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!

Buyers

20-Acre Working Farm in Thermal



equestrian ranchIf you’re currently in the market for equestrian homes, you won’t want to miss out on this incredible 20-acre farm in Thermal, one of the eastern Coachella Valley cities. This property is located in the heart of the wide open spaces in Thermal and features a multitude of amazing amenities that make it ideal for equestrians and horse lovers.

Located off of 61st street and approximately a half mile from Highway 86, this property boasts an unrivalled location. It’s only five minutes away from the HITS Desert Horse Park, where the world-famous HITS Thermal Desert Circuit horse shows takes place every year. It’s only two miles away from the renowned Thermal Club, a private race track and testing ground, and the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is only four miles away. For polo lovers, this farm is only eight miles or a 15 minute trailer ride from the both of the popular polo clubs in Indio, the Empire Polo Club and Eldorado Polo Club. Those who play golf can enjoy championship holes at private and public courses, including the PGA West and the Silver Rock Public Course, which are both in close proximity.ranch

The farm has been thoughtfully designed for efficiency and functionality. This picturesque setting is the perfect place to train horses, operate a boarding facility or even start an organic farm. The numerous amenities that this 20 lush acres of property feature make it stand out among other equestrian homes. For starters, it boasts excellent water sources, including both a private well for domestic water and Coachella Valley Water for irrigation.

The farm features a mobile home with more than 1900 square feet of living space, including four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an enclosed garage and covered parking. There is also a caretaker cottage on the property, with one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen and a laundry room. The completely fenced property includes three pastures, a 10-horse breezeway barn with a two car garage, storage and grooms’ quarters with a bathroom and two wall air conditioning units. In addition, there is a large hay storage shed and a dog kennel.

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Quilts, Jazz and the Iconic Beach Boys

The Legendary Beach Boys

If you’re currently seeking homes for sale in Rancho Mirage, Indio or another part of Palm Springs, this weekend is an excellent one to come visit. You can get do your house hunting and choose from a diverse slate of entertainment options that will satisfy both your inner art critic and music groupie.

QuiltFest Oasis Palm Springs will run from Thursday, October 2 through 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Produced by Mancuso Show Management, this fun-filled quilt expo is yet another stop on the company’s successful nationwide quilt festivals.

On Thursday night from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, the Palm Desert Civic Center Park will host Concerts in the Park: The Secret Jazz Band. Sponsored by the City of Palm Desert, these free concerts under the stars are a local favorite and a must-do for those considering homes for sale in Rancho Mirage, Indio or another part of Palm Springs. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic for a night to remember. There will also be raffles, games and children’s activities before the performance, provided by the Family YMCA of the Desert.

On Friday, October 3 the iconic Beach Boys will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. This legendary performance takes place from 9 to 11 pm.

On Saturday, October 4 from 9 am to 10 am, there will be a Free Guided Public Art Tour of selected art in the El Paseo Invitational Exhibition. Meet your trained docent at the northeast corner of El Paseo and Highway 74 for this compelling tour.

On Sunday, October 5 from 2 pm to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre will host Jan Abrams in: “I’ll Be Seeing You.” The production features popular music that played a profound role in keeping spirits up among our troops during World War II.

image: heyreverb.com

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St. Augustine—Luxury and Exclusivity Defined

St. AugustineBuyers who seek luxury and exclusivity often search for real estate in Rancho Mirage because of all the beautiful town has to offer. The upscale gated community of St. Augustine is an excellent option, as it embodies all that makes Rancho Mirage such a desirable place to live.

This premier development consists of 184 beautifully appointed single family homes, many of which are situated on a seven and a half acre greenway that includes water fountains and broad walkways that instill a lush, park-like setting. Boasting gorgeous architectural detail, the single family homes in St. Augustine were built by Ashbrook Communities from 1997 to 2004. They are located on nice sized lots that range from 9000 square feet to more than 15,500 square feet. Home sizes range from 2525 square feet to 3650 square feet and feature three and four bedroom floor plans, some of which include a casita as one of the bedrooms. Many of the homes boasts unrivalled mountain views.

Located off of Dean Martin Drive, St. Augustine is in close proximity to superb championship golf courses, remarkable fine dining options, and the chic boutiques of the El Paseo Shopping District. For golfers, the option are unrivalled—the renowned Mission Hills Country Club is literally across the street, making it easy to challenge yourself on the incredible, championship 6,454-yard Par 70 layout designed by Keith Foster. Residents of St. Augustine can take advantage of discounted memberships to this spectacular golf and country club, which is reason alone to own real estate in Rancho Mirage.

Also in close proximity is the Rancho Mirage Country Club, The Springs Country Club and the Desert Island Golf & Country Club. Rancho Mirage borders bucolic La Quinta, which is home to the renowned La Quinta Resort & Club and SilverRock Resort, as well as a bevy of remarkable shopping options, including the famed Old Town La Quinta.

St. Augustine also features two tennis courts, a playground and beautiful trails that wind through the lush landscapes and offer enchanting views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains.

image: xstreampooldesign.com

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New vs Old Homes

Whether you’re searching for Palm Springs homes for sale or property in another part of the country, one of the decisions you need to make is to buy a new or existing home. There are pros and cons for each option, you just need to make the decision that works best for you and your family.

While the prospect of sparkling new appliances and modern floor plans have great appeal for many, other may prefer some of the advantages of an existing home. Here are a few things that you’ll want to consider if you’re considering either route.

Remodeling and improvement potential. Sometimes it makes sense to modernize or expand on an already existing home, especially one in an area where value is increasing. An already built home can offer an array of home improvement projects that you can do to personalize it for you and your family.

Pricing. Often times, existing homes cost less than newer ones. Plus, they tend to come completed, so you may not have to purchase any of the extras that you would if you buy a brand new property, such as landscape items, window treatments and other built-ins.

The neighborhood. One of the benefits you’ll see with many existing Palm Springs homes for sale or properties in other cities is the community and neighborhood amenities. When an area is well-established, there tends to be good landscaping in place, developed trees and strong community measures for safety and other factors.

Maintenance and repair. One of the benefits of a new home is that everything should be in perfect working order when you move in. If you’re looking at existing homes, you should hire an inspector to assess everything from plumbing to the roofing. Keep in mind that if the home comes with built-in appliances, you may need to budget funds for repair and replacement, as some items may stop working over time.

image: rentapartmentmakati.wordpress.com

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Stone Eagle in Palm Desert

When it comes to Palm Desert real estate, the Stone Eagle private golf club and community exemplify the lifestyle the area is renowned for. Located on the west side of Highway 74, approximately 1.7 miles south of Highway 111 and El Paseo, the community is perfectly situated to take advantage of all that Palm Springs has to offer, yet still private and exclusive enough to provide a beautiful desert respite that feels secluded from city life.

The Stone Eagle development is a gated community set against a beautiful backdrop of dramatic canyons, picturesque ridges, beautiful water features and the stunning natural landscape of the desert. Each home boasts a natural palette coupled with unique designs that make the most of this incredible setting.

Located within the Santa Rosa Mountains and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and surrounded by thousands of acres of protected land, Stone Eagle is unique and unparalleled in what it offers its residents and members. Yet for those times when residents want to enjoy the rest of Palm Springs, the community is less than two miles from El Paseo and its chic shops and fine dining options, and a short drive from the other desert cities.

What many seek when considering Palm Desert real estate is access to the championship golf that the region is famed for. Stone Eagle’s private golf club features a spectacular golf course designed by renowned architect Tom Doak. Doak is widely considered one of the most accomplished golf course architects of the modern era, and is the author of several books and essays on golf course design. In addition to the incredible course, there is always an array of club events and activities that offer members the opportunity to socialize at gathering places including The Aerie and The Den at Ten, which make the most of the beautiful setting.

image: stoneeaglegolf.com

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Indian Canyons—A Hidden Gem in Palm Springs

If you’re in the market for Palm Springs homes for sale, the Indian Canyons is an absolute must-see. When it comes to rich history, exclusivity and championship golf, the Indian Canyons Golf resort is unrivalled. Since its original opening in 1961 as the Canyon Country Club, it has been considered a jewel of the Coachella Valley.

What started as an elite winter getaway for the likes of Hollywood celebrities and former United States presidents, from Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Jackie Gleason to Ronald Reagan, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson, is now a popular place to live year round or have a vacation home.

Many buyers seek Palm Springs homes for sale for the incredible golf opportunities that the area affords its residents. Located at the base of the picturesque San Jacinto Mountains in South Palm Springs, the Indian Canyons boasts two spectacular golf courses where you can count on wind-free golf. This is due to the “Canyon” district’s location, which is surrounded on three sides by the San Jacinto Mountains.

Designed by William F. Bell, son of renowned golf course architect William P. Bell, the North Course is the longer of the two. Set on 550 acres of Native American tribal property, the par-72 course spans 6,943 yards and provides gorgeous views of the mountains and unique, mid-century modern homes, several of which were originally owned by Walt Disney. The course features six water hazards, the most notable of which is a lake located between the 9th and 18th holes. At the 18th hole is the famous Disney fountain, which shoots water over 100 feet into the air.

The South Course provides a distinctively different experience. Re-designed in 2004 by renowned architect Casey O’Callahan and player consultant, LPGA legend Amy Alcott, the 6,582-yard course is a favorite among female golfers. The course is absolutely stunning, with four ponds, 850 palm trees and 500 Washingtonia Filifera throughout the course to enhance the desert landscape.

Indian Canyons’ ideal location right in the heart of Palm Springs makes it even more appealing to residents and visitors. It’s in close proximity to the other desert cities, a bevy of recreational options and only 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs.

image: palmsprings.com

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Another Terrific Investment Opportunity In The La Quinta Cove!

Custom wet bar with refrig at 53425 Avenida Villa

The La Quinta Cove is one of the best selling, and remaining best investment  areas of La Quinta.  The inventory of affordable entry level, or rental potential properties is dwindling..here’s a fantastic one!  Just Listed yesterday and already showing it via appointment today, it will NOT last.   53425 Avenida Villa, La Quinta $227,000

The Cove is known for it’s Bohemian, relaxed, no HOA groove..and this home personifies it.  Warm, welcoming and unique, this 3 bedroom/2bathroom, 1987 built home has approx. 1476 sf.  That is, however, BEFORE you add the additional approx. 350 sf Media/Bonus room conversion.  The back porch was enclosed, and adds to the living space.  Custom tile floors, Stainless appliances, ceiling fans, great room open to kitchen flow AND a custom Wet Bar.

Give me a call today..this one will NOT last!

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The Short Sale Roadmap—Part 2

The Short Sale Roadmap—Part 2

Roadmap to a Short SaleIn one of our recent blog posts, we laid out part one of our short sale roadmap (which, of course, emphasized the importance of working with a La Quinta short sale expert). If you followed the first part of our guidelines, now you should be ready to continue with the process. Read on for some more steps to take to make your prospects of completing a short sale transaction a reality.

1. Research all mortgages and liens on the property. You need to make sure the seller has given you all the information regarding any liens on the property and determine which lender is the primary lien holder.

2. Plan your financing. How you are going to pay for the property is one of the most important things to determine. As your La Quinta short sale expert will tell you, you need to be able to move fast with a short sale transaction as most lenders require closing as quickly as 20 days—so get all your ducks in a row. If you have good credit, the existing primary lienholder may be willing to give you a loan and even expedite the application process.

3. Contact the lender. Once you find a property that you’re interested in, you or the real estate professional you’re working with should contact the loss mitigation department or the resource recovery department of the mortgage bank and find the decision-maker. You’ll need to get a notarized letter from the owner that authorizes the lender to discuss the mortgage with you.

4. Complete the application. Once you speak with the lender, you will need to fill out their short-sale application.

5. Put the proposal together. Next you’ll need to put the proposal together, based on the lender’s guidelines. This typically consists of the authorization letter, completed application and a variety of other financial information.

image: iliveinthebayarea.com 

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Planning Your Home-Buying Budget

Whether you’re buying your dream piece of Palm Desert real estate or investing in a vacation home, there are many costs that you may not be aware of or forget about in the excitement of purchasing a new property. Here are a few things to remember so that the expenses of buying a home don’t shock you when they start adding up.

There are more costs associated with buying a home than your down payment, mortgage rates and tax payments. Once your loan is approved, there are other costs you will need to cover before you get the keys to your new abode. You’ll need to pay your agent or realtor fees and most likely want to hire an attorney to review and approve all the paperwork associated with the transaction. If your dream piece of Palm Desert real estate is a condominium or gated community, you’ll want to find out how much the Homeowners Association (HOA) fees will be so you can factor that into the equation.

Another important item to remember is Homeowner’s Insurance, which is necessary to obtain a mortgage. This type of insurance will cover your property and contents, though a standard policy won’t typically cover natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods,tornadoes and hurricanes. If you live in an area that is at risk for any of these type of disasters, you may want to take out an additional policy.

Depending on the size of the down payment you made on the property, you may have to obtain Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and Title Insurance. PMI is required when your down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase price and is designed to protect your lender in case you default on your loan. Title Insurance protects you and the lender in the case of an unusual circumstance where another party tries to lay claim to the title and your property.

Image Credit: trulia.com

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A Mid-Summer Weekend in Palm Springs

A Mid-Summer Weekend in Palm Springs
The Living Desert

The Living Desert

This weekend has a lot of cool things in store for Palm Springs residents, tourists and those in town to look at homes for sale in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or one of the other desert cities.

On Saturday, July 19 from 10 am to 5 pm, the Palm Desert High School will host the Nine Cities Challenge Blood Drive. The desert community will be out in full force to show support and donate blood in this second annual event, during which the nine desert cities will compete to see which community can obtain the most donations. Donors receive refreshments and a t-shirt recognizing their participation. The event takes place in the gymnasium at the Palm Desert High School, which is located at 74910 Aztec Road, off Cook Street in Palm Desert. For more information, please call Desert Blood Services at 760.777.8844 ext. 263.

On Saturday night from 7:45 to 9:15 pm, the National Monument Visitor Center will host a very unique event: Night Adventures in the National Monument. Participants will be led though the dark by the National Monument’s biologists to see some of the desert’s amazing creatures of the night, such as bats, owls, lizards, geckos, scorpions, spiders tarantulas and jackrabbits, using black lights and bat detecting equipment. Those who attend will learn interesting facts about bat facts and other local species. This family event is limited to 25 participants. RSVP by calling 760.862.9984.

On Sunday, July 20, bring the whole family to cool down at National Ice Cream Day at The Living Desert. This unique desert zoo and botanical garden is a must-see for anyone considering homes for sale in La Quinta or the other desert cities—and what better to enjoy it than with ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s in celebration of National Ice Cream Day. The event takes place from 8 am to 1:30 pm.

On Sunday from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre will feature European singer and actress Maria Elena Infantino in From Piaf To Mambo Italiano. Joel Baker is the Music Director of this incredible one-woman show.

image: travelblog.org 

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