The first half of 2014 has seen a lot of real estate sales—and according to our local Palm Springs area short sale expert, the valley has seen many as well. What’s happening throughout the country is that a lot of buyers are purchasing homes at depressed price levels. According to the National Association of Realtors, short sale transactions made up between 45 and 50 percent of all home sales during February of this year.
While it sounds exciting and like something you can’t afford to miss, it’s important to be very careful while navigating a short sale, as they can be trickier than a normal home purchase. Often times, due to the common occurrence of complications, short sales can take longer than other transactions to close. If you are looking for homes in the Coachella Valley, a Palm Springs area short sale expert will be instrumental in the process and can make it much less stressful.
A short sale is when a home is sold for less than the amount of money owed on it. It’s often confused with a foreclosure, which is when you buy a property that is owned by the bank. As you can imagine, this can be an amazing deal for buyers. It can also help sellers avoid having a full foreclosure on their record. It can be tricky, however, as the lenders involved will need to approve the deal—and they will be taking less than the total amount that the owner needs to pay off their mortgage. In the flip side, if they don’t agree, they may receive no payment at all. Yet many times short sales move slower than molasses and can fall through altogether.
Finding a great short sale deal can take a lot of patience, luck and the help of a real estate professional with expertise in short sales. For best results, do your research and keep your eyes wide open.
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If you’ve been considering homes for sale in the Palm Springs Valley, this is a great weekend to visit. Whether you’re a music fan or an avid foodie, this is the perfect time to fall in love with the desert cities.
On Thursday, May 29 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm, the beautiful Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater will host Concerts in the Park: Palm Desert High School Band, playing Jazz ensemble. Presented by the City of Palm Desert, these free concerts under the stars is an incredible way to enjoy the beautiful weather with your friends and loved ones.
From Friday, May 30 through June 8, the exciting Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week will be in full swing. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience some of the Valley’s most renowned restaurants and try out new, delicious cuisine. Many of the participating restaurants will offer specially priced three-course meals prepared by some of the region’s most acclaimed chefs. In addition, an array of Palm Springs hotels and attractions are offering special rates this week to make your visits that much more enjoyable. This popular event is an excellent way to get a taste of the area if you’re in town to look at homes for sale in the Palm Springs Valley.
On Saturday, May 31 from 8 to 10 pm, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino will feature The Greatest Love of All – The Whitney Houston Tribute. The popular venue is located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive in luxurious and beautiful Rancho Mirage. On Sunday, June 1 from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre will host Warren Delange in: “Swingin’ The Dream” paying homage to his father, lyricist and bandleader Eddie DeLange. Mr, DeLange was well-known for writing songs for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. The Arthur Newman Theatre is located at the Joslyn Center, 73750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert.
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The breathtaking beauty of Joshua Tree National Park
It’s easy to understand why Palm Springs homes for sale are in such demand. The weather in Coachella Valley is amazing, and the lifestyle makes residents and owners of luxury properties in Indio, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage wax poetic about feeling like they’re on vacation every single day of the year.
Below are three reasons owners of luxury properties in Indio and other parts of Palm Springs Valley recommend living in one of the vibrant desert cities:
1. The best outdoor activities. The Palm Springs Valley offer stunning views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges, which make perfect backdrops for the myriad hiking and cycling trails throughout the entire region. In addition, Palm Springs boasts some of the top golf courses in the country, as well as a multitude of tennis courts such as the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home of the BNP Paribas Open. There are also many great areas for horseback riding and swimming, such as the beautiful Olympic-sized pool at the Palm Desert Aquatic Park.
2. The best attractions. Palm Springs boasts a wide range of stellar attractions, and is very close to Joshua Tree National Park. Palm Springs is home to the renowned Palm Springs Art Museum, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the breathtaking Moorten Botanical Gardens and incredible wildlife at The Living Desert. The unique Palm Springs Air Museum is dedicated to the restoration, preservation and operation of America’s legendary fighters, bombers and trainers, and the Palm Springs Walk of Stars pays homage to some of the amazing Hollywood Stars who lived in this gorgeous oasis, from Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Liberace and Marilyn Monroe to Rudolf Valentino, Clark Gable, Shirley Temple and former presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, among many others.
3. The best things to do. From streets filled with unique and chic shopping boutiques to an abundance of fine dining options, there is something to do every day in Palm Springs. Incredible art galleries, resort spas and free concerts under the stars are just a few of the many things to do in the desert cities. In addition, the world famous Palm Springs International Film Festival takes place every January, and there is a plethora of other art, film, music and cultural festivals happening all year long.
Sold yet? If so, click here to browse listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.
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Many buyers travel from all over the world to look at luxury international real estate opportunities in the Palm Springs Valley. Luxury living appeals to a wide-ranging pool of buyers, especially in a laidback environment with a mild climate like you’ll find in the desert cities—the region is the perfect place to live year round, retire or own a vacation home.
If want to invest in luxury international real estate, there are many important things to consider to make sure that such a purchase fits into your lifestyle. If you enjoy travel and are planning for this to be a second or vacation home, choosing a popular vacation destination such as the Palm Springs Valley is an excellent idea, as you will have a place to go where you always feel like you’re on vacation. Choose one of your favorite places to stay so that you and your family can congregate there during the holidays or spend the high season there.
If you’re selling a luxury property, make sure to price it properly. Find a realtor who is experienced in luxury transactions so they can help you determine favorable pricing based on recent sales and listings of other comparables. Perform thorough research regarding recently listed properties for sale so you can get a good understanding of the local market.
If your listing is truly a luxury property, prospective buyers should be able to walk in and feel what sets your home apart from those that are not considered luxury. This is another area where a seasoned real estate professional can make a serious difference, as they can help you get a realistic foothold on your property and its attributes. In addition, a good realtor will help you keep a handle on this rapidly changing market so you can stay in alignment with the evolving demand and expectations from buyers and adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.
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We know it can be all about location—especially for those of you who have chosen to search for Palm Springs homes for sale. Yet each community is different and has its own pros and cons that are specific to each buyer. What’s right for one family may not be right for another, so it’s important to determine in advance what you need from the community you live in so that you can factor that into your search and make your realtor aware of your needs. Read on for a few elements to consider.
Determine your deal breakers. Whether you’re buying on your own or with a spouse/partner, you should sit down and write a list of the things you need and what you want from a home. Figure out which things you cannot live without so you know what your deal breakers are. For example, some families, especially those searching for Palm Springs homes for sale, really want a home with a pool or yard so they can enjoy the outdoors. Others may be looking for a particular style of architecture or number of bedrooms. Figure out what matters most for you.
The Commute. A major consideration for many buyers is the commute they will have to work, school and other places they and other family members need to go on a regular basis. Think about your parameters for the longest amount of time you’re willing to spend in the car and factor that into your list.
Amenities. Many move to the Palm Springs Valley so they can enjoy some of the myriad amenities available, such as golf, tennis, shopping, fine dining, nightlife, cultural options and spa services. If you love the great outdoors or you have children who like to play sports, you may want to live in close proximity to pools and parks, as well as golf and tennis courts, hiking trails, and any other outdoor activities that your family enjoys.
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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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Spring is officially here, and whether you just bought your dream house or are trying to sell your gorgeous Indio real estate, planting a spring garden is a great way to beautify your property and enhance its curb appeal. Since we’re already experiencing beautiful sunny weather in the Palm Springs Valley—which we get to enjoy nearly all year long—now is the perfect time to get started. The good news is, gardening is easy to do, even for beginners. Read on for some tips for planting a beautiful spring garden.
Container gardens. While container gardens are some of the easiest for beginners to plant, the payoffs are significant—they can easily spruce up a patio, terrace, windowsill or deck. Try filling containers such as pots, planter boxes and hanging baskets with flowers that will overflow and brighten up the environment. If you own Indio real estate, you can also group cactus plants of different sizes to infuse some desert landscape into the mix, or cluster plants of different shapes on a potting table for a unique look.
Greenhouses. While they may sound like a daunting project, greenhouses are actually easy to maintain once installed. However, if you live in an arid climate like the Palm Springs Valley, you must make sure your greenhouse is well-ventilated and stick to a consistent fertilization and watering schedule.
Watering. When you live in the desert, a regular watering schedule is essential for healthy plants and to prevent them from drying out. Establish a regular system and keep a hose and watering can easily accessible at all times.
Get creative. If you have a little experience with gardening, why not take your landscape to another level with a rose garden? Or if you have a courtyard, fill clustered plants in antique pots on an outdoor table.
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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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The Andrews Brothers production starts this weekend
Are you in town to look at Palm Springs homes for sale? Are you visiting family or friends who are lucky enough to live in the Coachella Valley? Or are you a local looking to unwind this weekend? It doesn’t matter which category you fall under—there is something fun or relaxing to do in Palm Springs Valley this weekend. Our last post covered some of the art, theater and other entertainment options taking place this weekend, and since the Grammys are happening Sunday, we thought we would share some information about the legendary music performances taking place here this weekend. You’ll be so excited about the lineup, you may start looking for Rancho Mirage real estate, even if you didn’t plan on it.
On Friday, January 24, the legendary Dolly Parton will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. A singer/songwriter, author and actress, Ms. Parton is the most honored female country performer of all time, with 25 RIAA certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards. In addition, she had 25 number one songs on the Billboard Country charts, which is a record for a female artist, and 41 career top 10 country albums, a record for all musical artists. Located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino is a favorite of all locals and owners of Rancho Mirage real estate, as it brings some of the highest caliber of musical talent to its stage. The concert takes place from 9 to 11.
The Andrews Brothers, A Madcap Musical Salute to the Swinging ’40s, begins its run this Friday at the Annenberg Theater. Created by Roger Bean, this dynamic musical theater production tells the story of three stagehands who save A USO show when a famous trio of singing sisters fails to make their appearance. The musical features classic favorites, including “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Slow Boat to China” and “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive.” The show continues through Sunday, February 16.
On Saturday, January 25, Singing the Birds: Bird Song & Dance Festival will take place at the Palm Springs High School Auditorium from 11 am to 8 pm. This one-of-a-kind festival celebrates the Native culture and tribes of southern California and other areas of the Southwest with music, dance and honored bird singers. Native crafts and food vendors will be in attendance. Admission and parking are free. On Saturday night, the iconic Morris Day & The Time and Sheila E. will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino from 8 to 10 pm.
If the musical lineup inspires you to look at homes in the area, click here to view listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.
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A neighborhood that stands out among the rest is The Mesa in Palm Springs. It’s a community you don’t want to miss if you’re on the hunt for Palm Springs homes for sale. A rich history combined with a secluded location provides an exclusive setting to enjoy the best lifestyle available. With homes from Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary to Spanish and Mediterranean, The Mesa provides something for everyone in the market for a new home in an exclusive, upscale community.
The Mesa was founded by Edmond Fulford, a successful businessman from Los Angeles with a vision of building an exclusive community of luxury properties in a secluded area of Palm Springs that was unique and protected from the desert winds. He discovered the perfect place on the lowest hills of the San Jacinto Mountains and established The Mesa in Palm Springs there.
Located on the east flank of the rugged yet stunning Tahquitz Canyon, The Mesa is ideal for those searching for Palm Springs homes for sale situated in an region of vast natural beauty. The rolling hills, winding roads and rich Indian folklore give the area an authentic mystique that is unparalleled. The homes in The Mesa represent a broad range of eclectic and innovative architectural styles that result in a diverse and beautiful neighborhood. The friendly residents form a close-knit community, with wide-ranging occupations and interests that make it a vibrant and dynamic place to live. People ride their bikes and walk throughout the community, to run errands or simply to enjoy the lovely weather and awe-inspiring setting. In addition, located in the foothills of The Mesa is the Moorten Botanical Garden, a remarkable oasis of native plants.
Click here if you are interested in viewing listings of luxury properties in Palm Springs, including The Mesa in Palm Springs.
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