February 14th, 2012
3 Sisters Survival
Kathleen O’Brien, an agent with Windermere’s Palm Desert San Pablo office, is summoning deep-down strength to help her make it through a particularly tough patch in her life.
Kathleen, or ‘Sunshine’ as she is known to her friends, is currently recovering from double mastectomy breast cancer surgery. Her family has been especially hard-hit; in less than one year, both her sisters have undergone double mastectomies for the same disease. The American Cancer Society statistics indicate that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and that for women with two first-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer, risk is tripled. Sunshine’s mother and grandmother also battled the disease.
Sunshine and her sisters, Angel and Brenda, are all feeling positive about the future, and are working to inspire others facing this monumental struggle. Closer-knit than ever, they have put their story on their Facebook page: Three Sisters Survival.
“It’s important that all women routinely check themselves, and have regular exams,” says Sunshine. “My sisters and I hope by sharing our story, we’re helping others with early detection and treatment.”
See below for more information:
3 Sisters Face Battle Against Breast Cancer – San Diego News Story – KGTV San Diego
http://www.10news.com/news/30403498/detail.html
For readers in the Coachella Valley, Kathleen’s story appeared on Monday, February 13: Channel 3 at 5:00 PM and on Channel 2 at 5:30.
Tags: American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer, cancer, Palm Desert, Three Sisters Survival, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 31st, 2012
Contact Cindy Harcar, Windermere Laguna Niguel 949-350-2862
Cindy Harcar (27941 La Paz, Suite A) was attracted to Windermere’s entrepreneurial spirit and reputation, which complement her exceptional customer service and strong negotiating skills. Drawing from an impressive corporate background, Cindy provides highly successful, professional marketing plans unique to each seller for maximum exposure in today’s market.
Cindy brings 25 years’ experience to real estate, which include illustrious teaching and corporate careers. With a Masters degree in Administration, she specialized in marketing and sales, where her 14 years in medical sales led to a position as Regional Vice President for a medical software company. Cindy retired in 1997 when her company went public; after taking time off to master golf, cooking, and being a three-time grandmother, Cindy set her sights on real estate.
Cindy’s recent sales include one in Laguna Beach (representing the seller on a home which sold for $2.8M) and one on Balboa Island (representing the buyer on a $1.9M purchase). An impressive percentage of Cindy’s success comes from repeat and referral business, a reliable indication of her reputation and abilities; her clients include friends she has known since 5th grade. “My clients know me and trust me,” says Cindy. “They know everything will be handled in a professional manner. I’ve proven myself, and they clearly recognize how hard I work for them. They come back to me, and they refer their friends and family to me. There is no better recommendation.”
For an appointment with Cindy Harcar, call 949-350-2862.
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Laguna Niguel, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 27th, 2012
Click on the graphic or visit us at www.DesertOpen.com to see a list of this weekend’s open houses!
To see a complete list of homes for sale, please visit us at www.windermeresocal.com.
Tags: Coachella Valley, Open Houses, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 25th, 2012
It’s 1962. Nobody’s heard of the Beatles. AT&T launches Telstar, the first communications satellite. The Incredible Hulk gets his own comic book, and Jacqueline Kennedy takes television viewers on a tour of the White House. And in 1962, John Veytia gets his real estate license. As much a powerhouse today as he was then, Veytia exudes a vitality that fills a room and inspires everyone in it. He’s never been bored, never given himself the chance. He’s marked every trend, ridden every wave, dispatching challenges with gusto, wit, and his unique brand of charm. But aside from that easygoing affability, what makes Veytia stand out are his professionalism, dedication to principle, and a serious reputation for getting the job done, with experience 
which includes 6 years teaching Real Estate Law. “In 50 years in this industry I have pretty much seen everything,” says Veytia. “Through it all, there’s been one constant: my very best effort. My clients deserve it, and I see that they get it.”
The Veytia Group is a closely knit cadre of exceptional real estate professionals led by Veytia himself. He credits much of their success to repeat and referral clients who are used to the finest. Veytia says it best: “Give me and my Team 1% of your confidence. We will EARN the other 99%.”
John Veytia and The Veytia Group serve their clients from the Windermere Real Estate office at 32351 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. They can be reached at 949-415-0111.
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, John Veytia, Laguna Beach, Real Estate, The Veytia Group, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 24th, 2012
Each year, Coachella Valley dons its finest evening wear and pays homage to its Hollywood roots by welcoming filmdom’s finest directors, producers and actors to the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. Held over a ten-day period (this year January 5-16) and now in its 23rd year, the Festival is recognized as a major player in the world of cinema, offering a sophisticated, high profile venue for hundreds of films, many from first time independent artists and studios. Windermere recognizes the many benefits of being host to an event as important and prestigious as the Festival, and for 2012 continues its sponsorship at the Platinum level. “There are a multitude of reasons so many have chosen to make their first and second homes here in the Coachella Valley,” says Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere Southern California. “One of the greatest of these is our incredible diversity of lifestyles, social and recreational opportunities. The Palm Springs International Film Festival spotlights an important facet of our appeal: a broad range of entertainment options and personal interests. When the Festival and other grand events bring visitors to Palm Springs and its neighboring communities, they fall in love with this place. They have done so for decades, and with all we have to offer, that’s not going to change.” Among the many characteristics continuing to draw people to the Valley, Deville credits a strong real estate market which includes affordable prices in every range, an exceptional inventory of properties from weekend condo to million dollar estates, and savvy buyers and sellers who more than ever recognize the desert’s great opportunities. “It’s a wonderful place to live, to work, and play,” says Deville. “There’s a strong sense of community which ties us all together here.” Windermere and its agents are noted for support of important local services; individual agents devote time, effort and money to a multitude of causes important to them, and entire offices join together throughout the year for various causes. “Windermere appreciates the opportunity to support the Palm Springs International Film Festival each year, in part, because we advance many of the same causes, including one of the most vital: educational and enrichment programs tailored for the Coachella Valley.” Proceeds from the PSIFF help to fund scholarships to low income students.
To learn more about Windermere, visit www.WindermereSoCal.com.
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Community Support, Events, Film, Film Festival, Palm Springs, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 20th, 2012
Windermere Real Estate Southern California is synonymous with community service in the Coachella Valley. Windermere offices sponsor a great number of causes throughout the year, and individual agents contribute their own time, money and effort to myriad other agencies, services and interests. With involvement by agents from Windermere’s La Quinta, Old Town La Quinta, Indian Wells Main, and Indian Wells Country Club offices, Windermere Real Estate is sponsoring a special screening of the documentary, ‘The Wrecking Crew’, about the musicians who played with the greatest musical stars of the 60s: The Mamas and the Papas…The Beach Boys…Cher…and Elvis Presley…all backed by this Los Angeles Sessions musicians group. Though the documentary has earned international awards and critical acclaim, distribution costs have kept the film from market. Proceeds from the Windermere presentation will go toward licensing so the film can be enjoyed by those whose lives were touched by this music. 50/50 raffle tickets benefiting the Windermere Foundation will be sold during the event, with prizes to include musical items signed by Crew members. The Windermere Foundation is one of the ways Windermere agents give back to their communities–funded with a contribution from every Windermere real estate transaction, the Foundation raises money for programs and organizations that provide shelter, clothing, children’s programs, emergency assistance, and other services to those in need.
The event, being held Sunday, January 29th in the main ballroom upstairs at the Indian Wells Country Club, begins at 6:00 with a Meet and Greet and cash bar, with screening at 7:00. On hand to represent the many artists in the film will be Denny Tedesco, producer/director, and three members of the Wrecking Crew: Bill Pitman, ‘Master of the Danelectro Guitar’ (Wild Wild West TV theme); Don Randi, who played piano for both Frank and Nancy Sinatra’s Las Vegas performances; and Hal Blaine, whose drumming marked such recognizable hits as Paul Revere and the Raiders ‘Cherokee Nation’.
Tickets ($15 General and $10 for Seniors) are available online, Click Here.
To learn more about Windermere, visit www.WindermereSoCal.com.
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Community Support, Events, Golf, Golf Homes, Indian Wells, Indian Wells Country Club, Movie, Neighborhood Involvement, Real Estate, The Wrecking Crew, The Wrecking Crew Film, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 19th, 2012
Windermere SoCal’s coastal offices are hitting it out of the park these days, making a LOT of buyers and sellers VERY happy! Permit us to drop a few names:
Vince Scuncio, Carlsbad office: Vince is listing 1-3 short sale listings PER WEEK! For those who aren’t quite sure what a short sale is…it’s where an owner’s agent can work directly with a lender to get authorization to list and sell a property for less than the amount owed. For the owner in that situation who is looking to sell, a short sale authorization can help. And for the lender, the reduced time and cost may make a short sale preferable over a foreclosure. Short Sales can be a win-win! Good job, Vince!
Though a short sale can be a viable option for homeowners and lenders with certain types of loans, the process requires an agent with patience and determination… and that’s when Carlsbad’s Jasmin Abdullah, Manny Lising, Ricardo Riley, and Chris Valdez pull off the seemingly impossible, bringing new life to the short sale process for their buyer clients. Show ‘em how it’s done, guys!
The Cliff Mensch group at the Solana Beach office is helping to keep the new housing inventory fresh throughout the region! In just the last 30 days, in addition to Cliff’s existing 55-unit Vista project currently selling, he just signed up a new 82-unit detached home development in the desert, an intimate 4-unit project in Hemet, and TWO luxury custom homes in Carlsbad. Zoom!
And then there’s Alvin Newton of the Solana Beach office, who just added another FSBO (For Sale By Owner) to his great list of clients. There are a lot of reasons why homeowners who try selling their own homes usually end up asking a licensed real estate for help: the legal requirements and implications of selling a property can be overwhelming to someone not trained and licensed, and the financial payback is clear (sales using licensed agents almost always result in selling prices that more than compensate for the agent’s commission!)
From the ‘Build It and They Will Live Happily’ department, we present Renee Reinert, also with the Solana Beach office, who excels at bringing all the parties to the table…developers, designers, and contractors, calling on her broad experience with land sales. Her buyer clients love her exceptional service and outstanding results.
For those not sure where they want to commit in today’s exciting real estate market, Judy Goldberg and Jill Stanger of the Carlsbad office have you covered! These two are the acknowledged Windermere Preferred Leasing agents for Coastal San Diego County.
Tags: Agent Tips, Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Carlsbad, FSBO, Lease, Leasing, Real Estate, San Diego, Short Sale, Solana Beach, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 18th, 2012
Windermere Southern California is looking ahead to 2012 after closing nearly $1.5 BILLION in transactions last year in the Coachella Valley. It is a suitable way to begin its second decade serving home buyers and sellers across the high and low desert, from Palm Springs to Indio and all points in between. “We’ve seen a lot of changes in our first 10 years,” says Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere Southern California. “Roller coaster real estate prices, the coming and going of some good and not so good financing options, and the rise and fall of a sobering number of real estate companies.” Among the last regions in the state to feel the impact of the real estate downturn, the Coachella Valley is now at the forefront of the recovery. “There are a number of reasons for this,” says Deville, “but the easiest one to quantify is this: People want to live here. That is not going to change.”
This basic tenet is at the center of Windermere’s growth and success in the Valley. The desert’s near-perfect climate, relative affordability and diverse lifestyles, coupled with what Windermere owners and clients refer to as ‘legendary customer service’ have led to a thoughtful yet robust expansion from a single office 10 years ago to today’s 19. Home prices are still attainable for most buyers; rates are exceptionally low, and brisk real estate activity is keeping housing inventory at a manageable level. It’s a great place for Windermere to be as the company sails into the next decade. “We are proud of our accomplishments, and humbled, as well,” said Deville. “That a company can attain this level of success while navigating through one of the most challenging periods in our industry’s history is a testament to our beliefs, our principles, our agents, and our clients.”
For more information, visit www.WindermereSoCal.com.
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Coachella Valley, Golf Homes, Historic, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palm Springs Central, Palm Springs South, Rancho Mirage, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 13th, 2012
Click on the graphic or visit us at www.DesertOpen.com to see a list of this weekend’s open houses!
To see a complete list of homes for sale, please visit us at www.windermeresocal.com.
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Coachella Valley, Golf Homes, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Open Houses, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palm Springs Central, Palm Springs South, Rancho Mirage, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 10th, 2012
Each year, Realtors® with the North County Association of Realtors lend support for a one-day food drive at area grocery stores to benefit The Community Resource Center, an organization dedicated to helping women and children, individuals, and families live safe, self-sufficient lives by providing critical assistance in the areas of domestic violence services, food programs, and emergency and transitional housing assistance.
This year, the Solana Beach Windermere office got involved by sponsoring and staffing a ‘Can Tree Holiday Food Drive’ at the Solana Beach Vons, the first time this site has been utilized in the 11-year history of the event. According to event organizers, Windermere’s Vons location was the busiest site this year, collecting the most donations from local shoppers. “Part of our Vision at Windermere,” explained Brent Consedine, Branch Manager for the Solana Beach Windermere office, “ is to be an integral part of the communities we serve. This event enabled our agents to demonstrate that commitment…and we had fun, too.”
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Clubs and Organizations, Events, food drive, North County Association of Realtors, Real Estate, San Diego, Solana Beach, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
Posted in Agents, Charity, Events | No Comments »
January 6th, 2012
Click on the graphic or visit us at www.DesertOpen.com to see a list of this weekend’s open houses!
To see a complete list of homes for sale, please visit us at www.windermeresocal.com.
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Coachella Valley, Golf Homes, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Open Houses, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palm Springs Central, Palm Springs South, Rancho Mirage, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 4th, 2012
Sue Turner of Windermere Laguna Niguel 949-422-2704
Windermere Real Estate is proud to welcome Sue Turner to its Laguna Niguel office located at 27611 La Paz Road, Suite D. Sue, who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis on consumer marketing at the University of Kansas, comes to Windermere with 8 years’ experience in Southern California coastal real estate. She brings along the knowledge gained as a sales account executive with Levi-Strauss and Company, where she was named Account Executive of the Year. Sue is a certified short sale specialist, and counts relocation among her areas of distinction. Peers describe Sue as a consistent, hard-working performer with a proven track record of satisfied clients and referrals. What brought Sue and Windermere together? “I’m an individual who always gives my very best,” she says. “I believe in doing things the right way. Windermere’s reputation for great customer service appealed to my own values of honesty, great service, and exceptional communication.”
A long-time resident of San Juan Capistrano, Sue is noted for her strong negotiating skills and professional marketing plans tailored to each Seller. With her Buyers, she takes the time to learn exactly what they are looking for. By employing the latest technology and methods for buying and selling real estate, she helps her clients navigate through today’s complex housing market. “Sue is a great addition to Windermere,” says Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere. “She brings her unique understanding of the coastal real estate industry to her clients, and she’s a great fit.”
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Laguna Niguel, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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January 3rd, 2012
Although Windermere SoCal has been in La Mesa less than a year, they’ve made their presence known in many ways, and have already been accepted as one of La Mesa’s premier real estate companies. From their grand ‘Grand Opening,’ event, their over-the-top participation in La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, and the oh-so-popular Windermere tent in the center of La Mesa Boulevard for Oktoberfest, Windermere’s Jan Farley, Managing Broker of the La Mesa office, agents and administrative staff have shown they’re dedicated to being an integral part of their East County community. 
This year, the Christmas festivities were no exception. Not only did they ‘adopt’ a family of four foster children, they set up a gift wrapping station at their Windermere office at 8131 Allison Avenue, where they wrapped presents while collecting donations to support their adopted family; they also set up a table on La Mesa Boulevard for the annual Christmas in the Village festival, where, for two cold, damp nights their broker and agents served homemade gingerbread men and apple cider to one and all, collecting donations for their adopted family. Everyone was involved, from Phil Hessling (who wrapped presents and coordinated the collection of gifts and money) all the way to the volunteers staffing the station on La Mesa Boulevard. The result: their adopted family had a Christmas morning to be remembered for years to come! Not only did their gifts include everything on their wish lists and all the fixings for Christmas dinner…they had over $100 dollars for some last minute shopping.
Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Clubs and Organizations, Community Support, La Quinta, Neighborhood Involvement, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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December 30th, 2011
Julie Anne Brown, of Windermere Real Estate
Everybody enjoys a good who-dunnit, right? Well, we’ve got one for you! “Murder Before Noon” is an old-fashioned page turner that takes place within the mystical and exciting world of Palm Springs real estate. It’s really fun to read a book about a place so close to home. And what makes it even more fun is that it was written by one of our own: Julie Anne Brown, a former Coachella Valley Realtor, and a current member of Windermere’s family of exceptional administrative staff. Julie writes from her own knowledge of the real estate world, and takes the reader on a twisting, turning insider’s journey, beginning with the discovery by Kendra McIntyre of a woman’s body in the walk-in closet of a home she is preparing to hold open. And then…nope. I’m not gonna tell you, you’ve got to read it on your own. The plot thickens…
Tags: book, Coachella Valley, murder mystery, Palm Springs, Real Estate, Staff, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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December 27th, 2011
Windermere agents love to jump in and support their communities. They’re involved year round, both with formal Windermere fundraising events, and with time, effort and money contributed to their own personal projects. Dave Whitson, Windermere La Quinta agent (47-250 Washington Street) and Delta Sierra RV Club Toys for Tots Co-Chair, is proud of the unmatched success of this year’s Toys for Tots Drive, held December 10 at the Outdoor Resorts RV Resort in Indio. 
This is the second year Windermere has taken part by collecting new toys for the program at a number of its offices across the Coachella Valley. Participating offices included Palm Springs Main, Palm Springs South, Palm Springs Midtown, Cathedral City, Palm Desert San Pablo, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, and Indio. The evening’s highlights included an introduction of Veterans, prize drawings, and the opportunity for the ladies to ‘Dance With a Marine’ for a $5 contribution to the Toys for Tots Drive. The dances and the raffles contributed thousands of dollars more to the kitty, donations which will enable the Drive to purchase even more toys for deserving kids this year. Attended by over 300 people, the event was sponsored by the Marine Corps, Windermere Real Estate, Delta Sierra, Outdoor Resorts Indio and Desert Shores Resort, and WalMart. Dave Whitson, co-host and MC for the evening, welcomed four young Marines representing Toys for Tots from 29 Palms Marine Corps Base, and later, everybody was treated to a wonderful dinner. But the main focus of attention in the room was the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, surrounded by just some of the 2,000+ gifts collected for this year’s Toys for Tots Drive. “This was the most successful drive we have had in 9 years,” says Dave. “There were so many toys the Marines had to come back Sunday with a second truck…and 800 of the toys were collected and donated by Windermere agents.” Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere Southern California, added, “We’re thrilled to participate again this year in the Toys for Tots Drive. Helping to give kids great holiday memories really brings the season home.”
Dave Whitson introduces Marines
Dave Whitson, co-chair, Delta Sierra, with Marines and toys
Ted Lewis, Co-Host, Delta Sierra, and Lucky Raffle Winner
Just some of the raffle prizes
Veterans introduced and applauded
Women pay $5 for Toys for Tots to to dance with a Marine
Some of the thousands of toys collected
Lucky Raffle winner and Marines
Dave Whitson delivering bears
![Pickle Ball players from Outdoor Resorts Indio - volunteer 'Servers' • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537607@N05/6561920223/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>]()
![Women enjoying their $5 dances • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55537607@N05/6561921295/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>]()
Tags: Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Community Support, Events, La Quinta, Military, Neighborhood Involvement, Real Estate, Toys For Tots, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
Posted in Agents, Charity, Events | No Comments »
