The award-winning La Quinta Arts Festival (LQAF) is here! Recognized by art patrons and artists from all over the country as one of the best art festivals in the country, LQAF starts this Thursday, March 6 and runs through Sunday, March 9, from 10 am to 5 pm on both days. It’s the perfect time to visit the beautiful, bucolic town, especially if you’re interested in La Quinta real estate or Palm Springs homes for sale in any other of the desert cities.
The 32nd Annual LQAF takes place at the stunning setting of La Quinta’s Civic Center Campus, located at 78495 Calle Tampico. Every year, artists from all over the country, as well as visitors and owners of La Quinta real estate and the surrounding areas, flock to the town’s signature event to enjoy the cultural enrichment and opportunities that make this festival so renowned. The festival was recently ranked #1 in the Nation 2014, as well as the #1 Fine Art Festival and # 1 Fine Craft Festival in the Nation by Art Fair SourceBook, the definitive guide for art and craft fairs in the United States. LQAF is the first arts show to receive this dual distinction.
The LQAF has become one of the Palm Springs Valley’s premier attractions, with people coming from all over the state to attend this vibrant cultural event. In addition to the myriad of unforgettable art, there is something for people of all ages to enjoy, including live entertainment, food, wine and beer.
The LQAF is produced by the La Quinta Arts Foundation, in partnership with the City of La Quinta. The acclaimed event raises funds for the Foundation’s non-profit mission—promoting and cultivating the arts. It’s an excellent time for those who are interested in Palm Springs homes for sale to get a taste of the thriving arts community in the Coachella Valley.
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Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to start your spring cleaning efforts, especially if you’re planning to list your Rancho Mirage or La Quinta real estate. Performing a deep cleaning and getting started with de-cluttering will help you prepare for the process of depersonalizing and staging your home.
Schedule cleaning time. First assess your home and determine what needs to be done. Then estimate how much time you think it will take and then schedule some time to get it done. The goods news is, this is your project and you can do it at your own pace. Set aside two full days or a couple of hours each day—do whatever works best for you. The important thing is to set a deadline and stick to the schedule so that when you do decide to list your La Quinta real estate, you’ll already be moving down the path towards staging.
Go room by room. Many find that the most effective way to tackle anything from doing a basic spring cleaning to preparing Palm Springs homes for sale is to go room by room. Start with the most important rooms, such as the living room, and focus on it at first. Next is probably going to be the dining room, then the kitchen, and so on.
Stockpile your essentials. Before you tackle the clutter, make sure you have all the supplies you need. Start with cleaning supplies and tools, such as rags, sponges and wipes, a mop, broom, dustpan, vacuum and duster. You’ll also want deep cleansers for all the surfaces in the house, as well as stain remover and floor waxes for hardwood floors. Get boxes for storing items that you don’t need in eyesight and a large supply of garbage bags for getting rid of all the clutter.
Start cleaning. Wipe all your surfaces and start deep cleaning all the cabinets, pantry and refrigerator. Throw away the items in the pantry that are old and you don’t need. The hit the bathrooms, clean the floors throughout the house and so on. It’s a process that we all should do, from happy new homeowners to those listings Palm Springs homes for sale.
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This week is kicking off strong with a wide range of performances that will enthrall music lovers who are in town to visit friends and loved ones or who are here to look at La Quinta homes for sale. The gamut of sounds will be represented over the next few days.
On Monday, February 24 from 8 to 10 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host the “Tribute to Glenn Miller and the Vocal Groups Featuring the Tex Beneke Orchestra,” in honor of the country’s greatest bandleader, the one and only Glenn Miller. The performance features special guests The Four Aces and Mary Lou Metzger. The McCallum Theatre is a favorite of everyone who owns Palm Desert real estate and lives in the area—and this is an event you won’t want to miss.
On Tuesday, February 25 from 7 to 9 pm, the St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church will host Canadian pianist and organist duo, Duo Majoya, in a concert to remember. Presented by Desert Friends of Music, husband and wife duo, Marnie Giesbrecht and Joachim Segger, will perform an eclectic and innovative in a broad range of original, commissioned and arranged works. There will be a champagne reception directly afterwards. Admission is $20 at the door.
Also on Tuesday, the McCallum Theatre will feature a screening of the classic film, The Graduate. It’s the perfect way to take a break from your work week or to relax after looking at Palm Desert real estate in the area. The screening takes place from 8 to 10 pm.
On Wednesday, February 26, the Indio Performing Arts Center (IPAC) kicks off its run of Country Queens. This will be Bethany’s second season, back by popular demand, of her memorable country music and comedy themed voice impressions that pay tribute to all the classic greats, from Dolly Parton and Minnie Pearl to Kitty Wells, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire and Gretchen Wilson.
Click here to view listings of La Quinta homes for sale.
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It seems like it never dies down in Palm Springs—which is why so many people are on a quest to find La Quinta real estate and equestrian homes in the area. This week is a perfect example of the exciting community that makes up the desert cities—check out the lineup of what’s happening today, Thursday, February 20 and this evening.
The renowned Frank Sinatra Hearing Technologies Celebrity Invitational kicks off this morning and lasts through Saturday, February 22. Also known as “Frank’s Little Party in the Desert,” this fan-friendly celebrity golf tournament features two days of world class golf, three nights of unforgettable parties, an incredible luncheon and fashion show, as well as auctions and amazing live entertainment. The tournament is held at the Eagle Falls Golf Course, with special events taking place at the Fantasy Springs Casino, located at 84-245 Indio Springs Drive in Indio. Founded in 1988, this favorite event of local owners of La Quinta real estate and homes in the other desert cities is dedicated to the memory of Frank Sinatra and his music, and benefits the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower Medical Center.
For art fans, the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert is hosting a screening as part of the Palm Desert Art Documentary Series 2013-2014, called My Kid Could Paint That. The film tells the story of artist Marla Olmstead, a four year old who catapulted from obscurity to selling $300,000 worth of paintings and receiving international acclaim. Her journey was unique, however—the media accused her parents of exploiting her and posited that she didn’t paint the works herself, creating a unique controversy in the art world. The screening takes place from 6 to pm.
From 8 to 10 pm this evening, the McCallum Theatre will host a comedic performance of The Second City presented by Happily Ever Laughter, featuring music and on-the-spot improvisation. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day at work or a week of viewing equestrian homes in the area.
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If you’re looking for La Quinta real estate that epitomizes desert living at its finest, Palmilla is a luxury community you won’t want to miss. Featuring boldly designed homes set among eight acres of shimmering lakes, lush landscaping and original metal sculptures, this desert oasis makes the most of the region’s natural beauty and gorgeous weather.
This award-winning community is defined by the exclusivity each home provides, with intimate courtyards and spacious covered patios that provide a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. This offers homeowners an array of entertaining options and a wonderful respite to enjoy the vibrant colors of the deserts, the picturesque mountain views and unique calming waterways of the community that sets this development apart from other La Quinta real estate.
Upon entering Palmilla, you pass by the beautiful artwork garden and handcrafted gates created by famed Southwest sculptor, Joe Tyler, through a distinctive portal with water features flanking it that takes you into a new, relaxing world. The homeowners in the community are diverse and interesting, 50 percent of whom are full-time residents. They include everyone from prominent local business owners to professional athletes and award-winning Hollywood producers. The homes offer unique features from rich woods, tiled floors and stone fireplace to coffered ceilings, slab granite and more. It makes perfect sense that this area is in demand among buyers looking for Palm Springs homes for sale.
Palmilla has garnered several awards over the years, including the “Best Single-family Detached Community in the U.S.” from the U.S. Builder’s Choice and the 2005 Honor Award for Design presented by the American Society of Landscape Architects, as well as four prestigious architectural awards, including “Best in American Living Award” and “Best Designed Homes in the Nation,” from a competition sponsored by Professional Builder magazine and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Palmillla is a must-see for those on the search for Palm Springs homes for sale.
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The Nearby SilverRock Resort in La Quinta
If you’re in the market for La Quinta real estate, the gated community of Hidden Canyon is an absolute gem. Located in South La Quinta, this popular neighborhood is a new development that formed during 2005 and 2006. The laid-back, exclusive atmosphere epitomizes the Palm Springs lifestyle and is exactly why so many people flock here to live, play and retire.
Nestled at the base of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains, the Hidden Canyon’s incredible setting yields stunning views that are unparalleled throughout the desert region. In addition to the gorgeous vistas, there are so many amenities to living in La Quinta. It’s perfectly situated in the Coachella Valley, so that access to all of the other desert cities is easy and convenient. First-class golf is a stone’s throw away at the new Silver Rock Resort, which features the Arnold Palmer Classic Course where locals can take advantage of a resident discount.
There are exclusive resorts where you can enjoy luxurious spa visits, find dining options and chic shopping streets. You can explore bucolic and charming Old Town La Quinta, which boasts incredible art galleries and other cultural events, including Art Under the Umbrellas, or visit the renovated and incredible La Quinta Library. For those who love the great outdoors and beautiful weather that are one of the many reasons why so many seek La Quinta real estate, there are myriad hiking and biking trails in the La Quinta Cove and the nearby Indian Wells Tennis Garden where world class tennis lessons, tournaments and matches can be enjoyed.
The Hidden Canyon features gorgeous three, four and five bedroom single-family homes that range in size from 2,386 to 3,589 square feet, with some located on oversized lots. The entrance to this desirable community is on Eisenhower Drive, between Washington Street and Avenue 50.
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La Quinta Cove Roundabout
I heard this from a Seller last week. Well…I LOVE good competition! He had been referred to me by a past client who knew I had a roster of buyers IF the terms and prices were right.
I met with the Seller and we went over our two scenarios..
1. Fix up the property in the La Quinta Cove, which would take approx. 60 days and sell for approx. $50/sf MORE than what it is worth as it sits.
2. Sell it “as is”, no guarantees by Seller, Seller to do no repairs. Of course, this price was MUCH lower/sf, but what the property was worth.
Mr. Seller told me that if I could get the “as is” number under contract within 24 hours, I could have the listing. He signed the Listing Docs, and off I went!
Called my first choice Investor for the property because he makes quick decisions, has a local crew, and does a beautiful re-hab job, thereby increasing the neighborhood property values. He also pays CASH with a quick close and is not afraid of “as is.” Buyer sent over full priced offer the next day and I made my dead-line!
Into Escrow and closed Friday 1/17. The re-habbing has begun!
If you’re stuck as to your property value, give me a call for your FREE property consultation. You may be surprised!
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Is your New Year’s resolution to sell your beach cottage, condominium in the city or La Quinta real estate? Many people make the decision to move forward during this time of year and if you’re thinking about putting your property on the market, there’s no better time than the present.
The process of preparing homes for sale in Palm Springs is the same as in any other market and usually begins months before sellers actually list the property. The first step is to find a real estate professional to help you navigate the often complex process—it should be someone you trust and will enjoy working with. When you find someone early in the process, they can give you great advice that will save you time, stress and money in the long run.
Once you’ve made the decision that this is the year to list your La Quinta real estate, you’ll want to determine what needs to be repaired or tweaked before you open it up for showings. Take a walk through while looking at your property through the eyes of a prospective buyer. This will help you assess what is too personalized, what needs to be discarded and which repairs are necessary. Your goal is to show the property in its best light and highlight its strongest features, while maximizing space. Start de-cluttering and depersonalizing as soon as possible to make room for any changes or repairs that need to be made.
You should also get clear on why you are selling. Listing homes for sale in Palm Springs or anywhere, for that matter, is a big step and should be motivated by a good reason, whether you’ve outgrown the current space, a member of the family has a new commute or the children have gone off to college. The reasons for selling can affect negotiations, so you will want to be clear on your own needs and share them with the realtor, so they factor them in to the process.
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Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to buy a new home in 2014? If so, before you start looking at Palm Desert real estate, you should probably plan your budget and start saving up for a down payment.
Whether you’re looking at homes for sale in La Quinta, condominiums in San Diego or a beach cottage in Santa Barbara, your first step is to start saving. First-time buyers are notoriously anxious about the down payment they need to raise for their initial real estate investment. While lenders typically have different rates and provide varying information, a traditional mortgage typically requires around 20 percent of the purchase price. Keep in mind that the greater the down payment, the better your interest rates will be.
Before you start looking for homes for sale in La Quinta, your first step should be assessing the resources at your fingertips and finding ways to increase them. Since you’ll already be taking out a mortgage, you probably don’t want to take another loan out to fund the down payment. This may be a time when you cash out those certificates of deposits you’ve been hanging onto or sell your mutual funds. Another option that many take advantage of is borrowing against 401k investment funds. Start meeting with your finance manager now to determine which options are best for you and your family.
If you are going to spend a substantial period of time saving up, be certain that you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Deposit your funds are in a high yield account—look for the highest APY possible that matches the amount of flexibility you can live with.
Whatever you do, make sure to educate yourself on the best ways to invest your money and how to best make this significant and sometimes overwhelming purchase.
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The holiday festivities continue this week in the Palm Springs Valley. There is a bevy of activities for the whole family to enjoy, whether you’re a local or in town to look at Palm Desert real estate or homes for sale in La Quinta. This week’s lineup offers the perfect way to get in the holiday mood and enjoy time with your loved ones.
On Tuesday, December 17, Dance for Life 2013 will take place at the Annenberg Theater. In its third year in the Coachella Valley, this performance showcase by acclaimed dance companies raises funds and awareness for the AIDS Assistance Program. The performance takes place from 6 to 8 pm.
Also on Tuesday, the McCallum Theatre will host a concert featuring country legend Willie Nelson from 8 to 10 pm. On Wednesday, December 18 from 7 to 9 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host a performance of Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker, performed by “The Ballet Star Factory.” Located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, the McCallum Theatre is a favorite among owners of Palm Desert real estate and those living in the other desert cities.
Also on Wednesday, there will be a performance by the California Desert Chorale, Handel-ing the Holidays, from 7 to 9 pm. The concert takes place at the Indian Wells Theater at CSUSB, Palm Desert. The Chorale is comprised of both professional and amateur singers who perform a broad range of choral and other vocal musical performances designed to entertain, educate, and enrich the audiences in the desert cities.
On Thursday, December 19 from 8 to 10 pm, A Peter White Christmas will take place at the McCallum Theatre. In this performance, renowned jazz musician Peter White performs holiday classics with an all-star lineup including Rick Braun and Mindi Abair.
Click here to view some of our incredible listings of homes for sale in La Quinta or one of the other desert cities.
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