Often times, financial success depends upon how you invest your money. Many advisors recommend diversifying your portfolio as much as possible, with a large number pointing to real estate investments as a safe bet. Whether you’re ready to buy your first home, have your eye set on Indian Wells homes for sale or are investigating the international real estate market, it’s important to know when the time is right for you to make this serious financial move.
When you rent a property, making improvements is not always the best investment. While improvements are a great way to boost your quality of life, there is no return on the investment and you typically will need permission from your landlord. Plus, it doesn’t really make financial sense to improve their investment while your rent check is already paying a significant portion of their mortgage, if not all of it.
When you buy a home, you’ll build equity and gain tax benefits, and any improvements you make will benefit you and ultimately enhance your investment. Even if your find the perfect property among the Indian Wells homes for sale, chances are there is something you’ll want to change down the line. When you have enough savings to make improvements, it feels much better and makes more sense to make them on your own property for your own benefit, rather than for your landlord’s.
If you have saved enough money for a nice down payment and a contingency fund, another factor to consider is space. If you’re currently sharing a cramped apartment space with your better half and offspring, then it’s definitely time to make the move. However, if your current space suffices and your down payment isn’t enough to improve your space constraints, you may want to wait a little longer and save up some more funds.
If you’re interested in investing in the international real estate market, then you will want to consider all the elements involved—the country you want to have a second home, what kind of rental income you can garner from it, what kind of tax incentives you can enjoy and how you will find a professional team to guide you through the process.
image: southgatechamber.com
More
If you’re working on making your La Quinta real estate listing stand out from the rest, then you’ll need to include many photos shot from a wide variety of angles. If you’ve decided against hiring a professional photographer to shoot your home, then it’s time to brush up on your photography skills so you can display your property in the best light possible.
Since many others in the market may go the professional route when it comes to photographing Indian Wells homes for sale, you’ve got a high standard to meet. But if you follow these tips for shooting the interior of your home, you’ll get some great photographs as a result.
- Aim for sharp focus. To achieve this, keep your apertures small—between f/11 to f/16—and avoid shooting too close to furniture or other objects in the room. Make sure there is plenty of light to avoid blurriness.
- Incorporate some wide angle shots. Shooting from a wide-angle will allow you to capture entire rooms and make them appear bigger.
- Pay attention to the details. Shoot several photos that convey the character of your home. If you have gorgeous Italian tile in the bathroom, get a close up of this area. If your living room has a view of your beautifully landscaped yard or a swimming pool that is so common among Indian Wells homes for sale, take a photo that shows the view from the appropriate angle.
- Avoid mirrors. We all know that mirrors make rooms look bigger, but they can be a serious distraction in photos, as your reflection or that of other items in the room can show up in the photo and be confusing to the person looking at it.
- Watch your proximity to glass. Try to avoid for flash reflections in windows and any glass in the rooms. These reflections can cause hot spots and ruin the photo.
Employ these tips to up your photography game and boost the appeal of your La Quinta real estate listing.
image: dallasdesigndistrict.com
More
If you’re trying to maximize exposure of the Indian Wells real estate you’re trying to sell or attract buyers from the international real estate market, you’re probably already aware of the importance of photos. Many photos. Buyers like to see as much as possible of the property they’re interested in, and from a wide array of angles. While we’ve been covering aspects of real estate photography in previous blog posts, here are a few quick tips to help you take the best photos you can when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare.
Adjust your lighting schemes. Try to light the room as evenly as possible, so that you can avoid having areas that are too dark or too bright. When a room is evenly lit, more detail will show. Play around with different combinations to achieve the most even lighting concept—turn lights on or off, bring in lamps from other rooms, try opening or closing shades, and when necessary, use your flash.
Avoid fluorescent lighting as much as possible. Fluorescent lighting tends to cast an unflattering shade of green in photos.
Don’t fear a cloudy day. Overcast skies can be great for shooting interiors of your Indian Wells real estate —the windows will appear bright but not too bright.
Step away from the self-timer. When you use the self-timer on a camera, make sure to let go of the camera so you don’t jar it during exposure—the result will be a perfect steady pic.
Try different angles. Take photos from different angles, and not just from the sides. If you’re tall, you may want to take some photos sitting down or kneeling. Likewise, if you’re short, try standing on a chair or a staircase for some good overheads shots.
Clean up. Details stand out in photos, especially those related to housekeeping. It’s best to schedule your photo shoot directly after the house is cleaned. Go the extra mile by moving trash cans out of sight and straighten anything that looks messy or cluttered.
If you’re interested in the international real estate market, click here to view some listings in Palm Springs Valley.
image: photographyforrealestate.net
More
For those of you who are new to the real estate game, as in buying or selling your first home, you may have a general idea of what closing is. But it helps significantly to really understand the entire process so you know what exactly you’re getting into if, for example, you’re about to make an offer on that Indian Wells real estate or property in La Quinta that you have your eye on. So here is a brief summary of the basics, so that you know exactly what “closing escrow” means to everyone involved.
Some people refer to closing as the “settlement” of the deal, which is exactly the point in time when the deal is set in stone—the mortgage is executed and the title is transferred to the buyer. At this point, the buyer should be fully aware of all the associated costs that incur with closing. Once you’re approved for a mortgage, the lender has three days to provide you with a “Good Faith Estimate” of all the associated costs. You should also receive an outline of the closing process, whether you’re buying the home you’ve always dreamed of or selling your Indian Wells real estate.
When it comes to closing, timing is essential. Once the seller agrees to accept an offer, the countdown begins. If you’re a buyer, by this time, you should have enlisted a professional to execute the rest of this process. You can find a reputable settlement agent through your real estate professional, or in many areas, the process will be executed by a real estate attorney, or by your escrow company or title company. Whoever handles the settlement will ensure that your down payment is deposited into the escrow account until the deal is officially done.
From here, the preliminary title work commences. In this phase, your title company will search public records for any information related to the property’s title. This is done to ensure that there are no issues related to the property, such as outstanding taxes or a judgment on the property so that the buyer is not left responsible for conditions they were unaware of before closing. Once this phase is cleared, a HUD-1 Settlement Statement, which outlines all associated costs for both the buyer and seller, is completed.
While there are typically post-closing details that are attended to, once you close, the property is yours (if you’re the buyer, of course). It may seem like you’re signing your life away, but once you close, you’ll be the proud owner of that dream property in La Quinta.
image: home.howstuffworks.com
More
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.
image: realestate.com
More
Whether you plan to live in your first home for several decades or if want to sell your Palm Spring real estate just a few years after you buy it, it’s important to inform and educate yourself so that you understand every aspect of the process. Buying your first home can be very exciting and overwhelming, which is why you need to arm yourself with information so that you clearly understand all your financial responsibilities. Here are a few basic tips for getting through the process as smoothly as possible.
Know your real budget. Often times, buyers qualify for loans and get so excited about the opportunity that they immediately start looking at homes for sale in Indian Wells or luxury properties that they can’t really afford. While you may be able to afford your monthly mortgage payment, there are other costs to consider and factor into your budget. There will be closing costs, home improvements and new furniture needed, as well as insurance and the possibility of Homeowners Association (HOA) fees in certain communities. You’ll also want to have an emergency fund for any unforeseen accidents that may require repairs. Once you determine those costs, you’ll be able to determine a realistic budget.
Determine necessary repairs. Before you purchase that gorgeous Palm Springs real estate property, make sure you know exactly which repairs are necessary. The last thing you want to do is move in and discover that the plumbing doesn’t work and needs to be repaired immediately—it would add an immense amount of stress to the move. It will behoove you to schedule an inspection by a trusted source, and if the situation warrants, an appraisal. Point out all defects to the seller and require that repairs be made prior to closing or determine the costs of each and negotiate with the owner to deduct it from the asking price.
Search for hidden fees. Scour every page of your contracts and paperwork for any seemingly nominal fees and charges. Ask questions about each and look for valid explanations. The smaller charges can add up to hundreds of unexpected dollars.
If you’re ready to start looking at homes for sale in Indian Wells, click here to view our excellent listings.
image: michiganmortgagesolutions.com
More
As many of us already know, buying your first home can be a complex and stressful process, whether you’re buying a beach condo, cabin in the mountains, or Indian Wells real estate. While it can definitely be intimidating, if you arm yourself with the right information, the entire process will become much easier, from negotiating prices to obtaining a mortgage. Before you start looking at Palm Springs homes for sale, gather as much information as possible, because when it comes to buying real estate, the old adage is true, knowledge is power.
Many first-time homebuyers find themselves in over their heads when it comes to securing a quality mortgage loan. Rather than focusing on the interest rate, make sure you’re paying attention to the actual cost of the loan, at present and what it will be in the future. Often times, it makes the most sense to have an attorney review the paperwork for you. Either way, make sure that you read the paperwork and all its fine print. If the interest rate is below market rates, make sure to inspect the contracts thoroughly—chances are that rate may only be guaranteed for a certain amount of time. No matter what, be certain that you are clear on what your responsibilities and rights are before signing anything.
When it comes to buying property, all homebuyers have their own unique situation and set of circumstances that the lender should take into consideration. Perhaps you only want to live in your new house for a few years, and then plan to take another step up. If so, a variable rate mortgage may be your best bet. Or maybe you’re looking at Palm Springs homes for sale purely for investment purposes, or you plan to live there for 20 years—if this is the case, then the stable monthly payment that a fixed rate mortgage provides may be the right choice for you. The bottom line—get all the information you can, so you can do what’s best for your situation.
Click here to browse listings of Indian Well real estate and the surrounding areas.
image: warner.senate.gov
More
The gardens at Sunnylands are a gorgeous sight.
There are so many ways to spend summer days in beautiful Palm Springs, but we thought we’d give you just a few to consider if you’re wondering what to do this weekend or if you’re planning a Palm Springs getaway. In addition to relaxing poolside and golfing the many verdant fairways, here are some recommendations from tourists, residents and proud owners of Palm Desert and Indian Wells real estate.
Explore Sunnylands. Located in Rancho Mirage, The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands was the winter home of Ambassador Walter Annenberg and his wife, Leonore. Designed by renowned Mid-Century Modern architect A. Quincy Jones, this compound hosted several U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan, as well as international dignitaries, such as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II. Visitors can tour the garden with a reservation.
Shields Date Garden. Have you ever had a date shake? If you own property in Indio, chances are you’ll answer “yes.” Palm Springs and The Coachella Valley are considered the “Date Capital of the World.” Founded in the 1920s, Shields Date Garden is a family-owned business that grows its own dates free of any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. You’ll find every date imaginable in the store, where you can sample and taste test. One trip to the café in the back, where you can order breakfast or lunch, will make you understand why this destination is not only a favorite for tourists, but for locals and owners of property in Indio as well. Make sure to try one of Shields’ famous date shakes.
The Living Desert. This one-of-a-kind zoo and botanical garden is home to more than 450 wild animals and desert inhabitants. Spanning 1,200 protected acres, this spectacular sight represents the desert environments of both North America and Africa, and features live animal shows and a model train exhibit. You can take a stroll through the gardens, trek along hiking trails or take a tram ride. It’s an absolute favorite amenity of residents and those who own nearby Indian Wells real estate.
Click here to browse listings of Palm Desert and Indian Wells real estate.
image: sunnylands.org
More
Having good photos of Indian Wells real estate, equestrian homes and other Palm Springs homes for sale is critical to fostering interest in the land you’re trying to sell. In this day and age, people want to use the internet to check out potential leads, rule out what they know isn’t going to work for them in advance and get excited about those listings that are within their parameters. This is why it’s essential to post the best photos you can find to populate your online listing.
Since many sellers don’t want to spend the time and money hiring a professional real estate photographer, they often take photos for their listing themselves. If this is your plan, then you’ll need to optimize your photography skills to give your listing what it needs to attract the largest amount of prospective buyers. Your Indian Wells real estate property may be absolutely stunning, but if your photos don’t display it in the best light or show off its greatest features, buyers may not see its potential. When it comes to large scale properties, such as ranches or equestrian homes, it’s even more important to show off as much of the land as you can.
Luckily, we’ve created this blog series to provide some easy yet effective techniques for photographing real estate. Here are some basics to get you started on photographing the interior of your home:
- It’s all about the angles. When it comes to showing off your home’s angles, more is more. You want to show buyers as much of the interior as possible. Move around and shoot from different angles so you can find the most flattering ones when you go through the pictures. You can highlight a house’s best features and hide any weaknesses simply by changing positions.
- Back it up. Squeeze yourself into a doorway, corner or wherever you can best position the camera to show off as much of the room as possible. Shooting from the middle of the room is probably not going to give you what you need.
- Invest in a tripod. There are actually many inexpensive quality options available, and using one will let you get excellent steady shots that you may miss or ruin when using a handheld camera.
- Get straight. To get the best shots, focus your camera straight on, as opposed to at an incline.
That should get you started in the right direction for taking some stellar photos. In the meantime, you can get started looking for your own dream property! Click here to view listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.
image: jasoncollinphotography.com
More
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.
image: mountainhomesofdenver.com
More
