Jazz lovers who own homes in Palm Springs and tourists with their sights on luxury international real estate properties will be in heaven this weekend because the 20th annual Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines Festival is here! Every year, fans of all ages flock to see a wide range of legendary jazz musicians and newcomers perform at this incredible festival in the mile-high community in the San Jacinto Mountains, which is just two hours from Los Angeles or San Diego.
The festival kicks off its opening night on Friday, August 16 with the Patron’s Dinner gala, and “A Taste of Idyllwild” Cocktail Party hosted by Idyllwild Restaurants complete with a Red Carpet. Hosted by KKJZ radio personality Bubba Jackson, the evening includes gourmet food and wine, music by Idyllwild Arts Students and Alumni and a special appearance by NBC-4 weatherman and comedian Fritz Coleman. It’s an event that residents, owners of homes in Palm Springs and visitors from all over California look forward to every year.
Some of the musicians performing at this year’s Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines Festival include two-time Grammy-Award winner Diane Schuur, the Harvey Mason Chameleon Project, Grammy Award-nominated pianist/vocalist Patrice Rushen, American Idol finalist Casey Abrams, renowned jazz vocalist Janis Mann, Change Required, the Euphoria Brass Band, P.S. Blues Band, Rocky Zharp and The Blues Crackers, among many others musicians. Performances will take place at one of three outdoor venues: the Holmes Amphitheatre aka “Main Stage,” the Stephens Recital Hall aka “The Barn,” and The French Quarter. In addition, attendees can stroll the winding pathways of the “Festival Marketplace,” which are filled with art and crafts booths. Refreshments are available at “Dine in the Pines,” as well as alcoholic beverages for those 21 and older.
Proceeds from this event benefit the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Gates open both days at 10 am, with concerts starting at 10:30 am. All events take place at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, located at 52500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Festival tickets are $65.00 per day, or enjoy $100 for both days with the special two-day online special. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a paying adult. Free parking is available in designated lots and shuttles will run continuously from the center of town. For tickets and additional information, IdyllwildJazz.com or 951.500.4090. If you’re in town looking at luxury international real estate, this is the perfect way to get a taste of the amazing music festivals that take place in the Coachella Valley each year.
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Often times, financial success depends upon how you invest your money. Many advisors recommend diversifying your portfolio as much as possible, with a large number pointing to real estate investments as a safe bet. Whether you’re ready to buy your first home, have your eye set on Indian Wells homes for sale or are investigating the international real estate market, it’s important to know when the time is right for you to make this serious financial move.
When you rent a property, making improvements is not always the best investment. While improvements are a great way to boost your quality of life, there is no return on the investment and you typically will need permission from your landlord. Plus, it doesn’t really make financial sense to improve their investment while your rent check is already paying a significant portion of their mortgage, if not all of it.
When you buy a home, you’ll build equity and gain tax benefits, and any improvements you make will benefit you and ultimately enhance your investment. Even if your find the perfect property among the Indian Wells homes for sale, chances are there is something you’ll want to change down the line. When you have enough savings to make improvements, it feels much better and makes more sense to make them on your own property for your own benefit, rather than for your landlord’s.
If you have saved enough money for a nice down payment and a contingency fund, another factor to consider is space. If you’re currently sharing a cramped apartment space with your better half and offspring, then it’s definitely time to make the move. However, if your current space suffices and your down payment isn’t enough to improve your space constraints, you may want to wait a little longer and save up some more funds.
If you’re interested in investing in the international real estate market, then you will want to consider all the elements involved—the country you want to have a second home, what kind of rental income you can garner from it, what kind of tax incentives you can enjoy and how you will find a professional team to guide you through the process.
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Just when you thought you might run out of things to do this summer, Palm Springs offers up a cool array of cultural activities. Whether you live here year round, own Indio real estate or are visiting from abroad to peruse luxury international real estate properties, you’re sure to find a way to enjoy your time off this weekend.
On Thursday, August 8 from 6 to 8 pm, the Summer Film Series continues at the Palm Springs Art Museum with a screening of Getting Home. The film, which screens at the lovely Annenberg Theater as part of this series, is a soulful comedy about a middle–aged construction worker named Zhao, on a mission to fulfill his dying co–worker’s last wish to be buried in China’s Three Gorges region.
On Saturday, August 10 at 7 pm, there will be a concert featuring live music and astronomy by Clive Wright Live Ambient at Van Tassels’ historic and oh-so-mysterious Integratron, located in Landers, California. The event is part of a fundraiser for the Mojave Desert Land Trust.
Also on Saturday, August 10 from 8 to 10 pm, Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos with Alejandro Escovedo will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino, a favorite of those who own Indio real estate.
On Sunday, August 11 from 2 to 4 pm, the brilliant Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with “Here’s To Life, Love & You” starring Vicki Night. The performance takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre. This “desert songbird” will mix old and new from Broadway hits and the Great American Songbook. The Musical Director for this lively performance is Paul Cracchiolo.
Whether you’re in town from abroad to view luxury international real estate properties or live nearby, click here to find a fantastic selection of listings in the Palm Springs Valley.
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While it definitely heats up during the summer in Palm Springs, there are plenty of awesome ways to cool down in the desert cities. A favorite of those who own homes in Palm Desert and other areas of Coachella Valley is the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. Designed with water lovers of all ages in mind, there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Residents and tourists alike enjoy this cool attraction—and those who visit Palm Springs from abroad in search of luxury international real estate are thrilled by this opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a refreshing atmosphere.
The nearly eight-acre facility opened in June of 2011 near the popular Palm Desert Civic Center Park, just a few miles east of Palm Springs and in close proximity to all the desert cities. Residents and those who own homes in Palm Desert tout its gorgeous, Olympic-size swimming pool as the biggest, most upscale and well-maintained pool in the entire Coachella Valley. With its 1600 square foot recreational pool, two 20 foot water slides, plash park and assortment of tunnels, fountains, one and three meter diving boards, special pools for children and great lanes for lap swimming, there is literally something for water lovers from all fitness levels.
Open to the public all year round, the $8 million center is operated by the YMCA of the Desert and offers recreational swim and lap swim every day from 11 am to 4 pm, as well as youth and adult swim lessons, a stroke clinic, water aerobics, water polo and “Toddle Time” for young children. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas available poolside, as well as a grassy lawn for sunbathing or picnics that offers those in town seeking luxury international real estate properties a chance to experience the laid back and relaxing desert lifestyle. In addition, there is a snack bar and a community multi-purpose room available for events and celebrations.
The Palm Desert Aquatic Center is located at 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive on the northeast corner of Civic Center Park. For more information, call 760.565.7467.
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Diana Ross performs at the Fantasy Springs Casino on Friday, August 2
Once again, Palm Springs has an array of fun events taking place this weekend, for residents, visitors, tourists and those looking to invest in the international real estate market to enjoy. Why not take advantage of one or all of these amazing entertainment and cultural options? It’s an ideal way to while away the summer hours or take a break from looking at La Quinta homes for sale.
On Thursday, August 1 from 6 to 8 pm, the Summer Film Series continues at the Palm Springs Art Museum continues with a screening of Shyamal Uncle Turns Off the Lights at the Annenberg Theater. This innovative film tells the story of an 80-year-old retiree in Calcutta, the capital of the West Bengal, who after noticing that his neighborhood streetlights stay on all night and all day long, begins a mission to get them turned off after the sun rises. The movie tells the poignant story of his quest to get someone to take him seriously as he battles against an indifferent bureaucracy and a complacent status quo.
On Friday, August 2 from 8 to 10 pm, the legendary Diana Ross will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino. Ross first rose to fame as the lead singer of the famed Motown group, The Supremes, and then went on to a prolific, award winning solo career. Including hits with The Supremes, Ross has sold more than 100 million records sold worldwide.
August 3, 2013 from 9 to 11 pm, Canadian smooth jazz and adult contemporary musician, Warren Hill, will perform live at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon. The venue’s proximity makes it the perfect way to wrap up a day of viewing La Quinta homes for sale.
On Sunday, August 4 from 2 to 4 pm, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Deborah Wheeler-Ure and Joanne Lapointe in Hot Flashes with Divas Divine. The performance takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre, and includes accompaniment by Musical Director Rob Woyshner on piano.
If you live abroad and are interested in finding a second home in Palm Springs or investing in the international real estate market, click here to browse listings.
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If you’re trying to maximize exposure of the Indian Wells real estate you’re trying to sell or attract buyers from the international real estate market, you’re probably already aware of the importance of photos. Many photos. Buyers like to see as much as possible of the property they’re interested in, and from a wide array of angles. While we’ve been covering aspects of real estate photography in previous blog posts, here are a few quick tips to help you take the best photos you can when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare.
Adjust your lighting schemes. Try to light the room as evenly as possible, so that you can avoid having areas that are too dark or too bright. When a room is evenly lit, more detail will show. Play around with different combinations to achieve the most even lighting concept—turn lights on or off, bring in lamps from other rooms, try opening or closing shades, and when necessary, use your flash.
Avoid fluorescent lighting as much as possible. Fluorescent lighting tends to cast an unflattering shade of green in photos.
Don’t fear a cloudy day. Overcast skies can be great for shooting interiors of your Indian Wells real estate —the windows will appear bright but not too bright.
Step away from the self-timer. When you use the self-timer on a camera, make sure to let go of the camera so you don’t jar it during exposure—the result will be a perfect steady pic.
Try different angles. Take photos from different angles, and not just from the sides. If you’re tall, you may want to take some photos sitting down or kneeling. Likewise, if you’re short, try standing on a chair or a staircase for some good overheads shots.
Clean up. Details stand out in photos, especially those related to housekeeping. It’s best to schedule your photo shoot directly after the house is cleaned. Go the extra mile by moving trash cans out of sight and straighten anything that looks messy or cluttered.
If you’re interested in the international real estate market, click here to view some listings in Palm Springs Valley.
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Whether it’s the strength of their local currencies or the appeal of a having a second home in an area with gorgeous weather all year round, many foreign buyers with designs on the luxury international real estate market are eyeing the Palm Springs Valley. As buyers cast a wider net in terms of their desired areas, it makes sense to tap into this growing market when you list your real estate in Rancho Mirage or Indian Wells property.
Many buyers from all over the world, from Canada and Asia to Europe and Russia, have their eye on areas of the Coachella Valley. We’ve seen interest from international clients in everything from equestrian homes in Indio to luxury properties in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta real estate. At present, some of the states that have seen the most foreign interest when it comes to residential properties include Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, Texas and New York.
One of the upsides of attracting buyers from the luxury international real estate market is that they are typically well-qualified. Few investors are going to make a trip to the states to look at properties if they are not serious. While the closing process is very similar, whether the buyer is foreign or local, research shows that more than half of the buyers from abroad pay cash, compared to the much lower rate of American buyers who do—less than 10 percent.
If you’re interested in attracting a buyer from this burgeoning market, it’s ideal to find a real estate professional who understands the process and knows how to work with foreign buyers and investors. Avoid loud, in-your-face marketing tactics and stage your home in a clean, minimalist manner. Many other regions, such as Europe and Scandinavia, prefer simple, classic designs and may be turned off by cluttered spaces.
Another good tactic is to emphasize the rental income angle, especially in an area like Palm Springs Valley, where real estate properties in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Palm Desert are in high demand. The potential to offset costs can be very appealing to foreign investors.
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Lonestar performs at the Morongo Casino on July 19
Once again, there is a rich slate of events scheduled for the upcoming weekend. If you’re considering buying Palm Springs real estate for retirement or are searching luxury international real estate for a vacation home, you can be certain that there’s always something to do, from attending indie film screenings and relaxing by the pool to hiking or seeing your favorite band perform under the stars.
On Thursday, July 18 the Summer Film Series at the Palm Springs Art Museum features a screening of Modest Reception from 6 to 8 pm at the Annenberg Theater. The unique comedy-drama tells the story of Leila and Kaveh, a cagey couple from Tehran, who travel the mountainous country by car to place large bags of cash in the hands of a variety of locals.
On Friday, July 19 from 9 to 11 pm, the Morongo Casino will host a concert by American country music group Lonestar, and at 10:30, another country performance by Doublewide. Saturday, July 20, Intocable, a Tejano/Norteño musical group from Zapata, Texas, will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino from 8 to 10 pm. If you’re in town looking at luxury international real estate properties, it’s the perfect weekend to take a break and get your music fix!
On Sunday, July 21, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Mark Reis in Diapers, Dishes, and Dreams at the Arthur Newman Theatre. Broadway performer and new dad, Mark Reis, shares the struggles of juggling a career and a baby while writing a children’s book in this innovative and entertaining show. Musical Direction by Scott Harlan and choreography by Hector Guerrero. The performance takes place from 2 to 4 pm.
Click here to see some phenomenal listings of Palm Springs real estate.
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Whether you’re selling a first home, buying your dream home or getting into the international real estate market for investment purposes, there are some common mistakes to avoid if you want to execute a transaction that makes financial sense.
Unrealistic expectations. Let’s say you find the La Quinta ranch you’ve been dreaming of and you qualify for a loan—does that really mean that you can afford it? Don’t make the decision to buy real estate just because a lender pre-qualifies you. Do the numbers and determine if you can truly afford all the associated costs, from closing costs and homeowners insurance to upgrades and HOA fees, if applicable. Then create a budget that truly reflects all of your bills and leaves room for a contingency fund and the amortization of a new home. Only then will you be able to determine if you can actually afford the property.
Want vs. Need. Let’s be real—there can be a huge discrepancy between what you need and what your dream home costs. Make a list of all your family’s needs and then look for a house that fulfills them. Give your agent or realtor a copy of the list. The same goes even if you’re investing in the international real estate market—even if you don’t plan on living on the property, you will have certain needs in regards to budget, maintenance and location.
Only visiting once. If you’re ready to spend your hard-earned money on a La Quinta ranch, don’t just visit once. You should schedule several visits to the home before you make an offer, and get professional opinions, if necessary. Buying real estate and living is similar to a relationship—and you wouldn’t get married after just one date. You’ll want to get a good feel for the community, the school system, the commute and anything else that is important to your lifestyle.
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Are you practicing with your camera so you can get some gorgeous photos of your Rancho Mirage real estate property yet? As we mentioned in our last blog post, good photos are critical to expanding your pool of prospective buyers from both the domestic and international real estate market. Hopefully, you’ve been figuring out good angles to highlight your home’s best features so you can get started soon if you haven’t already.
Here are a few tips for improving your photography skills so you can present your Rancho Mirage real estate in the best possible light.
1. Use your self-timer. The best way to shoot is with a tripod, so that you don’t ruin a great shot due to unsteady hands. Turn the timer on and take your hands off the camera so you don’t jar it.
2. Make adjustments. If you’re not using a tripod, you’ll need to adjust your position accordingly. If you’re tall and when you aim the camera straight it’s too high to get the entire room, then sit on a chair or get down on your knees and aim high. If you’re too short, stand on something. Either way, it’s ideal to shoot from different heights to get some variety in the mix. If you have a staircase, try shooting from different levels.
3. Take care of the details. Even the latest Smartphones have impeccable resolution, so all the nitty gritty details will show up clearly in digital photos. Make sure your house is sparkling clean and that you’ve fixed any little cracks in the paint or similar issues. Schedule your photo session right after spring cleaning or a visit from your housekeeper. Straighten up all your furniture, steam the curtains if they’re wrinkled and move all garbage cans out of sight.
Click here to browse listings if you’re in the domestic or international real estate market and ready to find your own dream home.
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