This weekend brings more eclectic fun for all ages to enjoy, especially visitors and those in town to look at Indian Wells real estate or homes in other parts of Palm Springs. Jazz lovers, art aficionados and those who relish the great outdoors all have some very cool activities to choose from over the next few days.
On Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1, the 25h Annual Coachella Valley Watercolor Society’s Members’ Art Show & Sale will take place at the Classic Club Clubhouse from 10 am to 5 pm. Browse, buy and simply enjoy a wide variety of watercolor paintings at this unique event. Admission is free and there will be artist demonstrations at 11am and 2 pm.
On Friday, from 7 to 9 pm Pete Carlson’s Jazz for Jazz Lovers: Denny Zeitlin: Solo Piano will take place at Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis, with jazz great Denny Zeitlin performing. Zeiltin has recorded more than 30 albums and worked with legends such as Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Tony Williams, Pat Metheny and Bobby Hutcherson.
On Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2, the Desert Arts Festival will be in full swing at Frances Stevens Park. Also on both days, the Desert Triathlon and Duathlon will take place at Lake Cahuilla Park. From 9 am to noon, the Walk To End Alzheimer’s will be happening at the popular Palm Desert Civic Center Park, an absolutely must-see for buyers interested in purchasing Palm Desert, La Quinta or Indian Wells real estate.
On Saturday from 9 pm to 4 pm, the National Monument Visitor Center will host the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival. The event includes nature walks and guided tours, as well as workshops, raffles, plein-air painting, kids’ activities, a wine and beer garden and more.
image: dianemorganpaints.blogspot.com
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When you own Rancho Mirage real estate or a homes in another one of the desert cities, you can always count on something cool going on to occupy your downtime. Check out the weekend lineup for fun things to do whether you’re a local, visiting friends or in town to look at international real estate.
On Friday, February 28, the Palm Canyon Theatre will begin hosting a run of the popular musical, 9 to 5. The show will take place through Sunday, March 9. Also on Friday, The 39 Steps will begin its run at the renowned Annenberg Theater. This 2-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning production features more than 150 zany characters played by a tremendously talented cast of 4. The show will also run through Sunday, March 9.
The gem of Palm Desert, the McCallum Theatre, will host Hello, Dolly! from Friday through Sunday, March 2. This version of the Broadway classic stars Emmy-award winner Sally Struthers (All In the Family, Gilmore Girls) as the strong-willed matchmaker Dolly Levi. The production features classic songs including “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” and “It Only Takes A Moment.” Attending one of these shows is the perfect way for those in town for vacation or to look at Rancho Mirage real estate to get a taste of the arts community here in the Coachella Valley.
From Friday, February 28 through Saturday, March 1, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa will host Canada Fest 2014. This is the second annual event honoring Canada in the Coachella Valley, and has been deemed an excellent resource fair for Canadians and snowbirds— if you’re in town from Canada to look at international real estate in Palm Springs, this festival will be an excellent fit.
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When it comes to Rancho Mirage real estate, the Ivy League Estates is a prime example of the lifestyle that so many move to Palm Springs to enjoy. This private, gated community is well established and exclusive, yet ideally situated so that residents can easily enjoy the many amenities of living in the Palm Springs Valley.
Ivy League Estates is located in central Rancho Mirage, one of the most desirable locations possible, with entry right off of Bob Hope Drive on Follansbee. The Mediterranean-themed community boasts lots that are nearly one half acre in size, yielding incredible privacy and gorgeous panoramic views of the beautiful mountain ranges and the development’s lush landscaping. The lots feature private yards to provide respite for the owners of the classy, single family residences of this serene community.
The owners of this hidden gem of Rancho Mirage real estate range from seasonal visitors and those who own vacation homes to a myriad of year round residents. A three bedroom, three and a half bathroom floor plan typically features an array of upgrades such as three-car garages, double door entry, 12′ coiffured ceilings, surround sound, and gourmet kitchens with slab granite counters, among many other cool amenities.
For golfers, the Rancho Mirage Country Club is in close proximity, and there is a bevy of other public courses and world class facilities that are just a short drive away. Tennis aficionados can reach the world famous Indian Wells Tennis Garden quickly and easily, and there are tons of dining and shopping options at the nearby River Shopping Center, the chic El Paseo Boulevard and the desert’s plethora of designer outlets. In addition, the Eisenhower Medical Center is just five minutes away and there are many resorts in the area that feature first class spa services for those who enjoy pampering themselves.
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It’s not just about golf in Palm Springs—The BNP Paribas Open, which is the most-attended WTA Premier and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tennis tournament in the world, will kick off on Monday, March 3 and last through Sunday, March16. It’s an exciting event for Palm Springs locals, owners of Indian Wells real estate and visitors alike—as well as for those in town to look at investment opportunities for the international real estate market.
The event is held each year at the one of the world’s premier venues for championship tennis: The Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This gorgeous, 89-acre facility is a must-see for tennis lovers who are considering Indian Wells real estate—the 16,100-seat, state-of-the-art stadium is the second largest in the world, and there are seven other match courts that span the 54 acres of lush landscape. The beautiful stadium boasts 22 courts in total, and is the host site for the annual Indian Wells Arts Festival and many USTA and collegiate events, as well as a venue for wide-ranging musical artists such as The Who, The Eagles, Luciano Pavarotti, Bocelli, the Boston Pops and Tom Petty, among others. In addition, tennis aficionados can purchase a year-round tennis club membership.
Attendees of the BNP Paribas will be able to enjoy the warm weather and blue skies for the event, which promises lots of action and excitement, such as the sold-out McEnroe Challenge, featuring tennis legends such as Peter Fleming, Jim Courier, Rick Leach, and of course, John McEnroe. While the event is sold out, attendees without tickets to the McEnroe Challenge will be able to watch the match on monitors throughout the venue, including the 60-foot video wall outside the main stadium.
Based on ticket demand, projected attendance will be around 420,000, which tops last year’s record of 382,227. With the new Stadium Two and bevy of new amenities, tournament officials and staff at the Indians Wells Tennis Garden expect spectators to be dazzled, whether they’re local tennis fans or visitors from abroad in town to look at investment opportunities for the international real estate market.
image: bnpparibasopen.com
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This week is kicking off strong with a wide range of performances that will enthrall music lovers who are in town to visit friends and loved ones or who are here to look at La Quinta homes for sale. The gamut of sounds will be represented over the next few days.
On Monday, February 24 from 8 to 10 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host the “Tribute to Glenn Miller and the Vocal Groups Featuring the Tex Beneke Orchestra,” in honor of the country’s greatest bandleader, the one and only Glenn Miller. The performance features special guests The Four Aces and Mary Lou Metzger. The McCallum Theatre is a favorite of everyone who owns Palm Desert real estate and lives in the area—and this is an event you won’t want to miss.
On Tuesday, February 25 from 7 to 9 pm, the St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church will host Canadian pianist and organist duo, Duo Majoya, in a concert to remember. Presented by Desert Friends of Music, husband and wife duo, Marnie Giesbrecht and Joachim Segger, will perform an eclectic and innovative in a broad range of original, commissioned and arranged works. There will be a champagne reception directly afterwards. Admission is $20 at the door.
Also on Tuesday, the McCallum Theatre will feature a screening of the classic film, The Graduate. It’s the perfect way to take a break from your work week or to relax after looking at Palm Desert real estate in the area. The screening takes place from 8 to 10 pm.
On Wednesday, February 26, the Indio Performing Arts Center (IPAC) kicks off its run of Country Queens. This will be Bethany’s second season, back by popular demand, of her memorable country music and comedy themed voice impressions that pay tribute to all the classic greats, from Dolly Parton and Minnie Pearl to Kitty Wells, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire and Gretchen Wilson.
Click here to view listings of La Quinta homes for sale.
image: dvdtalk.com
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If you’re in town to look at Indian Wells real estate or luxury international real estate properties, you could not have picked a more perfect weekend. Palm Springs has an eclectic array of activities in store that will suit even the most diverse of tastes.
All weekend long, from Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23, the College of the Desert will host Laugh Lines’ Comedic One-Acts to Die For, a hilarious production of charming, off-the-wall acts from the likes of playwrights such as Christopher Durang, David Ives, Shel Silverstein and Seth Kramer. Also going on all weekend is McCormick’s Classic Car Auction at the Spa Resort Casino located at 401 E Amado Road in downtown Palm Springs.
On Friday, from 5 to 7 pm, there will be a tour like no other: The Coachella Valley History Museum Presents: Ghostly Graveyard Tours. Come learn some of the real history of the desert cities—and listen to stories you won’t want to hear once the sun goes down. Guides in cool costumes will lead you by the light of a lantern through this unique, one-hour tour of the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery, where you will visit the graves of some of the region’s most influential former residents. It’s a must-see for those who are new to the area or are in town from abroad to view luxury international real estate properties.
On Friday from 8 to 10 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host Broadway legend Chita Rivera in a solo concert celebrating the actress, singer and dancer’s 80th birthday. Chita: A Legendary Celebration will recreate legendary moments from the two-time Tony Award winners amazing career, featuring songs from Chicago, West Side Story, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Rink and Bye, Bye Birdie, among other memorable musical numbers, including the sounds of Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Jerry Herman and Charles Strouse.
On Saturday, February 22 through Sunday, February 23, ARTWALK at the Wells will be in full swing at the Indian Wells Business Park. This innovative art show presented by West Coast Artists features hundreds of talented artists representing a diverse array of styles and works. This event is the perfect way for those who are interested in Indian Wells real estate to witness the town’s vibrant arts community firsthand.
image: heatherlacey.blogspot.com
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Horse property in Bermuda Dunes
When my clients, the buyers of this lovely estate, asked me to find them a home with several acres, near the center of the City, and not too far from the Polo Fields, I had to scour the East Valley. But..we got in to see this amazing property at 42605 Byron Pl, Bermuda Dunes, BEFORE it came on the market! We wrote immediately and 10 days later, my Seattle, Washington clients are working their magic on their new home.
If you are thinking of buying a home in the Palm Springs Valley, it really helps to have a detailed list of your “must-haves” We all come prepared to buy with a Wish List, but educated Buyers also know that they are going to have to compromise, (unless your budget is virtually unlimited!) The most important things to really be clear about..
1. Location. Which City in the Palm Springs Valley are you focused on?
2. Budget: Stick to it! Don’t out house yourself.
3. Bedroom count.
4. Gated or non-gated? Her in our Valley, this is a biggee as you don’t want to forget to budget in your HOA dues.
5. What do you like to do? Golf, Equestrian, Tennis, hiking, theatre, art, museums? Think about it.
Style of home, colors, layout..these can be altered, but LOCATION cannot.
If you’re looking to buy a home in the Palm Springs Valley, give me a call at 760-285-3578.
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It seems like it never dies down in Palm Springs—which is why so many people are on a quest to find La Quinta real estate and equestrian homes in the area. This week is a perfect example of the exciting community that makes up the desert cities—check out the lineup of what’s happening today, Thursday, February 20 and this evening.
The renowned Frank Sinatra Hearing Technologies Celebrity Invitational kicks off this morning and lasts through Saturday, February 22. Also known as “Frank’s Little Party in the Desert,” this fan-friendly celebrity golf tournament features two days of world class golf, three nights of unforgettable parties, an incredible luncheon and fashion show, as well as auctions and amazing live entertainment. The tournament is held at the Eagle Falls Golf Course, with special events taking place at the Fantasy Springs Casino, located at 84-245 Indio Springs Drive in Indio. Founded in 1988, this favorite event of local owners of La Quinta real estate and homes in the other desert cities is dedicated to the memory of Frank Sinatra and his music, and benefits the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower Medical Center.
For art fans, the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert is hosting a screening as part of the Palm Desert Art Documentary Series 2013-2014, called My Kid Could Paint That. The film tells the story of artist Marla Olmstead, a four year old who catapulted from obscurity to selling $300,000 worth of paintings and receiving international acclaim. Her journey was unique, however—the media accused her parents of exploiting her and posited that she didn’t paint the works herself, creating a unique controversy in the art world. The screening takes place from 6 to pm.
From 8 to 10 pm this evening, the McCallum Theatre will host a comedic performance of The Second City presented by Happily Ever Laughter, featuring music and on-the-spot improvisation. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day at work or a week of viewing equestrian homes in the area.
image: franksinatragolf.org
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Whether you’re in the market for international real estate, a beach cottage, condos or Palm Desert real estate, there are a few rules that you should never, ever break. While they aren’t actual “rules,” like there are with mortgages and some of the other financial aspects associated with buying a home, these are guidelines that should be looked at as best practices, especially for those who are new to the real estate game. Read on for three that we think are very important to keep in mind.
- Always work with a professional. Buying a home or international real estate is one of the most sizeable transactions you may ever make, and is something you will probably only do a few times in your lifetime. It’s essential to have a realtor or agent in your corner to help you navigate everything from negotiating with sellers and identifying the right neighborhoods for your family to getting through the closing process and finding local contractors. Working with a real estate professional can save you money in the long run.
- Don’t make an offer before you’re pre-approved. One of the first steps you should take, even before you actually start viewing homes, is to get pre-approved by a lender so you can determine what your budget truly is. They will evaluate your credit and financials to let you know the extent of your purchasing power, and can provide pre-approval letters for you to show sellers how qualified and serious you are about buying their Palm Desert real estate.
- Prepare to put down earnest money. It is usually required to put down a deposit when you make an offer—not a down payment, but an amount that is around one to two percent of the purchase price, though this number can vary, depending on the location. Coupled with pre-approval letters, this shows sellers how serious you are and vets you as a legitimate candidate.
image: cbc.ca
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Rancho Mirage real estate is in demand—and for a variety of reasons. There is access to upscale shopping, fine dining, a wide array of outdoor recreational activities, and a thriving arts and culture community. In fact, over the last decade, Rancho Mirage was named one of the best places to retire in America by the US News & World Report and other respected publications.
A premier example of Palm Springs real estate is the Waterford, a guard gated, 40-acre community located at the corner of Morningside Drive and Frank Sinatra, which provides unparalleled proximity to superb country clubs: The Springs Country Club, Morningside Country Club, Thunderbird Country Club, Tamarisk Country Club and Desert Island Golf Club. In addition, it’s within walking distance of the famed Annenberg Estate.
What sets Waterford apart from other Palm Springs real estate developments is the haven it offers its residents. A five-acre lake flows through the center of the community, providing small private islands and a serenity that is unrivalled in any other development, whether you choose a lakefront home or another location in Waterford. Lush, impeccably maintained landscapes that include more than 800 mature palm trees, stunning views and access to resort amenities make this community a dream location.
Waterford is made up of 61 single family homes built in 2001, nearly half of which are lakefront properties. The majority of homes are situated on estate-sized lots, many that are nearly half an acre, and range in size from 4,500 square feet to more than 6,000 square feet. Some homes have private pools, and there are community basketball courts, two lighted tennis courts, a small park and a putting green.
When it comes to Rancho Mirage real estate, few developments can compete with the elegance, privacy and luxury that the Waterford community provides its residents. It’s truly a sanctuary in the desert.
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This weekend brings more eclectic fun for all ages to enjoy, especially visitors and those in town to look at Indian Wells real estate or homes in other parts of Palm Springs. Jazz lovers, art aficionados and those who relish the great outdoors all have some very cool activities to choose from over the next few days.
