The benefits of horseback riding were documented even back in the days of Ancient Greece—and while they understood the obvious, wide-ranging physical benefits, we’ve now come to understand the significant benefits that horses can also have on our mental and emotional well-being. Those who own horses and live on equestrian property not only reap the benefits of being able to ride their horses whenever they want, but also the breathtaking surroundings and access to other outdoor recreations activities such as hiking and cycling, as well as the additional space these type of homes tend to have. Equestrian homes and ranches are ideal for retirement and also make excellent vacation homes—and the desert is a superb place to keep horses, especially property in areas such as La Quinta or Rancho Mirage, which enjoys mild weather for most of the year.
Research shows that horseback riding is an excellent means of stress reduction—in fact, there is a new form of therapy centered around it called Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). However, most can relate to the more obvious physical benefits, such as improving balance, strength and coordination. In addition, studies show that the constant rolling motion of horseback riding keeps the spine supple and well-lubricated, which can reduce pain for those who suffer from arthritis and chronic back issues. Another reason why many choose to buy homes in an equestrian community or property in areas such as La Quinta or Rancho Mirage is the slower-paced lifestyle that characterizes them.
The serenity that equestrian properties affords is extremely relaxing, even for those who don’t own horses. In fact, research shows that only around 35 percent of equestrian community dwellers actually own horses. The peaceful rural surroundings and miles of beautiful trails, coupled with the proximity to horses, whether you just like to watch them or actually ride them, explains the rise in interest in equine properties and communities.
Click here to view listings of some beautiful equestrian homes and ranches in the Coachella Valley. image: nps.gov
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If you’re looking to sell your Palm Desert real estate, there are always things you can do to improve your chances. Here are some easy-to-implement tips that will help you boost the appeal of that gorgeous property in La Quinta, beach cottage or even a downtown loft.
1. Augment your realtor’s online marketing efforts. In this day and age, technological advances give both buyers and sellers a head start on the process. In fact, research shows that more than 90 percent of buyers begin their search online. Therefore, listings must be dynamic and compelling in order to get buyers to actually come take a look. Provide your realtor with as many flattering photos as possible of that stunning property in La Quinta – get every nook and cranny from every angle possible.
2. Post your listing on your Facebook and Google Plus pages. Choose a stellar photo to feature and a direct link to your agent or realtor’s listing of the property. Your personal network may be able to significantly boost exposure of the home you’re selling.
3. Compete! Much of your competition may be low-priced foreclosures or short sales with pricing you don’t really want to compete with. However, you can compete in other ways. Get as many repairs done in advance of selling your home as possible and be willing to meet certain conditions that potential buyers may have. Strive to fix little things such as hardware, knobs, etc.—having those small items in mint condition makes a big difference when it comes to a prospective buyer’s first impression.
4. Open up to the neighbors. If you live in a small, close-knit community, make sure to keep everyone abreast of your plans to sell and forward them your listing. Another unique tactic is to invite them to an open house that is more of a party, but lets them get a good look so they can tell any of their friends or family who may be on the hunt for a house. Many people would love the chance to have a hand in choosing their new neighbors, so why not give them one?
If you’re on the other side of the fence and are interested in Palm Desert real estate, click here to view some incredible listings.
image: generalrealestateservices.com
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SilverRock Resort in La Quinta
Nestled between Indian Wells and Indio, La Quinta is an oasis of outdoor activities, gorgeous mountain views, relaxation and rejuvenation. In the 1920s, when San Francisco businessman Walter H. Morgan and famed architect Gordon Kaufman planned this beautiful respite, they aimed to create a sanctuary of hacienda-style living. When present day buyers come to look at properties for sale in La Quinta, this is exactly what they find. Here are some reasons why La Quinta real estate is so popular:
1. It’s a paradise for golf aficionados. Nicknamed the “Golf Capital of the World,” La Quinta is the home of more than 20 golf courses, including championship courses such as the world renowned Arnold Palmer Classic Course at SilverRock Resort, the historic La Quinta Resort & Club, the Palm Royale Country Club, and the renowned PGA WEST Golf Club & Resort, among others.
2. The gorgeous views of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains. The region is so picturesque that it’s featured in Disney California Adventure Park’s extremely popular attraction, Soarin’ Over California. In fact, the world-famous PGA West golf complex in La Quinta is actually where the “Palm Springs” segment was shot.
3. The vast recreational opportunities. La Quinta offers world-class tennis, fine dining and top rated spa experiences. In addition, La Quinta has increased its number of retail centers with the goal of becoming a shopping destination of the likes of Palm Springs and Palm Desert.
4. The gorgeous weather. The beautiful and majestic high mountain ranges surrounding La Quinta create a uniquely warm climate year round. The average number of sunny days per year is 348!
5. The culture. La Quinta hosts numerous special events from the world-famous Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, PGA West, Slam of Golf and The Legends of Golf to the Art Under the Umbrellas series and the award-winning La Quinta Arts Festival.
Visit this link to view some breathtaking listings of La Quinta real estate. image: bryansomersgolf.com
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There 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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La Quinta Museum
La Quinta is called “the gem of the desert” for many reasons, some of the most obvious being the spectacular golfing and outdoor activities, as well as the town’s picturesque beauty. Those reasons alone motivate many individuals and families to seek homes for sale in La Quinta. However, there are some additional reasons that are not so obvious to those who are new to Coachella Valley—one of them is La Quinta’s vibrant and unique culture.
A great example of what the desert communities have to offer in terms of culture is the La Quinta Museum. Residents and owners of homes in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and everywhere else in Coachella Valley visit this popular attraction as much as tourists do. Featuring traveling exhibits and historical artifacts, this gem of a museum also hosts many special events.
The rich history that this museum holds include a replica of a Cahuilla Indian Village, an original poster of It’s A Wonderful Life, which was written by Frank Capra while he stayed at the La Quinta Hotel, and Dorothea Lang’s Depression era photos, among other incredible art pieces. You can also learn about early life in the desert with more artifacts and dioramas available through the California Pioneers exhibit. This particular exhibit is a favorite of locals and owners of homes in Rancho Mirage and throughout the rest of Palm Springs, as it includes hands-on activities such as sending telegraphs using Morse code in a mock telegraph and railroad office. The exhibit also features Civil War artifacts including a sword and musket from the Lincoln Memorial Shrine.
Admission to the amazing La Quinta Museum is free to all, whether you’re a visitor or owner of La Quinta real estate. Located at 77-885 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta, CA 92253, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Call 760.777.7170 for more information.
Click here to view La Quinta real estate. image: laquintahistorical.com
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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.
image: palmspringstours.net
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If you’re in town this weekend, you’ve got some incredible options in store for you. Whether you’re already a local or are thinking about buying real estate in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or one of the other beautiful desert cities, you’ll enjoy yourself for hours on end at any of these exciting events.
On Thursday, October 30 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, the Palm Desert’s Civic Center Park Amphitheater will host Concerts in the Park: The Blue Breeze Band. This popular series of free concerts under the stars are the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous weather and get a feel for the local culture. This week’s band, The Blue Breeze Band, features Motown and R&B music.
On Thursday, the Aviation Expo and Parade of Planes kicks off at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The three-day convention includes a Parade of Planes and all sorts of fun aviation excitement.
On Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2, the Rancho Las Flores Park will be the site of the Dia de Los Muertos USA, Coachella celebration. The unique festival will feature art, entertainment and refreshments for all ages to enjoy. Another kind of Day of the Dead Celebration will take place at the Coachella Valley History Museum from 5 pm to 9 pm. The 2nd Annual Day of the Dead Celebration includes art, entertainment, tequila tasting and dinner.
On Saturday from 8 to 10 pm, Cheyenne Jackson will perform at the McCallum Theatre. The unique performer is renowned for his staggering 4 1/2 octave range and has appeared on 12 different albums. The McCallum Theatre is a local favorite and a must-see for fans of the performing arts who are considering real estate in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert.
Also on Saturday from 8 to 10 pm, one of the most famous and successful country musicians in history, Reba McEntire will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino. She has sold more than 56 million albums worldwide and is a member of both the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. McEntire has won 15 American Music Awards, two Grammy awards, 13 American Country Music Awards, seven CMA Awards and the National Artistic Achievement Award from the U.S. Congress.
image: diadelosmuertosusa.com
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If you’re looking at homes for sale in La Quinta, you won’t want to miss this gem of a property that was just listed. Located at 51890 Avenida Morales in the highly desired community of La Quinta Cove, this three bedroom, two bathroom single-family residence is situated in one of the most prime areas of this coveted neighborhood. At 1886 square feet, it’s spacious yet cozy, and perfect for everyone from young couples and retirees to year round residents, snowbirds and real estate investors.
This beautiful home features an array of excellent amenities that sets it apart from other homes for sale in La Quinta, including a two-car garage, a heated pool with picturesque Western mountain views and walk-in closets in both bedrooms—in fact, there are two in the master bedroom! In addition, there is a bevy of thoughtful upgrades, including a kitchen that was remodeled in 2010 with great looking slab granite counters and a custom sink, cabinets and fixtures. The Saltillo tile floor is polished and sealed and a Solatube daylighting system was installed to provide additional natural light. The exterior was freshly painted just this year and an electronic awning was installed as well. Natural wood door and window frames add warmth to this awesome home and there is an enclosed front courtyard that also adds charm to the property.
This gorgeous home is tucked away on a quiet side street with just 24 homes on it, only one block from a great walking trail. The eclectic and beautiful development of La Quinta Cove is comprised of 1200 single family homes, though each street is unique and different from the other. Architecture ranges from Tuscan, Mediterranean and Spanish to 1950s remodels, Santa Fe and original Casitas from the late 1920s to early 1930s. It’s in close proximity to the center of the city, which boasts myriad fine dining, shopping and recreational options.
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Palm Desert’s Civic Center Park Amphitheater
Whether you live in Palm Springs year round or are in town to look at Rancho Mirage or La Quinta homes for sale, you’re here at the perfect time because the social and recreational season is in full swing. This Thursday alone there are so many festive, cultural and seasonal things to do. Read on for ideas to help you plan your night.
On Thursday, October 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, the Marks Art Center at College of the Desert will host Artist’s Talk with Lalo Alcaraz. This free event features award-winning political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, who will speak in conjunction with the exciting exhibition, Locolandia. Alcaraz’s impressive career includes co-hosting KPFK’s long-running satirical radio talk-show, the “Pocho Hour of Power,” the creation of the nationally syndicated daily comic strip “La Cucaracha,” and a current gig as writer and consulting producer for Fox Television’s upcoming animated series, “Bordertown.”
Also on Thursday, the Palm Desert’s Civic Center Park Amphitheater will host Concerts in the Park: The Long Run from 6 to 7:30 pm. This free concert under the stars series is a favorite of locals and the spectacular park is a must-see for anyone considering Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and La Quinta homes for sale. The featured band, The Long Run, is a popular Eagles tribute band. Sponsored by the City of Palm Desert, the event also features games, raffles and children’s activities before the concert, provided by the Family YMCA of the Desert.
From 6 to 9 pm, the Desert Willow Golf Resort will be the site of Music and Dining Under the Stars featuring Chris Compton Jazz Trio. Throughout the season on select Thursday evenings, the beautiful resort will host some of the region’s premier music acts, ranging in genre from classic rock to contemporary jazz, all amidst the majestic vistas the resort boasts. For reservations, email kworden@desertwillow.com or call 760.346.0015, ext 104.
image: livedevents.org
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When you’re viewing Indio homes for sale, be sure to take time out to see one of the most remarkable sights of the Coachella Valley: the Salton Sea. At 227 below sea level, it is one of the lowest spots on the entire planet. Due to its low level, it only receives about three inches of rainfall per year, and therefore has a high concentration of salt, minerals and other nutrients, providing the fish population with abundant food options. This has earned the Salton Sea its reputation as one of the most productive fisheries in the world.
The Salton Sea is one of the world’s largest inland seas and its fastest boating lake. Indio residents and owners of La Quinta real estate have easy access to the area’s many recreational opportunities, including fishing, camping, boating, hiking and bird watching. In addition, there is tons of inspiration for photography and other art forms. Considered one of the world’s largest inland “seas,” the Salton Sea is actually a 376-mile lake. Due to its location deep in a California desert basin, it also known as “the Salton Sink.”
The surrounding recreational area includes 14 miles of the northeastern shore that is a popular destination for owners of La Quinta real estate and other Palm Springs valley residents, as well as visitors and tourists from across the globe. Miles of hiking trails are ideal for beachcombing for shells, petrified palm and garnet. This unique natural attraction is known as one of California’s most amazing natural wonders, due to its incredibly diverse bird population. With more than 400 bird species, the area is unrivaled for bird watching and is home to the annual Salton Sea International Bird Festival.
Whenever you’re spending the day viewing real estate in Palm Springs or viewing Indio homes for sale, take a break to take in this glorious natural wonder that may just become part of your desert playground. image: saltonsea.ca.gov
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