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!

All Posts tagged la quinta real estate

La Quinta Home Sellers? How To Get It Ready

THE FIFTEEN SECOND RULE

Ready to Sell, How to Get Started

How to Get Your Home Ready for Sale

La Quinta home sellers: let’s prepare your home properly.  Fall is approaching and you feel like it’s time to take the big step of putting your home on the market.  Where do you begin?  It is a known fact among the real estate industry that you’ve got about fifteen seconds to capture a prospective home buyer’s interest and ensure they get a good feeling about your house.  In order to get the best price for your home, there are things that must be tended to in order for that to happen.

To begin with, common sense tells you that cleaning your home and fixing things which are broken or incomplete is a must. You want to make it as move-in ready as possible since about 95% of buyers are looking for just that . . . not a fixer-upper or a house that needs carpeting replaced or walls repainted or a yard landscaped.  These tasks may seem like a big expense or too time consuming to you as the seller, but in the long run it can bring you a better price in negotiations and is definitely worth it.

POINTERS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED SELLING YOUR LA QUINTA HOME

Remove as much clutter as possible, such as clothing, toys, magazines, etc.  You’ll also want to pack away many of your knick-knacks (statuary, vases, personal photos) so they won’t be a distraction for those who come to view.  You’ll want them to be able to envision their own belongings in your home.  Create as much available space as possible – as you are selling square footage, and the larger the space appears, the better.

Should you decide to paint, it’s better to stick with neutral colors like sand or soft gray, even though bright, rich colors are in style.  If you think color would enhance a room, perhaps confine it to just an accent wall or use accessories like artwork or pillows to bring color in.

A CLEAN HOME IS PARAMOUNT

Clean your home thoroughly, inside and out, as the desert dust settles easily in our La Quinta homes.  On the inside, this means floors, windows, appliances, faucets, etc.  Everything should shine. The outside of your home is extremely important, since buyers may initially do a drive by to determine if yours is a home they want to preview.  Powerwash the walls and hardscape, knock down cobwebs, and touch up paint where needed.  Trim hedges, prune plants, clean up debris, pull weeds.  A fresh new welcome mat at the front door is a nice touch . . . and maybe some pots with colorful flowers can be placed there for a festive look.

For more ideas, here is a video to help you get an even better idea of what you can do to make your home its most attractive to the next potential owner.  A little elbow grease will go far in helping you maximize your sale income . . . so roll up your sleeves and get started.

More

Rancho Mirage Country Club – Best Kept Secret

Great golf and great location at Rancho Mirage Country ClubRancho Mirage Country Club is a small, quiet community of 300 homes, mostly condominiums, located at the southeast corner of Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra Drives.  Life in this private and serene neighborhood is made for the golf lover, with the homes situated around the perimeter of the property with its 18-hole par 70 course in the middle.

This development was built in the 1980s, with the final homes completed in 1999.  The complex is small and intimate and the location is ideal, within a 4 mile radius of of Eisenhower Medical Center, Westfield Mall, the River, the McCallum Theatre, Agua Caliente Resort Casino and many other desert amenities.

The majority of residents in Rancho Mirage Country Club are seasonal  and mature, active adults.  Home ownership does not include access to the club amenities, but golf and social memberships are available.  The golf course is mature, with older trees and smaller, challenging greens.  During season, it is not the easiest thing to find a tee time, as the course is a very popular one.

For the non-golfers, there are swimming pools, tennis courts, locker rooms, an athletic facility and banquet rooms.  Tony’s Bistro is the Club’s own restaurant and serves up sumtuous food.

The homes, ranging in size from 1,700 to 3,200sf, are stuccoed in basic beige with clay tile roofs and individual patios.  The lush, mature landscaping and plentiful annual plantings add to the Club’s charm.

So, if you’re looking for ease of living in a club style atmosphere in a fabulous location, Rancho Mirage Country Club could be for you.  If you’d like to tour the community or would like more information about it, feel free to call Kimberley Kelly, realtor with HK Lane in La Quinta.  You’ll be glad to deal with a knowledgable, professional and hard-working agent like her.

 

 

More

La Quinta is a Bike Rider’s Heaven

La Quinta is a Haven for BikersIf you live  or vacation in La Quinta, you’ve no doubt seen bikers on our streets – sometimes it’s a lone cycler just out for a little spin . . . without the spandex, just taking it all in.  Sometimes you’ll see serious groups of bikers, indeed, decked out in their multi-colored spandex on their Titanium racing bikes, curled over the handlebars with their heads down . . . making their way to the Old Town Coffee Shop for some rest and refreshment.  It’s very European, it’s the Southern California lifestyle.  What’s not to love about the plethora of outdoor opportunities we are so fortunate to enjoy here in our Valley.

The Bear Creek Path that winds along the perimeter of La Quinta Cove offers close-up scenic views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and is a favorite for many bikers.  It starts at the base of the Cove at Avenida Montezuma and skirts along the base of the mountains on the right side of the canyon, eventually connecting with Avenida Bermudas which takes you on around the left side of the canyon and leads you to intersect with other established biking routes.

Whether you’re a casual peddler, a serious racer or fall somewhere in between, La Quinta offers many scenic paths to satisfy any biker.  The City has produced a Bike Route Map to help you locate established routes around the area and also provides the ‘Rules of the Road’ – worthwhile reading to familiarize yourself with local requirements.

Enjoy your spin, heed the ‘Rules of the Road’ . . . be safe and see you at Old Town Coffee Shop for a morning coffee !!!

 

 

More

Palm Springs Hosts Certified Farmers’ Market All Summer

Palm Springs Hosts Certified Farmer's Market This SummerWe get spoiled with our farmers’ market being right here in Old Town La Quinta – it’s such a unique and quaint venue for surveying all the gorgeous produce of the season… as well as flowers, breads, live plants, organic cheeses, farm fresh eggs and other irresistable goodies.

And while you’re there at the Market, you must of course partake at the Old Town Coffee Shop – sitting outside sipping your latte, munching on a delicious muffin and watching the parade of people and adorable dogs go by.  It’s relaxing, it’s beautiful, it’s just the best.

And then … summertime comes, and well, the Certified Farmers’ Markets in La Quinta and Palm Desert shut down because of the heat.  But all is not lost, if you don’t mind driving over to Palm Springs on a Saturday morning.  The Market has found an indoor venue there and will continue their weekly offerings of incredible fresh local items.

The Market will be held on Saturdays  at the Palm Springs Pavilion at 401 S. Pavilion Way (you’ll have to Google it).  The hours are 8am to 12:30pm.

For more info, call 760-898-5250 or 760-880-4917.  You can also go online at certifiedfarmersmarket.ning.com

More

Christie’s International Real Estate has awarded Affiliate status to HK Lane Real Estate

Christie's International Real Estate selected HK Lane Real Estate as AffiliateHK Lane Real Estate has been selected as Affiliate by Christie's International Real Estate

 

 

Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate network, has awarded Affiliate status to HK Lane Real Estate, which was founded in 2009 by Harvey Katofsky.  HK Lane Real Estate has 160 sales associates in 3 offices and is a leader in the Valley’s luxury real estate marketplace.

HK Lane Real Estate will represent the Christie’s brand in the communities of La Quinta, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Coachella.

Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, owns Christie’s International Real Estate in total and is represented in more than 40 countries.  HK Lane Real Estate is proud to have been carefully selected among many brokerage firms to have a proven record of success in high end property sales and excellent client service.

“Over the past three years,”  said Christie’s Senior Vice President Zackary Wright, “HK Lane Real Estate has firmly established itself as the luxury real estate leader in the desert.  The firm exemplifies the Christie’s International Real Estate standards of quality, expertise, integrity and exceptional client service.  It is with great pleasure that i welcome HK Lane Real Estate to our network of exclusive Affiliates.”

HK Lane Real Estate’s President and CEO Harvey Katofsky says, “HK Lane Real Estate is equipped with a wonderful group of top agents and is super excited to move forward with Christie’s International Real Estate.  Already acknowledged in the desert as a premier luxury company, the advent of the Christie’s relationship skyrockets our company to the next level.”

The Coachella Valley is home to nearly 600,000 residents and is one of the fastest growing areas in the country.  Extending for 45 miles in Riverside County, it is part of the 13th largest metropolitan areas in the United States.  Including famous desert resort cities like Palm Springs, Palm Desert and la Quinta, the Coachella Valley is a popular second home destination, offering world class golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, equestrian and a vibrant art and design scene.

More

The Quarry at La Quinta – One of Golf’s Finest . . .

La Quinta's Golf Community - The Quarry . . . One of Golf's FinestDid you know the interesting history behind The Quarry at La Quinta, the world renowned golf community tucked into the foothills of the Coral and Santa Rosa Mountains?  It sits on what was once an abandoned sand and pit gravel mine . . . and who knows, maybe once upon a time, gold was mined there ?
This premier member-owned golf club is  a highly sought after address on the east end of the Palm Springs Valley . . . and there are many reasons why.  It is peaceful, it is picturesque and the lifestyle it affords is the Ultimate in Desert Luxury Living.
The Quarry was started by two avid golfers seeking to find an alternative to crowded golf courses and unavailable tee times.  They purchased the 105 acre property, acquired an adjacent 255 acres and along with 13 founding associates, they developed The Quarry.  There is a championship 18-hole course and a 10-hole short course, both designed by Tom Fazio – that are set in a pristine desert landscape with distinct areas of elevation.  The courses are graced with waterfalls, streams and tens of thousands of native plants and trees.  The Quarry’s championship course is ranked in the top 50 among Golf Digest’s 100 top courses.  Some say golfing at The Quarry is the finest golfing experience in the desert . . . or anywhere, for that matter.
Many PGA legends have played at The Quarry, as well as its 300 members and guests . . . such as Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson and others.  The club’s fabulous 21,000sf Mediterranean style clubhouse is casual, yet elegant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on occasion.  It also boasts a spacious veranda, golf shop and a nearby fitness center with pool & spa and tennis court.  Members enjoy many social amenities including hiking groups, book clubs, card games and more.
The Quarry does not require real estate ownership to join – unlike many other local upscale golf clubs’ memberships, . Those who don’t own there and guests of members who want to stay onsite can rent one of 3 guest cottages.
The ultimate build-out of  of homes at The Quarry is approximately 100, with 57 luxury homes now completed.  65 homes will ultimately surround the perimeter of the golf courses.  The homes start at around $1 million.  High security is provided, as there are 2 guards on duty day and night – one at the entrance gate and one patrolling the property.

For a private tour of The Hideaway Golf Club or any of its available properties, please don’t hesitate to contact Kimberley Joy Kelly, realtor with HK Lane Real Estate.  She is very familiar with the La Quinta area and its many upscale Golf Communities – and will work to help you find just the right property for YOU !

 

 

 

More

La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West Earn Top Honors

 Hilton Hotel Chain Lauds La Quinta Resort as 'Luxury Club of the Year'

How lucky are we here in La Quinta and the Palm Springs Valley to have a world class resort venue like the La Quinta Resort & Club  literally in our own backyard?  Living in La Quinta Cove like I do, making a trek down Eisenhower to the spectacular La Quinta Resort & Club takes . . . say, maybe 5 minutes?  Once you turn off Eisenhower onto the stately tree-lined entrance, you feel like you’re in another world.  This iconic, historic hotel is always abuzz with people and activity – living the good life of ease and amenities.  It feels like a vacation just being there on those beautiful grounds and taking in this elevated lifestyle offered to visitors from all over the world.

Congratulations to the La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West for recently earning top honors among Hilton’s hotel chains worldwide as Luxury Resort of the Year.  What an honor !!!  La Quinta Resort is part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel chain and was judged among 300 hotels and resorts.  In addition, Gary Sims, managing director for the resort, also was recognized as general manager of the year.

The executive director of sales, Rick Blackburn, said this about the resort’s recent honor – “This is a tremendous honor for us.  It truly reflects the increasing quality of our resort and its many services and amenities, as well as the vision of our management, dedication of our staff and overall commitment to providing our guests with exceptional levels of service.”

If you haven’t been to the La Quinta Resort lately, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner prepared by Award-winning chef Jimmy Schmidt at Morgans in the Desert . . .  or a fine cigar and a haircut at Havana . . . or some long-overdue pampering at the spa.  Even for us locals, there is much to experience here.

Take a Staycation today . . . at our very own La Quinta Resort & Club !!!

 

More

La Quinta Underwater Homeowners to Get Help??

Help on the Way for La Quinta Homeowners Facing Foreclosure?

Homeowners in La Quinta and across California will be getting help soon, as approx. half of the $410 million coming to the state from the overall settlement with the nation’s five biggest banks (due to accusations that they improperly or fraudently foreclosed on homewoners) has flowed into its coffers.

State Atty. General Kamala D. Harris disclosed on Friday that this money will be put into funding the state’s housing counselors and legal service agencies that help struggling homeowners. She also plans to spend the rest of the money on reaching out to and educating homeowners stuck in the hardest-hit parts of the state, on further investigations and oversight of the settlement funds and on helping borrowers who aren’t able to stay in their homes.

Over half a million California households are currently in the foreclosure pipeline.  State authorities say they realize the importance of getting funding into those communities where they are needed and assisting the homeowners who were most affected by the crisis.

Community organizers have voiced that the money needs to go towards helping homeowners and not to help lower the state’s budget deficit, as has happened in other states.  They state that the settlement was intending for homeowners who are dealing with the foreclosure crisis.   Many housing counseling agencies across the country are struggling as the demand for their services has gone up.   This financial boost could be the shot in the arm that is needed to bring homeowners back into good stead in California.

My question is, what about all the homeowners who have already lost their homes, how does this help them?  Couldn’t anything be done to help them to get back into home ownership again?  I know people in La Quinta and elsewhere… I’m sure you do too… who were caught in the timing of this foreclosure crisis such that they lost their homes, are now having to rent and have ruined credit.  What is being done to help them to get back into the home ownership saddle, so to speak???

More

The Estancias at Rancho La Quinta – Don’t Miss This Well Kept Secret

Well Kept Little Secret - The Estancias at Rancho La QuintaIf you’ve never heard of this little secret in La Quintaa small guard-gated enclave of custom luxury homes  directly across from Rancho La Quinta Country Club . . . well, you have now!  The next time you happen to be driving on Avenue 50 between Washington and Jefferson Streets, be sure you make it a point to check out the beautiful entrance to The Estancias at Rancho La Quinta.   These great luxury homes are built on half acre or larger lots – quite unusual here in our valley –  and afford a definite sense of spaciousness for their fortunate residents.

The Estancias does not have its own golf course . . . BUT, residents do have the convenience of being just a quick golf cart drive away from all of the amenities offered at Rancho La Quinta Country Club.  Along with the estate sized lots and magnificent mountain views, these 49 special homes at The Estancias at Rancho La Quinta offer just about everything one needs for the perfect desert lifestyle.

If we’ve piqued your curiosity and you’d like to visit The Estancias at Rancho La Quinta and tour the incredible homes for sale there, feel free to contact Kim Kelly to arrange your private tour.

 

More

Old Town La Quinta – Cuisines that will Delight !!!

Many Dining Out Choices in Lovely Old Town La Quinta

Why is Old Town La Quinta such a destination for vacationers and residents alike???  The answer is simple . . . it’s quaint, it has charm, it’s not just a line of squared-off cookie cutter buildings with no soul.  Au contraire . . . Old Town La Quinta has plenty of soul.  It’s picturesque Main Street is lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes and sets the stage for outdoor concerts, art shows, seasonal activities and a weekly organic Farmers Market.

Old Town has fountains, benches, winding streets and a green lawn area . . . all of which invite you to stay awhile.  Once there, you’ll surely want to take in some good food and refreshment to complete your Old Town experience.  Here are several establishments you will surely want to try:

  1. The Grill on Main – Relaxed, casual atmosphere, Classic American Fare, specialty micro-brews, an interesting wine list and full bar.  Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Weekend Brunch served on Sat. & Sun.; Live Music every Fri. & Sat. night.  Located at 78065 Main St., Suite 104
  2. Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill – A friendly, fun place for the finest pizza from their woodfired oven, along with tempting small plates, fresh salads, sandwiches and pasta.  Their bar is a great place to meet friends or unwind watching the game, or you can enjoy a meal on our patio with great mountain views!  Located at 78-015 Main St., Suite #100
  3. Solano’s Bistro – Recently moved to Old Town, this fabulous restaurant changes seasonally, offering fresh seafood, steak chicken and pasta for lunch, bar and dinner menus – along with beer, wine and a full-bar.  Patio dining.  Located at 78-075 Main St.
  4. Old Town Coffee Company – A favorite place for locals and visitors alike to hang out, people watch, dog watch, etc.  But most important is their exceptional coffee brewed to order, fresh baked goods and light food.  Their motto is ‘Where Good Friends meet Great Coffee.’  Located at 78-100 Main St., Suite #102
  5. Hog’s Breath Inn – It’s sister restaurant is in Carmel, serving specialty entrees and fresh seafood in a comfortable dining room and patio with outstanding views.  Memorabilia from Clint Eastwood’s legendary movie career makes for a fun atmosphere, popular for lunch and dinner.  Located at  78-065 Main St.,  Suite #200
  6. The Wine Bar at Old Town – Offering over 200 wines from around the world in their retail shop and 15-20 wines by the glass, any bottle from their retail shop, plus a number of micro-brew beers.  A small friendly menu is available to accompany your wine selection.  Located at 78-015 Main St., Suite #109
  7. Cool Options -Featuring all natural gelato and sorbetto – delicious and intense flavors made fresh with raw ingredients, no artificial additives or unhealthy fat; all natural sugar-free ice cream, homemade gelato pies, smoothies, Izze Italian sodas, etc.  Located at 78-010 Main Street, Suite #108

So there you have it . . . there is no lack of fun and delicious dining experiences in Old Town La Quinta . . . from morning until night.  See you there . . . and Bon Appetit !!!

More