As usual, there are lots of interesting things to do this weekend in the Coachella Valley. Those considering Palm Springs homes for sale should come check out some of the unique activities lined up in the desert over the next few days.
On Friday, March 1 from 4 pm to 6:30 pm, car enthusiasts can enjoy the first El Paseo Cruise Night on the boulevard! Watch the spectacular hot rods and motorcycles or bring your own out for this parade of classic cars. The event takes place on El Paseo Boulevard in Palm Desert and will recur on the first and third Fridays through April.
This Friday at 8 pm, American music legend Willie Nelson will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino. A world class icon for both rock and country music, Willie is bringing his vegetable oil -operating tour bus to the desert to thrill his many fans among those who own homes in Indio and are traveling from other desert cities for this special concert. Also, on Friday, from 7 to 9 pm, the Indian Wells Theater at CSUSB will host a live musical Tribute to Barbara Streisand and Frank Sinatra.
On Saturday, exercise lovers can join in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 9 am at the Civic Center Park in Palm Desert. The event will raise awareness and funds to advance Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Check-in begins at 9 am, with opening ceremonies at 10, and the walk commencing at 10:30 am.
Last, but certainly not least, Stevie Nicks will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino on Saturday at 8 pm. A rock music icon in her own right, Ms. Nicks is well known for both her extensive solo music and her work with Fleetwood Mac. Deemed by Rolling Stone magazine as “The reigning queen of rock and roll,” during the 1980s, Ms. Nicks’ music transcends age generations and musical genres.
If you’re considering homes for sale in Palm Springs or buying homes in Indio, Palm Desert or any other part of the Coachella Valley, the sampling of events this weekend is testament to the lifestyle and recreational options you can expect as a resident of the desert cities.
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Most people are aware that Palm Springs is an ideal place to live for golfers, but not as many know that the Coachella Valley is a perfect place for equestrian homes. Not only does one of the most exciting horse shows take place in the Valley—the A-rated Horse Show in the Sun (HITS) Desert Circuit—but there are great equestrian trails nearby with stunning views to choose from, from Murray Canyon to the areas around Thousand Palms that are protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In addition, the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park, which offers 253 miles of equestrian trails, is a short drive away.
The incredible climate that Palm Springs boasts makes it enjoyable to ride horses nearly all year long, which makes it worth it for horse owners to consider the area’s equestrian homes and properties with the potential to be converted. There are definitely areas throughout the desert communities that are ripe for horses—many already have barns, stables, paddocks, areas for training and miles of trails nearby.
If you’ve been considering real estate in Rancho Mirage or La Quinta, there is a wide range of properties to consider, from small and medium-sized to larger, ranch style homes. In fact, the Equestrian Centers International is located in Rancho Mirage, and can serve as a great resource to those looking to buy or sell horses, or even board their own. There is also the nearby Clancy Lane Boarding Stables, a full service boarding facility, and plenty of horse trainers and places to get horseback riding lessons in the area surrounding Rancho Mirage and La Quinta. Many horse owners also choose to find homes or ranchettes in the Indio area, which has quite a few farm properties.
Click here to browse some of the equestrian properties or other types of real estate in Rancho Mirage.
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One of the gems of the desert is the Palm Springs Art Museum, which hosts many incredible events for the community all year long. Owners of Palm Desert real estate are proud to live in the same town where this renowned museum is located and be a part of its community events.
One such event is taking place today—The Art of Shopping. Produced by the Museum Associates Council, The Art of Shopping is one of the most popular, highly anticipated fundraisers for the museum. The Art of Shopping brings 36 studio craft artists in from all over the country to display their work in the form of jewelry, accessories, and home décor, which lucky shoppers can purchase directly from them at this one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza. If you’ve spent the morning looking at homes for sale in Palm Springs, this is the perfect way to take a break, discover some art and perhaps some killer finds for your new home.
This year is the first time that the event spans two days. Today is day two, and lasts from 10 am to 4 pm, which means you still have plenty of time to take advantage of the many shopping opportunities. The event is located in a tent adjacent to the Palm Springs Art Museum, which means attendees will also have the opportunity to check out the new exhibition at The Galen building, Beg Borrow and Steal, and stroll around the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden.
Tickets are sold at the door. Admission is $10, though residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate receive complimentary entry. Cuistot is offering an amazing discounted lunch for today’s attendees. For those of you who are new to the area or are in the process of looking for homes for sale in Palm Springs, the museum is located at 72567 Hwy 111 in Palm Desert.
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Buying a home is a huge endeavor, one that requires a multitude of research and paperwork. Whether you plan to buy Indio real estate or are looking for an equestrian property, there is much more than just the price of the home that must be considered when planning your budget. Knowing in advance what your homeowner’s insurance payment will be on a monthly basis will help you out significantly. Save yourself a headache and start shopping for a policy as soon as your offer is accepted—you’ll be very happy you did.
Before you start getting price quotes, you’ll need to obtain some information about that beautiful piece of Indio real estate in advance. An agent will want to know when the home as built, its location, the square footage, what type of roof it has, how old the plumbing and electrical systems are, and if any previous claims have been filed on the property. Getting answers to these questions in advance will streamline the process of obtaining quotes from different vendors.
When shopping for homeowner’s insurance, you may want to start by getting quotes from the company that handles your auto policy, and then getting referrals from friends or trusted colleagues. In order to get a quote, you’ll need to figure out how much coverage you want and what you can afford. Keep in mind that insurance companies typically don’t cover land in a standard policy, so if you plan to buy an equestrian property, make sure to let the companies you’re shopping with know about this specific element.
Another aspect that you want to take factor in is the deductible on your policy. One way to save money is by selecting a higher deductible. If you are comfortable with this, it can be a good way to save money. However, many mortgage companies have regulations in regards to their maximum deductible, so it’s critical to find this number out in advance before opting for a higher one.
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Stan Watkins Red Dixie Band
The weekend starts now in Palm Springs! Once again, the valley shows its wide range of options for everyone, from those who already own Palm Desert luxury homes or Indian Wells real estate to visitors looking for the perfect weekend break.
From 6 to 8 pm tonight, the Palm Desert Public Art Documentary Film Series offers a free screening of Downside Up, which tells the story of united blue collar locals in Massachusetts as they transform economic failure into a thriving center for contemporary art. Tonight at 8 pm, performers Bebe Neuwirth and Brian Stokes Mitchell will take the stage at the McCallum Theatre and give an extraordinary performance in Stepping Out For COD, an event that supports the College of the Desert.
Also tonight, the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert will host New Orleans jazz musician Stan Watkins and the Red Dixie Band as part of their unique Music & Dining Under the Stars series. Wind up a day of viewing Palm Desert luxury homes with these one-of-a-kind, spectacular nights out.
The Cabaret Theatre West begins a run of its All About Love show at the Indian Wells Theater at CSUSB in Palm Desert on Friday. It’s an exciting tribute to love gone right, love gone wrong, young love and mature love with more than 40 musical numbers, a live band and hundreds of awesome visual effects. Show dates are: February 22, 23 and 28; March 2, 8 and 9.
From February 22-24, the McCormick’s Classic Car Auction will take place at the Spa Resort Casino, and today through Saturday, the world famous Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational is in full effect, packing three fun-filled days of golf, parties and exciting entertainment. If you’re planning to view Indian Wells real estate, make an entire weekend of it and come check out this amazing, amateur-celebrity tournament.
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The vacation home market continues to heat up—especially in the Palm Springs area. Buyers are eyeing Rancho Mirage real estate, luxury homes in Indian Wells, and properties in Indio for their dream vacation homes. Real estate experts maintain that the market is primed for buying a second home now, as interest rates are good and demand is poised to increase in the near future. Here are three great reasons to get in the market now:
1. Vacation rentals are in demand. As we start to come out of a recession, more people are committing to taking vacations this year, resulting in an increasing demand for rentals. This is a great way to offset the cost of a second home and bring in some additional income. Rancho Mirage real estate offers an ideal location for tourists and vacationers, with its renowned golf courses and varied recreational activities. Plus, in general, vacation rentals appeal more since they tend to be less expensive and more comfortable than hotel rooms, especially for families and those seeking a longer stay.
2. It’s a pretty safe investment. Real estate is a good place to put your money for the long-term, and the potential for additional income is a plus. In addition, there is a chance to make a profit, especially when renting out highly desirable properties, such as luxury homes in Indian Wells. Many property owners are able to cover their entire mortgage payment simply by renting out their second home for a week.
3. You will save money on your own vacation. When you own a vacation home, you always have an option of a place to go during your time off, and can take more vacations than normal since you won’t have to worry about hotel costs and can take advantage of the kitchen and other amenities such as a swimming pool.
Whether you’re interested in properties in Indio, a beach cottage or a high-rise apartment, now is a great time to take advantage of the benefits of owning a vacation home.
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If you’re looking for an extraordinary golf event mixed with world class entertainment and other exciting activities, then you’ll want to attend one of the most fan-friendly celebrity golf tournaments in the country: The Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational. If you’ve been planning a special trip to Palm Springs to look at Palm Desert real estate or equestrian properties in Rancho Mirage, this is the perfect week to do so and enjoy yourself while you’re at it!
From February 21-23, the Eagle Falls Golf Course will host this incredible celebrity-amateur tournament. In addition to the stellar opportunity to watch some great golf, The Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational includes a luncheon, an elegant fashion show featuring Fe Zandi’s couture designs, a charity auction and three nights of parties, with the incredible Frankie Valli headlining the renowned Black Tie Gala. In the past, the event was attended and supported by a wide range of entertainers and professional athletes including Tommy Lasorda, Robert Wagner, Dick Van Dyke, Shirley MacLaine, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. As you can see, there’s good reason the event is nicknamed “Frank’s Little Party in the Desert.”
Dedicated to the memory of Frank Sinatra, the tournament was founded in 1988 to raise funds for Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower Medical Center. The mission of the center, which opened in 1986, is to provide counseling for young victims of abuse and to focus on prevention, community education and breaking the generational cycle of abuse. What’s so wonderful about this organization is that no child is ever turned away due to their family’s inability to pay.
The tournament is presented by Starkey Hearing Technologies and hosted by the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. One of golf’s most famous legends and one of Frank Sinatra’s best friends, Ken Venturi, is co-hosting the event with Barbara Sinatra. If you’re in the mood to spend the weekend in Palm Springs or want to take a break from searching for Palm Desert real estate or equestrian properties in the area, then this is the perfect event for you.
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When you’re considering buying a home anywhere in the Palm Spring region, from Indio or Palm Desert to properties in Indian Wells or Rancho Mirage, it helps to get to know the area and what some of the popular activities and things to do are. Here are what many residents tell us are some of their favorites!
Do nothing. When you’re searching for Palm Springs homes for sale, you probably should get a feel for the lifestyle—and one of the favorite things to do among both visitors and residents of this bucolic desert town is: nothing. The Palm Springs tourism bureau will even tell you that visitors regularly say that they plan to do a whole lot of nothing during their stay in Palm Springs. What this actually means is a lot of relaxing, most likely including sunbathing, some rounds of golf and games of tennis, and just enjoying time with family. There’s a reason residents and owners of properties in Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert say it feels like they’re on vacation all year long.
Feeling daring? There are some cool adventures you can do in Palm Springs, and ones that are unrivaled in any other part of the country. For example, Desert Adventures offers tours of the San Andreas Fault that allows you to do something very few people have the opportunity to do—stand smack in the middle of the actual fault. You can also visit an authentic desert oasis created by the fault and learn multitudes about nature.
Tour the famed windmills. Whether you’re looking for Palm Springs homes for sale or coming for a vacation, it’s impossible to miss the famed windmills along Interstate 10. Why not take a tour of these enormous wind-powered turbines that generate electricity? It’s the perfect way to learn what they do and how they work, and interesting whether you’re a tech fan or a nature aficionado.
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Do you think you’ve found your dream house in Palm Desert? If so, we hope you’ve followed the tips for buying homes in parts one and two of this blog series, and are ready for the next few tips we have to share. Whether you’re seeking luxury properties in La Quinta, Indian Wells real estate or a vacation home in another area of the Coachella Valley, you’ll definitely benefit from preparing yourself as much as possible.
1. Set up a home inspection. If you really think you’ve found that dream house in Palm Desert, then schedule an inspection as soon as you can—it is by far one of the best ways to protect yourself. A proper inspector or engineer will examine the premises thoroughly and be able to identify issues that you may not be able with an untrained eye. Typically, an inspector will evaluate the interior plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, air conditioning, heating systems, and all aspects of the visible structure.
2. Make adjustments. If problems are found during the inspection, don’t freak out. This is a great opportunity to make adjustments in the price based on the potential costs of future repairs
3. Make a fair offer. Once you’ve incorporated the home inspection findings into your budget, have your agent or short sale realtor help you establish the price you’re willing to pay for the house. In addition to the home inspection findings, factor in the prices of similar houses recently sold in the neighborhood. For example, if you’ve been scouting luxury properties in La Quinta and found one you want to make an offer on, have your real estate professional investigate the sales of equivalent properties in the last six months.
4. Investigate homeowners insurance. If you’re ready to make an offer, start getting quotes immediately for homeowner’s insurance so that you can determine a real budget. This is different than renter’s insurance, as you want to insure the structure, not just the possessions and contents of the home. Be sure to take into account weather and climate related issues relevant to the particular area, such as flooding, earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes.
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If you’re ready to take a break and have some fun this weekend, it seems like the Coachella Valley offers unlimited options for recreation. If you own a home in Palm Springs or have plans to look at Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage real estate during the next few days, make sure to carve out some time to enjoy the desert cities with your loved ones.
As you may know from our recent blog posts, Modernism Week is in full swing and those with an equestrian flair can get their fix at the 21st annual Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) Thermal Desert Circuit Show. If you’re more of a music lover, you may want to check out “Remembering the 1960s,” a tribute to four legends including Cher, Dionne Warwick, Neil Diamond and Paul Anka, featuring a cross section of music that all ages will enjoy. This event takes place at Cal State Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus on Friday, February 15. Another classic and ever popular act, Boyz II Men, performs at the Morongo Casino Resort on Friday as well.
Whether you own properties in Indio or another part of Coachella Valley, the 67th annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is an amazing experience for all. The event starts today and runs through February 24. Come see why Indio is famous for its dates, and watch one-of-a-kind activities like pig, ostrich and camel races, participate in livestock auctions and learn some unrivalled methods of cooking with dates. The event is located at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, 82-503 Highway 111, in Indio.
On Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, you can check out the unique Pam Am Exhibit at the Saguaro in Palm Springs, where actor Philip Keene (The Closer, Major Crimes) shares his collection of more than 3,000 items.
On Saturday night, Palm Springs Pathfinders holds a gala to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. The event features a silent auction, cocktails, dinner, dancing and other entertainment. If you’re considering Rancho Mirage real estate, it’s the perfect way to get a taste of what the community has to offer and its commitment to important causes.
Also on Saturday night, world famous Grammy award winner Bonnie Raitt will appear at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. It’s an amazing way to finish a day of browsing properties in Indio or any other part of the Coachella Valley.
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