Windermere Agent Michael Paduano Supports SafeHouse For Teens

July 1st, 2010

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Michael Paduano has been a Windermere agent for eight years and is also the executive director of the Wellness Foundation Palm Springs (WFPS). WFPS was founded in 2009 to help support already established non-profits.

In support of the teens at SafeHouse of the Desert, Paduano recently organized an outing and a guided tour of The Living Desert, along with lunch at California Pizza Kitchen on El Paseo.

SafeHouse of the Desert is for teens facing difficult situations such as domestic violence, drug addiction, unplanned pregnancies, gender identity issues, suicide and even life on the street. SafeHouse is a center that offers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week care for teens.

Several teens from SafeHouse were accompanied by staff member Brea Evans, volunteer Esmeralda Beclolla, Michael Paduano and WFPS board member Gerald Begy Ph.D.

The teens at SafeHouse got the opportunity to visit The Living Desert with a private group tour with Mike Chedester, Curator of Education. “We started the tour off passing the G-Scale Model Train and off to see the animals of the African wildlife exhibits,” says Paduano. “The Living Desert has worked many years to successfully increase the world’s population of slender-horned gazelles, sand cats, addax and Arabian Oryx. Mike explained some of the several projects The Living Desert is involved with throughout the world helping endangered species and releasing animals back into the wild to increase their population and survival. The Wildlife Hospital was also a very unique opportunity to see the highest quality of care given to animals while allowing visitors the chance to see while visiting,” adds Michael.

While at The Living Desert, many of the youth mentioned that they had never been to The Living Desert before, and many of them had never been to a zoo before.

After The Living Desert the teens received lunch courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen on El Paseo. General Manger, Justin Jordan and Assistant General Manager Bruce Bradford were generous and welcoming hosts for lunch.

The Wellness Foundation Palm Springs 501 ( c ) 3 Tax ID #26-4397952, is located at 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way #203 Palm Springs, CA. 92262. Contact Michael Paduano, Executive Director at 760-831-3761.

10 New Agents Join Windermere Coachella Valley In May

June 7th, 2010

Windermere Real Estate is proud to announce the addition of these new real estate professionals to its Coachella Valley offices in the month of May.

Please welcome Victoria Calender, Rancho Mirage; Dan Conover, Palm Desert Cook and Hovley; Angie Dominguez, La Quinta; Daniel Dominguez, La Quinta; Kathy Dool, La Quinta; Gloria Gutierrez, Cathedral City; Penny Poynter, Indian Wells Main; Cyra Valenzuela Cathedral City; Juan-Carlos Vizaga, Cathedral City and Susan Zazzetti, Palm Springs South.

“As we continue to grow, opening new offices in Cathedral City and Indio, we offer full coverage for Buyers and Sellers in the Coachella Valley, as well as the surrounding areas,” says Windermere owner Bob Deville.

New San Diego Windermere Office Opens

June 7th, 2010

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Windermere Southern California is pleased to announce the opening of our newest San Diego office, conveniently located in the heart of Downtown, just blocks from the Convention Center and the Historic Gas Lamp District.

Representing some of San Diego’s finest properties, Windermere Signature Properties serves buyers and sellers from the vibrant Downtown area to the beach communities of the North County. Office owners, Francine Finn and Raye Scott, offer over 45 years of combined real estate expertise.

“We are very proud to have Francine and Raye as the newest members of our Windermere Southern California family,” says Bob Deville, Windermere Services Representative for Southern California. “Their stellar reputation in the real estate industry and the respect they receive from their peers is typical of what Windermere Owners represent.”

Office location is 560 First Avenue, San Diego CA 92101, phone 619-481-6300.

Windermere Contributes $10,000 A Year To YMCA Of The Desert

May 27th, 2010


On Thursday, May 20th, the YMCA of the Desert held its annual YMCA Golden Circle Recognition Black Tie Dinner. The event was held at Wally’s Desert Turtle, in Rancho Mirage, to recognize supporters and sponsors. Windermere real estate is proud to be an annual sponsor of the YMCA, contributing $10,000 a year, from the Windermere Foundation. In attendance was Windermere Palm Springs Broker David Cantwell (left) and Palm Desert Broker Don Rossignol (right).

The Shams Real Estate Group Joins Windermere

May 14th, 2010

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Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley is proud to announce the recent association of The Shams Group. “Niloo and Negin are a formidable force within our local real estate community and we are proud to have them on our team,” says Windermere owner Bob Deville.

Fraternal twins Niloo & Negin Shams started The Shams Group real estate in 1990, and are established industry leaders in the valley’s real estate market. They have more than 20 years experience, listing and selling properties in some of the desert’s most prestigious communities, and they provide their clients with expert knowledge in the high-end luxury home market. The Shams Group will continue to operate as a team, working out of their current office at 75-270 Highway 111, Suite 204, in Indian Wells.

With over $500,000,000 in sales, The Shams Group is among the top 1% of agents nationwide. They pride themselves in effectively marketing their portfolio of luxury homes globally. They are members of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate and FIABCI International, both powerful global real estate networks with more than 5000 offices and 80,000 top real estate professionals worldwide.

Joining Windermere was a natural progression in providing the highest level of exposure and service to their clients. “We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations with global market reach and with the real estate services we provide. We have associated ourselves with the best available luxury real estate networks worldwide to provide maximum exposure and now we proudly have joined the leading real estate company in the desert area,” says Niloo Shams.

“Windermere provides us with all the tools we need to ensure the absolute best service to our discriminating buyers and sellers. It all makes for a real estate experience that is seamless and enjoyable,” says Negin Shams.

Together The Shams Group and Windermere provide a powerful Real Estate force for buyers and sellers of luxury homes. The Shams Group can be reached at (760) 340-6300.

Women’s Council Of Realtors Holds Fashion Show Fundraiser

May 13th, 2010

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Windermere Real Estate Palm Desert Broker Don Rossignol (pictured above left), and Windermere Indian Wells agents Jeff Miller (above right) and Diane Busch modeled at the Women’s Council of Realtors (WRC) Fashion Show Fundraiser, Friday, May 7th at the Indian Wells Country Club to show their support of the organization.

The fundraiser provides for ongoing education and leadership training for WCR members and event guests. Windermere agents, past and present, have held the following positions in the organization: Susan London, 2003 Local Chapter President; Diane Busch, 2008 Local Chapter President, 2009 CA State District Vice President and 2010 CA State Governor; Wendy Formica, 2009 Local Chapter President and 2010 CA State District Vice President; Linda Novick, 2010 Chapter Vice President of Membership, and Cathi Walter, 2010 Chapter Secretary.

“Windermere has been a committed supporter of the Women’s Council of Realtors and their events. We were happy that three of our agents volunteered to be models for the fashion show,” says Windermere Indian Wells Broker Charlie White.

Windermere Sponsors CDAR Golf Tournament

May 12th, 2010

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Windermere Real Estate was proud to be a Platinum sponsor of the California Desert Association of REALTORS® (CDAR) Golf Tournament at Desert Island Country Club on Wednesday, May 5. The Windermere Golf Team included agents Jennie Robinson (La Quinta), Jane Comelli (Rancho Mirage), Ted Morey (Rancho Mirage) and Peter Schmidt (Rancho Mirage). The team played to help raise funds for Semper Fi Air 29 and the CDAR Association’s Scholarship Fund. Windermere also sponsored a booth on Hole 9, handing out cold beverages and Windermere fans, organized by Palm Desert Broker Don Rossignol.

The proceeds will be divided equally between their Scholarship Fund for high school seniors and the Semper Fi Air 29 organization, which provides free air transport for Marines from the Palm Springs International Airport to the Twenty-nine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.

“The event was a tremendous success. Our location on the course was perfect and we were able to help golfers quench their thirst with plenty of laughter and drinks!,” says Windermere Broker Don Rossignol.

PHOTO (From left to right): Peter Schmidt, Marcelle Buckee, Don Rossignol, Jeannie Robinson, Jane Comelli, Trent Teigen and Ryan Manos.

High End Buyers And Sellers Benefit From Premier Program

May 7th, 2010

Windermere Real Estate sales statistics for first Quarter 2010 were just released by the Desert Area MLS. Windermere leads all other real estate companies in the desert in home sales over $1,000,000.

“Our high end market is active, and magnificent homes and estates are selling well,” says Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley owner Bob Deville. “Every transaction is a challenge for buyer, sellers and the real estate agent, in our current market climate, however with the success of our Windermere Premier Properties Program, deals are closing. Windermere has always had a very successful Premier Properties Program. This unique program is represented and managed by Premier Directors – agents specializing in high-end and unique properties,” adds Deville. “With special signage, our award-winning Premier Properties web site, specialized and specific marketing materials and our targeted networking, both within the company and with outside real estate companies and agents, Windermere has been extremely successful in the listing and selling of home in this segment.”

Windermere recently installed its 2010 Executive Premier Directors and 2010 Premier Directors. This special group of Premier Directors are responsible for approving Premier Properties to the program as well as mentoring non-directors by physically previewing prospective Premier Properties. Acceptance and qualification into the program requires the written approval from two Premier Directors. The Directors also provide marketing and advertising advice for agents with a qualifying Premier Property.

“We have a very impressive and powerful 2010 slate of Premier Directors,” says Deville. “As a direct result of their hands-on involvement and team work, our high-end buyer and sellers will continue to benefit from this program, as our numbers clearly indicate, and as the high end market activity increases,” he says.

Windermere Gains 15 New Agents In April

May 6th, 2010

Windermere Real Estate is proud to announce the addition of the following new real estate professionals to our Coachella Valley offices in the month of April.

Nancy Beaty, Indian Wells Main; John Wyninegar, Rancho Mirage; Ed Siegel La Quinta; Mark Gutkowski, Palm Springs South; Peter Walsh, Palm Springs Main; Will Cook III, Palm Springs Main; Jean Van Beveran, Palm Springs Main; Ramon Lara, Rancho Mirage; Laura Cervantes, Rancho Mirage; Madelin Ferguson, Rancho Mirage; Candida Garcia, La Quinta; Vicky Lucas, Rancho Mirage; Leisha Larsen, Indian Wells Main; Mauro Lupian, La Quinta and Lauren Boucher, Palm Desert San Pablo.

“Our real estate market continues to improve and as we continue to grow with new agents and offices throughout the Coachella Valley, our Broad Exposure is benefiting both Buyers and Sellers,” says Windermere owner Bob Deville “The way things look for us I think we will have a longer season this year, as we did last year.”

Valery Neuman Ranks Number One For 2009 Coachella Valley Real Estate Sales

May 1st, 2010

valery neumanWindermere Broker/Associate Valery Neuman has registered over $58,000,000 in CLOSED SALES Transactions for 2009.

“With 4,130 licensed real estate agents in the desert, Neuman is solid proof that hard work, tenacity and always placing her clients’ best interest first has established Valery Neuman as a true leader,” says Bob Deville, owner of Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley.

Valery Neuman has been a licensed real estate professional in California since 1991 and living in the desert since 1992. She represents many of the most expensive and exclusive properties in the Coachella Valley and enjoys a very discriminating client base of Buyers from around the country. “Real Estate is my golf game,” says Valery. “Although real estate is serious business, I find great satisfaction in assisting buyers and sellers to successfully reach their real estate goals.”

“To achieve $58,000,000 in closed sales in a very challenging year is an inspiration not only to her fellow real estate professionals, but it is also encouraging to Buyers and Sellers,” says Deville. “In our ever-changing real estate industry there will always be buyers and sellers. It is imperative that a successful agent not only be in tune with the economic climate of their specific market areas and region, but just as importantly they must adapt with the changing market.”

House Search Leads To $500 Prize At Windermere Open House Gala

April 30th, 2010

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Susan Irving of Palm Desert is the winner of the Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley $500 Gift Certificate, awarded to the winning entry submitted during their Open House Gala.

Susan Irving attended Windermere real estate agent Andi Helgen’s open house in Sun City Palm Desert, during Windermere’s two-day Open House Gala, over the Easter weekend. Irving was just one of two hundred attendees who entered to win during the Open House Gala, which showcased more than 100 desert properties during two days. The Gala was open to the public and attendees could enter their names into the drawing at any of the open houses. Windermere holds Open House Galas periodically throughout the year.

Windermere was the first to begin the OPEN HOUSE Gala/Extravaganza/Celebration five years ago. “We are happy to see our fellow real estate companies pick up on our lead. More houses advertised OPEN to the public equates to an increased selection and better informed Buyers,” says Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley owner, Bob Deville. “Windermere has always understood and embraced camaraderie and the importance of continued cooperation and networking with other realtors and real estate offices.”

Photo: Windermere agent Andi Helgen (left) with winner Susan Irving.

Windermere La Quinta Office Sponsors City’s Birthday Party

April 15th, 2010

The city of La Quinta is turning 28 this month and the Windermere La Quinta office is one of the sponsors of the annual birthday party

Celebrate the City of La Quinta’s 28th Birthday, April 24th at 10am at La Quinta Park, located at 79120 Westward Ho. The party is free, open to the public and will include games, activities for children, hot dogs, cake, cold drinks, and giveaways. As a city partner, Windermere will have balloons for the kids, Windermere visors and a special putting green with lessons and prizes for the kids.

Rancho Mirage Flagship Office Celebrates One Year Anniversary

April 7th, 2010

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Windermere Real Estate agents from Rancho Mirage gathered on April 6, 2010, to celebrate the one year anniversary of moving into the new Corporate headquarters at 71-691 Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage.

Pictured (top) are Lesley Rosenthal, her husband Stan Rosenthal, Joel Cohen and owner Bob Deville. Pictured (bottom) are Windermere agents David Giusti, Scott Palermo, David Sidley and Brenda Scott.

Windermere Agent Volunteers To Support Cathedral City Relay For Life

April 7th, 2010

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This year, Windermere Real Estate Coachella Valley was a Corporate Sponsor of The Annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life event which was held in Cathedral City March 20 and 21st and raised over $40,000.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life unites communities across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much. They are committed to helping people get well, stay well, find cures, and fight back against cancer.

“Knowing way too many people, both family and friends, who are fighting their battle with cancer, or who have lost their battles, I wanted to get involved with the American Cancer Society in some way,” says Windermere agent and Relay For Life volunteer, Lauren Hammersley. “When they asked me if I wanted to volunteer on the planning committee for the Relay For Life in Cathedral City, I didn’t really know much about the event, but I’m so grateful that I jumped on it. Relay For Life is an incredibly special 24-hours of cancer survivors, their families and supporters, volunteers and the entire community, coming together to give of their time and raise money to fight back cancer. If you know anyone who has been through the cancer experience, you can’t help but be overwhelmed at the connection you feel to all those around you at the event,” adds Hammersley.

Pictured above is Hammersley next to her overnight tent on a football field inside the track.  Hammersley explains that the whole premise for the event is that you’re giving 24 hours out of your year towards the fight against cancer. In addition to corporate sponsors, the event is made up of teams (companies or just groups of people throughout the community who form teams). The idea is that not only are all teams doing different things to raise money at least one person from each team is walking around the track at all times out of the 24 hours, which is where the tents come in.

Palm Springs Agents Raise Thousands For Charity

April 2nd, 2010

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Windermere agents Denise Anderson (Palm Springs Main office) and Jonathan Wilson (Palm Springs South office) spearheaded efforts to raise thousands of dollars for charity by donating Easter Baskets to the Board of Realtors Easter Basket Auction. Windermere won 2 of the 3 awards given out during the event: Most Creative and Highest Dollar Bid for our Basket. Our 2 Baskets and other items donated by Windermere agents raised $1055. Windermere agents that bid on items raised $1270 for the charities.