Coachella Valley

Coming Soon! Beautiful street presence in La Quinta Cove.

Many buyers consider the Coachella Valley to be an ideal destination for spending their golden years, or maybe just as a second home destination.  There are many aspects to factor into the decision making process—therefore, it’s very important to consider them all as soon as you start searching for properties.  Once you decide whether you plan to rent or buy, you’ll need to think about what’s most important to you. Do you mind having younger families living in the vicinity or would you prefer a community specifically designed for retirement? Would you like to become a part of a vibrant community with access to recreational activities and an active social calendar, or do you prefer a more secluded environment? The good news is, there are Coachella Valley homes for sale that fit into almost every category you can think of.  If you are looking to buy or sell in the Coachella Valley, give me a call at 760-285-3578.

In addition to the community style you prefer, when buying in the Coachella Valley, you’ll want to determine which features are most important to you. Would you prefer a one story home or are you comfortable with traveling up and down staircases? Do you want a master bathroom with a deep-set Jacuzzi to relax in or does the ease of a walk-in shower have a greater appeal?

Landscaping and maintenance are other important features to consider. If you have a green thumb and gardening is a favorite hobby, it may make sense to manage your own landscaping. On the flip side, if you consider maintenance and landscaping tasks a chore, you may want to find a Coachella Valley home in a gated community with an HOA that manages those aspects.

If you love the great outdoors, you may want to buy a Coachella Valley property with easy access to parks, walking trails or a swimming pool. Or if you’re a golf or tennis aficionado, you may want to ensure that you’re in close proximity to some of the championship golf courses or world class tennis courts, such as the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, that are in the area.  Take the quick walk tour of the backyard of the La Quinta Cove home that is coming active on Nov. 15, offered at $665,000.

Our popular Coachella Valley real estate market is gearing up for 2025

Coachella Valley Market, 2025.  Fannie Mae economists predict at least a 10% increase in sales overall.  Our Coachella Valley is seasonal and we are heading into season.  It has been a very slow year of sales here in the desert for 2024.  Nobody has a crystal ball, but here on the ground, it is sure feeling like 2025 is going to be strong!  Local resident/agent, Kim Kelly if you are thinking of buying or selling in the Coachella Valley. 760-285-3578.

Recent declines in mortgage rates and the chance that rates will fall below 6% next year have prompted forecasters to predict that sales in 2024 will total 4.77 million units, still up by approx. 16,000 over 2023.  What is still holding sales back is the fact that current homeowners have to be ready to relinquish their low mortgage rates by offering their homes for sale.  Fannie Mae feels that resale homes will out pace new homes in 2025.

The price appreciation that we are seeing in our properties is predicted remain steady this year from 3rd and 4th Q of 2024 at an increase of 5.9%, but that appreciation is predicted to fall during 2025.  By 4th Q of 2025, price appreciation is predicted to fall to approx. 3.6%.  That should help stabilize the market a bit.  Mortgage rates are predicted to start 2025 at just under 6%, and end the year at about 5.5%.  That should help also.

If you are interested in buying here in our beautiful Coachella Valley, this season  will be a good time to start touring.  There will be some nice properties for sale, and sellers are becoming more reasonable!

The Thermal Airport really opens up access to our Eastern Coachella Valley cities.

Thermal airport is expanding!  The name of the airport, which was established in 1942, was changed to Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in 2004.  The Eastern Coachella Valley is opening up even more.  The airport makes it easy for people with HITS show horses to fly in and out, and also for people who fly in and out of The Thermal Club, to race their cars.  If you are looking to buy or sell in the Coachella Valley, give local resident and agent, Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.

Some really nice date farms for sale in our eastern Coachella Valley.

Coachella Date tree facts:  Here in the Coachella Valley, our dates are second to none.  Dates love our climate and our soil, and because the life of a date producing tree is quite long, the return on the crop can be substantial.  The Eastern Coachella Valley, where so many of our original and still working date farms are located, is also under heavy pressure to be developed.  The City of Coachella is interested in keeping the past of these original farms as part of it’s historical story.  If you are looking to buy or sell in the Coachella Valley, give local agent, Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.

Coachella Date Tree Information

In the late 1800s, date seeds and offshoots were imported from Egypt, Algeria and the Persian Gulf to the arid southwest of the United States. In 1904, the U.S. Department of Agriculture established an experimental agricultural station in the Coachella Valley devoted to the cultivation of dates. Different varieties, both from offshoots and seeds were tried.

In the following decades, crop production grew exponentially, from approximately 100,000 pounds in 1919 to 1 million pounds in 1926, and then by 1955 to 48 million pounds of dates. Ultimately, some 85 percent of U.S. date acreage was situated in the Coachella Valley. This production ultimately derived predominantly from 14,000 offshoots of the Deglet Noor variety imported from Algeria.

The Coachella Valley was, and is, uniquely endowed with favorable conditions for date production. The arid landscape, artesian water and high temperatures produce the highest quality of dates—sweet and plump.

Each date tree can produce approx. 200 lbs. of dates/year.  Typically a date tree will start producing at 3-8 years old, produce their maximum yields at approx. 10-15 years, and can produce up to 30 years or so.  Take a tour of this 9.7 acre organic date farm for sale for just $795,000!

Sales are slower in the Coachella Valley right now; good time for sellers to carry!

What’s selling in the Coachella Valley???  This is a crazy market right now.  There are so many factors at play in the real estate market right now.  First, the election.  I’ve found during my 23 years of selling Coachella Valley real estate that every 4 years, the market gets stuck.  Why?   Nobody knows for sure, but I think some buyers are waiting to see if there will be tax cuts coming, and they are also waiting to see what happens with the wars.  Then add the economic questions and buyers are tentative.  Add to this the fact that sellers are stubborn about their ask prices.  Sales were so strong the past 2 years in our Coachella valley real estate market that sellers have become very confident.  If you are looking to buy or sell land, ranches, residential, investment property or equestrian property, give local agent, Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.

I am doing alot of showing and educating as to what’s available for sale in different areas of the Coachella Valley.  One fact that remains consistent throughout the different types of real estate opportunities is that a superior product will ALWAYS sell.  Whether it’s a parcel of vacant land, a home in a golf course community, a home on a parcel of land, or a multi acre event site, a product that has a superior location, views, sunlight is going to sell.  The only hitch might be if the sellers are inflexible.  In a strange market where the buyers are watching and not jumping, sellers MUST be open to “creative sales options.”  What does that mean??  It means that sellers should look at ALL offers, even low ones, and be creative with terms.

I’m finding that if my sellers are thoughtful and willing to work with buyers, even difficult properties are still selling in this market.  More of my sellers are willing to carry a note with a good down payment than in a smoking hot market where there are multiple buyers.  Lenders are offering to buy down mortgages to inspire more buyers to write offers, and qualify for loans.  Sellers..be creative and open if you really want to sell!  Enjoy the tour below of a recently sold home at Victoria Falls in Rancho Mirage.  I have more!

La Quinta Golf course communities include PGA West.

Why use a Buyers’ Agent??  With the recent legal settlements regarding the NAR, National Real Estate Association, lots of agents are questioning whether or not buyers will still even use agents.  I’ve been selling real estate here in the Coachella Valley for over 20 years.  I’ve lived here in the valley for over 40 years!  I firmly believe that if someone who doesn’t know this valley like I do, but wants to purchase a property here, will still gravitate toward an agent.  I know that I would!  If you are looking to buy or sell in any of the nine desert cities here in the Coachella Valley, give local Realtor, Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.

TOP 5 REASONS TO USE A REALTOR

             1.  Local market knowledge:  A local Realtor provides in depth knowledge on pricing trends, the history of any property you may be considering, tax assessment history, the property history over time, and most importantly, local area knowledge.

2.  Have a negotiator by your side:  Very important, especially when a market is shifting to know what to offer, not just the price, but also the terms.  You don’t want to go in too low as that can piss a seller off and they won’t respond at all.  You certainly don’t want to pay more than necessary either..and the terms are incredibly important.  What is driving that seller to sell?  That’s what a good agent finds out!

3.  Your Agent will help with documents and disclosures:  Man, there is alot of paperwork required to purchase a property, whether it’s residential, investment, vacant land, commercial, or an equestrian property.  Not only the offer docs, but the mounds of California State Disclosures can be overwhelming.  But, your agent can help decipher them and keep them in order.

4.  Your Agent will help you with Inspections..which ones you must have and why:  Depending on which type of property you are buying, there are some critical inspections that you simply do NOT want to skip, and there are others that you may wish to have, but that are not required.  Which to get, how to interpret them, and how to negotiate with the seller.

5.  Agents can make the experience a good time!  I enjoy working with my clients in regards to their purchase as well as what’s available in our beautiful valley.  It’s fun!  My clients and I have a good time looking at properties.  Actually finding them, inspecting them, discussing them, looking carefully at the pros and cons of that particular property, and really looking at whether that one suits what the buyer is looking for.

Buyers Agents and Sellers Agents are generally paid by the seller.  The commission amount is negotiable.  It can be negotiated within the sales price, or it can be added to the sales price.  I like to give net sheets to my sellers (and my buyers) that clearly shows how much commission will be at that price, and which agent receives what.  There is no mystery, and agents have to be paid for their time.  I believe my services support my commission payout!!

Coachella Valley Equestrian estates, land and farms are in demand!

Coachella Valley real estate update:  Everyone wants to know what’s going on in the real estate world here in the Coachella Valley.  Well, there are certain areas of the valley desert real estate sales that are doing very well.  There are also areas of the valley that have been standing still.  Sellers still aren’t feeling driven to sell, unless they are going to leave the area completely.  Coachella Valley sellers are not willing to sell their current properties and perhaps move to a different area of the valley, or to a larger home..why would they??  Mortgage rates are still hovering around 7%.  My own mortgage is 3%, so why in the world would I sell and trade my great rate for a higher one?  If you are looking to buy or sell here in the Coachella Valley, give local Realtor, Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.

Land, ranches and equestrian estates are still in high demand.  In fact, I have buyers waiting for their dream ranch type properties to come up for sale!!  I’m contacting past buyers to see if they may want to sell.  BUT, I also have buyers looking for particular floorplans in a particular development with a particular orientation.  Inventory has increased across our 9 desert cities, but it’s still low.  Most of my ready buyers are cash buyers, or are paying mostly cash and carrying small loans.  Sellers are more willing to carry a note in the hopes that will inspire buyers to write.

CAR housing market update

California home sales remained stagnant in December, according to a report released today by the California Association of Realtors. Existing, single-family home sales totaled 224,000 in December which were flat from November and down 7.1% from December 2022. For the year, statewide home sales were down 24.8%. December home sales remained near the 16-year low reached in November as the sales declined for 2023 and experienced their steepest drop since 2007.

December’s statewide median home price was $819,740, down 0.3% from November and up 6.4% from December 2022.

Orange County median home price in December was $1,300,000, up 14.9% from December 2022.

Riverside County median home price in December was $607,500, up 5.7% from December 2022.

San Diego County median home price in December was $911,500, up 7.2% from December 2022.

“The housing market had a tough year in 2023 as a shortage of homes for sale and high costs of borrowing continued to have a negative impact on housing inventory and demand” said 2024 C.A.R. President Melanie Barker. “With mortgage rates expected to come down in the next 12 months, home sales will bounce back as buyers and sellers return to a more favorable housing market. Home prices should see a moderate increase in 2024 as well.”

Our popular Coachella Valley real estate market is gearing up for 2024.

Happy Holidays in the Coachella Valley!  We have alot to be grateful for here in our beautiful desert valley.  The insanely beautiful winter weather is here and so are our seasonal residents and visitors.  We did get a deluge of rain last week which completely flooded out the Eldorado Polo Club, as well as many local roads and bridges, but two days later, here comes our sun.  If you are looking to buy or sell a home, land, equestrian property or investment property, give local realtor, Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.

We actually are finishing the year with good news!  The stock market is raging with record highs..good for everyone who has any stocks at all.  Inflation has cooled..and without a recession..who knew??  And for potential buyers, Interest rates for mortgages have come down this year, and many are predicting another drop first Q of 2024.

Home buyers have received a gift to end the year in 2023!  Happy Holidays in the Coachella Valley!  We have seen 6 consecutive weeks of rates dropping and the Fed Meeting this last week decided to pause rate hikes for the 3^rd consecutive meeting to end the year. Check out some of the recent stats below.  Home buying in 2024 has just become more affordable.

6 – Consecutive weeks of interest rates dropping to end the year.

3 –  Consecutive Fed meetings which they have decided to pause rate hikes. This is after seeing 11 rate hikes in the 2022-2023 cycle.

3 – Potential rate cuts in 2024 that the fed hinted at in their December meeting.

1.25 – The percent that mortgage rates have dropped on average over the last 2 months. (Courtesy of Walter Neil with Franklin Loans.)

Inventory is still low, and I suspect that it will remain low until Interest rates do  come down nearer to 6%.  It’s really hard for sellers to list their homes if they’re thinking of buying again, when they have really low rates in their current properties, so they are choosing to sit.  But..our season is just beginning and I am already seeing more listings hit the market, so if you are thinking you might be ready to start looking in our Coachella Valley, 2024 could be the year!

This 20 acre farm just closed, but I have more land and equestrian properties, investment opportunities and residential properties for sale..give me a call!

Modern horse ranch in Coachella for sale!

Coachella Valley Thanksgiving.  The sun is shining, no wind, this day is spectacular.  I’m still swimming and my pool is not heated!  The desert in the winter is perfection.  I always tell my clients that having a winter home here and a summer home anywhere else, that is livin!  As our season starts to wind up, expect the number  of listings to increase..and I mean in all areas of Coachella Valley real estate.  Residential, Land, Equestrian properties, investment opportunities, commercial investments; it’s all ramping up for the 2024 season.  If you are looking to buy or sell in the Coachella Valley, give local realtor and desert resident for 35+ years, Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.

A Coachella Valley Thanksgiving in La Quinta offers plenty to do.  Here’s a calender of events specific to the City, and if you’re thinking of going out to eat in Palm Springs, check it out here first!  If you’re in town and want to check out some property, be sure to reserve a local realtors time as we are all running this weekend.  There will be lots of open houses, but if you want to look at a specific type of property, you definitely need a local realtor that knows the ins and outs of what’s available and also local values for that type of property.  Using a residential agent from Palm Springs to look at Eastern Coachella Valley Land or equestrian estates, is just not smart!  This happened to me two days ago.  I was showing one of my farm listings and the agent had been evasive about what their client was looking for.  When she got there, it became very apparent that she has no experience in the East Valley at all, never mind about land or development opportunities in the Eastern Coachella Valley!  Because the Eastern Coachella Valley is currently drawing lots of interest, you want your agent to be familiar with the area!  Selling houses is VERY different than selling land or commercial opportunities.  Time to be smart when searching for your Coachella Valley Thanksgiving property!  Take a tour of this lovely East Valley 2 acre estate for sale..