Whether you’re preparing homes for sale in Rancho Mirage or have recently bought Indio real estate, any property can become more energy and resource-efficient. Many modifications designed to make your home “greener” are very low tech and easy to implement. Plus, if you are trying to sell your property, these types of upgrades will boost the appeal to buyers who would like to balance out their budget with savings on utilities.
Here are a few tips that can be used to boost the efficiency of any type of residence, from homes for sale in Rancho Mirage to a beach cottage in the Central Coast.
Insulate. When you upgrade the insulation in your house, you can reduce your heating bills up to 20 percent. The modifications can be as simple as caulking and weather stripping around the doors and windows, but there are some design features that may need some extra attention, such as cathedral ceilings.
Reuse and Recycle. If you are fixing up a recently purchased home or remodeling a property to boost its appeal, keep in mind that you may be able to re-use much of the building materials, no matter how modern the new design may be. By recycling material, you’re saving money and will definitely contribute to the “green” movement and reduce your carbon footprint. Be creative—look at all the construction materials that may potentially be tossed and think of ways to re-use them.
Go solar. If you’ve recently bought Indio real estate or property in another area of the Coachella Valley, you’re in an ideal situation to take advantage of the sunny weather. If you install a solar water-heating system, this will reduce the fossil fuel you use for showering, washing dishes and doing laundry. Note that the location where you install the solar system needs to be sunny enough.
image: familyfriendlyknoxville.com
More
Thanksgiving weekend kicks of the holidays with a bevy of cool festivities for the entire family to enjoy. If you are visiting for the weekend or are in town to look at listings of international real estate, this is the perfect opportunity to see how lively and dynamic the Palm Springs community is.
From Friday, November 29 through Sunday, December 1, the 32nd Annual Cabazon Band of Mission Indians: Indio Powwow will be in full effect at the Fantasy Springs Casino in the venue’s Special Events Center. This festive celebration brings together tribes and non-tribal visitors for a unique cultural event that includes performances by dancers and singers in full tribal regalia. It’s an excellent event to check out if you’re already in town looking at Indio real estate.
The renowned unparalleled Wildlights Festival kicks off on Friday from 6 to 9 pm at the Living Desert, a must see for tourists and those in town from abroad to look at international real estate. This marks the festival’s 21st year of holiday celebration with over 740,000 lights, wildlife shows, carousel and camel rides, holiday refreshments and more. The festival continues through January 1, 2014.
On Saturday, November 30 from 10 am to 4 pm, Art Under the Umbrellas will take over the streets of charming Old Town La Quinta. More than 70 artists from wide-ranging genres participate at this event, making for a relaxing day spent browsing and shopping for unique works of art while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
On Sunday, December 1, a favorite of everyone from those who own Indio real estate to Palm Desert locals will place in its full glory: the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year, actress Lindsay Wagner will light the tree and kick off holiday festivities including a performance of holiday songs by the Palm Springs High School Choir. The event takes place at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from 5:30 to 7 pm.
image: examiner.com
More
While you may know your Indio real estate inside and out, that doesn’t mean you’re best suited to sell your property on your own. Many sellers throw a “For Sale” sign onto their property and expect the rest to come easy, and that’s hardly ever the case. You may think the best way to maximize your profits and avoid paying commissions is to sell on your own, but statistics show that theory to be incorrect.
Whether it’s a sellers’ market or not, chances are that having a qualified, experienced realtor in your corner will garner you the best price for your property for a variety of reasons. Even the most beautiful Palm Desert homes for sale or property may need an expert’s touch when it comes to staging and marketing your property in its best light. In addition, a realtor with local expertise will have access to market information that a typical homeowner will not and can help sellers determine the most realistic price. Realtors know what comparable properties in the area are selling for and have sold for, and will be able to help you set reasonable expectations for the sale of your Indio real estate.
Selling a home can be a full-time job—do you really have the time to show your property and field inquiries regularly? A realtor can show your home when you’re at work or otherwise indisposed, and can respond to interested parties and answer questions on your behalf. In addition, they can screen those who visit the property, to ensure that they are truly interested in buying a home and can actually afford to do so. This provides an added measure of safety for you and your family that is priceless, and keeps you from wasting time on buyers who are not serious.
Last but not least, a realtor can give you objective, constructive ways to improve your home’s appearance. Even the most beautiful Palm Desert homes for sale may benefit from certain suggestions. A real estate professional can help you determine which repairs are must-dos and offer ways to significantly boost curb appeal.
image: dwellingwell.com
More
If you have been looking for a single-family residence at the Indian palms country club in Indio California, be sure to include this gorgeous bungalow style home, on one of the premier sites in the club. 82272 Shirley Cir. is beautifully maintained, and boasts one of the best locations and views you will find in the club… Particularly for under $300,000!!
82272 Shirley circle was built in 2001, is approximately 1700 ft.², and offers three bedrooms two bathrooms, a quiet cul-de-sac location , mature landscaping including citrus trees and roses , and a recently updated saltwater pool and spa. The lot is over 10,000 ft.² and faces West, For amazing sun and views , and is completely enclosed. The unobstructed golf course view allows your eyes to travel all the way up the fairway to the chocolate Mountains .
The inside of the home features an open floor plan, a large kitchen island, new appliances , plantation shutters, custom Saltillo tile floors and fireplace surround , new paint both inside and out, and with multiple windows and sliders , the interior of the home is bathed in light . This home is unique and desirable in terms of an investment , and charming and warm in terms of a primary or vacation home . Come out and see the home for yourself on Sunday November 17 from 1 to 4 PM .
More
Veteran’s Day weekend in the Palm Springs Valley is packed with exciting events to entertain people of all ages. Whether you own Indio real estate, properties in Rancho Mirage or are in town visiting, there won’t be a dull moment in the Coachella Valley.
Friday, November 8 marks the start of Avenue Q at the Palm Canyon Theatre. This musical theater production will run through Sunday, November 17. The venue is located at 5638 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
On Friday from 8 to 10 pm, a performance of Bobbie Eakes Turn the Page will take place at the Annenberg Theater. Ms. Eakes is a renowned actress and singer, who was nominated in the Lead Actress category of the Emmy Awards for her role as Krystal Carey in ABC’s All My Children. Eakes also played “Macy Alexander” in CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful.
Also on Friday, world-famous comedian Craig Ferguson will perform at the Morongo Casino from 9 to 11 pm. The Morongo Casino is located at 49500 Seminole Drive in Cabazon, ideally situated for anyone who lives in the Coachella Valley, from those who own Indio real estate to residents of Palm Desert.
This weekend will also feature an array of activities to honor our veterans for all to participate in, from visitors to those who own properties in Rancho Mirage and beyond. On Sunday, November 10 at 2 pm, the 1940s USO Show will take place at the Palm Springs Air Museum in the Pacific Hangar. This dynamic production will be a recreation of performances by Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, the McGuire Sisters and the Andrew Sisters.
On Monday, November 11 at 11 am, the Palm Desert Honors Veterans concert will take place at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. This year, the event will feature a patriotic performance by the Heatwave Boys and Girls Club Jazz Band.
At 3:30 pm on Monday, the well-known 17th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade will begin at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive and head northbound on Palm Canyon Drive to Alejo Road.
image: 29palms.marines.mil
More
The inaugural Run with Los Muertos 5k is taking place on Friday, November 1 and promises to be an exciting new event for people of all ages to enjoy. Both runners and spectators from all over the state will enjoy a beautiful celebration of art, music and remembrance of passed loved ones. Throughout the evening, there will live music, painted faces, candle burning and other Day of the Dead traditions as participants run in costumes or apparel to commemorate their loved ones.
The flat course runs through historic downtown Coachella, and both starts and finishes at the City Hall’s 6th street frontage. The program starts at 7 pm, with the race beginning at 8 pm. This one-of-a-kind event is a great way to get a taste of the diverse culture of the desert cities, especially if you’re visiting and interested in Palm Springs homes for sale.
Also on Friday night, Wanda Sykes will perform live at the Show at Agua Caliente Casino, a favorite venue for owners of Indio real estate. The show takes place from 9 to 11 pm. The Show is located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage—easy to get to whether you’re looking at Indio real estate or homes in Thermal.
On November 2 and 3, the Coachella Valley Italian Festival will take place at the Whitewater Park. This colorful festival features entertainment, Italian food and samples of Italian culture. The two day event includes a children’s fun zone, and will take place on Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
On Saturday, November 2 from 8 to 10 pm, Vince Gill will perform at the McCallum Theatre. A world class guitar player and one of the most popular country singers, Vince Gill delivers an engaging show that fuses his great music, signature story-telling and humor. The McCallum Theatre is located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert.
This weekend is a perfect example of the active recreational season in the Coachella Valley—if you’re ready to look at Palm Springs homes for sale, click here.
image: dailymail.co.uk
More
There’s a lot that goes into selling property these day—even the most gorgeous homes for sale in Palm Springs and the surrounding area need to be decluttered, depersonalized, staged, marketed online and—get ready for it—de-petted.
This may be a surprise to many who have an adorable ball of fur who lives with them on their Indio real estate property. While your pet may be the most low-maintenance senior cat, a sweet bird or a smart, well-trained Labrador, prospective buyers have no interested in seeing or smelling evidence of them in their potential new home.
Unfortunately, many people are very sensitive to the smell of pets, and even worse, many are allergic to pet hair and dander. A not-uncommon reason that realtors have passed on beautiful homes for sale in Palm Springs is due to an odor left behind by the family pets. It may seem hard to believe, but it’s a legitimate reason that will cause many buyers to take a pass.
If you and your pet have lived at your home for years on end, it may seem difficult to eliminate all traces from your property. However, it can be done and will make a difference in the potential offers you may receive on your Indio real estate property or home in a different area.
Stat by identifying and rinsing any soiled spots in the carpeting—even old ones. Once you’ve spot treated, hire a crew to come in and do a deep cleaning. Once the carpeting is dry, use an odor neutralizer to complete the process. If you prefer natural remedies, try vinegar and baking soda.
Make sure to wipe and scrub down every single surface in the home, including cupboards, cabinets and every crack and crevice. Hair and dander can linger for ages.
Don’t neglect the exterior of your home either. Remove any dog poo from the yard so that potential buyers don’t accidentally step in it on their way inside. An accident like that can counteract even the best curb appeal!
image: birstallshoppingpark.co.uk
More
Wynonna Judd & The Noise perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino this weekend
The lineup of shows this weekend is certain to thrill people with every type of musical taste. When people buy homes in Palm Springs Valley, from Indio real estate to properties in Indian Wells, they are always excited when they realize how much there is to do in the desert cities. You don’t have to travel far from any part of the valley to enjoy a diverse and eclectic array of entertainment options.
On Friday, September 20, Little Big Town performs at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino from 9 to 11 pm. The American country quartet, which has charted 14 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, features a musical style focused on four-part vocal harmonies. The Show is located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive—making it the perfect way to end a day of looking at homes for sale in Rancho Mirage.
Also on Friday night, the Latin American icon, Luiz Miguel, will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino, a favorite of those who own Indio real estate. The Mexican singer, who is considered one of the world’s best male pop vocalists, has won five Grammys and four Latina Grammys. The venue is located at 84-245 Indio Springs Drive in Indio. The show will take place from 8 to 10 pm.
On Saturday, September 21, Wynonna & The Big Noise will perform live at the Fantasy Springs Casino from 8 to 10 pm. This is the band formed by world famous Wynonna Judd in 2011.
On Sunday, September 22, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Let Me Be Frank, starring Angelo Divino with famed pianist Howlett Smith as Musical Director. The show pays homage to Frank Sinatra’s life and career that spans more than five decades. The show takes place from 2 to 4 pm at the Arthur Newman Theatre.
If you plan to do some house hunting as well this weekend, click here to view our listings of homes for sale in Rancho Mirage.
image: eastvalleytribune.com
More
Are you ready to buy that Indio real estate property you’ve had your eye on, but your credit score is dismal? Have you declared bankruptcy in the past or foreclosed on a property? Did you have a bad run with credit cards when you were younger or have you missed payments many times? Even when you don’t have the best credit history, it is definitely possible to improve your credit score so that you can qualify for a new mortgage loan and start looking at Palm Springs homes for sale.
Regardless of whether you’ve got your eye on a condo in Mammoth, a beach cottage in Orange County or Palm Springs homes for sale, your credit score can make or break a deal when you’re trying to buy a property. It makes lenders aware of how you manage money and how responsible you are. It affects your purchases in other ways too—for example, a poor credit score translates to a higher interest rate on a home loan, while a good score or an improved one will help you get lower interest rates.
The good news is, you can significantly improve a poor credit score by demonstrating more responsible money management skills. Once you raise your score, you can qualify for home financing and hopefully get a good interest rate so you can buy that Indio real estate property your family is dreaming about.
There are many thing you can do to improve your score. Two of the most basic yet important are: 1) Make your payments on time every month, and 2) Make payments in full whenever possible. If you plan to buy a new home in the next year or so, you should not open any new lines of credit and be able to provide evidence of steady employment for a period of at least one to two years.
In addition, it’s best to use whatever credit cards you do have sparingly and make sure that you do not overextend your credit line. If you do by accident, make a payment immediately to get your balance back under your credit limit. Most experts recommend maintaining a balance of no more than 25 percent of your available credit on any account. The best possible scenario is to pay off all your cards and carry a zero balance.
image: aboutcreditscoreimproving.com
More
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.
image: doityourself.com
More
