendous opportunity are looking for very experienced restaurant and venue operators with extensive experience."

Although Mr. Callender's dream has been delayed by unexpected events, we hope that he will one day see his remarkable restaurant open. My family and friends look forward to enjoying another meal served in an entertaining and amusing setting, such as Jackalope Ranch, created by the visionary of the Callender family.

View updated information about Jackalope Ranch as of January 2009 - Click Here

La Quinta's Growth & the Highway 111 Corridor

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:20:14 -0400

La Quinta, also known as the "Gem of the Desert", has been experiencing steadily increasing growth in the last 5 years. It is reported that La Quinta is growing at a rate of approximately 110% every ten years, making La Quinta one of the fastest growing cities in California, according to the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy. La Quinta's steady growth can be attributed to the city's focused economic development efforts including its goals and objectives in support of citywide economic development activity. The La Quinta government has identified priority areas, including the Highway 111 Corridor - see below. The growth is welcome to a population who is excited about the opportunities that living in one of the nation's leading golf and resort destinations can bring to its current and future residents.

If you are interested in learning more about La Quinta or viewing La Quinta real estate for sale, including commercial sites, contact Laxson Realty at (760) 567-9100 or view our website at www.LQ-Homes.com.

Looking to invest in La Quinta? Check out Casitas Las Rosas Condos for Sale!

Laxson Associates l La Quinta Real Estate — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:42:10 -0400

Casitas Las Rosas, in my opinion, is one of the best real estate investment opportunities in La Quinta. Casitas Las Rosas is a condominium complex featuring casita-style vacation villas with views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and connected to the Embassy Suites Hotel & Spa in Old Town La Quinta.

This unique investment opportunity allows you to take advantage of all the hotel amenities, but have the privacy and ownership of a private condo. There are 144 one-bedroom vacation villas each with approximately 682 square feet of living space. Most of the casitas are being sold turn-key furnished with Mediterranean style furnishings. Lounge by one of the 4 HOA pools or the hotel pool, walk to the Village of La Quinta, across the street, for shopping or exquisite dining at the Crab Pot, Hog's Breath, Cunard's Sand Bar or Arnold Palmer's Restaurant after a full day of fun in the sun.

Enjoy relaxing at the Embassy Suites' Hibiscus Spa with six treatment rooms, a fitness center and whirlpools. The investment opportunity that presents itself is the ability to live here full time or rent it out through the hotel rental program (subject to approval), your real estate agent or yourself!

Today there are six properties for sale in the Casitas Las Rosas complex. They range in price from $140,000 to $335,000. The best deals, in my opinion are:

Unit #4 - Current list price $140,000 - Owner paid $265,000 in 2005
Unit #1 - Current list price $142,000 - Mortgage amt $446,004 Indymac
Unit #8 - Current list price $146,000 - Assessed Value $206,779
Unit #7 - Current list price $149,000 - Assessed Value $228,159

If you are interested in learning more about the investment opportunities that Casitas Las Rosas represents or other La Quinta properties, contact Laxson Realty at (760) 567-9100 or visit our website at www.LQ-Homes.com.