Puerta Azul clubhouse
Looking for a Rental property close to the increasingly famous Coachella Music Festival grounds? Or..do you ride in the HITS horseshow? Maybe haul your polo ponies to the desert each season for tournaments at either Eldorado Polo, or Empire Polo Clubs? Puerta Azul is a perfect location/investment match!!
Puerta Azul is a LEEDS Certified Green Town home Living Community right around the corner from PGA West. Gated, including 2 large, year round heated pools, a large community clubhouse, Bocce Ball courts, gym, and a tennis court for it’s owners and visitors, truly a beautiful and peaceful community. The Single Family attached homes and some town homes, are arranged in “pods”, and location is everything!
The two story town home I have coming active in a week, is located at 80908 Calle Azul in one of the best locations available A wrap-around porch that overlooks the beautiful walking Paseo for starters. The common area to the West offers you privacy, and separation from neighbors, and the Paseo allows you to stroll to either of the two pools, or head over to the clubhouse without ever going onto the Street! Just out your gate, and turn right or left on the beautiful, green, tree lined Paseo-walk over in your bathing suit!
The largest floor plan at 1747 sf. with 3 bedrooms & 2,5 bathrooms, a laundry room, single covered garage, and VIEWS! We’ll be coming on at $360,000. There are only 3 other homes for sale in this very popular community in beautiful La Quinta, Puerta Azul.
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One of the most amazing events for Palm Springs Valley residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate is the world famous Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF). Founded in 1990 by former Mayor Sonny Bono, the festival is celebrating its 26h year with more than 200 films from over 60 countries, as well as special events and galas. One of the largest film festivals in North America, the PSIFF welcomes more than 135,000 attendees every year.
The PSIFF has a unique draw in that it presents most of the films under consideration in the Best Foreign Language category for the Academy Awards, in addition to many premieres of independent features and documentaries. This gives the lucky residents and owners of homes in La Quinta and the surrounding areas an amazing opportunity to be the first to see some incredible films that may not even be released in theaters in the United States. The stellar line-up of screenings are held on 15 screens throughout Palm Springs.
This PSIFF also offers the perfect opportunity for owners of homes in La Quinta and the surrounding regions, as well as the many visitors who flock to the area this time of year, to rub shoulders with some of their favorite film actors. The event is renowned for its annual Black Tie Awards Gala, which honors achievements by an incredible list of artists and talent. Citizenfour director Laura Poitras will be honored with the inaugural Filmmakers Who Make a Difference Award as part of its Talking Pictures program. The screening takes place Friday, January 9 at 4:30 p.m, with the awards presentation following. Variety Magazine will present actor Steve Carell with the Creative Impact in Acting Award to celebrate his scope of work, and two-time Directors Guild of America Award-winner and Oscar, Golden Globe, and Tony Award nominated director Rob Marshall will receive the Creative Impact in Directing Award, to honor his career as a theater and film director. In addition, Variety will present Emmy Award winning comedian, director and actor Chris Rock with the Creative Impact in Comedy Award. These awards are presented by Mercedes-Benz. In the past, those honored have included Richard Gere, Helen Mirren, Javier Bardem, Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Clint Eastwood, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio and Ron Howard, among many others. The festival began on January 2 and runs through January 12 this year.
Whether you live in Los Angeles, are a resident of Orange County, or own Palm Desert real estate, this is the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant and stimulating Desert Cities culture. For more information and to buy passes, visit psfilmfest.org.
Click here if you are in the market for Palm Deset real estate or homes in another part of the Palm Springs Valley. image credit: psfilmfest.org/Lucid Media
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Kaminsky Falls Bar
Palm Springs is an amazing place to spend New Year’s Eve—just ask those with homes in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells or Palm Desert! You don’t need snow to enjoy your winter holidays… the desert offers many unique and exciting ways to celebrate.
1. It’s the last day to see the amazing lights! December 31st is the final day of the magical WildLights Festival at The Living Desert in Palm Desert. Now in its 22nd year, this famed event entertains people of all ages year after year, from owners of Indian Wells real estate to visitors from all over the world. Check out more than 750,000 dazzling lights that illuminate the stunning park at night, transforming it into a sparkling wonderland. This is a great celebration for the entire family, as there are carousel and camel rides, and lots of diverse entertainment. For more information on this event presented by the City of Indian Wells, visit TheLivingDesert.com
2. You can jump aboard the trolley! Palm Springs revelers won’t have to worry about driving—they can jump on the new Buzz trolley to get a ride before and after the clock strikes midnight. The service will start at 5 pm and run through 1 a.m. on January 1. Enjoy your champagne toast!
3. You can shake it at one of the many nightclubs! There are dinner specials and DJs and dancing all over Palm Springs for New Year’s Eve! The world famous Riviera Palm Springs will host “Voyeur After Dark,” with a fire show and dancers at the Sidebar Ultra Lounge with Will Champlin and DJ 4 Play, as well as Jeffrey Sanker’s and Steve Machuca’s New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Manning in the hotel Grand Ballroom. At the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, there will be dance music by DJ Alf Alpha. There are many other club events and dinner specials at an array of restaurants including Lulu Palm Springs, Kaminsky Falls bar, La Vallauris, the Hyatt Palm Springs, Escena Lounge & Grill, Mango Restaurant & Ultra Lounge, Melvyn’s and more!
Click here to view Indian Wells real estate and other Palm Springs homes for sale.
image credit: palmspringslife.com
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If you’re looking for one of the best private golf communities in the Palm Springs Valley, The Quarry at La Quinta is perfect—plus, it has something for everyone in the family. For the equestrian wife who competes in horse shows, the renowned Horses in the Sun (HITS) Desert Circuit takes place in nearby Thermal at the state-of-the-art HITS Desert Horse Park. The husband with a passion for golf will always be able to get his fill at the championship 18-hole course or the 10-hole short course at the Quarry, both designed by the legendary Tom Fazio. If you’re looking for homes for sale in La Quinta, this gorgeous, exclusive community is a must-see.
Tucked into the foothills between the Coral and Santa Rosa Mountains, the beauty of this location is inspiring and private—an enclave where undulating fairways and incredible landscape provide a backdrop for the sheer natural beauty of the desert. The stunning homes are architecturally diverse and each homesite is positioned to showcase and enjoy the environment.
The Quarry was originally founded by two avid golfers seeking less crowded courses, who purchased 105 acres in La Quinta. They were then joined by 13 founding associates, who together purchased the adjacent 255 acres, which comprise The Quarry today. If you’re looking for homes for sale in beautiful La Quinta, you’ll want to see what’s available among the 100+ homes and sites that range from move-in ready properties, The Villas that offer three floor plans up to 4,600 square feet, or residences that may be custom designed for your family’s needs.
While The Quarry offers premier levels of privacy and safety with round-the-clock security, residents can easily access all that La Quinta has to offer, from the chic boutiques and fine dining options of Old Town La Quinta to picturesque hiking and biking trails in the vicinity. Horse lovers and equestrians can quickly get to Thermal for the 6-week HITS Desert Circuit, or nearby Indio to enjoy polo at one of the beautiful clubs, the Eldorado Polo Club or the Empire Polo Club.
The luxury provided by this member-owned golf club is perfectly exemplified by the stunning courses, set against the pristine desert landscape with distinctly elevated areas, waterfalls, streams and lush native plants and trees. As a result, The Quarry’s championship course is ranked in the top 50 among Golf Digest’s 100 top courses and has attracted a wide range of golf legends, from Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson to Arnold Palmer and many others. The elegant 21,000 square foot Mediterranean style clubhouse features a spacious veranda and serves breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner. There is also a golf shop and fitness center with a tennis court, pool and spa.
Visit this link to view listings of La Quinta homes for sale.
image: thequarrygc.com
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If you’ve got your financial house in order and have pre-qualified for a loan, you’re probably itching to start house hunting. Before you start scheduling viewings of Palm Springs real estate and trying to find the perfect house, your next step should be scouting out the neighborhoods you’re interested in.
Whether you’re interested in real estate in La Quinta or properties in Indio, the neighborhood where you live will have great impact on your life. It will affect your commute, the schools that your children attend, your proximity to dining and shopping options, access to recreational activities and whether or not your children can play safely outdoors, among other aspects.
One of the easiest ways to ensure that you’re looking at the right neighborhoods when you’re viewing listings of Palm Springs homes for sale is to work with a realtor that has local expertise. They will know which areas are safest and most convenient, and may already have some ideas for you when it comes to available listings.
Once you get some suggestions from your realtor, get in your car and explore the neighborhoods they recommend. Assess the general appearance of the residences in the area—are they nicely landscaped and maintained? Do you see children playing? Is there a park or playground nearby? If you’re single or one half of a new couple, does there seem to be others in the same age range living there? On the other end of the spectrum, are you looking for a place to retire? You may already be certain that you’re interested in real estate in La Quinta or Palm Desert, for example, but a real estate professional will be able to give you deeper insight about the strengths and weaknesses of the specific areas you’re interested in, and can provide information about property values and the community’s overall health.
Visit this link to view listings of Palm Springs real estate.
image: neighborhoodiq.co/ca. 2001 — © Royalty-Free/Corbis
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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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