If you spend winter days in an office north of the U.S. border, you're forgiven if you find yourself wasting too much time California dreamin'. Every dump of snow and every shudder-inducing blast of north wind tempts us to escape to southern climes.

Well, an urgent mortgage-and-credit crisis that is sweeping across the continental U.S. suggests it's time to transform the daydream into reality. California real estate prices have encountered some serious headwinds, more or less in tandem with the plunging greenback. Conversely, a resurgent Canadian dollar has given northerners more purchasing power than they've enjoyed for a generation.

What better time to take advantage of the interesting range of buying opportunities which are starting to crop up in gorgeous California?

Suddenly, an attractive market which had once seemed beyond the reach of many Canadian budgets has opened up again. Wise investors ealize the situation is unique - and probably temporary. Although it's swinging open at the moment, this particular window of opportunity could close at any time.

You'll never stumble into a better chance to buy low and - hopefully - sell high.

Because when the price of prime pieces of property dips to more affordable levels, the law of supply and demand tends to kick in.

Although there are no guarantees, sagging prices for such highly desirable real estate inevitably tend to rebound in the longer term.

Buyers who make their purchase promptly may find themselves in an ideal position to profit when the pendulum swings back and creates a seller's market, as it seems likely to do.

Since North American Baby Boomers are getting ready to wrap up their working careers in significant numbers in the next couple of years, those who stake their claim to a small piece of the Golden State right now may be well ahead of the curve.

Timing is everything. There may never be a more opportune moment to make your bid for a prosperous future and a fulfilling retirement.

You don't have to be an Einstein to do the math. At press time, Canada's loonie was hovering comfortably near par with the troubled U.S. dollar, after decades of trading at a substantial discount. In a matter of a few short months, Canadian property buyers in the U.S. have muscled up their purchasing power by as much as 35 per cent.

In short, ownership of California property is a dream that can come true, especially for Baby Boomers approaching retirement, people who never dared imagine they'd be in a position to afford a piece of this particular pie.

And let's admit it. Where else would you rather be? From the peaks of the Sierra Madre to the relaxed urban playground of Fisherman's Wharf to the glorious Malibu surf to the vacation playground of Palm Springs to sublime San Diego, California is waiting.

A hospitable land that boasts seductive beaches, warm sands, fascinating history, brilliant weather and a thriving artistic and cultural life, California casts its own unique, wonderful spell.

Anyone who's had the pleasure of travelling to this fascinating state has been charmed by the sheer variety of landscapes as well as the boundless recreational options that California has to offer.

Whether or not you're up for some warm-water surfing, beachfront California is a traveller's fantasy.

Hundreds of miles of exquisite coastline provide balm for the eyes and nourishment for the soul.

Or maybe the desert is your preference. If so, look no further than Palm Springs, both homes to congenial hordes of contented retirees, many of whom have taken up winter residence in gated communities or lining the fairways of some of the greenest golf courses on Earth.

And if they find themselves hankering to sample a taste of big city life, both San Francisco and Los Angeles are each only a few hours away by car.

California combines one of the most desirable all-season climates on earth with a seemingly limitless basket of attractions.

You can dwell in the desert or the mountains or near the beach, depending on your preference. Rest assured, wherever you settle in this vacation wonderland, the scenery is rich and varied enough to take away your breath.

By the way, Palm Springs, San Diego, La Jolla and even the northern coast are readily accessible to Canadians who have access to an international airport. From most points in Canada, particularly the west, travelling to paradise involves only a short, hassle-free flight.

It should be stressed that interested Canadians are advised to take particular care with the due diligence that is required in advance of any major transaction. It's imperative that they familiarize themselves with U.S. legal and tax issues, which are of vital concern to foreign purchasers.

Most reputable real estate professionals are happy to show potential buyers how to find the calibre of legal and tax assistance that they require.

By the way, future demand and timeless appeal are strong indicators that the value of your asset in California is likely to appreciate nicely over time. But several strategies remain open which may help you offset your current costs. For example, it may be possible to achieve an immediate return by leasing or renting your recreational home as an income-generating rental property.

During the summer, while you're back home in Canada daydreaming fondly of your next visit to the Golden State, accomplished professional management teams can be at work on your behalf, maintaining and caring for your invaluable property.

While you're away, it's not at all difficult to engage a full-time professional who can ensure that your temporarily vacant property is rented, protected and sending money directly into your pocket.

Any number of competent, reliable property-management groups will be happy to handle the task.

So whether you're seeking a retirement hideaway or simply looking for a practical investment to beef up your reserve of retirement capital, there's no more appropriate time to consider a fresh start.

Canadian investors have begun to share the same song sheet, humming a tune that soon will be heard from Victoria all the way east to St. John's. The melody? California, here we come.

MISSION HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, Palm Springs, Calif.

Every day a vacation ...Wish you were here.

It's the life you've dreamed of, escaping the snow and cold to an oasis of warmth and beauty. But admit it, when you picture yourself in the sunshine you always have a club in your hand.

Golf. It's the game you love and what could be better than being on the green with your friends surrounded by mountains, palm trees and clear blue skies?

Every day a golf vacation. At Mission Hills Country Club, it is not a dream, it is a life well lived.

Mission Hills Country Club is established as the Premier Country Club in the Palm Springs Valley and has been named the "Best Private Golf Course" by Desert Magazine. The Club boasts three private Golf Courses: The Palmer, The Pete Dye and the Dinah Shore Tournament Course.

Mission Hills Country Club proudly hosts the LPGA's first major of the season the Kraft Nabisco Championship and has done so for 37 consecutive years.

The Golf Academy, extensive practice areas and weekly complimentary clinics provide ample opportunities to improve your game. Mission Hills Country Club also features a new $4-million, 17,000-sq.-ft. Spa and Sports Centre. Specializing in golf conditioning, you're welcome to work on flexibility and core strength training and then indulge in a luxurious spa treatment.

One of the finest tennis facilities in the world, Mission Hills County Club features 29 courts including hard, clay, and world-class lawn courts, in addition to award-winning croquet and bocce courts.

You love golf. Your friends are here. They have a preferred invitation to membership reserved for you.

The question is, when will you make the move and join them?

For more information on the club or membership, please call (760) 324-9400 or visit www.missionhills.com.

Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley

"The Palm Springs area of Southern California has always been a desirable location for Canadian Snowbirds to warm up during the long cold winters," says Greg Bauer, Manager/Broker Associate with Dyson & Dyson, Sotheby's International Realty.

"In the recent past, the prices of luxury country club properties did not make economic sense and therefore most Canadians rented housing in the Desert during the winter months.

"Now, economically it makes sense to purchase instead of renting.

Because of the large supply of desirable seasonable properties and because of the current competition for disposable income in other areas, prices for country club properties are soft for the first time in over six years.

"One is capable of finding country club and other vacation properties that are 10% to 20% (and more) lower than the prices were just two years ago.

"With over 10,000 properties currently on the market in the Coachella Valley, the good news is that country club properties historically hold their value better than any other housing market in the Desert.

"It is an excellent time to buy. It is obvious that with the temporary softness in the market and the current strength of the loonie over the U.S. dollar combined with the usual reduction in sales at the end of the winter season, it is time to look into investing into the luxury second home environment in the Palm Springs and other Coachella Valley areas."

Vantage Pointe, San Diego

Bordered by Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountains, California's second-largest city provides endless opportunities for family fun, romantic getaways, and relaxing retreats.

With 70 miles of breathtaking beaches, pleasant weather and impeccable golf courses, San Diego is sensational!

Vantage Pointe, a new high-rise featuring one- and two-bedroom suites, is ideally located in the Upper East Village of Downtown San Diego and within walking distance of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, offering a wide array of dining and entertainment venues.

Plan a leisurely afternoon at PETCO Park - home of the Padres - or visit Balboa Park, the nation's largest urban cultural park, offering 13 museums, music, culture, movies under the stars, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo.

Escape to the azure blue waters of La Jolla Cove for a day of surfing or take in a romantic stroll in the evening along the Mission Beach boardwalk.

San Diego has something for everyone. Discover the possibilities! Discover a new Vantage Pointe! www.vantagepointesd.com.