Coachella Valley Real Estate By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!
Coachella Valley Properties By Kimberley, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
Residential, Equestrian, Land
I Do Real Estate The Same Way I Played Polo – To Win!

Palm Desert

Ways to show your Palm Desert real estate

Showcase your homeWhen you’re working towards selling your Palm Desert real estate, it’s important to understand how critical showing your property is to getting it sold. It’s very important to work with a seasoned agent who understands what buyers want and knows how to showcase your property in its best light. When you own beautiful luxury property such as La Quinta real estate or a stunning home in Indian Wells, it’s easy to believe it will sell itself. Yet to get the best price, you should display your property’s best features so it will appeal to the widest pool of potential buyers.

Here are a few ways to best showcase your home:

Open Houses. The majority of open houses take place on the weekends, primarily on Sunday afternoons as most people have the least amount of obligations and are free from work. It gives sellers a block of time for a greater number of prospective buyers to see their Indian Wells or La Quinta real estate property all at once. Buyers like open houses because it allows them to shop around without committing to an agent or realtor.

Private showings. When a buyer views your property and is serious about it, they may request or you may want to offer the opportunity for a private showing. While you will need to maintain staging condition to make the most of this situation, it gives buyers a chance to ask questions and not be distracted or feel pressure due to others viewing it at the same time.

Online listings. Thanks to the internet, we can now expand our market exponentially with online listings that people anywhere with internet access can view. This is a tremendous opportunity as the international real estate market continues to heat up. Make sure to include as many photos as possible at as many angles as you can think of.

Lock box. Often times, both buyers and sellers are unavailable on the weekends. If this is the case, a lock box may be the answer. Having one outside the house for agents to access makes it possible to have your property shown when you are out of town or otherwise unavailable.

With a little coordination and forethought, you’ll be on your way toward selling your property and looking for your own next dream home. If you’re interested in browsing Palm Desert real estate, click here for some phenomenal listings.

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Classics and Cabaret

Cabaret and ClassicsThis weekend will blow the minds of visitors to Coachella Valley, from tourists to those seeking luxury properties for international real estate transactions. From brilliant cabaret performances paying homage to classic icons such as Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe to rock and roll greats The Beach Boys, there will be something for every member of the family to enjoy. If you’re visiting from out of town or are in the market for Palm Desert real estate, any one of these events will be the perfect complement to Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week, the exciting culinary event that’s currently taking place throughout Coachella Valley.

On Friday, June 7, the Annenberg Theater will host the live musical production of Upright Cabaret’s Leather and Lace. This exciting example of vibrant musical theater takes place in the 1970s… “a time of fragile love and acoustic guitar.” The Upright Band performs retro hits of with newfound soul against a multimedia backdrop that sets the stage with memories of the greats. The show runs from 8 to 10 pm.

Also on Friday night, singer-songwriter Jewel will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino, a favorite of those who live nearby, such as owners of Rancho Mirage, La Quinta and Palm Desert real estate. Jewel has received four Grammy Award nominations and sold over 27 million albums worldwide, and always gives a dynamic, haunting performance. The show will run from 9 to 11 pm. Friday night also brings a performance from iconic rockers, The Beach Boys. This concert takes place at Morongo Casino in Cabazon from 9 to 11 pm.

On Sunday, June 9, from 2 to 4 pm, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 will feature “Ladies of Hollywood” starring Diane Pancel at the Arthur Newman Theatre in Palm Desert. This lively performance pays tribute to Hollywood legends Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland. The show is directed by Jason Graae with John Randall as Musical Director.

If you’re in the market for luxury properties or are browsing the international real estate market, click here to view some remarkable listings of properties throughout Palm Springs Valley.

image: palmspringslife.com

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A sample of summer programming in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Art museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum

This week marks the beginning of some of the incredible summer programs that take place in Palm Springs each year. Whether you’re a longtime resident, an owner of Palm Desert real estate or are a visitor interested in the luxury international real estate market, you’re sure to enjoy some of the offerings taking place. Here are two diverse programs that start this week in Coachella Valley.

The Summer Film Series at the Palm Springs Art Museum. As part of its wide-ranging community programming, the beloved Palm Springs Art Museum often presents free film screenings at the Annenberg Theater, which have become a favorite among the varied offerings by the desert communities. This Thursday, June 6 at 6 pm, the 2013 Global Lens foreign film series from the Global Film Initiative commences with About 111 Girls. Curated by the Palm Springs International Film Society, the series features 10 thought-provoking films followed by five classic comedies. With its global focus and diverse offerings, this series will be ideal for those visiting in hopes of finding luxury international real estate properties. Attendees are advised to arrive early to ensure admission, as these screenings are very popular and quickly fill up. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum website for more information.

For those with children or grandchildren, the Palm Springs Art Museum offers Museum Art Camp 2013, from June 25 through July 19. On Tuesdays through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, children ages 3 through 12 can make an exciting artistic journey with creative hands-on projects and adventurous experiences throughout the museum gallery. Presented by a team of experienced museum educators and visiting artists, Museum Art Camp allows children to forge personal connections to art through hands-on learning. Classes take place in the museum’s galleries and art studios—and yes, they’re air-conditioned. To register a child, call Irene N. Rodríguez at 760.322.4837.

If the community activities are yet another reason you’re inspired to move to Palm Springs, click here to browse some amazing Palm Desert real estate listings.

image: labibse.com

 

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Flowers, Sangria and a tribute to Liberace

Memorial Day Flower Drop

The Memorial Day Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum

We have a lot of exciting things going on this Memorial Day weekend. If you’re interested in checking out Palm Springs homes for sale, then this may is the perfect weekend to do so!

On Friday, May 24 at the JJ&A Pop Up Gallery, there will be an evening of Exposed Soul, Live Art, Jazz and Sangria, featuring live art from Demar Douglas, along with works by Jeff Ingram and Chris Redman, accompanied by some lovely Jazz. The event will featuring works by Tyree Jessie, sculptures by Snake Jagger and some awesome Sangria! 20 percent of all sales will be donated to the Desert Aids Project. The show runs from 6 to 9 pm and the gallery is located in Palm Springs at 687 North Palm Canyon, Suite A on the first floor.

On Saturday, May 25, the legendary band, The Guess Who, will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino from 8 to 10 pm.

On Sunday, May 26, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 continues with Abrams Sings Abrams: Jan Abrams Sings The Victor Abrams Songbook at the Arthur Newman Theatre.
from 2 to 4 pm. Also on Sunday, May 26, from 6 to 8 pm, there will be A Palm Springs Tribute to Liberace, a fun-filled evening and party at the location of Behind the Candelabra in Palm Springs, with special guest star actress and longtime friend of Liberace, Debbie Reynolds.

On Monday, May 27, a favorite of residents and those who own homes in Palm Desert takes place—the Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This very special memorial includes a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell. The Memorial Program and Flower Drop are scheduled for 1 pm.

Click here to get a head start on your search by browsing listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.

image: nbclosangeles.com 

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3 Real estate tips for this year—Part 1

Homes for saleYou may have read or heard by now that the real estate market is finally thawing. The international real estate market is definitely heating up, and with fewer distressed properties in the system, vacancy rates are falling and demand is slowly starting catching up with supply, which may lead to a rise in prices.

We’ve seen demand continue in the Palm Desert real estate market, and there’s currently no indication of it slowing down. If your interest is piqued, whether you’re a buyer or seller, this series is perfect for you—we’ll share tips for making the most of the real estate market during the rest of this year. Here are a few to get you started.

Tip 1: Vet your team. One of the most important players on your team will be your real estate agent or realtor, followed by your attorney, inspector, appraiser and title company. Get referrals, look them up on websites that provide reviews of their services, and check references. You may even want to go as far as to look them up on the Better Business Bureau website, especially if you’re in the international real estate market and have few, if any, local contacts in the area you’re looking to buy or sell in. Do your research thoroughly.

Tip 2: Get some marketing savvy. If you’re selling, make sure to give your agent free reign to market your property in a wide array of venues and give them stellar materials to work with. Take great photos, and take lots of them—hit every angle you can with a quality camera and get creative. If you have a gorgeous piece of Palm Desert real estate you’re trying to sell, make sure to use the landscape as a setting to appeal to those looking for a luxurious, relaxing lifestyle. If the real estate professional you hire wants to use Twitter, Facebook or any other social networking sites to market your house, by all means, let them.  If you’re a buyer, seek out nontraditional ways of finding properties as well as the mainstream outlets so that you can maximize your options and get as much knowledge about the market as possible.

Tip 3. Make a good impression. The majority of buyers start their search online, so make sure your property is represented in its best light and so that it’s most appealing features are highlighted (use the methods described in tip 2). You may even want to take it a step further and hire a professional photographer to create an upscale and attractive presentation, as well as one that is accurate. If you’re a buyer, don’t skim the listings while multitasking—sit down and spend some quality time checking listings out thoroughly. Your time isn’t lost even if you decide not to check out a property in person—you’ll gain solid knowledge of what you can get for the money and will learn what your deal breakers are.

Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

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Music, a swim and a wildflower wonderland

Joshua Tree Music Festival

The Joshua Tree Music Festival

There is so much to do this weekend! Locals and tourists who are thinking about making a move in international real estate have a slate of fun activities in store for them, whether they’re outdoor lovers, music aficionados or fans of cabaret.

From Friday May 17 through May19, the Joshua Tree Music Festival will take place at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground. Two Joshua Tree Music Festivals are produced annually by a family of friends who strive to enrich life with music in an intimate setting, where the distinction between the artists and the audience is blurred. This unique festival is absolutely unforgettable! Visit JoshuaTreeMusicFestival.com for more information.

On Saturday, May 18, from 8 am – 2:30 pm, the National Monument Visitor Center will be the starting point for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Wildflower Wonderland Walk, a moderate five mile trek through chaparral and Pinyon Pine/Juniper woodland. RSVPs are required. For more information, call 760.862.9984.

Also on Saturday, the magnificent Palm Desert Aquatic Center will host its Swim to Win event, with swim lessons taught by Olympic Champions. It’s perfect for the entire family, and a favorite among those who live in or own homes in Palm Desert. Participants can join the water safety event, ride a water slide or dive off a high dive and get an autograph from an Olympic medalist! This event will be very exciting for tourists and visitors considering international real estate transactions in Palm Springs. Hours of the event are 9 am to 5 pm.

Saturday night, Il Divo, a cosmopolitan quartet of pop/opera crossover singers formed by reality TV start Simon Cowell, will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino from 8 to 10 pm. The venue is located at 84-825 Indio Springs Parkway in Indio.

Las but not least, on Sunday, Sunday, May 19 from 2-4 pm, the Sundays in Sumer Cabaret Series 2013 will continue with Gia Morra in I Won’t Dance at the Arthur Newman Theatre. Ms. Morra will explore music film and Broadway with Musical director Charlie Barnett.

If these events get you excited about what a Palm Springs lifestyle has to offer, click here to find listings of homes in Palm Desert.

image: sean naugle at joshuatreemusicfestival.com  

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A week filled with music

Music in Palm Springs

The legendary Tony Bennett

This week is filled with spectacular art and cultural activities for visitors, residents and owners of real estate in Indian Wells, La Quinta and other parts of Palm Springs to enjoy. From the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival to the Joshua Tree Music Festival and a whole lot of cool concerts in between, there is literally something for everyone to enjoy.

ag On Thursday, May 16, from 7:30 – 9:00 pm, the Concerts in the Park series will continue with an enchanting performance by Jasmine Fields, playing New Country music. This concert series is a favorite of locals and owners of homes in Palm Desert, as it takes place in the incredible Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater, a gorgeous hot spot for live music. These free concerts under the stars are sponsored by the City of Palm Desert. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets to fully take advantage of this outdoor musical adventure.

Also on Thursday, May 16, the legendary Tony Bennett will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. This is an exciting appearance, as Mr. Bennett has won 17 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and has sold more than 50 million records worldwide. The concert will take place from 9 – 11 pm.

On Friday, May 17, the Morongo Casino Resort, a favorite for those who live nearby in homes in Palm Desert, will host some exciting performances! American pop rock band Huey Lewis and the News will perform from 9 – 11 pm. Lewis achieved worldwide fame with hits including The Power of Love and The Heart of Rock & Roll. Also performing that night, from 10:30 pm to 12:30 am, is Anthem.

There are even more fun events slated for the weekend, so stay tuned to our upcoming blog posts. If you’re in the area and interested in checking out real estate in Indian Wells, La Quinta and other parts of Palm Springs, click here to browse some of our amazing listings.

image: tonybennett.com

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Put a little noir in your week

This week marks an exciting and unique cultural event that is exclusive to Palm Springs—the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival. Founded in 2000, this homage to the noir genre includes an eclectic and scintillating range of classic film noir “B” movies. This innovative festival draws visitors from all over the world, and is a favorite among those in town who are considering international real estate transactions in Palm Springs Valley, as well as residents, owners of real estate in Palm Desert, and other visitors.

This unique film festival was created by Arthur Lyons, the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader. The lineup features a broad range of landmark and obscure vintage films, accompanied by an exciting array of movie stars who appear on stage for Q&A discussions, autographs and book signings after the screenings. Each year, the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival showcases the best of film noir, laden with everything from crime and suspense to period post war cynicism and sexuality portrayed from the perspective of the criminals.

There is no better opportunity to view such glorious black and white films than this amazing festival. The event starts on Thursday, May 16 and runs through Sunday, May 19. Some of the many highlights include a rare screening of Mary Ryan, Detective, as well as Bury Me Dead, featuring a guest appearance by June Lockhart, Cry of the City, with an appearance by Tommy Cook, He Ran All the Way, with an appearance by Julie Garfield and A Hatful of Rain with appearance by Don Murray, among other exciting screenings. The festival will open with Director Jean Negulesco’s underappreciated classic film noir, Three Strangers.

If you’ve been following our posts over the weeks, you’ve probably grown intrigued with all the cultural happenings in Palm Springs Valley. If you’re ready to make a move, whether it’s an international real estate transaction or you’re a native Californian interested in real estate in Palm Desert, we’ve got beautiful listings that are sure to enchant anyone who likes the area. Click here to browse some of the beautiful properties that are currently available.

image: arthurlyonsfilmnoir.ning.com

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A weekend of art and cabaret

The Art Party in Palm Springs

We’ve got another exciting weekend lineup for visitors, residents and lucky owners of real estate in Indian Wells, La Quinta and Palm Desert. Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day or just want to unwind and relax this weekend, you’ll find some awesome opportunities for brunch, to take in some gorgeous art, or experience a Sunday at the cabaret.

On Saturday, May 11, there will be a guided public art tour on El Paseo, led by a trained docent who will take you through the amazing sculptures of the El Paseo Exhibition. You’ll learn pertinent facts and gain killer insight into the Palm Desert public art collection. The tour meets at the northeast corner of El Paseo and Highway 74, and takes place from 10 to 11 am. A look at this amazing collection will inspire art lovers and make them feel so much at home, they’ll be looking at homes for sale in Palm Desert as soon as they have a chance.

On Sunday, May 12, the Art Party ’13 Palm Springs will take place at the Palm Springs Art Museum. It’s an awesome chance to try paint, sculpt, try printmaking or sketch in the galleries. You can also watching a potter work at the wheel, view some art films and listen to stories filled with art. The event takes place from 11 am to 4 pm.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Mother’s Day, the beautiful Desert Willow Golf Resort is hosting an awesome Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch from 11 am to 2:30 pm. A smorgasbord of international culinary delights coupled with seating on the outdoor terrace overlooking stunning, sweeping views of the Coachella Valley is the perfect way to enjoy the day.

Also on Sunday, May 12, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 will continue at the Arthur Newman theatre with “Tin Pans and Rags,” starring Michael Holmes, Francesca Amari & Joel Baker on Piano. This lively retrospective of Tin Pan Alley & Ragtime music runs from 2 – 4 pm.

If this taste of our dynamic arts culture and recreational activities has you interested in moving to the Coachella Valley, click here to browse some of our listings of beautiful homes for sale in Palm Desert and real estate in Indian Wells.

image: psmuseum.org

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Staying cool in warm weather

Nighttime view from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

While the weather in Palm Springs does get warm and dry in the summertime, there are still plenty of things to do and fun activities that will keep you cool in the desert cities. Here are some great ideas that owners of homes for sale in Palm Desert shared with us.

Absorb some culture. There are some amazing museums that visitors and those who own real estate in Rancho Mirage, Indio and La Quinta consistently rave about. The Palm Springs Air museum offers an amazing, family-friendly experience for viewing one of the country’s largest collections of World War II flying aircraft. In addition, this unique museum offers special programs for children throughout the summer.

You can also get your culture fix is to take a docent tour of the world-class Palm Springs Art Museum, where you can view everything from Classic Western American Art and Studio Art Glass, to Modern and Contemporary American works. Another cool choice is the Aqua Caliente Cultural Museum, which features exhibitions that portray the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other indigenous people.

Get a view from above. A favorite thing to do for visitors, residents and owners of real estate in Rancho Mirage and the surrounding areas is to take a trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is a fun way to cool down while watching the world from above. During the summer, there are options available to buy passes for unlimited rides. Temperatures are usually 20-30 degrees cooler at the top than in the desert valley.

Go on an evening adventure. There are plenty of options for exploring the desert at night, from moonlight hikes and visits inside the hillside windmills, to off-road tours of the San Andreas Fault or a climb among Joshua Tree National Park’s eerie moonscapes.

Click here to take a look at some of our listings of homes for sale in Palm Desert.

image: pstramway.com 

 

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