There is a certain magic one feels when driving past the entrance to Thunderbird Heights on Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage. Just a feeling . . . can’t really put my finger on it. Perhaps it’s because of the neighborhood’s illustrious past – having been home to some of Hollywood’s great personalities like Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It is a community filled with the history and drama of by-gone days, offering strong appeal to a particular type of discerning buyer in today’s home market.
Location is a huge draw for most people who live there or are looking to buy in Thunderbird Heights. It features incredible panoramic views of the valley, yet is snuggled right up against the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. You can see from the windmills near Whitewater in the west clear across to the east end of the valley. Thunderbird Heights is situated smack dab in the center of Rancho Mirage’s Restaurant Row and is less than a mile away from The River. Interstate 10 access is only about 6 miles from the main gate. How convenient !!!
Thunderbird Heights in Rancho Mirage offers a quiet, serene environment, since most of its homeowners are seasonal. The homes are elegant and architecturally unique, boasting a mix of midcentury moderns, contemporaries, ranches and bungalows. Most of these homes were built in the 1950s on huge estate-sized lots and many have since been remodeled and updated, yet still maintain their original character.
Thunderbird Country Club is right across Hwy. 111 from Thunderbird Heights and the two are connected by an underground tunnel. It is one of the oldest golf clubs in the Palm Springs Valley and the par 71 course dates back to the 1940s, though it was redesigned in 1987.
So, whether you’re a MidCentury Modern architecture buff or are fascinated with the stories about Bing, Lucy, Desi and other stars, Thunderbird Heights is definitely one of Palm Springs Valley’s treasured neighborhoods.
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Check out new Short Sale Listing in Mission Lakes Country Club Desert Hot Springs, this one is a Slam Dunk . . . a very clean short sale.
This is an outstanding opportunity with a golf course location and magnificent Southern mountain views . . . what an outstanding location for this beautifully maintained single family home – approximately 2500 sf including a 3bd/2 ba main home + a detached Casita with a full bathroom! Just gorgeous!
On an over-sized lot, this Short Sale home sits on just under 10,000 sf . . . and there is only one neighbor as there is a berm on the West side of home. The West side yard has a shuffleboard court and the yard is entirely landscaped with low maintenance desert scape. A high wall has been added in the back yard in one corner of the covered porch to block the wind and create a calm, entertaining space.
In the beautiful gated community of Mountain View Country Estates within Mission Lakes Country Club in Desert Hot Springs, the affordable HOA is only $98/mo. This includes a community pool, tennis court and basketball court. Owners here may “pay as you play” at the adjacent golf club or buy a membership.
This Short Sale is offered at $275,000, is a Primary Residence with only one Note with GMAC. Originally sold for almost $495,000 in 2006. Seller only one month delinquent, NOD is not filed.
Don’t miss the Open House on 5/12 12-3 pm for viewing. Keep an eye out on the price !!!
Just another Short Sale opportunity presented by the Palm Springs Valley Short Sale Closer, Kimberley Joy Kelly… I list, work and CLOSE my short sales, and I’ll CLOSE this one too!
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We hadn’t had the chance to check out the Cliffhouse in La Quinta, perched on historic Point Happy, since it was recently taken over by Pacifica, the fabulous seafood restaurant and bar at The Gardens in Palm Desert. Pacifica is a class act and I could only imagine that the Cliffhouse would benefit by its new management. I had heard that the valet parking is a little dicey . . . and I must admit that I experienced that firsthand on Saturday. The energy of the valet team is a little aggressive and not welcoming – as they seem to cater to those driving Ferraris as opposed to regular “middle class” cars. BUT, once we climbed the stairs that meander next to the rock boulders and refreshing waterfall, we had regained our sense of good spirit and were delighted with what was to follow.
The Cliffhouse has a comfortable and earthy ambiance, that of a historic ranch house, offering magnificent mountain views from the indoor bar and dining area, an outdoor dining alcove carved into the adjacent granite mountain- complete with a flowing waterfall and a massive stone fireplace.
We met our friends at the Cactus Grill indoors and the atmosphere was festive and upbeat. The bar menu bears resemblance to the old Cliffhouse one, with a few subtle changes here and there. It feels a little more upscale, but prices are still affordable. The service was good, the Pinot Grigio I selected from the Happy Hour list was delightful and my simple order of a Wedge salad was executed perfectly. It was served at room temperature and everything was sumptuous and fresh. My friends offered up tastings of their French Fries and the yummy dishes they had ordered. We were all pleased as punch and very happy with our “new” Cliffhouse experience.
Hopefully, the valet parking situation will be resolved over time – there is no more park your own car, you must valet park. I have no beef with that, but the parking dudes could stand to take some lessons in customer service and proper valet etiquette. I won’t let that stop me from returning to the Cliffhouse for another delightful repast . . . and the sooner the better.
Living in La Quinta just keeps getting better and better !
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la quinta home buyers; multiple offers
La Quinta and the Palm Springs Valley is on fire. The entry level price point used to be saturated with inventory..up until about mid 2011. Last quarter of 2011 and first quarter 2012 and now to second quarter..things have changed. The mid price ranges..$500-$800,000 have largely moved laterally. Meaning there is still inventory and the price/sf has not changed dramatically over the past 18 months or so. Luxury properties and super luxury properties have come down and are selling. However, they will most likely see more price decreases through 2012.
The entry level however has more buyers than it has inventory. So..that led me to this blog. I often work with Investors, and also first time buyers that will NOT offer a number that will win the bid. They are still in the past..”no matter the price, offer less..sellers are desperate..and hey, I’m cash!” Doesn’t matter..
If you have found a fantastic property that is listed fairly, it will probably garner multiple offers. Short Sales in La Quinta generate mulitples almost always..
1. Cash still trumps, but NOT if your cash offer is way below fair market value. Sellers know they will get what they have it listed at. Cash does eliminate potential contingencies and also decreases close time, so that is worth something. However, do not think you are the ONLY cash buyer..you are not.
2. Loan type: If you are a conventional loan buyer, you should offer List Price or a little above to beat out the Cash buyers on a multiple offer property. If you are FHA or asking for Closing Costs, your offer needs to be better than List price because Seller has to see a value to crediting you back your closing costs. You will be competing with Cash buyers..make your offer stronger to persuade the Seller that you are serious!
3. Clean, well written offers: Don’t tangle your offer up with contingencies, and pieces of furnishings, and this and that. Make it easy, clean and straight forward. Nobody wants to have to “figure out” what you want. Sellers want it as easy and clean as possible.
4. Cash buyers…don’t be arrogant. There are many other cash buyers in the market. Investors, foreigners, people that saved their $, people pulling cash out of CD’s and buying real estate..make an offer that makes sense!
Get there first. Submit a clean, fair offer..that means pay attention to the comps and believe them! Your Realtor should be giving you a number that will garner attention..listen! If you are interested in Short Sales, that’s for another blog..
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short sale just listed in La Quinta
Short Sale at the Norman Estates in PGA West, La Quinta. 81375 National Dr. $1,200,000. This is a killer house! Southern Fairway views from the back yard which has a large pebbletec pool/spa and built-in outdoor entertainment area. There is a circular driveway in the front of the home which leads to a hand-carved wooden front door. Enter the door to a huge great room with 3 sets of french doors that open to the interior courtyard with it’s private fireplace, then continue on to the lovely backyard. Both wings of this entertainers’ home open to this party courtyard through French Doors and accented with stone floors.
The home has 5 bedrooms + 5.5 baths on an almost 18,000sf, corner home site. Inside the main home is a chefs’ kitchen with Wolfe/Sub-zero stainless appliances, Fisher/Paykel dual dishwashers, custom granite slab counter tops and an eat counter to seat 4 easily. The dining area and wet bar open to the interior courtyard large french doors as well. The entire home is centered around the interior courtyard that is accessed through multiple sets of french doors.
Attached Casita, Master retreat with fireplace in each, 2 more ensuite guest rooms and a laundry room that is enormous! Then we go outside to the couryard, take the stairs up to the enclosed sky deck. A special place, with it’s private bathroom and balcony. What views! Up Fairway to the lakes and mountains beyond. Imagine sipping a glass of wine and watching the sun set from this vantage point!
Two notes. First with B of A and second with Chase. Sellers have all docs in order. Purchased in 2006 for $1,400,000 plus all the upgrades, this home is a steal. I list, work and CLOSE my short sales, and I will get this one CLOSED too!
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short sale at Mountain View Estates
Beautiful Short Sale home in Mountain View Estates in Desert Hot Springs. Adjacent to Mission Lakes CC, Mountain View Estates is a gated community of single family residences with spectacular Views! A short drive North of Hwy 10, this is a golf course community without the high HOA’s because it’s not REALLY on the golf course.
Beautifully maintained, this 2500+ sf home has 3bd/2ba in the main home + a detached Casita with a full bath. South facing, corner lot with no neighbor to the West, this home offers privacy. Located on one of the 55+ streets in the community, one owner must be 55+ years or over.
This home sold in 2006 for $495,000 and is now offered at $275,000. Only one note with GMAC, and a primary residence for the Sellers, this Short Sale should be relatively painless. The lot is over-sized at approx. 9600 sf with desert scape for easy maintenance, two covered porches in the back and spectacular South mountain and fairway views. Owners may play golf at the Club on a “pay as you play” game or they may join Mission Lakes CC.
HOA’s are a low $98/month and include a community pool, tennis court+ basketball court..great deal! Another Short Sale listed with the Short Sale CLOSER!
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Most everywhere across the country, and in La Quinta too, all you have to do is look in the local paper at the ‘For Rent’ section of the Classifieds to see that the rent prices are climbing. At the same time, home prices are either still declining or remain at a relative low. This is enough to get some reluctant home buyers into the game and ready to take the plunge into home ownership and the current spring selling season is reflecting this trend.
Other factors contributing to the increased buying activity – sales made by investors and second-home purchasers . . . but, realtors are saying that they are hearing complaints from people who are currently renting about the rise in rental prices. Experts are saying that due to the rising rents (avg. apartment rents rose by 2.7% last year) coupled with stagnant or falling home prices and available low interest rates, demand for entry level homes is on the rise. They also believe that 2012 will be the first year since 2005 that the percentage of apartment renters moving out to buy a home will increase from the previous year.
Some housing analysts say that historically, the cost to rent an apartment has been about 10% lower than the after tax cost of owning a home. That discount began falling in 2010 and last year disappeared entirely. By the end of last year, it was found that the cost to rent an apartment was about 15% higher than the cost to own a home – showing that conditions are “overwhelming” in favor of buying now.
But not all markets have been seeing the same trend – for instance, in Orange County and NYC, where home prices are extremely high, it is still cheaper to rent. But even NY realtors say sales of small studio and one-bedroom apartments are brisk because renters don’t want to pay such high amounts to rent – so may as well own.
Spring home sales are bustling . . . and the question remains, To Buy or Not to Buy . . . stay tuned !!!
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Well, it’s called fearlessness . . . ‘the quality of mind enabling one to face danger or hardship resolutely.’ That is the dictionary’s definition and that pretty much sums up what my friend Kim Kelly is all about. This is a guest blog and I am writing about Kimberley Joy Kelly – realtor for HK Lane Real Estate in La Quinta AND longtime pro on the polo circuit and trainer of polo ponies.
In this month’s issue (April) of Palm Springs Life, there is an excellent article entitled “Chicks With Sticks,” spotlighting Kim and another local female equestrian and their careers in the male dominated sport of polo. I can’t talk intelligently about the game of polo, as I haven’t spent a lot of time around horses and have only observed the game as a spectator. All I know is that from knowing Kim personally, the fearlessness she displays in her facility as a polo player, a game with obvious risks and dangers, is the same fearlessness she displays when running her real estate business. No challenge is insurmountable to her, short sales don’t daunt her in the least (she’s had five years of experience in short sales with an excellent track record – and she knows how to deal with the banks !!! nuff said). She amazes me, her level of commitment and focus to whatever she puts her sights on.
I know what I’m talking about because I speak from personal experience – Kim represented me and my fiance when we bought our home last year. She was on top of everything, making sure we got the best price and that the confusing whirlwind of escrow, loan procurement, etc. went as easily and smoothly as possible. She took amazing care of us, treating us every bit as well as she treats her horses. And that’s saying something, because she LOVES her horses and intuitively knows and responds to their needs.
Okay, here’s your answer to the question “What does a polo player and a real estate agent have in common?” And the answer is . . . Kimberley Joy Kelly.
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Palm Springs innovative building
Trend setting is nothing new to those of us living in the Palm Springs Valley. Architecturally, we have had a variety of different styles added to the housing in the Valley over the past century. The mid-century Moderns with Frey and Wexler leading the pack, have added to Palm Springs’ alure amongst buyers looking for something different and special. Well..we’ve got one more.
I have been reading about the “steel modern” homes for several years. In Yucca Valley, there are two of Blue Sky’s prototypes and I love the idea that the builders and architects used the natural environment to enhance their homes. The struggle is always to make the building of an eco-friendly home cost efficient and perhaps now, the steel homes may be ready for the main stream..
The Steel home hits Palm Springs..
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Finally the Palm Desert Country Club is back in the game. During the past few years, the golf course owner filed for bankruptcy and closed the course down . . . meanwhile, allowing the nearly 50 year old course to deteriorate. Imagine having a home in PD Country Club and looking out your back windows only to see dead grass and weeds where once were emerald green manicured fairways. Not only were aesthetics devalued, but values of the homes in the club went down as a result . . . in an already depressed market. Foreclosured and short saled homes were abundant and it was a depressing scene.
Enter a group of Canadian partners called PD Investments which bought the 27 hole golf course last year. Things began to shape up in the neighborhood very quickly. There are fewer homes for sale now, they’ve been bought and tidied up, bringing property values back up again.
PDCC’s director of golf, David Zickau, was hired in November and asked to embrace a simple philosophy as he moved forward in his new position . . . and that was to make the club friendly for all who go there. The course was overseeded, new carts brought in and other improvements were made to bring the club back up after 18 months of being closed.
The club’s management goal is to provide affordable golf at a high quality course, and there are membership packages available for every level of golfer. A round of golf can be had for $45 to $69, depending on time of day. Memberships range from $3,300 for single to $4,500 for a couple, with special rates for snowbirds. In addition, improvements have been made to the 13,000sf clubhouse – such as a new outside patio area with 4 fire pits.
The Palm Desert Country Club’s golf course has been almost fully booked since re-opening, and hopefully the young and enthusiastic staff will continue to please members and attract newcomers. Kudos to PD Investments for their commitment to bringing the club back and hopefully exceeding expectations.
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