Are you considering buying La Quinta real estate or a home in another part of Palm Springs Valley? Now is probably a great time to start looking—since property prices started rebounding in 2012, it’s expected they will continue to rise. The good news is, it’s still a buyer’s market. Ready to get moving? Here are some tips to help get you started.
1. Determine your budget.
This is probably the most important step in preparing to buy, whether you are considering homes for sale in Palm Springs or in any other part of the country. Put together a budget so you can determine what your spending power truly is. Don’t feel that just because it’s a good time to buy, you should get in over your head just to take advantage of the timing. Also ensure that you leave room in the budget for a contingency plan in case of emergencies such as health issues or unexpected unemployment.
2. Start saving.
Most recommend saving approximately 20 percent of your budget for a down payment. While you may be able to put down less than that, it’s really better to at least put down a full 20 percent. In addition, as mentioned above, remember to save additional funds for emergencies.
3. Prep your credit.
Order a copy of your credit report and assess your score. Make sure that there is no erroneous information on it, and if there is, submit your correction information as soon as possible. You want the credit investigation to be performed quickly so that you can clear away any discrepancies. This is an essential step, regardless of whether you’re interested in La Quinta real estate, equestrian homes in Rancho Mirage or anywhere else in the state. You can obtain a free credit report once a year by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
4. Get pre-approved.
Get a great reality check by going through the pre-approval process for a mortgage. Get referrals and start shopping around for respectable brokers. You can seek recommendations from the banks or credit unions you work with, as well as friends and family. Be prepared for a lot of paperwork and some tasks that seem redundant. The more work you do in advance, the easier it will be when you’re searching for homes for sale in Palm Springs or whichever area you’re considering.
image: moneyunder30.com
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Georgi Zelma, Party Officials Lecturing Workers, 1933, gelatin silver print, gift of David Lafaille
This weekend in Palm Springs is packed with cool art events—which is something you can come to expect when becoming an owner of Palm Desert real estate and the surrounding desert communities. For starters, the Desert Mountains Art Faire takes place this Saturday, February 2 from 9 am – 3 pm at the National Monument Visitor Center in the gorgeous foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The events, which supports Conservation and the Artists of the Coachella Valley, features unique paintings, jewelry, wood carving, handmade clothing and other items inspired by National Monument’s natural beauty. The Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center is located at 51-500 Hwy 74, 4 miles south of Hwy 111 in Palm Desert. For more information, visit DesertMountains.org.
Today is your last chance to visit the Michael H. Lord Gallery in Palm Springs to catch a glimpse of an amazing exhibit—and the perfect way for those searching for Palm Springs homes for sale to get a taste of the community. Forrest Moses: New Paintings, Monotypes and Photographs features American painter Forrest Moses’ exploration of landscapes from Maine to Georgia and New Mexico, where he currently resides. His unique technique includes recording with a camera and then translating those images into watercolor, oil and monotype works. Since 1965, Moses has created over 40 one-man shows for museums, galleries and universities across the country. For more information, visit michaelhlordgallery.com.
Another great exhibition taking place through March is Picture This: Photographic Portraits of Place. Located at a favorite among owners of Palm Springs and Palm Desert real estate, the Palm Springs Art Museum, this exhibit features documentarians including Louis-Auguste Bisson, Francis Frith, Alfred Stieglitz, Brown Brothers, Max Alpert, Yevgeny Khaldei, Georgi Zelma, Harry Callahan and Lewis Morley, among many others. This survey shows how photographic images reveal the identity of a region while exploring other cultures to examine global exchange and its impact. For more info, visit psmuseum.org.
If you’re currently on the hunt for Palm Springs homes for sale, any of these events is a great way to absorb some of the vibrant culture that residents of the desert communities are so proud of.
image: psmuseum.org
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There are many reasons why Palm Springs Valley is unlike any other region in the country—and Modernism Week is one of them. The exciting 11-day celebration takes place from February 14-24 this year and promises to be one to remember. With no other event like it in the entire country, Modernism Week is yet another reason why Palm Springs homes for sale are so appealing to people from all over—the desert communities have a vibrant culture and there is always something unique and interesting to do.
Modernism Week is a celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture and culture. In Palm Springs Valley, this clean, simple aesthetic originated in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, during which time it came to define desert modernism. The unique architecture is still very prevalent among properties in Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, and other desert cities.
Modernism Week stems from the Modernism Show, an annual symposium that was established in 2001 by the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council. In 2006, the event grew to become Modernism Week, as a showcase of this world-renowned aesthetic. The event is organized by the Palm Springs Modern Committee, a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to promoting the heritage throughout the entire Coachella Valley.
Modernism Week includes a wide range of events such as films, lectures, educational seminars, a symposium, architectural tours (you may even be able to spot some Palm Springs homes for sale!) and chic parties that take place in mid-century modern homes.
Visit ModernismWeek.com to find more information and buy tickets to the events you are interested in attending. The myriad of events are cool and unique: choose from celebrations like the Opening Night Preview Tour & Party—Celebrating the Mystique of Marrakesh, a Sunnylands Tour, a Walking Tour of Celebrity Homes or The Future of Frank Lloyd Wright, among many others.
Take a cool break from your search for properties in Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells and other desert cities to learn about the history of this amazing architecture that gained notoriety in the Palm Springs Valley.
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The Living Desert
Palm Desert real estate isn’t just appealing to golf aficionados—living in Palm Desert offers a variety of amenities and recreational activities that are family-friendly and enjoyable to people of all ages.
In addition to the gorgeous weather, wide variety of shopping and dining options, and of course, the golf and tennis, there are plenty of things to do that the entire family will enjoy. Whether you own homes in Indio, Rancho Mirage or another area of Palm Springs, all of the below activities are in very close, manageable proximity to the entire Coachella Valley.
1. Tale in a sky-high view. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a world famous attraction that allows the whole family to soar high above Palm Springs to catch stunning views of the entire valley. Get off and hike down or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants near the top.
2. Explore the wild desert. Visit the unparalleled Living Desert museum, a favorite of every tourist who visits, as well as residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate. This attraction is part botanical garden, part zoo and part nature preserve.
3. Soak it up. Not just the sun—take the family for a swim at one of the Palm Desert Aquatic Center’s three pools, including a splash pool for the kiddies and an Olympic-sized one that’s ideal for diving and lap swimming. The Aquatic Center is located at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park, which also offers an array of family-friendly activities.
4. Make discoveries. Even when it’s too hot for the kids to play outside, there’s something cool for them to do. The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in nearby Rancho Mirage is full of one-of-a-kind exhibits and hands-on activities.
5. Get adventurous. There are plenty of steep mountains and rugged terrain to explore on one of the many available off-road all-terrain vehicle tours.
6. Trek it out. One of the many amenities for those who own homes in Indio, Rancho Mirage and other parts of Palm Springs is the abundance of stellar hiking trails. If you’re more of a novice at hiking or have young children, there’s trails such as the Randall Henderson Trail, which are easier climbs that still offers lots of outdoor fun coupled with great views.
image: mypalmsprings.com
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It’s clear that there are many benefits to living in Palm Springs, but even for local residents, there is always something unique in store. A great example of this is a recently opened exhibit, “Bob Hope: An American Treasure” at the Palm Springs Air Museum. From now until Tuesday, April 2, 2013, residents and owners of Palm Desert homes, tourists and those viewing Palm Springs homes for sale can enjoy this one-of-a-kind tribute to the great icon and former resident, Bob Hope.
The 2500 square foot exhibition pays tribute to many aspects of Hope’s mesmerizing life, which of course, includes commemoration of his time as the face of the iconic Bob Hope Classic golf tournament. The exhibit, which was built with the support of the Bob & Dolores Hope Charitable Foundation, runs until April so that fans planning to attend upcoming golf tournaments, such as the PGA Tour’s Humana Challenge and the LPGA’s Kraft Nabisco Championship, will have the opportunity to view the exhibit.
The exhibit features over 160 artifacts that tell the story of this popular celebrity’s life in Palm Springs, such as the famous golf cart that was created in the shape of Hope’s face, a favorite among owners of homes in Palm Desert and throughout the Palm Springs Valley. In addition, there are more than 200 vintage photos, seven video displays, Hope’s Congressional Gold Medal, Honorary Veterans citation, honorary Oscar statuette and PGA of America money clip. These items accurately depict Hope’s rise to stardom, his relationships with former United States presidents, his dedication to the military and his passion for golf.
Located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, a stop at this incredible exhibit is the perfect way to finish off a day of viewing Palm Springs homes for sale. For more information about the museum, visit Palmspringsairmuseum.org or call 760.778.6262.
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One of the many benefits of living in the gorgeous Palm Springs Valley is all of the recreational activities we have to choose from, including outdoor sports, exercise, spa time, fine dining, and a favorite for many, shopping. While owners of Palm Desert real estate and residents of the other desert cities flock to the high-end boutiques and designer outlets, they’re also regulars at the amazing Indio Open-Air Market and the Certified Farmers’ Markets.
How lucky are we to have farmers’ markets all year round? We can access some of the freshest produce grown by Certified California Farmers at our winter markets (September through May), which take place on Wednesdays in Palm Desert, Saturdays in Palm Springs and Coachella, and Sundays in Old Town La Quinta. A visit to one of these markets is the perfect break from checking out Palm Springs homes for sale! All take place from 8 am to 12:30 pm. For more info and dates for summer markets, visit certifiedfarmersmarket.ning.com.
A unique and amazing event that takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays—and is a great way to take a break from viewing Palm Desert real estate while getting a taste of the community—is the Indio Open-Air Market. This innovative market is the perfect place to discover both new and used, brand-name merchandise and gather with friends and family to shop and enjoy a wide array of food choices. This social marketplace, located at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, boasts architecture similar to the markets of Morocco, making it one of the most interesting venues throughout California. The fairgrounds are located at 46350 Arabia Street in Indio. For more information, call 800.222.7467.
If community events like these inspire you, and you’ve been considering a move to the beautiful Coachella Valley, then click here to browse listings.
image: coachellaunincorporated.org
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Stop in for a drink and make some new friends!!
Way over on the East side of the Palm Springs Valley are some really fun party spots..
1. The Tackrom Tavern: This place can rock it out! Outdoor area for the live bands which can range from local bands to rockabilly, soul, jazz, trios, country western, blues..you just never know for sure what to expect. Kareoke is also available here. Casual atmosphere..players come over after the games and golfers stop in after golfing. If you want to get gussied up, that’s ok too…the food is good and basic. Steak, fish, chips and salsa, salads..but good and well priced too. Drinks are generous and again…well priced.
2. The Date Shed: This is the party spot for the younger group. Music Festival hopefuls test their skills and reception with the crowds here. The dance floor is huge, the stage is central and raised and the acoustics are famous!
After watching a polo game at either Eldorado or Empire, come on over to one of the venues available for fun..don’t forget The Cantina right next door at Eldorado Polo club too. Roc’s Firehouse does the cooking and it’s been renovated as of last year.
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One of the many exciting things about living in Palm Springs is the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which runs from January 3-14, 2013. It’s a great time to be in the valley, whether you’re here viewing Palm Desert real estate, taking a desert vacation or living here full-time.
In addition to all the galas, premieres and other special events at the festival, this year Richard Gere will be attending to accept the Chairman’s Award for his role in Arbitrage, which has already earned him a Golden Globes nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.
Past recipients of this coveted award include Dustin Hoffman, Ben Affleck, George Clooney and Nicole Kidman. The awards Gala, which is presented by Cartier, will take place at the held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Other stars receiving awards at this exciting event include the cast of Argo, Dame Helen Mirren, Sally Field, Bradley Cooper, Naomi Watts and Robert Zemeckis.
In Arbitrage, Gere stars as New York hedge-fund magnate Robert Miller, a man desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire on the eve of his 60th birthday. Written and directed by Nicholas Jarecki, the film also starts Tim Roth, Susan Sarandon, Laetitia Casta, Brit Marling and Nate Parker. Gere is known for his wide-ranging roles, from Pretty Women, An Officer and a Gentleman and Unfaithful to Primal Fear, American Gigolo and his Golden Globe-winning performance in Chicago.
The appeal of living in Palm Springs has always been recognized by Hollywood film stars, many of whom have lived in the valley and owned Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Palm Desert real estate. The celebrity presence, coupled with community’s appreciation for the arts, has resulted in a vibrant, thriving arts and entertainment culture throughout the region.
Stay tuned for more information on this exciting Palm Springs International Film Festival!
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The holiday events continue this week in Palm Springs Valley, with even more exciting celebrations, concerts and even some visits from Santa! If you’ve been considering purchasing a home in the area, including anything from Indian Wells real estate and properties in Rancho Mirage to Palm Springs homes for sale, this is a great time to come visit and take in the community’s rich culture and arts scene.
In addition to the renowned Holidays at the Follies and the WildLights Holiday Festival at The Living Desert that take place throughout the month, there is a wide array of other holiday events happening this week. In fact, this week is Canada Fest at the Palm Springs Convention Center, a festival that includes Canada’s best art, fashion, book signings, food, sports figures, entertainment and refreshments.
After looking at Palm Springs homes for sale, finish your day at the Palm Canyon Theater, where The Wizard of Oz is currently playing. Shows begin at 8 pm. On Tuesday, December 11, the Gift of Love series of holiday benefit concerts begins at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, featuring Palm Springs resident Barry Manilow. This five-night series runs December 12, 14, 15 and 16, and will benefit 27 locals charities, including Shelter From the Storm and The Living Desert. Last year, people from throughout the region flocked to attend this special concert, from owners of La Quinta, Indio and Indian Wells real estate to visitors all the way from Los Angeles and San Diego, helping to raise nearly half a million dollars. The McCallum Theatre is located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert. To purchase tickets, call 760.340.ARTS.
On Tuesday, December 11, Santa will make a special appearance at a breakfast at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, which is one of the pride and joys of residents and owners of Rancho Mirage real estate. Included with breakfast, there will be entertainment, as well as arts and crafts activities for kids. One seating will take place at 9 am and another at 10:30 am. Tickets are available in the Museum Gift Store. For more information, call 760.321.0602.
Also on Tuesday, December 11, residents and owners of Rancho Mirage real estate and the other desert cities can experience the ever unique Chanukah Wonderland, an annual event at the Children’s Discovery Museum’s presented by the Chabad of Rancho Mirage. Open to anyone in the community, this event has a different theme each year, and this year’s is “Inflatable.” In addition to an incredible Balloon Menorah, there will be an olive press demonstration, story hour, Chanukah food treats, arts, crafts, Jewish music and a Grand Dreidel competition. The exciting Grand Lighting of the Menorah will take place at 4:45 pm.
On Thursday, December 13, the Walk of the Inns will take place, and on Friday, December 15 from 5 to 7 pm, choirs from high schools throughout the Inland Empire will sing Christmas carols at the Mountain Station at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
image credit: Wikipedia.org
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Canadians and taxes; be on top of it!
If you’re Canadian and are thinking about buying property in our beautiful winter wonderland here in the desert..or anywhere else USA, read this. Still a great investment strategy for your portfolio, but always super wise to consult your tax professional, get the required docs in Canada and USA so you know what to expect!
Buying in the Palm Springs Valley is a dream for many foreigners. Our warm winters are not to be beat. Golfing, hiking, biking, swimming, shopping, dining outside in the middle of winter, strolling the local art galleries, heading out to cabazon for some killer designer shopping..whatever. There is no reason NOT to buy a winter investment home here in the desert, but be smart. Consult your CPA or tax attorney first!
If you’re feeling shaky? The BIG BOYS are buying investment homes in bulk..that should be some comfort!
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