New homeowner needs some help

Positively Palermo received an e-mail from a soon-to-be-owner asking for help. The e-mail reads: "If all goes well, I will be closing escrow ... I found your informative blog online, and it’s been great to read through and acquaint myself with Palermo Palm Springs. Palermo sounds like such a great community, and your blog seems to be an important asset to the development. I wonder if you can help me with something. (My) backyard ... has a beautiful tree that supposedly was knocked over by the wind storm you recently went through. I have not had time to come over to Palm Springs (I live in San Diego) to investigate the tree status of the tree ... I have no one in Palm Springs that can confirm for me if the tree was snapped off by the wind, or just uprooted. I would hate to lose this beautiful tree, and I am hoping to find someone there at Palermo who could go over and take a look, and if it’s uprooted, possibly stake it up and get the roots back into the ground until I can get there to take care it permanently. I am certainly willing to pay someone to help me out. Do you know of anyone there at Palermo that I could contact re: this. I don’t suppose the HOA takes care of trees in the private backyards there. If they do, could you provide me with a person to contact. I may have seen a # on your blog, but I’m not sure." Perhaps someone can leave their email on this post. Or e-mail the blog if you can help. Miss Penny Lane says: Welcome.

Condo financing and FHA loans

Positively Palermo was sent e-mail and ask to spread the word about problems with FHA financing for condos. The article sent in states: "Buying a condominium is getting trickier for anyone who wants to put down only 3.5 percent and have the government insure their mortgage. The issue isn't just the borrower's financial wherewithal. It's the building's, and plenty of condos no longer get a thumbs-up from the Federal Housing Administration. Since Feb. 1, 2010, condo buyers haven't been able to secure unit-by-unit "spot" approval for FHA-backed mortgages if an entire building was not certified. Instead, the federal government set criteria to determine the financial viability of an entire building before deeming the project as FHA-approved, even if it had previously been certified. An approval lasts two years. The number of rejected buildings is adding up, due to bad paperwork and bad balance sheets as an increasing number of condo associations struggle with rentals, short sales and foreclosures. It is jeopardizing the plans of condo sellers who rely on the FHA's stamp of approval as a marketing tool and condo buyers who either want or need an FHA-approved building. The effects of those rejected buildings are likely to linger, particularly if more stringent down-payment requirements take effect for homebuyers, and could hamper any recovery of the housing market." Miss Penny Lane says: She might but a Lotto ticket today and once she wins will provide interest-free loans to anyone who wants a condo at the Palermo.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day, Palermo. Miss Penny Lane says: She's sweet on Palermo.

Green fence still needs help

Positively Palermo received this picture of the problems with the green fence on the bank-owned property, still waiting to be fixed. Miss Penny Lane says: She's banking on having a good day tomorrow for Valentine's.

Green fencing (again)

Positively Palermo received an e-mail again expressing concern that the green fencing around the undeveloped area of the community is blowing in the wind. Miss Penny Lane says: She has some hair bins that might help.

Palm Springs, Canada

The morning paper has this of interest for Palermo's Canadian residents: "A new trade, investment and tourism agreement will be signed today at the first Canada California Business Council Golf Tournament at Desert Dunes Golf Club. The agreement with Riverside County, state and city officials calls for the Canada California Business Council to assist with efforts to increase exports to Canada and promote the valley as a tourism destination and spot for Canadian business to thrive.Lee Fraser, a Warner Bros. executive and council president, characterized the signing as a stamp of endorsement for investing in the Coachella Valley.“We started the Canada California Business Council to try to help create investment opportunities between two countries,'' Fraser said. “This is a way to connect the dots.” Tom Freeman, foreign trade commissioner with the Riverside County Economic Development Agency, said Canadians long have had an affinity for living in and investing in the valley. Airline statistics indicate the Canadians are coming here in larger numbers. Canada-based WestJet, for example, carried 25,439 passengers in and out of Palm Springs International Airport in 2011. That's up from 22,054 in 2010. That represents roughly 15 percent of the airport's overall airport travel market. With the Canadian currency on par with the dollar, Fraser said Canadians recognize this as a prime time to invest in home and commercial real estate. It has been at par only two other times in recent history, he said." Miss Penny Lane says: She ran into some Canadians at the pool and could not understand a word they were sayings she plan to sign up for some classes.

Real estate advertising left at the front doors

Positively Palermo received an e-mail of concern about the advertising literature left at the front doors by a real estate company. The e-mail says: "Penny, Please tell everyone to snatch them up and throw them out before they blow away. This junk mail also is a sign that the unit might not have anyone in it, although some people just never use their front doors." Miss Penny Lane says: She was certain the papers left at her front stoop had to be a love letter just in time for Valentine's but her heart was broken was again.

Penny Lane tapped off

Positively Palermo received a photo and e-mail wondering why Penny Lane was taped off. Miss Penny Lane says: She tapes lots of things, like old movies on cable.

Vacant lot TLC

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "I read with interest the posting about the garage doors of the bank units not being fixed for so long and must give my opinion, or add to it. So who is taking care of all the trash in the bank's vacant lot? Plastic bags are all over the place and it's dirty there but does anyone take care for cleaning it regularly or not? Neglect!?!" Miss Penny Lane says: She also needs TLC, but who doesn't?

Garage doors

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Dear Miss Penney, I see that some dented up garage doors have been fixed lately or may be soon; it seems they are bank owned units. I like that this is happening but I told DRM about some of these doors a year ago. I am concerned about the care and repair of the bank properties and if they are being watched over correctly or being neglected? We need faster action by the owner. I read that a new buyer is here, so is this new work just because of that, as the past year has shown neglect to me." Miss Penny Lane says: As she's said before, she has a few dents of her own.

Snowbirds don't you fly away

Positively Palermo has received reports of roadrunners making their home at Palermo Palm Springs. But they aren't the only winged wildlife here. Miss Penny Lane says: She's also seen quite a few snowbirds nesting at Palermo.

Car sticker found

Positively Palermo received an e-mail about a lost 2012 car registration sticker that was found at Palermo. Please post here if it is yours. Miss Penny Lane says: She's stuck on Palermo.

Enterprise still claims Palermo (online at least)

Positively Palermo received an e-mail pointing out that the Enterprise Cos. of Chicago — which built Palermo Palm Springs and had its loan called in — still touts Palermo units Web site. The site is http://www.theenterprisecompanies.com/home.asp Miss Penny Lane says: She can understand why no one would want to let go of our lovely Palermo.

Clicker problems?

Positively Palermo has received an e-mail saying a resident has encountered problems with the "clicker" to open the front gate  Anyone else have such complaints? Miss Penny Lane says: She doesn't mind waiting at the front gate because she get to linger and look at Palermo.

Murano lots have been sold?

The sister property of Palermo Palm Springs, also built by the Enterprise Cos.of Chicago, was Murano Palm Springs, down San Rafael Road from Palermo. We have heard that the vacant lots have sold. Murano is not an HOA but instead is made up for individual lots. Miss Penny Lane says: She likes to look at Murano when she drives down San Rafael and remember when she nearly buy one, and now how happy she is to be at Palermo.

Happy Days are here in 2012

You may remember several weeks ago a Palermo owner asked for your help in an online competition. Her play won. Her e-mail says: "Dear Penny, It's Kai again! I am ecstatic to report that John Charron & I WON for BEST CHOREOGRAPHY for our production of HAPPY DAYS on Broadwayworld.com!! I wanted to specifically thank you and all the Palermites who went out and voted for us! We are so honored to be recognized by the industry and our peers and absolutely thrilled that all our blood, sweat & tears did not go unnoticed :) I was going to write something on your blog to thank everyone, but the original post was so far down, I'm afraid no one would see it. Would you please be a dear and post an award announcement for me when you get a chance ... Thanks again for all your help!! 2012 is looking up!" Miss Penny Lane says: Congratulations!

Palermo's Oscar party is on

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Hello all, We wanted to get the word out that as a kick-off to our monthly movie showing in the Palermo Clubhouse (beginning in March), we are announcing our first Oscars Party celebrating the Academy Awards on February 26th in the clubhouse! We will show the awards and encourage any/all Palermo residents and their friends to join us for the event. We ask that you bring an appetizer to share, or to make a small dontation to help cover other costs as we will provide soft drinks and popcorn for you to enjoy. Please feel free to bring adult beverages if you like.We are hoping that this type of gathering will build upon the increasing sense of community that we are feeling in our great neighborhood! The party times and more details will be forthcoming. The clubhouse has been reserved and we have asked the HOA to agree to waive the $100 rental feeas this is a community event for residents. If you would like to contact us or to be put on our email lists, please contact us at : palmspringsguys@gmail.com. We will put you on our list and provide you with more information about this and other upcoming parties. And the Oscar goes to ............. Palermo!!!! Chris and John, Melody Lane & Sandy Point." Miss Penny Lane says: And the winner is ... everyone at Palermo.

Fast action on the pools praised

Positively Palermo received an email regarding how fast the main swimming pool was cleaned up after it was filled trash and dirt because of the wind. Miss Penny Lane says: She'll be buying a new smart swim suit to celebrate. Look for her.

Tree on Penny Lane

This tree on Penny Lane has been fixed. Miss Penny Lane says: Great!.

Pools and trees

Positively Palermo is receiving information regarding the last HOA meeting. Two tidbits we have received: The big community upfront is still being worked on after the wind hit, and will be closed for some days still. The spa is open. Secondly, management is going to find out why some trees on Penny Lane were not trimmed. Thank you for the information. Miss Penny Lane says: She cold use a good trim as well.

Green fence to be fixed on Tuesday?

Positively Palermo received an e-mail about fixing the green fence in Phase 2 that has fallen down in places, that someone is coming to work on it on Tuesday. If anyone has more updates from the HOA board meeting, please send them along. Miss Penny Lane says: Sometimes she needs to be propped up again as well.

Winds put main pool our of commission. Strong gusts expected today.

Positively Palermo has received word that the main swimming pool by the clubhouse is filled with trash and sand due to the wind storm. The pool company comes on Mondays. But strong gusts are in the forecast for today, too. Miss Penny Lane says: She's going to take advantage of the wind by washing her hair and taking a natural blow dry.

Indian Canyon reopened

Indian Canyon Drive between Palermo and the 10 is back open. Miss Penny Lane says: Now she has an unobstructed route to the DQ once again.