Ron Gerlich, Harvey Katofsky, Zack Wright.
When it comes to luxury international real estate, Christie’s International is the world’s leading network—which makes it an incredible honor that Coachella Valley-based HK Lane Real Estate was recently honored with its prestigious Affiliate-of-the-Year Award in the Medium Market Category for 2013. The award recognizes excellence in branding, marketing, leadership and innovation. Recipients of awards are selected from brokerages in the various market categories: small (population under 275,000), medium (population totaling between 275,000 and 1,750,000), and large (population of more than 1,750,000).
Christie’s International Real Estate presented the special award to the locally owned and managed HK Lane at a special breakfast meeting that took place earlier this month at the Toscana Country Club. While the honor was bestowed at the Global Annual Leadership Conference in Barcelona, Spain, Zack Wright of Christie’s International Real Estate attended the local meeting to present the award to the President and CEO of HK Lane, Harvey Katofsky.
The HK Lane real estate brokerage, which our own Kim Kelly is a part of, is one of the 139 affiliate members of the Christie’s International network, which is renowned for luxury international real estate. Operating in Coachella Valley, HK Lane boasts a 35-year history of catering to buyers and sellers of luxury properties within the much desired areas of Palm Springs, including La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta.
“I am extremely proud and honored to have won this prestigious award. I am truly blessed to employ such wonderful staff and agents who now share this tribute with me,” Harvey Katofsky, President and CEO of HK Lane Real Estate stated, “Our partnership with Christie’s has established HK Lane as the major force in the desert’s luxury market. We will continue to uphold the wonderful reputation that Christie’s has bestowed upon us.”
image: PHOTO BY GREGG FELSEN
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The Joshua Tree Music Festival
The 12th annual Joshua Tree Music Festival (JTMF) will be in full effect from Thursday, May 15 through Sunday, May 18. It’s the perfect time for music lovers, fans of the great outdoors and those in town to look at international real estate opportunities to visit the Coachella Valley.
The JTMF is a family-friendly event featuring live music in a multi-day campout environment that takes advantage of the magical natural setting of the world famous Joshua Tree National Park. One festival takes place in the Spring and another in the Fall; The Spring festival features an eclectic lineup including dance-world-electro-funk’n groove, while the fall event features different genres of music.
The Spring festival lineup is sure to entertain those of all ages, from locals and those who own vacation homes in the area to tourists and those in town to look at international real estate opportunities. Musicians performing include Nahko & Medicine for the People from Portland, The Revivalists from New Orleans, Kraak & Smaak from the Netherlands, Future Rock from Chicago, Miguel Migs from San Francisco, La Santa Cecilian of Los Angeles, Fly Moon Royalty from Seattle, Oumar Konate of Mali, The Magic Beans from Colorado, Ian Winters of Santa Cruz, Colin Curtin of Oakland and Joshua Tree’s own Third Ear Experience, among many other musical talents.
In addition, there is a bevy of children’s activities that take place at the JTMF, as well as Camp Family, a special area for families that prefer a quieter setting after hours. There are yoga classes taught and healings performed throughout the event, incredible art installations, an astronomy theater in the corner of the festival’s lake area and a “Positive Vibration Station.”
Located in the high desert of the Mojave, Joshua Tree is only 50 minutes from Palm Springs, two and a half hours from Los Angeles, three from San Diego and three and a half hours away from Las Vegas.
image: joshuatreemusicfestival.com
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Many buyers travel from all over the world to look at luxury international real estate opportunities in the Palm Springs Valley. Luxury living appeals to a wide-ranging pool of buyers, especially in a laidback environment with a mild climate like you’ll find in the desert cities—the region is the perfect place to live year round, retire or own a vacation home.
If want to invest in luxury international real estate, there are many important things to consider to make sure that such a purchase fits into your lifestyle. If you enjoy travel and are planning for this to be a second or vacation home, choosing a popular vacation destination such as the Palm Springs Valley is an excellent idea, as you will have a place to go where you always feel like you’re on vacation. Choose one of your favorite places to stay so that you and your family can congregate there during the holidays or spend the high season there.
If you’re selling a luxury property, make sure to price it properly. Find a realtor who is experienced in luxury transactions so they can help you determine favorable pricing based on recent sales and listings of other comparables. Perform thorough research regarding recently listed properties for sale so you can get a good understanding of the local market.
If your listing is truly a luxury property, prospective buyers should be able to walk in and feel what sets your home apart from those that are not considered luxury. This is another area where a seasoned real estate professional can make a serious difference, as they can help you get a realistic foothold on your property and its attributes. In addition, a good realtor will help you keep a handle on this rapidly changing market so you can stay in alignment with the evolving demand and expectations from buyers and adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.
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This first weekend in May will be filled with art, theatre and the great outdoors this weekend in the beautiful Coachella Valley. If you’re in town to look at international real estate opportunities in Palm Springs, you’ve got a slate of cool cultural and entertainment activities in store. Every first weekend of the month, there is a bevy of art shows, theatrical productions and extended shopping hours to kick off each month in style.
Starting Thursday, May 1 through Sunday, May 4, the McCallum Theatre will host a performance of Boublil and Schönberg’s international classic hit, Les Miserables, presented by the College of the Desert. Considered one of the most popular musicals in the world, Les Miserables tells the epic story of Jean Valjean’s life-long struggle for redemption. This show is a must-see for residents, tourists and those in town to look at international real estate opportunities, as the College of the Desert productions at the McCallum have received the Desert Star Award for Best
Musical six years in a row.
On Thursday night from 7:30 to 9:30 pm, the Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater will feature Concerts in the Park: Jennifer Keith Quintet. The band will play swing music on this beautiful night under the stars.
On Friday, May 2, extended hours at the chic El Paseo Shopping District will be in full effect as part of First Weekends, with many stores, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants taking part in conjunction with the El Paseo Art Walk. The El Paseo Shopping District is on El Paseo between Portola and Highway 74. Also on Friday, the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert will host Free 1st Fridays at The Galen, featuring film screenings, live music and performance art, and the opportunity to view the exhibition in The Galen and enjoy entertainment in the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden from 5-7 p.m.
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Many foreign investors from Europe, Japan, Scandinavia, Russian, Hong Kong and China are searching for Palm Springs homes for sale to add to their international real estate investment portfolios. It’s a strategy with loads of potential and plenty of upside. Whether it’s done purely for investment or to obtain a vacation home, there are a few things you can do to maximize the benefits.
Location is everything. When you’re trying to decide whether you’re more interested in Palm Springs homes for sale or another type of international real estate opportunity, consider the desirable aspects of each specific area, from climate and lifestyle to amenities and the average age range of community residents. Also keep in mind that areas with limited inventory usually make an excellent investment.
Work with someone you can trust. Whether you need a realtor or another type of licensed agent, try to get a referral from someone who has had a good experience in the area. If you don’t know anyone with local connections, look for associations that can recommend the right type of agent for you to work with. You want someone who knows the area very well, so they can help you navigate the area-specific red tape and tell you everything you need to know about the areas you are interested in.
Be open to updates. Have vision and don’t fear properties that may need some improvements—often times, these homes have the most potential as both an investment a vacation home. This is also where working with a local expert benefits you—they will have many resources you can tap in regards to trustworthy contractors and vendors who will provide solid remodeling work.
Think cash. If you don’t already have a credit line in the United Sates, you probably will need to pay cash for that piece of Rancho Mirage real estate you’ve been eyeing. While it may seem daunting, it will be a lot more appealing to the seller. If you’re working with a short sale realtor, they may be able to negotiate a much better deal for you if the purchase is going to be free of financing.
image source: mustknowinvesting.com
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This time of year is beautiful in Palm Springs—and whether you live here seasonally or year round, are visiting or are here to look at international real estate opportunities, there is plenty to do to celebrate the Easter holiday, no matter your age.
On Saturday, April 19 from 10 am to noon, The Gardens on El Paseo will host its Hop Into Spring Easter Egg Hunt on the center lawn in front of Saks Fifth Avenue. Children will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny, get their faces painted and participate in arts and crafts. A $10 donation benefits Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Desert. Also on Saturday from 9 am to noon, the YMCA will present an Easter Egg Hunt at the state-of-the-art Palm Desert Civic Center Park—an absolute must-see for anyone considering international real estate opportunities in the area.
Nature and animal lovers will be in heaven at the Easter Eggstravaganza at the Living Desert. The children’s event takes place both Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and features photo opps with the Easter Bunny and his strolling friends, an enormous Easter Egg hunt with 10,000 eggs and an array of other fun activities such as a parade, games, Easter crafts, face painting, bounce houses, musical performances and a Golden Egg hunt for adults. Attendance at the Eggstravaganza is included with park admission.
Music lovers can get their fill with a performance of the legendary Temptations & Four Tops at the Fantasy Springs Casino on Saturday from 8 to 10 pm. Teo Gonzales will perform his comedy show at the Spotlight 29 Casino from 8 to 10 pm.
On Easter Sunday, grab brunch at the Desert Willow Golf Resort from 10 am to 2 pm or hit the Saint Margaret’s Easter Egg Hunt from 10:15 to 11:15 am at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.
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The Indian Wells Art Festival
This weekend, Palm Springs is filled with art, shopping, music and theater for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re unwinding from the work week, are here for vacation or to look at international real estate opportunities, the slate of activities will entertain you for all of your downtime.
Friday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6, the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center will host A Chorus Line. The show takes place at 8 pm on Friday and 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Starting Friday and running through Sunday, April 20 will be Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palm Canyon Theatre. In addition, today is First Friday in the chic El Paseo Shopping district, a must-see for those in town to look at international real estate opportunities. First Friday features extended shopping hours, sales, entertainment, the El Paseo Art Walk and more at this world-class shopping and dining destination. The El Paseo Shopping District is located on El Paseo between Portola and Highway 74.
Starting Friday, April 4 through 6 is the Joshua Tree National Park Arts Festival. In its 20th year, this art festival includes more than 30 local and regional artists sharing their personal works of Joshua Tree National Park and the desert southwest. The event takes place at the Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center from 9 am to 5 pm each day and admission is free. The Indian Wells Arts Festival also takes place from Friday through Sunday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The premier event features over 200 award-winning artists.
For music lovers, Sugar Ray performs at the Spotlight 29 Casino on Saturday from 8 to 10 pm and Morgan James performs at the same time at the McCallum Theater. On Sunday, from 12 to 4 pm, the 16th annual Opera in the Park will be in full swing at Sunset Park. This free concert celebrates opera with a 30-piece professional orchestra complementing eight up and coming opera singers.
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Are you in town to look at international real estate opportunities? Have you always dreamed of owning Palm Desert real estate? Whether you want to retire in Palm Springs, own a vacation home here or enjoy the beautiful weather all year long, there are always plenty of recreational activities to do that make the lifestyle so enjoyable. For entertainment lovers and culture aficionados, this week is exemplary of the wide-ranging options at your fingertips when you reside in the beautiful Palm Springs Valley.
On Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26, the McCallum Theatre will feature Alfred Uhry’s classic play, Driving Miss Daisy. Set during the civil rights era and the days of Jim Crow, this timeless piece tells the story of Miss Daisy and her newly hired chauffeur, Hoke, as they take an unforgettable journey through a transformation in American society. This iconic play won the Pulitzer Prize and the film version, starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, received several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
On Thursday, March 27 from 8 to 10 pm, acclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti returns to the McCallum Theatre by popular demand to share his smooth jazz sound. Located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, the McCallum Theatre is a favorite among those who own Palm Desert real estate and a must-see for anyone considering buying a home in the area.
Another cool thing to check out this week if you’re in town visiting or are here to look at international real estate properties is the American Documentary Film Festival. The festival is a unique event that is quickly becoming the largest documentary festival and market on the West Coast. In 2013, MovieMaker magazine called it “One of the World’s Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” and “One of the World’s Five Coolest Documentary Film Festivals.” The festival runs from Thursday, March 27 through Monday, March 31.
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It feels like spring break in Palm Springs—but there’s always a relaxed, laidback vibe in the Coachella Valley, which is exactly why so many prospective buyers seek Palm Desert real estate and visitors from abroad look for international real estate opportunities in the area. The gorgeous sunny weather and diverse arts and entertainment opportunities make it such an appealing place to live, visit and play in—check out this week’s lineup for a perfect example.
On Thursday, from March 20 from 6 to 8 pm, the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert will host a screening from the Palm Desert Art Documentary Series 2013-2014: Inocente. The documentary is a vibrant and inspiring coming-of-age story about a young artist who never gives up her dreams, despite being homeless as an undocumented immigrant. There will be a Q&A afterwards with one of the filmmakers. This series is a great example of the incredible cultural opportunities that are available to those who live in the area and own Palm Desert real estate.
Also on Thursday, there will be an outdoor concert at the Desert Willow Golf Resort from 6 to 9 pm: Music & Dining Under the Stars: Chris Compton, featuring live jazz and a French buffet. The Desert Willow Golf Resort is located at 38-995 Desert Willow Drive in Palm Desert. In addition, the McCallum Theatre will feature an exciting, one-of-a-kind concert: Celebrate the Best of Broadway! The performance, which takes place from 8 to 10 pm, features an array of Broadway favorites performed by some of Broadway’s new stars: Susan Egan, Lisa Vroman and Doug LaBrecque. Attending one of these exciting shows is the perfect way for those in town to view international real estate opportunities to get a taste of the cultural life here and all that the Palm Springs Valley has to offer.
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If you’re in town to look at equestrian homes or luxury international real estate in the Palm Springs Valley, there are plenty of things to do so you can unwind and enjoy yourself over the weekend, while getting a taste of the desert cities’ vibrant culture.
There are all kinds of theater productions taking place this weekend. On Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16, the Palm Canyon Theatre will host a musical production of Mad Woman of Chaillot. The Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 N Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Starting on Friday and running through Sunday, March 23, The Great American Trailer Park Musical will play at the Arthur Newman Theatre, located at 73750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert. Also running from Friday through Sunday is the smash hit musical comedy, The Addams Family at the McCallum Theatre. Created by Jersey Boys’ authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, the macabre comedy is directed by four-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks, with choreography by Sergio Trujillo, also from Jersey Boys. Located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Springs, this charming theatre is a must-see for potential new residents and those who are looking at luxury international real estate in the area.
Music lovers will also be in heaven this weekend, as there are some great concerts taking place in the great outdoors. On Friday from 7 to 9, Pete Carlson’s Jazz for Jazz Lovers: The Ron Eschete Trio will take place under the stars at Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis. Ron Eschete is considered one of mainstream jazz’s finest guitarists and has worked with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Sarah Vaughn, Dizzy Gillespie and Milt Jackson. On Saturday, March 15, from 5:15 to 7 pm, The Gardens on El Paseo will host Concerts in the Gardens: Steve Madaio – Trumpeter. Residents, visitors and those looking at equestrian homes and other Palm Springs real estate can mingle at the wine and cheese reception that starts at 5:15 on the center lawn and then enjoy the amazing concert.
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