Indian Wells is an absolute haven for everyone—from retirees, families, young couples and even visitors from other countries looking at international real estate. The exclusive area is minutes away from Palm Springs and the other beautiful desert communities, and offers many amenities to its residents, from exclusive spas and resorts, fine dining options, great shopping and a close knit, vibrant community. If you’re considering buying Indian Wells real estate, here are three solid reasons why it’s a phenomenal choice.
1. The Sports. Indian Wells boasts two award-winning golf courses, including the renowned Indian Wells Golf Resort, which was ranked as one of the 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California by Golfweek Magazine. In addition, tennis fans and players can enjoy the incredible Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which is home to the famed Indian Wells Masters tournament, a.k.a. the BNP Paribas Open, a world class championship tennis event.
2. The gorgeous and great outdoors. With stunning views of the picturesque Santa Rosa mountains, Indian Wells is perfect for nature lovers and those who crave outdoor activity. Outdoor recreational activities can be enjoyed all year long—there are miles of hiking and cycling trails, as well as scenic trails throughout the mountain ranges nearby.
3. It’s family-friendly. In addition to the wide-ranging slate of outdoor activities the entire family can enjoy in Indian Wells, it’s also home to The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden, a unique 1200-acre wildlife preserve that offers unforgettable tours—it’s a must-see for visitors from abroad who are in town due to interest in an international real estate transaction. This world-class zoo and garden features remarkable exhibits and special programs such as this summer’s “Zoo Chill” promotion in June and The WildLights Festival at The Living Desert that takes place every year during the holidays.
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It’s a favorite time of year here in Palm Springs—from May 31 through June 16, the much awaited 2013 Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week will take place. Foodies will flock from all over the state to experience some of the best restaurants in the Coachella Valley. If you’ve been considering La Quinta real estate, luxury properties in Indian Wells or equestrian homes in another of the bucolic desert cities, then this is the perfect time to visit.
This exciting culinary festival actually spans 10 days, which provides the opportunity to showcase over 100 restaurants, hotels and attractions throughout the entire region, from Palm Springs to Indio. The seasoned chefs at these fine area restaurants prepare delicious three courses meals, featuring several options for each course, at reasonable prices of either $26 or $38. This gives attendees the chance to survey all the menus to decide which appeals to them most and then try new restaurants or new dishes at their favorites. However, attendees are not limited to the special fixed price menus, as some restaurants will serve their regular menus as well. If you’re spending the day looking at equestrian homes or properties in Indian Wells, you can finish it off with an amazing meal in a relaxing yet festive atmosphere.
To attend Palm Springs Restaurant Week, diners simply need to visit a participating restaurant; no tickets, passes or coupons are required. However, attendees are strongly encouraged to make reservations in advance as there is no guarantee that walk-in guests can be accommodated. To make a reservation, contact the restaurants directly or use the OpenTable.com links on the Restaurant Week website. In addition, several area hotels and attractions are offering with special discounted rates to enrich the entire experience. A list of participating businesses can also be found on the website.
Restaurant Week is yet another amenity of living in Palm Springs Valley; if you don’t live here already, you’ll be inspired to when you visit during this time of year. If you’re already feeling the inspiration, click here to browse La Quinta real estate listings.
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The legendary Tony Bennett
This week is filled with spectacular art and cultural activities for visitors, residents and owners of real estate in Indian Wells, La Quinta and other parts of Palm Springs to enjoy. From the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival to the Joshua Tree Music Festival and a whole lot of cool concerts in between, there is literally something for everyone to enjoy.
ag On Thursday, May 16, from 7:30 – 9:00 pm, the Concerts in the Park series will continue with an enchanting performance by Jasmine Fields, playing New Country music. This concert series is a favorite of locals and owners of homes in Palm Desert, as it takes place in the incredible Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater, a gorgeous hot spot for live music. These free concerts under the stars are sponsored by the City of Palm Desert. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets to fully take advantage of this outdoor musical adventure.
Also on Thursday, May 16, the legendary Tony Bennett will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. This is an exciting appearance, as Mr. Bennett has won 17 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and has sold more than 50 million records worldwide. The concert will take place from 9 – 11 pm.
On Friday, May 17, the Morongo Casino Resort, a favorite for those who live nearby in homes in Palm Desert, will host some exciting performances! American pop rock band Huey Lewis and the News will perform from 9 – 11 pm. Lewis achieved worldwide fame with hits including The Power of Love and The Heart of Rock & Roll. Also performing that night, from 10:30 pm to 12:30 am, is Anthem.
There are even more fun events slated for the weekend, so stay tuned to our upcoming blog posts. If you’re in the area and interested in checking out real estate in Indian Wells, La Quinta and other parts of Palm Springs, click here to browse some of our amazing listings.
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The Art Party in Palm Springs
We’ve got another exciting weekend lineup for visitors, residents and lucky owners of real estate in Indian Wells, La Quinta and Palm Desert. Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day or just want to unwind and relax this weekend, you’ll find some awesome opportunities for brunch, to take in some gorgeous art, or experience a Sunday at the cabaret.
On Saturday, May 11, there will be a guided public art tour on El Paseo, led by a trained docent who will take you through the amazing sculptures of the El Paseo Exhibition. You’ll learn pertinent facts and gain killer insight into the Palm Desert public art collection. The tour meets at the northeast corner of El Paseo and Highway 74, and takes place from 10 to 11 am. A look at this amazing collection will inspire art lovers and make them feel so much at home, they’ll be looking at homes for sale in Palm Desert as soon as they have a chance.
On Sunday, May 12, the Art Party ’13 Palm Springs will take place at the Palm Springs Art Museum. It’s an awesome chance to try paint, sculpt, try printmaking or sketch in the galleries. You can also watching a potter work at the wheel, view some art films and listen to stories filled with art. The event takes place from 11 am to 4 pm.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Mother’s Day, the beautiful Desert Willow Golf Resort is hosting an awesome Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch from 11 am to 2:30 pm. A smorgasbord of international culinary delights coupled with seating on the outdoor terrace overlooking stunning, sweeping views of the Coachella Valley is the perfect way to enjoy the day.
Also on Sunday, May 12, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 will continue at the Arthur Newman theatre with “Tin Pans and Rags,” starring Michael Holmes, Francesca Amari & Joel Baker on Piano. This lively retrospective of Tin Pan Alley & Ragtime music runs from 2 – 4 pm.
If this taste of our dynamic arts culture and recreational activities has you interested in moving to the Coachella Valley, click here to browse some of our listings of beautiful homes for sale in Palm Desert and real estate in Indian Wells.
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The Living Desert’s Brew at the Zoo
If you’re ready for the weekend, there are lots of things going on in Palm Springs. People buy homes in La Quinta and real estate in Indian Wells so they can live the relaxing and rejuvenating desert lifestyle, and the weekends here give you exactly what you need to do just that. Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or simply want to relax with some wine, there’s an option for you this weekend.
Friday, May 3 from 6 – 9 pm, the Desert Willow Golf Resort is hosting Uncorked, a wonderful event filled with delicious food, wine and spirits. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample mouthwatering international cuisine prepared by the popular chef Francois Gaertner, coupled with wines and spirits, and set to live music in the stunning desert landscape.
On May 4 at 8 pm and May 5 at 6 pm, renowned comedian Gabriel Iglesias will perform his standup comedy routine at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino.
On Saturday, May 4, from 9 – 11:30 am, Friends of the Desert Monument will lead Snakes and Lizards of the Mountain, an easy, two-mile hike from the National Monument Visitor Center. Participants will learn about and try to find National Monument reptiles.
On Saturday from 6:30 – 9:30 pm, the Living Desert will host its 4th Annual Brew at the Zoo, one of Southern California’s most popular beer festivals. This year’s theme is “Saving Wildlife One Beer at a Time.” The event features three live music stages, Paradise Island, Discovery Ale House, Exo-Luxury Safari Lounge hosted by Hot Purple Energy, VIP Lounge with jazz combo, premium wine and beer, deluxe appetizers and private animal encounters, Brew Blends, food demos, beer and wine pairings, a gourmet raffle, non-alcoholic beverages and more! Over 2,000 guests and 35 vendors are expected to attend. For tickets, call 760.346.5694 ext. 2121.
On Sunday, May 5, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013: Alix Korey Celebrates Ethel Merman will take place from to 4 pm at the Arthur Newman Theatre.
Also on May 5, the Mariachi Divas will perform a live concert at the Morongo Casino from 3 – 5 pm. What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
If the diverse slate of activities whets your appetite to find your dream house in Palm Springs, click here to check out real estate in Indian Wells and homes in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert.
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As we’ve mentioned many times in our blog, when you’re trying to sell a house, whether it’s property in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells real estate, a beach cottage or one of the highly desirable equestrian homes in Southern California, curb appeal is key to attracting potential buyers and getting them to get out of their cars to take good long look.
Great landscaping can seriously enhance the style of your home and boost curb appeal tenfold. “Great” doesn’t necessarily have to mean expensive either. As long as it’s well-planned, intriguing and cohesive with the exterior of your home, you’ll be in great shape.
Pick a theme. Whatever you do, don’t try to combine more than one theme. Pick one and stick with it. If you’re working with Indian Wells real estate or property in Rancho Mirage, you may want to go with a desert or southwestern theme—just don’t try to mesh tropical with desert or a surf theme with Japanese garden.
Refresh planters. Get rid of weeds, prune everything so it looks neat, and plant seasonal flowers. You should also refresh mulch to replenish the color that is faded by sunlight. If you have a flower bed that has borders, make sure to clean the borders and replace anything that is damaged.
Install window boxes. Window boxes are an excellent way to add some charm to the exterior of your house. Plant flowers and plants that mesh well with your overall color scheme.
Add some artwork. Incorporate some pieces that are immune to the elements—in other words, items that don’t require a green touch. Wind chimes, fountains, birdbaths and sculptures are all good examples of pieces that you can use to complement your color scheme and exterior design. If you choose to have a fountain, which can add a very calming element to your garden or lawn, make sure to place them on ground level where they can be seen and heard, and avoid having them close to a tree, so that leaves aren’t dropping into it.
Click here to browse listings of equestrian homes, property in Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells real estate.
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The Living Desert
For those passing on part two of the famed Coachella music and arts festival, there are still several ways to celebrate the weekend and Earth Day Palm Springs style. Whether you’re a music fan, nature lover or hot rod aficionado, you can find something fun to do or a stunning place to relax in the desert. When those interested in homes for sale in Indian Wells or real estate in Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage come to look at properties, they end up staying much longer to take advantage of the incredible array of recreational activities and options for relaxation.
On Friday, April 19, El Paseo Cruise Night will take place from 4-6:30 pm. Local car enthusiasts Jerry Martin and Judy Lockwood recently started this cool recurring night drive of classic cars and hot rods. Also on Friday, the fun and electric dance, disco and 70s band, Grooveline, will perform at the Morongo Casino. The show starts at 10:30 pm.
On April 20, The Living Desert will host an Earth Day celebration with a daytime festival filled with fun, exciting activities for the entire family to enjoy. Bring a recyclable item to trade for a native plant grown at The Living Desert. The event takes place from 9 to 5 pm. If you’ve been considering homes for sale in Indian Wells, you won’t want to miss this chance to see The Living Desert in its full glory. For more information, contact 760.346.5694.
Also on April 20, EZ 103.1, CBS Radio, KMIR 6 and KPSE My 13 will host Up Close & Personal, which offers a live performance by John Tesh, and an open mic Q&A with Melissa Etheridge and Delilah, the most-listened-to woman in radio, as they speak about their life journeys in the intimate surroundings of The Show At Agua Caliente Casino, Resort & Spa.
Click here to look at listings of real estate in Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.
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Art featured at the Indian Wells Art Festival
If you’re an art lover and need another reason to consider Indian Wells real estate, then you’ll be happy about the town’s thriving art community—which is perfectly illustrated by the Indian Wells Art Festival happening this weekend. As if the mountain vistas, gorgeous weather and varied recreational activities weren’t enough to consider buying property in Palm Springs!
Located at the 75 million state-of-the-art Indian Wells Tennis Garden, this premier art event includes more than 200 award-winning artists displaying their one-of-a-kind artwork in the form of everything from paintings, drawings and sculpture to ceramics, glass, photography and other painstakingly handcrafted wares. Fashionistas will also be in heaven, as the offerings will include jewelry, textiles, apparel and more.
In addition to the bevy of magnificent artwork, there will be exciting entertainment, such as Aztec Dancers from the International Dance Club at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal and the incredible sounds of Incendio Latin Guitar World Fusion. Refreshments will also be available, from snacks to full meals such as the “Eggs + Champagne in The Garden” brunch menu.
Visitors, residents and owners of Indian Wells real estate with children can enjoy the interactive art exhibits and children’s activities, such as sidewalk chalk drawing, Madd Hatter Hat making using recycled shopping bags and other earth-friendly materials, and other creative projects. The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery also presents the special exhibit “Recycle Bicycles” that includes whimsical, embellished bikes.
Another unique attraction is the Larger Than Life Murals exhibit, in which Riverside resident and mural artist, Linda Shrader, designs a 10 foot x 32 foot mural that she starts and completes during the weekend. Shrader has done this project for the last three years, which has become a favorite of festival attendees.
The Indian Wells Art Festival takes place April 5-7, and is open from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets for adults are $12 at the Gate, and children 12 and under are free.
If this cool festival gets you even more excited about buying property in Palm Springs, click here to browse some gorgeous listings.
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Sometimes it’s impossible to prepare for the challenges that life brings, which is why many families unfortunately find themselves owing more on their mortgages than their property is worth. In these cases, working with a short sale realtor may be the only way to avoid foreclosure.
A short sale is a very time-consuming transaction and can be a difficult one to navigate. To start the process, make sure you find a short sale realtor who will stay on top of all the details and has a lot of experience with these tricky transactions. Otherwise, you’ll be taking on a lot of stress and will subject yourself to some unpleasant consequences if everything isn’t done properly. Take the same amount of time you would allocate to hiring an agent to find your dream home in Indian Wells, if not more. Interview prospective realtors thoroughly and get referrals whenever you can.
Different states have laws that vary, so make sure to find out whether the lenders involved can go after you for the balance once a short sale is completed. If the lender agrees to waive the difference, you want to make sure this is clearly represented in the contract. You also may want to consider looking into the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program (HAFA) to see if this program can help you avoid paying the deficient balance.
Another reason why it helps so much to have a short sale realtor with strong expertise is that they can coordinate the transaction with the bank and help prepare you for what to expect from the process. When it comes to tax implications and protecting assets, it may behoove you to also hire an attorney or tax expert to ensure that you are doing everything correctly.
Last but not least, if you are considering a short sale, don’t stop paying HOA fees or other dues—they will continue to accumulate and can be a deal breaker when you find a buyer for your home in home in Indian Wells or another part of the region.
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It’s a week that so many residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate look forward to—Fashion Week El Paseo! In its eighth year, this incredible event is happening from March 15 through 23 in the heart of Palm Desert’s famous shopping district: El Paseo. Produced by Palm Springs Life, this uber popular event showcases collections of both top and emerging designers, all under the Big White Tent on Larkspur Lane between Shadow Mountain and El Paseo. Make sure to schedule some time off from work, school, family and viewing property in Indian Wells and other area of Palm Springs to spend time at this chic shopping event.
Fashion Week El Paseo is packed with cocktail receptions, couture fashion shows, trunk shows and beauty extravaganzas that everyone who owns Palm Desert real estate or lives in the surrounding areas clamors to attend. Here are a few that this weekend has to offer:
On Friday, March 15, The Best of Saks Fifth Avenue kicks off the week of runway shows with the finest spring 2013 collections of designer fashions for both men and women. The event, which benefits The Living Desert, kicks off with a cocktail reception at 7 pm (hors d’oeuvres courtesy of La Quinta Baking Company), followed by the fashion show directly afterwards at 8 pm. An after party will take place at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, with wine served courtesy of Foris and La Merika.
On Saturday, March 16, no matter if you’re working, playing, or viewing property in Indian Wells, dog owners must take the afternoon off to attend the second annual Le Chien Couture Fashion Show featuring dog couture designer Linda Higgins. Dogs of all sizes and pedigrees will walk the runway in the latest spring fashions in this wonderful show that benefits the Humane Society of the Desert. A cocktail reception with a silent auction and live music takes place at 5, followed by the show at 6. Cookies served at the cocktail party are compliments of Bakery Underground.
On Sunday, March 17, more than 30 hair and makeup professionals will wield their blow dryers and makeup brushes at An Extreme Hair and Makeup Showcase during the Style and Beauty Bash to raise money for local charities. The showcase will run throughout the event, from 9 am to 3 pm, with an exclusive fashion show takes place at 1 pm. All salon services are only $30—don’t miss this chance for some awesome pampering.
To finish off the first weekend of Fashion Week El Paseo, on Sunday night, San Francisco artist and couture designer Victor Tung will show his women’s collection of one-of-a-kind “wearable art,” created from his own fabrics. This innovative show begins with a one-hour cocktail reception at 7 pm, followed by the show at 8 pm.
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