Take it from our Palm Springs area short sale expert, as sweet as a short sale deal can be, there are some common mistakes that many buyers make, no matter how many warnings you give them. While discounted foreclosures can change the game on your hunt for a dream house, there are some potentially expensive items to look out for and seriously consider.
Read on for three of the most common short sale mistakes that our Palm Springs area short sale expert warns against.
- Bypassing the home inspection. This is one of the most important things you can do on both a foreclosed or short sale property. Hire a seasoned home inspector with good references and local expertise to examine the property you are considering buying. Ask lots of questions, and whenever the inspector finds a problem or issue, ask what they think the repair may cost. Then go home and do some research online and even call local repair specialists to get quotes. It’s very easy to underestimate how much repairs can cost. Keep in mind that, with short sales, some prospective buyers hire a home inspector before they even make an offer.
- Ignoring damage. If you notice large scale issues, such as leaks in the roof, sloping floors or cracks in the walls around doors and windows, you may need to hire a structural engineer to come in and do an assessment and make recommendations on what is imperative to repair. Issues such as termite damage or mold can end up being extremely costly and even dangerous to the health of your family. Spare no expense to determine if the home you are looking at is at risk for these issues.
- Ignoring property issues. Most of the time, those who have had their property foreclosed are very upset and frustrated about their situation. Unfortunately, some of these former owners unleash their anger on the property and actually spend time destroying aspects of the home. On the flip side, if a property has been abandoned for a time period, there could be issues of neglect, or worse, squatters living on the property for months on end, causing damage that no one has any knowledge about and creating filthy conditions that may be difficult to clean up. Again, this is where hiring professionals to evaluate the property can truly save you money in the long run.
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Buying equestrian homes can be daunting, especially for first time buyers. Potential buyers should arm themselves with information via research and advice from experts such as real estate professionals. As with purchase of any property, from Rancho Mirage real estate and Indio homes to beach condos and downtown lofts, buyers must find something that fulfills all their needs and most of their wants, while falling within their budget.
Here are three things to give serious consideration when you’re searching for equestrian properties:
The Surrounding Areas. When searching for equestrian homes, it’s very important to find out about the neighborhood you’re considering. See if there are other horse properties or stables in close proximity, and talk to any horse owners who live nearby. Your real estate professional will have information about the area as well. If there are no other horse properties in the vicinity, even if there is enough space for horses, your neighbors many not be happy about dealing with some of the issues associated with the maintenance.
The land. It’s important to evaluate the soil types and vegetation on the properties you’re considering. Assess the property’s overall condition—check out the native trees, flora and fauna to see how well the property has been maintained and how good the soil is. Look for the type of soil that drains well and isn’t rocky to make a good pasture for your horses.
Access. Another important aspect to consider is how easy it is to access the stables. You’ll want to make sure the driveways have enough space for you to drive a trailer, delivery trucks and any other large vehicles. It’s also essential to be close to some trails so that you can enjoy your horses and ensure that they get adequate exercise.
Click here if you’re interested in checking out real estate in Rancho Mirage or other areas in the desert cities that accommodate horses.
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Morningside Country Club
If you’re searching for real estate in Rancho Mirage, a spot you will definitely want to consider is the exclusive and beautiful Morningside Country Club. The community is comprised of 363 luxury homes that are situated on 165 acres of lush, impeccably manicured landscape. Located at 39033 Morningside Drive in Rancho Mirage, the Morningside Country Club is in the heart of Rancho Mirage, with incredible access to all of the other desert cities.
The club provides an incredibly luxe setting for its residents, along with the highly desired benefits of equity club membership. Morningside’s membership roster includes former presidents, industry moguls, professional athletes and renowned artists, among other notable members. The Homeowner’s Association offers an array of services that is rare among private communities, ranging from a perimeter security system, 24 hour per day patrol and an advanced technological Security Command Center, to an onsite handyman, 24 hour concierge shuttle services and a homeowner preferred vendor referral program.
Many buyers seek real estate in Rancho Mirage for the golf amenities the area is renowned for. The Morningside Country Club features The Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, located on 140 sprawling acres of immaculate greens and 20 acres of lakes, amidst breathtaking views. Illuminated at night, the course is a spectacle to behold. This course is one of the only nine area clubs that feature bentgrass greens, of which there is no finer putting surface. The flowerbeds set this course apart from any other—every fall, 250,000 individual flowers are planted on the course, creating spectacular displays that are often used as backdrops for magazine and television ads. The Morningside clubhouse sets itself apart from others as well, with beautiful details including Italian marble, rustic river rock and polished brass.
In addition, The Club at Morningside boasts an active social calendar, new age fitness center, fine dining and amazing tennis facilities that include one clay court and five hard surface courts.
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School’s out, the snowbirds are gone and there are lots of fun ways to enjoy the rest of your week here in the Coachella Valley. If you’re in town on vacation, live here year round or are looking at homes for sale in Indio, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta or one of the other picturesque desert cities, you have a diverse array of options when it comes to entertainment this weekend.
On Wednesday, June 25 from 6 to 8:30 pm, Mario’s Italian Café will host Paint, Sip & Inspire, a fun way to learn how to paint and create your own beautiful masterpiece. Paint, Sip & Inspire brings painting supplies and instruction to locations all around town, and will even come to your home or corporate event. It’s a great way to have fun with friends and family while creating something special. Mario’s Italian Café is located at 73-155 Highway 111 in Palm Desert.
The Coachella Valley Repertory will present a dynamic, cabaret-style performance this weekend called Laughter, Love & Lunacy. The innovative concert will feature “songs you can or can’t take seriously. The performance takes place at The Attrium in Rancho Mirage, located at 69930 Highway 111 in Suite 116. Show times are Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 from 7 to 9 pm, Sunday, June 29 from 2 to 4 pm.
On Saturday, June 28 from noon to 2 pm and 3 to 5 pm, the Annenberg Theater presents an exciting event for all ages to enjoy: The Super Scientific Circus. An array of fun effects including ultraviolet light, sonic booms, aerodynamics, boomerangs, bull whips, beach balls and bubbles will show just how fun science can be. Located at 101 North Museum Drive in Palm Springs, the Annenberg Theater is a must-see for anyone contemplating homes for sale in Indio, La Quinta or any of the other desert cities.
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The first half of 2014 has seen a lot of real estate sales—and according to our local Palm Springs area short sale expert, the valley has seen many as well. What’s happening throughout the country is that a lot of buyers are purchasing homes at depressed price levels. According to the National Association of Realtors, short sale transactions made up between 45 and 50 percent of all home sales during February of this year.
While it sounds exciting and like something you can’t afford to miss, it’s important to be very careful while navigating a short sale, as they can be trickier than a normal home purchase. Often times, due to the common occurrence of complications, short sales can take longer than other transactions to close. If you are looking for homes in the Coachella Valley, a Palm Springs area short sale expert will be instrumental in the process and can make it much less stressful.
A short sale is when a home is sold for less than the amount of money owed on it. It’s often confused with a foreclosure, which is when you buy a property that is owned by the bank. As you can imagine, this can be an amazing deal for buyers. It can also help sellers avoid having a full foreclosure on their record. It can be tricky, however, as the lenders involved will need to approve the deal—and they will be taking less than the total amount that the owner needs to pay off their mortgage. In the flip side, if they don’t agree, they may receive no payment at all. Yet many times short sales move slower than molasses and can fall through altogether.
Finding a great short sale deal can take a lot of patience, luck and the help of a real estate professional with expertise in short sales. For best results, do your research and keep your eyes wide open.
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If you’re in the market for homes for sale in Indian Wells, a wonderful community to check out is the Desert Horizons Country Club. Centrally located in the heart of Indian Wells, this beautiful country club is in close proximity to all of the cities of the Palm Springs Valley—just minutes away from everything the entire region has to offer.
Homes for sale in Indian Wells are in high demand—and for many reasons. The beautiful town is minutes away from wide-ranging array of fine dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and first class spa services. The Desert Horizons Country Club provides all of the exclusivity and amenities that so many buyers look for when they seek Palm Springs real estate, from world class golf and recreational activities to high-end cuisine and impeccable services.
Located across 300 sprawling acres of picturesque desert landscape, the 510 homes within the development were built in several phases over a period of 18 years. The low density community won the Best Low Density Resident Development in the West by the Pacific Coast Builder Conference. The private equity Club features incredible amenities such as a 40,000 square foot clubhouse with an active social calendar, a brand new fitness center, 20 community pools with spas and five night-lit tennis courts, all amidst a tranquil atmosphere.
One of the major highlights of this amazing community is the championship 18-hole golf course designed by world renowned course architect, Ted Robinson Sr. The classic Robinson course, which first opened in 1979, features lush, impeccably manicured fairways and bunkers lurking around many of the greens. Many of the greens are elevated and have upslopes that require careful navigation, providing challenging play to all levels of players.
In addition, the Desert Horizons Country Club is in close proximity to all of the amenities of the desert cities, from the state-of-the-art Indian Wells Tennis Garden and the chic El Paseo Shopping District, to the myriad world class golf course and resort amenities throughout the Palm Springs Valley.
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The Adventures of Bella and Harry production is perfect for the whole family to enjoy
If you want to invest in the international real estate market and are considering Palm Springs, this is a great weekend to explore the area and witness the exciting arts and entertainment community firsthand. Come enjoy the longest day of the year in the beauty of the Coachella Valley and catch some vibrant performances at some of our favorite local venues.
On Friday, June 20 from 3 to 5 pm, the popular McCallum Theatre will feature the Dana Leong Trio featuring Core Rhythm. Musician Dana Leong is the McCallum Theatre Institute’s 2014 Summer Session Festival Composer and her trio is renowned for its pioneering and eclectic musical styles from wide-ranging eras. The popular act was featured at the Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City and the Sleepless Night Miami Beach Festival, and recently sold out the Vladivostok International Jazz Festival in Russia.
On Saturday, June 21 the Annenberg Theater will host The Adventures of Bella and Harry, a chihuahua duo that comes to life in this musical journey through London that is based on the educational series for children. Shows will take place from 12 to 2 pm and 3 to 5 pm.
Visitors from all over, including those in Palm Springs who are considering investing in the international real estate market, will know and appreciate this pair’s appearance—the world famous Wayans Brothers will share their comedic talents at the Fantasy Springs Casino from 8 to 10 pm on Saturday.
On Sunday, June 22 from 2 to 4 pm Christine Deaver in: “Showgirl” will take place at the Arthur Newman Theatre. This innovative Euro-style production blends circus acts, improve, music, comedy and cabaret by the 10 year veteran star of the San Francisco smash hit “Teatro ZinZanni“. Seattle’s David Duvall is the Music Director of this exciting show.
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Just when you thought things would slow down in Palm Springs, the vibrant cultural community is bringing an exciting slate of things to do this week. If you’re in town to view luxury homes in Palm Springs or just to take a relaxing vacation, there are some exciting ways to spend your downtime. Read on for a few ideas for making the best of your week.
On Monday, June 16, the McCallum Theatre will host Incandescent performed by Backhausdance from 3 to 5 pm. This unique performance is part of the McCallum Theatre Institute’s 2014 Summer Session Festival. Music featured in this dynamic expression of movement includes the sounds of Florence + the Machine, Andrew Bird, A Silver Mt. Zion and Devotchka. Choreography is by Jennifer Backhaus.
One of the exciting aspects of living in the area are the myriad film festivals that take place each year. Starting Tuesday, June 17 and running through Monday, June 23, is the Palm Springs International Short Film Fest. The event internationally renowned for the extraordinary projects it attracts—more than 300 short films from over 50 countries across the globe are screened at this exciting festival. Attendance is a must for those who are interested in luxury homes in Palm Springs, as this unique film event gives visitors an excellent glimpse of the incredible entertainment community in the area. Screenings take place at the Camelot Theatres.
On Wednesday, June 18, McCallum Theatre Institute’s 2014 Summer Session Festival continues with Walking the Tightrope performed by 24th Street Theatre. Created by Los Angeles’ award-winning 24th Street Theatre, this Critic’s Choice production show uses a magical clown, high-profile video projections and a whimsical set to tells the story of how a grandfather and granddaughter build a relationship once grandma is gone. The performance takes place from 3 to 5 pm.
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One of the best parts about owning homes in Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage or other parts of Palm Springs is the many opportunities to enjoy the incredible weather and remarkable landscape that the Coachella Valley is so famous for. This weekend is the perfect example—the 10th Annual Lavender Festival will be in full effect June 14-15 and 21-22.
The Lavender Festival takes place at the Highland Springs Resort, a 2400-acre historic landmark located in the Southern California region known as the San Gorgonio Pass. The event is a celebration to kick off the lavender harvest season and enjoy the beautiful weather of the area. Guests can participate in an array of family-friendly activities, such as arts and crafts, horsehoe tosses, a petting zoo and croquet. Visitors can also stroll through winding pathways among the organic lavender fields and take guided tours in horse-drawn wagons. There will be live music on a concert stage, an organic marketplace and lavender-inspired food and beverages available, including lavender ice cream and lemonade. In addition, visitors can attend a distillation demonstration to see how lavender is grown, harvested and processed, and discover how essential oil is extracted from the multifaceted herb.
The Highland Springs Resort is located at 10600 Highland Springs Avenue in Cherry Valley. The historic landmark is a must-see for anyone considering buying homes in Indian Wells or other parts of the Coachella Valley. Originally a stagecoach stop along the Bradshaw Trail during the mid-1800s, the facility was later purchased by Fred and William Hirsch and transformed into a health resort in 1927. The Highland Springs Resort continues to focus on a healthy living, and at present, functions as a healthy sanctuary for all ages.
The Lavender Festival is open from 10 am to 6 pm each day. Parking is free. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and free for children under age 12.
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Performers from the Jest in Time Circus
Whether you live here year round, are on vacation or are viewing homes for sale in Palm Desert, there are many great ways to enjoy the beautiful weather and kick off the summer. This weekend features diverse music performances, live theater and a circus event. Read on for the full lineup.
On Friday, June 13, the legendary Gladys Knight performs at the Morongo Casino from 9 to 11 pm. Known as the “Empress of Soul,” Ms. Knight is a seven-time Grammy Award-winner, well-known for music recorded with her band, Gladys Knight & the Pips for Motown Records, such as the classic “Midnight Train to Georgia.” The Morongo Casino is located at 49500 Seminole Drive in Cabazon.
On Saturday, June 14, the Annenberg Theater will host a live performance of the Jest in Time Circus from noon to 2 pm and again from 3 to 5 pm. Acclaimed performers Topper Todd and Li Lil Zucchini bring a self-contained show under their own “big top,” that entertains children of all ages across the globe. The Annenberg Theater is located at the Palm Springs Art Museum, an absolute must-see for those considering homes for sale in Palm Desert and other cities in the Palm Springs Valley.
On Saturday night from 7 to 9 pm, the Art Laboe Summer Love Jam III will take place at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino, located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive. From 8 to 10 pm, Robert Tapia will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino, located at 42600 Harrison Place in Coachella. On Sunday, June 15 from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre features Joanne Lapointe in: “Dis-FUN-ctional“, a hilarious journey through mid-age. The Arthur Newman Theatre is located at 73-750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert.
Check out tomorrow’s blog post about the 10th Annual Lavender Festival, which will also take place this weekend.
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Take it from our Palm Springs area short sale expert, as sweet as a short sale deal can be, there are some common mistakes that many buyers make, no matter how many warnings you give them. While discounted foreclosures can change the game on your hunt for a dream house, there are some potentially expensive items to look out for and seriously consider.
