Are you wondering if this is your year to buy real estate in the Palm Springs area? While it can seem like an overwhelming decision to make, there are some indicators that will shed significant light on whether you’re ready to make this kind of transaction. Read on for a few ways to determine if you’re ready to make a move.
1. You have substantial savings. Probably the biggest deterrent for most would-be buyers of homes for sale in Indian Wells and other areas is saving up for a down payment and the closing costs associated with a real estate purchase. Typically, a good down payment should be around 20 percent of the total cost of the property, though there are some mortgage lenders who will work with smaller amounts. Closing costs usually include points, financing costs, taxes, title insurance and other items. If you have a significant savings in place and can afford these fees, you are most likely ready to take the plunge.
2. Market familiarity. If you’ve been watching the Palm Springs real estate market for a while already, you probably have an idea of what homes cost in the neighborhoods you are looking in. This means you’ll have a realistic view of costs and which features to expect.
3. Your credit is in good shape. If you have a good credit score already, you’re in the perfect position to be looking at homes for sale in Indian Wells and the surrounding areas. It’s always important to check to make sure that the information on your credit report is all correct and that any negatives have been addressed. Lenders will evaluate your debt, your payment history and how many loans and credit card accounts you have open. If you’ve already checked with all three credit reporting companies, which include Experian, Equifax and Trans Union, then you’re ahead of the game.
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Do you want to retire in a community that serves as a personal haven? Or would you like to enjoy resort-style amenities while living in a single family home? Are you looking at luxury properties for an international real estate investment or are you considering buying a vacation home? If any of these apply, you may want to consider buying property in one of the beautiful resort communities in Palm Springs.
A gated or master planned community that boasts luxurious amenities such as spas, fitness centers and restaurants, in addition to the feeling of community coupled with exclusivity, is usually what defines a resort community. Many are actually located right at the foot of a major attraction such as a golf course or actual resort, which is easy to find in the Palm Springs area. Buying property in a resort community can be a great investment and is sure to be enjoyed be the entire family.
Much of the appeal of resort communities are the large array of amenities. Many buyers in the Palm Springs area, especially those interested in luxury properties for an international real estate investment, want a home that provides access to enjoy the beautiful weather and the great outdoors. Swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses and close proximity to parks, fine dining and shopping are often what draws buyers to these type of developments.
What’s so exciting about many modern resort communities are the multigenerational residents. This makes the prospect of living in this type of development equally exciting to those who want to live in the community year round and those who seek a vacation home.
For those who are looking for a second home or international real estate investment, the residences in resort communities can be very appealing to tenants who wish to rent. In golf communities, it can be very easy to find tenants for short-term stays, which can lead to very lucrative rental income.
Visit this link to browse listings that are perfect for an international real estate investment.
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The holiday festivities are kicking up this week with an array of family-friendly and adult events lined up for the pre-Christmas weekend. There’s so much in store for locals, snowbirds and even those in town with designs on Indian Wells real estate and homes for sale in Palm Springs to enjoy.
Now through Sunday, December 21, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will play at the Palm Canyon Theatre. Performance times vary so check the Palm Canyon Theatre website for daily shows.
On Wednesday, December 17, the McCallum Theatre will feature a performance of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, The Nutcracker. The beautiful scenery and costumes make this show even more compelling to watch and enjoy with the entire family. The show takes place from 7 pm to 9 pm.
On Thursday, December 18, the Coachella Valley History Museum will present its own celebration, an Old Fashioned Christmas.
On Saturday, December 20 from 10 am to noon Paws ‘N Claus will be happening on the center lawn at the picturesque Gardens on El Paseo. Bring your canine pal to take photos with Santa for a $10 donation that benefits Animal Samaritans.
On Saturday, December 20 from 7 pm to 9 pm, the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center will host a performance of the Coachella Valley Symphony’s “Holiday Magic.” Featuring the remarkable vocals of Patricia Welch, the symphony will perform seasonal classics including Joy to the World, Winter Wonderland, Silent Night and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet.
On Saturday from 8pm to 10 pm, the McCallum Theatre will feature a Merri-Achi Christmas. This colorful Mexican holiday of traditional songs and merriment will be headlined by one of the country’s premier ensembles, Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jóse Hernàndez.
Visit this link to view listings of some gorgeous Indian Wells real estate and homes for sale in Palm Springs.
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While summer is often the busiest season in the real estate market, there are many excellent reasons to buy property at the year’s end. There is always inventory to be had, so if this month fits your timeline and you’re ready to look at Palm Springs homes for sale, read on for some other motivating factors.
1. Tax savings. One of the major benefits of buying a house by December 31 is that you can enjoy some substantial tax savings. When you close by the end of the year, you can deduct property taxes, mortgage interest and points on your loan.
2. Better pricing. Many times, you may be able to get a better price on the homes you are looking at because sellers may be more motivated at the end of the year. If they have found and bought their own dream house, they will want to enjoy their own tax savings on their new property. In order to meet tax deadlines, they may consider a lower bid on their home.
3. Savings on moving costs. Spring and summer are typically the busiest months for moving companies and can book up anywhere from a month to six weeks in advance. Less people tend to move during fall and winter, so you’ll be able to book your ideal moving date easier and may be able to negotiate lower prices. The same goes for rental equipment and trucks.
4. Builder incentives. If you buy a brand new home and it needs upgrades or to be built out, you may also be able to negotiate a better deal with builders. They may be pushing to close their own books on the year and meet their quotas.
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There is so much in store for Thanksgiving weekend in the desert cities! Locals and visitors alike have much to look forward to, and if you’re interested in Palm Springs homes for sale, it’s a great time to enjoy the festivities of the region. Read on for a few ideas to put on your itinerary this weekend.
The annual WildLights Festival at the renowned Living Desert has officially kicked off its 22nd year. The one-of-a-kind holiday event features 750,000 lights, wildlife wonder shows, carousel and camel rides, and more. WildLights is open from 6 pm to 9 pm on select evenings through December 31.
On Thanksgiving morning, El Paseo Boulevard will be the site of the 8th annual Martha’s Village & Kitchen Thanksgiving Day 5K. The event benefits Martha’s Village & Kitchen, which strives to meet the needs of the homeless and impoverished of the Coachella Valley through many services and structured programs, including serving more than 225,000 meals a year to over 3,000 children and adults.
From Friday, November 28 through Sunday, November 30, the McCallum Theatre will host performances of Anything Goes, an exciting new production of the acclaimed Broadway musical. Performances take place at 8 pm on Friday, 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday, and 2 pm and 7 pm on Sunday.
Also from Friday through Sunday, the Indio Powwow will take place at the Fantasy Springs Casino. This annual event celebrates the cultural tradition of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. The event features Native American dance competitions, drum contests, bird singing, peon games, traditional foods such as Indian fry bread and a plethora of unique vendors.
On Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, the Desert Arts Festival will be happening at the Frances Stevens Park. The event includes works from more than 100 artists in a variety of mediums of two and three dimensional fine art, from clay, glass, stone and metal sculptures to oil, acrylic watercolors paintings, among many others.
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SilverRock Resort in La Quinta
Nestled between Indian Wells and Indio, La Quinta is an oasis of outdoor activities, gorgeous mountain views, relaxation and rejuvenation. In the 1920s, when San Francisco businessman Walter H. Morgan and famed architect Gordon Kaufman planned this beautiful respite, they aimed to create a sanctuary of hacienda-style living. When present day buyers come to look at properties for sale in La Quinta, this is exactly what they find. Here are some reasons why La Quinta real estate is so popular:
1. It’s a paradise for golf aficionados. Nicknamed the “Golf Capital of the World,” La Quinta is the home of more than 20 golf courses, including championship courses such as the world renowned Arnold Palmer Classic Course at SilverRock Resort, the historic La Quinta Resort & Club, the Palm Royale Country Club, and the renowned PGA WEST Golf Club & Resort, among others.
2. The gorgeous views of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains. The region is so picturesque that it’s featured in Disney California Adventure Park’s extremely popular attraction, Soarin’ Over California. In fact, the world-famous PGA West golf complex in La Quinta is actually where the “Palm Springs” segment was shot.
3. The vast recreational opportunities. La Quinta offers world-class tennis, fine dining and top rated spa experiences. In addition, La Quinta has increased its number of retail centers with the goal of becoming a shopping destination of the likes of Palm Springs and Palm Desert.
4. The gorgeous weather. The beautiful and majestic high mountain ranges surrounding La Quinta create a uniquely warm climate year round. The average number of sunny days per year is 348!
5. The culture. La Quinta hosts numerous special events from the world-famous Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, PGA West, Slam of Golf and The Legends of Golf to the Art Under the Umbrellas series and the award-winning La Quinta Arts Festival.
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Whether you’re scoping out properties for sale in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert, you’ve got plenty of entertainment and recreational options to choose from this weekend. Read on to learn about the diverse slate of events taking place in Palm Springs this weekend.
On Friday, November 14, Ghostly Graveyard Tours will take place at the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery. Guides from the Coachella Valley History Museum will lead visitors through the oldest cemeteries in the region. Tours take place at 4, 5 and 6 pm. Reservations are required.
On Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, the 7th Annual Armenian Cultural Festival will take place at the St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert. It’s an excellent opportunity to celebrate Armenian culture and heritage while enjoying specialty foods, traditions, music and Armenian folk dance. Admission is only $3 and the event will be happening from 11 am to 8 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday.
On Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, the Fall Family Extravaganza at the Children’s Discovery Museum will be in full swing. This family-friendly carnival features a bevy of activities for children, including face painting, pony rides, rides, giant bubbles and more.
Also on Saturday, Art Under the Umbrellas will be going on at Old Town La Quinta from 10 am to 4 pm. More than 80 artists participate in this unique art event that takes place along the streets of this bucolic town. That evening, from 8 pm to 10 pm, nine-time Grammy award winner Sheryl Crow will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino.
On both Saturday and Sunday, the Palm Desert Historical Society will host the annual Firehouse Yard Sale.
Visit this page to view properties for sale in La Quinta and the other desert cities.
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014 is Veteran’s Day, and there are plenty of ways to commemorate our veterans and enjoy a day off in Palm Springs. Whether you’re a local, a snowbird or are looking at luxury properties for the international real estate market, you have plenty of options for celebrating Veteran’s Day in the desert cities.
At 11 am, the Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheatre will be the site of Palm Desert Honors Veterans, a free event that pays homage to all those who have served our country as well as those currently serving. There will be speeches from both veterans and active duty military service members in addition to a patriotic concert performed by the Girls Club Jazz Band and Heatwave Boys.
At 3:30 pm, the 18th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade will take place in downtown Palm Springs. Presented by the City of Palm Springs, this parade is one of the largest in Southern California and is supported by marching bands, military units and veterans’ organizations, among many others. The parade lasts around one hour and begins at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive and travels northbound on Palm Canyon Drive to Alejo Road. The event culminates with a patriotic concert and festive fireworks finale at the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road.
All day long, the Joshua Tree National Park is honoring Free Entrance Days to National Parks in honor of Veterans Day. Simply put, it’s free admission for all at this beautiful, one-of-a-kind national park. If you’re considering luxury properties for the international real estate market and viewing homes for sale in Palm Springs, Joshua Tree is an absolute must-see. It’s only a short drive away from any of the desert cities and an attraction you’ll want to vist time and time again.
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The active social season in Palm Springs is getting into full swing, which means there will be a wide range of activities, with something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned local, recently moved to the area or have your eye on investing in international real estate in the Coachella Valley, get ready for an incredible wrap up to your week!
On Thursday, November 6 from 5:30 pm to 9 pm, the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton will be the site of the Pendleton Foundation 10th Annual Chef’s Auction. The event benefits the Pendleton Foundation, an amazing organization dedicated to helping meet the financial needs of Coachella Valley residents suffering from cancer. Also on Thursday from 7 pm to 9 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host a performance of Ballet Boyz, a unique ballet company founded by former Royal Ballet dancers William Trevitt and Michael Nunn.
On Friday, November 7, the First Weekend Palm Desert Season Kickoff will be in effect, which means a bevy of arts and entertainment all weekend long. If you’re in town visiting or here to look at homes for an international real estate investment, you have a real treat in store! The activities start with El Paseo Cruise Night, which takes place from 3:15 pm to 6 pm, right on famed El Paseo Boulevard. Muscle car and hot rod enthusiasts will get their fix as cruisers put on an exciting show.
The acclaimed El Paseo Art Walk, which is held on the First Friday of every month, will take place from 4 pm to 8 pm. The longstanding local tradition incudes extended shopping hours in participating shops, gallery openings, exhibits, artist receptions and much more.
Also on Friday, the Palm Canyon Theatre will feature a performance of Broadway in Drag from 8 pm to 10 pm. An official event of Palm Springs Pride, this unique show includes an array of beautiful female impersonators vying for a crown in this lavish production about the glamour of Broadway.
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If you’re considering homes for sale in Palm Desert, you’re in good company—everyone from retirees and families to newlyweds and singles find this city an incredible place to live. The combination of beautiful weather, prime location and bevy of attractions and recreational options make it possible to live the dream lifestyle that so many come to the Coachella Valley to enjoy. Plus, many of Palm Desert attractions are free or very low cost and are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
1. Soak it up. The state-of-the-art Palm Desert Aquatic Center at the beautiful Palm Desert Civic Center Park is a no-brainer for anyone interested in homes for sale in Palm Desert, regardless of age. There are three incredible pools, including a one foot deep splash pool for the younger kids, complete with fun features that splash and spray those below. There is also family recreation pool with two water slides and an Olympic-size pool for those who take their swimming and diving seriously.
2. Get wild. One of Palm Desert’s most unique and exciting attractions is the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. The mission of the Living Desert is to preserve a portion of the Colorado Desert in its natural state and promote desert conservation through education, appreciation and preservation. There is an array of one-of-a-kind exhibits and opportunities to see and learn about animals and ecosystems from all over the world, from the Ant Lab and Animal Chats to the Wildlife Wonders show and an interactive outdoor play land for kids called Gecko Gulch.
3. Get your culture on. For those who need a regular culture fix, The McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert features wide-ranging, world class artists, ensembles and companies at this incredible center for the performing arts. The state-of-the-art venue was founded in 1973 by the Friends of the Cultural Center, a group of Coachella Valley business, education and cultural leaders who wanted to make the performing arts available to as many people in the desert cities as possible.
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