Whether you’re trying to sell a home or are in the market for Rancho Mirage real estate, you probably may be thinking about some remodeling costs—changing things in a new home or upgrading some items in your current home to boost its appeal to prospective buyers. Instead of committing to expensive remodeling costs, if you are willing to think creatively and do a little of the ground work yourself, there are a few things you can upgrade inexpensively that will make a huge difference in the home.
1. Upgrade the appliances at a discount. We all love the looks of high-end appliances such as Viking ranges and Sub-Zero refrigerators. Instead of buying those pricey brands new, consider looking for them at house-parts recycling centers in ritzy zip codes. You can find professional style appliances at deep discounts that will give a serious upgrade to those Indio homes for sale that you’ve been looking at.
2. Boost privacy with plants. Instead of spending money on trees and shrubbery to increase the privacy factor on the Rancho Mirage real estate you’re trying to sell, consider purchasing containerized planters to shield the property from the outside world. You can also place them strategically to cover up and equipment on the property that gives you eyesores.
3. Stone countertops. Instead of opting for an expensive granite countertop with a bullnose or some other type of curved detail, choose a square edge—this will save you anywhere from 20 to 50 percent. The less complex the profile is, the less grinding and polishing the installers will have to do. Also, keep in mind that the rarer the color, the more it will cost. So avoid blues, which can cost triple the amount than more common colors, such as black, white, gray and earth tones. Click here if you are interested in looking at Indio homes for sale. image: admiralsbank.com
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If you are looking at Rancho Mirage homes for sale, there are many reasons to take the plunge. This beautiful resort city in the heart of Palm Springs has much to offer and little, if anything, to complain about. There are many reasons to buy a home in any of the desert communities—owners of real estate in Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta and Palm Desert all rave about their individual cities and the Palm Springs Valley as a whole. But here are just a few reasons why you may want to make your home in Rancho Mirage.
1. Golf. While there are myriad golf courses for owners of Palm Springs and La Quinta real estate to enjoy, Rancho Mirage has 12 stellar golf courses, including the Thunderbird Guest Ranch, the Tamarisk, Sunrise, Rancho Mirage, Mission Hills, Morningside, the Springs, KSL Resorts’ Rancho Las Palmas hotel, Tuscania by Sunrise Company, the Mission Hills North Course, and the Westin Hotels’ Mission Hills resort.
2. Gorgeous mountain views. The Santa Rosa, San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, Little San Bernardino each yield stunning views, as well as some awesome hiking trails, that can be enjoyed all year long.
3. History. Rancho Mirage rose to fame after World War II when The Annenberg Estate, owned by philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg, was in its heyday. Many celebrities and political figures, including Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and Queen Elizabeth II were regular visitors at this estate. Among other high-profile figures, former President Ford bought a house in Rancho Mirage.
4. Traffic. As in-no traffic. Those who are used to the horrific traffic that plagues many cities in California are astounded by the lack thereof when they become owners of Rancho Mirage real estate. Traffic is always very minimal, even during the busiest times of year.
5. Culture. Situated in the heart of Palm Springs, many seek Rancho Mirage homes for sale because of the city’s ideal location—all of Coachella Valley is an easily accessed desert playground. There are unrivalled music festivals such as Coachella, Stagecoach and the Jazz Festivals, and many outstanding local concerts from some of the more than 60 Hall of Fame Musicians that live in the area. There’s the Indio Tamale Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, the National Date Festival, many Arts and Wine Festivals and Palm Springs Modernism Week. Residents throughout Palm Springs, including owners of Indio, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta real estate, get to enjoy this same proximity that makes desert living so alluring. image: latimes.com
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Making a decision to buy either a home or a condo can be difficult, as there are many factors to consider, especially if you’re a first time buyer. Whether you’re looking at Palm Springs homes for sale or real estate in Indian Wells, there are a number of questions that can help you determine which type of property is best for you.
Many homeowners face a common decision—whether to buy a condo or single family home. There are pros and cons for each, and once you are aware of these, you can determine what will work best for you and your family. For those who thrive on city life, often times, a condo is the most reasonable choice. While you may be able to get something much bigger with a yard outside of the heart of the city for the same price, if you crave the pulse of living in the city and don’t like to commute, a condo may work best for you and your family.Keep in mind that most condos are regulated by a Homeowners Association (HOA), which means you’ll have to share decision making with other tenants and pay fees to cover maintenance and insurance costs. Some people love that aspect, while others find it to be a hassle—it’s up to you decide which you prefer.
In addition, you’ll have neighbors in very close proximity, which may not be the case with that real estate in Indian Wells that you’ve been eyeing, with its two acres of land. In addition to privacy and location, other factors that are important to consider are responsibility—do you like sharing the decision making with other tenants or would you prefer to have total control over any decisions affecting your home and landscape? Some people actually enjoy performing a lot of the maintenance themselves, including outdoor lovers who often search for Palm Springs homes for sale. Gardening is a hobby that many people, and access is typically much more limited when you live in a condo.
So in addition to budgetary constraints, you’ll want to consider location, privacy, responsibility and maintenance when deciding between a home and a condo. image: mtgcapital.com
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When prospective buyers view Palm Springs homes for sale, one of the first things they ask to see is the kitchen. Often considered the most important room of the house, the kitchen is where family members and guests congregate and catch up with each other. When staging a property, it’s important to have this room in tip-top shape.
For sellers who may have let their kitchen go somewhat, there are ways to overhaul this room without racking up the bills. While the average midrange kitchen remodel costs around $60,000, there are many cost-effective ways to give your Indio real estate property a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Here are some tips shared by interior design experts.
1. Pick standard appliances. If your appliances need an upgrade, stick to standard sizes. While large size equipment may appeal to your esthetic, it costs more and may not fit in with what potential buyers have in mind. Plus, the larger appliances tend to be more powerful, and therefore require more energy—which translates to higher utility bills. You can’t go wrong with standard sizes.
2. Bargain shop. If you need anything from new countertops to new flooring for your Indio real estate, look for bargains in the form of older models or products that are overstocked. Search for appliances and other items at big discounts on websites such as Overstock, BestBuy.com and Searsoutlet.com. For flooring and building materials, try ifloors.com and lumberliquidators.com.
3. Think twice about countertops. This is an area that can be very expensive if you’re not careful. If your countertops are not in bad shape, skip remodeling, as it can be costly and time consuming. However, if you think they may turn off potential buyers, consider affordable options, such as laminate, which will save you hundreds of dollars as compared to granite or quartz counters.
image: hgtvremodels.com
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Get your vacation home ready to rent!
If you are lucky enough to own Palm Desert real estate or a property in another desert city as a second home and it sits empty for most of the year, you may want to consider renting it out for additional income. If that sounds like a good option for you, here are some tips for protecting and making the most out of your investment.
1. Get your property in good condition for renting out. Whether you own something in an amazing area, such as Indio or one of the many beautiful homes in La Quinta, you want it to look great and have everything in stellar working condition. However, you may not want to keep expensive items in there that will cost a lot if they get damaged or broken. For example, you may want to avoid expensive furnishings, window treatments, fixtures, chandeliers and appliances.
2. Will you shoot for short or long rental terms? There are many factors to consider when making this decision. When you own property in desirable locations, such as Indian Wells, La Quinta or Palm Desert real estate, you can bring in a significant amount of income with short-term renters and vacationers. However, your risk factor for potential damage increases somewhat, so you may want to use a property management company to handle the day-to-day operations, which cuts into your profits a little bit. Likewise, if you contract a long-term renter, you will only be dealing with them, though you will need to charge less than you would to short-term renters. While equestrian homes can bring in a lot of extra income, long-term may be a better bet, as there typically be a lot more buildings included and animals tend to cause more damage than humans.
3. Determine pricing and deposit amounts. If you’re not working with a property manager to rent out your property, you’ll need to compare your home to other similar properties. For example, if you are looking to rent out real estate in Indio, look at other homes in the area and compare your square footage and features to determine your price points and deposit requirements.
4. Establish policies. Will you allow the renters to sublet the property? Will you allow pets? If so, how much will you increase your deposit?
5. Screen renters. Once you place an ad or determine which property management company you’ll be working with, your next step is to ensure that renters are thoroughly screened. You can use a service or do it yourself by contacting references, previous landlords, running credit checks and confirming employment.
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Real estate transactions can be daunting for anyone, let alone first time home buyers. Whether you’re considering a bungalow in a beach city, a loft in downtown Los Angeles or a beautiful piece of Indio real estate, there are some standard strategies for planning and saving that anyone can benefit from.
Traditionally, buyers were required to place a down payment that equaled 20% of the purchase price. We saw some very extreme exceptions over the last decade, which ultimately led to the market crash. While some lenders still make it possible to avoid high down payments, the wisest strategy truly is to try to save as significant a down payment as possible, as well as a contingency fund for emergencies. For example, if you’re interested in equestrian properties, there are a lot of additional elements and potential situations that would require you to have an emergency fund, so that you don’t get in over your head.
While it’s important to get advice from an expert regarding your particular situation, the most commonly recommended number is 20%. At that number, many lenders do not require the purchase of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which is an additional cost that protects the lender in case of default. While the number seems lofty, it is safest to work within a range that is comfortable for you financially, and most advisors say that a house may be out of your means if you can’t save up 20% of it. That dream house in the suburbs or that beautiful piece of Indio real estate will require additional funds for maintenance and upkeep, so always make sure to factor those expenses into your family budget.
The benefit of a sizeable down payment such as 20 percent is that it creates instant equity in your home, which can be very valuable to you financially in the long run, especially if you decide to sell the property in the future. However, the 20 percent figure isn’t a diehard rule. Sometimes you may be able to find lenders that will work with you for less, but it’s probably best to not go too low. If you’ve fallen in love with that mansion in the desert or are considering equestrian properties that may be out of your range, make sure to get a reality check from a real estate professional or financial advisor who can help you develop a practical plan within your means.
image: therunningdoc.com
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Now that summer has come to an end, many people are thinking about buying a new home. If you fall into that category and are ready to look for Palm Springs homes for sale, here are a few tips to give you a head start and make the whole process a lot easier. 1. Determine your desired neighborhood. Figure out which neighborhood you want to live in. Don’t just leave it at real estate in Indioor homes in Rancho Mirage —get specific. Drive around and find particular neighborhoods that appeal to you.
2. Research the market. It’s a good idea to start looking at comparables in the area to see what prices are like so you can determine your budget. It’s very helpful to enlist a realtor, as they will have personal knowledge from their own recent sales and will be able to access good market information. For example, if they specialize in real estate in Indio and that’s the area you’re interested in, they will have extensive knowledge that will significantly help you with your process.
3. Be open. If this is your first time buying a house, you may also want to consider condos, as they can be up to 20 percent less than the cost of detached homes in the same neighborhood. Keep in mind that there will be Homeowners Association (HOA) fees which may sometimes rise due to extensive repairs necessary for the building.
4. Document the process. When you start touring Palm Springs homes for sale, bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember all the details. While the real estate professional you’re working with will send you a description of the property that often includes photos and a diagram of the house, there will still be other details you want to rememebr. When you tour more than one house in a day, it’s very easy to forget some of the little details that may make a big difference to you and your family in the long run.
image: elizabethcoltonwalls.com
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August is coming to a close very soon, but there are still some great ways to enjoy some summer fun in Palm Springs. If you’re in town to look at equestrian ranches in Indio, homes for sale in La Quinta or real estate in another part of Palm Springs, you’ll bear witness to the fact that there is always something going on in this vibrant community. Whether you want to relax by the pool, play a round of golf, listen to music or hike in a stunning natural setting, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in the amazing desert cities.
On Friday, August 22 from 9 to 11 pm, Sara Evans will perform at the Morongo Casino. Ms. Evans is a popular country singer and songwriter with one gold and three platinum albums under her belt. She has won a Billboard award, a Dove Award and awards from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. The Morongo Casino is located at 49500 Seminole Drive in Cabazon.
On Saturday, August 23 from 8 to 10 pm, the Spotlight 29 Casino will host a performance of The Who Show. The performers are considered the longest running, most popular tribute band to The Who. The Spotlight 29 Casino is located at 46-200 Harrison Place in Coachella. Tickets are $20.
On Sunday, August 24 from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre will host a performance of Juliana Hansen in: “Juliana – Live!” Ms. Hansen’s will perform many songs from many of her Broadway and Disney film & stage credits. The Arthur Newman Theatre is located at 73-750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert.
In honor of National Park Service Birthday, Free Entrance Days to National Parks will be celebrated at Joshua Tree National Park on Monday, August 25. Visitors can enjoy free admission to the beautiful park all day long. If you’re looking at equestrian ranches in Indio or other styles of residences in the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree is a must-see!
image: nationalparks.org
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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 ranch 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, no matter how beautiful your Indio real estate is, 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.
image: doityourself.com
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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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