Coachella Valley Real Estate By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!
Coachella Valley Properties By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!

International Tourists

4 Tips for Attracting Buyers With a Virtual Tour

The international real estate market is heating up—and if you’ve got Palm Desert real estate on the market, foreign buyers should definitely be part of your target market. Many are seeking a second residence, a vacation home or an investment for their portfolio.

An important way to expand your pool of buyers to tap into this trend is to take your digital listing to another level with a stellar virtual tour. This will allow prospective buyers who are traveling from abroad the opportunity to browse your luxury property’s features before they get into town. Doing so will not just boost exposure in the international real estate market; locals will also appreciate getting a look in advance of an actual viewing or open house. Plus, your real estate agent  will really appreciate your initiative.

Here are a few tips to help you get started with the amazing virtual tour you’re going to create to showcase your gorgeous luxury property.

  1. Plan your tour in advance. Walk through your house with the most objective eye possible and try to determine the best angles for shooting. Plan your shots in a way that will show how the rooms flow and highlight your property’s best features.
  2. Film short clips. Move very slowly as you shoot each room of your house. To ensure a steady hand and the most professional looking results, you may want to employ the use of a tripod. Use it to swivel from side to side so that you can provide 360 degree views of each room.
  3. Take lot of great stills. Even though this is essentially a video, you will want to include some photos as well, especially if your property features a lot of amenities, such access to a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools and picturesque views.
  4. Find easy-to-use software to edit your clips together. If you have a Mac, iMovie will be your best choice. For PCs, Movie maker is equally user-friendly.

If you’re on the other side of the fence and are looking for Indian Wells, La Quinta or Palm Desert real estate property, click here to browse some amazing listings.

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The Inns, Art and Playtime With Santa

The holiday festivities are in full swing here in the desert cities—and there are so many activities to choose from! Whether you’re in town to visit family, vacation or to look for Palm Springs homes for sale, you’ll be able to experience the desert like never before over the next few days.

On Thursday, December 11 from 4 pm to 7 pm, the famed Palm Springs Walk of the Inns will take place amongst the region’s beautiful collection of historic inns and boutique hotels. This annual, self-guided tour explores the city’s mid-century modern and historic buildings, from adobe inns that are more than one hundred years old to Mediterranean villas from the later part of the 20th century. This one-of-a-kind tour is a must-do for anyone visiting or living in the area. Participating inns include Old Ranch Inn, Casa Cody, Korakia Pensione and Calla Lilly Inn, among others.

On Thursday from 8 to 10 pm, there will be a performance of Oh What a Night! at the McCallum Theatre. An exciting tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, this show has played to sold-out audiences across the globe.

On Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 the McCallum Theatre will host The Irish Tenors Christmas. One of the most successful Irish touring acts in history, The Irish Tenors will perform a special holiday concert classic Irish ballads and traditional holiday carols with a live symphonic orchestra.

On Saturday, December 13 from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, December 14, the renowned Desert Arts Festival will take place at the Frances Stevens Park. More than100 artists present original works in a bevy of mediums at this inspiring event. It’s a great place to get all of your holiday shopping done!

On Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm, the Gardens on El Paseo will host Playtime With Santa to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. Children can pose with Santa on the center lawn and enjoy entertainments and crafts. $10 donation suggested.

If the exciting and festive community inspires your to look for property in the Coachella Valley, click through to view listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.

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A Festive First Friday in Palm Springs

There is always a lot going on in the Palm Springs Valley on First Weekends—but especially now during the holiday season. Those in town as tourists or to look at luxury international real estate properties will have an amazing time exploring all the fabulous activities and entertainment. First Weekend in Palm Desert and the El Paseo Shopping District means lots of world class shopping and art, with extended opening hours, in addition to other entertainment and cultural activities. Below are just a few of the exciting events taking place.

On Friday, December 5 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, the unique and beautiful Palm Desert Civic Center Park will host Celebrate the Season in Palm Desert in the courtyard and entrance to the City Council Chamber. This free events includes the annual lighting of the beautifully decorated holiday wreath, a visit from Santa, music by carolers, children’s activities and more! The stunning Palm Desert Civic Center is located at the crossroads of San Pablo Avenue and Fred Waring Drive.

On Friday from 6 pm to 9 pm, Venus Studios at The Art Place will feature the BIG Small Image Show, with music by DJ Habanero and food from Da Kine Hawaiian Grill. Artists over 18 years of age may enter up to three works in this cool community event.

Classic car lovers and hot rod restoration fans will enjoy El Paseo Cruise Night at the upper level of parking structure behind The Gardens on El Paseo. Classic cars and their owners will be there starting at 3:15 to 6 pm.

On Friday from 6 pm to 7 pm, the famed Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert will feature a performance by sound artist Chris Kallmyer: American Rainmaker, A Weather Opera. The unique show, which is accompanied by custom neon art by RioFine Neon, examines weather and the history of modification in the arid west through folklore, sound and spirit.

Click through to view luxury international real estate and local listings in the Palm Springs Valley.

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The Holiday Festivities Kick Off

Rockin’ the Holiday Musical Review

This week is a great time to be in town, whether you live here year round, are a snowbird or are in town to look at Palm Desert real estate. Check out some of the festive activities taking place this week that are perfect for the entire family.

Now through Sunday, December 28, the renowned Desert Springs Marriott Resort & Spa is hosting Rockin’ the Holiday Musical Review, a series of live concerts featuring Broadway talent performing classic holiday tunes with a rock and roll twist. The festive performances will take place at the JW Pavilion every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with cocktail receptions before the evening shows. Prices are $15 for children ages 3 to 15, $30 for general admission and $55 for a VIP ticket.

Remembering Sheila Brown-The Last Originals will be exhibited through December 28 at the Desert Art Collection and Sculpture Garden. The internationally artist and desert resident will be honored with a show of her original works, including hand-tinted etchings from the Smithsonian Collection. Benow was the recipient of Palm Springs Life Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.

On Thursday, December 4 from 8 to 10 pm, the McCallum Theatre’s Annual Gala will be in full swing, featuring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and actor, comedian, singer, writer and Tony Award winner Martin Short. McDonald will be accompanied by a 60-piece orchestra conducted by Grammy Award winner Richard Kaufman.

This weekend is one of Palm Desert’s renowned First Weekends in Palm Desert, which means extended shopping hours coupled with a celebration of world class art, entertainment and cultural activities. It’s an excellent time to enjoy the festivities and get some of your holiday shopping done.

If you are currently in the market for property in the Palm Springs Valley, click here to browse listings of Palm Desert real estate, equestrian ranches and homes for sale in the other desert cities.

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Thanksgiving Weekend in Palm Springs

There is so much in store for Thanksgiving weekend in the desert cities! Locals and visitors alike have much to look forward to, and if you’re interested in Palm Springs homes for sale, it’s a great time to enjoy the festivities of the region. Read on for a few ideas to put on your itinerary this weekend.

The annual WildLights Festival at the renowned Living Desert has officially kicked off its 22nd year. The one-of-a-kind holiday event features 750,000 lights, wildlife wonder shows, carousel and camel rides, and more. WildLights is open from 6 pm to 9 pm on select evenings through December 31.

On Thanksgiving morning, El Paseo Boulevard will be the site of the 8th annual Martha’s Village & Kitchen Thanksgiving Day 5K. The event benefits Martha’s Village & Kitchen, which strives to meet the needs of the homeless and impoverished of the Coachella Valley through many services and structured programs, including serving more than 225,000 meals a year to over 3,000 children and adults.

From Friday, November 28 through Sunday, November 30, the McCallum Theatre will host performances of Anything Goes, an exciting new production of the acclaimed Broadway musical. Performances take place at 8 pm on Friday, 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday, and 2 pm and 7 pm on Sunday.

Also from Friday through Sunday, the Indio Powwow will take place at the Fantasy Springs Casino. This annual event celebrates the cultural tradition of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. The event features Native American dance competitions, drum contests, bird singing, peon games, traditional foods such as Indian fry bread and a plethora of unique vendors.

On Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, the Desert Arts Festival will be happening at the Frances Stevens Park. The event includes works from more than 100 artists in a variety of mediums of two and three dimensional fine art, from clay, glass, stone and metal sculptures to oil, acrylic watercolors paintings, among many others.

Click this useful link to view some stunning listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.

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The Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells

Palm Springs real estateBuyers of all ages seek Indian Wells real estate for the luxurious and serene lifestyle it epitomizes, the gorgeous weather and stunning natural environment. What originated as an exclusive retreat for politicians and the Hollywood elite has grown into a premier resort destination that people from all over the world flock to. Located in the heart of this stunning desert town, The Toscana Country Club is the ideal place to live year round, own a vacation home or make an international real estate investment.

Indian Wells features some of the world’s finest resorts and spas, as well as world class golf courses, championship tennis, fine dining and chic shopping options, as well as an array of outdoor recreational activities. The city is ideally situated amongst the desert cities, as well as the other gorgeous attractions of Southern California, which so many locals, tourists and those in town to invest in international real estate flock to every year. Sunny Malibu beach is only a two hour drive away, San Diego is about the same distance and Las Vegas is just a few hours by car as well. In addition, Indian Wells is home to the world-famous BNP Paribas Open, the largest professional, two-week combined ATP and WTA Tour tennis tournament in the world.

The amenities at The Toscana Country Club are some of the best that Indian Wells real estate has to offer. There are two guard gated entries providing 24 hour security, as well as a state of the art access and entry system. There are 652 Homes and Estate Homesites, with floor plans ranging from 2,400 to 5,400 square feet, and featuring three architectural elevations: Tuscan, Italianate and Early California. With 10 full furnished model homes on site, buyers can browse the floor plans in person and imagine the many possibilities.

The two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses play at over 7,000 yards amidst spectacular views, with separate tees to offer a variety of challenges for all levels of play. The South Course features dramatic elevation changes, rolling greens and challenging bunkers. Both Signature courses play at over 7,000 yards from the “Golden Bear tees,” and are designed with separate tees to offer a variety of challenges, each one an enjoyable golfing experience.

Click here to view some beautiful listings of Indian Wells real estate.

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Hiking, Classic Cars and the Jive Aces

There is another weekend of fun and eclectic entertainment coming up in the Coachella Valley. Whether you’re a local, a tourist or are in town with hopes of finding Indio homes for sale that are perfect for your family, you’ll get a fun taste of all the types of recreation the desert cities have to offer.

On Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 23, the McCormick’s Classic Car Auction will take place at the Spa Resort Casino. It’s the perfect event for car fans and aficionados to browse or even bid on their dream classic car.

On Friday from 9 am to 11 am, the beautiful Andreas Canyon in the Indian Canyons will be the site of a Discover the Cahuilla Ranger-led Hike. This picturesque hike will also include a presentation about the culture and history of the Cahuilla Indians, as well as the native plants and their use by the tribes.

On Friday night from 8 to 10 pm, the popular McCallum Theatre will host a performance of Swing Time – Featuring the Jive Aces. These musical stars from Great Britain’s Got Talent are the country’s number one Jive & Swing band, though their repertoire ranges from the timeless sounds of the swing and jazz to rhythm and blues and tunes from the iconic Rat Pack.

On Saturday, November 22 from 5 to 8 pm, Bighorn Bam, The Miracle on El Paseo will be in full swing on El Paseo Boulevard. This festive party features exciting winter entertainment, such as champion ice skaters and other fun performances. The event benefits Behind A Miracle, a non-profit organization that provides the critical funding needed to help in the diagnosis, treatment, research, services and education for those affected by breast cancer.

Visit this link to browse fabulous listings of Indio homes for sale and properties in other parts of the Coachella Valley.

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3 Reasons Retirees Love Rancho Mirage Real Estate

rancho-las-palmas-resortThere are so many reasons that people flock to Palm Springs to scoop up Rancho Mirage real estate or other homes in the area once they’re ready to retire. One visit to the stunning area and you’ll be ready to start looking for real estate in the area. Investors from the international real estate market are buying properties in the region as second homes, including many who are nearing retirement age.

For those who have yet to experience the charms that Palm Springs Valley has to offer, here are three of the most popular reasons retirees choose Rancho Mirage real estate over other areas of the country.

  1. It feels like vacation all year round. A true resort city, Rancho Mirage first soared in popularity after World War II, particularly in the 1950s. With 12 superb golf courses and sunny weather all year long, it’s no wonder that former U.S. presidents and an array of celebrities and socialites have vacationed or lived in the area, including Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, as well as Bob Hope, Liberace, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II, among many others.
  2. The great outdoors. When foreign investors and buyers from the international real estate market visit for the first time or come to look at property in Indian Wells and La Quinta homes for sale, they are blown away by all of the outdoor activities available. From hiking, horseback riding and cycling to playing tennis, swimming or simply lounging by the pool, there are myriad ways to take advantage of the beautiful sunny weather.
  3. The vibrant culture. The arts and entertainment community in Palm Springs Valley is thriving. From live concerts and musical theatre, independent film screenings and film festivals, fine dining and art shows, people of all ages can enjoy the cultural mecca that is the desert community. There is also the chic El Paseo Boulevard shopping district, The River at Rancho Mirage mall and a plethora of famed designer outlets in close proximity.

Visit this link for some beautiful listings of Rancho Mirage real estate.

 image: tripadvisor.com

 

 

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Art, Ghosts & Armenian Culture

Whether you’re scoping out properties for sale in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert, you’ve got plenty of entertainment and recreational options to choose from this weekend. Read on to learn about the diverse slate of events taking place in Palm Springs this weekend.

On Friday, November 14, Ghostly Graveyard Tours will take place at the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery. Guides from the Coachella Valley History Museum will lead visitors through the oldest cemeteries in the region. Tours take place at 4, 5 and 6 pm. Reservations are required.

On Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, the 7th Annual Armenian Cultural Festival will take place at the St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert. It’s an excellent opportunity to celebrate Armenian culture and heritage while enjoying specialty foods, traditions, music and Armenian folk dance. Admission is only $3 and the event will be happening from 11 am to 8 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday.

On Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, the Fall Family Extravaganza at the Children’s Discovery Museum will be in full swing. This family-friendly carnival features a bevy of activities for children, including face painting, pony rides, rides, giant bubbles and more.

Also on Saturday, Art Under the Umbrellas will be going on at Old Town La Quinta from 10 am to 4 pm. More than 80 artists participate in this unique art event that takes place along the streets of this bucolic town. That evening, from 8 pm to 10 pm, nine-time Grammy award winner Sheryl Crow will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino.

On both Saturday and Sunday, the Palm Desert Historical Society will host the annual Firehouse Yard Sale.

Visit this page to view properties for sale in La Quinta and the other desert cities.

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Top 5 Reasons to Visit Palm Springs

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Palm Springs

things to do in Coachella ValleyThere are hundreds of excellent reasons to visit Palm Springs. Whether you need a relaxing getaway, have the urge to go on a shopping excursion, want to look at Palm Springs homes for sale or are interested in investing in the luxury international real estate market, you’ll find an array of ways to achieve any of those objectives in the Coachella Valley. Check out some of the top reasons to visit Palm Springs.

    1. Enjoy the great outdoors. With sunshine nearly 365 days per year, there are so many ways to enjoy nature while taking in the desert air. Take a stroll through Morten’s Botanical Gardens or if you love physical activity, opt for a hike in the spectacular Indian Canyons, owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. You can also saddle up for a horseback ride along the endless winding trails with sweeping views of San Jacinto mountain views.
    2. Get your culture fix. Palm Springs offers amazing museums and unique cultural opportunities. Immerse yourself among the contemporary treasures at the galleries in the renowned Palm Springs Art Museum, or view the largest collection of WWII planes at the innovative Palm Springs Air Museum. Discover Palm Spring’s history at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum or spend the afternoon gallery hopping on the famed El Paseo Boulevard.
    3. Go shopping. Enjoy a day of shopping at the Uptown district, the chic boutiques of El Paseo Drive and Palm Canyon Drive, or hit up the myriad of upscale outlets in Cabazon or the Desert Premium Outlet Mall. Tourists and those visiting from abroad with the goal of investing in the international real estate market are always blown away by the amazing range of shopping options in Palm Springs Valley.
    4. Experience mid-century architecture at its finest. Palm Springs is home to one of the most important collections of mid-century modern architecture in the world. Go on a tour of mid-century modern homes, visit during Modernism Week or stay at a unique mid-century modern hotel.
    5. View Palm Springs real estate. Come out for a weekend visit and look for your dream home in the Coachella Valley.

Click here to view listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.

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