Our own Kim Kelly was recently quoted for an article in the Desert Sun, “Equestrian Estates Near Indio Attracting Buyers,” where she shares her expertise in equestrian properties and east valley land sales. The article explores how everyone from developers and investors to horse owners, polo players and date farmers are eyeing property near the Empire Polo Club and Eldorado Polo Club. The popular clubs are populated by polo matches during the season and then the areas are transformed in the spring during the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Country Music Festival.
“The music fest has opened up people’s minds to land out here,” said Kim Kelly, a former professional polo player and HK Lane agent who specializes in equestrian properties.
Areas that remained unsold during the recession, such as land forecloses on by banks, stalled development projects and slightly improved land are now being eyed by buyers. “There was nothing turned in this valley from 2010 to 2013,” Kelly said. Yet prices are rising, sometimes as much as 25 percent—empty scrub lands once went for between $13,000 to $15,000 an acre—but now sellers are digging in their heels at $30,000 an acre on unimproved land, Kelly said.
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image: Crystal Chatham/The Desert Sun
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Buying equestrian homes can be daunting, especially for first time buyers. Potential buyers should arm themselves with information via research and advice from experts such as real estate professionals. As with purchase of any property, from Rancho Mirage real estate and Indio homes to beach condos and downtown lofts, buyers must find something that fulfills all their needs and most of their wants, while falling within their budget.
Here are three things to give serious consideration when you’re searching for equestrian properties:
The Surrounding Areas. When searching for equestrian homes, it’s very important to find out about the neighborhood you’re considering. See if there are other horse properties or stables in close proximity, and talk to any horse owners who live nearby. Your real estate professional will have information about the area as well. If there are no other horse properties in the vicinity, even if there is enough space for horses, your neighbors many not be happy about dealing with some of the issues associated with the maintenance.
The land. It’s important to evaluate the soil types and vegetation on the properties you’re considering. Assess the property’s overall condition—check out the native trees, flora and fauna to see how well the property has been maintained and how good the soil is. Look for the type of soil that drains well and isn’t rocky to make a good pasture for your horses.
Access. Another important aspect to consider is how easy it is to access the stables. You’ll want to make sure the driveways have enough space for you to drive a trailer, delivery trucks and any other large vehicles. It’s also essential to be close to some trails so that you can enjoy your horses and ensure that they get adequate exercise.
Click here if you’re interested in checking out real estate in Rancho Mirage or other areas in the desert cities that accommodate horses.
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School’s out, the snowbirds are gone and there are lots of fun ways to enjoy the rest of your week here in the Coachella Valley. If you’re in town on vacation, live here year round or are looking at homes for sale in Indio, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta or one of the other picturesque desert cities, you have a diverse array of options when it comes to entertainment this weekend.
On Wednesday, June 25 from 6 to 8:30 pm, Mario’s Italian Café will host Paint, Sip & Inspire, a fun way to learn how to paint and create your own beautiful masterpiece. Paint, Sip & Inspire brings painting supplies and instruction to locations all around town, and will even come to your home or corporate event. It’s a great way to have fun with friends and family while creating something special. Mario’s Italian Café is located at 73-155 Highway 111 in Palm Desert.
The Coachella Valley Repertory will present a dynamic, cabaret-style performance this weekend called Laughter, Love & Lunacy. The innovative concert will feature “songs you can or can’t take seriously. The performance takes place at The Attrium in Rancho Mirage, located at 69930 Highway 111 in Suite 116. Show times are Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 from 7 to 9 pm, Sunday, June 29 from 2 to 4 pm.
On Saturday, June 28 from noon to 2 pm and 3 to 5 pm, the Annenberg Theater presents an exciting event for all ages to enjoy: The Super Scientific Circus. An array of fun effects including ultraviolet light, sonic booms, aerodynamics, boomerangs, bull whips, beach balls and bubbles will show just how fun science can be. Located at 101 North Museum Drive in Palm Springs, the Annenberg Theater is a must-see for anyone contemplating homes for sale in Indio, La Quinta or any of the other desert cities.
img credit: paint-sip-and-inspire.com
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If you’ve been looking at equestrian properties in the Coachella Valley, you’ve probably been focused on finding enough acreage for your horse, a barn and stables. Yet there are many other factors to consider that are often overlooked until too late—appropriate access for vehicles and horses is one of the most crucial.
Access roads for the property surrounding equestrian homes should be wide enough to accommodate your vehicles and trailers, as well as those for larger trailers—you never know when you may need a visit from a veterinarian who specializes in large animals. Plus, down the line you may purchase another horse or two, and would need to accept delivery from a much larger trailer than the one you own. Or you may sell a horse, which again, may require another trailer to access your stables.
Whether you’re searching for La Quinta real estate or are thinking about other areas of the valley, another important factor to consider is if the road provides enough room for the trailers to turn around safely and comfortably. Also, will there be enough parking for one or more trailers, while also leaving space for turning around? You don’t want a traffic jam to occur on your own property.
You’ll also want to consider the road’s actual surface. If you’re looking at graveled roads, keep in mind that maintenance will include filling in potholes and replenishing the gravel that diminishes over time. While those searching for La Quinta real estate properties will enjoy the warmer desert climate overall, there will be some times that area experiences a little bit of rain—in that case, keep in mind that gravel roads can produce a messy brand of mud when wet. If that’s an issue for you, you may want to consider resurfacing the road.
There’s a lot of thought that goes into purchasing equestrian properties in the Coachella Valley —the road into them requires thoughtful consideration. Once that you’ve found the perfect match, the experience is beyond rewarding!
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Selling your home is easier then you thought!
Whether your’re listing equestrian homes or a single-family residence, selling your home may seem like an emotional decision. The truth is, it’s essential to remove all emotions from this life-changing process and completely detach from your abode. Whether you’re working with a realtor or a listing agent, there are some basic steps you can take to help prepare the property for listing.
Every seller wants to get top dollar for their home and for the process to move along as quickly as possible. It’s understandable that homeowners have a hard time letting go of the family residences, condos or equestrian homes they’ve spent so much of their life in, but a critical part of the detachment process is to learn to think about the property as a commodity. Sellers need to be objective and consciously think of the property as an asset that must be liquidated.
The first step in preparing a property for sale is to de-personalize it as much as possible. You’ll want to start this process as soon as you make the decision to sell, especially if you’re working with a short sale Realtor. The more time you can avail yourself to do this, the smoother the transition will be.
Start by packing all the family photos, albums, keepsakes and heirlooms—you may want to rent a storage space so you can strip as much as possible from the walls, closets and rooms. If there are products in your bathroom that you don’t use all the time, pack them up and store them as well. By removing these types of items from the property, you make it easier for potential buyers to visualize themselves living there.
You’ll also want to make the decor as neutral as possible, since everyone’s taste is different. Think about the demographic your property appeals to and try to visualize what may turn those potential buyers off. Eliminating items that showcase your personal style will actually help you maximize the amount you may be able to get for your house.
De-personalizing is also instrumental for selling equestrian homes. Stables, barns and outbuildings should be neat and tidy and the entire property should be as clutter-free as possible.
Image Source: www.forbes.com
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If you’re in town to look at equestrian homes or luxury international real estate in the Palm Springs Valley, there are plenty of things to do so you can unwind and enjoy yourself over the weekend, while getting a taste of the desert cities’ vibrant culture.
There are all kinds of theater productions taking place this weekend. On Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16, the Palm Canyon Theatre will host a musical production of Mad Woman of Chaillot. The Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 N Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Starting on Friday and running through Sunday, March 23, The Great American Trailer Park Musical will play at the Arthur Newman Theatre, located at 73750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert. Also running from Friday through Sunday is the smash hit musical comedy, The Addams Family at the McCallum Theatre. Created by Jersey Boys’ authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, the macabre comedy is directed by four-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks, with choreography by Sergio Trujillo, also from Jersey Boys. Located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Springs, this charming theatre is a must-see for potential new residents and those who are looking at luxury international real estate in the area.
Music lovers will also be in heaven this weekend, as there are some great concerts taking place in the great outdoors. On Friday from 7 to 9, Pete Carlson’s Jazz for Jazz Lovers: The Ron Eschete Trio will take place under the stars at Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis. Ron Eschete is considered one of mainstream jazz’s finest guitarists and has worked with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Sarah Vaughn, Dizzy Gillespie and Milt Jackson. On Saturday, March 15, from 5:15 to 7 pm, The Gardens on El Paseo will host Concerts in the Gardens: Steve Madaio – Trumpeter. Residents, visitors and those looking at equestrian homes and other Palm Springs real estate can mingle at the wine and cheese reception that starts at 5:15 on the center lawn and then enjoy the amazing concert.
image: palmspringslife.com
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Horse property in Bermuda Dunes
When my clients, the buyers of this lovely estate, asked me to find them a home with several acres, near the center of the City, and not too far from the Polo Fields, I had to scour the East Valley. But..we got in to see this amazing property at 42605 Byron Pl, Bermuda Dunes, BEFORE it came on the market! We wrote immediately and 10 days later, my Seattle, Washington clients are working their magic on their new home.
If you are thinking of buying a home in the Palm Springs Valley, it really helps to have a detailed list of your “must-haves” We all come prepared to buy with a Wish List, but educated Buyers also know that they are going to have to compromise, (unless your budget is virtually unlimited!) The most important things to really be clear about..
1. Location. Which City in the Palm Springs Valley are you focused on?
2. Budget: Stick to it! Don’t out house yourself.
3. Bedroom count.
4. Gated or non-gated? Her in our Valley, this is a biggee as you don’t want to forget to budget in your HOA dues.
5. What do you like to do? Golf, Equestrian, Tennis, hiking, theatre, art, museums? Think about it.
Style of home, colors, layout..these can be altered, but LOCATION cannot.
If you’re looking to buy a home in the Palm Springs Valley, give me a call at 760-285-3578.
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It seems like it never dies down in Palm Springs—which is why so many people are on a quest to find La Quinta real estate and equestrian homes in the area. This week is a perfect example of the exciting community that makes up the desert cities—check out the lineup of what’s happening today, Thursday, February 20 and this evening.
The renowned Frank Sinatra Hearing Technologies Celebrity Invitational kicks off this morning and lasts through Saturday, February 22. Also known as “Frank’s Little Party in the Desert,” this fan-friendly celebrity golf tournament features two days of world class golf, three nights of unforgettable parties, an incredible luncheon and fashion show, as well as auctions and amazing live entertainment. The tournament is held at the Eagle Falls Golf Course, with special events taking place at the Fantasy Springs Casino, located at 84-245 Indio Springs Drive in Indio. Founded in 1988, this favorite event of local owners of La Quinta real estate and homes in the other desert cities is dedicated to the memory of Frank Sinatra and his music, and benefits the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower Medical Center.
For art fans, the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert is hosting a screening as part of the Palm Desert Art Documentary Series 2013-2014, called My Kid Could Paint That. The film tells the story of artist Marla Olmstead, a four year old who catapulted from obscurity to selling $300,000 worth of paintings and receiving international acclaim. Her journey was unique, however—the media accused her parents of exploiting her and posited that she didn’t paint the works herself, creating a unique controversy in the art world. The screening takes place from 6 to pm.
From 8 to 10 pm this evening, the McCallum Theatre will host a comedic performance of The Second City presented by Happily Ever Laughter, featuring music and on-the-spot improvisation. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day at work or a week of viewing equestrian homes in the area.
image: franksinatragolf.org
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Brian Cummings
Are you suffering from the winter blues or feeling hump day a little more than usual? If you’re a resident or owner of Palm Desert real estate, or are in town to look at equestrian homes, there are plenty of entertainment options and things to do to get you back into a happy and relaxed mood.
On Wednesday, January 15 from 6 to 8 pm, American recording artist and Tony-award winning actor, Levi Kreis, who performed the role of “Roger” in the national production of Rent, will perform at the Annenberg Theater. Mr. Kreis received the Tony award for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical” for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s musical Million Dollar Quartet and headlines solo shows at theaters across the country.
Today from 8 to 10 pm, Burton Cummings will perform at the McCallum Theatre, a beloved venue of all who own Palm Desert real estate or live in one of the neighboring cities. Mr. Cummings was the former lead singer and songwriter of The Guess Who, and is considered one of the finest voices in rock music.
On, Thursday, January 16 from 9 am to 3:30 pm, the National Monument Visitor Center will host the Diane McClary Plein Air Painting Workshop: Painting Mountains as part of its excellent workshop series. For more information, call 760.771.6666. Also on Thursday, but from 6 to 8 pm, the Palm Desert Art Documentary Series 2013-2014: Class of ’83 will screen at the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert. There will be a Q&A after the screening with the film’s director, Kurt Soderling. If you need a break from a hectic work schedule or if you’ve been viewing equestrian homes all day, hit the McCallum Theatre at 8 pm for an awesome performance by an ABBA tribute band in “Arrival” Celebrates the Music of ABBA!
image: cbc.ca
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Whether you’re seeking luxury properties for an investment in the international real estate market or are looking for equestrian homes in the Palm Springs Valley, buying property is a significant transaction that typically requires a lot of time and effort. There are many elements that go into just the preparation alone—you have to find a realtor or listing agent you can work with, assemble the savings necessary for the down payment, closing costs and any other associated fees, and you need to qualify for a loan.
To get your financial house in order, you should start with your credit score. The first thing to do is request reports from the three major credit agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. From there, you can get your credit score and examine your reports to see if there are any discrepancies that need to be corrected or anything negative that you can get removed. These reports will show any late payments, judgments and other credit problems that you might have on your record. Keep in mind you’ll need to scour each report, as they will show different items and yield different scores. Low credit scores can hurt your chances of getting the best interest rate for financing that new home or international real estate purchase, or even prevent it altogether. Once you start working on repairing your credit, it can take up to two to three months for the issues to be resolved.
Your next step is to determine your purchasing power. There are many online calculators that can help you determine what you can afford and how much your mortgage payments will be, based on your credit, income and the amount of your down payment. Whether you’re interested in equestrian homes or other types of properties, a general guideline is to aim to find a property that costs no more than two and a half times your gross yearly income.
From there, you’ll need to save up the cash for your down payment and other associated costs. Typically, lenders require your down payment to be around 20 percent of the home’s total price.
image: fearlesshomebuyer.com
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Our own Kim Kelly was recently quoted for an article in the Desert Sun, “Equestrian Estates Near Indio Attracting Buyers,” where she shares her expertise in equestrian properties and east valley land sales. The article explores how everyone from developers and investors to horse owners, polo players and date farmers are eyeing property near the Empire Polo Club and Eldorado Polo Club. The popular clubs are populated by polo matches during the season and then the areas are transformed in the spring during the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Country Music Festival.
