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 November 2012

See the desert glow at the WildLights Festival

See the desert glow at the WildLights Festival

One of the favorite annual events for the lucky owners of Palm Desert and Indian Wells real estate is the WildLights Festival at The Living Desert, sponsored by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. It’s one of the most festive and exciting events in the region, and offers entertainment for all ages.

Imagine 750,000 bulbs glowing and sparkling amidst a beautiful desert setting—it is the epitome of holiday magic. While the Coachella Valley may not see snowfall, there’s nothing like witnessing this park transformed into a glowing wonderland of lit up succulents, cactus and other desert fauna and flora. Now in its 20th season, the incredible WildLights Festival is presented by the City of Indian Wells and runs from 6 to 9pm on select nights through December 31.

This unique holiday festival includes live music, games, Santa’s Corner, Prancer’s Playland, camel rides, Wildlife Wonder Shows, a carousel, international food and beverage offerings, and a new Holiday Express trackless train ride in addition to the dazzling displays of three quarters of a million lights. The glistening light show coupled with the myriad of sights and entertainment provides for an unparalleled holiday experience.

You won’t want to miss this amazing celebration—owners of Palm Desert and Indian Wells real estate properties, as well as tourists and visitors alike, attend this event in droves. It’s the perfect way to spend time with family and friends while getting an authentic feel for Indian Well’s incredible community and residents.

A cactus-dotted zoo and animal park, The Living Desert is a favorite among owners of Palm Desert real estate and other residents of the region. It is located at 47900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert. Tickets are $10 for non-member adults and $8 for members, children and Military (with ID). Visit LivingDesert.org for more information about this amazing holiday celebration.

image source: nbcbayarea.com

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Fitness in Palm Springs Valley

Fitness in Palm Springs Valley

fitness in palm springsPeople from across globe come to Coachella Valley in search of equestrian homes, Palm Springs homes for sale, La Quinta real estate and other properties in the surrounding area. Some are looking for second homes, while others plan to enjoy the gorgeous climate all year long.

It’s easy to understand why vacationers come for a visit and fall in love with the relaxed, active lifestyle here. The next thing they know, they’re looking at La Quinta real estate in search of the perfect vacation home or permanent residence. The excellent weather, coupled with the many options for maintaining health and fitness, significantly add to the appeal of Coachella Valley. In addition to the myriad gyms, health clubs and spas, there are plenty of other options for recreation, exercise and sports.

Golf. Whether you like to play, be a spectator to do both, you’ve got so many opportunities to choose from! World famous tournaments like the Humana Challenge aka the Bob Hope Classic, the Palm Springs Amateur, the Frank Sinatra/Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational and Kraft Nabisco Championship are just a few of the area events you can be a part of. If you like to play, there is an abundance of courses in the area, including the Cathedral Canyon Country Club, Cimarron Golf Resort, Desert Princess Country Club, Indian Canyons Golf Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort, La Quinta Resort, the Mesquite Country Club and many more!

Swimming. Many private properties are equipped with swimming pools, and there are local options that offer Olympic-sized swimming pools that are open year-round, such as The Palm Springs Swim Center and The Palm Springs City Pool.

Cycling. Cycling aficionados are in heaven in Palm Springs. In addition to special events like the Tour de Palm Springs in February, there are tons of local trails.

Walking. When viewing Palm Springs homes for sale, you’ll notice that the neighborhoods are filled with walkers. It’s a very popular activity and great for heart health; it’s quite common to see people out for regular morning, twilight and evening walks.

Hiking. Options include everything from easy trails to rough terrain, including the famous Indian Canyon Trails, the Painted Canyons, The Clara Burgess and the Palm Springs Museum Trail, among many others. Plus, the gorgeous Joshua Tree National State Park is in close proximity.

Tennis. Top-flight tennis facilities abound in Coachella Valley, the home of the world-renowned BNP Paribas Open. There are many private, semi-private and public courts and clubs to choose from, including the Palm Springs Country Club, Coachella Tennis Center, Desert Oasis, Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Mesquite Golf & Country Club, Palm Desert Country Club, Rancho Mirage Country Club and the Sun Lakes Country Club.

Horseback riding. If you’re not quite in the market for an equestrian home, but love horseback riding, there are several ranches and stables, including the Crazy Horse Ranch, Los Compadres Stables, the Empire Polo Club and Coyote Ridge Stable, among others.

Image Source: www.bwbtours.com

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Step 7: Preparing a property for sale—Step into buyers’ shoes

Step 7: Preparing a property for sale—Step into buyers’ shoes

First time home buyers

Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes!

Whether buyers are interested in equestrian homes or Indian Wells real estate, they’re going to seriously scrutinize a property from the minute they walk in the door. As sellers near the end of preparing Palm Springs homes for sale, an excellent exercise to do is to step into potential buyers’ shoes.

Literally walk outside the house and stand in the yard. Try to look at the property with fresh eyes, as if you’ve never seen it before and know nothing about the house. Does the exterior make you want to go in? Is the house welcoming? Even equestrian homes should appeal from the exterior, especially considering the additional buildings such as a barn and stable that will most likely be a part of the property. Little touches such as a welcome mat, or if it’s during the holidays, a wreath on the door, will make the property seem warmer and inviting.

Now enter the house and imagine that you are looking to buy a new property. Stand in the doorway of every room and assess the way the furniture is arranged and how the house flows. Each room should look as spacious as possible, so you may want to move furniture around now to maximize the square footage of each room, instead of keeping the layout in place to suit the purposes initially intended for each room when you first moved in.

How does the back yard and recreational areas look? Many buyers who are interested in Palm Springs home for sale will have an affinity for the outdoors and hope to engage the lifestyle that the area is famous for—incredible weather and a plethora of options for outdoor recreation, from golf and tennis to hiking and cycling. Is there room in the yards for recreational activities? If so, clear the areas out so that the buyer can visualize the possibilities.

Many Indian Wells real estate properties and other homes in the Coachella Valley have swimming pools. If the property you’re preparing does, make sure that the pool and its surrounding area is always clean, and feature the pool as well as you possibly can. If there’s a diving board, ensure that it’s in working order, and maintain the landscape so that it’s well-groomed and appealing.

Image Source: www.zillow.com

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The date culture—part of Indio’s charm

The date culture—part of Indio’s charm

One of the reasons buyers are drawn to Indio real estate properties is the town’s bucolic charm. Its small town feel draws visitors on their way to Palm Springs as well as residents who revel in its laidback vibe.

Part of Indio’s unique flair is its history with dates. While Indio began as a railroad town, it quickly shifted to agriculture. In 1907, the USDA’s Date Station was established in Indio, and leading extensive scientific research was performed to determine the health benefits of dates and to help farmers understand and best cultivate this fruit that originated in the Middle East. The presence of the Date Station and the ubiquitous crops led to the large role this fruit still plays in of the town’s culture and its ties to the Middle East. The one-of-a-kind Riverside County National Date Festival Fair Grounds is still held annually in Indio.

If you’re touring open houses and looking at Indio real estate, make sure to get a taste of this unique brand of culture by stopping at Shields Date Garden. A pioneer in the date industry, the owner, Floyd Shields, bred his own dates, including the famous “Blonde” and “Brunette” varieties that are grown exclusively there. He also invented the Date Crystal, a blend of dates turned into a dry product that can be used for cooking and in their renowned date shakes. Floyd and his wife, Bess, moved to Indio in 1924, when they started the date farm, and opened the Café at Shields in the 1950s. Sit in this adorable cafe and enjoy some date pancakes or a date shake while you watch the15-minute film, Romance and Sex Life of the Date.

image source: shieldsdategarden.com

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Top 5 reasons to spend Thanksgiving in Palm Springs

Top 5 reasons to spend Thanksgiving in Palm Springs

People travel from all over the world to visit and enjoy themselves in Palm Springs. Many come for a vacation and within a few days find themselves looking for Palm Springs homes for sale. The region is warm, relaxed and beautiful—and the perfect place to spend a four day weekend like Thanksgiving.

Here are the top 5 reasons to spend this indulgent holiday in Coachella Valley.

1. The weather. Few people around the country will be able to sunbathe and relax on this holiday—except for lucky owners of Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Palm Desert real estate. The weather is beautiful year round, and this weekend is no exception.

2. The Palm Springs Follies. This world-famous Broadway-style revue is unique, exciting and unparalleled. The cast are ages 55-83, and features renowned celebrity guest stars ranging from Lesley Gore and Lou Christie to the world’s most famous hula hoop artist, Mat Plendl. Approximately170,000 people attend the show every year—residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate can enjoy the luxury of seeing several performances each year.

3. Golf. With the myriad of impeccable golf courses to choose from, you’re guaranteed to get an awesome tee time this weekend. What better way to burn off all the turkey, sides and pumpkin pie?

4. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation, even when you live here. Many people search for Palm Springs homes for sale because it is one of the most relaxed, laidback cities, with something for everyone to do. So if you live here already, enjoy it! With all the swimming, hiking, biking, jogging and cycling options, as well as tennis courts and fitness centers, everyone will be able to burn off those extra Thanksgiving calories.

5. The shopping. Black Friday is here—and what better place to find deals than the mecca that is nearby Palm Desert. With the Cabazon outlets, Desert Hills Premium Outlets, El Paseo drive and Palm Spring’s array of upscale boutiques and chic stores, everyone in the family will find something for everyone else to covet.

image source: mydesert.com

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Step 6: Preparing a property for sale—The bells and whistles

Step 6: Preparing a property for sale—The bells and whistles

Preparing your La Quinta Real estate

When selling your home, make sure the interior is spic and span!

By now, you’ve got some serious momentum going in regards to preparing your home for sale. Whether you’re looking to sell La Quinta real estate property or a home in another area of the region, now is a great time to get the house looking its very best, since many visitors and international tourists in the market for a vacation home are visiting during this time of year.

Many of the details that you consider minor actually make a big difference to buyers who are seeing a property for the first time. Even if they’ve looked at other Indio real estate properties or homes in other areas of Palm Springs, when they come across a home that appears to be in mint condition and well-kept, the overall effect can quickly cause a sale to turn in your favor.

Do a scan of the house and then make it sparkle from top to bottom. When you have an open house coming up, wash the windows, both inside and outside, vacuum thoroughly and mop or wax the floors until they shine. Assess the sinks, tubs and showers to see if they need re-caulking and bleach any grout that is dingy. Dust all the furniture and areas where dirt accumulates, such as ceiling fan blades, light fixtures and chandeliers.

Remember, if you’re trying to sell a La Quinta real estate property or something similar, the buyers are going to expect the premises to be pristine and high-end. If there are worn bedspreads or duvets on the beds, replace them now. Buy brand new towels for the bathroom, only to be put out when you know there are some prospects coming to look at the house. If you’ve considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now! Also, replace any burned-out light bulbs or worn-out rugs.

Last but not least, make sure the exterior of the house is spic and span. Hose the garage, driveways and sidewalks down, or rent a pressure washer to get the job done. Clean out any cobwebs in the garage or patio and sweep or rake any dead leaves. Polish any chrome faucets throughout, wipe down all the mirrors and air out any areas that are musty or have odors. It’s even recommended to clean out your refrigerator.

Whether your goal is to sell an Indio real estate property or any other area in Palm Springs Valley, know that if it takes some work to prepare your property, the payoff will be worth it.

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The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies

The Follies

The Follies are a Palm Springs Staple!

Another benefit to consider when browsing Palm Springs homes for sale — the city is home to the world famous Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, a Broadway-caliber musical and dance revue that takes place from November to mid-May at the historic Plaza Theatre.

Founded in 1990 by acclaimed producer Riff Markowitz, the show features the music, comedy and dance of Mid-Century America performed by a cast that are all 55 and older. This innovative program actually made the Guinness Book of World Records for that fact. Each year, the Follies is attended by approximately 170,000, including tourists from across the globe, as well as residents from all over California, from owners of Indian Wells real estate and other Coachella Valley cities, to San Francisco locals, Angelenos and San Diegans. The Follies were the subject of the documentary, Still Kicking: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, which was nominated for Best Short Subject Documentary at the 70th Academy Awards.

The cast includes international vaudeville acts and internationally renowned guest stars, ranging in age from 55 to 83. This year is the 22nd edition and features some very exciting stars with timeless appeal, including the debut of celebrated vocalist Lorna Luft from November 1 through December 31, which will be a tribute to her mother, Judy Garland. From January 8 through March 9, 2013, multi-million selling recording artist Lou Christie will make his debut, and Lesley Gore, the singer of classic hits like “It’s My Party,” and “You Don’t Own Me” will make a return visit from March 12 through May 19. The Follies is emceed by Markowitz, in his signature style that blends satire and Old World savoir-faire. It makes sense that this show is so popular among owners of Indio, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells Real estate properties.

This year’s all-new show, “Dance to the Music” pays homage to the “black and white” era of American Bandstand and all its dance crazes. In addition, all season long the show will include the world’s greatest hula-hoop artist, Mat Plendl. At age 13, he started his career as the U.S. National Hula Hoop Champion, which included several appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and NBA half-time performances, among many others across the globe.

Those looking for Palm Springs homes will benefit from the proximity to the Plaza Theatre, which ensures they’ll be able to find time to catch this extraordinary show and each of its guest stars.

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Palm Desert—A shopping mecca

Palm Desert—A shopping mecca

Palm Desert Shopping

Palm Desert has all the shopping you need!

One of the many benefits that owners of Palm Desert real estate get to enjoy are the myriad of shopping options this area offers. Visitors and residents alike flock to this shopping haven, known for its wide range of high-end boutiques and designer outlets. The town’s reputation for stellar shopping has even spread to international tourists.

For starters, Palm Desert is home to the famed El Paseo district, which includes the Gardens on El Paseo shopping center. Touted as the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” this area is a mile of picturesque landscape and statues, comprised of more than 300 world-class shops and boutiques, including everything from luxury couture designer fashions and jewelry to unique crafts and art galleries, and even a Saks Fifth Avenue. When potential buyers browse Palm Springs homes for sale, one of the first things the women ask is how close the property is to El Paseo!

Palm Desert’s largest enclosed shopping mall is the Westfield Mall, with over 150 stores that offer something for almost every budget. But what makes this area a true shopping haven and a favorite among owners of Palm Desert real estate is its plethora of designer shopping outlets. Known for offering some of the best outlet shopping in the country, Palm Desert is in close proximity to the renowned Cabazon outlets and the Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Both are sprawling malls filled with high-end designer shops offering deep discounts, with stores ranging from Gucci, Prada and Burberry to Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Everything is so close to all the other cities in the region—many visitors shopping for Palm Springs homes for sale stop along the way and fall in love with this shopping mecca, with its options for every type of shopper, from fashionistas to bargain hunters.

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Tourneys for everyone in Palm Springs

Tourneys for everyone in Palm Springs

palm springs golf property

Palm Springs Real Estate will definitely improve your handicap!

When potential buyers screen Palm Springs homes for sale, one of the first questions they ask is, “Will living here improve my golf game?” Whether joking or serious, the question is definitely rhetorical—it’s pretty much a given that those who live in this beautiful area will have the chance to improve their game.

The options are practically unlimited when it comes to playing a couple rounds, taking golf lessons and hitting buckets of balls. There is also a myriad of opportunities to watch world-famous tournaments either right in Palm Springs or in the vicinity, including the Kraft Nabisco Championship, also known as the Dinah Shore Golf Tournament, and the Humana Challenge, formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic.

The great news is, it’s not just a spectator sport—there are also many tournaments to participate in, for people of all levels and handicaps. With all the cities of the Coachella Valley so close in proximity, owners of everything from Indio and Indian Wells, to La Quinta and Rancho Mirage real estate can also reap the benefits to improve their game. Below are just a few to whet a golfer’s appetite.

The Clubs Fore Kids Golf Tournament is a charity event put on by the Palm Springs Hospitality & Restaurant Association. Open to all skill levels, this charity event benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs. Those interested in Palm Springs homes for sale will love its convenient location at the Escena Golf Club.

The Palm Springs City Amateur Championship at the Indians Canyons Golf Resort is a favorite among amateurs. It’s open to men with a handicap of eight or less and women with a handicap of 25 or less.

The Desert Classic Charity Golf Tournament benefits the Coldwell Banker Community Foundation, and takes place at the Indian Wells Country Club.

Richard Kelly’s Adult Junior Memorial Golf Tournament is a local favorite among owners of Palm Desert real estate properties, as it takes place at the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, and pairs one adult and one junior player on a team.

The Greater Palm Springs Celebrity Golf Classic at Desert Dunes Golf Club in Desert Hot Springs consists of four days of golf and social events, as well as celebrity pairings. Proceeds benefit Palm Springs Youth Charities.

The Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational, which will take place February 21-23, 2013, is a favorite among owners of Rancho Mirage real estate as it has contributed over seven million to the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center located there. The three-day event includes parties and pairs celebrities with amateurs for two rounds.

The Round the World in 18 Holes Golf Classic includes a 19th Hole Reception and Celebrity Jam and benefits the Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens. In recent years, it’s been hosted by the likes of Joe Mantegna and Luc Robitaille.

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Golf Tournament, which takes place January 21, 2013, is super convenient for owners of Palm Desert real estate, as it takes place at the local Classic Club. Proceeds benefit the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.

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Ready to buy a vacation home?

Ready to buy a vacation home?

Palm-Springs-Real-Estate Home BuyersIf you’ve been debating buying a second home or are thinking about an international real estate investment, the timing may just be right for you now. If you talk to a real estate agent or realtor, they’ll probably let you know that the vacation-home market is heating up again.

It makes sense that the market is showing signs of life again. Many buyers are seeking properties in far away destinations, as well as those that are a more manageable distance from home. For example, many Angelenos are pursuing Palm Desert real estate and other areas in the region, such as Indio, Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage. Likewise, many international buyers are also targeting the highly desirable Palm Springs Valley as the location of their vacation or second home. Either way, the Palm Springs Valley is highly desirable because of its recreational activities, gorgeous year-round atmosphere and laid back lifestyle that makes it seem like you’re on vacation all year long when you live there.

Due to low rates, bargain prices and dwindling home inventories, sales of vacation properties in the United States rose seven percent in 2011, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Both listing agents and short sale realtors say that many buyers are snapping up homes to take advantage of low mortgage rates, even though there may be some potential for prices to drop further.

Keep in mind that the bottom for prices on vacation homes will only be apparent in retrospect—but look for signs that they are on the horizon. If you are searching Palm Desert real estate properties for your vacation home, assess the specific market, as well as the Palm Springs market as a whole, to see if some areas in the market are showing price increases. While some markets in Arizona, for example, are showing declines, many markets in California are continuing to rise on price.

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