This week marks the 25th anniversary of a favorite of all who own Palm Springs real estate: the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Founded by the beloved former mayor, Sonny Bono, who passed away in 1998, this incredible film festival is attended by renowned filmmakers, actors and film lovers from all over the world. If you’re visiting the Coachella Valley from abroad with your sights set on buying international real estate, you could not have picked a better time.
The acclaimed film festival takes place in the airport-hangar-sized Palm Springs Convention Center, and occurs each year during Oscar nomination balloting to promote a healthy turnout of attendees. This year, the celebrity attendance at the Opening Awards Gala on Saturday, January 4 was incredible. Tom Hanks came to receive the Chairman’s Award for Captain Phillips and Saving Mr. Banks, U2’s Bono came to accept an award for U2’s humanitarian work.
Other notables in attendance include Sandra Bullock, the iconic Meryl Streep, Bruce Dern, The Edge (U2’s guitarist), and the Dallas Buyers Club’s McConaughey, wearing a gold lamé dinner jacket that drew cheers. Several cast members from American Hustle accompanied director David O. Russell to accept the festival’s ensemble performance award, including Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner. As you can imagine, this was very exciting for audience members, especially visitors from abroad such as the many in town to view listings for the international real estate market.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival has earned the reputation for being one of the most prestigious in the country, and a true portal for the best in world cinema, featuring more than 180 films from over 70 countries—which is why more than 136,000 are so excited to attend each year, from tourists and Angelenos to locals who own Palm Springs real estate.
image: latimes.com
More
Many market analysts advise that if you didn’t buy real estate in 2013, you shouldn’t wait much longer or you may just be kicking yourself. Whether you’re interested in Rancho Mirage real estate or the luxury international real estate market, 2014 is most likely the year to buy. According to Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index dated December 31, during the last 12 month period, on average, real estate prices in the housing market climbed more than 13.5 percent,
It makes sense that industry experts are advising buyers to make their move this year. Not only do 2013 numbers reflect the trend toward a seller’s market, market forecasts predict that this year will show gains for the real estate market again. While the fast pace of sales seems to slow down a bit in the fourth quarter, it doesn’t mean it’s time to slow down your house hunting activities and search for Rancho Mirage real estate, especially if you’re serious.
Several analysts forecasted that prices on homes will rise approximately five percent during 2014. We’re also starting to see mortgage rates rise, which may slow down the pace of sales a bit, though not entirely. On a 30-year mortgage, the rates are expected to rise to five percent by the end of 2014—they are currently at 4.5 percent. For most, that climb is not enough to outweigh the benefits of ownership, such as building equity and significant tax benefits, especially for first time buyers,
Whether you’re buying a first home, looking for a vacation home in a resort area or thinking about investing in luxury international real estate, if you want to get the most bang for your buck and be in the best possible situation to negotiate, start your search and get your financial horse in order now. It’s the perfect New Year’s resolution.
image: moneyintention.com
More
The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies’ latest edition, The Last Hurrah! is in full effect this season—and while this is very exciting for locals, as well as those just now looking at Palm Springs homes for sale, it’s bittersweet for all, as this is the final version of the show. After more than 20 years of international acclaim and sold out performances, this Broadway-caliber musical and dance revue will shut its doors forever.
Performed by a cast that are ages 55 and over, along with an array of famous co-stars, the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies is a perfect example of the desert cities’ vibrant culture and thriving arts community. Tourists and others in town to look at international real estate are always dazzled by this innovative revue that was founded by renowned producer Riff Markowitz in 1990. In addition to producing the show, Markowitz is the master of ceremonies—and hasn’t missed a single Follies show since its debut. His signature style fuses Old World and satire in an innovative manner that is always a hit.
Each year, more than 170,000 have attended the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, including everyone from locals and Southern California residents to tourists from around the world and foreign investors looking at international real estate in Palm Springs. The show features the music, dance and comedy that characterized Mid-Century America. Every year since its inception, the Follies performed at the historic Plaza Theatre from November to mid-May. A documentary of this unique show, Still Kicking: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, was nominated during the 70th Academy Awards for Best Short Subject Documentary. In addition, the show garnered recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records as the only show performed by a cast aged 55 and older.
The show runs every week until the final performance takes place on May 18, 2014. Whether you’re a local or in town to look at Palm Springs homes for sale, you won’t want to miss The Last Hurrah of the world famous Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.
image: psfollies.com
More
There are many great ways to relax this weekend, and amazing music to enjoy. If you’re in town visiting relatives or here from abroad with your sights on investing in international real estate, you picked a perfect weekend to enjoy some epic entertainment options.
On Friday, December 27 from 9 to 11 pm, Chris Isaak will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa, located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage. Best known for his international hit, Wicked Love, Chris Isaak has released nine albums and 12 singles, as has been nominated for twice for Grammy awards. This legendary show is a perfect example of the level of talent that residents and owners of Rancho Mirage real estate have come to expect from concerts at The Show.
If you haven’t seen the 23rd edition of The Fabulous Follies yet, this season is your last chance. The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies is a world-famous, Broadway-caliber celebration of Mid-Century American music, comedy and dance performed by a cast ranging from ages 55 to 84.There are shows all week long, so if you’re in town to look at international real estate, this is a great way for you to get a taste of the vibrant arts community in Palm Springs. This season, dubbed The Last Hurrah, is the farewell season, and features the Legendary Line of Long-Legged Lovelies, as well as guest stars such as Darlene Love, Susan Anton and Maureen McGovern and an array of variety acts.
On Saturday, December 28 from 8 to 10 pm, The Spinners will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino. From Detroit, Michigan, the Spinners are an American soul music vocal group with a career spanning more than 50 years. The group were also known as the Detroit Spinners and the Motown Spinners. On New Year’s Eve, the Spotlight 29 Casino will host a performance of A Celebration of The Bee Gees by the quintessential tribute band, Stayin’ Alive. The show starts at 8 pm and features all the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees concert.
Click here to view spectacular listings of Rancho Mirage real estate.
image: psfollies.com
More
Palm Springs is a popular winter destination for travelers and foreigners interested in the international real estate market. There are so many unique things to do and the gorgeous weather makes outdoor activities extra enjoyable. A favorite of anyone who owns Palm Desert real estate, the Palm Springs Aerial tramway, which is the world’s Largest Rotating Tramcar, is a unique attraction that provides a breathtaking journey up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon to an elevation of 2,643 ft. If you’re in town for the holidays, try one of these fun suggestions for enjoying the spectacular views and a one-of-a-kind experience in a natural environment.
Take a ride on the tram. Hit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, load the family into a tram car and in just a few minutes you’ll be at the top, where you can explore, enjoy a meal and play in the snow once it starts falling. There are also guided nature walks available.
Hiking. Whether you’re novice or expert hiker, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, such as the 54 miles of hiking trails with stunning views of the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. These trails range from beginning level to advanced, the longest being the awe-inspiring five-and-a-half mile trek to the 10,834 foot peak of Mount San Jacinto.
Ski and Snowshoe. Once sufficient snow falls, the Winter Adventure Center at the Tramway is very popular among locals, tourists and owners of Palm Desert real estate. Rentals of cross-country ski and snowshoeing equipment are available.
Go Camping. There are six campgrounds located in the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. The closest to the Tram is the scenic Round Valley. Snow camping at the top of the tram is also popular among seasoned campers.
Click here if you’re eyeing Palm Springs real estate or interested in investing in the international real estate market.
image: pstramway.com
More
The Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker”
Whether you’re a local owner of Palm Desert real estate, an international tourist or are in town looking at luxury real estate, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to take in the area in all of its glory. The holiday festivities are in full gear throughout the Coachella Valley—take your pick from one of the concerts happening this weekend, Russian ballet or meet Santa with your little ones.
This weekend, The Edge Palm Springs will host performances of Rockin’ The Holidays. This whimsical concert features holiday favorites with a rock & roll twist, including Sting’s “Little Drummer Boy” and Three Dog Night’s “Joy To The World.”
On Friday, December 20 from 8 to 10 pm, Celebrate the Joy of the Season! will take place at the McCallum Theatre, a favorite of Palm Desert real estate owners. The show features traditional holiday classics performed by Your Desert Symphony. Also on Friday, the Moscow Ballet – The Great Russian Nutcracker will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino from 9 to 11 pm and Hiroshima will perform at the Morongo Casino from 9 to 10:30 pm. From 7 to 9 pm, there will be a Tribute Concert: Celine Dion with Special Guests Xavier College Prep Choir at the Indian Wells Theater at CSUSB, Palm Desert.
On, Saturday, December 21 at 9 am, the Santa Paws 5K will start at the Mizell Senior Center at the corner of Ramon Road and Sunrise Way. Call 760.413.6508 for more information. Also on Saturday, Santa Clause will make an appearance at the Mountain Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. What cooler way for the little ones in your life to meet Santa Claus?
This is definitely a great weekend to be checking out luxury properties—click here to browse listings and international real estate opportunities throughout the Coachella Valley.
image: dcmetrotheaterarts.com
More
When it comes to Palm Desert real estate, there’s an active adult community that provides a private oasis for its residents, in addition to world class golf, tennis and other high-end amenities, while redefining luxury—the Ironwood Country Club. Located in South Palm Desert, high above the Valley floor, the Ironwood Country Club is protected from the wind by the Santa Rosa Mountains, which also affords the area with stunning, picturesque views.
In addition to location, when buyers seek luxury properties, whether for year-round living, a vacation home or for an international real estate investment, they are also searching for well-rounded amenities. The Ironwood Country Club offers two private 18-hole golf courses, 13 tennis courts, a state of the art Fitness Center, two pickleball courts, two bocce ball courts and an elegant Tuscan style clubhouse that makes this community one of the finest to live in for everyone from working professionals to retirees. The country club lifestyle that Ironwood affords is exactly what buyers of Palm Desert real estate dream of.
The club’s two scenic golf courses, the South Golf Course and the North Golf Course, provide a unique golf experience that is unparalleled in the area. Both courses were originally designed by Ted Robinson and Desmond Muirhead, with consultation by Arnold Palmer, and have since been strategically redesigned by former PGA player John Fough, also a renowned golf course architect. The challenging South Golf Course is consistently rated as one of the top 10 in the Coachella Valley, and the North Golf Course is centered in a beautiful setting between the desert and mountains and rewards player accuracy. There are also two driving ranges and other areas to fine tune skills, and both individual lessons and group clinics are available for players of all levels.
With everything from spectacular attached and detached residences to gorgeous resort-style properties, there are homes to suit every lifestyle, from luxury vacation homes and primary residences to those that make perfect investments in the international real estate market.
image: ironwoodcountryclub.com
More
When you’re listing Palm Springs homes for sale or luxury international real estate properties, there’s always a chance that your prospective buyers may be younger than you imagined or even first-time buyers. If the home you’re selling is an older one, you may want to adjust your marketing strategy and make some modifications to the property to increase its appeal to a younger market.
Often times, first-time buyers may worry about the potential for high repair and maintenance costs when considering older homes. To put their worries to rest, you may want to obtain a home inspection before you list the property so you can provide prospective buyers with a comprehensive report about any potential problems or issues that you may have already addressed. Even when you’ve listed gorgeous Palm Springs homes for sale, the thought of high renovation costs can really scare younger buyers—the inspection report will address those fears and improve your chances of selling your home.
Another way to boost the appeal of everything from an older single family residence to luxury international real estate properties is to be savvy with your marketing strategy. Younger buyers want to imagine living their dream lifestyle in their new home, so anything you can provide to help them visualize this will improve your chances of selling. Many young couples plan to start a family in the near future or may already have small children—if you can provide information about the school districts or daycare options, this will be very helpful. You may also want to research and pick up brochures that provide information about the community, recreational amenities, parks, playgrounds, medical facilities and outdoor activities, such as golf courses, tennis courts, hiking trails and swimming pools. It can also be helpful to provide listings of fine dining options, casual restaurants, nightlife and even local spas.
image: worldpropertychannel.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
A Miracle on El Paseo
The holiday season is starting to kick off in Palm Springs, which means that residents, visitors and those in town to invest in international real estate have a ton of exceptional activities in store. The coming weeks promise to be unforgettable, starting with the exciting lineup this weekend.
All weekend long, the McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction will be going on at the Spa Resort Casino. This annual auction is fun for the entire family, and provides the unique opportunity to bid, buy or just check out more than 500 exotic, classic cars.
On Friday, November 22, Meet the Galen will take place at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. This festival type event and membership drive kicks off the museum’s 75th Anniversary season with Galen at The Galen, an art exhibition from the private collection of Helene Galen. All funds raised at this event directly support the museum, which is a favorite of all those who own Palm Desert real estate or live in the neighboring areas. The event takes place from 6 to 8 pm.
Also on Friday, the legendary Herb Alpert and his wife Lani Hall will perform from 8 to 10 pm at the McCallum Theatre. Alpert is the iconic trumpet player who recorded both with the Tijuana Brass and as a solo artist, to win eight Grammy awards and yield nearly 30 platinum and gold albums.
On Saturday, November 23 from 5 to 8 pm, a favorite of all locals and those in town to invest in international real estate will be in full effect—A Miracle on El Paseo. This amazing street fair and shopping extravaganza takes over The Shops on El Paseo and features fun entertainment and activities, including the Grand Illumination of El Paseo’s 60-foot Tree of Lights, music from a 20 piece band and performances by professional ice skaters.
This holiday season is certain to inspire you to make a move to the stunning Palm Springs Valley. Click here to view listings of Palm Desert real estate and the neighboring desert cities.
image: PalmSpringsLife.com
More
