Palm Desert Civic Park
Believe it or not, Coachella isn’t the only thing going on this weekend in Palm Springs Valley. Whether you’re a music aficionado, a nature lover or just enjoy comedy shows, there’s something cool to do. If you’re in town visiting or looking at Palm Springs homes for sale, any of these events is a great way to unwind and get to know the community better.
For starters, on Friday, April 12 comedian Brian Regan will perform his legendary stand-up act at the Spotlight Casino. The show will take place from 8 to 10 pm. Then, on April 12 and 13, the McCallum Theatre will feature the musical theater production of Spank, a parody of the book that became an international sensation this past year, Fifty Shades of Grey. This hilarious show combines musical numbers and sharp-witted comedy, as well as steamy and fun performances that will have you in stitches. Plus, it’s a great chance to see this gem of a theater that residents and owners of real estate in Palm Desert are so proud of!
Also on April 12, legendary funk band Morris Day and the Time will perform at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon. If you were a fan of Prince and saw Purple Rain, then you’ll remember the high-octane performance by the Time. You won’t want to miss these stars and their energetic, fun brand of music!
On April 13, from 10-11 am, there will be a guided public art tour at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. This awesome tour gives you the opportunity to explore the sculptures of the Palm Desert public art collection with a trained docent who will provide pertinent information and interesting insight. If you’re considering real estate in Palm Desert, then the Palm Desert Civic Center Park is a must-see!
Also on April 13, Tony award winner Christine Ebersole will perform a concert at the Annenberg Theater. Ms. Ebersole’s impressive credits include On the Twentieth Century, Oklahoma! , Camelot and Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. She won Tony awards for her roles in both Grey Gardens and 42nd Street.
If these activities inspire you to move to the Coachella Valley, then click here to browse listings of Palm Springs homes for sale.
image: palm-desert.org
More
Guest post from Shane Parker of MortgageFit.
Everyone nurtures the dream of buying a home and being a real estate owner. Some buy and some step back as they lack funds with which they can buy their home. Buying a home is perhaps the biggest purchase that you have to make in your lifetime as the amount involved is a huge one. Although there are mortgage loans that you can take out in order to realize your dream of being a real estate owner, there are some who don’t qualify for such loans due to inability to make the monthly payments and lack of good credit score. Are you too wondering about the possibilities of getting a mortgage loan? If answered yes, check out the tips that can help you grab the best mortgage loan in the market.
- Try and improve your credit score: Are you about to take out a mortgage loan without evaluating your credit score? If yes, stop there and make sure that a bad credit score can get you a mortgage loan that is way beyond your means. A mortgage lender will first check your credit score and then think of lending you a loan amount. The better your credit score, the better will be the rate that you’ll be offered and with a lower interest rate. If you have a bad credit score that is below 700, the lender will know that you haven’t been good at managing your finances and your liabilities. In order to reduce their risk, they will charge you high interest rates.
- Lower your DTI ratio: Another ratio that you need to check apart from your credit score is your DTI ratio. This is the ratio between the debt obligations that you have and the income that you earn in a month. If you have a high DTI ratio, the lender will know that you might default on the mortgage payments as you have too many liabilities to meet in a month. But if you can pay off your debt and lower the DTI ratio, you can easily grab a mortgage within your means.
- Save enough money for the required down payment: When you take out a home mortgage loan, you have to save enough money for the down payment. Generally, most lenders will ask for a down payment of at least 20% of the loan amount and if you fail to pay this amount, you’ll have to pay the PMIs or the Private Mortgage Insurance payments. These payments will increase the monthly installments and therefore it is certainly better to save money for the down payment.
Therefore, when you’re about to take out a mortgage loan to buy a real estate property, make sure you follow the above mentioned points. Manage your money so as to be able to make timely payments on the loan so that you don’t risk losing your home to a foreclosure.
If you’re interested in browsing listings of Palm Springs homes for sale, click here.
image: therealdeal.com
More
When it comes to cultural and recreational activities, it seems like our desert community outdoes itself every week! It’s no surprise that there is such increasing demand for homes for sale in Palm Springs and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re thinking about equestrian homes, country club living or want access to incredible hiking, there’s an area of Palm Springs that will be perfect for you and your entire family. The slate of activities taking place this weekend show you just how diverse and wide-ranging Palm Springs Valley truly is.
From April 5 through April 7, the Palm Springs Convention Center will host a Discover the Dinosaurs exhibit. This hands-on, interactive exhibit is perfect for all ages, and includes 60 animatronic, museum quality dinosaurs that you can actually get close to and touch.
On April 6 through April 7, the International Desert Flower Fragrance & Garden Show will take place at The Shops on El Paseo in Palm Desert. This celebration of springtime in the desert consists of a unique flower festival and plant sale that includes sampling from some of the world’s top fragrance, perfumeries and fashion houses, combined with entertainment and other fun. This year’s theme focuses on renewable energy and Palm Spring Valley’s unique alternative energy efforts that include both solar and wind energy. An opening night gala benefiting the Living Desert will take place on Friday, April 5th. For ticket information, visit LivingDesert.org, call 760.341.4058, or visit Desertflowerandgardenshow.com.
On April 6, from 9 am to 3 pm, the Desert Mountains Art Faire will take place at the National Monument Visitor Center. Enjoy this awesome art show amidst the natural beauty of the foothills of the picturesque Santa Rosa Mountains. Attendees have the opportunity to view and purchase a wide range of mediums, including paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography, and handcrafted apparel and jewelry.
There is something for every type of music lover as well, starting with Desert Symphony: Almost Elton John at the McCallum Theatre on April 5 from 9 to 11 pm. The Desert Symphony will present Craig A. Meyer, who is widely considered to be one of the best Elton John tribute artists due to his striking resemblance and amazing skills on the piano. Also on Friday from 9 to 11 pm, the Grammy-award winning Commodores, one of America’s favorite Motown funk/soul of the 1970s and 1980s will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. And at the Morongo Casino, world famous George Clinton will share his brand of funk. This show also takes place from 9 to 11 pm.
You will also want to check out the Indian Well Art Festival, which is covered in our blog earlier this week. And click here if you’re ready to browse equestrian homes or any other type of properties for sale in any area of Palm Springs, from Thermal and Indio to La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert.
image: desertflowerandgardenshow.com
More
Art featured at the Indian Wells Art Festival
If you’re an art lover and need another reason to consider Indian Wells real estate, then you’ll be happy about the town’s thriving art community—which is perfectly illustrated by the Indian Wells Art Festival happening this weekend. As if the mountain vistas, gorgeous weather and varied recreational activities weren’t enough to consider buying property in Palm Springs!
Located at the 75 million state-of-the-art Indian Wells Tennis Garden, this premier art event includes more than 200 award-winning artists displaying their one-of-a-kind artwork in the form of everything from paintings, drawings and sculpture to ceramics, glass, photography and other painstakingly handcrafted wares. Fashionistas will also be in heaven, as the offerings will include jewelry, textiles, apparel and more.
In addition to the bevy of magnificent artwork, there will be exciting entertainment, such as Aztec Dancers from the International Dance Club at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal and the incredible sounds of Incendio Latin Guitar World Fusion. Refreshments will also be available, from snacks to full meals such as the “Eggs + Champagne in The Garden” brunch menu.
Visitors, residents and owners of Indian Wells real estate with children can enjoy the interactive art exhibits and children’s activities, such as sidewalk chalk drawing, Madd Hatter Hat making using recycled shopping bags and other earth-friendly materials, and other creative projects. The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery also presents the special exhibit “Recycle Bicycles” that includes whimsical, embellished bikes.
Another unique attraction is the Larger Than Life Murals exhibit, in which Riverside resident and mural artist, Linda Shrader, designs a 10 foot x 32 foot mural that she starts and completes during the weekend. Shrader has done this project for the last three years, which has become a favorite of festival attendees.
The Indian Wells Art Festival takes place April 5-7, and is open from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets for adults are $12 at the Gate, and children 12 and under are free.
If this cool festival gets you even more excited about buying property in Palm Springs, click here to browse some gorgeous listings.
image: indianwellsartsfestival.com
More
Interest from international buyers is burgeoning in the Palm Springs real estate market. Inspired by a celebrity golf tournament, the year round slate of outdoor activities, the beauty of the desert, and of course, the gorgeous weather, it makes perfect sense that visitors from across the globe are interested in homes for sale in Palm Desert, Indio, Rancho Mirage and everywhere in between.
When buying international real estate, it’s extremely helpful to find an agent or realtor with expertise in this niche market. Those who work with global clients on a regular basis are familiar with many of the incentives available, as well as the complexities of such a transaction. Whether an international buyer is interested in real estate in La Quinta or properties in Indio, they will be dealing with myriad aspects that may be harder to navigate than with a simpler transaction between a local buyer and seller.
One of many areas where a local agent or realtor can significantly assist is in regards to all of the service providers and vendors that may be required to successfully complete an international real estate transaction. In addition to needing a professional with significant real estate expertise, it also helps to have someone with a multitude of local connections.
Whether the transaction involves properties in Indio or homes for sale in another part of the Coachella Valley, the buyer will need someone who has a network of trusted colleagues, from appraisers, inspectors and repair providers to attorneys, bankers and tax advisers. In some ways, facilitating an international transaction can often feel like you’re providing services similar to those of a high-level concierge. Offering reliable information, wide-ranging contacts, reputable referrals and thorough knowledge of the market can help make the transaction as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Click here to see listings of homes for sale in Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or another area of Palm Springs.
image: etftrends.com
More
The first week of April is a big one here in the desert! If you’ve been eyeing homes in La Quinta, Palm Desert or another area of Palm Springs, then now is the perfect time to come visit, check out some real estate listings, and solidify your love for our vibrant communities.
The Kraft Nabisco Championship takes place all week long at the Mission Hills Country Club in beautiful Rancho Mirage. Steeped in tradition, this highly anticipated tournament is the first stop on the LPGA tour, with the Dinah Shore Trophy at stake. Whether you like to play golf or enjoy it as a spectator, getting a taste of the impeccable courses here will make you dream of finding properties in Rancho Mirage or buying real estate in a nearby area.
Tonight from 8 to 10 pm, Broadway star Linda Eder will grace McCallum Theatre with a much awaited performance. On Wednesday, April 3, another Broadway performer, Vicki Lewis, will perform at the Annenberg Theater. Ms. Lewis won the 2007 Ovation Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in the world premiere of Michael John LaChiusa’s Hotel C’est L’amour. Her Broadway credits include Chicago, The Crucible, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Damn Yankees and Snoopy!!! The Musical. The show will take place from 6 to 8 pm.
From April 4 through 8, the American Documentary Film Festival will take place right here in Palm Springs. Since we’re only about two hours away from Hollywood by car, we’ve got a great audience of film aficionados, and are on our way to seeing this become the largest documentary festival and market on the west coast. The festival will commence with an Opening Night Spectacular with Dionne Warwick, who will host the evening’s feature, Whitney Houston & Her Family: Voices of Love. In addition, there will be a live performance by the nationally-renowned gospel choir, Voices of Calvary. There will be screenings, seminars and other events during this exciting festival.
If you’re feeling inspired by these activities and are thinking about making a move to the desert communities, know that we’ve got even more going on this week alone! Click here to view some gorgeous homes in La Quinta or properties in Rancho Mirage.
image: americandocumentaryfilmfestival.com
More
No matter what your age, Palm Springs Valley offers spectacular ways to enjoy Easter weekend. If you’re planning on moving to one of the desert cities or are already viewing homes for sale in Palm Springs, then you’ll love what the desert has to offer this weekend.
From March 28 through March 31, Mr. Horn will show at the Annenberg Theater, completing the first cycle of Desert Ensemble Theatre Company’s New Works program, which develops and produces original works.
On Saturday, March 30, The Gardens on El Paseo will host an appearance by the Easter Bunny with the Hop Into Spring event. A $10 donation benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert and includes a meeting and photo with the Easter Bunny. Hop Into Spring takes place from 11am to 1 pm on the Center Lawn in front of Saks Fifth Avenue. If you’ve been considering property in Rancho Mirage, this is the perfect time to check out the premier shopping and arts enclave of the desert.
On Saturday night at 8 pm, Rob Thomas and his four-time Grammy-nominated band, Matchbox Twenty, will perform on the Special Events Center stage at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Thomas performed solo here two years ago to a sold out crowd that gave the show rave reviews. Also on Saturday night, the Spotlight 29 Casino hosts the Happy Together Tour, which features incredible artists performing some of the greatest pop rock of the sixties, including The Monkees lead singer Micky Dolenz, The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Buckinghams and The Grass Roots, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. The show starts at 8 pm. Why not spend the day checking out homes for sale in Palm Springs and then relax at one of these amazing shows?
On Easter Sunday, the El Paseo Bunny Hop offers another great chance for those interested in property in Rancho Mirage to check out this boulevard in its shining glory. From 7:30 to 10 am more than 2000 people will run or walk this 5k to benefit Family Services of the Desert. Other cool Easter festivities include an Underwater Easter Egg Hunt at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
image: theorangecat.net
More
This weekend in Palm Springs is packed with some fun and eclectic offerings for the entire family. Whether you live here already or have been checking out Palm Springs home for sale or homes in La Quinta or Indio, a visit this weekend is certain to make the entire family fall in love with the Coachella Valley.
This weekend, from March 22 through March 24, the smash hit Broadway musical production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will show at the McCallum Theatre. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this take on the classic love story features lavish sets, spectacular costumes and unforgettable production numbers.
Also taking place this weekend is the Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert. This premier food and wine tasting event includes some of California’s most inspired chefs offering an extraordinary sampling experience. Located under The Big White Tent on Larkspur between El Paseo and Shadow Mountain in Palm Desert, the event will have an educational slant that showcases the valley as a culinary destination. A visit to this event will inspire your taste buds and an inkling to view Palm Springs homes for sale.
If you’re feeling lucky this weekend, then you may want to hit The Price Is Right Live interactive stage show at the Special Events Center at the Fantasy Springs Casino. Just like you’ve seen on television for so many years, contestants will be pulled from the audience for the chance to win great prizes, including vacations, appliances and new cars. All the favorite games from television’s longest running and most popular game show will be played, from Cliffhangers and Plinko to the Big Wheel and the fabulous showcase. The show will take place on Friday, March 22 and 23, with two shows each day, one from 6 to 7:30 pm and the other from 8:30 to 10 pm.
If you’re visiting this weekend and the flurry of activities motivates you to move to the beautiful Palm Springs Valley, click here to take a look at some of the listings of homes in La Quinta, Indio and Palm Desert.
image: palmdesertfoodandwine.com
More
Local Project Runway all-star Michael Costello
Between spa day Spa Day at the Gardens at El Paseo and Fashion Week, there has been plenty of pampering and fun for the ladies of Palm Springs. Whether you’re a fashionista or just appreciate shopping, if you’ve been considering moving to Palm Springs or taking a look at Palm Desert real estate, this week’s incredible activities have probably cemented those thoughts.
This week, visitors and owners of homes in Rancho Mirage and the surrounding areas can enjoy the final slate of Fashion Week El Paseo activities. If you missed out on the exciting last few days, such as your chance to watch Michael Costello debut his spring 2013 collection alongside 11 other Project Runway designers, there are still plenty of exciting events to catch.
On Thursday, March 21, from 11 am to 3 pm, there will be a trunk show of collections by Michael Costello and other Project Runway designers, who will be on hand for personal consultations regarding their collections that are available for purchase. As Michael’s hometown is Palm Springs, he’s a consummate favorite of all the residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate and the surrounding cities.
In the evening, Sue Wong will evoke the allure and glamour of eras such as 1930s Shanghai, Precode Hollywood, and Manhattan’s gilded Jazz Age in a showcase of her latest collection. The event will begin at 7 pm with a cocktail reception, followed by the show at 8 pm. Sue Wong’s trunk show will take place Friday, March 22 from 11 am to 2 pm, with Sue on hand for consultations.
On Friday, March 22, Houghton Head Designer Katharine Polk will showcase the Houghton Spring 2013 collection for independent women seeking effortlessly chic looks inspired by style icons such as Bianca Jagger and Katharine Hepburn. The event will commence with a cocktail reception at 7, followed by the show at 8 pm, and an after party for attendees at the Marriot Desert Springs. The Houghton Spring Trunk Show will follow on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.
On Saturday, March 23, Dior-trained Beverly Hills couturier and Designer of the Week Gilbert Chagoury of Chagoury Couture will debut his spring 2013 collection of stunning designs worthy of any red carpet. The cocktail reception will start at 7 pm, with the show starting directly afterwards at 8 pm, followed by after party in the tent, complete with a taco bar courtesy of Jensen’s.
If these great events have motivated you to make the dream of moving to Palm Springs come true, click here to view listings of homes in Rancho Mirage and properties throughout the desert cities.
image: michaelcostellocouture.com
More
Less is more—and when it comes to getting ready to move or prepping Palm Springs homes for sale, that old adage is very true. The more spacious a home looks to a potential buyer, the more it will appeal to them. And the less you have to move, the less stressed you and your family will be. So why not get started with the decluttering process now, even if you’re just thinking of selling your home in Rancho Mirage or another desert area? Here are a few steps to follow that will help streamline the process.
Empty it out. Whether you are decluttering a drawer, a closet or shelf, the best way to start is to remove everything from the space. Empty it all out into an area where you can spread out all your goods, so that you can see what you have and then assess the situation properly. Clean out the area and then move on to the next step.
Start sorting. Once you’ve laid out all your belongings, you can now decide what to keep and what to junk. If you’re moving from across the coast into a home in Rancho Mirage, you may want to throw out more than you keep, as the style of décor may be completely different. If you’re preparing a home for sale, then why not challenge yourself to trashing either a third, or if you’re really brave, a half of all the items you’re sorting through?
Challenge yourself. Really look at your belongings and see what you can get rid of. Ask yourself some hard questions—when was the last time you used it? If something hasn’t been used in the last nine months to a year, do you really need it? If you’re having trouble deciding, think whether it’s something you could borrow or rent. If it is, then unload it by all means.
If you’re already decluttering and considering Palm Springs homes for sale, click here to check out some great listings.
image: guardian.co.uk
More
