It’s never boring in Palm Springs—especially now that summer is drawing to an end and the football season is finally starting! People in town for vacation or who are here to look at international real estate are always blown away by the varied slate of activities you can find during any week of the year.
Long day at work? Tired from looking at La Quinta real estate properties? Take a break today and get your golf and football fix with the The Gridiron Challenge: Ravens vs. Broncos at the Desert Willow Golf Resort. It’s the perfect way to kick off the NFL season. You have your choice of challenging yourself with the Mountain View or Firecliff Courses anytime after noon in a series of Casual Golf days complete with contests held on-course. Afterwards, head back to the Clubhouse to enjoy a stellar dinner buffet that is covered by your green fee, and watch the Baltimore Ravens play the Denver Broncos on a 10 foot big screen! There will be raffles for awesome prizes throughout the entire game, as well as some great drink specials. For more info, visit DesertWillow.com.
If football doesn’t do it for you, you can still unwind from a day of looking at Indian Wells, Palm Desert and La Quinta real estate properties with some classic comedy! Check out a screening of the infamous movie directed by Billy Wilder, The Apartment, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray. The screening, which is part of the Classic Comedies series put on by the Palm Springs Museum, takes place from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, September 5 at the Annenberg Theater.
If you’re interested in making a move to the Palm Springs Valley or are in town to find international real estate property, click here to view some sensational listings.
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Palm Springs has long been a favorite among celebrities, politicians and professional athletes for decades due to its gorgeous weather and vacation-atmosphere. Likewise, the consistent celebrity presence and rich, exciting history attracts visitors from all over the world, in particular, those who are interested in buying luxury international real estate properties. Visitors come for a vacation and fall in love with the Palm Springs Valley—and it’s not difficult to understand why.
One of the fun attractions that people of all ages enjoy are the celebrity tours in Palm Springs. It’s a great way to see the region, or to take a break from work or wind down after a day of looking at La Quinta homes for sale. There are two very popular tours, among many others, that often catch the eye of visitors, especially those who come from abroad for a holiday or to view luxury international real estate properties.
The Grand Tour is a favorite among residents and visitors. The two and a half hour tour bus ride displays the rich and luxurious history of the desert cities, offering glimpses of some of the most amazing estates in Palm Springs, including those of Frank Sinatra, Walter Annenberg and the Marx Brothers, among many others. The Grand Tour runs from Monday through Saturday all year long, and costs $44 for adults, $40 for seniors, and $19 for children 14 and under. Private tours are also available, starting at $79 per participant. For more information, call 760.770.2700.
Another ultra popular attraction is the Palm Springs Elvis Honeymoon House Hideaway. Guided tours highlight the marriage of Elvis and Priscilla Presley and take guests through extensive memorabilia and old photographs of Elvis “in the Building.” Knowledgeable tour guides share interesting stories about the couple and a short film features highlights on the mid-century-modern architecture of this famous building. In addition, visitors are shown the famous escape route that left paparazzi staking out the house speechless as the famous couple flew to Las Vegas to marry. Box lunches are available upon request. For more information, call 760.322.1192.
Click here if attractions like these have you inspired to view listings of La Quinta homes for sale.
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Joshua Tree National Park
There may only be a few weeks of summer left, but there are still plenty of cool things going on in the desert. This Saturday, August 25, you can visit Joshua Tree National Park for free! In honor of National Park Service Birthday, which is August 25, this day falls under the category of Free Entrance Days to National Parks that the government offers each year. If you want a break from the heat, or are in town to look at La Quinta real estate and Rancho Mirage homes for sale, this is the perfect way to enjoy nature in a gorgeous setting.
If you’ve never been to Joshua Tree National Park, you are missing out on the infinite opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re a serious hiker or just want to stroll through nature, you’ll love to tour this incredible park. While some people enjoy driving through the main park roads and sightseeing from the stops, pullouts and wayside exhibits, there are also 12 self-guided nature trails that can be a great moderate walk that is perfect when you only have time for a short visit. If you head out to the vista from Keys View, you’ll witness an incredibly picturesque view that extends beyond the Salton Sea to Mexico. There are five fan palm oases throughout the park to discover, and some trails lead you to remnants of the gold mining era, a vibrant part of the park’s cultural history. With 10 mountains soaring higher than 5,000 feet in elevation, there are plenty of options to discover nature at its finest.
In addition to the gorgeous hiking trails and backcountry opportunities available, there is also an extensive network of dirt roads that are perfect for mountain bikes, as they are less crowded and safer for cycling than the paved main roads. Rock climbers will be in heaven with the array of majestic options there are to choose from. If you need a longer break from work, life or looking at Rancho Mirage homes for sale, there are nine great campgrounds available, and backcountry camping is also permitted.
The Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center is located at 74-885 National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms.
If you are in town to look at La Quinta real estate, click here to view some gorgeous listings.
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Have you found your dream La Quinta real estate property yet? Even if you’re just now looking at Rancho Mirage homes for sale, you’re better off getting a head start on the moving process. If you have a month or more before you need to vacate your home, now is the perfect time to start planning and packing.
Begin de-cluttering. Start with one dresser, cabinet or even just one drawer at a time so that the whole process feels less daunting. You’re about to sort through items that you may have accumulated over several years’ time, so it may seem overwhelming at first. Set up different piles by their categories—what you will donate to charity, what you will sell at a garage sale, what you will give away to friends and what you will keep. If you haven’t used something in a year or more, then by all means discard it. Chances are, you’ll never use it and it will just take up valuable space. If you start this process now, you’ll be in much better shape once you close on that La Quinta real estate property and have a set date for moving.
Plan for child care. If you have children, schedule a babysitter or day care for the days you are moving. The last thing you will want to do is have your child running around when there are lots of dangerous situations at hand, including large boxes, movers, etc. This will also keep things calm and less stressful.
Pets. You may also want to consider boarding your pet during this process so that they stay out of movers’ way and don’t get lost in the shuffle.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep track of all the tiny pieces, like screws, nuts and bolts, that keep all your items that are being broken down together. Tape them in a plastic bag to the items they go with. This will make packing and setting up your furniture and other items go much more smoothly.
Still haven’t found your new dream house yet? Click here to browse listings of Rancho Mirage homes for sale.
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If you’re working on making your La Quinta real estate listing stand out from the rest, then you’ll need to include many photos shot from a wide variety of angles. If you’ve decided against hiring a professional photographer to shoot your home, then it’s time to brush up on your photography skills so you can display your property in the best light possible.
Since many others in the market may go the professional route when it comes to photographing Indian Wells homes for sale, you’ve got a high standard to meet. But if you follow these tips for shooting the interior of your home, you’ll get some great photographs as a result.
- Aim for sharp focus. To achieve this, keep your apertures small—between f/11 to f/16—and avoid shooting too close to furniture or other objects in the room. Make sure there is plenty of light to avoid blurriness.
- Incorporate some wide angle shots. Shooting from a wide-angle will allow you to capture entire rooms and make them appear bigger.
- Pay attention to the details. Shoot several photos that convey the character of your home. If you have gorgeous Italian tile in the bathroom, get a close up of this area. If your living room has a view of your beautifully landscaped yard or a swimming pool that is so common among Indian Wells homes for sale, take a photo that shows the view from the appropriate angle.
- Avoid mirrors. We all know that mirrors make rooms look bigger, but they can be a serious distraction in photos, as your reflection or that of other items in the room can show up in the photo and be confusing to the person looking at it.
- Watch your proximity to glass. Try to avoid for flash reflections in windows and any glass in the rooms. These reflections can cause hot spots and ruin the photo.
Employ these tips to up your photography game and boost the appeal of your La Quinta real estate listing.
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Diana Ross performs at the Fantasy Springs Casino on Friday, August 2
Once again, Palm Springs has an array of fun events taking place this weekend, for residents, visitors, tourists and those looking to invest in the international real estate market to enjoy. Why not take advantage of one or all of these amazing entertainment and cultural options? It’s an ideal way to while away the summer hours or take a break from looking at La Quinta homes for sale.
On Thursday, August 1 from 6 to 8 pm, the Summer Film Series continues at the Palm Springs Art Museum continues with a screening of Shyamal Uncle Turns Off the Lights at the Annenberg Theater. This innovative film tells the story of an 80-year-old retiree in Calcutta, the capital of the West Bengal, who after noticing that his neighborhood streetlights stay on all night and all day long, begins a mission to get them turned off after the sun rises. The movie tells the poignant story of his quest to get someone to take him seriously as he battles against an indifferent bureaucracy and a complacent status quo.
On Friday, August 2 from 8 to 10 pm, the legendary Diana Ross will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino. Ross first rose to fame as the lead singer of the famed Motown group, The Supremes, and then went on to a prolific, award winning solo career. Including hits with The Supremes, Ross has sold more than 100 million records sold worldwide.
August 3, 2013 from 9 to 11 pm, Canadian smooth jazz and adult contemporary musician, Warren Hill, will perform live at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon. The venue’s proximity makes it the perfect way to wrap up a day of viewing La Quinta homes for sale.
On Sunday, August 4 from 2 to 4 pm, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Deborah Wheeler-Ure and Joanne Lapointe in Hot Flashes with Divas Divine. The performance takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre, and includes accompaniment by Musical Director Rob Woyshner on piano.
If you live abroad and are interested in finding a second home in Palm Springs or investing in the international real estate market, click here to browse listings.
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For those of you who are new to the real estate game, as in buying or selling your first home, you may have a general idea of what closing is. But it helps significantly to really understand the entire process so you know what exactly you’re getting into if, for example, you’re about to make an offer on that Indian Wells real estate or property in La Quinta that you have your eye on. So here is a brief summary of the basics, so that you know exactly what “closing escrow” means to everyone involved.
Some people refer to closing as the “settlement” of the deal, which is exactly the point in time when the deal is set in stone—the mortgage is executed and the title is transferred to the buyer. At this point, the buyer should be fully aware of all the associated costs that incur with closing. Once you’re approved for a mortgage, the lender has three days to provide you with a “Good Faith Estimate” of all the associated costs. You should also receive an outline of the closing process, whether you’re buying the home you’ve always dreamed of or selling your Indian Wells real estate.
When it comes to closing, timing is essential. Once the seller agrees to accept an offer, the countdown begins. If you’re a buyer, by this time, you should have enlisted a professional to execute the rest of this process. You can find a reputable settlement agent through your real estate professional, or in many areas, the process will be executed by a real estate attorney, or by your escrow company or title company. Whoever handles the settlement will ensure that your down payment is deposited into the escrow account until the deal is officially done.
From here, the preliminary title work commences. In this phase, your title company will search public records for any information related to the property’s title. This is done to ensure that there are no issues related to the property, such as outstanding taxes or a judgment on the property so that the buyer is not left responsible for conditions they were unaware of before closing. Once this phase is cleared, a HUD-1 Settlement Statement, which outlines all associated costs for both the buyer and seller, is completed.
While there are typically post-closing details that are attended to, once you close, the property is yours (if you’re the buyer, of course). It may seem like you’re signing your life away, but once you close, you’ll be the proud owner of that dream property in La Quinta.
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Whether you live in Indio, Desert Hot Springs or are the lucky owner of La Quinta real estate, there’s always something to do in Palm Springs Valley within minutes of your location. The thriving arts and culture scene in the desert cities is unrivalled, no matter what time of year. From independent film screenings and live music to outdoor cabaret performances, you’ll find activities for all ages—and enough to motivate those in the real estate market to search high and low for homes in Palm Desert.
On Thursday, July 11, the Summer Film Series at the Palm Springs Art Museum continues with Life Kills Me. This clever comedy tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a grieving cinematographer and a morbidly obsessed drifter. The screening takes place at the Annenberg Theater from 6 to 8 pm.
From July 11 – 14, the ever popular JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa hosts The Desert Classic, four days of great dancing and fun in the sun. The event includes World Pro-Am Dancesport Series Qualifying Championships, Amateur Open International Ballroom and Latin Scholarships, Professional and Rising Star Events in all four styles, as well as junior events. A popular venue favored by tourists from all over the world and owners of homes in Palm Desert alike, the renowned JW Marriott is located at 74855 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert.
On Saturday July 13 and Sunday, July 14, Idyllwild Lemon Lily Festival & Blue Grass Music will be in full effect at the Idyllwild Nature Center. The unique festival features activities and fun for all ages, including a local arts and crafts show, a native plant sale, Pioneer Town and educational exhibits and speakers. The event takes place on both days from 9 am to 4 pm.
On Sunday, July 14, Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Ronstadt, Riddle & Robyn starring Robyn Spangler, who was voted LA’s Best Female Cabaret Artist 2011 by Broadway World. Accompanied by the world-famous Todd Schroeder on piano and Tim Christensen on bass, Spangler will cover songs such as What’s New, I’ve Got A Crush On You, Crazy He Calls Me, Someone To Watch Over Me and more. The performance takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre from 2 to 4 pm.
Just another weekend in Palm Springs Valley! Click here to learn more about the community and find listings of La Quinta real estate.
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Whether you’re selling a first home, buying your dream home or getting into the international real estate market for investment purposes, there are some common mistakes to avoid if you want to execute a transaction that makes financial sense.
Unrealistic expectations. Let’s say you find the La Quinta ranch you’ve been dreaming of and you qualify for a loan—does that really mean that you can afford it? Don’t make the decision to buy real estate just because a lender pre-qualifies you. Do the numbers and determine if you can truly afford all the associated costs, from closing costs and homeowners insurance to upgrades and HOA fees, if applicable. Then create a budget that truly reflects all of your bills and leaves room for a contingency fund and the amortization of a new home. Only then will you be able to determine if you can actually afford the property.
Want vs. Need. Let’s be real—there can be a huge discrepancy between what you need and what your dream home costs. Make a list of all your family’s needs and then look for a house that fulfills them. Give your agent or realtor a copy of the list. The same goes even if you’re investing in the international real estate market—even if you don’t plan on living on the property, you will have certain needs in regards to budget, maintenance and location.
Only visiting once. If you’re ready to spend your hard-earned money on a La Quinta ranch, don’t just visit once. You should schedule several visits to the home before you make an offer, and get professional opinions, if necessary. Buying real estate and living is similar to a relationship—and you wouldn’t get married after just one date. You’ll want to get a good feel for the community, the school system, the commute and anything else that is important to your lifestyle.
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The entertainment options lined up this weekend for Palm Springs are unique and exciting—from performances of a fusion of dance style and vibrant cabaret to the sounds of a legendary, old school MC, there won’t be a dull moment for anyone. Families, retirees, tourists and those in town to look at luxury international real estate properties have plenty to choose from when it comes to things to do. Take a break from viewing La Quinta real estate and hit up one of these amazing shows.
On Friday, June 21 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, the McCallum Theatre will host a live performance of Elasticity of the Almost: Performed by Backhausdance. As part of the McCallum Theatre Institute’s 2013 Summer Session Festival, a favorite among residents and La Quinta real estate owners, Backhausdance returns to our stage with two inventive dances choreographed by Jennifer Backhaus. Backhausdance was recently recognized by New York’s Joyce SoHo as one of seven emerging dance companies in North America to watch.
On Friday night, legendary rapper, producer and entrepreneur, MC Hammer, will take the stage at the Morongo Casino. The show runs from 9 pm to 11 pm. On Saturday, June 22, The Art Laboe Summer Love Jam will take place at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino from 7 pm to 9 pm.
On Sunday, June 23 from 2 pm to 4 pm, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Karen Giorgio in Trains & Boats & Planes, Oh My! Confessions of a Globe-Trotting Songstress.
The Arthur Newman Theatre is proud to feature Giorgio, along with special guest Vinny di Figlia and Musical Director Shelly Markham.
If you’re visiting the desert cities and are considering luxury international real estate properties in Palm Springs, click here to look at some spectacular listings.
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