This week marks an exciting and unique cultural event that is exclusive to Palm Springs—the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival. Founded in 2000, this homage to the noir genre includes an eclectic and scintillating range of classic film noir “B” movies. This innovative festival draws visitors from all over the world, and is a favorite among those in town who are considering international real estate transactions in Palm Springs Valley, as well as residents, owners of real estate in Palm Desert, and other visitors.
This unique film festival was created by Arthur Lyons, the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader. The lineup features a broad range of landmark and obscure vintage films, accompanied by an exciting array of movie stars who appear on stage for Q&A discussions, autographs and book signings after the screenings. Each year, the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival showcases the best of film noir, laden with everything from crime and suspense to period post war cynicism and sexuality portrayed from the perspective of the criminals.
There is no better opportunity to view such glorious black and white films than this amazing festival. The event starts on Thursday, May 16 and runs through Sunday, May 19. Some of the many highlights include a rare screening of Mary Ryan, Detective, as well as Bury Me Dead, featuring a guest appearance by June Lockhart, Cry of the City, with an appearance by Tommy Cook, He Ran All the Way, with an appearance by Julie Garfield and A Hatful of Rain with appearance by Don Murray, among other exciting screenings. The festival will open with Director Jean Negulesco’s underappreciated classic film noir, Three Strangers.
If you’ve been following our posts over the weeks, you’ve probably grown intrigued with all the cultural happenings in Palm Springs Valley. If you’re ready to make a move, whether it’s an international real estate transaction or you’re a native Californian interested in real estate in Palm Desert, we’ve got beautiful listings that are sure to enchant anyone who likes the area. Click here to browse some of the beautiful properties that are currently available.
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If you’re not a U.S. native and are considering an international real estate transaction, then it’s very likely you’ve been considering real estate and homes for sale in areas such as Palm Desert, Indian Wells or La Quinta. This makes sense, as the cities in Palm Springs Valley boast a broad range of amenities that culminate in a lifestyle that feels like a permanent vacation.
In this post, we’re going to focus on lovely Palm Desert. In addition to the myriad golf tournaments and athletic events that take place here, there are plenty recreational activities, from relaxing poolside, wine tasting or shopping to hiking, cycling or horseback riding. Here are just a few things to do, that you can even squeeze in during a break from browsing homes for sale in Palm Desert.
Take in some art while you shop. Head to the uber chic el Paseo shopping district on the first Thursday of each month to scope out some of the exquisite art showcased in the dozens of unique galleries.
Hit a food festival. Whether you’re a foodie, culinary aficionado or novice, you’ll love dining al fresco under the palms or attending a festival such as the Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert. There are a ton of excellent cafes and fine dining options to choose from any day of the week, and plenty of opportunities to taste wine from some of the stellar California wineries, some of which are very close to Palm Springs Valley.
Get pampered. Feeling stressed from trying to navigate your international real estate transaction? Palm Desert offers the chance to revitalize your mind and body at one of its many upscale spas. Luxuriate for the day or a more extended period of time at the Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Shadow Mountain Resort & Club or one of the other options in close proximity.
Take in some architecture. There are a multitude of mid-century modern homes and exquisite public buildings designed by famed architects including William Krisel, Albert Frey and Walter White.
Play outdoors. Palm Desert is nestled in the beautiful foothills of our gorgeous mountain ranges and is just a short drive away from world-famous Joshua Tree National Park, which has a wide array of picturesque hiking trails. Palm Desert is also home to several beautiful, impeccably maintained parks and the remarkable Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
Click here if you’re ready to take a look at some real estate and homes for sale in Palm Desert.
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If you live abroad and are considering an international real estate transaction in the Palm Springs Valley, it’s good to learn about the myriad benefits you may be able to reap. While there are many intricacies that are virtually impossible to cover in a short blog post, we can share an overview of some of the advantages we’ve seen our clients experience. Whether you live on another continent and are interested in Palm Springs properties,Rancho Mirage real estate or a beach condo in La Jolla or Malibu, it’s essential to do your research and perform due diligence before making a decision.
Purchasing international real estate is an excellent way to maximize your portfolio. It can actually be ideal for managing and minimizing risk, especially if you already own real estate in your home country. Depending on where you live, international investments can expose your portfolio to assets with lower correlations to your current economy, while also enabling you to take advantage of the tax benefits that the U.S. government offers to foreign investors. In addition, physical assets such as real estate can provide a level of protection against inflation.
For some European and Asian countries, maintaining real estate investments can be too costly. If your resident country falls into that category, it may be cheaper to invest in Palm Springs properties or Rancho Mirage real estate. In addition, there may be much less opportunity in other markets, while the U.S. real estate market appears to be on the rise, and continues to have a positive outlook.
While there are a multitude of investment opportunities in general, one of the safest you can make is in real properties. The stock market can be volatile and is difficult to predict, while real sate investments tend to be more stable in comparison, and the potential for growth in value over the years is substantial.
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This weekend, April 26-28, the famous Stagecoach Festival will take place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. This outdoor country music festival features a wide range of artists, from mainstream to relatively unknown musicians, in genres including mainstream country, alternative country, folk, bluegrass and roots rock. This amazing event is a favorite of those who own homes in Indio and other parts of Palm Springs, as well as all California residents and country music lovers from all over the United States.
The first ever Stagecoach took place in 2007. While it’s held at the same venue as Coachella and also put on by Goldenvoice, this festival has grown faster, with 55,000 attendees in 2012, resulting in a sold out crowd. Past performers include Grammy-award winning acts and standout performances including Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Brooks and Dunn, Sugarland, The Charlie Daniels Band, Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan,Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, George Strait and legends like Alabama, the Eagles and Willie Nelson, among others. You can see why lucky owners of real estate in Palm Desert, La Quinta and other nearby desert cities look forward to this amazing event each year.
This year’s Stagecoach lineup includes a wide array of popular musicians including Lady Antebellum, Nick 13, Maggie Rose, Lonestar, Darius Rucker, Don Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, Haunted Windchimes, Charley Pride, Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Waddie Mitchell, the Honkytonk Angels Band and the Zac Brown Brand, among others.
In addition to all the great musical acts that will perform at Stagecoach, there is a slate of fun activities, including family friendly things to do. Attendees can check out the famous Clydesdale Horses, sing Karaoke and take in the breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley from the Ferris Wheel. The Half-Pint Hootenanny includes rawhide games, crafts, jewelry making, music and dancing for children.
This amazing music festival is a perfect example of how diverse the culture and activities are in Palm Springs Valley. If this inspires you to check out listings of homes in Indio or real estate in Palm Desert, La Quinta or any of the other desert cities, click here.
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Another weekend of festivities is lined up for Palm Springs Valley—and there is literally something for everyone of every age and every taste. With such a wide range of things to do, it’s no wonder people come visit for a weekend and find themselves on a quest to find property for sale in Palm Springs soon after. We have visitors from all over the world come here to relax for a bit and end up making an international real estate purchase within weeks. Here’s a sampling of this weekend’s slate of activities.
Friday, April 19 marks the first performance of Tony Award- and Drama Desk-winning play TRU at the Annenberg Theater. Written by Jay Presson Allen, TRU is a compelling look inside the mind of Truman Capote, one of America’s most controversial authors. Set in 1975, this devastatingly witty play is adapted from Capote’s words and work, culminating in a truthful portrait of a complex and colorful man. The show will run through April 28, 2013.
This weekend also marks Weekend 2 of Coachella at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. The annual three-day music and arts festival is a favorite among music aficionados. This year’s event features rock, indie, hip hop and electronic musicians ranging from Benny Benassi and New Order to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Wu-Tang Clan. Music lovers from all over the world are inspired by this amazing musical festival—so much so, that some of them end up making those international real estate purchases we mention above.
On Friday, April 19, there will be the Earth Day Bird-a-Thon Century Run Bus Tour in Thousand Palms for nature lovers. It’s the perfect opportunity to glimpse the spectacular desert and mountain scenery and well-known birding and nature hotspots in and around the Coachella Valley. This guided bus tour is a great way to have fun while raising money for conservation. The tour lasts from 7:30 am – 4 pm.
If this weekend’s activities excite you about living in the desert cities, click here to browse listings of property for sale in Palm Springs.
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La Quinta Arts Festival
Maybe it’s the abundant sunshine or the picturesque beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Or perhaps it’s the impeccable, top-ranked golf courses and stunning hiking trails. Either way, it’s easy to understand why La Quinta is called the “gem of the desert.” Every year, tourists from all over the world visit the Coachella Valley, and many fall in love with the area and find themselves eyeing La Quinta properties while they’re here on vacation.
There’s no age limit on living the good life—the population in La Quinta is diverse and ranges in age; while it’s an ideal place to retire, many families, singles and young couples also find it equally appealing. Located in the former lakeshore of prehistoric Lake Cahuilla, La Quinta’s climate is sunny, hot and dry, which can be very healing for an array of health and medical conditions. In addition to the breathtaking mountain views and outdoor activities this resort town offers, there is also a thriving arts community, as evidenced by the La Quinta Arts Festival, which celebrates the artists, culture and businesses of the Coachella Valley region. Residents and those who own real estate in Indian Wells, Palm Desert or live in equestrian homes in other areas of Palm Springs flock to this incredible event every year.
While the warm winters makes La Quinta real estate a haven for snowbirds, an even greater draw are its world famous golf courses, such as the PGA West golf complex. The Robb report credited La Quinta as the leading U.S. golf destination, with more than 20 golf courses that are renowned for their luxurious greens, and prestigious tournaments including The Legends of Golf, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and The Grand Slam of Golf, among others. Other outdoor activities such as hiking, tennis and horseback riding increase appeal for those looking for equestrian homes or real estate in Indian Wells, Palm Desert and the other surrounding cities.
In addition, many La Quinta properties boast impeccably landscaped greenery and unique water features, and the town’s chic shopping and fine dining options also draw a multitude of visitors. The city’s infrastructure is new and the town is very safe and family-friendly. With all of the year-round recreational activities, and the beautiful parks and trails nestled in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, there are few people who don’t find a wide range of features they love about this stunning town.
Click here to view equestrian homes and other real estate listings in the Palm Springs Valley.
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As almost every American is probably aware, we’ve got the first weekend of the 2013 Coachella Music Festival coming up fast—the festivities start this Friday. But that’s not the only music to be found in the desert this week. On Tuesday, April 9, a live performance of Lord of the Dance will take place at the McCallum Theatre. Touted as a mesmerizing fusion of both modern and traditional Celtic music and dance, this production is based on mythical Irish folklore that tells the story of Don Dorcha, the Lord of Darkness, and his challenge to the ethereal lord of light, the Lord of the Dance. The culmination of this incredible choreography, dramatic music, vibrant costumes, cutting-edge staging and lighting was deemed “a showpiece extravaganza,” by the Los Angeles Times and described by the New York Post as “fascinating, rewarding and above all, entertaining.” Plus, if you’ve been considering real estate in Palm Desert, a visit to this theater is an absolute must! The show runs from 8 to 10 pm.
On Thursday, April 11, The Shops on El Paseo celebrate Coachella with beats by top DJs in preparation for the big upcoming weekend. It’s a great way to take a break from your busy week and enjoy the chic boutiques and shopping opportunities in Palm Desert’s upscale shopping district. Complimentary valet parking is provided. For more information, call 760.341.4058.
Also on Thursday night, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform at the McCallum Theatre. Stunning dancers from this world-renowned dance company will perform thrilling premieres and new productions, in addition to beloved classics such as the American masterpiece, Revelations. It’s a fabulous opportunity to see why the New York Times hailed this theater company as “possibly the most successful modern dance company on the planet.” The show runs from 8 to 10 pm.
If these events get you motivated for a move, click here to browse listings of real estate in Palm Desert.
image: mccallumtheatre.com
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Interest from international buyers is burgeoning in the Palm Springs real estate market. Inspired by a celebrity golf tournament, the year round slate of outdoor activities, the beauty of the desert, and of course, the gorgeous weather, it makes perfect sense that visitors from across the globe are interested in homes for sale in Palm Desert, Indio, Rancho Mirage and everywhere in between.
When buying international real estate, it’s extremely helpful to find an agent or realtor with expertise in this niche market. Those who work with global clients on a regular basis are familiar with many of the incentives available, as well as the complexities of such a transaction. Whether an international buyer is interested in real estate in La Quinta or properties in Indio, they will be dealing with myriad aspects that may be harder to navigate than with a simpler transaction between a local buyer and seller.
One of many areas where a local agent or realtor can significantly assist is in regards to all of the service providers and vendors that may be required to successfully complete an international real estate transaction. In addition to needing a professional with significant real estate expertise, it also helps to have someone with a multitude of local connections.
Whether the transaction involves properties in Indio or homes for sale in another part of the Coachella Valley, the buyer will need someone who has a network of trusted colleagues, from appraisers, inspectors and repair providers to attorneys, bankers and tax advisers. In some ways, facilitating an international transaction can often feel like you’re providing services similar to those of a high-level concierge. Offering reliable information, wide-ranging contacts, reputable referrals and thorough knowledge of the market can help make the transaction as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Click here to see listings of homes for sale in Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or another area of Palm Springs.
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Canadians and taxes; be on top of it!
If you’re Canadian and are thinking about buying property in our beautiful winter wonderland here in the desert..or anywhere else USA, read this. Still a great investment strategy for your portfolio, but always super wise to consult your tax professional, get the required docs in Canada and USA so you know what to expect!
Buying in the Palm Springs Valley is a dream for many foreigners. Our warm winters are not to be beat. Golfing, hiking, biking, swimming, shopping, dining outside in the middle of winter, strolling the local art galleries, heading out to cabazon for some killer designer shopping..whatever. There is no reason NOT to buy a winter investment home here in the desert, but be smart. Consult your CPA or tax attorney first!
If you’re feeling shaky? The BIG BOYS are buying investment homes in bulk..that should be some comfort!
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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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