Coachella Valley Real Estate By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!
Coachella Valley Properties By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!

Indian Wells

The Indian Wells Country Club

The Indian Wells Country Club

Indian Wells Country ClubIndian Wells real estate is in demand—and for good reason. When you’re looking for a relaxing setting for retirement or just to enjoy family life, Indian Wells is ideal. With its exclusive communities, stunning weather, bucolic atmosphere and vast array of recreational activities, it’s an absolute desert sanctuary.

One of the greatest features of this stunning desert city is the Indian Wells Country Club, which was founded in 1956. Known as the “Fun Club of the Desert,” this renowned country club features 36 challenging golf holes, a golf academy, seven regular men’s, women’s and couples golf groups, and many other amenities. There is a luxurious 70,000 square foot clubhouse complete with a fitness center, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a men’s grille and another grille, as well as four private banquet areas that can be used by members for weddings, golfing functions and other special events. Plus, there is always a full calendar of activities that members can enjoy as well.

The 36 championship holes of golf located at the Indian Wells Country Club are of major appeal to owners of Indian Wells real estate and visitors from all over the world. There are two gorgeous courses: the Classic Course and the Cove Course. The Classic Course was built during the club’s inception by its founders including Desi Arnaz, Linn Johnson, Eddie Susalla, Milt Hicks, Earl Murphy, Bill Worthing, Paul Prom and John Curci. Mr. Susalla designed the 6,478-yard, 18-hole course, which is a par 72 course that boasts a 127-slope rating.

The 6,558-yard, par 72 Cove Course boasts 18 holes with a slope of 121. It was also designed by founder Eddie Sussalla along with Ted Robinson, Sr. Built several years after the completion of the Classic Course, The Cove offers an array of challenging shots and unique holes.

image: indianwellscountryclub.com 

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The Vintage in Indian Wells

The Vintage in Indian Wells

Indian Wells real estateWhen it comes to Indian Wells real estate, a standout development is The Vintage. Nestled into a stunning natural cove at the base of Eisenhower Mountain, this exclusive country club community is renowned as one of the most prestigious and private in the country.

The Vintage features 36 holes of world class golf designed by none other than Tom Fazio, one of the most acclaimed golf course designers in the game. The Mountain Course, which was deemed one of the top 100 Golf Courses in the World by Golf Magazine, is tucked into the Santa Rosa Mountains so that it offers complex angles and impeccable fairway contour. It is designed as a links type course that is playable for a wide range of golfers, making it a favorite among locals and those who own homes in Palm Springs. The Desert Course allows golfers to focus on accuracy and shot making ability, and features an interplay of water elements and high-angle bunkers, set against the beautiful desert landscape.

Since many of those who are interested in Indian Wells real estate are into outdoor and physical activities, The Vintage Club provides members with a 15,000 square-foot Fitness and Wellness Center in addition to complete access to the fantastic 36-holes of golf. The Fitness Center features the gamut of state-of-the-art equipment, including free weights, circuit training machines, a power plate, treadmills, elliptical, stair masters, stationery bicycles and more. There is ample floor space and personal trainers available, as well as group exercise classes.

Other features of The Vintage that appeal to those looking for Indian Wells real estate include a luxurious swim complex with a 25-yard pool surrounded by cascading waterfalls and a full service tennis center. In addition there is an array of dining venues onsite, ranging from casual to fine dining, and an active social calendar that lets residents enjoy the community as a whole.

Click here if you are interested in looking at homes in Palm Springs and in The Vintage community.

image: thevintageclub.com 

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A Weekend of Community Activities

Living in Palm Springs ValleyThis weekend is a great example of the amazing, tight-knit communities that characterize the Palm Springs Valley. Every year, those who own homes in Indian Wells, La Quinta real estate and property in other parts of the region rally together to forward various causes and raise funds for important non-profit organizations and charities.

On Saturday, October 19 the Desert Aids Walk will take place at the Ruth Hardy Park to benefit the Deserts Aids Project (DAP) and several community partners working with the project to garner exposure for Get Tested Coachella Valley, a regional campaign dedicated to reducing the transmission of HIV. Registration starts at 8 am, followed by entertainment and a Health and Wellness Festival that opens at 9, as well as a rally at 9:30 am. Whether you own La Quinta real estate or are coming in from another part of Southern California, you can come run, walk or hike for this amazing cause.

Also on Saturday, October 19, the 8th Annual Desert Garden Community Day will be happening at the Henderson Community Building. Novices and avid gardeners alike will enjoy this awesome free garden tour and event that features an array of exhibits and information booths from gardening clubs, local water agencies, The Living Desert and the City of Palm Desert. There will also be workshops on garden design, water-wise gardening, proper irrigation, pruning techniques and other topics. In addition, there will be guided tours of the picturesque Eric Johnson Memorial Gardens surrounding the Henderson Community Building. The event starts at 9 am.

From 9 am on Saturday through 9 pm on Sunday, October 20, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life will be in full effect at the Palm Desert High School. This unique fundraiser is a way for the community to celebrate those lost to cancer and help combat the disease.

The sense of community that pervades the Palm Springs Valley is just one of the many benefits of living in this vibrant area. Click here if you’re ready to view homes for sale in Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage or another area of the Coachella Valley.

image: desertaidswalk.org 

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3 Things to Know When Buying Real Estate

Whether you’re buying your first home or you’re a seasoned real estate investor, the process can be overwhelming. If you’re a first time buyer interested in Indian Wells real estate, there are a few things to keep in mind and strategies to put in place that will make the transaction much easier to navigate. Follow these tips below and you’ll be much less stressed and much happier with the outcome.

1. Only buy if you can stay put for awhile. If you’re a first-time buyer, then we’re guessing it’s the biggest financial transaction of your life. If you’re trying to decide whether or not you’re ready to buy one of those Palm Springs homes for sale that you’ve been looking at, and you can’t afford to stay in one place for several years, it may not be the right time to buy. The transaction costs of buying and selling a home can be extensive, so if you were only planning to stay for a year or so, you may end up losing money—and if prices drop, the situation would be exacerbated.

2. Aim for houses you can afford. Many professionals use the following as a standard guideline: only consider property that equals around two and a half times your yearly income.  There are many resources and calculators online that can help you determine if you can really afford the Indian Wells real estate you’re interested in.

3. Get your credit in check. If possible, start working on your credit six months before you plan to apply for a mortgage. Run a credit check and dispute any discrepancies and draft explanations for anything that might alert lenders. The goal is to get your credit history as clean as possible.

Are you still ready to buy or at least start looking? Click here to browse listings of some spectacular Palm Springs homes for sale.

image: whitworthbuilders.com 

 

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Is now the time to buy Indian Wells real estate?

As we enter the fourth quarter of 2013, mortgage rates are climbing up towards 5.0 percent—does this mean that it’s time to pull the trigger on that Indian Wells real estate?

As both inflation and home prices rise, it’s time for many prospective buyers to make some decisions. The days of the 3.50 percent, 30-year fixed rate mortgage may draw to a close sooner than later, so for many who don’t want to pay more later, it may be the most ideal time to buy.  Whether you’re looking at the luxury international real estate market or at properties in your home town, if buying now means saving more later, that should be plenty of motivation.

According to Freddie Mac, rates are currently at about 4.20 percent. While they have declined somewhat in recent weeks, some are forecasting that they could rise close to 4.50 percent by the close of the year. Some experts worry that we could see rates rise even higher than 5.0 percent during 2014. If you are currently in the market for Indian Wells real estate, it may be time to jump off the fence now, while rates are still reasonable.

Buying a home can be one of the biggest and most important commitments and financial investments of your life. Obviously, it’s best to wait for the right time for you and your family to be ready to make such a move. However, keep in mind that rates will most likely rise in the very near future. Whether you’re considering international real estate properties or something on the domestic front, it may be worth it to do the math and determine the difference in what your potential mortgage payments and total costs will be if you buy now or later. There’s nothing worse than missing a great opportunity to buy at the lowest price possible.

image: blog.foreclosure.com 

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Is it time to buy a house?

Are you ready to buy real estateHave you found your dream plot of land and are ready to make a move? Or do you have your heart set on buying Indian Wells real estate but aren’t sure how much to save and what else to have in place before you start looking? Buying property is typically one of the most important investments you can make, and therefore, requires some strategy and forethought.

Timing can be a very important facet of your foray into the real estate market. If you’re not in an urgent hurry to buy, then you have time to clean up your credit rating, watch the market and get your finances in order. If you are already looking at Rancho Mirage homes for sale, then there is no time like the present to get started with preparations. Here are a few things you can do:

Observe housing prices. Take the time to watch and see if house prices are rising or falling and observe pricing for homes in the area you are interested—this helps you assess whether the area you’re looking at is right for you and your family. If prices are increasing, you may need to make a move sooner rather than later. If prices are decreasing, observe how quickly they are falling. If the pace that they’re decreasing is slower, then it may make sense to wait for prices to continue dropping.

Save up. It’s never too early to start putting funds aside for a down payment. Typically lenders expect around 20 percent of the asking price. If you don’t think you will have that much, then it makes sense to wait to look at Indian Wells real estate.

Clean up your credit. Do you know what your credit rating is? If not, get a report done immediately and then see what you can do to improve it. Contest anything you believe to be inaccurate and try to get your credit card balances as low as possible.

Research mortgages. As soon as you start looking at Rancho Mirage homes for sale, you should also start shopping around for the best mortgage rates. Most local banks will offer competitive rates, but don’t be afraid to negotiate. Keep in mind that if you have filed for bankruptcy in recent years, it can be more difficult to get a mortgage, so it’s best to see if you will pre-qualify now.

image: blog.equifax.com 
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Decluttering the Most Important Room

Many consider the kitchen the most important room of a house. It’s the area where families prepare their meals and catch up on the day, and where guests often congregate at dinner parties and special events. When potential buyers look at Rancho Mirage homes for sale, it’s often the first room they want to look at.

If you’re ready to put your Indian Wells real estate on the market, one of the first things you should do to prepare is declutter the kitchen. It’s actually a great place to start the process—from there, it will be snap to take on the bathrooms, bedrooms and main living areas.

Start by removing everything from the counters. That includes the toaster, blender and coffee machines. Store them in a cabinet or drawer and take them out only you need them. Low on cabinet space? Get rid of all those pots, pans, utensils and dishes that you don’t use. That wok that’s stayed in the box since you bought it? Give it away or put it in a storage facility.

When buyers are viewing Rancho Mirage homes for sale, one of the first things they do is open the drawers, cabinets and the refrigerator. Some even examine the dishwasher! If the storage doesn’t look sufficient and your drawers are crammed, they’re going to think there’s not enough room for their own belongings. Your goal should be to create as much space as possible—if you can empty out some drawers, you’ll be ahead of the game.

Another area that needs decluttering that you may not have thought about is under the sink. Remove everything you keep under there—dishwashing soap, garbage bags, cleaning supplies and whatever else you store underneath. Have the area scrubbed down thoroughly so that it doesn’t look like there are any plumbing problems.

If you’ve already sold your home and are ready to look at Indian Wells real estate, click here to see some unforgettable listings.

image: wheremyheartresides.com

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Say Goodbye to Marilyn

Forever Marilyn Palm SpringsWe have an exciting but sentimental weekend coming up for visitors, residents and those who own Palm Desert real estate. Kicking it off this Saturday, September 7 is the Farewell Concert at Forever Marilyn Park in downtown Palm Springs. This unique event is an opportunity for Palm Springs to say goodbye to the 26-foot “Forever Marilyn” statue, created by renowned sculptor Seward Johnson. The desert cities’ love affair with this beautiful commemorative statue of Marilyn Monroe began when it arrived in May 2012. The statue will soon travel to its next tourism site, the 42-acre Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, where a lifetime retrospective exhibit for Johnson is planned.

The free concert features live performances from Catch a Wave, a dynamic Beach Boys tribute band, and Paperback Writer, a Beatles tribute band. The Forever Marilyn Park is located at 101 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. A perfect way to relax with the family or unwind after a long week of work or looking at homes for sale in Indian Wells, the concert takes place from 7:30 to 9 pm. For more information, contact the Buzz Factory at 760.969.4200.

Also on Saturday, American pop singer Bobby Vinton will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino from 8 to 10 pm. Vinton was well-known for his hit song, Blue Velvet, which topped the Billboard charts. In addition, there will be an innovative art show at Studio D from 6 to 9 pm called Non Objective. The show features three artists with one vision, including Chris Hoffman, Kim Chasen, and Marian Moiseyev. There will be an artist reception and light refreshments. Studio D is located at 4116 Matthew Drive in Palm Springs.

Rounding out the weekend on Sunday, September 8 is the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013, featuring Keri Kelsey in Darin’ To Do Bobby. This vibrant musical production directed by Todd Schroeder includes iconic hits by singer and actor Bobby Darin such as Queen of the Hop, Mack the Knife, Two of a Kind, The Other Half of Me and Talk to the Animals, as well as never before heard stories about Bobby. The show takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre from 2 to 4 pm and is the perfect way to take a break if you’re visiting open houses to check out Palm Desert real estate.

If you’re interested in homes for sale in Indian Wells or any other part of the desert cities, click here to browse our real estate listings.

image: kesq.com

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Savoring the Summer in Palm Springs

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.

image: peoplewhodance.net

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Summer Moving Tips – Part III

If you’ve been following our summer moving tips, you’re probably about halfway done with planning and packing for your move. It doesn’t matter if you recently bought Palm Desert real estate property or if you just now started eyeing Indian Wells homes for sale—a little forethought and advanced planning can streamline the process and reduce the stress of moving. Here are a few more ways to make the move easier and more efficient.

Protect the actual move. Even when you use a professional mover, accidents can happen. You may want to get full value insurance protection for peace of mind. This type of insurance covers any items that are lost or damaged in the move. When choosing a professional mover, it’s good to get referrals from trusted sources and to check the company’s online reviews and status with the Better Business Bureau.

Photograph the hookups. When it comes to hooking up home entertainment systems, DVRs and other electronics, it can be difficult if you’re not an expert. Save yourself some time and energy by photographing all the connections before you unplug anything. Label the wires as you unhook them so that you can match them to the appropriate electronics. Put all the loose wires in a box or zip lock bags that are clearly labeled. Planning ahead like this will make it that much easier to enjoy your first few nights warming up your new Palm Desert real estate property.

Pick and choose in an eco-friendly way. Cleaning products and anything toxic, such as detergents, cleansers, furniture polish, pesticides and paint, can be very unwieldy items to pack. Throw away as many as possible before you move (make sure to dispose of them in an eco-friendly way, of course). These items can be heavy when boxed up together, and often times, they are not worth the money you would save by simply buying them again. For those products that you really must take, pack them in a box that you place inside another box to protect against leakage. Make sure to seal all of the containers tightly so that their contents don’t spill and keep these items separate from your other boxes.

If you’re just starting to look at Indian Wells homes for sale, click here to browse some spectacular listings.

image: a1affordablemovers.com 

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