Coachella Valley Real Estate By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!
Coachella Valley Properties By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!

Archive for February 2012

South Palm Desert’s Silver Spur Ranch

I used to live in Silver Spur Ranch, so I guess you could say that’s why I’m partial to this quirky and cool established

La Quinta homes for sale

Stunning views at Silver Spur Ranch

neighborhood tucked up on a hillside just minutes away from El Paseo.  Really, you have the best of all worlds living in Silver Spur and here’s why:

1)  Its “under the radar” location adjacent to some of the priciest real estate in Southern California like The Vintage, The Reserve and Ironwood Country Club cannot be matched.

2)  Its serene and peaceful setting, directly across the street from The Living Desert (though on occasion, I did hear strange animal noises coming from there . . . but mostly it was the coyotes howling out in the open desert that caught my ear)… stunning down-valley views as well.

3)   Being within walking distance of trendy El Paseo with all of its fine restaurants, upscale shopping, boutiques, coffee shops, art galleries and more –  it’s a good little jaunt up and down Portola, but so worth it.  AND

4) It’s history – the cute little covered wagon that sits at its entrance off of Portola harkens to this neighborhood’s early beginnings in the 50s and 60s when Bing Crosby lived here and was involved in Silver Spur’s development.

Silver Spur offers a range of architectural styles ranging from modest cottages and MidCentury homes to contemporary and Spanish style homes.  It is eclectic and every home is unique, no cookie cutter here.  What’s not to love about living in Silver Spur Ranch???  Honestly, I can’t think of a thing.

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La Quinta’s Very Own Taste of France – La Brasserie

Palm Springs Real Estate for Sale

French food extraordinaire

In the eastern side of the valley in La Quinta, one of my favorite places to rendezvous with friends for Happy Hour is La Brasserie.  Located at the intersection of Hwy. 111 and Washington St. (across the parking lot from The Beer Hunter), La Brasserie has transformed this prime space into something extra special.  Chef/owner Emmanuel Janin is the heart and soul of his Parisian style bistro – and his attention to detail and excellence shows not only in the deliciously wonderful food and drink he serves, but also in his professional and attentive waitstaff and sophisticated, elegant decor.

Don’t be scared off – as classy as La Brasserie is, you will feel totally comfortable any time you choose to go – whether it’s to sit out on the intimate patio to dine al fresco and listen to live music, sit in the bar and have a leisurely glass of something cold and nibble on their amazing Truffle French Fries (pomme frites, to be exact) or fine dine inside the restaurant proper . . . you will enjoy your dining experience immensely.

Prices are very reasonable for food of this caliber.  If you’re on a budget, Happy Hour is satisfying with a menu that allows you to sample exquisite French fare for a pittance.  And it’s fun to order up several items and share them around the table.  The mussels in wine sauce (Moules Mariniere) are one of my favorites – and don’t let an ounce of that delicious sauce go to waste – ask for some French bread and “sop” away (something that Southerners and the French share – a love of “sopping”).

What are you waiting for?  Get on the phone and plan your own La Quinta rendezvous with friends – at La Brasserie !!!

 

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Avondale Golf Club – It Just Gets Better With Age

Avondale Golf Club – A Tradition

Palm Desert real estate for sale

Avondale's beautiful setting and superbly maintained course

In our society today, it is often times held that “new is better.”  Our world is fast and busy and Americans tend to have short  spans of attention.  We want new… different…  now.  Yet, these days, tradition seems to speak to people like never before.  Older values like longevity, substance and affordability resonate once again.

Avondale Golf Club is one of those traditions.  Established and built in 1969, Avondale proudly stands as one of the longest-running private golf clubs in the Palm Springs Valley.  For over 40 years, this club has been offering great golf in a breathtaking setting with a superbly maintained course and a very active social setting.  It is affordable . . . and most importantly, the golfers at Avondale can play golf under their own terms – as tee times and games are always available to members.  Golfers can even walk this course !!!

It’s an amazing place to live… and convenient, as Avondale is central to just about every other desert city.  Beautiful custom and semi-custom homes were built here from the early 70s through 2000 –  and HOAs are low.  Avondale Golf Club members come from all over the country and Canada to enjoy the desert lifestyle here and all that it has to offer.  Shouldn’t you think about checking out this very special place too ???

 

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Short Sale VS Standard Sale..which is for you?

Short Sale VS Standard Sale..which is for you?

I often hear from a potential buyer..”I want a deal, you know..a Short Sale..something like that.”  Let me make this really clear..the Short Sale “deal” is NOT always the best deal for you.

If you are considering buying a Short Sale, be sure your Agent understands how to handle the deal.  It’s not just writing an offer and submitting it.  The work starts BEFORE submission.

  • Who is the List Agent?
  • How many Liens?
  • What is the Fair Market Value and what is the home priced at?
  • How delinquent is the Seller?
  • How accommodating is the Seller?
  • Does the List Agent really UNDERSTAND the process?
  • Who are the Lenders involved?
  • Where in the process is the List Agent?

Even if all the questions are answered positively, there is always the issue of the incompetent negotiator.  You have no way of knowing who your deal will be assigned to by the Lender..and that is crucial.  A good negotiator can move a file to close within 90 days.  A bad one can slow the deal down for many, many months.  Are you tough enough for the Short Sale process?

Compare that Short Sale very carefully to the Standard Sales for comparable properties.  $5-$10/sf more may be worth paying to know when you will acquire the home and when you can actually move in.  Tread carefully when buying a short sale….that “deal” may not be such a good “deal” after all…

rancho mireage short sale expert

How much do you LOVE that short sale???

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Palm Springs Valley Market Report; Sales continue to rise.

Palm Springs Valley Market Report; Sales continue to rise.
Indian Wells luxury real estate for sale

Is it time to buy in our winter paradise?

Sales continue to rise here in the Palm Springs Valley.  The Median keeps moving slightly down, but that is to be expected when the luxury homes are really starting to pop.  So..even when the entry level homes price/sf falls slightly, the luxury home sales fall ALOT and that skews the median.  Don’t put too much emphasis on the median price..look at the development in the City you are looking to buy in.  Check those comps carefully for the past year and that will tell you the true story in a micro level.

This article from today’s Desert Sun emphasizes all our recent Sales.  The last Q of 2011 has continued it’s steady sales numbers into the First Q of 2012.  Entry level homes are pretty much consistently receiving multiple offers.  I often get outbid on investor homes at this level.  First Time homebuyers are taking advantage of the “First Look Initiative” for Freddie and also Fannie Foreclosures and usually beat out the Investors!  This is probably a good thing for the healing of our communities.

Luxury home Sales have really started popping.  PGA West continues to sell rapidly.  Buyers from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Canada, the beach cities, L.A., and many local buyers that are selling and moving up to communities they have been eyeing but were unable to afford..all are pushing luxury home sales up.

I am hearing over and over…”Where else can I put my money to diversify my portfolio and get such a strong return?”  Good question…

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South La Quinta Sleeper – Talante

La Quinta real estate

Talante's estate-like homes

Last night while at dinner with some friends at Stuft Pizza in Old Town La Quinta, we chatted away about how we all love living in La Quinta.  One of the couples shared about how crazy they are about the gated community called Talante, as they have close friends who live there and socialize with them frequently.  When they are ready to buy, Talante is where they want to be.

Talante’s resales rarely stay on the market for long, as these contemporary Mediterranean style homes are well constructed and appointed – giving them a classy feel.  Their lots are spacious with many of the homes offering private pools and spas.  Ideally situated in South La Quinta at the corner of Avenue 50 and Jefferson Street, Talante is close to many amazing east valley amenities such as charming Old Town, Silver Rock golf course, PGA West, Empire & Eldorado polo fields, and shopping & restaurants galore.  It is also adjacent to Rancho La Quinta Country Club with direct golf cart access.

There’s a lot to love and learn about Talante. . . if you’re looking to buy your dream home in a prestigious La Quinta  community, you owe it to yourself to take a look here !!!

 

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Palmilla – A Contemporary Gem

 

Palm Springs homes for sale

Lovely street view of Palmilla

Palmilla real estate is one of those intriguing communities in the desert that catches your eye when you drive by on the corner of Avenue 50 and Jefferson in La Quinta.  Its unique desert color scheme blends beautifully with the tasteful landscaping around the outer wall and makes you want to see what kind of beauty resides inside of it.  Since it’s gated, you can’t just take a leisure ride through, but if you’ve been fortunate enough to tour a home there, you will be impressed by this unique enclave of stunning contemporary homes.

Palmilla luxury homes overlook 7 acres of lakes and flowing waterways, making for the perfect setting for the indoor/outdoor living  Southern California is so well known for.  Majestic views of surrounding mountain ranges further add to the Wow factor.  And all of this is available right in the middle of La Quinta, where restaurants, shopping, polo grounds, country clubs, Old Town, and so many more amenities are just minutes away.

If you have a heightened design sensibility and are attracted to anything but the ordinary, then the Award Winning community of Palmilla just may be for You !!!

 

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Bighorn Golf Club – Best of Both Worlds

Bighorn Golf Club – Best of Both Worlds
Palm Desert luxury homes

There's a reason it's called "Bighorn"

Bighorn Golf Club real estate is regarded by many as the top luxury golf community in the Desert !!!  First of all, a club named after our beautiful indigenous Bighorn Sheep has got to be special . . . and it certainly is.  Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, you might actually get to see Bighorn sheep while you’re playing one of the Club’s two distinct championship courses – Mountain Course or Canyons Course.  What’s really cool is the tunnel under Hwy. 74 that links the two courses together.

You can also look down on beautiful Bighorn while you’re hiking the Art Smith Trail – the trail head is located on the rt. hand side of Hwy. 74 about 1/4 mile after passing Bighorn’s main entrance . . . and offers panoramic views, a possible viewing of Bighorn Sheep in their natural habitat,  several palm oases, and an abundance of wildflowers, cactus and other desert flora and fauna.

Bighorn Golf Club homes are within a few minutes drive down the hill to the fashionable El Paseo Shopping District with its gourmet restaurants, quaint cafes, upscale shopping, boutiques, art galleries and so much more.  You’ve got the Best of Both Worlds living in Bighorn – quiet and serene while surrounded by pristine desert habitat, and just minutes away from the desert’s very own “Rodeo Drive.”  What more could the discerning buyer ask for???

 

 

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Cahuilla Hills – Countrified Luxury Living

Cahuilla Hills – Countrified Luxury Living

Cahuilla HillsCahuilla Hills real estate is a unique community located in highly desirable South Palm Desert, adjacent to Bighorn Country Club.  If you’re looking for a relaxed and serene environment that is also convenient to the fashionable El Paseo shopping district and many other fine desert amenities, then Cahuilla Hills is for YOU !!!

Cahuilla Hills started out many years ago with small homesteader cabins built on large parcels of land.  Over the past 15 years, this popular neighborhood has grown immensely, attracting custom home builders looking to build their own personal Shangri-Las.

The Cahuilla Hills homes vary in architecture and interest, including anything from a rustic horse ranch to a Contemporary showplace.  Many of the old rustic homes coexist with the new homes, giving Cahilla Hills a special ambiance all its own.

Come  express your own personal style and build your dream home somewhere with a country-like setting and convenient too.  Or, if you’re looking for a custom resale or an older original home with land, Cahuilla Hills is worth considering !!!

 

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Andalusia at Coral Mountain – Come Live a Luxurious Desert Lifestyle

Andalusia at Coral Mountain – Come Live a Luxurious Desert Lifestyle

Andalusia at Coral MountainAndalusia at Coral Mountain homes for sale possess stunning mountain views, world class golf and sophisticated Old World style homes reminiscent of Southern Spain.  Located in La Quinta, California, this Luxury Home Development offers standing new home inventory waiting to be customized to your personal taste and lifestyle !!!

There is so much to do at Andalusia at Coral Mountain, the choices are endless.  Whether you like to golf or walk, hike or bike – play tennis or swim laps and soak in the spa . . . there is something here for everyone.  For fine dining, you won’t have to look far . . . the onsite restaurant, Tapas, provides atmosphere and excellent food for that perfect night out.

Andalusia at Coral Mountain homes can be easily viewed, as models are open daily.  Upgrades are available, as well as resale homes and custom home sites if you’re looking to build your own desert Dream Home !!!

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