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 January 2015

HAFA Short Sale Rule Changes take place Feb. 1

la quinta short sale expert

HAFA short sales are MORE attractive!

If you are thinking of Short Selling your primary Residence and have a hardship that qualifies you, the HAFA short Sale process just got much more attractive!  The Banks WANT you to stay in your home and to keep it up!  That means keeping the utilities and HOA dues, if any, paid up and in  good standing.  Keep the property in decent condition, including pools and landscaping.

The BEST NEWS is that the Relocation fee to YOU, the Seller, has been increased from $3,000 to $10,000!!  That’s HUGE!  And if you have a 2nd lien against your property, the first is now able to pay the 2nd as much as $12,000 to get that lien released!

Think you may qualify for a La Quinta or Desert Area HAFA SHORT SALE?  Check out the HAFA GUIDELINES here.

If you think you may need help with a Short Sale, give me a call for your FREE consultation!

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High Desert Retreat on 15 acres $1,350,000

9574 Black Rock Cyn.  Yucca Valley, California

Looking for an equestrian property that’s right next to interesting trails to explore on your horse?  How about  an overnight Equestrian Camping experience?  Then throw in the proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, and this property may be worth a personal tour!!  This Pueblo style home is elevated high above the Yucca Valley desert, with spectacular VIEWS from almost every room  in the house.  15 acres of solace, peace, no electrical wires, traffic noises, nothing but birds, wild life,and PEACE.  Yet, only a short drive out the driveway, down the road to Hwy. 62, with all it’s shops, and modern conveniences.  What a special home, vacation property, possible B & B, Artists’ retreat, Boarding Stable or training Center..lots of possibilities.  Call me for your personal Tour today!

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3 House Hunting Tips

Tips for househuntingWhen you’re ready to view Indio homes for sale or invest in the international real estate market, there are a few strategies you can employ to make the entire process more productive and efficient. Follow these closely and you’re sure to find your dream house.

1. Do the math. Before you embark on this process, make sure that you’re truly ready to buy and determine a realistic budget. While the housing market is definitely on the upswing, it doesn’t mean you need to make a quick move. Pull your credit report and make sure everything is accurate and repair what you can so you get the best interest rates possible. Break down all of your monthly expenses and bills and create a practical budget that includes contingency plans and emergency funds. If it all still looks good, then you can begin your search with confidence.

2. Build a solid team. Make sure that you find a reliable team to work with, including a short sale realtor or agent, and an experienced attorney to guide you through the extensive and sometimes complicated paperwork. You’ll also need an inspector, appraiser and title company that you can trust. Ask friends and colleagues for referrals, check all references and search for reviews before you select the team. You may even want to look them up on the Better Business Bureau website. If you’re making an international real estate transaction, find an expert who has specific experience navigating them.

3. Keep your options open. Don’t rely solely on agents and brokers to find you the house of your dream. Put the word out that you’re in the market and tap into your social media sites to network. Search for properties and Indio homes for sale online—many real estate professionals have created customized websites with lots of searchable functionality.

Visit this link to browse listings of Indio homes for sale and real estate in other areas of the Palm Springs Valley.

image: elegyandirony.files.wordpress.com 

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Desert Horizons Country Club in Indian Wells

Desert Horizons Country Club in Indian Wells

Palm Springs homes for saleWhen it comes to Indian Wells real estate, the Desert Horizons Country Club is a dream come true for buyers looking to live in a world-class resort community. Residents enjoy one of the most amazing lifestyles imaginable, complete with panoramic views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, a central location, championship golf and access to fine cuisine and impeccable service. What more can you ask from homes for sale in Palm Springs?

A private equity club founded in 1980, Desert Horizons provides an unrivalled gated community with all the benefits of a financially sound location and a wide-ranging mix of award-winning home designs and architectural styles. The homes are privy to gorgeous views of the greenbelt, lake and wide fairway of the golf course. In addition, Desert Horizons is renowned as one of the safest places to live, with a 24 hour security staff and patrol.

What many buyers of homes for sale in Palm Springs look for is access to first-class amenities and an impeccable golf course—Desert Horizons has all that and more. The championship 18-hole course is designed by the world famous golf architect, Ted Robinson, and provides challenge for all levels. There are five night-lit tennis courts available for year-round play, personalized concierge services, a stellar fitness center with personal trainers available, and 5-star cuisine available at the Country Club, as well as exclusive live entertainment with dancing three nights a week.

What sets this community apart and makes it such a superb example of Indian Wells real estate is the low-density, intimate environment that leads to a close-knit membership that feels like family. With only 510 homes situated on 300 acres amongst more than 2000 stately palm trees, the Desert Horizons Country Club received the coveted award for Best Low Density Residential Development in the West by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference.

Click here to view some fabulous listings of Indian Wells real estate.

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3 Signs That You’re Ready to Buy

indian wells real estateAre you wondering if this is your year to buy real estate in the Palm Springs area? While it can seem like an overwhelming decision to make, there are some indicators that will shed significant light on whether you’re ready to make this kind of transaction. Read on for a few ways to determine if you’re ready to make a move.

1. You have substantial savings. Probably the biggest deterrent for most would-be buyers of homes for sale in Indian Wells and other areas is saving up for a down payment and the closing costs associated with a real estate purchase. Typically, a good down payment should be around 20 percent of the total cost of the property, though there are some mortgage lenders who will work with smaller amounts. Closing costs usually include points, financing costs, taxes, title insurance and other items. If you have a significant savings in place and can afford these fees, you are most likely ready to take the plunge.

2. Market familiarity. If you’ve been watching the Palm Springs real estate market for a while already, you probably have an idea of what homes cost in the neighborhoods you are looking in. This means you’ll have a realistic view of costs and which features to expect.

3. Your credit is in good shape. If you have a good credit score already, you’re in the perfect position to be looking at homes for sale in Indian Wells and the surrounding areas. It’s always important to check to make sure that the information on your credit report is all correct and that any negatives have been addressed. Lenders will evaluate your debt, your payment history and how many loans and credit card accounts you have open. If you’ve already checked with all three credit reporting companies, which include Experian, Equifax and Trans Union, then you’re ahead of the game.

Click through to view listings of homes for sale in Indian Wells and the other desert cities.

image credit: financeandcareer.com

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The Palm Springs International Film Festival

Palm Springs International Film FestivalOne of the most amazing events for Palm Springs Valley residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate is the world famous Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF). Founded in 1990 by former Mayor Sonny Bono, the festival is celebrating its 26h year with more than 200 films from over 60 countries, as well as special events and galas. One of the largest film festivals in North America, the PSIFF welcomes more than 135,000 attendees every year.

The PSIFF has a unique draw in that it presents most of the films under consideration in the Best Foreign Language category for the Academy Awards, in addition to many premieres of independent features and documentaries. This gives the lucky residents and owners of homes in La Quinta and the surrounding areas an amazing opportunity to be the first to see some incredible films that may not even be released in theaters in the United States. The stellar line-up of screenings are held on 15 screens throughout Palm Springs.

This PSIFF also offers the perfect opportunity for owners of homes in La Quinta and the surrounding regions, as well as the many visitors who flock to the area this time of year, to rub shoulders with some of their favorite film actors. The event is renowned for its annual Black Tie Awards Gala, which honors achievements by an incredible list of artists and talent. Citizenfour director Laura Poitras will be honored with the inaugural Filmmakers Who Make a Difference Award as part of its Talking Pictures program.  The screening takes place Friday, January 9 at 4:30 p.m, with the awards presentation following. Variety Magazine will present actor Steve Carell with the Creative Impact in Acting Award to celebrate his scope of work, and two-time Directors Guild of America Award-winner and Oscar, Golden Globe, and Tony Award nominated director Rob Marshall will receive the Creative Impact in Directing Award, to honor his career as a theater and film director. In addition, Variety will present Emmy Award winning comedian, director and actor Chris Rock with the Creative Impact in Comedy Award. These awards are presented by Mercedes-Benz. In the past, those honored have included Richard Gere, Helen Mirren, Javier Bardem, Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Clint Eastwood, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio and Ron Howard, among many others. The festival began on January 2 and runs through January 12 this year.

Whether you live in Los Angeles, are a resident of Orange County, or own Palm Desert real estate, this is the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant and stimulating Desert Cities culture. For more information and to buy passes, visit psfilmfest.org.

Click here if you are in the market for Palm Deset real estate or homes in another part of the Palm Springs Valley. image credit: psfilmfest.org/Lucid Media

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