If you’re trying to sell Indio real estate or homes in another area of the desert cities, you probably already understand the importance of staging the home for viewings and open houses. But are you aware of how important the landscaping is as well? The exterior of the property is the first thing potential buyers will see and can be enough to send them running in a different direction if your lawn is overgrown or your yard looks like a storage area.
As autumn approaches, you may not be thinking about your lawn too much, even when you own an equestrian home or similar property. Hopefully, you’re keeping things manicured and pruned, but it’s also a good time to look forward. If you’re just now thinking about listing your house, it’s the perfect time to prepare your lawn for upcoming months. Here are a few tips for getting your lawn in shape and boosting the appeal of your Indio real estate property.
Continue mowing regularly. Even though grass grows slower in the fall, it doesn’t mean you can slow down on moving and watering it. Your lawn is absorbing energy and nutrients to prepare for the winter. Continue mowing and watering it, though it’s best to set the blade of the lawnmower mower to its lowest setting the last few times you mow it this year to allow more sunlight to reach the crown—this will reduce brown leaves and help set you up for a lush lawn in the spring.
Aerate. Water, fertilize and oxygen need to reach the roots of your grass for it to be healthy and fertile. Aerating the lawn during autumn will help your lawn get what it needs to grow. Either hire a professional landscaper to aerate it—especially if you own a larger property such as an equestrian home—or rent a gas powered aerator and do it yourself.
Rake your leaves consistently. While few people enjoy this chore, it’s an integral one when it comes to your landscape. Rake them as soon as possible so that the leaves don’t suffocate the grass and breed diseases. Plus, you don’t want potential buyers to be overwhelmed by the sight of a giant pile of leaves when they first arrive or have to wade through them to get to the door of the house.
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Summer fun is still in full effect in Palm Springs, as you can see from the upcoming weekend lineup. If you’re on vacation or are in town looking at equestrian properties or Indian Wells real estate, you can indulge in some amazing activities that will make for a memorable weekend and take recreation to a new level.
On Thursday, August 22, from 6 to 8 pm, Sullivan’s Travels will screen at the Annenberg Theater as part of the Classic Comedies series. The film tells the stories of director John L. Sullivan, played by Joel McCrea, who disguises himself as a hobo and sets out on the road in an effort to make serious social commentary with his next movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou? Along the way, he experiences a rude awakening that coincides with meeting a down-on-her-luck actress played by the legendary Veronica Lake.
The Summer Salsa Extravaganza takes place August 22-25 in Palm Springs
From August 22 through 25, the Summer Salsa Extravaganza is happening at the five-star Renaissance Marriott & Convention Center in Palm Springs. The weekend will be filled with amazing music, workshops and dance performances by the some of the world’s best salsa dancers. The Convention Center is located at 888 Tahquitz Canyon Way.
On Friday, August 23 from 9 to 10:30 pm, R&B superstar Jeffrey Osborne will perform at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, which is in close proximity to all the desert cities, making it a perfect way to wrap up the night if you’re in town looking at Indian Wells real estate.
On Saturday, August 24, from 8 to 10, the Fantasy Springs Casino will host performances by classic rockers Heart and special guest Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience. Also on Saturday, Paquita La Del Barrio, singer of Rancheras and other Mexican styles, will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino from 8 to 10 pm.
On Sunday, August 25 from 2 to 4, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 offers another brilliant cabaret performance show with Norman Lasiter in Both Sides Now, with arrangements and accompaniment by Musical Director Chris Marlowe. The performance takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre.
Click here to see some fabulous listings of equestrian properties and other Palm Springs real estate.
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Many clients who are horse lovers show interest in equestrian homes, but when it’s their first time buying a property geared for horses, there can be some confusion about what to look for and what is considered suitable for equestrian needs. Therefore, we thought it would be helpful to define equestrian aka “horse” properties so you will be armed with information as you start the process of finding the appropriate real estate in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and other areas of the Coachella Valley.
What is considered an equestrian property? This term refers to land suited generally for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, llamas and other types of farm animals, as well as crops or even a vineyard. While farmers may be able to have certain animals on property that has a steep slope and a lot of brush, that type of land is typically called “goat property” and unsuitable for horses or farming.
The term “equestrian” refers to those parcels used by people who primarily ride, jump or show horses, often times in formal shows or riding events. The term “horse property” and “equestrian property” are used interchangeably, though many who specifically breed and raise horses tend to call their land “ranches” or “horse farms.” However, the general understanding is that properties under 20 acres are typically considered equestrian homes, horse properties or equestrian estates. Properties that are more than 20 acres are referred to as “horse ranches.”
Typically, equestrian properties are anywhere between two and 50 acres. While there is not an actual acreage requirement, a property should be zoned for horses and there must be a method for weekly manure removal. Experts recommend at least an acre for every two horses. To truly be classified as a horse property, there must be an adequate source of water and space for paddocks and a barn or stable. There should also be some sort of pasture and a place to wash your horse.
When you’re searching for an equestrian home, keep in mind that you’ll need space to park your horse trailer, and you may want to be in close proximity to some trails and training facilities.
Click here to view real estate in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and other areas of Palm Springs that may be suitable as horse properties.
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If you’re starting to think about selling your Palm Desert real estate, now is a good time to begin getting everything in order and giving attention to some of the details of your household. Whether you’re selling a condo, mansion or an equestrian property, if you wait until the last minute, you could cause yourself a lot of unnecessary stress. Don’t get overwhelmed—start now and you’ll be in great shape by the time you need to stage your home for viewings and open houses. Here are just a few little things you can do to get the ball rolling and really make a difference when the time comes to sell your house.
Fix minor leaks. Do a survey of all the faucets on your property, paying special attention to any annoying leaks. When a potential buyer is viewing your equestrian property, you don’t want them to hear a minor leak and think it’s indicative of a faulty plumbing system. Install new rubber gaskets to fix leaky faucets, replace washers on dripping ones and fix the inner workings when necessary.
Get the exterior in order. Make sure your garbage is stowed in an area where it’s not an eyesore or creating permanent stains on the ground surrounding it. Always seal your garbage tightly so animals can’t get into it. Once they do, they’ll always be back for more and can become a bigger problem. The best case scenario is to buy or build an enclosure for your garbage and recycling bins. If you store firewood on your property, make sure it’s stacked neatly in one area.
Pamper your landscape. Make sure your lawn is watered and mowed frequently to discourage weeds and train grass to grow in lushly. Water early in the day to reduce evaporation; avoid watering at night, it can transform your lawn into a breeding ground for disease. Get your hedges trimmed, plant seasonal flowers that are easy to maintain, and make sure any trees on your property are properly tended to. If you are like many owners of Palm Desert real estate and have a pool, make sure to have it cleaned and maintained regularly.
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Whether you’re searching for Palm Desert real estate or looking at equestrian properties, it’s important to consider the surrounding neighborhoods. Luckily, the neighborhoods in areas like Palm Springs Valley tend to be very safe and upscale. However, you should always do your due diligence before making the commitment of investing in real estate. You’re not just buying land, brick and mortar—you’re buying into a neighborhood. Take some time to research the area with these important factors in mind.
The school system. If you have children, make sure to research statistics about the schools’ performance, graduation rates, test scores and student-teacher ratios. Likewise, if you don’t have children and don’t want to be close to the noise that can sometimes be associated with them, you may want to make sure that the property you’re interested in is not in close proximity to any schools. If you’re looking at equestrian properties with lots of acreage, this will most likely not be an issue.
The commute. Practice your commute to work during rush hour so you have a realistic expectation. If you’re looking at real estate in a big city, research the mass transit options and perform a test run.
Ensure safe surroundings. Go online and do a criminal search, using the ZIP code’s crime statistics. You should also check the area in the National Sex Offender Public Website at NSOPW.gov.
Check different hours. Visit the property at different times of the day and night to see if there are any elements that may cause discomfort in your potential new home. Traffic, noise from pets and children, odors and other factors may not present themselves during the time you first look at the house.
Meet the community. Last but not least, try to meet some neighbors and residents of the community to get their takes on the pros and cons of the neighborhood.
Click here if you’re ready to view listings of Palm Desert real estate and get the process started.
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Finding horse properties can be a complicated process that requires extensive research and knowledge. It’s important to have an expert in your corner to guide you through the transaction and help you find a property that meets your needs and falls within your budget. Even when you hire a real estate professional, you still need to do your homework so that you don’t make money and time-wasting mistakes. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking at Indian Wells real estate and other potential locations for your new equestrian home.
Proximity to horse trails. You’ll want easy access to trails so that you can ride your horses and exercise them properly. Part of the point of buying an equine property is to make enjoying your horses and taking care of them convenient.
Accessibility. Are the barn and stables easy to access? Are the driveways wide enough to accommodate horse trailers, emergency vehicles and delivery trucks?
The Neighborhood. Check out the neighborhood surrounding the property you’re interested in. Are there other horse properties nearby? Neighbors who don’t own horses may not appreciate some of the odors, maintenance tasks and other issues related to having equine neighbors. If the community does not have a few other equestrian homes, you may want to reconsider the area.
Soil. Look for the appropriate soil type for each part of the property. You’ll want to avoid rocky soils and those that don’t drain well, such as clay, as they won’t make good pastures. For buildings, you’ll need dry soils with good drainage. Employ the help of an expert if you have limited knowledge about soils.
Vegetation. Evaluate the existing vegetation in the pastures and the property’s overall conditions. Whether you purchase Indian Wells real estate or a ranch near the mountains, there will be native shrubs and trees that give you excellent indications of how well the property has been kept up.
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If you’ve been following our real estate photography series, you are probably ready to start shooting your home in Palm Desert so you can create an amazing, eye-catching listing and put your property on the market. However, keep in mind there are many ways to improve your photos so that your listing stands out among the rest and highlights your home’s best features. Mastering the principles below will enhance your photography skills and provide the best results possible, whether you’re taking photos of sprawling equestrian homes, luxury properties on a golf course or a downtown loft.
Create an even lighting scheme. You’ll want to create even light schemes in every room so there are no areas that are too dark or too bright. Adjust whatever you can, such as lamps, lighting and your flash. The camera captures a narrow range from dark to light, so rooms that are evenly lit will display greater detail in each photograph.
Avoid fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lighting is difficult to work with, especially when you’re a beginning photographer. Even the most gorgeous home in Palm Desert can appear an ugly shade of green in photos that are lit with fluorescent lighting. Mixing fluorescent with natural light or regular light bulbs can be tricky as well, so avoid it as much as possible.
Embrace overcast skies. While it may not seem optimal, overcast skies can actually be superb for shooting both interiors and exterior real estate shots. From inside of a home, the windows will look just the right shade of bright. When shooting outside, you don’t have to worry so much about where the sun is or making sure that it’s behind you, nor will you be limited to shooting at certain times of day.
Click here to see some great examples of photos taken for listings of equestrian homes.
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The world famous Bad Company performs at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino on Saturday, June 15
It’s a weekend of legendary music in Palm Springs. Some classic, legendary musicians will perform at various venues, providing the perfect opportunity to hang with dad or just get your music fix. If you own Indio real estate, live in a nearby desert city, or are in town viewing luxury homes or equestrian properties, you’ll be thrilled at the lineup—and if you’re in town for vacation, you picked the perfect weekend.
On Saturday, June 15 from 8 to 10 pm, the legendary Little River Band will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino. Sometimes referred to as LRB, the Australian rock band is considered one of Australia’s most significant bands. In May 2001, the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) named the LRB’s classic hit, Cool Change, one of the Top 30 Australian songs of all time. Another hit, Reminiscing, was listed by BMI as one of the most frequently played songs in the history of American radio, with more than four million plays.
Also on Saturday, June 15 from 8 to 10 pm, The Doobie Brothers will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. This classic all-American rock band has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and was inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. Their music stands the test of time, as you will witness from this amazing concert.
Saturday, June 15 from 8 to 10 pm the world famous Bad Company Starring Paul Rodgers will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. Singles by the English rock super group, such as Bad Company, Can’t Get Enough, Good Lovin’ Gone Bad and Feel Like Makin’ Love are considered classic staples of rock radio.
On Sunday, June 16, take a break from looking at equestrian properties and luxury homes to check out the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series, which will feature Soft Lights & Sweet Music – Ron Cohn Sings Irving Berlin.The show takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre from 2 to 4 pm.
Click here to see listings of Indio real estate and other luxury properties in the area.
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If you’re looking at equestrian homes, chances are you’re considering Palm Springs Valley. The area offers stunningly picturesque, horse-friendly areas and both gated communities and ranch-style homes that are perfectly suited to equestrians. There is an array of ideal options across the region, from properties in Rancho Mirage and LA Quinta to Palm Desert and Indio.
What about Palm Springs makes it so ideal for horse owners? Is it the gorgeous weather that lasts almost year round? Or does the desert landscape provide perfect natural layouts? Actually, there are so many reasons that the Coachella Valley is ideal for equestrian properties, we had to narrow it down to the top three. Check them out!
1. Location, location, location. Coachella Valley boasts an abundance beautiful hiking trails, some of which are considered the best in the country. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges provide majestic backdrops, making each ride unforgettable, and there are picturesque vistas that allow riders to take in the desert’s amazing natural beauty. In addition, Joshua Tree National Park is in close proximity to the desert cities, and people are allowed to bring their own horses to experience this natural wonder. In fact, the Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan provides for 253 miles of equestrian trails—many riding trails are open, clearly marked, and ready to be enjoyed, while others are in development.
2. Ample facilities. Palm Springs is filled with ranches, as well as smaller, more manageable properties that are also perfect for equestrians. Many properties in Rancho Mirage, La Quinta and Indio are already equipped with barns, paddocks, training areas and proximity to a myriad of riding trails. Plus, there are many stables and ranches that offer private riding lessons for those who are new to the sport.
3. HITS Horse Show and Polo Clubs. Every winter, horse lovers flock to the “A” rated, world-class Horseshow in The Sun (HITS) located in Thermal. In addition, two renowned international polo clubs round out the incredible draws for horse owners to the Coachella Valley.
Click here to browse listings of equestrian homes in Palm Springs Valley.
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It can be difficult to find the perfect layout for any property, let alone for equestrian homes. For that matter, is there really such a thing as a perfect layout? Every landowner has different needs and wants, whether for real estate in Indian Wells, a bungalow at the beach or luxury properties in the mountains.
However, a good layout can make or break a deal—and especially when it comes to equestrian properties. There are so many aspects to consider, such as providing access to the property for the large vehicles that will need to enter from time to time, such as trucks, multi-horse trailers and other large delivery vehicles. You will need ample parking and enough room for them to turn around. Keep the daily tasks associated with upkeep and maintenance in mind so that unnecessary driving can be avoided and so that the route past important facilities like the barn and stables is as short as possible.
Regular maintenance and upkeep can be a chore for any real estate in Indian Wells, let alone equestrian properties. Make sure to take everything into consideration, especially any changes you want to make. When you’re creating the master plan, think about painting, mowing lawns, the location of the pasture, manure disposal, irrigation, storage, etc. Another thing to think about are the water lines—even if you are lucky enough to live in an area that doesn’t experience hard freezes, it’s important to locate the master water shutoff valves so they can be accessed quickly and easily. You’ll want to be able to turn off sections of water lines without affecting or draining the entire system.
It’s also important to research the separation limits and evaluate the setbacks distances, as well as the minimum distances for spacing buildings from parcel boundaries, roads, creeks and storm drain easements, and any other utility or other access easements.
We hope these tips will help you navigate the planning of your property. Click here to view listings of some gorgeous equestrian homes in Palm Springs Valley.
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