Mid-Century Modern

Today Palm Springs is considered as one of the most important repositories of mid twentieth century architecture in the country. Modern architecture found its way to the desert in the 1920’s with Lloyd Wright. And in the 1930’s it blossomed with the moving to the desert by Albert Frey in 1934. Important buildings from this period include the Kocher-Samson Building (1933-35) by Frey and Kocher, “The Ship in the Desert” (1936) by Webster and Wilson, and the Miller House (1938) by Richard Neutra.
The 1940’s found the addition of architects E. Stewart Williams and William Cody. In 1946 alone were built the Raymond Loewy House (Albert Frey), the Edgar J. Kaufman House (Richard Neutra) and the Frank Sinatra House (E. Stewart Williams). In 1956 the Ocotillo Lodge opened, the first local collaboration between The Alexander Construction Company and the architects Palmer and Krisel, who were the architects behind the Alexander homes that Palm Springs is famous for. Modernism has continued in the valley with the addition of buildings by other famous modernists like Donald Wexler’s Steel Houses (1964), Craig Elwood’s Max Palevsky House (1970), John Lautner’s Arthur Elrod House (1968) to name a few.
We are very familiar with the areas in and around Palm Springs that feature Mid Century Modern homes. If you would like to own a Mid Century Modern home of your own, we would be more than happy to help with your search.

Vacation Time

Are you preparing for a trip or some time away from home this summer? Make sure your home is ready for no one tending to it. Adjust the thermostat. Set the thermostat to no higher than 85 degrees while away for a week or longer. Plan for high wind. Trim dead limbs from trees and shrubbery and store outdoor furniture and other items indoors. Make sure all doors, windows and vents are closed and locked to keep out wind. Make your home look lived in. Deter thieves and vandals by making your home appear occupied. Stop newspaper and mail delivery, use timers on indoor and outdoor lights and have someone mow the lawn. These are tips from the Institute for Business & Home Safety, a national nonprofit organization funded by the insurance industry.

Fixer-uppers!

Consumers often overestimate their level of dedication to doing extensive renovation work, and underestimate the costs associated with such work. A wall that needs to be replaced can often lead to the discovery of faulty plumbing, electrical, or other major undertakings. Your Realtor® and home inspector are your best allies when it comes to cost-benefit analysis.
Sometimes, a fixer-upper can be purchased below market value. Once sufficient repairs are made, it can be sold at a significant profit. However, not all fixer-uppers will bring in the profits you might expect.

Buying & Selling Real Estate

Interested in buying a home in Sunrise Villas? Perhaps ready to sell your home in Sunrise Villas? Please e-mail me for an analysis of your home. I would love to help you find the home of your dreams.......contact me for more information.

Sunrise Company who originally build Sunrise Villas and almost 20 other home and golf developments in California, is still building homes today. Please check the link to find out more about all the beautiful developments they have brought to the Desert and other areas.

July 4th Fireworks

Forgot to mention yesterday that Morongo Casino has the World's Largest Fireworks display............just 20 minutes from Palm Springs. What was your 4th like?

Temperatures Rising

Although the summer months........July, August, September, in the Desert are well over 100 degrees, the rest of the year the weather is incredible. Very low humidity all year makes those numbers feel cooler than they really are.

Sunrise Villas

News about Sunrise Villas for current owners and future owners.

Being a current owner here, I find that unless you attend the monthly home owners meetings, you really don't know what's going on in this development. Not many neighbors to talk to, since many are only part time residents, so you feel a little 'lost'.

I've decided to start this blog to share what I know and answer questions that you might have.