Happy Thanksgiving!!

  As we express our gratitude, we must   never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

2014 November Newsletter

Art Under the Umbrellas

Art Under the Umbrellas -
Saturday Nov. 15 10am to 4pm at Old Town La Quinta

With the weather cooling and the Valley’s population of Snowbirds returning in full force, LQAF is now set to present its next edition of Art Under the Umbrellas. 

Last year’s second show was the most successful event of the entire Art Under the Umbrellas season, and expectations are high for this one as well. Over 80 Southern California artists will converge along the streets of Old Town La Quinta exhibiting newly created works in painting, glass, ceramic, jewelry, wood, sculpture, photography, fiber, and mixed media.

Patrons will be entertained by the energetic Steve Madaio Band throughout the day. Along with its specialty boutiques, Old Town La Quinta offers a great selection of restaurants including the popular Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill  to enjoy a leisurely lunch and cocktails.

As always, admission and parking are both free.  Directions:  From I-10 or Highway 111, take Washington Street south. Go west on Calle Tampico for two blocks; Old Town is on the left.

Featured Artist: Robert Ferguson

Ever popular American Impressionist Robert Ferguson will introduce his new line of high quality canvas transfer prints that are miniatures of his larger works reduced to 8”x10” and 10”x10” sizes (unframed). They are beautifully framed in patina gold leaf and matt enameled wooden frames custom made to complement the works. Each is hand signed by Ferguson. These make great gifts and are very affordable starter collector pieces at only $175.00.

Featured Artist: Erin Hanson

Hanging precariously and horizontally from red sandstone, 50 feet above the ground, may not seem like it would inspire the creation of beautiful oil paintings, but that is exactly what stirs Erin Hanson's artistic soul.

Hanson has developed a unique style of painting using as few brush strokes as possible to create fresh, vibrant, alive paintings of magnificent and dramatic landscapes, some on the grand scale of 40 feet. Her unique, minimalist method of placing impasto paint strokes without layering has been dubbed “Open-Impressionism.”

**information provided by La Quinta Arts Foundation

5 DIY Network Shows That Teach Home Improvement and Repair

What if you could be entertained and learn how to improve or repair your home at the same time? With these informative shows from the DIY Network, you can do just that. Read on for an introduction to each show and a brief overview of what you can expect to see.

This New House

You may recognize host Kevin O’Connor from the sister show This Old House. Rather than focus on the renovation of historic homes, This New Househighlights recent innovations in new building techniques, technology and materials. Co-host Amy Matthews collaborates with Kevin to teach viewers how to add smart features to their homes.

What you’ll learn: 

-New construction innovations.

-Which materials and techniques to use for building your own home.

Rescue Renovation

Have you ever gotten halfway through a renovation project only to find that you’ve taken on more than you can handle? Rescue Renovation host Kayleen McCabe meets with homeowners and analyzes where the project went wrong. Kayleen then creates a week-long plan to turn the failed renovation around and create something wonderful.

What you’ll learn:

-What not to do on your projects.

-Ways to rescue your own renovation gone wrong.

Sweat Equity

Would you like to learn how to increase your home’s value by $10,000 or more in just a couple of weekends? Check out Sweat Equity. Host Amy Matthews and her team of professionals work with homeowners to transform unused or unloved spaces into purposeful design. Learn where to budget for big-ticket items and when to opt for cost-saving selections.

What you’ll learn:

-How to get the best bang for your renovation buck.

-Ideas for unused rooms or space in your own home.

Finders Fixers

If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably aware of the creaks, squeaks and bangs that homes develop during use. Hosts Wally Conway, Rick Yerger and Tim Hockenberry are pro home inspectors who help property owners sleuth out and properly repair little things that can add up to create a big mess if unaddressed. No project is too big or small; everything from reseating a leaky toilet to securing a sliding house is found and fixed.

What you’ll learn:

-Signs and symptoms of typical home wear and tear.

-How to fix problems you find.

Disaster House

Part mythbusters and part home repair show, Disaster House follows host Josh Temple as he conducts slightly outrageous experiments that mimic and accelerate unforeseen catastrophes or typical wear and tear in a home. From a roller derby on hardwood floors, to dropping a 1,000 lb. piano from almost 10 stories, or clogging a toilet with the assistance of a 4-ton elephant named Page, nothing is too zany for this show to try. Once the damage is done, Josh and his team take viewers through the steps needed to repair it.

What you’ll learn:

-Types of typical home damage and their fun and crazy equivalents.

-How to repair moderate to major issues that crop up in well-used homes.

These 5 shows incorporate innovation, redirection, thrift, detection and daring destruction to teach you more about home repair and renovation. So pop some popcorn, grab a glass of your favorite beverage and take a seat. You can have your education and your entertainment.

Not sure if you should remodel, refresh or stage your home?  Give me a call and together we can go over your options. A little or a lot, I will be able to walk you through the process.

If you’re coming back to the desert soon, why not start refreshing your Desert home now, so it’s all ready for your arrival!!

Contact me today!!

**information provided by wingwire

Happy Veterans Day!!

No one is more deserving of a home than our Veterans who risk their lives to defend our freedom to have one.

Here's a BIG Thank You to ALL of our Veterans!!

**image is from http://va.gov/

Value of Remodeling in the La Quinta Area

Not sure if you should remodel, refresh or stage your home?

Give me a call and together we can go over your options. A little or a lot, I will be able to walk you through the process.

If you’re coming back to the desert soon, why not start refreshing your Desert home now, so it’s all ready for your arrival!!

 Contact me today!!

**information provided by the California Association of Realtors

Buying a New vs. Previously Owned Home

When you’re house hunting, it’s important to narrow down your selection to make the best use of your time. One of the major aspects you’ll have to consider is whether to buy or build a new home, or purchase one that’s pre-owned. Take a look at the pros and cons each type of home offers.

Pricing

Generally speaking, newer homes cost more per square foot than older homes, unless you’re buying into a fashionable neighborhood or purchasing historical property. However, the higher price tag means that you won’t have to deal with outdated materials or pre-existing issues. You can also customize a new home to your specifications, rather than go through the costly process of remodeling. In addition, builders may have an advantage over buyers when it comes to securing financing.

 Older homes often cost much less, but you’ll need to set aside an additional portion of the purchase price - usually 10 to15 percent - to cover any renovations or repairs that may be needed. If after a thorough inspection your newly calculated price still falls quite a bit lower than the cost of a new home, you may be better off buying an older place. Don’t forget that quality counts too. A well-maintained older home has already weathered the test of time.

What You See...

The adage “what you see is what you get” isn’t always true. A new show home may feature a beautifully landscaped yard and driveway or a lovely deck, but that doesn’t mean those features are included in your purchase price. Be sure to read the fine print and take into account anything that’s not considered part of the house.

 Previously owned homes should always be inspected to uncover any issues that might be hidden. For a few hundred dollars, you can have an expert take a good look at the home to get an idea of what may be needed to bring the house up to par. An inspection is well worth the cost, and can save you thousands of dollars or more.

Safe or Ecofriendly Materials

Today’s building codes are designed to create occupant-friendly homes, making those houses easier to navigate than some of their older counterparts. Many codes also have requirements for the use of ecofriendly or low-emission materials that can be better for your health.

 Speaking of health, a variety of materials used in older homes can pose health hazards. Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes until the late 1970s, and can cause severe health problems or death if ingested or inhaled during renovations. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that was used for insulation and texture as late as the 1990s. Removal of either substance can be quite expensive.

Maintenance

While newer homes are often under warranty for major structural defects for up to a decade, you should still take the time to look for any potential problems. Our ancestors built homes with the predetermined notion that it would be a generational dwelling, not just a temporary residence. On that note, if you’re buying new, be sure your builder is reputable and takes pride in their work. Construction crews under pressure may cut corners that will cost you long after they’re gone.

Now that you’ve learned more about the differences between older and newer homes, put your newfound knowledge to work for you. Contact me today! What features would you like to see in your home?

 **Article provided by Wingwire