If you’re ready to take a break and have some fun this weekend, it seems like the Coachella Valley offers unlimited options for recreation. If you own a home in Palm Springs or have plans to look at Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage real estate during the next few days, make sure to carve out some time to enjoy the desert cities with your loved ones.
As you may know from our recent blog posts, Modernism Week is in full swing and those with an equestrian flair can get their fix at the 21st annual Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) Thermal Desert Circuit Show. If you’re more of a music lover, you may want to check out “Remembering the 1960s,” a tribute to four legends including Cher, Dionne Warwick, Neil Diamond and Paul Anka, featuring a cross section of music that all ages will enjoy. This event takes place at Cal State Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus on Friday, February 15. Another classic and ever popular act, Boyz II Men, performs at the Morongo Casino Resort on Friday as well.
Whether you own properties in Indio or another part of Coachella Valley, the 67th annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is an amazing experience for all. The event starts today and runs through February 24. Come see why Indio is famous for its dates, and watch one-of-a-kind activities like pig, ostrich and camel races, participate in livestock auctions and learn some unrivalled methods of cooking with dates. The event is located at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, 82-503 Highway 111, in Indio.
On Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, you can check out the unique Pam Am Exhibit at the Saguaro in Palm Springs, where actor Philip Keene (The Closer, Major Crimes) shares his collection of more than 3,000 items.
On Saturday night, Palm Springs Pathfinders holds a gala to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. The event features a silent auction, cocktails, dinner, dancing and other entertainment. If you’re considering Rancho Mirage real estate, it’s the perfect way to get a taste of what the community has to offer and its commitment to important causes.
Also on Saturday night, world famous Grammy award winner Bonnie Raitt will appear at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. It’s an amazing way to finish a day of browsing properties in Indio or any other part of the Coachella Valley.
image: datefest.org
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One of the attributes of living in the desert communities that many are unaware of is the region’s thriving arts community. Once visitors get a taste of what there is to offer in the Palm Springs Valley, they quickly find themselves eyeing everything from La Quinta to Indio real estate.
In January, Palm Springs newest gallery, the Archangel Art Collective, opened its doors to share unique, cutting-edge fine art that transcends boundaries to challenge and provoke social commentary about relevant cultural issues and the role art plays across the globe. The gallery describes some of the one-of-a-kind works they will show as “whimsical, powerful, iconoclastic and often unconventional art.” It’s exciting to think that owners of homes in La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert and Indio real estate can now access such innovative art so close to home.
Located in the uptown arts district of Palm Springs, the Archangel Art Collective showcases many artists who are new to the desert art scene. The opening exhibition, “aLiVE,” highlights the work of Seattle-based Max Emminger and more than 20 of the nation’s finest contemporary artists. Emminger’s work is a “a very pared-down and sophisticated visual diary of his life and preoccupations” that often features many of the characters from his domestic life and areas he frequents, such as Lopez Island or Green Lake. It’s very exciting that local owners of homes in La Quinta and Rancho Mirage will now have the chance to regularly experience such an interesting array of works.
This innovative gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm and Sundays from noon to 5 pm, as well as by appointment. The gallery will host new show openings the third Thursday of each month that includes artist receptions from 5 to 9 pm. The address for the Archangel Art Collective is 1103 N. Palm Canyon.
image: archangelartcollective.com
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The Living Desert
Palm Desert real estate isn’t just appealing to golf aficionados—living in Palm Desert offers a variety of amenities and recreational activities that are family-friendly and enjoyable to people of all ages.
In addition to the gorgeous weather, wide variety of shopping and dining options, and of course, the golf and tennis, there are plenty of things to do that the entire family will enjoy. Whether you own homes in Indio, Rancho Mirage or another area of Palm Springs, all of the below activities are in very close, manageable proximity to the entire Coachella Valley.
1. Tale in a sky-high view. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a world famous attraction that allows the whole family to soar high above Palm Springs to catch stunning views of the entire valley. Get off and hike down or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants near the top.
2. Explore the wild desert. Visit the unparalleled Living Desert museum, a favorite of every tourist who visits, as well as residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate. This attraction is part botanical garden, part zoo and part nature preserve.
3. Soak it up. Not just the sun—take the family for a swim at one of the Palm Desert Aquatic Center’s three pools, including a splash pool for the kiddies and an Olympic-sized one that’s ideal for diving and lap swimming. The Aquatic Center is located at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park, which also offers an array of family-friendly activities.
4. Make discoveries. Even when it’s too hot for the kids to play outside, there’s something cool for them to do. The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in nearby Rancho Mirage is full of one-of-a-kind exhibits and hands-on activities.
5. Get adventurous. There are plenty of steep mountains and rugged terrain to explore on one of the many available off-road all-terrain vehicle tours.
6. Trek it out. One of the many amenities for those who own homes in Indio, Rancho Mirage and other parts of Palm Springs is the abundance of stellar hiking trails. If you’re more of a novice at hiking or have young children, there’s trails such as the Randall Henderson Trail, which are easier climbs that still offers lots of outdoor fun coupled with great views.
image: mypalmsprings.com
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Whether you’re considering buying a beach house, a home abroad or are looking at Palm Springs homes for sale, it’s an important decision that requires significant forethought and planning. For many families, it’s a life changing event. Here are a few tips for making your real estate transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Be ready to commit. If you’re not sure that you’re ready to commit to living in one place for a few years, than you may not be ready to own unless you’re willing to lease out the property at some point. The costs associated with buying and selling real estate could possibly cause you to lose money if you sell too soon. In addition, it’s difficult to accurately predict fluctuations in the real estate market, so you’ll want to able to sit tight and avoid selling when prices are dropping.
Get to know the neighborhood. If you are moving to a completely new town or city, it will behoove you to spend some time getting to know the area to make sure that you really like it and can spend a substantial amount of time there. For example, if you’re interested in properties in Indio, you’ll want to spend some time checking out the community, recreational activities, shopping, dining and cultural options. If you have children, it’s equally important to check out the local schools and activities that are suited to them. The last thing you want to do is find your dream house but then get there and unpack, only to realize you don’t like the town you’re living in. It’s important to make sure that the place you live will accommodate your lifestyle so that the entire family is happy.
Aim within your means. Sit down and map out your true budget before you start looking for homes. Too many times, people view Palm Springs homes for sale, find their dream property and then discover that it’s way out of their price range. Know your boundaries before you meet with an agent and start looking. A general rule of thumb is that that you can afford approximately two-and-one-half times the amount of your annual salary. Without having knowledge of your debts and other expenses, it’s best to get some professional help or use online resources to determine what your true spending ability will be.
Follow these tips before you start viewing properties in Indio, Palm Desert, La Quinta or any other area of the Coachella Valley, and you’ll be a step ahead in finding the home of your dreams.
image credit: bankrate.com
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Purchasing property can be one of the most important things you do in your life. Whether you’re working with a listing agent or a short sale realtor, it’s important to find someone you are comfortable working with. Whether you’re looking for real estate in Indio, La Quinta or Rancho Mirage, you need to work with someone who can give you advice regarding which neighborhoods to live in, help you vet your best financing options and provide resources for anything else you are uncertain of.
To find the best agent to work with, assess their prior experience. If you know someone who used a particular short sale realtor, broker or any other real estate professional that they were extremely happy with, seek out their contact information. If they are local to the area you want to live in, then by all means, take a meeting as soon as you can.
If you don’t know someone off the top of your head who recently bought a home in the area you’re considering, then start asking around. Seek recommendations from those you trust, such as friends, family and co-workers—you never know who they might know. If you’re living in Los Angeles but are interested in buying real estate in Indio, Palm Springs or the surrounding areas, then ask the agent you worked with to find your current home for a referral to a local agent in the new area you’re considering.
Buying property is an incredibly important and oftentimes complicated transaction to execute. It’s essential to take your time to find the right agent to work with. If you’re meeting with them blind, then ask for references and interview them about their experience and qualifications. Who knows—you may find someone who’ll be able to help you with other transactions down the line. It’s a critical working relationship to develop, so make sure you weigh your options and do your research.
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Stop in for a drink and make some new friends!!
Way over on the East side of the Palm Springs Valley are some really fun party spots..
1. The Tackrom Tavern: This place can rock it out! Outdoor area for the live bands which can range from local bands to rockabilly, soul, jazz, trios, country western, blues..you just never know for sure what to expect. Kareoke is also available here. Casual atmosphere..players come over after the games and golfers stop in after golfing. If you want to get gussied up, that’s ok too…the food is good and basic. Steak, fish, chips and salsa, salads..but good and well priced too. Drinks are generous and again…well priced.
2. The Date Shed: This is the party spot for the younger group. Music Festival hopefuls test their skills and reception with the crowds here. The dance floor is huge, the stage is central and raised and the acoustics are famous!
After watching a polo game at either Eldorado or Empire, come on over to one of the venues available for fun..don’t forget The Cantina right next door at Eldorado Polo club too. Roc’s Firehouse does the cooking and it’s been renovated as of last year.
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Indio has beautiful, open views..
Looking for something new and interesting to do in the Palm Springs area this weekend? How about Tamales??? Doesn’t sound that exciting, but it is! The Indio International Tamale Festival began 20 years ago. It has evolved into one of those REALLY fun and different cultural events in the Valley.
Ranked by Food Network as “one of the top 10 all American Food Festivals in the nation!” Now that’s saying something! The Festival offers tons of different Tamales of course, live entertainment and booths of interesting displays.
Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 pm. Entry is between Hwy 111 and Hwy 86 in Indio. For more information, you may call: 760-391-4175.
If you’re thinking of buying a home in the Indio area, check out the Tamale Festival and see what all the buzz is about!
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One of the reasons buyers are drawn to Indio real estate properties is the town’s bucolic charm. Its small town feel draws visitors on their way to Palm Springs as well as residents who revel in its laidback vibe.
Part of Indio’s unique flair is its history with dates. While Indio began as a railroad town, it quickly shifted to agriculture. In 1907, the USDA’s Date Station was established in Indio, and leading extensive scientific research was performed to determine the health benefits of dates and to help farmers understand and best cultivate this fruit that originated in the Middle East. The presence of the Date Station and the ubiquitous crops led to the large role this fruit still plays in of the town’s culture and its ties to the Middle East. The one-of-a-kind Riverside County National Date Festival Fair Grounds is still held annually in Indio.
If you’re touring open houses and looking at Indio real estate, make sure to get a taste of this unique brand of culture by stopping at Shields Date Garden. A pioneer in the date industry, the owner, Floyd Shields, bred his own dates, including the famous “Blonde” and “Brunette” varieties that are grown exclusively there. He also invented the Date Crystal, a blend of dates turned into a dry product that can be used for cooking and in their renowned date shakes. Floyd and his wife, Bess, moved to Indio in 1924, when they started the date farm, and opened the Café at Shields in the 1950s. Sit in this adorable cafe and enjoy some date pancakes or a date shake while you watch the15-minute film, Romance and Sex Life of the Date.
image source: shieldsdategarden.com
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Whether you’re trying to sell Indio real estate or Rancho Mirage real estate properties, if the market is stagnating or you’re having some trouble attracting buyers, then it may be time to incentivize. With a little creativity, you can easily make the transaction more appealing.
Pay homeowner association (HOA) fees. Springing for a buyers’ first year of HOA dues is deductible for you and will lessen the load of the down payment.
When it comes to Rancho Mirage real estate, there tends to be a lot of maintenance fees due to the ubiquitous pools, as well as standard garden and lawn maintenance. This is something buyers will need to cover and may even be required to do in the community, so paying a year of their maintenance fees is another way to help them over the hurdle of a daunting down payment. You may also want to consider making new buyers feel at home by buying some new landscaping features such as shrubs or flowers.
We recently saw the former owners of an Indio real estate property make this gesture: leave some treasure behind. If there are any furnishings or appliances that are custom fit, leave them for the new owners if you think it may help close the deal. If you hear a prospective buyer gushing about that gorgeous chandelier in the dining room, it may behoove you to gift them with it as part of the purchase deal.
image source: findmywayhome.com
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Land and Ranches..now’s the time to List!
It just may be the BEST time to list your vacant land, farm or ranch in the Coachella Valley. Thermal, Coachella, Indio, Vista Santa Rosa..the entire East Valley is SELLING! Now, don’t get too excited..the price/acre is nowhere near where it was during the “boom”, but we haven’t seen much land move at all for the past 3 years. But things are starting to pop in our Eastern Palm Springs Valley.
The past 6 months have seen as many parcels SOLD! From small parcels, with and without wells, commercially zoned land way out next to the Kohl Ranch Project, and medium sized farms..there are buyers hovering around. Equestrian zoning is often requested, wells are fantastic, some improvements such as fencing, irrigation and perhaps barns are really increase the price/acre.
Vista Santa Rosa and Thermal land price/acre is settling at approx. $22-30,000/acre. I know that’s still a little depressing for you land owners if you were still remembering the $150-$250,000/acre that land was bringing when the developers were building and building out here! But..at least we know what it’s worth, right? Kind of similar to the low end housing market that had to keep dropping until it hit that “sweet spot” that Buyers were waiting for. Then the decrease stopped..and in fact it’s increased! I suspect our Land is doing just that now
Thinking of listing your land, ranch or equestrian property? Don’t wait too long..season is here!
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