The Who Show Tribute Band
Once again, there is a bevy of fun things to do this Labor Day weekend in Palm Springs. Whether you own real estate in Palm Desert or are in town for a vacation, you will thoroughly enjoy all the entertainment options you have to choose from. Spend the weekend lounging by the pool, getting in a round of golf or tennis, and relaxing with some killer music.
On Friday, August 29 from 9 to 11 pm, the Gipsy Kings will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. Hailing from Arles and Montpellier in the south of France, this unique group of musicians performs entirely in Spanish with an Andalusian accent. The Show at Agua Caliente Casino is located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage.
On Saturday, August 30 from 8 to 10 pm, the legendary Brian Wilson will perform at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center. Revered as one of the most influential composers of the last century, Wilson will perform his most cherished recordings at this incredible concert. The Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is located at 84-245 Indio Springs Drive in Indio.
Also on Saturday from 8 to 10 pm, the Spotlight 29 Casino will host a performance by The Who Show tribute band, the longest running and most renowned celebration of the iconic band, The Who. This colorful tribute band is famed for their accurate portrayal of the stage personas, habits and eccentricities of the original band, earning them VH-1’s honor of “Most Believable 1970’s Era Praise Band.” The Spotlight 29 Casino is located at 46-200 Harrison Place in Coachella.
On Sunday, August 31 from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre will feature Rachel Tyler & Matthew Tyler in: “For Better…Or For Worse!” This unique musical theatre production includes performances of songs from Mama Mia, Miss Saigon and Phantom of the Opera. The production’s Music Director is Joel Baker. A favorite of locals who own Palm Desert real estate, the Arthur Newman Theatre is located at 73-750 Catalina Way.
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Whether you’re buying your dream piece of Palm Desert real estate or investing in a vacation home, there are many costs that you may not be aware of or forget about in the excitement of purchasing a new property. Here are a few things to remember so that the expenses of buying a home don’t shock you when they start adding up.
There are more costs associated with buying a home than your down payment, mortgage rates and tax payments. Once your loan is approved, there are other costs you will need to cover before you get the keys to your new abode. You’ll need to pay your agent or realtor fees and most likely want to hire an attorney to review and approve all the paperwork associated with the transaction. If your dream piece of Palm Desert real estate is a condominium or gated community, you’ll want to find out how much the Homeowners Association (HOA) fees will be so you can factor that into the equation.
Another important item to remember is Homeowner’s Insurance, which is necessary to obtain a mortgage. This type of insurance will cover your property and contents, though a standard policy won’t typically cover natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods,tornadoes and hurricanes. If you live in an area that is at risk for any of these type of disasters, you may want to take out an additional policy.
Depending on the size of the down payment you made on the property, you may have to obtain Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and Title Insurance. PMI is required when your down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase price and is designed to protect your lender in case you default on your loan. Title Insurance protects you and the lender in the case of an unusual circumstance where another party tries to lay claim to the title and your property.
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Right now, the real estate market looks good for sellers. Regardless of that, there are always things you can do to improve your chances of selling your homes for sale in Palm Desert, the other desert cities or any property for that matter. Here are some easy-to-implement tips that will help you boost the appeal of that gorgeous property in La Quinta, your 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! Some 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 regarding repairs that potential buyers may have. Strive to fix little things such as hardware, knobs, etc.—having those small items in mint condition make 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 homes for sale in Palm Desert, click here to view some incredible listings.
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If you’re in town to look at homes for sale in the Coachella Valley for your family to live in or for an international real estate investment, there are plenty of things to do that will give you an idea of how much fun it is to live in or vacation in the desert cities, no matter what time of year.
On Wednesday, July 16 from 6 to 9 pm, the Indian Wells Theater at CSUSB in Palm Desert will host a production of the classic from Broadway’s Golden Age of musicals, Fiddler on the Roof.
The performance, which features actors ranging in age from 13 to 24, will complete the Green Room Theatre Company’s fifth successful season. There will also be a short showcase of lighthearted scenes featuring the company’s youngest members, who range in age from 8 to 12. General admission is $18 and students and senior citizens can get tickets for $10. There will also be a showing on Thursday, July 17 from 1 to 4 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm. The Indian Wells Theater is located at 37500 Cook Street in Palm Desert. The event will be a great way for both visitors and those interested in international real estate in the area to witness the vibrant arts community of the desert cities.
On Friday, July 18 at 7 pm, Wet ‘n Wild Palm Springs will host another Dive-In Movie—this time it will be a showing of The Amazing Spiderman. The films start at dusk and are free with admission to the park. It’s an excellent way to cool down and enjoy time with the entire family.
On Friday from 7 to 9 pm, the Coachella Valley Repertory presents Bubblegum’s Anonymous: Chew on This, a unique cabaret-style performance featuring the bubblegum music from 50s, 60s and 70s. The performance also runs on Saturday, July 19 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm.
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Summer is in full swing—and that means lots of fun ways to cool down in the Palm Springs Valley. Whether you live here year round, are on vacation or are in town checking our homes for sale in Palm Desert, there are some great ways for the whole family to cool off here in the Coachella Valley.
On Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13, the Indio Performing Arts Center will host the 1st Annual Coachella Valley Comedy/Improv Festival. This celebration and competition of comedy and improv is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of hunting for homes for sale in Palm Desert and the surrounding desert cities. The Indio Performing Arts Center is located at 45175 Fargo Street in Indio.
On Friday at 7 pm there will be an awesome event that children and adults alike will enjoy—the Dive-In Movie at Wet ‘n Wild Palm Springs. The featured movie this week will be Frozen, starring Kristin Bell and Idina Menzel. The Dive-In Movies are free with park admission and intended to be family-friendly. Wet ‘n Wild Palm Springs is located at 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs.
On Saturday, July 12 at 8 pm, Intocable will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino. Translated as “untouchable,” the Tejano/Norteño musical group from Zapata, Texas was started in the early 1990s by René Martínez and Ricky Muñoz. Some of their hit singles include “Prometi,” “Arrepientete” and “Robarte Un Beso.”
On Saturday and Sunday, the Idyllwild Nature Center will feature the Idyllwild Lemon Lily Festival and Blue Grass Music festival. This annual festival celebrates the special local wildflower that is such an important part of the San Jacinto Mountains’ ecosystem. There will be educational exhibits, speakers, a native plant sales, arts & crafts, Pioneer Town and more. The event starts both days at 9 am and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
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This week is a great time to be in town, whether you’re visiting, own real estate in Palm Desert or are just driving through on the way to another destination. Read on to view the fun slate of activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
On Thursday, July 3, the Joslyn Senior Center will host an Independence Day Celebration BBQ and Open House from 11:30 am to 2 pm. There will be lively entertainment along with delicious hamburgers and hot dogs courtesy of Emeritus of Rancho Mirage. The Joslyn Center is located at 73-750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert.
On Friday, July 4 from 7:15 to 9:30 pm, there will be an Independence Day Celebration at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. The event features live music and fireworks, with refreshments available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics and chairs to better enjoy the show. The beautiful 70-acre Palm Desert Civic Center Park and its amazing Aquatic Center is a recreational showpiece with something for everyone in the family to enjoy—it’s an absolute must-see for those considering buying real estate in Palm Desert. For more information, call 760.346.0611.
On Saturday, July 5, the Annenberg Theater will feature Swazzle Inc. presents Dream Carver from noon to 2 pm and again from 3 to 5 pm. This bilingual musical is based on a popular children’s book written by Diana Cohn and illustrated by Amy Cordova. Staged on a set that evokes a pastoral Mexican landscape through a multilevel environment, the musical tells the story of a young boy in Oaxaca named Mateo who brings animals to life from small wooden toys that he carves. The Annenberg Theater is adjacent to the Palm Springs Art Museum, located at Entrada del Paseo at the westernmost intersection of El Paseo and Highway 111. The address is at 72-567 Highway 111 in Palm Desert.
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Performers from the Jest in Time Circus
Whether you live here year round, are on vacation or are viewing homes for sale in Palm Desert, there are many great ways to enjoy the beautiful weather and kick off the summer. This weekend features diverse music performances, live theater and a circus event. Read on for the full lineup.
On Friday, June 13, the legendary Gladys Knight performs at the Morongo Casino from 9 to 11 pm. Known as the “Empress of Soul,” Ms. Knight is a seven-time Grammy Award-winner, well-known for music recorded with her band, Gladys Knight & the Pips for Motown Records, such as the classic “Midnight Train to Georgia.” The Morongo Casino is located at 49500 Seminole Drive in Cabazon.
On Saturday, June 14, the Annenberg Theater will host a live performance of the Jest in Time Circus from noon to 2 pm and again from 3 to 5 pm. Acclaimed performers Topper Todd and Li Lil Zucchini bring a self-contained show under their own “big top,” that entertains children of all ages across the globe. The Annenberg Theater is located at the Palm Springs Art Museum, an absolute must-see for those considering homes for sale in Palm Desert and other cities in the Palm Springs Valley.
On Saturday night from 7 to 9 pm, the Art Laboe Summer Love Jam III will take place at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino, located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive. From 8 to 10 pm, Robert Tapia will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino, located at 42600 Harrison Place in Coachella. On Sunday, June 15 from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre features Joanne Lapointe in: “Dis-FUN-ctional“, a hilarious journey through mid-age. The Arthur Newman Theatre is located at 73-750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert.
Check out tomorrow’s blog post about the 10th Annual Lavender Festival, which will also take place this weekend.
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If you’re looking at homes for sale in Palm Desert or the surrounding areas and are including condos in your search, there are a few things to consider before making a final decision. While there are many pros to buying a condo as opposed to a house, there are also some cons that may impact your decision—and what some may consider a plus, other may deem a minus. Read on for a few important elements to consider.
Convenience. Condos tend to have amenities that you would not otherwise have access to if you live in a purely residential neighborhood or buy a standalone residence. Many offers pools, fitness centers, play areas and clubhouses. Some even have tennis and basketball courts on the premises or a community park. In addition, building maintenance, landscaping and grounds keeping is typically included with your Home Owners Association (HOA) fees, which means one less thing to worry about.
Additional costs. Speaking of HOA fees—while condos are often cheaper than standalone houses and townhouses, there is an additional annual cost for enjoying all the amenities and upkeep. Often times, there are many rules and regulations in place that are enforced via fines and additional fees. While you don’t have to worry about paying for the type of building maintenance you would on a standalone home, there can sometimes be expensive renovations or maintenance projects planned by the HOA. Make sure to ask about HOA fees, carefully examine your contract and read the recent meeting minutes to make sure there aren’t any outstanding maintenance issues or upcoming projects.
Ownership. Technically, a condo is a building consisting of several apartments that are owned individually—condo owners do not have any ownership to the land that the structure is located on. On the flip side, if you are looking at standalone homes for sale in Palm Desert and find one you want to buy, you will hold the title to the land it sits on.
The social benefits. In a condominium development, you will be in close proximity to your neighbors and share access areas that afford opportunities to meet your neighbors. This can be ideal for some, but for others who appreciate more privacy, this may not be the perfect scenario.
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Whether you live in the desert cities or are in town to look at real estate in Palm Springs, this in an enticing week to be in town because Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week is in full effect. It’s your chance to savor the flavor of Palm Springs via the more than 100 restaurants participating in this exciting culinary festival.
Founded in 2007, Palm Springs Restaurant Week showcases the spectrum of dining options available in the desert cities. While the event started with the participation of less than 30 restaurants, there are now more than 100 participating. The event was created by The Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week Association, a committee of local hoteliers, restaurateurs and other business leaders in the region, to promote the hospitality industry and tourism throughout the Coachella Valley. In addition to the special three-course, fixed price menu for just $26 or $38 per person, many other local businesses such as hotels, spas and attractions offer special packages and rates to provide an exceptional value during this unique event.
Already in full swing, the 10-day event started on May 30 and will continue through June 8. Delicious menus with signature dishes are handcrafted by local chefs at restaurants everywhere from Indio and Palm Desert to La Quinta and Rancho Mirage. If you’re a local resident, visiting from another city in Southern California or are in town to look at real estate in Palm Springs, this is the perfect time to get a “taste” of what the valley has to offer.
While you do not need to buy passes or tickets to attend any of the events of Palm Desert, it is strongly suggested that you make reservations in advance to make sure that you are able to get a table. You can call the restaurants directly or use the OpenTable.com links on the Palm Springs Restaurant Week website.
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The World Famous Bighorn Country Club
If you’re looking at Palm Desert real estate, you will definitely want to look at a gem of an area—Cahuilla Hills. Located off Highway 74 in South Palm Desert, 932 feet above sea level, this beautiful community provides one of the most serene and beautiful settings you can find in the Coachella Valley.
Cahuilla Hills’s stunning desert landscape provides gorgeous mountain and valley vistas that are hard to match. The 620 residences in the community feature a wide range of architectural designs and styles, as well as sizes and acreage. The non-gated development includes many unique properties, from exquisite luxury homes and vacation residences to rustic style ranches and equestrian properties on lots spanning five acres. This area of Palm Desert real estate is perfect for everyone from retirees and families to golfers, equestrians and horse owners. A huge benefit is that Cahuilla Hills is in very close proximity to Indio, which is the home of two renowned polo clubs, The Eldorado Polo Club and the Empire Polo Club, and the world-famous Shield’s Date Garden.
For golf lovers, the very exclusive Bighorn Golf Club is also very close by. The esteemed club features 366 holes of championship golf, in addition to a world class spa, state-of-the-art wellness center, and five star cuisine among its seven indoor and outdoor dining venues. Located at 45825 Edgehill Drive, the Cahuilla Hills Park is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike—approximately 26 acres of undeveloped, open space that features a picnic area, trails, a tennis court and four pickleball courts.
The spacious and picturesque setting of Cahuilla Hills provides privacy and sanctuary, while being just minutes away from the chic El Paseo Shopping District, art galleries and bevy of entertainment options that characterize Palm Springs. It’s the perfect property for anyone considering homes for sale in Palm Desert.
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