Whether you’re seeking luxury properties for an investment in the international real estate market or are looking for equestrian homes in the Palm Springs Valley, buying property is a significant transaction that typically requires a lot of time and effort. There are many elements that go into just the preparation alone—you have to find a realtor or listing agent you can work with, assemble the savings necessary for the down payment, closing costs and any other associated fees, and you need to qualify for a loan.
To get your financial house in order, you should start with your credit score. The first thing to do is request reports from the three major credit agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. From there, you can get your credit score and examine your reports to see if there are any discrepancies that need to be corrected or anything negative that you can get removed. These reports will show any late payments, judgments and other credit problems that you might have on your record. Keep in mind you’ll need to scour each report, as they will show different items and yield different scores. Low credit scores can hurt your chances of getting the best interest rate for financing that new home or international real estate purchase, or even prevent it altogether. Once you start working on repairing your credit, it can take up to two to three months for the issues to be resolved.
Your next step is to determine your purchasing power. There are many online calculators that can help you determine what you can afford and how much your mortgage payments will be, based on your credit, income and the amount of your down payment. Whether you’re interested in equestrian homes or other types of properties, a general guideline is to aim to find a property that costs no more than two and a half times your gross yearly income.
From there, you’ll need to save up the cash for your down payment and other associated costs. Typically, lenders require your down payment to be around 20 percent of the home’s total price.
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If you’re in town to look at Palm Springs homes for sale, you chose the perfect weekend. There’s an array of exciting activities that will satisfy everyone, from art aficionados and music lovers to cyclists and fans of the great outdoors.
On Saturday, November 9 and 10, The 16th Annual Choreography Competition will take place at the McCallum Theatre. The weekend will be filled with exciting live dance performances that showcase both up-and-coming and established choreographers. The choreographers will compete for cash prizes that are announced at the end of each performance, making it an exciting and thrilling event. Even those in town from abroad to look at international real estate will have a blast at this thrilling competition.
On Saturday, the Palm Springs Air Museum will celebrate its 17th anniversary with a special exhibit that pays homage to those who have served our country. It will be a day filled with flight exhibitions, birthday cake, music, WWII re-enactors and the unveiling of their new F-105. The special flight exhibition is scheduled to take place at 11am and 2pm.
Outdoor lovers will be in heaven for the Palm Desert Century Bike Ride, which will begin and end at Palm Desert’s University Park. The ride features 20, 50, 62, 100, and 130-mile options for cycling enthusiasts to choose from.
The Rancho Mirage Art Affaire will take place Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 4 pm at Whitewater Park. This remarkable fine art and music festival includes more than 100 award-winning visual artists in a variety mediums, from sculpture, painting and ceramics to jewelry and other originals. It’s the perfect way to take a break from looking at Palm Springs homes for sale.
On Saturday, November 9, the Valley’s Annual Desert Rose Show will take place from 12:30 to 4:30 at the Palm Desert Community Center. The Desert Rose Society produces what it touted as one of the best rose shows in the country, featuring dozens of floral arrangements, hundreds of specimens, and a extensive collection of rose photography. Admission is free. The Community Center is located at 43900 San Pablo in Palm Desert, adjacent to the Civic Park.
If you’re looking at homes in the Coachella Valley for your family or to invest in international real estate, click here to see some excellent listings.
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Whether you’re buying your first house, are seeking a vacation home or are investing in international real estate, it’s critical to have a trusted real estate professional by your side. You could be looking for a loft in a downtown urban area, a cottage at the beach or be interested in Palm Springs homes for sale—either way it’s an important investment that requires you to have someone with experience by your side.
One of the first things you do once you decide to move forward with a search for property is find a good realtor to work with. All real estate professionals are not the same—licensed realtors are committed to the National Association of Realtors’ strict code of ethics when it comes to the transactions they manage for their clients. This should make you feel much more comfortable with putting such a significant transaction into their hands.
When you’re planning to buy a home or invest in international real estate, a knowledgeable realtor can provide considerable assistance with the transaction. They can refer you to the best lenders in the areas that you’re looking, and may even have some personal contacts they can share with you. Realtors can also help you determine your borrowing capacity in advance, so you know the right lenders to approach.
Realtors will also have many resources available to you that would not otherwise be accessible. Those with local contacts may have leads on properties that are not actively advertised or are not even on the market yet, giving you a leading edge among other buyers. For example, if you’re looking for Palm Springs homes for sale —an area that is in great demand, working with a seasoned realtor who is based in the Coachella Valley will give you a competitive edge in the area, as they will be very savvy as to the pricing and competition, and can provide objective information about each property and neighborhood.
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The Palm Springs Annual Tram Road Challenge
The season is swinging into full gear this weekend in a way that will make visitors want to start looking at Palm Springs real estate. There’s always a wide-ranging array of things to do, but if you’re in town this particular weekend, you’re all set for an amazing weekend of art, music and Halloween festivities.
This Friday, October 25, bass country music singer Josh Turner will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino and rapper Pitbull will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino. Both shows take place from 8 to 10 pm. Also on Friday, comedian Lewis Black will perform live at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino from 9 to 11 pm. These three venues always feature exciting musicians and other performers, and are a favorite of locals and those who own Palm Springs real estate and homes in other parts of the region.
On Saturday, October 26, the Palm Springs Annual Tram Road Challenge will be going on at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This uphill, 6K walk or run takes place every year, with people from all over the world climbing 2000 vertical feet to complete the challenge. If you’re a tourist or are in town to invest in international real estate, this event is a great way to see the community at its best, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is a must-see for anyone visiting the Coachella Valley.
Also on Saturday, Art Under the Umbrellas takes place in Old Town La Quinta from 10 am to 4 pm. This one-day art show is part of a series that takes place on designated Saturdays throughout the year, with more than 70 artists participating in each event. Art aficionados and those in town to look at international real estate will find artwork and mementos to treasure for years.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Living Desert will host a Howl-O-Ween Festival from 11 am to 4 pm on both days. Kids of all ages can enjoy trick or treat stations representing local businesses and participate in costume contests, pumpkin bowling and pumpkin decorating.
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When it comes to Palm Desert real estate, there is an array of options that can meet specifications of even the most selective buyers. Whether you’re looking for a new house, a vacation home or are a foreigner who is interested in investing in the international real estate market, you will agree that the Bighorn Golf Club is a development that stands out among some of the best country clubs in the world.
Nestled against the Santa Rosa Mountains, this luxurious and serene resort community features award-winning residential architecture and homes set against picturesque backdrops that will take your breath away. The home sites are designed by a spectacular team of artists, architects and engineers who strive to build exquisite residences that harmonize with the stunning desert setting yet convey the distinct personalities of the people who own them. As a result, the Bighorn Golf Club is internationally renowned for the achievement and design of its architectural team.
In addition to its beautiful residences, the Bighorn Golf Club features 36 holes of championship golf. Created by the renowned Arthur Hill, the Mountains course is carved into the jagged mountain range and blends the natural desert landscape with beautiful design. Designed by Tom Fazio, the Canyons course is another breathtaking course that many legendary greats of the game call home.
The Bighorn Golf Club also features an incredible array of amenities that make owning Palm Desert real estate a dream come true. There is a world-class Spa & Wellness Center for members and residents to enjoy, as well as a remarkable social calendar that ties together this unique and distinguished community. There are also seven indoor and outdoor dining venues and private transportation services available.
Whether you’re looking for an international real estate investment, a retirement home, a vibrant community or a place to get away from it all, the Bighorn Golf Club is the epitome of luxury living.
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Palm Desert’s Free Concerts in the Park
Once again, Palm Springs has a lineup that will entertain residents of all ages, as well as visitors from abroad who are in town to browse listings of international real estate. In this post, we’ll feature some of the diverse highlights that both foodies and music fans can look forward to this weekend.
On Thursday, October 17 from 7 to 8:30 pm, the Concerts in the Park series will continue with this week’s featured band, David and Olivia, playing Americana/Country music. Sponsored by the City of Palm Desert, this free concert under the stars takes place at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park, a gem that is the pride and joy of many who own real estate in Palm Desert.
On Friday, October 18, the Alton Brown Live comedy show will make its mark at the McCallum Theatre from 8 to 10. Brown originally garnered attention during the late 1990s with his award-winning food show, “Good Eats.” This live show encompasses everything from food, comedy and travel to puppetry, talk, science, music storytelling and more. A favorite of those who own real estate in Palm Desert, the McCallum Theatre is located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert.
Also on Friday, the classic American funk band, War, will play at the Morongo Casino. War is known for famous hits such as Low Rider, Spill the Wine, Summer and Why Can’t We Be Friends. The venue is located at 49500 Seminole Drive in Cabazon.
From October 18-20, a critically acclaimed musical comedy featuring music from The Carpenters, Are you there God? It’s me Karen Carpenter, will be featured at the Palm Canyon Theatre. The venue is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
If you are interested in investing in the international real estate, click here to browse some of our amazing listings.
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As we enter the fourth quarter of 2013, mortgage rates are climbing up towards 5.0 percent—does this mean that it’s time to pull the trigger on that Indian Wells real estate?
As both inflation and home prices rise, it’s time for many prospective buyers to make some decisions. The days of the 3.50 percent, 30-year fixed rate mortgage may draw to a close sooner than later, so for many who don’t want to pay more later, it may be the most ideal time to buy. Whether you’re looking at the luxury international real estate market or at properties in your home town, if buying now means saving more later, that should be plenty of motivation.
According to Freddie Mac, rates are currently at about 4.20 percent. While they have declined somewhat in recent weeks, some are forecasting that they could rise close to 4.50 percent by the close of the year. Some experts worry that we could see rates rise even higher than 5.0 percent during 2014. If you are currently in the market for Indian Wells real estate, it may be time to jump off the fence now, while rates are still reasonable.
Buying a home can be one of the biggest and most important commitments and financial investments of your life. Obviously, it’s best to wait for the right time for you and your family to be ready to make such a move. However, keep in mind that rates will most likely rise in the very near future. Whether you’re considering international real estate properties or something on the domestic front, it may be worth it to do the math and determine the difference in what your potential mortgage payments and total costs will be if you buy now or later. There’s nothing worse than missing a great opportunity to buy at the lowest price possible.
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There is an amazing array of exciting events in store over the next few days in Palm Springs. The lineup of live music will thrill locals, tourists and those in town from abroad with their sights on investing in the international real estate market. All of the scheduled events offer the perfect way to enjoy a date night, fun with the family, or simply unwind from a long week of work or viewing Palm Desert real estate.
The fun starts Thursday, October 3 with Concerts in the Park: Kelly Moneymaker at the favorite outdoor venue for those who own Palm Desert real estate or homes in one of the nearby desert cities—the beautiful Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater. This musical hotspot features free concerts under the stars during the month of October, all sponsored by the City of Palm Desert. During this week’s concert, Kelly Moneymaker will fill the amphitheater with blues music from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Next up is the opening performance of The Sound of Music at the Palm Canyon Theatre. The show will run from Thursday, October 4 through Sunday, October 13. The venue is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
Friday, October 4 from 8 to 10 pm there will be a momentous performance from none other than The O’Jays with Gladys Knight at the Fantasy Springs Casino. Known as “The Empress of Soul,” eight-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight has enjoyed a career spanning 50 years, garnering #1 hits in pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary. She was honored at the 2011 Soul Train Awards with the “Legend Award.” Also living legends, the O’Jays’ music included 24 Top Ten smashes and 59 total charted songs, including the world famous “Love Train.”
Click here if you’re looking for a new home or plan to invest in the international real estate market.
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We’re all set for a weekend of eclectic and exciting events in the Coachella Valley. Locals, visitors and those who own La Quinta real estate can look forward to a variety of ways to spend their weekend. The wide-ranging activities are the perfect way for visitors, such as family members, tourists and those in town to look at luxury international real estate properties, to get a sampling of all Palm Springs has to offer.
Starting Friday, September 27 and continuing through the weekend, the Morongo Casino will host the Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow, a celebration of Native American culture and heritage featuring live music, dance, refreshments, shopping and more.
On Friday, September 27 at 4 pm, the 16th Annual Mayor’s Cup Golf Challenge Shotgun Start will take place at the gorgeous and exclusive La Quinta Country Club. Produced by the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, the event features a “Nine Hole” competition with the coveted perpetual Trophy at stake. After that part of the event, there will be a “Shootout” whereby competitors are eliminated until there is one final winner. Spectators can follow the event in a golf cart and cheer for their favorites. The games will be followed by a mixer with prizes, raffles and awards. It’s an event that community members, including owners of La Quinta real estate, look forward to every year.
On Saturday, September 28 from 8 to 10 pm, Bill Maher will perform at the McCallum Theatre. Bill Maher is known for unflinching candor and hilariousness that has earned him more than 20 Emmy Award nominations.
On Sunday, September 29 from 2 to 4 pm, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Janene Lovullo in Broadway, Intimate. The event takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre. Ms. Lovullo performs song from her latest CD, which includes Broadway favorites. Chris Marlowe is the Musical Director & Arranger for this performance.
Whether you’re a local looking for an upgrade or visiting from abroad to look at luxury international real estate properties, if you click here you’ll find some unparalleled listings.
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When it comes to pricing and staging luxury properties to appeal to international real estate buyers, it helps to have a well-designed home that looks modern and sophisticated. For some potential buyers, especially those from Europe, a minimalist design works well, as it leaves more to the imagination and looks less personalized. However, if you’re not planning to sell your home for a year or so but it needs a design update, it helps to take some of the current trends into consideration.
Whether you plan to sell real estate in Palm Desert or a home in Beverly Hills, there are a few trends that you can incorporate to make it easier to appeal to a wide-ranging market in the near future, while allowing you to truly enjoy the design of your home for as long as you’re living there.
A lighter look. Make sure rooms don’t look cluttered by scaling back on certain pieces and choosing tailored furniture instead of anything bulky. Swap large bookcases out for mounted shelves and think “less is more” in terms of décor that has no utility. Boosting illumination is also an excellent way to update and brighten your home, especially when dealing with a smaller space. Choose great lighting and make space to maximize natural light.
Double-Duty Furnishings. Another great way to maximize the space of your real estate in Palm Desert is by opting for furniture that does double duty. A popular trend is using ottomans for seating and storage, sleeper sofas and coffee tables that rise for dining purposes.
Outdoor Spaces. Moving functional spaces outdoors is a popular trend, especially among the desert cities, where good weather can be enjoyed all year long—and this will definitely appeal to those international real estate buyers who live in colder climates. You can create an outdoor kitchen with a simple cook’s station and grill, or a screened off patio to serve as a family or recreation room.
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