Coachella Valley Real Estate By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!
Contact Kimberley Today! Phone: 760-285-3578 Email: kjkpolo@gmail.com License # BRE01329387
Coachella Valley Properties By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!

Coachella Valley Real Estate - Homes for sale in Coachella Valley

4th of July weekend in Palm Springs Valley

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4th of July weekend in Palm DesertHopefully, you had an amazing 4th of July weekend in Palm Springs Valley. Lucky for you, the weekend has only just begun—whether you’re a tourist from abroad, a resident of Indian Wells or own Indio real estate, there is lots of fun to be had with family, friends or even if you’re on a solo mission to escape.

From July 4 through July 6, the fashion line DELLA presents A Weekend at The Saguaro, a memorable pool party with live music, BBQ by Iron Chef Jose Garces, unique performances such as synchronized swimming, and of course, fireworks. The Saguaro is located at 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. This free event takes place each day from noon to 8 pm. For more information, call 760.323.1711.

On Friday, July 5, Crystal Fantasy in downtown Palm Springs will host First Friday Art Walk, a favorite of everyone from visitors and residents to owners of nearby equestrian properties and Indio real estate.  The event will feature artwork from Dirk Yates, Jo Blaine, Snake Jagger, David Hardy, Curtiss Waters II, Don David Young, Bijan Masoumpanah, Robert Cullison, Robert Kosslyn and Nina Rizzo. The Art Walk takes place from 6 to 9 pm. Crystal Fantasy is located at 268 N. Palm Canyon Drive. For more information, call 760.322.7799.

On Saturday, July 6 KC & The Sunshine Band will perform a live concert at the Fantasy Springs Casino from 8 to 10 pm. KC & The Sunshine Band shot to fame in the 1970s with huge disco and funk hits like That’s the Way (I Like It), Shake Your Booty and Get Down Tonight. The show will be an unforgettable blast from the past!

On Sunday, July 7 the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Shelley Fisher in The Hebrew Hillbilly. The original show takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre from 2 to 4 pm, and features14 original songs co-written by renowned songwriter Ken Hirsch, who will accompany Shelley on piano.

image: PalmSpringsLife.com

4th of July in Palm Springs

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Palm Springs comes alive on Independence Day, as people of all ages come out to celebrate and enjoy the wide-ranging festivities that the desert cities have to offer. It’s a great time to visit and experience the community, especially if you’re looking at Rancho Mirage homes for sale and are interested in checking out the Coachella Valley during the summer.

On Wednesday, July 3 the Backstreet Art District presents its “First Wednesday” Art Walk at Images by Gideon Fine Art Gallery. Experience fine art, meet the artists, see working studios and enjoy refreshments at this vibrant event. First Wednesday takes place from 6 to 9 pm. Images by Gideon Fine Art Gallery is located at 2682 South Cherokee Way in Palm Springs. For more information, call 760.250.1521.

On Thursday, July 4, a spectacular Independence Day Celebration takes place at the amazing Palm Desert Civic Center Park from 7:15 pm to 9:30 pm. A brilliant 20 minute fireworks display will be accompanied by synchronized music on The Mix 100.5 FM starting at 9 pm. In addition, there will be live music from the Swing Cats Band and other activities. It’s the ideal time to check out the Civic Center Park, which is one of the pride and joys of residents and owners of homes in Palm Desert. For more information, call 760.346.0611.

Also on the 4th, there will be a dazzling Independence Day Celebration benefitting the AIDS Assistance Program at the legendary O’Donnell House. The evening includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and fireworks. The event starts at 7:30 pm and fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. Tickets are $100 per person and advance purchase is required. Contact 760.325.8481 or purchase tickets online at www.aidsassistance.org.

There will also be a Fourth of July Parade and Community Celebration at La Quinta Park, located at 77865 Avenida Montezuma. The 4th of July parade begins at 4:30 pm followed by a chili cook-off, beer garden and other food and entertainment in the Laguna Park off of Avenida Montezuma. The evening will end with a spectacular and unforgettable fireworks display! If you’re interested in La Quinta properties or nearby Rancho Mirage homes for sale, this is a great opportunity to witness these communities in their full glory.

If the weekend inspires you, click here to view listings of homes in Palm Desert and the rest of Coachella Valley.

image: ohanafun.net

Buying your first home?

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Palm Springs homes for saleAs many of us already know, buying your first home can be a complex and stressful process, whether you’re buying a beach condo, cabin in the mountains, or Indian Wells real estate. While it can definitely be intimidating, if you arm yourself with the right information, the entire process will become much easier, from negotiating prices to obtaining a mortgage. Before you start looking at Palm Springs homes for sale, gather as much information as possible, because when it comes to buying real estate, the old adage is true, knowledge is power.

Many first-time homebuyers find themselves in over their heads when it comes to securing a quality mortgage loan. Rather than focusing on the interest rate, make sure you’re paying attention to the actual cost of the loan, at present and what it will be in the future. Often times, it makes the most sense to have an attorney review the paperwork for you. Either way, make sure that you read the paperwork and all its fine print. If the interest rate is below market rates, make sure to inspect the contracts thoroughly—chances are that rate may only be guaranteed for a certain amount of time. No matter what, be certain that you are clear on what your responsibilities and rights are before signing anything.

When it comes to buying property, all homebuyers have their own unique situation and set of circumstances that the lender should take into consideration. Perhaps you only want to live in your new house for a few years, and then plan to take another step up. If so, a variable rate mortgage may be your best bet. Or maybe you’re looking at Palm Springs homes for sale purely for investment purposes, or you plan to live there for 20 years—if this is the case, then the stable monthly payment that a fixed rate mortgage provides may be the right choice for you. The bottom line—get all the information you can, so you can do what’s best for your situation.

Click here to browse listings of Indian Well real estate and the surrounding areas.

image: warner.senate.gov

Real Estate Photography—Part 3

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If you’ve been following our real estate photography series, you are probably ready to start shooting your home in Palm Desert so you can create an amazing, eye-catching listing and put your property on the market. However, keep in mind there are many ways to improve your photos so that your listing stands out among the rest and highlights your home’s best features. Mastering the principles below will enhance your photography skills and provide the best results possible, whether you’re taking photos of sprawling equestrian homes, luxury properties on a golf course or a downtown loft.

Create an even lighting scheme. You’ll want to create even light schemes in every room so there are no areas that are too dark or too bright.  Adjust whatever you can, such as lamps, lighting and your flash. The camera captures a narrow range from dark to light, so rooms that are evenly lit will display greater detail in each photograph.

Avoid fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lighting is difficult to work with, especially when you’re a beginning photographer. Even the most gorgeous home in Palm Desert can appear an ugly shade of green in photos that are lit with fluorescent lighting. Mixing fluorescent with natural light or regular light bulbs can be tricky as well, so avoid it as much as possible.

Embrace overcast skies. While it may not seem optimal, overcast skies can actually be superb for shooting both interiors and exterior real estate shots. From inside of a home, the windows will look just the right shade of bright. When shooting outside, you don’t have to worry so much about where the sun is or making sure that it’s behind you, nor will you be limited to shooting at certain times of day.

Click here to see some great examples of photos taken for listings of equestrian homes.

Favorite ways to spend your time in Palm Springs

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The gardens at Sunnylands are a gorgeous sight.

There are so many ways to spend summer days in beautiful Palm Springs, but we thought we’d give you just a few to consider if you’re wondering what to do this weekend or if you’re planning a Palm Springs getaway. In addition to relaxing poolside and golfing the many verdant fairways, here are some recommendations from tourists, residents and proud owners of Palm Desert and Indian Wells real estate.

Explore Sunnylands. Located in Rancho Mirage, The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands was the winter home of Ambassador Walter Annenberg and his wife, Leonore. Designed by renowned Mid-Century Modern architect A. Quincy Jones, this compound hosted several U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan, as well as international dignitaries, such as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II. Visitors can tour the garden with a reservation.

Shields Date Garden. Have you ever had a date shake? If you own property in Indio, chances are you’ll answer “yes.” Palm Springs and The Coachella Valley are considered the “Date Capital of the World.” Founded in the 1920s, Shields Date Garden is a family-owned business that grows its own dates free of any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. You’ll find every date imaginable in the store, where you can sample and taste test. One trip to the café in the back, where you can order breakfast or lunch, will make you understand why this destination is not only a favorite for tourists, but for locals and owners of property in Indio as well. Make sure to try one of Shields’ famous date shakes.

The Living Desert. This one-of-a-kind zoo and botanical garden is home to more than 450 wild animals and desert inhabitants. Spanning 1,200 protected acres, this spectacular sight represents the desert environments of both North America and Africa, and features live animal shows and a model train exhibit. You can take a stroll through the gardens, trek along hiking trails or take a tram ride. It’s an absolute favorite amenity of residents and those who own nearby Indian Wells real estate.

Click here to browse listings of Palm Desert and Indian Wells real estate.

image: sunnylands.org

Celebrate Summer in Palm Springs

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Summer is officially here, which translates to myriad opportunities to explore the thriving arts and cultural communities in the Coachella Valley. If you’ve had your eye on homes for sale in Palm Springs or Indio real estate, this is a good time to visit and get a true feel for what goes on during the summer season in the desert cities. There are plenty of things to do while keeping your cool this summer, no matter what number the temperature reaches.

On Thursday, June 27 from 6 to 8 pm, the Summer Film Series at the Palm Springs Art Museum features a screening of The Fantastic World of Juan Orol at the Annenberg Theater. Mexico’s B-Movie master and “involuntary surrealist,” Juan Orol, is paid homage for his incredible career that spanned almost 50 films.

On Friday, June 28, the Band Europa will perform The Ultimate Santana Experience at the Morongo Casino. The renowned show takes place from 10:30 pm to 12:30 am.

On Saturday, June 29, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino hosts the Michael Jackson History Show II, the Ultimate Tribute featuring Kenny Wizz. This exciting performance takes place from 8 pm to 10 pm.

On Sunday, June 30, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with a performance of Yes To You… A Tribute to Alice Faye starring Nicole Dillenberg. The vibrant musical theater production takes place from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Arthur Newman Theatre. An original one-woman show, this creative tribute explores the life and career of Alice Faye. Faye was America’s sweetheart during her years starring onscreen in Fox musicals of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Dillenberg is joined by Musical Director Bryan Miller on the piano.

If the broad spectrum of events inspires you to move to the desert cities, click here to view listings of Indio real estate and beyond.

image: hablemosdecine.com.mx

 

 

The Basics of Homeowners Insurance

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You’ve found that gorgeous piece or Rancho Mirage real estate and you’re ready to move in. Your next step should be to buy a homeowners insurance policy. Most of the time, mortgage lenders require it, but even if they don’t, home insurance is an important purchase that you should definitely consider.

Buying a home is a large investment, and for many people, the biggest purchase they make in their entire lifetime. Whether you’re investing in luxury properties in the international real estate market or buying your first home, it makes sense to protect such an important expenditure, which is why many homeowners opt to buy insurance to protect the value of their property.

Similar to others types of insurance contracts, when you buy a homeowners policy, you pay premiums and meet their policy requirements. In return, the insurance company guarantees to reimburse any losses due to damage incurred. A basic policy protects typically protects owners against damage from fire, lightning, wind and hail storms, as well as damage caused by theft or vandalism. It also usually includes funds for the cost of a hotel and food if you are required to leave your Rancho Mirage real estate property while the damage is repaired. While flood or earthquake damage is not typically covered, there are options to buy separate policies for those types of occurrences.  In addition, a homeowners policy provides liability coverage against lawsuits brought by someone who was injured on the owner’s property.

Whether you own your home outright or have a mortgage, a homeowners insurance policy is the best way to protect this important investment. It can be the best way to keep costs low in the long run, and to provide peace of mind for your family and future.

Click here to view luxury properties for the international real estate market.

image: homeownerdigest.com

Real Estate Photography Part 2: More Interior Tips

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Are you practicing with your camera so you can get some gorgeous photos of your Rancho Mirage real estate property yet? As we mentioned in our last blog post, good photos are critical to expanding your pool of prospective buyers from both the domestic and international real estate market. Hopefully, you’ve been figuring out good angles to highlight your home’s best features so you can get started soon if you haven’t already.

Here are a few tips for improving your photography skills so you can present your Rancho Mirage real estate in the best possible light.

1. Use your self-timer. The best way to shoot is with a tripod, so that you don’t ruin a great shot due to unsteady hands. Turn the timer on and take your hands off the camera so you don’t jar it.

2. Make adjustments. If you’re not using a tripod, you’ll need to adjust your position accordingly. If you’re tall and when you aim the camera straight it’s too high to get the entire room, then sit on a chair or get down on your knees and aim high. If you’re too short, stand on something. Either way, it’s ideal to shoot from different heights to get some variety in the mix. If you have a staircase, try shooting from different levels.

3. Take care of the details. Even the latest Smartphones have impeccable resolution, so all the nitty gritty details will show up clearly in digital photos. Make sure your house is sparkling clean and that you’ve fixed any little cracks in the paint or similar issues. Schedule your photo session right after spring cleaning or a visit from your housekeeper. Straighten up all your furniture, steam the curtains if they’re wrinkled and move all garbage cans out of sight.

Click here to browse listings if you’re in the domestic or international real estate market and ready to find your own dream home.

image: thesanmarinorealestatereport.com

Dance, Love and MC Hammer

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BackhausdanceThe entertainment options lined up this weekend for Palm Springs are unique and exciting—from performances of a fusion of dance style and vibrant cabaret to the sounds of a legendary, old school MC, there won’t be a dull moment for anyone. Families, retirees, tourists and those in town to look at luxury international real estate properties have plenty to choose from when it comes to things to do. Take a break from viewing La Quinta real estate and hit up one of these amazing shows.

On Friday, June 21 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host a live performance of Elasticity of the Almost: Performed by Backhausdance. As part of the McCallum Theatre Institute’s 2013 Summer Session Festival, a favorite among residents and La Quinta real estate owners, Backhausdance returns to our stage with two inventive dances choreographed by Jennifer Backhaus. Backhausdance was recently recognized by New York’s Joyce SoHo as one of seven emerging dance companies in North America to watch.

On Friday night, legendary rapper, producer and entrepreneur, MC Hammer, will take the stage at the Morongo Casino. The show runs from 9 pm to 11 pm. On Saturday, June 22, The Art Laboe Summer Love Jam will take place at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino from 7 pm to 9 pm.

On Sunday, June 23 from 2 pm to 4 pm, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Karen Giorgio in Trains & Boats & Planes, Oh My! Confessions of a Globe-Trotting Songstress.

The Arthur Newman Theatre is proud to feature Giorgio, along with special guest Vinny di Figlia and Musical Director Shelly Markham.

If you’re visiting the desert cities and are considering luxury international real estate properties in Palm Springs, click here to look at some spectacular listings.

image: backhausdance.org

 

A week of film screenings and live performances

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Palm Springs International ShortFestThere are a ton of ways to beat the heat this week in Palm Springs, and some especially great ones for film buffs and fans of live performances! If you’re in town looking at international real estate or Palm Springs homes for sale, or if you need to unwind after a hard day at work or just want to do something unique, there’s a film festival, a cutting-edge performance and the Summer Film Series to keep you occupied.

From June 18 – 24, the Palm Springs International ShortFest is in full swing. Sponsored by the Palm Springs International Film Society, this annual festival features a special selection of short films, from a wide array of genres that tell an equally diverse range of stories. From sibling tales of relationships and true stories from the front pages of news, to romance, road trips and cautionary tales, there is something for every taste imaginable. Whether you’ve spent the day working, relaxing or considering listings for the international real estate market, you will have an amazing time at this film lover’s mecca.

On Wednesday, June 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host a Live Performance of MU: One Ocean, One World: A Fable for the 21st Century based on a Japanese legend. A work in progress that is slated to premiere in September 2013, this event is part of the McCallum Theatre Institute’s 2013 Summer Session Festival. The performance tells the story of a lonely young man who rescues a Mermaid and journeys to the Land of the Dragon Queen at the bottom of the sea.

On Thursday, June 20, the Summer Film Series at the Palm Springs Art Museum continues with a screening of Cairo 678. This compelling film tells the tale of three Cairene women from different backgrounds who band together in volatile solidarity to combat the sexual harassment that each has endured. The screening takes place at the Annenberg Theater from 6 pm to 8 pm.

There is always something going on in the desert Oasis of Coachella Valley. Click here to see listings of stunning Palm Springs homes for sale.

image: psfilmfest.org 

 

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78100 Main St #202, La Quinta, CA 92253

Contact Kim

Call Kimberley at
760-285-3578
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