The vibrant El Paseo Art Walk
If you didn’t get your music fix last month, despite the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals that took place, you may still be able to satisfy your inner music fan this weekend with the musical theater production of A Little Night Music. The performance will take place at the McCallum Theatre, a gem that those who own Palm Desert real estate or just live in the area are proud to have in their community. Presented by the College of the Desert, this Stephen Sondheim masterpiece is set in mid-century Palm Springs and tells the story of a love triangle between a middle-aged lawyer, his young wife, and his former mistress, who is a famous actress. The production features performances of classic songs such as A Weekend in the Country and Send in the Clowns. The show runs from May 3 – 5, and features a special guest artist to be announced.
On Thursday, May 2, Palm Desert’s chic shopping district will host the last El Paseo Art Walk of the season. This fun, free event is an ideal opportunity to shop and take in the brilliant art of El Paseo Boulevard’s many fabulous galleries.
From May 3 – May 5, dance fans can attend one of the most unique dance conventions to take place anywhere. Located at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa, the Dare to Dance Convention is one that the entire family will enjoy. While most dance conventions only offer performance dance classes, such as ballet, jazz and tap, Dare to Dance also features classes in popular recreational genres including ballroom, line dancing, disco, belly and hula dancing, among others.
The eclectic offerings of Palm Desert perfectly exemplify the incredibly diverse lifestyle and activities that can be found in the desert cities on a regular basis. If you’re inspired to make a move to this vibrant community, click here to browse listings of Palm Desert real estate.
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If you’re not a U.S. native and are considering an international real estate transaction, then it’s very likely you’ve been considering real estate and homes for sale in areas such as Palm Desert, Indian Wells or La Quinta. This makes sense, as the cities in Palm Springs Valley boast a broad range of amenities that culminate in a lifestyle that feels like a permanent vacation.
In this post, we’re going to focus on lovely Palm Desert. In addition to the myriad golf tournaments and athletic events that take place here, there are plenty recreational activities, from relaxing poolside, wine tasting or shopping to hiking, cycling or horseback riding. Here are just a few things to do, that you can even squeeze in during a break from browsing homes for sale in Palm Desert.
Take in some art while you shop. Head to the uber chic el Paseo shopping district on the first Thursday of each month to scope out some of the exquisite art showcased in the dozens of unique galleries.
Hit a food festival. Whether you’re a foodie, culinary aficionado or novice, you’ll love dining al fresco under the palms or attending a festival such as the Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert. There are a ton of excellent cafes and fine dining options to choose from any day of the week, and plenty of opportunities to taste wine from some of the stellar California wineries, some of which are very close to Palm Springs Valley.
Get pampered. Feeling stressed from trying to navigate your international real estate transaction? Palm Desert offers the chance to revitalize your mind and body at one of its many upscale spas. Luxuriate for the day or a more extended period of time at the Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Shadow Mountain Resort & Club or one of the other options in close proximity.
Take in some architecture. There are a multitude of mid-century modern homes and exquisite public buildings designed by famed architects including William Krisel, Albert Frey and Walter White.
Play outdoors. Palm Desert is nestled in the beautiful foothills of our gorgeous mountain ranges and is just a short drive away from world-famous Joshua Tree National Park, which has a wide array of picturesque hiking trails. Palm Desert is also home to several beautiful, impeccably maintained parks and the remarkable Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
Click here if you’re ready to take a look at some real estate and homes for sale in Palm Desert.
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There’s more to this weekend than Stagecoach, amazing as that music festival is. This Saturday, April 27, marks a favorite event of owners of real estate properties in Palm Desert—the Art Party Palm Desert. The event, which takes place from 11 am – 4 pm, offers everyone a chance to be an artist and to experience some unforgettable performances. Sponsored by Newman’s Own Foundation, the event will take place at the Palm Springs Art Museum—a must see for those considering Palm Springs homes for sale.
The Art Party Palm Desert will inspire art lovers in several ways—not only by what can be seen at this original art event, but in the ways that attendees can participate. Whether you watch professional artists demonstrate their craft, witness live performances in the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden or play with new media while making your own original masterpieces in the Annette Bloch Education Wing, you’ll enjoy the experience on many levels. And when you see how vibrant the desert art communities are, you may quickly find yourself browsing real estate properties in Palm Desert and the surrounding cities.
Here is the schedule for Saturday:
11 am -2 pm
Screen Printing Demonstration
Watch local artists demonstrate screen printing on t-shirts. Combine a design and color of choice for a unique piece of art you can wear. The first 100 visitors to Art Party get a free t-shirt.
11 am – 3 pm
Clay Sculpture
Time to get your hands dirty! Use potters’ tools and your own hands to shape unique clay pieces.
11 am – 3 pm
Book Art
Make your own sketchbook. Then use your sketchbook to have fun drawing in the gallery and garden.
12 -1 pm
Artful Tales
Kids of all ages meet in the garden pavilion and listen to a special guest read stories out loud.
All day long
Play With Words
Discover how funny art can be! Using different colored crayons and papers, rub over the textured words on the wall to reveal a humorous joke.
All day long
Passport Portrait
Pick up your summer passport and get ready for a season of fun and art. Personalize your passport by creating a self portrait on the inside.
All day long
Magnetic Messages
Be inspired by the exhibition Beg Borrow and Steal and transform an everyday image by adding your own twist. Using magnetic text and icons, create your larger-than-life work on the wall and then photograph it to keep forever.
3 pm
Live Performance
Enjoy musical selections performed by members of the Coachella Valley Symphony and the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony
Click here to learn more about the desert communities and browse Palm Springs homes for sale.
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This weekend, April 26-28, the famous Stagecoach Festival will take place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. This outdoor country music festival features a wide range of artists, from mainstream to relatively unknown musicians, in genres including mainstream country, alternative country, folk, bluegrass and roots rock. This amazing event is a favorite of those who own homes in Indio and other parts of Palm Springs, as well as all California residents and country music lovers from all over the United States.
The first ever Stagecoach took place in 2007. While it’s held at the same venue as Coachella and also put on by Goldenvoice, this festival has grown faster, with 55,000 attendees in 2012, resulting in a sold out crowd. Past performers include Grammy-award winning acts and standout performances including Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Brooks and Dunn, Sugarland, The Charlie Daniels Band, Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan,Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, George Strait and legends like Alabama, the Eagles and Willie Nelson, among others. You can see why lucky owners of real estate in Palm Desert, La Quinta and other nearby desert cities look forward to this amazing event each year.
This year’s Stagecoach lineup includes a wide array of popular musicians including Lady Antebellum, Nick 13, Maggie Rose, Lonestar, Darius Rucker, Don Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, Haunted Windchimes, Charley Pride, Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Waddie Mitchell, the Honkytonk Angels Band and the Zac Brown Brand, among others.
In addition to all the great musical acts that will perform at Stagecoach, there is a slate of fun activities, including family friendly things to do. Attendees can check out the famous Clydesdale Horses, sing Karaoke and take in the breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley from the Ferris Wheel. The Half-Pint Hootenanny includes rawhide games, crafts, jewelry making, music and dancing for children.
This amazing music festival is a perfect example of how diverse the culture and activities are in Palm Springs Valley. If this inspires you to check out listings of homes in Indio or real estate in Palm Desert, La Quinta or any of the other desert cities, click here.
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The Living Desert
For those passing on part two of the famed Coachella music and arts festival, there are still several ways to celebrate the weekend and Earth Day Palm Springs style. Whether you’re a music fan, nature lover or hot rod aficionado, you can find something fun to do or a stunning place to relax in the desert. When those interested in homes for sale in Indian Wells or real estate in Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage come to look at properties, they end up staying much longer to take advantage of the incredible array of recreational activities and options for relaxation.
On Friday, April 19, El Paseo Cruise Night will take place from 4-6:30 pm. Local car enthusiasts Jerry Martin and Judy Lockwood recently started this cool recurring night drive of classic cars and hot rods. Also on Friday, the fun and electric dance, disco and 70s band, Grooveline, will perform at the Morongo Casino. The show starts at 10:30 pm.
On April 20, The Living Desert will host an Earth Day celebration with a daytime festival filled with fun, exciting activities for the entire family to enjoy. Bring a recyclable item to trade for a native plant grown at The Living Desert. The event takes place from 9 to 5 pm. If you’ve been considering homes for sale in Indian Wells, you won’t want to miss this chance to see The Living Desert in its full glory. For more information, contact 760.346.5694.
Also on April 20, EZ 103.1, CBS Radio, KMIR 6 and KPSE My 13 will host Up Close & Personal, which offers a live performance by John Tesh, and an open mic Q&A with Melissa Etheridge and Delilah, the most-listened-to woman in radio, as they speak about their life journeys in the intimate surroundings of The Show At Agua Caliente Casino, Resort & Spa.
Click here to look at listings of real estate in Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.
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Palm Desert Civic Park
Believe it or not, Coachella isn’t the only thing going on this weekend in Palm Springs Valley. Whether you’re a music aficionado, a nature lover or just enjoy comedy shows, there’s something cool to do. If you’re in town visiting or looking at Palm Springs homes for sale, any of these events is a great way to unwind and get to know the community better.
For starters, on Friday, April 12 comedian Brian Regan will perform his legendary stand-up act at the Spotlight Casino. The show will take place from 8 to 10 pm. Then, on April 12 and 13, the McCallum Theatre will feature the musical theater production of Spank, a parody of the book that became an international sensation this past year, Fifty Shades of Grey. This hilarious show combines musical numbers and sharp-witted comedy, as well as steamy and fun performances that will have you in stitches. Plus, it’s a great chance to see this gem of a theater that residents and owners of real estate in Palm Desert are so proud of!
Also on April 12, legendary funk band Morris Day and the Time will perform at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon. If you were a fan of Prince and saw Purple Rain, then you’ll remember the high-octane performance by the Time. You won’t want to miss these stars and their energetic, fun brand of music!
On April 13, from 10-11 am, there will be a guided public art tour at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. This awesome tour gives you the opportunity to explore the sculptures of the Palm Desert public art collection with a trained docent who will provide pertinent information and interesting insight. If you’re considering real estate in Palm Desert, then the Palm Desert Civic Center Park is a must-see!
Also on April 13, Tony award winner Christine Ebersole will perform a concert at the Annenberg Theater. Ms. Ebersole’s impressive credits include On the Twentieth Century, Oklahoma! , Camelot and Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. She won Tony awards for her roles in both Grey Gardens and 42nd Street.
If these activities inspire you to move to the Coachella Valley, then click here to browse listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.
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As almost every American is probably aware, we’ve got the first weekend of the 2013 Coachella Music Festival coming up fast—the festivities start this Friday. But that’s not the only music to be found in the desert this week. On Tuesday, April 9, a live performance of Lord of the Dance will take place at the McCallum Theatre. Touted as a mesmerizing fusion of both modern and traditional Celtic music and dance, this production is based on mythical Irish folklore that tells the story of Don Dorcha, the Lord of Darkness, and his challenge to the ethereal lord of light, the Lord of the Dance. The culmination of this incredible choreography, dramatic music, vibrant costumes, cutting-edge staging and lighting was deemed “a showpiece extravaganza,” by the Los Angeles Times and described by the New York Post as “fascinating, rewarding and above all, entertaining.” Plus, if you’ve been considering real estate in Palm Desert, a visit to this theater is an absolute must! The show runs from 8 to 10 pm.
On Thursday, April 11, The Shops on El Paseo celebrate Coachella with beats by top DJs in preparation for the big upcoming weekend. It’s a great way to take a break from your busy week and enjoy the chic boutiques and shopping opportunities in Palm Desert’s upscale shopping district. Complimentary valet parking is provided. For more information, call 760.341.4058.
Also on Thursday night, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform at the McCallum Theatre. Stunning dancers from this world-renowned dance company will perform thrilling premieres and new productions, in addition to beloved classics such as the American masterpiece, Revelations. It’s a fabulous opportunity to see why the New York Times hailed this theater company as “possibly the most successful modern dance company on the planet.” The show runs from 8 to 10 pm.
If these events get you motivated for a move, click here to browse listings of real estate in Palm Desert.
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Interest from international buyers is burgeoning in the Palm Springs real estate market. Inspired by a celebrity golf tournament, the year round slate of outdoor activities, the beauty of the desert, and of course, the gorgeous weather, it makes perfect sense that visitors from across the globe are interested in homes for sale in Palm Desert, Indio, Rancho Mirage and everywhere in between.
When buying international real estate, it’s extremely helpful to find an agent or realtor with expertise in this niche market. Those who work with global clients on a regular basis are familiar with many of the incentives available, as well as the complexities of such a transaction. Whether an international buyer is interested in real estate in La Quinta or properties in Indio, they will be dealing with myriad aspects that may be harder to navigate than with a simpler transaction between a local buyer and seller.
One of many areas where a local agent or realtor can significantly assist is in regards to all of the service providers and vendors that may be required to successfully complete an international real estate transaction. In addition to needing a professional with significant real estate expertise, it also helps to have someone with a multitude of local connections.
Whether the transaction involves properties in Indio or homes for sale in another part of the Coachella Valley, the buyer will need someone who has a network of trusted colleagues, from appraisers, inspectors and repair providers to attorneys, bankers and tax advisers. In some ways, facilitating an international transaction can often feel like you’re providing services similar to those of a high-level concierge. Offering reliable information, wide-ranging contacts, reputable referrals and thorough knowledge of the market can help make the transaction as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Click here to see listings of homes for sale in Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or another area of Palm Springs.
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Whether you’re interested in equestrian homes, a beach bungalow, property in Palm Desert, or a small first house, there’s always a chance you’ll have to make some compromises during such a purchase. It could be giving up the idea of having a swimming pool or being a little further from your job than you originally planned. These compromises are often motivated by finances, as your dream house may not quite be in alignment with your real budget just yet—and sometimes, buyers want to focus on getting the best value for their money.
To get an idea of how much income you need to purchase a home, you’ll have to assess what type of mortgage payment you’re comfortable with and then factor in all of your other monthly bills and expenses. When you’re considering equestrian homes, you’ll also have to determine any associated costs that may be included with the maintenance of a barn, stable or other aspects of that type of property. In addition, when you buy a property, there may be other costs that you’ll need to add in, such as Home Owners Association (HOA) fees, homeowners’ insurance, property taxes insurance, and mortgage insurance, if required, among other costs.
Here is an easy way to estimate how much income you’ll need to buy that property in Palm Desert that you’ve been dreaming about: target mortgage payment + consumer debts ÷ .36 = gross monthly income needed to qualify for a loan. The exact ratio will depend on the lender and type of loan, so it’s best to be conservative when making these calculations so that you don’t overextend yourself.
A good rule of thumb is that for every dollar of debt, you should make twice that in income. Therefore, if your monthly mortgage payment is $2000, you’ll need to make at least $4000 to offset that debt. With all of those factors in mind, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not buying a new home at this stage makes sense for you.
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Residents and owners of real estate in Palm Desert have lots to look forward to this week—especially music lovers. For starters, on Tuesday, March 26, the McCallum Theatre will host a performance by one of music’s most creative and original artists, Grammy Award winner Boz Scaggs. This repeat performance will include fan favorites such as “Lowdown” and “Lido Shuffle,” among many others. The show will run from 8 to 10 pm.
On Wednesday, March 27, from 8 to 10 pm, country-steeped garage band The Mavericks will perform at the McCallum Theatre. Led by Cuban American lead singer, Raul Malo, the Mavericks emerged from Miami more than two decades ago with their own brand of post-modern country, featuring unforgettable hits like “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” “Here Comes The Rain” and “Dance The Night Away.”
On Thursday, March 28, Jesse Cook will also perform at the McCallum Theatre. The Paris-born, Toronto-trained virtuoso guitarist consistently breaks the boundaries of popular music with each of his new recordings and gives a superb live performance. The show will take place from 8 pm to 10 pm.
On Saturday, March 30, The Blue Man Group will also take the stage at the favorite venue of Residents and owners of real estate in Palm Desert, the McCallum Theatre. The Blue Man Group presents an unrivalled, high-octane theatrical experience that will immerse you in an explosion of comedy, music, and technology.
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