If you’re ready to put your Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert property on the market, then it’s time to prepare your house for all the prospective buyers that will come through it. While Palm Springs homes for sale are in demand, you still need to highlight your home’s strengths, while de-emphasizing its weaknesses. Try these home-staging tips to appeal to the widest range of potential buyers.
- Alleviate clutter. This is, by far, one of the most important things you can do maximize your home’s appeal. Often times, an owner will have one of the most beautiful Palm Springs homes for sale, but the cluttered look makes the property appear smaller and is too overwhelming for the potential buyer to see past. Avoid having too much furniture; in fact, get rid of whatever you don’t need. The house will appear much more spacious and you’ll streamline your own move.
- Establish the right lighting. Have you ever noticed how staged homes look so warm and inviting? Nine times out of ten, it’s due to great lighting. Increase the wattage in your fixtures and strive to have ambient, task and accent lighting in every room.
- Group furniture. A mistake that many amateurs make when selling a home is to push all the furniture against the walls to make the rooms appear bigger. A better route is to position furniture into conversation groupings and allow the pieces to indicate the room’s flow.
- Create the illusion of space. Two easy tricks that will maximize the size of a room are to paint it the same color as the room next to it, as well as the draperies or window treatments. This will make the rooms appear seamless and spacious. If you’re selling a Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert property with a patio, paint it green to make it blend and reflect the gorgeous colors outside.
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It’s easy to see why living in Palm Desert appeals to people of all ages and from all over the world. We could actually list about 500 reasons why buyers tell us they choose to purchase Palm Desert real estate, but instead we’re going to explain three of the most common reasons we hear from those who on the hunt for beautiful Palm Springs homes for sale.
1. It’s the perfect place to retire. Those who are over 55 and want to find the ideal community for their twilight years liken the Palm Desert community to paradise. The active lifestyle, gorgeous weather, championship golf courses and amazing tennis courts offer something for literally everyone. There are also many clubs and groups to join, as well as special events for residents to get to know each other. In addition, there is a multitude of exciting golf tournaments with celebrities, pro golfers and amateurs, to both watch and participate in.
2. There are activities for everyone in the family. Another draw of Palm Desert real estate are the wide-ranging outdoor and indoor activities the desert communities offer. The beautiful parks are perfect for playing sports or skateboarding, as well as gathering with friends and family for picnics and barbecues. Swimmers can get their fix at the Olympic-sized pool at the renowned Palm Desert Aquatic Center. Excellent spas are ubiquitous and Desert Hot Springs is nearby, for those who enjoy the properties of its world famous healing waters. Hikers, runners and cyclers can challenge themselves on of the many trails surrounded by stunning mountain views. For the small kids in the family, Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland are only about an hour away.
3. The vibrant culture and shopping. The incredible McCallum Theatre offers a broad array of shows and performances that encompass everything you can imagine, from The Nutcracker and musical performances by Grammy award-winning artists, to Broadway musicals and productions for children. In addition, Palm Desert is renowned as ones of the best shopping destinations in California, a feature that nearly everyone who’s looking for Palm Springs homes for sale mentions. Upscale shopping can be found at El Paseo Drive, aka the Rodeo Drive of the desert, and the premium designer outlet shopping is unparalleled.
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Whether you’re trying to sell Indio or Palm Desert real estate, or simply want to upgrade your property, there are definite advantages to making improvements to your home. Here are some tips for getting started.
Spend some time with a professional. One of the easiest ways to get ideas for improving your property is to hire an interior designer, decorator or professional organizer for a consultation. Having a professional come in and look at your home with a fresh, objective eye helps you to see what you can do to maximize your space. They can provide you with a multitude of ideas for making improvements, and show you how to improve the flow of your house. We had a client recently do this for their Palm Desert real estate property, and they received so many great ideas, they didn’t even know where to start!
Get inspected. Not all upgrades and improvements are necessarily cosmetic. If you don’t know something needs fixing, it could turn into a worse problem or negatively impact the price if you decide to sell later. Have an inspector come in and do a thorough evaluation of your property so that you know what you are working with. Even a small plumbing issue can turn into a large, expensive one, so better to be safe than sorry—have your property looked at now in its entirety. If you have a pool, which is a commonality among owners of Indio real estate properties, have that inspected as well.
Get your landscaping in check. Assess your landscaping with a discerning eye and see what needs to be updated. If your lawns or overgrown or have “bald spots,” get that taken care of! When you’re an owner of Palm Desert real estate, you want to stay on top of your landscape, as the lifestyle focuses heavily on the outdoors. When you try to sell your house, the potential buyers will most likely survey the yard in detail, as they may plan to spend a lot of time there. Get a head start and hire someone to trim the hedges and clean up the lawns, and then plant bushes, trees and flowers so that your first impression on both guests and prospective buyers is always stellar.
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While weekend two of the Coachella Music and Arts Annual Festival will be in full swing at the Empire Polo Club this weekend, there are still plenty of other things to do if you’re in town to relax or check out Palm Springs homes for sale. Below are just a few of the myriad activities to keep your occupied and entertained on this beautiful weekend in the desert.
On Thursday, April 17 from 6 to 8 pm, the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert will host the Palm Desert Art Documentary Series 2013-2014: Stolen. The film tells the powerful story of how on St. Patrick’s Day in 1990, thieves disguised as police pulled off the largest art heist in modern history at the Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the co-founder of the FBI Art Crime Team, Lynne Richardson.
On Thursday and Friday from 7 to 9 pm, Saturday the 19th from 2 to 4 pm, the McCallum Theatre—a must-see for those looking at Palm Springs homes for sale—will feature the 16th Annual Open Call Talent Competition, where the Coachella Valley’s best performers of all ages perform in an exciting and colorful talent competition that is always a sold out event. Winners will be chosen at the dynamic final performances on Saturday.
On Saturday from 5 to 10 pm the Desert Willow Golf Resort will host Classic Cars Under the Stars, an auto/motorcycle show with live music and great dining. To round out the diverse slate of events, the Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center will feature Free Entrance Days to National Parks on both Saturday and Sunday. It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sights of this amazing park that is a must-see for anyone visiting or living in the Palm Springs Valley.
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Palm Desert Real Estate
When you own Palm Desert real estate or a home in one of the other desert cities, it makes sense to consider adding a pool to your property. It’s an excellent way to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and laid-back lifestyle that epitomizes the Palm Springs Valley.
While a pool doesn’t always guarantee added value to your property, there are several ways that it can increase your home’s value. For example, if you live in an upscale community and your neighbors have pools, it will most likely increase the value of your Palm Desert real estate. In fact, if you don’t have a pool and all your neighbors do, it can actually make your property more difficult to sell.
Typically, when you live in a warmer climate, such as the Palm Springs Valley, Arizona, Hawaii or Florida, buyers will expect and want a pool. Again, while there’s no guarantee of a return on your investment, chances are that the value of your home will increase. If your lot is large enough to accommodate a pool with space left over for a garden or play area, etc., then buyers may expect a pool and therefore may factor the installation of one into their budget, which can make your home for sale less desirable to them.
Other factors that affect the way a pool can influence buyers is its style and condition. Is it a modern pool or old school style? Is it well-maintained and is its upkeep affordable? How old is the pool—was it installed 20 years ago or two years ago? The younger the pool, the more value it will add, as an older pool may need updates or repairs that could actually decrease the property value.
Only the homeowner can really determine if installing a pool is right for them—it can definitely enhance the joy and relaxation you experience at home, no matter when you plan to sell, which is worth every dime.
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Buyers of all ages are snapping up Palm Desert real estate like crazy this year. It’s the fastest growing city in the Palm Springs Valley and is ideally located to take advantage of all the cool amenities that the other desert cities have to offer. Palm Desert is the perfect place to retire, yet it’s also a great place for professionals, new couples and families to move. The school system features truly exceptional private and public schools, and the crime rate in Palm Desert is very low—in fact, Palm Desert is ranked as one of the safest cities in California.
Read on for three reasons why Palm Desert real estate is in such demand.
1. The lifestyle. Living in Palm Desert feels like being on vacation all year long. Whether you want to go on a shopping spree at chic local boutiques or designer outlets, explore fine dining options, pamper yourself with spa services or enjoy a round of golf, you’ve got a bevy of amazing options when you live in Palm Desert.
2. The great outdoors. The Palm Springs Valley feels like summer nearly all year long, which means you’ve got plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. Joshua Tree National Park is a short drive away, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lets you climb to gorgeous mountain vistas and there are exclusive country clubs, impeccable golf courses, championship tennis, cycling, horseback riding and more to enjoy. From taking a walk through the beautiful Morten’s Botanical Gardens to hiking the Indian Canyons, you’ll never run out of outdoor activities to take part in.
3. The Pulse. Palm Desert boasts a thriving arts community with a serious pulse. The culture and entertainment options are endless, from championship golf tournaments and award-winning art festivals to world-renowned film festivals in nearby Palm Springs.
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Are you in town to look at international real estate opportunities? Have you always dreamed of owning Palm Desert real estate? Whether you want to retire in Palm Springs, own a vacation home here or enjoy the beautiful weather all year long, there are always plenty of recreational activities to do that make the lifestyle so enjoyable. For entertainment lovers and culture aficionados, this week is exemplary of the wide-ranging options at your fingertips when you reside in the beautiful Palm Springs Valley.
On Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26, the McCallum Theatre will feature Alfred Uhry’s classic play, Driving Miss Daisy. Set during the civil rights era and the days of Jim Crow, this timeless piece tells the story of Miss Daisy and her newly hired chauffeur, Hoke, as they take an unforgettable journey through a transformation in American society. This iconic play won the Pulitzer Prize and the film version, starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, received several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
On Thursday, March 27 from 8 to 10 pm, acclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti returns to the McCallum Theatre by popular demand to share his smooth jazz sound. Located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, the McCallum Theatre is a favorite among those who own Palm Desert real estate and a must-see for anyone considering buying a home in the area.
Another cool thing to check out this week if you’re in town visiting or are here to look at international real estate properties is the American Documentary Film Festival. The festival is a unique event that is quickly becoming the largest documentary festival and market on the West Coast. In 2013, MovieMaker magazine called it “One of the World’s Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” and “One of the World’s Five Coolest Documentary Film Festivals.” The festival runs from Thursday, March 27 through Monday, March 31.
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It feels like spring break in Palm Springs—but there’s always a relaxed, laidback vibe in the Coachella Valley, which is exactly why so many prospective buyers seek Palm Desert real estate and visitors from abroad look for international real estate opportunities in the area. The gorgeous sunny weather and diverse arts and entertainment opportunities make it such an appealing place to live, visit and play in—check out this week’s lineup for a perfect example.
On Thursday, from March 20 from 6 to 8 pm, the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert will host a screening from the Palm Desert Art Documentary Series 2013-2014: Inocente. The documentary is a vibrant and inspiring coming-of-age story about a young artist who never gives up her dreams, despite being homeless as an undocumented immigrant. There will be a Q&A afterwards with one of the filmmakers. This series is a great example of the incredible cultural opportunities that are available to those who live in the area and own Palm Desert real estate.
Also on Thursday, there will be an outdoor concert at the Desert Willow Golf Resort from 6 to 9 pm: Music & Dining Under the Stars: Chris Compton, featuring live jazz and a French buffet. The Desert Willow Golf Resort is located at 38-995 Desert Willow Drive in Palm Desert. In addition, the McCallum Theatre will feature an exciting, one-of-a-kind concert: Celebrate the Best of Broadway! The performance, which takes place from 8 to 10 pm, features an array of Broadway favorites performed by some of Broadway’s new stars: Susan Egan, Lisa Vroman and Doug LaBrecque. Attending one of these exciting shows is the perfect way for those in town to view international real estate opportunities to get a taste of the cultural life here and all that the Palm Springs Valley has to offer.
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It feels like summer this week in Palm Springs—there is so much going on for locals, visitors and those in town viewing Palm Desert real estate or international real estate opportunities to enjoy. Activities for the famed BNP Paribas Open start today, Monday, March 3 and continue through Sunday, March 16. Located at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, this world class tennis tournaments is one of the largest and most prestigious in the world.
Tonight from 8 to 10, the McCallum Theatre will host A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, which features many of Ella’s original big band arrangements performed by Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra along with regional musicians and Kim Nazarian, the New York Voices’ co-founder. The McCallum is a must-see for anyone interested in buying Palm Desert real estate.
The Festival of Native Film & Culture begins Tuesday, March 4 and runs through Sunday, March 9. A signature cultural program of Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, this highly regarded film festival presents the best screenings of works featuring Native Americans and other indigenous peoples from across the globe. Screenings will be followed by Q&As with some of the cast, directors and other filmmakers in attendance. The event takes place at Camelot Theatres, located at 2300 E Baristo Road in Palm Springs. Also on Tuesday, from 8 to 10 pm, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino will host Will Ferrell’s Desert Showdown with Nelly featuring Boyz II Men.
On Wednesday, March 5 from 8 to 10 pm, the McCallum Theatre will feature Gene Kelly – The Legacy. Biographer and film historian Patricia Ward Kelly shares an intimate, behind-the-scenes account of her late husband Gene Kelly, including both rare and familiar film clips, never released audio recordings, memorabilia, and more.
Click here to view listings of international real estate opportunities in the Coachella Valley.
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Whether you’re in the market for international real estate, a beach cottage, condos or Palm Desert real estate, there are a few rules that you should never, ever break. While they aren’t actual “rules,” like there are with mortgages and some of the other financial aspects associated with buying a home, these are guidelines that should be looked at as best practices, especially for those who are new to the real estate game. Read on for three that we think are very important to keep in mind.
- Always work with a professional. Buying a home or international real estate is one of the most sizeable transactions you may ever make, and is something you will probably only do a few times in your lifetime. It’s essential to have a realtor or agent in your corner to help you navigate everything from negotiating with sellers and identifying the right neighborhoods for your family to getting through the closing process and finding local contractors. Working with a real estate professional can save you money in the long run.
- Don’t make an offer before you’re pre-approved. One of the first steps you should take, even before you actually start viewing homes, is to get pre-approved by a lender so you can determine what your budget truly is. They will evaluate your credit and financials to let you know the extent of your purchasing power, and can provide pre-approval letters for you to show sellers how qualified and serious you are about buying their Palm Desert real estate.
- Prepare to put down earnest money. It is usually required to put down a deposit when you make an offer—not a down payment, but an amount that is around one to two percent of the purchase price, though this number can vary, depending on the location. Coupled with pre-approval letters, this shows sellers how serious you are and vets you as a legitimate candidate.
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