7 Ways to Save with Green Plumbing in the Desert

Desert Luxury Realty

What does it mean to be ecologically minded? It’s a promise to pollute less, and save resources like water and electricity. That is where green plumbing comes into the picture. If you’re renovating or moving to a new place, a little pre-thought can save you money.

Green Plumbing

Low flow – Install bathroom fixtures like toilettes and shower heads that waste less water. Also, install an aerator to the bathroom sink which makes less water come out stronger.

Grey water –Water from the bathroom basins, showers, baths, and washing machine can be recycled directly within the home and used to flush toilets for example.

Rain water tanks – Installed in different parts of the yard, tanks collect water when it rains to be used for irrigation during dry spells.

Hot water – Instead of using one big tank and having the hot water travel a distance – and cool down in the process – install tankless heaters next to where it is needed. Less water is wasted by waiting for the water to turn hot, and less electricity/gas is used to reheat the water.

Water Heating – The cheapest way to heat the house water is by using solar energy. These systems have been used around the world for at least 30 years and have improved tremendously. The sun is a cheap, renewable energy source that does not pollute.

Drip Irrigation – If you live in a hot and dry climate, drip irrigation is the best way to water your garden. Water doesn’t go to waste with sprinkle heads that spray all around where some of the water evaporates before it even hits the ground.

Insulate – If you live in extreme weather, insulating the house and exterior pipes is the biggest money saver. There are many environmentally friendly insulation products. Nowadays, green plumbing is also offered as a course in some community colleges.

If you are thinking about a remodel, redesign, or reorganizing;
then I am your redesign professional!

If you are considering selling your property, and you think it needs staging;
I am your neighborhood professional!

Fall Back in the Desert this Sunday!

Change your Batteries in your Smoke Alarms, too!

Art Under the Umbrellas Premiers Saturday at Old Town - Be There!

Saturday, October 26, 2013
10 am to 4 pm
Old Town La Quinta

Live Music. Free Admission. Free Parking

Reconnect with old friends or make new ones at Art Under the Umbrellas—the Coachella Valley’s primo series of one day art shows, which gets underway Saturday at Old Town La Quinta, launching LQAF’s 2013/14 Desert Season.

The October show will also commemorate National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) as an officially registered event of NAHM 2013.

With a diverse mix of 80 talented artists exhibiting their unique artwork and fine crafts, Art Under the Umbrellas promises a sun-filled day of shopping for unique jewelry, discovering hand crafted gifts, or a special fine art piece for the home.

 Old Town La Quinta's great selection of trendy boutiques and fine restaurants will round out the day's enjoyment.

The October 26th season opener will introduce 11 artists new to Art Under the Umbrellas and will spotlight some long time regulars who have committed to exhibiting at all eight shows of the 2013/14 season.

Chad Allen and Garrison Wayne of Canvas in the Garden are known for their award winning hand-painted designs on canvas.

Darlene Goins is as colorful and vibrant as the wild cache of jewelry she displays in her booth located at the Desert Club entrance to Old Town La Quinta. Her smile is worth a thousand words!

Penelope Krebs is a master in the art of painting her beloved, delicate birds with incredible precision using watercolors.

Directions to Old Town La Quinta:  From I-10 or Highway 111, take Washington Street south. Go west on Calle Tampico for two blocks; Old Town is on the left.  Visit LQAF.com or call 760-564-1244.

**All information and illustration from LQAF.

October Newsletter

Here are some Tricks to make your Desert Home Halloween Ready and transition into November!

Mary Williams Interior Redesign

Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to prepare than to DECORATE? Here are some fun ideas to get your home ready for Halloween Tricks and Treats but great enough to last until Thanksgiving!!

Pick Up Some White Pumpkins for Elegant Fall Decorating

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Kitchen ideas, bathroom ideas, and more ∨ Use the help of top home decorators to select a matching nightstand and new lampshades for your own bedroom design. Browse inspiring bedroom design, then outfit your personal beds design, convertible futon ordaybed with designer bedding linens and decorative throw pillows.

If you are thinking about a remodel, redesign, or reorganizing; then I am your redesign professional!

If you are considering selling your property, and you think it needs staging; I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!  Follow me on Facebook!

C.A.R. releases its 2014 California Housing Market Forecast

News release - October 8, 2013

California home sales and prices to rise in 2014 as market transitions toward primary home buyers

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 8) – After distressed sales lost their hold on much of California’s market, the state’s housing market will continue to improve in 2014, with sales shifting toward primary home buyers and both sales and home prices posting further gains, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ (C.A.R.) “2014 California Housing Market Forecast,” released today.

The C.A.R. forecast sees sales gaining 3.2 percent next year to reach 444,000 units, up from the projected 2013 sales figure of 430,300 homes sold.  Sales in 2013 will be down 2.1 percent from the 439,400 existing, single-family homes sold in 2012.

“The housing market has improved over the past year, and we expect this trend to continue into 2014,” said C.A.R. President Don Faught.  “As the economy enters the fourth year of a modest recovery, we expect to see a strong demand for homeownership, as buyers who may have been competing with investors and facing an extreme shortage of available housing return from the sidelines.”

C.A.R.’s forecast projects growth in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product of 2.8 percent in 2014, after a projected gain of 1.8 percent in 2013.  With nonfarm job growth of 1.9 percent in California, the state’s unemployment rate should decrease to 8.3 percent in 2014 from 9 percent in 2013 and 10.5 percent in 2012.

The average for 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates will rise to 5.3 percent but will still remain at historically low levels.  a projected 28 percent increase in 2013 to $408,600.

“We’ve seen a marked improvement in housing market conditions in a year with the distressed market shrinking from one in three sales a year ago to less than one in five in recent months, thanks primarily to sharp gains in home prices,” said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young.  “As the market continues to improve, more previously underwater homeowners will look toward selling, making housing inventory less scarce in 2014.  As a result of these factors, we’ll see home price increases moderate from the double-digit increases we saw for much of this year to mid-single digits in most of the state.”

“The wildcards for 2014 include federal, fiscal, monetary and housing policies – such as the mortgage interest deduction and mortgage finance reform – as well as housing supply and the actions of the Federal Reserve, which will ensure a higher rate environment,” Appleton-Young continued.

All above information is from the California Association of REALTORS®.

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What Features do Buyers Value in a Home in La Quinta?

Whether you just purchased or have owned your home in the Desert for awhile, this is the PERFECT time to redesign before you come back for Season!
Wouldn’t it be great to come home to a totally redesigned home in the Desert?
No worries and no messing with the mess!!

If you are thinking about a remodel, redesign, or reorganizing;
then I am your redesign professional!

If you are considering selling your property,
and you think it needs staging; I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!
Follow me on Facebook!

California August Housing Market

According to the recent news release from the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® (C.A.R.) August 2013 resale housing report, following a strong performance in July, California’s housing market pulled back in August as mortgage rates continued to inch up, although sales of condominiums and townhomes remained robust.

• Sales of condominiums and townhomes surged almost 8 percent from last August in California, and are up nearly 5 percent year to date compared to last year, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® (C.A.R.) August 2013 resale housing report.

• Home prices continued in an upward trend in August, reaching levels not seen in more than five years. The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home was up 1.7 percent from July’s median price of $433,910 to reach $441,330 in August, the highest price recorded since December 2007.

• Sales in August were down 2 percent from a revised 443,500 in July and down 1.9 percent from a revised 443,030 in August 2012. The statewide sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2013 if sales maintained the August pace throughout the year.

• The available supply of existing, single-family detached homes for sale inched up in August to 3.1 months, up from July’s Unsold Inventory Index of 2.9 months. The index was 3.2 months in August 2012.  The index indicates the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate.  A six- to seven-month supply is considered typical in a normal market.

• The median number of days it took to sell a single-family home also edged up to 28.8 days in August from 27.8 days in July, but was down from 41.1 days in August 2012.

• Mortgage rates moved higher in August, with the 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaging 4.46 percent, up from 4.37 percent in July 2013 and up from 3.60 percent in August 2012, according to Freddie Mac.  Adjustable-mortgage interest rates in August averaged 2.65 percent, slightly down from 2.66 in July but down from 2.67 percent in August 2012.

All 1" information is from the September 16, 2013 the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) news release.

September 2013 Newsletter

Click HERE to read all of my newsletter!

How to stay within or under budget

Mary Williams Interior Design

A lot of staying within or under budget in a remodeling or redesign project is finding great bargains in the Desert – and I love a great bargain! In fact, I have been finding great bargains all over the place in the most unsuspecting places. What and who I know will save you money with any project – large or small. There is a reason to work with me because “There’s REALLY Something About Mary!”

A Savvy Shopper's Secrets to Sales

Remodeling, decorating, and more ∨From Shabby Chic home accessories to contemporary furniture and wall mirrors, browse thousands of decorating ideas to inspire your next home project.
Select garden furniture to match your style, garden storage sheds or even greenhouse designs to personalize your landscape.

If you are thinking about a
remodel, redesign, or reorganizing;
let me take your home from drab to FAB!

If you are considering selling your property,
and you think it needs staging;
I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!

Single Homebuyers in the Desert

One is not the loneliest number when it comes to buying homes. According to a recent article on the online REALTOR Magazine, single buyers made up a fourth of ALL the home purchases last year. Currently there are 33 MILLION one-person households in the United States and is becoming an International Trend.

So, what’s the deal? Waiting to get married? Divorced? Living Longer? Yes, yes and yes.

According to Eric Klinenberg, a sociologist and author of "Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone", the fastest group that are living solo are the 18 to 34 year old and of all groups, are comprised mainly of women. 18 MILLION women live alone compared to 14 MILLION men living alone; both generally in metro areas; low maintenance homes yet still place a high value on areas with high-rated schools.

“One of the largest segments of home buyers is single women, accounting for 16 percent of sales in 2012.”

According to 2010 Census Data on one person households:

40% are living on their own in San Francisco

30% are living solo in LA

Watch “Going Solo” Video Clip

So, do you want to purchase your home in the La Quinta and surrounding areas? There may be some adjustments to being a single homeowner; for one thing, all the good and bad of homeownership are yours and yours alone. Sometimes even qualifying for the purchase can be a bit more involved and stressful when you are single homebuyer, but that is where I come in. I know where you’re coming from and understand. Whether you’re a couple or single homebuyer, I will be able to help you find and purchase your home.

Contact me today – season is getting closer and now is the time to purchase so you can enjoy all season long in the Desert!

Happy Labor Day!!

Cash Offers are HOT in the Desert

33% of homes purchased nationally have been with cash so far this year. #Cashoffers have been made by investors, wealthy homeowners, and international home buyers. In fact, over the last 7 years the number of cash offers have doubled. According to an online article, “Buyer and Seller Characteristics: Cash Sales” posted by Realtor.org, of all cash buyers:

10% were First Time Homebuyers

72% were Investors

56% were Second Homebuyers

18% were Relocation

65% were International Homebuyers

49% were Distressed homes

Cash offers are a good indicator that the more investors are willing to back the current housing market by diversifying their portfolios with real estate rather than stocks and bonds. This wouldn’t happen if investors didn’t think we were in a full housing recovery. This type of investing is contributing to the increase of home prices, which is turning around the housing market.

July was the 7^th consecutive month home prices went up in the Desert. "Prices continue to rise and sales numbers to fall, mainly due to the shortage of homes for sale which fell to an inventory of 1,950 in July. That’s a 3.75 month’s supply which by tradition would make it a seller’s market," said Ann Ritchie, executive vice president of California Desert Association of REALTORS®. "Prices have softened a little from May, but that is normal in the summer here because summer traditionally is our off season."

According to the California Association of REALTORS®, “The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home inched up 1.2 percent from June’s median price of $428,620 to $433,760 in July.  July’s price was 29.8 percent higher than the revised $334,220 recorded in July 2012, marking 17 straight months of annual price increases and the 13th consecutive month of double-digit annual gains.  The median sales price is the point at which half of homes sold for more and half sold for less; it is influenced by the types of homes selling as well as a general change in values.”

A strong housing market will define our economic recovery in the Desert.

Season is just around the corner! Start early to find you home in the Desert before the competition comes into town. Call me today at 760-567-5262 and we can get started.

If you want to have a remodel, redesign, or reorganize before the Holidays; 
let me take your home from drab to FAB just in time for Season!

If you are considering selling your property, 
and you think it needs staging; I am your neighborhood professional!

How to Maximize your Whole-House Remodel

Mary Williams Interior and Redesign

Whether it's a bathroom remodel, redesign or a little home freshen - up, there are some things to keep in mind before jumping into a large project. Here are just a few ideas to get the questions started ....

10 Tips to Maximize Your Whole-House Remodel

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Remodeling, decorating, and more ∨ From designer lounge chairs and writing desks to the perfect message board and credenza, create your dream home office. As you revamp your house, browse photos for inspiration on everything from fireplace mantels to crown molding and wainscoting.

If you are thinking about a remodel, redesign, or reorganizing; let me take your home from drab to FAB!

If you are considering selling your property, and you think it needs staging; I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!

California Housing numbers are still looking good!

Excerpt from C.A.R. Market Matters News Letter dated 8/22/13

• Home prices continued to post strong annual gains, and home sales recorded the first annual increase in six months, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (C.A.R.). Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 443,520 units in July, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide.

• C.A.R. reports that sales in July were up 7 percent from a revised 414,670 in June and up 1.5 percent from a revised 436,870 in July 2012. The year-to-year sales increase was the first since December 2012, following six consecutive months of declines.

• C.A.R.’s July 2013 resale housing report also notes that the available supply of existing, single-family detached homes for sale held steady in July at 2.9 months, unchanged from June’s Unsold Inventory Index. The index was 3.5 months in July 2012. The index indicates the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate.

Desert Luxury Realty

What is a toe kick drawer?

Kitchen redesigns are one of the most expensive a homeowner can do – but, it can be the most fun. I am always amazed of all the great new ideas and gadgets that seem to come out every day. I especially like the idea of a toe-kick drawer (see slide show below). All these new ideas can become overwhelming pretty quick. Each one seems better than the first and suddenly you have all these great ideas, but no way to implement them into your kitchen design. That is why you need to hire a professional to help you stay focused on the end product.

As a redesign professional, I can take implement into your kitchen design …. or I can make suggestions which may actually fit better into your whole design scheme. When done, your kitchen will work for you and not be a hodge podge of different ideas and gadgets.

 Take a look at these very clever kitchen ideas below and then call me at 760-567-8262 to see how they can fit into your kitchen redesign.

Kitchen Storage Solutions for Every Nook

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Architects, interior designers, and more ∨ Discover inspring landscaping ideas and find a top local landscape contractor or residential landscape architect to plan your garden landscape. For small bathroom ideas, browse photos of space-saving bathroom cabinetry and clever hidden mirrored medicine cabinets.

If you are thinking about a remodel, redesign, or reorganizing;let me take your home from drab to FAB!

If you are considering selling your property, and you think it needs staging;
I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!

Business Etiquette for Today

Many things have changed in business, from email replacing letters to social networks replacing many forms of advertising. However, in this world of change, a few things still remain the same. That includes etiquette. With today’s business world moving at the speed of light, this word often sounds antiquated. However, unlike old paint colors or fashion, manners never go out of style. Here are a few rules that are as relevant today as they were in the past.

Say Thank You

In the past, when someone had a meeting or job interview, they sent a follow-up thank you note. More and more people are forgetting that piece of etiquette in the busyness of their lives. However, it is still just as appropriate (and essential) to send a thank you note after meeting with a prospective employer or potential client.

Know People’s Names

More people are conducting business through the internet because of convenience. Even though they may never meet these people, they should still take the time to learn something about them. Whether it’s a client, customer, vendor, contractor, or employee, they need to know their names. Building relationships is even more important when working long distance.

Be Focused

In a world filled with cool and helpful technology, it’s easy to get distracted. However, when you’re involved in a conversation with someone, you need to ignore those distractions and focus on the person. Turn off your phone, and don’t look at your email. People still want to know that they’re important. This is a rule that should be followed in client meetings, staff meetings, board sessions, and any other event where you’re speaking with another person.

Remember the Handshake

Business communication has gotten much more relaxed than in years past. However, it is still a good idea to shake hands with someone at the beginning of the meeting, especially if they’re someone you’ve never met before. It’s a sign of professionalism and trustworthiness. While no one would seal a deal based solely on a handshake, it carries a certain image that you want to convey to the people you do business with.

Remember Basic Politeness

Because business interactions are not as formal as they used to be, it’s all too easy to let politeness slide. Instead, stand out from the crowd by saying “Please” and “thank you” when warranted. Also, let the other person finish their thought before you speak. Be on time for meetings and functions. It shows that you respect other people’s time. And while many things have changed, the topics of religion and politics should never be discussed in a business environment. Those are things that should only be discussed amongst your personal friends.

While many things in business change, including the method of communication, certain behaviors should stay the same. It is still important that you respect others and treat them the way you want to be treated.

Message from Dean Rathbun, Avis Lending

Avis Lending offers a "Lock & Look" program.

[social] Protect yourself from rising interest rates.

Lock in a rate for 60 or 90 days while you look for a home.

With our Lock & Look program, we can offer current interest rates for an extended period of time and can shop for a new home. And we don't charge upfront fees or price hits for this program. It's a win-win.

Need more time to Shop? We also offer Rate Locks up to 365 days. Call for details

Take advantage of all this program has to offer with Avis Lending.
Some restrictions may apply. All borrowers are subject to credit approval. Programs subject to change. The information provided in this flyer is for dissemination to and for the use of real estate and financial business entities only and is not an advertisement for the extension of credit to consumers.

Dean Rathbun
CA RE Broker #01154798 | NMLS #98516
Avis Lending, a dba of United American Mortgage Corporation
CA, HI, OR, WA, CO, AZ
800.397.2345 Fax | 888.455.2847 Toll Free
dean@deanrathbun.com | http://www.avislending.com

August 2013 Newsletter

Click HERE to read all of my August Newsletter!

Free Entrance into Joshua Tree National Park August 25th

August 7, 2013 By Mary Williams

August 25th is FREE Entrance Day into ANY National Park and we’re lucky enough to have the Joshua Tree National Park in our back yard.

If you haven’t walked through the 550,000 acres of Joshua Tree National Park, there are 12 self-guiding nature trails to choose from.

There’s the Arch Rock which is only a 1/2 mile look featuring geology and a nature arch or a 1/4 mile trail on Cholla Cactus Garden featuring a dense concentration of Cholla Cactus. If you’re up for the trek, there’s Skull Rock – a 1 1/2 mile look through the Jumbo Rocks Campground featuring desert washes, boulder piles and Skull Rock.

You can also enjoy mountain biking on the extensive network of dirt roads.

Rock climbing has become extremely popular on the high desert monzogranite formations. Joshua Tree has more than 400 climbing formations and 8,000 climbing routes – however, you will want to be experienced before you start climbing the rocks.

Overnight stays are extremely enjoyable at Joshua Tree National Park. There are 9 campgrounds and backpack camping is also permitted.

You will want to plan your visit to Joshua Tree National Park – each season in the desert brings out different things to see. You will want to start at the Visitor Center to make sure you don’t miss anything. There are also Ranger guided activities which can help you when your first set out to see what Joshua Tree has to see.

Joshua Tree Visitor Center
Open All Year; 8 am to 5 pm
Located one block south of Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) at 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.

Also, you will want to make sure you bring plenty of water. The Park Rangers strongly suggest at lease one gallon of water per person just for drinking and if you’re going to be energetic, you’ll want a lot more than that.


The Desert is a wonderful place to live and have such great natural wonders so close.
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