
If you’re an international buyer, get local help!
International home buying can be a tricky endeavor. While it’s easy to fall in love with an area and just decide to buy on the spot, there are many elements to consider. For example, many visitors visit Coachella Valley and fall in love with the area, and then quickly embark on a quest for the perfect Palm Springs homes for sale. While we agree that it’s a region worth investing and living in, instead of just jumping in, it’s better to find a local specialist who can help you navigate the waters of international real estate transactions.
There are many areas in the Coachella Valley that are worth considering, from Rancho Mirage real estate and posh areas such as Bermuda Dunes, to Indio, Indian Wells and Palm Desert real estate properties. Once you’ve determined the exact area you’re most interested in, the next and most important step is to find a real estate professional such as a listing agent or a short sale realtor with expertise in the markets you want to explore.
Working with a local professional is important for many reasons. They’ll be able to advise you on property, tax and title laws, as they are entirely different in each country. A specialist with expertise in the area can also provide information regarding the cost of living, local industries, and market fluctuation. In addition, they’ll be privy to the latest and most desirable listings among Rancho Mirage real estate and other areas, and have insider knowledge on the best dining options, shopping and local recreational activities.
When you’re interested in purchasing international real estate, make sure to choose a short sale realtor or other real estate professional with extensive, long-term knowledge of the area you’re most drawn to. They’ll help you find the most amazing Palm Springs homes for sale and make the purchase of your second home or holiday respite a smooth transaction that is as stress-free as possible.
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It doesn’t matter if you love snow-capped mountains or the desert, there are potential properties for second homes that can meet a wide range of budgets. Whether your dream is to find Palm Springs homes for sale, La Quinta real estate properties or something on the other end of the spectrum, such as a ski cabin or beach house, there are many benefits to owning a second residence.
When you choose a region that is popular among vacationers, those areas typically retain their value and can often times yield nice long-term profits if you plan to resell later on. For example, if you choose a desert property in the Coachella Valley, there is usually only a certain amount of area to build upon, so the chance of demand for Palm Springs homes for sale to increase over the years is pretty likely. While there is no guarantee that real estate prices won’t fluctuate over time, resort-like towns tend to maintain value overall.
There are also some tax advantages that behoove buyers of second homes. If you plan to leave the property unoccupied when you’re living in your primary residence, the interest on your mortgage and property taxes are deductible.
If you do decide to rent your second home during the time that you’re not there, you may be able to deduct operating expenses such as utilities, cable, maintenance, housekeeping and management costs. Many owners of La Quinta real estate rent their homes to snowbirds during the times they’re not personally enjoying the sunny weather, as those peak season rates can create a pretty nice profit margin. Often times, one week of rental income can equal an entire month’s mortgage.
image source: theminimalistmom.com
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Working with a Realtor will save you time and money!
Many people wonder why they should use a Realtor to buy a new home. While many buyers want to save all the money they can, what some don’t realize is that you actually don’t save money at all by avoiding Realtors. In fact, we’ve seen many people who searched high and low for Palm Springs homes for sale and ended up spending more money in the long run than they would have spent if they used a Realtor.
Whether you’re searching for Rancho Mirage Real Estate, homes in the Palm Springs valley or are looking on the east coast, a Realtor can be an invaluable resource. For starters, they can help you determine how much you can actually afford, as well as recommend alternative financing methods. A local Realtor will have expertise as to current real estate values and taxes, and also be able to help you estimate a monthly household budget. For example, if you’re seeking Palm Springs homes for sale, if you have a local Realtor, they will be able to advise you on the costs of utilities, cable and municipal services. In addition, they may have some inside knowledge of local zoning changes that may affect your purchase decisions.
Another great benefit of working with a Realtor is that you won’t be going in cold and wasting valuable time. While a listing may look perfect online or on paper, you may arrive at the actual property and realize that it’s just not going to work for you. However, if you have a local Realtor, they will show you properties that are best suited for your family’s needs and specifications, from size, number of bedrooms and style to transportation access and location. For example, if your dream is to find that perfect piece of Rancho Mirage real estate and you have several young children, you’ll want to use a local expert who can find you a house that lets you enjoy all the benefits this gorgeous resort community has to offer, yet with proximity to the best schools, parks and community activities.
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Palm Springs offers affordable luxury!
Palm Springs is one of the most famous communities for retirement, second homes and just living a luxurious life in general. With its gorgeous desert setting, stunning landscape and rich culture, it’s no wonder the international market is seeking Palm Springs homes for sale.
Nestled in the picture perfect Coachella Valley, Palm Springs draws visitors from across the globe, from the jetsetters and foodies to athletes, outdoor lovers and those who simply want to relax. The population is still under 50,000, yet it’s a diverse community with lots of international flavor, from its fine dining and cosmopolitan shopping to its upscale downtown, museums and theaters.
While the area has always been a respite for Angelenos, the international community has expanded significantly, creating substantial demand for Palm Springs homes for sale. Known as the “Playground of the Stars,” as evidenced by some of the town’s main drags such as Frank Sinatra Drive and Bob Hope Drive, the population still attracts the wealthy and famous, yet the population has grown considerably more diverse, which has only enhanced the rich culture of Palm Springs. Add in the picturesque San Jacinto mountains for hiking and cycling, and the plethora of other outdoor activities available, and it’s a slam dunk for anyone looking for a sophisticated yet laid back primary home, secondary residence or vacation home.
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..another homes SOLD!
Inventory is low..lucky to have 3 months of inventory where a normal inventory amount of homes for sale is about 5-6 months at the low end. I think we will continue to see more inventory listed as we approach season (this is very normal for the desert market). I sure hope so! There is built up Buyer demand in all price points so more homes for Sale..if they’re priced right, will just ease demand..
Valley Prices up 20%!!!! (Courtesy of The Desert Sun)
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The Palms in Palm Springs!
Certain cities pull people in. Other cities pull us back..again and again. Palm Springs is one of the latter. It did that to me over 25 years ago. I remember driving over the hill from Long Beach, hitting the Whitewater Pass and letting out a deep breath. Miles of open space, warm and balmy air and a feeling of Freedom!
This is a great article about why people come back to Palm Springs..
Then there are the Art Festivals..Palm Springs offers 6 of them and the number is growing! Starting in January and going throughout the season, film buffs can see all the new ones hitting the screens. Live entertainment? Try the Coachella Music Festival and Stagecoash Festival in April. Lots to do here in the Valley!
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I often hear, and believe, that our Palm Springs Valley offers something for everyone. And so it is with Desert Island in Rancho Mirage. One of a kind, this 226 unit condo complex built in approx. 1971, on Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra in Rancho Mirage, consists of 3 hi-rise buildings, each with it’s own heated pool/spa.
Condo sizes range from approx. 1500 sf to approx. 3000 sf with some penthouses coming in at near 5,000 sf. Prices range from approx. $170,000 to approx. $1,000,000 for penthouses.
What’s the draw?? Desert Island is nestled on a lush, green 25 acre island right in the middle of Rancho Mirage!! The island is surrounded by a mesmerizing lake, which is encircled by a 110 acre, 18 hole Championship, private golf course! Wow!
Desert Island offers many amenities for it’s approx. $845/month HOA.
Interested? Give me a call at 760-285-3578 to schedule a showing of any of the Condos currently available for sale.
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La Quinta Fairways entry gate
Location is everything, right? When you are looking for a reasonably priced single family residence in the city of La Quinta and it has to be gated..consider La Quinta Fairways.
Located off of 50th in La Quinta, this RJT built community is lovely. Homes were built in early 1990’s,and offer both quiet, interior locations and also fairway homes. The low HOA of approx. $220/month includes front yard landscape and guard manned front gate + trash pick up. The fairway is part of the Mountain Course at the La Quinta Hotel and Country Club. Golf Membership is available through that club which is just down the street.
About 5 minutes from charming Old Town La Quinta, this quiet, friendly community offers both full-timers as well as seasonal home owners a secure place to call home.
Home prices range from approx. $275,000 to approx. $650,000.
If you are looking for a nice sized home in a gated community with manageable HOA’s..consider this to be one of your best choices in La Quinta…La Quinta Fairways.
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..Don’t forget to sign and return all your docs!
Buyers and Sellers of ALL properties here in the Palm Springs Valley-return all of your documents! Whether it’s a Short Sale, Foreclosure, or equity Sale, there always seems to be a “few missed.”
A word of caution to Buyers and Sellers alike…please review your docs carefully and return them all. Docusign helps dramatically, but as the deal moves forward, there are going to be disclosures coming from the other side, negotiations on Repairs and credits, Pest results and potential negotiations..really, on and on.
Read your documents slowly, review them carefully, call with any questions, sign and date every single place indicated (I always put large arrows so you cannot miss them.), and return them all together when possible as it is then easier to track what you have signed and returned. If a signature/date place is missed, it will be returned. Not a panic, but a time waster.
With so many of my Sales coming from out of towners, it is really critical to slow down, ask questions, then take your time signing/dating the docs. Most importantly? Return them! Always call with ANY questions, then follow up and return all the docs. If you delay, you may misplace something and then when the clock is ticking down, the pressure intensifies..who needs that?
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Palm Springs – There is a new small boutique hotel being planned for construction on North Palm Canyon Drive being planned by Ezra Callahan – a young early employee of Facebook. It’s being touted as a potential clubhouse of sorts, a la Ace Hotel, for those who love style and green construction.

Arrive Palm Springs – may be soon to arrive
The 32-room hotel will be called Arrive Palm Springs. There are other partners in this exciting project – a Seattle architect, a Denver-based restauranteur, and two men working in redevelopment in Los Angeles. Once the plans get approved through the city, these developers are saying they want to break ground early in the new year and be open by the 1st of July.
The project’s architect has said that “Arrive will cater to the next generation of global travelers influenced by culture, fashion, design and sustainability.” He also says that Palm Springs was targeted for this project because of “its appreciation and affinity for modern architecture, design-oriented population and geographic positioning as a world class vacation destination.”
That pretty much says it all. And it’s likely that Arrive Palm Springs will stay in the same genre as Palm Springs’ modernist architectural traditions. In addition, the hotel will be built so as to receive LEED Gold label certification, with its 32 pre-fabricated guest rooms. There will also be a restaurant and two additional retail buildings to encourage more pedestrian traffic on North Palm Canyon Dr.
Exciting things on tap for our Valley indeed !!!
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