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 July 2012

Clancy Lane in Rancho Mirage has Rich Heritage

Rancho Mirage - Clancy Lane Has Interesting HistoryRANCHO MIRAGE – If you live in the Palm Springs Valley, then you have likely heard of Clancy Lane – a well-known street connecting Bob Hope Drive with Monterey Avenue.  This is an area rich in its equestrian and agricultural heritage. Some of our valley’s most well-heeled and sophisticated residents now make their homes in the Clancy Lane neighborhood, which includes some exclusive gated communities as well.

Clancy Lane boasts some interesting history harkening back to the 1920s and before.  From Civil War until the early 1920s, travelers passed through Rancho Mirage on the Bradshaw Trail (what is now Highway 111) on their way to Yuma.  As early as 1924, the area’s promotion began with the purchase of hundreds of acres of land from Southern Pacific Railroad by Bert Davie and E.E. McIntyre.  Davie, from Michigan, was an ardent promoter upon seeing the flourishing date groves at nearby Wonder Palms Ranch.  He then built a ranch house at Clancy Lane and built a north-south thoroughfare connecting his ranch to the Bradshaw Trail and named it Rio del Sol, which later became Bob Hope Drive.

In 1932, Clancy Lane’s namesake Les Clancy, built a home in the development after arriving in the area with his wife and brother.  He was the first of the gentlemen farmers to build here.  Hailing from Santa Monica, the area actually became known as “Little Santa Monica.”  In the tradition of earlier settlers of the Palm Springs area, the Clancy’s built an adobe on their property and planted it up with grapes, dates and grapefruits.

Today, Clancy Lane attracts equestrians and residents seeking ideal location with the utmost of privacy.  Currently, homes in the Clancy Lane area go for approx. $500,000 to $3,500,000.  It’s a unique area, close to The River, Eisenhower Medical Center, many championship golf courses, Palm Desert’s fashionable El Paseo shopping district and so much more.

If you are interesting in finding out more about available Clancy Lane properties,  call Kim Kelly with HK Lane Real Estate.  She will gladly tour you about the neighborhood and show you the highly desirable properties for sale in this historic and interesting part of the Palm Springs Valley.

 

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Foreigners..come on down!!!!

Foreigners..come on down!!!!
Palm Desert short sale expert

Beautiful land..Palm Springs Valley

Here in the Palm Springs Valley, we LOVE our foreigners..and apprently, they love us right back.  Property buyers from Canada, Asia, China, Europe, Australia, New Zealand..and I even have a client coming over from Central America in a couple weeks..wow!  But..I already knew we were selling Land, Ranches & Residential properties soI was pleasantly surprised when I read this morning about how the Foreign Investments in our Business community are pumping alot of dollars into our local economy.

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Palm Desert Finally Getting Long Awaited Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market Coming to Palm DesertWell, I’ve been hearing about it and talking about it myself for years here in the Palm Springs Valley is “When are we getting a Whole Foods in the desert?”  Well, wait not more . . . Whole Foods Market has finally confirmed it is opening a store in Town Center shopping center in Palm Desert.

Previous scuttlebutt had Whole Foods moving into the now defunct Toys R’ Us across from the Desert Crossing shopping center.  Apparently, that’s not the place, but the Best Buy building just a hop and a skip east from the Toys R Us along Highway 111 will be the place.  Best Buy will be relocating to the old Circuit City space in the Desert Crossing shopping center.

Obviously, Palm Desert is thrilled to be the lucky Desert City getting the market.  Though residents in some of the other Desert Cities will have a bit of a drive, it will be worth it if you are a fan of Whole Foods fare.  Town Center shopping center where the new Whole Foods will reside will be undergoing renovation and expansion . . . and there are more announcements yet to come.

Whole Foods currently has 329 locations and says it has plans to open 25 more stores by fiscal year’s end this fall.  It will probably be next fall before the new Whole Foods opens up here.

All I can say is Yippppeeeeeee !!!!!

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Indio’s Sun City Shadow Hills is for the Active Set

Sun City Shadow Hills is Indio's Community for Active AdultsIndio – Sun City Shadow Hills, located in North Indio, wows you with its breathtaking mountain views and rolling, manicured golf fairways.  Sitting just five minutes off of the Interstate 10 freeway and about 10 minutes from the Palm Springs Valley’s main thoroughfare Highway 111,  Sun City Shadow Hills is the perfect setting for active adults.  This gated community with 24 hour security also plays neighbor to Sun City Palm Desert and both communities require that one member of a home there be 55 years old – though there are younger residents living there as well.

At the heart of Sun City Shadow Hills is its 18-hole championship golf course.  A good golf deal can be had here at just $45 dollars a year, as a resident card entitles players to wonderful discounts on rounds of golf where it is pay as you play.  There is also a Par-3 course, all open to the public.

The beautiful 35,000sf Monticello Clubhouse and Recreation Center is the hub of most community activities.  The Fitness Center there includes state-of-the-art training equipment, indoor walking track, aerobics and dance studio . . . and an indoor lap pool.  And that’s not all – there’s a ballroom, billiards hall, computer lab/library and craft studio.

Besides golfing, Sun City Shadow Hills also offers tennis courts, pickleball, bocce ball and a dog park.  There’s an outdoor amphitheater and miles of walking/biking trails.

Real estate opportunities at Sun City Shadow Hills include 21 different floor plans ranging from approximately 1,100 sf to approx. 3,000 sf.  New homes and resale homes are both available.

 

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Palm Desert to Become Sponsor of Modernism Week

Palm Desert Becoming Involved in Palm Springs Modernism WeekPalm Desert – Our desert has gained notoriety from Palm Springs’ annual event of Modernism Week.  People flock to our area from all over the country and the world to participate.  Palm Desert has at least two local entities that will be tying into Modernism Week, so it may for the first time become a sponsor of the event to the tune of $5,000.

Marrakesh Country Club,  Sandpiper and the Palm Springs Art Museum – Palm Desert branch all have plans to be involved in next year’s 8th annual Modernism Week scheduled for Feb. 14-23.  Marrakesh has scheduled its inaugural Designer Showcase, showing off its Hollywood Regency-style homes designed by renowned architect John Elgin Woolf.  The Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert is also planning activities tied into the event and Sandpiper will be hosting home tours and possibly an El Paseo event involving art galleries.

As some of Palm Desert’s hotels and resorts see an increase in bookings during Modernism Week, involvement of these Palm Desert entities can only serve to bring more people in to Palm Desert and increase its visibility during this typically Palm Springs focused event.

Perhaps one day, all of the Desert Cities will have some type of involvement in this increasingly popular event.  And it’s all good.

 

 

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La Quinta – “Art Under the Umbrellas” Returning in October

"Art Under the Umbrellas" Returning to La Quinta in OctoberLa Quinta is fortunate to have an amazing art event held during season called “Art Under the Umbrellas.”   About this time of year when we locals are weary from the incessant heat of our lovely desert clime, it’s nice to think of something bright and cheerful and fun that will be returning to Old Town La Quinta.

October 27th kicks off the first “Art Under the Umbrellas” for the new season.  Trust me, that date will be here before you now it.  Over 70 artists will be presenting their works . . . everything from painting, glass, ceramic, jewelry, wood, sculpture, photography, fiber and mixed media.  The streets are closed off in Old Town just for this artistic venue.

Lovers of art can find amazing quality pieces for purchase at “Art Under the Umbrellas.”  It is always a special day outdoors as those seeking to enjoy and experience the art . . . and to buy, amble along the streets taking in all of the incredible talent.  It’s also a good time to explore the shops and dining opportunities in Old Town.

And guess what could be even better . . . admission and parking are FREE !!!  The new “Art Under the Umbrellas” schedule is on the following Saturdays from 10am to 4pm:  October 27, November 10, November 24 and Dec. 1 – all in 2012.  The 2013 schedule is:  January 12, January 19, February 9, February 16 and March 23.

So, just something to keep your mind occupied, thinking about those days that are coming when the weather is cooler and picture perfect – and “Art Under the Umbrellas” will be waiting for you.

For more information, go to www.lqaf.com/cultural-events/art-under-the-umbrellas/

 

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Palm Springs Valley Being Promoted in Riverside County’s Proposed “Ag Trail”

"Ag Trail" Would Be New Kind of Tourism in Palm Springs ValleyPalm Springs Valley – The latest trend in tourism seems to be what is called “agri-tourism” – and Riverside County officials want to promote our rich farming industry here by creating an “ag trail.”  This trail would connect farms and ranches together, creating a network of attractions that would ultimately promote Riverside County’s $1 billion agricultural industry.

This proposal is spearheaded by John Benoit and Jeff Stone, County Supervisors, and will be considered by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.  What it calls for is a full-fledged trail that would be mapped out by the end of February – there will be printed and online guides pointing tourists, school groups and others to farms, ranches, farmers markets, wineries, historical points of interest, events like the Date Festival in Indio, and more – to learn about the process of producing crops and getting them to market.

In the County of Riverside, there exists about 1,700 farming sites.  There would be at least 50 to 75 stops on the trail, working its way east from Blythe and stops would be updated as needed.  For instance, Shields Date Garden in Indio could be one stop on the ag-trail.  People who are already visiting our county or residents here would be encouraged to get out and explore this aspect of our area – and purchase fresh grown products while they’re out there.

The ag-trail is actually part of a broader focus by top county officials on agriculture in Riverside – which exports to 70 different countries and has a $3 billion impact on the local economy.  It is hopeful that the trail will be a good way to make the public aware of farming and the issues surrounding it, as concerns are here in our county and state that growth ongoingly threatens to displace our farmers and ranchers.

 

 

 

 

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HAFA Short Sale Approved in Bermuda Dunes CC

Bermuda Dunes HAFA Short Sale Approved in Only 64 DaysMy Bermuda Dunes CC listing for a single-family HAFA Short Sale was Approved !!!  This sizable home of 2,555sf at 42185 Caballeros Drive has 4 bedroom/3 bath and sits on an estate size lot of 10,454sf.

This home in Bermuda Dunes CC was Listed on 5/16 for $240,000… went into Back-up on 6/5…and was approved on 7/19… for $240,000!  There was only one note with Bank of America and that was for approximately $284,000.  That’s a Total of only 64 Days from List to Approval !!!

Not only was the accepted Sales price the same as the List price at $240,000, but the Seller will also receive a $3,000 HAFA Relocation Fee!  The HAFA program is reserved for primary residences, but if you have moved out and can show you’ve lived in the home within the past 12 months, you may qualify.  There are other restrictions, but a terrific program and a huge help to borrowers who have lost so much on their homes.

Only 64 Days from List to Approval?  That’s why it’s important to work with a Listing Agent who knows Short Sales and has a proven track record of CLOSING their Short Sales.   I List, Work and Negotiate my own Short Sales – I do not use a 3rd party to Negotiate for me.  If your Agent is not working their own files then maybe they just have too many files..or even worse, don’t understand the short sale process?

Thinking about Short Selling your Home?  Please give me a call for your free consultation.  There is NO COST to you, for me to negotiate your Short Sale from list to close.    Kim Kelly, Short Sale Specialist with HK Lane Real Estate in La Quinta.

 

 

 

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Sun City Palm Desert Offers the Best of Living

Best of Life Offered at Sun City Palm DesertSun City Palm Desert is a popular gated active adult (55+) community located in Southern California’s Palm Springs Valley.  It is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, towering palm trees and lushly manicured grounds.  It was built by Del Webb between 1992 and 2003 and includes 5,000 homes with 44 different models.

Residents at Sun City stay actively engaged and entertained by a multitude of activities put on by their full time Events Department.  There are classes, events, activities and over 60 organized clubs to be involved in . . . such as the Garden Club, Dance Club, Geneology Club, Wine Tasters, Exercise Clubs, and more.  You get the picture, there are activities enough to stay busy seven days a week if you wish.

Sun City Palm Desert covers 1600 acres and boasts amenities too many to mention them all.  There are 3 large recreation/clubhouse centers, numerous indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 2 fitness centers totaling 16,000 square feet, 10 lighted tennis courts, 2 pickleball courts, t2 paddleball courts, and 8 bocce courts.

The community offers two 18-hole golf courses, including one designed by hall of famer, Billy Casper and Greg Nash.  Let’s not forget the Billiard Room, Ballroom, Library, Dog Parks, Theatre, Fishing Pier and much, much more.  With all of these fun activities going on at Sun City, when does one sleep???

Buyers can select from 44 different pre-owned single-family floorplans on one level that range from 1,000sf to over 4,000sf.  There are a multitude of different sizes, styles and price ranges to suit most any buyer.  With the homes in Sun City Palm Desert so well priced and the HOA fees reasonable, many residents feel that they got the best buy in the Valley.

Should you have interest in touring Sun City, getting information about available real estate there or want to list your home for sale – don’t hesitate to call Kim Kelly, Real Estate Agent with HK Lane Real Estate in La Quinta.  She is professional, experienced and knowledgeable about the Palm Springs Valley here.  She listens and will guide you towards what is the best fit for you.

 

 

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Short Sale in La Quinta Cove Submitted, Only One Note !

Another La Quinta Cove Short Sale - SubmittedLa Quinta Cove – Yes, another Short Sale submitted, just one note with Chase!

This home is so Cute, listed at $143,000, and is located at 52255 Avenida Obregon.

Built in 1993, this home has 3 bedrooms and two baths and has 1414 sf on a 4792 sf lot.  You enter into its Enclosed Front Courtyard – and this home is charming, clean as a whistle and well designed and thought out.  It boasts a separated Family Room and very large Kitchen with an Eating Area.

The Master Bedroom in this home is on opposite side of house from the two Guest Rooms and Bathroom, giving it a great flow.  There are ceiling fans throughout, and home is beautifully maintained and very welcoming.

There is a finished double Garage with a Laundry Area within.  The backyard is lush and green with ideal Western mountain views.  The backyard even has a Storage Shed.

Deals like this one are still to be had in the Cove . . . if you are interested in buying or selling a home, contact Kim Kelly with HK Lane Real Estate in La Quinta.  She Lists, Negotiates and SELLS her Short Sales !!!

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