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 May 2013

Ballet, boxing and cabaret

Ballet, boxing and cabaret

Ballet in Palm SpringsThis weekend kicks off the season with an amazing slate of performances and fine dining options for everyone from local residents in Palm Springs to international visitors browsing real estate opportunities in town. There are events that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy or a solo mission, as well as those that offer opportunities to spend one on one time with your loved one. With Uncorked kicking off the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week, your slate of options seems unlimited.

On Saturday, June 1 the San Gorgonio Ballet presents a live performance of Reflections at the Annenberg Theatre. The program will feature the dance company’s amazing cast of talented professional dancers in a celebration of the company’s tenth year of dance along with guest performances by popular and talented singers and entertainers from the desert and beyond. The show will include the dance company’s thrilling repertoire of original work, classical favorites, and selections from their amazing new works. International visitors browsing real estate opportunities in Palm Springs can plan a perfect night with a seat at the ballet and dinner at one of the fine restaurants participating in Uncorked.

Also on Saturday, from 6 to 8 pm, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino will host the renowned boxing event, the Battle of the Badges, featuring both women’s and men’s matches, in addition to a live performance by Judge Jackson. A favorite among those who own Rancho Mirage real estate or live nearby, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino is located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive.

On Sunday, June 2, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 will continue with Jerome Elliott in My Favorite Springs at the Arthur Newman Theatre. Acclaimed Coachella Valley cabaret artist Jerome Elliott will fuse his rich baritone and sly wit under the direction of Musical Director Charlie Creasy for an exciting and arresting performance. The show will run from 2 to 4 pm.

Click here to view some stunning listings of Rancho Mirage real estate.

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3 Reasons to buy Indian Wells real estate

3 Reasons to buy Indian Wells real estate

Living DesertIndian Wells is an absolute haven for everyone—from retirees, families, young couples and even visitors from other countries looking at international real estate. The exclusive area is minutes away from Palm Springs and the other beautiful desert communities, and offers many amenities to its residents, from exclusive spas and resorts, fine dining options, great shopping and a close knit, vibrant community. If you’re considering buying Indian Wells real estate, here are three solid reasons why it’s a phenomenal choice.

1. The Sports. Indian Wells boasts two award-winning golf courses, including the renowned Indian Wells Golf Resort, which was ranked as one of the 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California by Golfweek Magazine. In addition, tennis fans and players can enjoy the incredible Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which is home to the famed Indian Wells Masters tournament, a.k.a. the BNP Paribas Open, a world class championship tennis event.

2. The gorgeous and great outdoors. With stunning views of the picturesque Santa Rosa mountains, Indian Wells is perfect for nature lovers and those who crave outdoor activity. Outdoor recreational activities can be enjoyed all year long—there are miles of hiking and cycling trails, as well as scenic trails throughout the mountain ranges nearby.

3.  It’s family-friendly. In addition to the wide-ranging slate of outdoor activities the entire family can enjoy in Indian Wells, it’s also home to The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden, a unique 1200-acre wildlife preserve that offers unforgettable tours—it’s a must-see for visitors from abroad who are in town due to interest in an international real estate transaction. This world-class zoo and garden features remarkable exhibits and special programs such as this summer’s “Zoo Chill” promotion in June and The WildLights Festival at The Living Desert that takes place every year during the holidays.

Click here if you’re ready to check out listings of Indian Wells real estate.

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A perfect week for foodies in Palm Springs

A perfect week for foodies in Palm Springs

UncorkedThere’s a lot in store this week in Palm Springs, especially for foodies and wine lovers. Whether you’re a novice or aficionado, are a longtime resident or are just now looking at Indio real estate and homes for sale in Palm Springs and, you’ll have an amazing time guaranteed.

Wednesday, May 29 and Thursday, May 30 mark an exciting part of Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week—Uncorked! During this two night culinary event, a number of participating restaurants offer fun specialty-themed dinners, pairing every course with a different wine, beer, or spirit for a multifaceted culinary event.

The annual “Uncorked” event whets the appetites of diners and gets everyone excited for Restaurant Week, which is held from May 31-June 16 this year. If you’re currently looking at homes for sale in Palm Springs, this is the perfect way to finish up a busy day of house hunting. The stellar lineup of restaurants participating in Uncorked include Circa 59 at The Riviera, IC North Course Restaurant at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort, Copley’s on Palm Canyon, King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Las Casuelas Terraza, Spencer’s and Tinto at The Saguaro Palm Springs.

Prices for the Uncorked event range between $45-$85 per person. Space fills up quickly, so reservations are highly recommended. For more information on Uncorked and other events, visit the Palm Springs Restaurant Week website.

On Thursday, May 30 from 7:30 to 9 pm, the Concerts in the Park series continues with a very cool U2 Tribute Band, L.A.vation. Located at the popular Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater, this concert series is the perfect way to enjoy live music under the stars with family and friends. Sponsored by the City of Palm Desert, the event is free to the public.

Click here to view some inspiring listings of Indio real estate.

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Palm Springs Restaurant Week

Palm Springs Restaurant Week

Palm Springs Restaurant WeekIt’s a favorite time of year here in Palm Springs—from May 31 through June 16, the much awaited 2013 Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week will take place. Foodies will flock from all over the state to experience some of the best restaurants in the Coachella Valley. If you’ve been considering La Quinta real estate, luxury properties in Indian Wells or equestrian homes in another of the bucolic desert cities, then this is the perfect time to visit.

This exciting culinary festival actually spans 10 days, which provides the opportunity to showcase over 100 restaurants, hotels and attractions throughout the entire region, from Palm Springs to Indio. The seasoned chefs at these fine area restaurants prepare delicious three courses meals, featuring several options for each course, at reasonable prices of either $26 or $38. This gives attendees the chance to survey all the menus to decide which appeals to them most and then try new restaurants or new dishes at their favorites. However, attendees are not limited to the special fixed price menus, as some restaurants will serve their regular menus as well. If you’re spending the day looking at equestrian homes or properties in Indian Wells, you can finish it off with an amazing meal in a relaxing yet festive atmosphere.

To attend Palm Springs Restaurant Week, diners simply need to visit a participating restaurant; no tickets, passes or coupons are required. However, attendees are strongly encouraged to make reservations in advance as there is no guarantee that walk-in guests can be accommodated. To make a reservation, contact the restaurants directly or use the OpenTable.com links on the Restaurant Week website. In addition, several area hotels and attractions are offering with special discounted rates to enrich the entire experience. A list of participating businesses can also be found on the website.

Restaurant Week is yet another amenity of living in Palm Springs Valley; if you don’t live here already, you’ll be inspired to when you visit during this time of year. If you’re already feeling the inspiration, click here to browse La Quinta real estate listings.

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Flowers, Sangria and a tribute to Liberace

Flowers, Sangria and a tribute to Liberace
Memorial Day Flower Drop

The Memorial Day Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum

We have a lot of exciting things going on this Memorial Day weekend. If you’re interested in checking out Palm Springs homes for sale, then this may is the perfect weekend to do so!

On Friday, May 24 at the JJ&A Pop Up Gallery, there will be an evening of Exposed Soul, Live Art, Jazz and Sangria, featuring live art from Demar Douglas, along with works by Jeff Ingram and Chris Redman, accompanied by some lovely Jazz. The event will featuring works by Tyree Jessie, sculptures by Snake Jagger and some awesome Sangria! 20 percent of all sales will be donated to the Desert Aids Project. The show runs from 6 to 9 pm and the gallery is located in Palm Springs at 687 North Palm Canyon, Suite A on the first floor.

On Saturday, May 25, the legendary band, The Guess Who, will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino from 8 to 10 pm.

On Sunday, May 26, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Abrams Sings Abrams: Jan Abrams Sings The Victor Abrams Songbook at the Arthur Newman Theatre.
from 2 to 4 pm. Also on Sunday, May 26, from 6 to 8 pm, there will be A Palm Springs Tribute to Liberace, a fun-filled evening and party at the location of Behind the Candelabra in Palm Springs, with special guest star actress and longtime friend of Liberace, Debbie Reynolds.

On Monday, May 27, a favorite of residents and those who own homes in Palm Desert takes place—the Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This very special memorial includes a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell. The Memorial Program and Flower Drop are scheduled for 1 pm.

Click here to get a head start on your search by browsing listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.

image: nbclosangeles.com 

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3 Real estate tips for this year—Part 1

3 Real estate tips for this year—Part 1

Homes for saleYou may have read or heard by now that the real estate market is finally thawing. The international real estate market is definitely heating up, and with fewer distressed properties in the system, vacancy rates are falling and demand is slowly starting catching up with supply, which may lead to a rise in prices.

We’ve seen demand continue in the Palm Desert real estate market, and there’s currently no indication of it slowing down. If your interest is piqued, whether you’re a buyer or seller, this series is perfect for you—we’ll share tips for making the most of the real estate market during the rest of this year. Here are a few to get you started.

Tip 1: Vet your team. One of the most important players on your team will be your real estate agent or realtor, followed by your attorney, inspector, appraiser and title company. Get referrals, look them up on websites that provide reviews of their services, and check references. You may even want to go as far as to look them up on the Better Business Bureau website, especially if you’re in the international real estate market and have few, if any, local contacts in the area you’re looking to buy or sell in. Do your research thoroughly.

Tip 2: Get some marketing savvy. If you’re selling, make sure to give your agent free reign to market your property in a wide array of venues and give them stellar materials to work with. Take great photos, and take lots of them—hit every angle you can with a quality camera and get creative. If you have a gorgeous piece of Palm Desert real estate you’re trying to sell, make sure to use the landscape as a setting to appeal to those looking for a luxurious, relaxing lifestyle. If the real estate professional you hire wants to use Twitter, Facebook or any other social networking sites to market your house, by all means, let them.  If you’re a buyer, seek out nontraditional ways of finding properties as well as the mainstream outlets so that you can maximize your options and get as much knowledge about the market as possible.

Tip 3. Make a good impression. The majority of buyers start their search online, so make sure your property is represented in its best light and so that it’s most appealing features are highlighted (use the methods described in tip 2). You may even want to take it a step further and hire a professional photographer to create an upscale and attractive presentation, as well as one that is accurate. If you’re a buyer, don’t skim the listings while multitasking—sit down and spend some quality time checking listings out thoroughly. Your time isn’t lost even if you decide not to check out a property in person—you’ll gain solid knowledge of what you can get for the money and will learn what your deal breakers are.

Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

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Memorial Day Weekend in Palm Springs

Memorial Day Weekend in Palm Springs
The Steve Miller Band

The Steve Miller Band performs at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino this weekend

Are you in town browsing homes for that luxury international real estate purchase you’ve been dreaming about? Or just visiting for a desert vacation? Even if you own real estate in La Quinta or another desert city and live here year ‘round, this weekend will feel like an amazing vacation with so many fun things to do. Start planning your weekend now so that you can relax and enjoy when it gets here.

On Thursday, May 23, The Concerts in the Park series will continue with a dynamic performance by Upstream, which will feature calypso music, dancing and fire eating. It doesn’t get more exciting than that! The concert takes place from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. Those who own real estate in La Quinta and other nearby cities flock to this park to enjoy its four baseball fields, six tennis courts, amphitheater, skate park, dog park, four volleyball and three basketball courts.

On Friday, May 24 and Saturday May 25, The Carnival of the Animals will take place at the Annenberg Theater. Adapted by Karl Killefer, this unique and exhilarating performance is inspired by Camille Saint-Saens’s 1886 classical composition and provides a narrative arc for CK Dance Company’s Choreographers. For more info, visit The Palm Spring Museum’s website.

When it comes to music, there will be some epic live performances this weekend. On Friday, May 24, the legendary American rock stars, the Steve Miller Band, will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. The concert takes place from 9 – 11 pm. On Saturday, May 25 from 8 – 10 pm, American rock and blues singer Greg Allman will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino.

Click here to view listings of gorgeous homes that will be ideal choices for your luxury international real estate purchase.

image: exhibits.denverartmuseum.org

 

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3 improvements to help you sell your home

3 improvements to help you sell your home
Window treatments

Window treatments make a huge difference

If you’re getting in the mindset to sell your property in Palm Springs, than its most likely the perfect time to make some minor improvements that can translate to some major interest and a bigger price tag. You don’t have to thing big either. Here are a few recommendations for improvements that prove popular with many sellers, whether they’re listing a beach condo, a downtown loft or a gorgeous piece of Indio real estate.

Make sure the entry is welcoming. The door is going to make the first impression as potential buyers enter your home. Your goal is to make the exterior as welcoming as the interior. With that in mind, step outside and assess the welcome factor for yourself. Make sure everything is sparkling clean and that all glass is shiny and pristine. Polish or replace any dodgy hardware, and if the paint is peeling or decrepit, re-paint it! Add a nice welcome mat and some planters to make a strong first impression.

Make over the closets. This is an easy repair that you can do yourself by simply purchasing closet systems. This will also help you with planning your move—hopefully, to another beautiful property in Palm Springs. When a closet is filled to the brim and clothes are stuffed inside, it makes everything look smaller. Start the decluttering process now and use these systems to make the most of the space. It will make the entire closet seem larger and any clothes horses who may be interested in your house will take a strong liking to what appears to be an easy to organize, spacious closet.

Update window treatments. If the windows are in shabby shape, they will do nothing to help you sell your house. Evaluate all of your curtains, shades and blinds to make sure everything is fresh and new.  Check for bent blinds, any torn fabric and dirt. If necessary, replace anything that is outdated—window treatments are such an easy fix, and the last thing you want to stand in the way of the sale of your beautiful Indio real estate.

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What to know about maintaining equestrian homes

What to know about maintaining equestrian homes

Equestrian propertiesBuying equestrian homes can be a daunting project for many, especially the first time around. There are myriad maintenance issues to consider, even when it comes to the best designed ranches and properties.  Normal maintenance will definitely be a chore, and especially when the property has any strange characteristics.

If you already own horses, you know that it is a substantial financial commitment and one that requires a great deal of time. The same goes for owning equestrian homes, whether you’ve found the perfect piece of real estate in Rancho Mirage or La Quinta, or a property in Santa Barbara.

Every task performed at a stable will be required of those owning a property where horses are kept. Horses require exercise on a daily basis, and even more so for those confined in paddocks and stables the majority of the time. In addition to exercising horses, the paddocks should always be free of trash and debris, especially broken glass. Fences always need to be in a perfect state to prevent horses from getting injured, and stable bedding must be changed daily. Unfortunately, droppings must always be removed to prevent flies and worm infestation.  Tack should be properly cleaned and horses should be groomed after each ride. In addition, it’s typically normal for a horse owner to check the paddock twice a day to make sure horses have clean water and adequate feed, and that they are safely in the stable.

When you are planning your visits to check out real estate in Rancho Mirage or another prime area for equestrian properties, make sure to consider all the maintenance aspects. Think about equipment storage, irrigation, manure disposal, and obviously the amount of space when you visit a potential property or are already in the planning stages.

Click here to browse listings of some extraordinary equestrian homes.

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Music, a swim and a wildflower wonderland

Music, a swim and a wildflower wonderland
Joshua Tree Music Festival

The Joshua Tree Music Festival

There is so much to do this weekend! Locals and tourists who are thinking about making a move in international real estate have a slate of fun activities in store for them, whether they’re outdoor lovers, music aficionados or fans of cabaret.

From Friday May 17 through May19, the Joshua Tree Music Festival will take place at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground. Two Joshua Tree Music Festivals are produced annually by a family of friends who strive to enrich life with music in an intimate setting, where the distinction between the artists and the audience is blurred. This unique festival is absolutely unforgettable! Visit JoshuaTreeMusicFestival.com for more information.

On Saturday, May 18, from 8 am – 2:30 pm, the National Monument Visitor Center will be the starting point for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Wildflower Wonderland Walk, a moderate five mile trek through chaparral and Pinyon Pine/Juniper woodland. RSVPs are required. For more information, call 760.862.9984.

Also on Saturday, the magnificent Palm Desert Aquatic Center will host its Swim to Win event, with swim lessons taught by Olympic Champions. It’s perfect for the entire family, and a favorite among those who live in or own homes in Palm Desert. Participants can join the water safety event, ride a water slide or dive off a high dive and get an autograph from an Olympic medalist! This event will be very exciting for tourists and visitors considering international real estate transactions in Palm Springs. Hours of the event are 9 am to 5 pm.

Saturday night, Il Divo, a cosmopolitan quartet of pop/opera crossover singers formed by reality TV start Simon Cowell, will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino from 8 to 10 pm. The venue is located at 84-825 Indio Springs Parkway in Indio.

Las but not least, on Sunday, Sunday, May 19 from 2-4 pm, the Sundays in Sumer Cabaret Series 2013 will continue with Gia Morra in I Won’t Dance at the Arthur Newman Theatre. Ms. Morra will explore music film and Broadway with Musical director Charlie Barnett.

If these events get you excited about what a Palm Springs lifestyle has to offer, click here to find listings of homes in Palm Desert.

image: sean naugle at joshuatreemusicfestival.com  

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