Palm Springs Valley Real Estate News Including La Quinta, Palm Desert And More!

Equestrian Round up for Polo & HITS

September 21, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

Polo season is about to kick in in the Coachella Valley

It’s time for our Equestrian roundup for both Polo and HITS enthusiasts. Let’s start with Polo Happenings:

At the San Diego Polo Club, the summer season is winding down. The final tournament, The Spreckles Cup, will be played on Sunday September 27 at 2 pm. Public is welcome! As we head up the coast to the beautiful and historic Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, the Polo tournaments are still being played, though the season there is winding down as well. The High Goal Tournament season saw the Finals of the Pacific Coast Open on Sunday, August 30. That weekend was followed by the 20 Goal Maserati Silver Cup.

This past Sunday saw the the Jewelry by Gauthier Womens’ Polo Tournament, and next Sunday, 10/4 will be the USPA Presidents’ Cup Finals. After the season tournaments wrap up, the Polo School, Lesson program and Arena Tournaments will begin through the winter months.

Here in the Coachella Valley, both the Empire and Eldorado Polo Clubs are preparing for another huge season of competitions. Empire will be hosting some December 4-goal and 1-goal tournaments, and their VIP Tents are SOLD OUT for the 2016 season already!! Eldorado Polo Club offices are just re-opening with Deb Morrison as games manager, James A’court as Social Events Manager, and Graham Bray as Club General Manager. Polo Season officially opens here in the Valley first weekend of January, 2016. [Read more…]

Thinking of Selling your La Quinta Home yourself?

September 21, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR LA QUINTA HOME YOURSELF?

Selling your own home may not be the best choice for you

For Sale By Owner – A friend of mine recently told me that her brother is thinking of selling his home… and doing it himself, without employing a real estate agent. This opened up a discussion between us about all the reasons why selling your own home is not the best option. Her brother’s home is big and beautiful. He and his wife have lived there for nearly twenty years, and have invested a lot of money and a lot of themselves into making it a picture perfect showplace. They’re emotionally attached and that’s understandable. But life circumstances change over time and their home has become too much house for them now… they are retired, there are health problems, etc. The time has come to make a move into something more congruent with their current life situation.

Making a big decision like this can be overwhelming. Every person’s home is comfortably familiar and their safe haven, filled with a lifetime’s worth of memories. Things with sentimental value have to be sorted through, and dealt with by selling, donating, giving away to the children, etc. At this stage, some people have the thought, “who better to sell my own home but me, since I am most intimately familiar with it?”

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Equestrian Activities in the Palm Springs Valley

September 18, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

A romantic evening on a Full Moon Trail Ride in Morongo Valley

Equestrian activities in the Palm Springs Valley are plentiful, so if you happen to be a horse person, rest assured there is no lack of exciting things to experience here in the desert. Whether it’s watching world class horse events held in the east valley – Indio, Coachella, Thermal area… or trail riding in the Palm Springs, High Desert area, your options are many.

SADDLE UP FOR A TRAIL RIDE

Trail riding is such a wonderful way to get intimate with the desert landscape. It’s meditative. You’re surrounded by nature as you wind your way on horseback through the ruggedly beautiful canyons of the local mountains with the sun on your back. Palm Springs is fortunate to be home to historic Smoke Tree Stables, tucked away off of the busy thoroughfare of Highway 111. There you will find group packages available for trail riding adventures into nearby Indian Canyons, where the Cahuilla Indians used to roam and native palm oases and streams grace the landscape. Picnic lunches or western cookouts can be included, whatever your fancy.

You can also hightail it up to the High Desert area of Morongo Valley for trail riding… it’s just a short 20 minute drive up Hwy. 62 from Palm Springs. The High Desert offers it’s own brand of magic, as it’s typically at least 10 degrees cooler up there (which is nice in the summer) and the scenic views of snow-capped Mount San Jacinto and Mount San Gorgonio absolutely take your breath away. You’ll think you’re in the Swiss Alps. [Read more…]

La Quinta, California Market Update for Tradition Golf Club

September 17, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

IS THERE A CLASSIER GOLF COMMUNITY THAN TRADITION?

La Quinta's Tradition Golf Club is Exclusive & Low-Key

Tradition Golf Club’s scenic beauty speaks for itself

La Quinta, California is known for having some of the world’s most beautiful and well respected golf communities in existence. The Tradition Golf Club easily comes to mind at the top of the list, with its classically understated and elegant entrance, strategically located where Washington St. dead ends into Avenue 52 – and when you’re at the stoplight on Washington, you’re looking right at it.

The strikingly large and colorful seasonal flowerbeds at the entrance to Tradition in La Quinta, California hug the gentle berms like blankets – and every season is a surprise to see what color and type of flowers are planted in the manicured beds. The canopied trees and classically styled gate house with bougainvillea arbors set the tone for a Golf Club that’s nothing less than special. Tradition’s exclusive membership is limited to 250 members… by invitation only. So as a member at Tradition, you are entitled to the ultimate in service, dining and amenities. [Read more…]

Palm Springs Art Museum Is Ever Expanding

September 16, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

Palm Springs Art Museum is getting ready for a new season with a growing list of exciting changes. If you enjoy art, or even if you just love to get out and do things around the Valley and check out what’s new, then you’ll want to keep up with what’s going on with the Palm Spring Valley’s premiere Museum.

NEW ADDITION IN DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS

The latest change at the Palm Springs Art Museum is the opening of The Architecture and Design Center located in the hub of downtown Palm Springs. The classic Midcentury Modern International Style building that houses the Center is in itself a work of historical art, having recently received Historic Site designation. Modernism is trending now, especially in Palm Springs, where it’s popular Modernism Week held twice a year in the spring and fall attracts participants from all over the world. Not surprising, since Palm Springs has the world’s greatest concentration per capita of Midcentury Modern architecture. [Read more…]

La Quinta, California Neighborhood of Talante has Much to Offer

September 16, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

La Quinta’s Talante neighborhood boasts large homes on large lots with a prime location

A SLEEPER OF A COMMUNITY IN TALANTE

La Quinta, California is home to a diverse offering of wonderful communities in which to live – gated and non-gated, golf and non-golf, close to shopping and dining and further out of town … each possesses its own sense of place and belonging. When choosing where to buy your home in La Quinta, much depends on what resonates with your own personal lifestyle, needs and desires.

It’s easy to speed right by the understated entrance of the small gated community of Talante without noticing it… but the next time you are close to Avenue 50 and Jefferson St., it would be worthwhile to take time to notice where it is. This small gated enclave of 80 homes offers a uniquely intimate setting with many good reasons to consider making your home there. Talante is a sleeper, so don’t let the understatement fool you!

For one, Talante’s location is ideal, with close proximity to the many nearby shopping and dining opportunities along Hwy. 111 and Old Town La Quinta. There’s a lot of growth taking place in South La Quinta right now – a 12-screen all digital movie theatre is opening in the fall, In and Out Burger and Chick-Fil-a are coming to town, La Quinta Brewing Company will be opening their new tap room in Old Town next month. One doesn’t have to travel far to find first class amenities and fun things to do when living in Talante.

There’s no golf course or clubhouse at Talante, which keeps the HOA fees low – but an impressive array of La Quinta’s many golf courses lie within a 5 to 10 minute drive. Silver Rock Resort, owned by the city of La Quinta, is a breathtakingly beautiful public course practically right around the corner from Talante… and residents receive a discount when playing there. PGA West is only a couple of miles further up the road. It’s all any golfer could hope for.

LA QUINTA REAL ESTATE

Built in 2002, Talante is an established neighborhood which is completely built out. That means no construction noise, traffic or dust to deal with. The Mediterranean style homes are comfortably large, ranging from approx. 3,330 to 3,900 square foot in size. And the lot sizes are large and in scale with the size of the homes, many with their own private pools and spas built into mature landscapes. Prices range from approx. $675,000 to $860,000.

Silver Rock Public Golf Course in la Quinta, CA

If you’re a nature lover and like to take advantage of the prolonged outdoor season that living in La Quinta, California affords, then Talante could be the place for you. The world famous Empire and Eldorado polo fields are only minutes away from your doorstep – catch a Sunday match or stop in at the Tack Room Tavern for a cold beer and live music. Rent yourself an electric bike at Pedego on Main Street in Old Town and take a scenic tour around La Quinta Cove on the bike trail there.

As you can well imagine, homes don’t come up for sale very often in Talante… but there are a few on the market now. Maybe now is the time for you to consider making Talante your home.

La Quinta Home Sellers? How To Get It Ready

September 14, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

THE FIFTEEN SECOND RULE

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.

Palm Springs Valley and What To Look For When Buying A Home There

September 11, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

Making sure it’s the right home for you!

BUYING A NEW HOME? IT’S A BIG DECISION

Palm Springs Valley buyers want to know what are the things to look for when buying a home … that is, besides the obvious structural ones that would be covered in a home inspection? Homebuying can be a very emotional experience for people, unless perhaps you’re buying real estate for investment purposes. Home is where the Heart is, so be sure to tune in to some of the less obvious aspects of the houses you visit while going through the rigors of your search for just the right one.

Most anyone who has ever bought a home will tell you that there are intangible aspects of a home that factored in to their decision to buy it besides the look or style of it, its location, etc. Let’s look at a few of these:

The way the Indoors and Outdoors flow together – especially in Southern California where we live, this is an attribute that is almost a requirement. A large percentage of time is spent outdoors on the patio, next to the pool, in the spa, around the fire pit.

Orientation on the lot – where does the sun rise and set in the Palm Springs Valley in regard to how house is set upon its lot? This orientation affects your heating and cooling bills, but here in the desert, it’s mostly about keeping the house cool. The late afternoon sun from the west can be harsh in the summertime and produce extra heat buildup.

Lot grade – Is the lot very steep, causing potential difficulties with drainage, landscape retention, driveway accessability?

Natural light – Are there enough windows and skylights to provide a pleasing amount of light? If you’ve narrowed your search down, you may want to visit the prospects several times at different times of day or night to get a true feel for what the light is like.

Neighbors – How close are the adjoining homes to the one you are considering? If privacy is a big consideration for you, you’ll want to walk the prospective home and check out where the windows are located and what views you see out of them. You may not like the fact that the neighbor can look right into your Master Bathroom window. Walk the perimeter and see how it “feels.” Here’s a short video below for you to watch with more tips about what to look for in a home…

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

So pay attention to your senses while searching for your next home to buy. Try visualizing yourself in it and make sure the tangibles and intangibles align with your lifestyle and your sensibilities. When you wake up in the bedroom of your new home or are making dinner in the gourmet kitchen that was an absolute Must on your list, you’ll want to know that you listened to the voice inside of you that knows you and your family and that indeed, the right choice for a home was made.

Andalusia at Coral Mountain, La Quinta, California – Market Update

September 10, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

Andalusia’s championship golf course poses a magnificent view

ANDALUSIA’S STORY

Andalusia at Coral Mountain in La Quinta, California has proved that the Phoenix can rise from the Ashes! After the recession, from 2008 until 2012, many of Andalusia’s existing homes were sitting vacant. The past couple of years has seen a resurgence in sales at this community … as not only have all of those vacant homes sold, but 41 more homes are currently under construction and will be available for move-in this fall. The demand is positively there and many of the new builds are already under contract.

Andalusia offers 6 different home plans ranging from 3,280 to 5,131 square feet. New home prices range from approx. $1.4 to $2 million. Resale prices range from approx. $1,075,000 to $2,350,000

ALL THAT ANDALUSIA HAS TO OFFER

La Quinta, California is a stunning location for Andalusia, from its striking front entrance to its spectacular setting among the surrounding mountain views. This Club attracts vital and active homeowners looking to belong to a community where something New is offered. The Vibe is Vibrant at Andalusia!

Golfing is a big draw here, as the Club’s championship 18-hole golf course designed by Rees Jones is highly prized as one of the longest and “most playable courses in the desert,” complemented by 9 lakes, 3 waterfalls and a plethora of gorgeous landscaping against a dramatic backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. November 2015 brings the opening of a new Golf Clubhouse at Andalusia, further expanding it’s offering of amenities and services to its community.

Andalusia in La Quinta offers NEW homes to buy!

There’s so much to do at Andalusia, you can be as active as you’d like to be. From Tennis, Swimming, Fitness Center, Game Room, Hiking, Biking, Dog Park . . . and the multitude of nearby attractions to visit such as Old Town La Quinta, SilverRock Resort, La Quinta Hotel & Spa and more . . . there’s Never a dull moment to be had when you choose your residence at Andalusia at Coral Mountain!

ANDALUSIA AT CORAL MOUNTAIN MARKET UPDATE

Total number of homes for sale: 25

Total number of homes in Escrow: 33

Total number of homes sold in past 6 months: 9

Palm Springs Valley Home to Iconic Two Bunch Palms Resort

September 9, 2015 by Kimberley Kelly

LOOKING FOR A “STAYCATION” LOCATION?

Palm Springs Valley Resort Icon - Two Bunch Palms

Two Bunch Palms famous for its mineral water grotto.

Palm Springs Valley is such a jewel, as it is home to compelling locales like Two Bunch Palms resort. I’m always surprised how many full time desert residents I talk to have never made the short drive to Desert Hot Springs to partake of Two Bunch Palms’ unique offerings. Once there, you feel like you are in a place out of time. Two of the Resort’s most famous offerings are their artesian mineral waters, revered by people from all over the world, and its illustrious history involving the notorious gangster Al Capone.

Personally, I go to Two Bunch to “take the waters,” as many refer to the mineral lithium rich hot springs that naturally occur in the Palm Springs Valley from the ground underneath. The lithium has an amazingly soothing effect that’s hard to describe . . . it’s something you have to experience firsthand. Many people come to Two Bunch just to float in the grotto, equipped with a good book and a cold beverage, as you must keep yourself well hydrated while immersed in the hot water for any length of time. It’s easy to drift off into a dreamlike state and there’s a quiet hush around the waters, with a sign posted asking for silence to be observed, or at least quiet whispering. You will never sleep better or feel more relaxed than after a soak here.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO AFTER A SOAK AT TWO BUNCH?

Two Bunch Palms dates as far back as the 1930s when Al Capone and his gangster buddies hung out there, it was their desert hideaway. Once you’ve visited the Resort, nestled amid native palm and tamarisk trees, it’s easy to understand why they were drawn to this little oasis. Since that time, Two Bunch has also served as a hideaway for many of Hollywood’s celebrities and those seeking a relaxing respite away from the public eye. It was acquired by new owners in 2012 and has been updated and improved to attract an ever-growing number of guests. How about a walk through the labyrinth to calm and center your mind? Take a stroll in nature around the grounds and you’ll find the turtle and duck ponds, so soothing. There is a menu of amazing spa treatments, maybe a mud bath today? Yoga in the yoga dome and other fitness classes are available for those with energy to work off.

A light-filled and natural ambiance sets the tone at farm to table restaurant, Essense

FARM TO TABLE RESTAURANT AND THE COMFIEST OF ACCOMMODATIONS

As a guest at Two Bunch, you’ll want to eat healthily. . . that’s what their guests typically desire. And for most of us, eating is an adventure and an important part of any vacation. Two Bunch’s newly renovated restaurant, Essense, offers fresh organic dishes in a comfortable natural wood and stone environment. Sharing plates is encouraged and all part of the dining experience. And as for accommodations, the Resort offers 70 newly renovated rooms and suites scattered around the 77 acre property. Some of the rooms are conveniently situated close to the soaking grotto and restaurant/spa area and others provide a more private setting. All rooms are outfitted with energy efficient sustainable elements and fixtures . . . and the organic linens complete the ambiance.

BEFORE THE BUSY SEASON SETS IN . . . INDULGE

Two Bunch Palms resort is waiting for you to discover it! They offer Special Packages, so let yourself be enticed into a little trip to where you don’t know what time it is, and you don’t really care . . . AND it’s located conveniently right down the road from your Palm Springs Valley home. You’re worth it, and I assure you, you’ll be back again . . . the waters are addicting!

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Equestrian Round up for Polo & HITS

Thinking of Selling your La Quinta Home yourself?

Equestrian Activities in the Palm Springs Valley

La Quinta, California Market Update for Tradition Golf Club

Palm Springs Art Museum Is Ever Expanding

La Quinta, California Neighborhood of Talante has Much to Offer

La Quinta Home Sellers? How To Get It Ready

Palm Springs Valley and What To Look For When Buying A Home There

Andalusia at Coral Mountain, La Quinta, California – Market Update

Palm Springs Valley Home to Iconic Two Bunch Palms Resort

Featured Post

Vacant Land Fraud Alert

Polo & Horseshow update; Coachella Valley

Short Sales could be coming…

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