With Christmas already here next week, you’re probably looking for holiday events for the entire family to go to. If you and your loved ones are currently looking at Palm Springs homes for sale with a short sale realtor or listing agent, you can make it a fun experience by immersing yourself in the desert city culture after your viewings.
On December 19, from 8 to 10 pm, the Moscow Ballet will perform the Great Russian Nutcracker at The Show in Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage. This is a performance that will blow everyone’s mind, no matter what age. It will be a great way to unwind and get into the festive spirit after a day of browsing homes with your agent or short sale realtor.
From December 21-23, head to the Annenberg Theater after looking at Palm Springs homes for sale for an innovative yuletide mash-up called Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some). Three actors literally perform every Christmas story in one performance that will definitely change the way you look at the classics. Tickets are $24 for individuals, $22 for groups and $20 for students.
Looking at Palm Desert real estate? Take the family to the Palm Desert Aquatic Center on December 22 from 2 to 5 pm for an one-of-a-kind Underwater Christmas Tree Decoration with Scuba Santa. It’s the perfect time to discover scuba and sneak in a visit in with Santa. Participants must be 10 or older and if under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. The event takes place at the YMCA of the Desert. Call 760-565-7467 for more information.
Another thing to do after perusing Palm Desert real estate is to check out the P.S: It’s Christmas show at the famous Forever Marilyn Sculpture on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way. This free holiday concert runs through December 22, and features nostalgic 1950’s era carolers.
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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.
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The holidays are one of the most ideal times to look at Palm Springs homes for sale, especially if you’re not an area resident yet. Rich in holiday traditions, from the Palm Springs Follies and The Holiday Tree Lighting to the WildLights Holiday Festival at the Living Desert, the Coachella Valley has many signature events that set it apart from any other regions of California or desert, for that matter.
One of the coolest and most unique holiday events in the area is the 17th Annual Walk of the Inns, which takes place on Thursday, December 13 from 4 to 8 pm. This one-of-a-kind event kicks off at the fabulous Palm Springs Art Museum located at 101 Museum Drive, and is basically a self-guided walking tour of all the historic inns in the area.
The Walk of the Inns winds through the 16 historic inns, boutique hotels and quaint attractions of the Palm Springs Historic Tennis Club District. The stops on the tour includes The Chase Hotel, the Palm Mountain Resort, Andalusian Court, Casa Cody Inn, San Giuliano Hotel, Calla Lily Inn, Korakia Pensione, Old Ranch Inn, Palm Springs Tennis Club Resort, Desert Hills Hotel, Spencer’s Restaurant, Del Marcos Hotel, Palm Springs Woman’s Club, Viceroy Resort & Spa and the McCallum Adobe.
The event is completely free. Maps can be obtained at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s box office or any of the participating properties. When you’re done touring Palm Springs Homes for sale, continue your immersion in the desert culture with this amazing tour. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight!
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You’ve reached the last stage of preparing your property for sale—maximizing curb appeal. Whether you’re preparing Palm Springs homes for sale, equestrian homes or a vacation home for viewing, if the buyer doesn’t like the exterior, you won’t get them inside.
So last but not least, it’s time to maximize the curb appeal of your property. This is probably the most important aspect of preparing a house for sale, so take as much time as necessary to make upgrades and then set a schedule for regular maintenance.
Start by assessing any flaws in the exterior. Look for and replace any loose or damaged roof shingles, siding and caulking. Inspect for peeling paint and touch it up if possible. If you have an asphalt driveway, consider re-sealing it. If there is a chimney, get it cleaned. Make sure the gutters are aligned and clean. If you are preparing a property with more than one building, such as equestrian homes or a property with a guest house, do the same for their exteriors.
Make sure the house looks welcoming. A welcome mat on the doorstep and potted flowers can go a long way. Research shows that the color yellow evokes a buying emotion, so go for marigolds, yellow dahlias or even consider planting yellow roses.
Set up a regular schedule for maintaining the lawn, hedges, trees and flowerbeds—if you’re preparing Palm Springs homes for sale, make sure any cactuses on the property look nice and are well-groomed.
Keep the garage door of your property closed, especially if you are storing boxes in there. If you are keeping items in addition to your cars inside, it will behoove you to buy some garage storage cabinets so that it looks less cluttered, in case the potential buyers ask to see inside.
One final step—apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door. This increases the welcome factor of the house and gives it a polished look.
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People from across globe come to Coachella Valley in search of equestrian homes, Palm Springs homes for sale, La Quinta real estate and other properties in the surrounding area. Some are looking for second homes, while others plan to enjoy the gorgeous climate all year long.
It’s easy to understand why vacationers come for a visit and fall in love with the relaxed, active lifestyle here. The next thing they know, they’re looking at La Quinta real estate in search of the perfect vacation home or permanent residence. The excellent weather, coupled with the many options for maintaining health and fitness, significantly add to the appeal of Coachella Valley. In addition to the myriad gyms, health clubs and spas, there are plenty of other options for recreation, exercise and sports.
Golf. Whether you like to play, be a spectator to do both, you’ve got so many opportunities to choose from! World famous tournaments like the Humana Challenge aka the Bob Hope Classic, the Palm Springs Amateur, the Frank Sinatra/Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational and Kraft Nabisco Championship are just a few of the area events you can be a part of. If you like to play, there is an abundance of courses in the area, including the Cathedral Canyon Country Club, Cimarron Golf Resort, Desert Princess Country Club, Indian Canyons Golf Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort, La Quinta Resort, the Mesquite Country Club and many more!
Swimming. Many private properties are equipped with swimming pools, and there are local options that offer Olympic-sized swimming pools that are open year-round, such as The Palm Springs Swim Center and The Palm Springs City Pool.
Cycling. Cycling aficionados are in heaven in Palm Springs. In addition to special events like the Tour de Palm Springs in February, there are tons of local trails.
Walking. When viewing Palm Springs homes for sale, you’ll notice that the neighborhoods are filled with walkers. It’s a very popular activity and great for heart health; it’s quite common to see people out for regular morning, twilight and evening walks.
Hiking. Options include everything from easy trails to rough terrain, including the famous Indian Canyon Trails, the Painted Canyons, The Clara Burgess and the Palm Springs Museum Trail, among many others. Plus, the gorgeous Joshua Tree National State Park is in close proximity.
Tennis. Top-flight tennis facilities abound in Coachella Valley, the home of the world-renowned BNP Paribas Open. There are many private, semi-private and public courts and clubs to choose from, including the Palm Springs Country Club, Coachella Tennis Center, Desert Oasis, Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Mesquite Golf & Country Club, Palm Desert Country Club, Rancho Mirage Country Club and the Sun Lakes Country Club.
Horseback riding. If you’re not quite in the market for an equestrian home, but love horseback riding, there are several ranches and stables, including the Crazy Horse Ranch, Los Compadres Stables, the Empire Polo Club and Coyote Ridge Stable, among others.
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People travel from all over the world to visit and enjoy themselves in Palm Springs. Many come for a vacation and within a few days find themselves looking for Palm Springs homes for sale. The region is warm, relaxed and beautiful—and the perfect place to spend a four day weekend like Thanksgiving.
Here are the top 5 reasons to spend this indulgent holiday in Coachella Valley.
1. The weather. Few people around the country will be able to sunbathe and relax on this holiday—except for lucky owners of Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Palm Desert real estate. The weather is beautiful year round, and this weekend is no exception.
2. The Palm Springs Follies. This world-famous Broadway-style revue is unique, exciting and unparalleled. The cast are ages 55-83, and features renowned celebrity guest stars ranging from Lesley Gore and Lou Christie to the world’s most famous hula hoop artist, Mat Plendl. Approximately170,000 people attend the show every year—residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate can enjoy the luxury of seeing several performances each year.
3. Golf. With the myriad of impeccable golf courses to choose from, you’re guaranteed to get an awesome tee time this weekend. What better way to burn off all the turkey, sides and pumpkin pie?
4. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation, even when you live here. Many people search for Palm Springs homes for sale because it is one of the most relaxed, laidback cities, with something for everyone to do. So if you live here already, enjoy it! With all the swimming, hiking, biking, jogging and cycling options, as well as tennis courts and fitness centers, everyone will be able to burn off those extra Thanksgiving calories.
5. The shopping. Black Friday is here—and what better place to find deals than the mecca that is nearby Palm Desert. With the Cabazon outlets, Desert Hills Premium Outlets, El Paseo drive and Palm Spring’s array of upscale boutiques and chic stores, everyone in the family will find something for everyone else to covet.
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The Follies are a Palm Springs Staple! Another benefit to consider when browsing Palm Springs homes for sale — the city is home to the world famous Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, a Broadway-caliber musical and dance revue that takes place from November to mid-May at the historic Plaza Theatre.
Founded in 1990 by acclaimed producer Riff Markowitz, the show features the music, comedy and dance of Mid-Century America performed by a cast that are all 55 and older. This innovative program actually made the Guinness Book of World Records for that fact. Each year, the Follies is attended by approximately 170,000, including tourists from across the globe, as well as residents from all over California, from owners of Indian Wells real estate and other Coachella Valley cities, to San Francisco locals, Angelenos and San Diegans. The Follies were the subject of the documentary, Still Kicking: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, which was nominated for Best Short Subject Documentary at the 70th Academy Awards.
The cast includes international vaudeville acts and internationally renowned guest stars, ranging in age from 55 to 83. This year is the 22nd edition and features some very exciting stars with timeless appeal, including the debut of celebrated vocalist Lorna Luft from November 1 through December 31, which will be a tribute to her mother, Judy Garland. From January 8 through March 9, 2013, multi-million selling recording artist Lou Christie will make his debut, and Lesley Gore, the singer of classic hits like “It’s My Party,” and “You Don’t Own Me” will make a return visit from March 12 through May 19. The Follies is emceed by Markowitz, in his signature style that blends satire and Old World savoir-faire. It makes sense that this show is so popular among owners of Indio, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells Real estate properties.
This year’s all-new show, “Dance to the Music” pays homage to the “black and white” era of American Bandstand and all its dance crazes. In addition, all season long the show will include the world’s greatest hula-hoop artist, Mat Plendl. At age 13, he started his career as the U.S. National Hula Hoop Champion, which included several appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and NBA half-time performances, among many others across the globe.
Those looking for Palm Springs homes will benefit from the proximity to the Plaza Theatre, which ensures they’ll be able to find time to catch this extraordinary show and each of its guest stars.
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Palm Springs Real Estate will definitely improve your handicap!
The options are practically unlimited when it comes to playing a couple rounds, taking golf lessons and hitting buckets of balls. There is also a myriad of opportunities to watch world-famous tournaments either right in Palm Springs or in the vicinity, including the Kraft Nabisco Championship, also known as the Dinah Shore Golf Tournament, and the Humana Challenge, formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic.
The great news is, it’s not just a spectator sport—there are also many tournaments to participate in, for people of all levels and handicaps. With all the cities of the Coachella Valley so close in proximity, owners of everything from Indio and Indian Wells, to La Quinta and Rancho Mirage real estate can also reap the benefits to improve their game. Below are just a few to whet a golfer’s appetite.
The Clubs Fore Kids Golf Tournament is a charity event put on by the Palm Springs Hospitality & Restaurant Association. Open to all skill levels, this charity event benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs. Those interested in Palm Springs homes for sale will love its convenient location at the Escena Golf Club.
The Palm Springs City Amateur Championship at the Indians Canyons Golf Resort is a favorite among amateurs. It’s open to men with a handicap of eight or less and women with a handicap of 25 or less.
The Desert Classic Charity Golf Tournament benefits the Coldwell Banker Community Foundation, and takes place at the Indian Wells Country Club.
Richard Kelly’s Adult Junior Memorial Golf Tournament is a local favorite among owners of Palm Desert real estate properties, as it takes place at the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, and pairs one adult and one junior player on a team.
The Greater Palm Springs Celebrity Golf Classic at Desert Dunes Golf Club in Desert Hot Springs consists of four days of golf and social events, as well as celebrity pairings. Proceeds benefit Palm Springs Youth Charities.
The Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational, which will take place February 21-23, 2013, is a favorite among owners of Rancho Mirage real estate as it has contributed over seven million to the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center located there. The three-day event includes parties and pairs celebrities with amateurs for two rounds.
The Round the World in 18 Holes Golf Classic includes a 19th Hole Reception and Celebrity Jam and benefits the Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens. In recent years, it’s been hosted by the likes of Joe Mantegna and Luc Robitaille.
The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Golf Tournament, which takes place January 21, 2013, is super convenient for owners of Palm Desert real estate, as it takes place at the local Classic Club. Proceeds benefit the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.
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There are many reasons why there is such a demand for Palm Springs homes for sale. People fall in love at first sight with this beautiful, charming little town. It’s picturesque, extremely safe and the climate is unrivaled. Those on the verge of retirement flock to Palm Springs to find the perfect piece of this town to call their own, as well as in the surrounding areas—La Quinta real estate and Rancho Mirage real estate properties are also in high demand.
One of the main reasons the region is so popular among retirees is obviously the plethora of amazing golf communities and wide range of recreational activities. People strive to find Palm Springs homes for sale based on the selection of outdoor activities alone. With sunny weather all year long, you can immerse yourself in your favorite sport, polish your technique and become an expert at your hobbies. Tennis aficionados, hikers, cyclists and golfers find heaven in Coachella Valley.
Even if you aren’t into golf or other outdoor activities, there is still plenty to do for those with extra time on their hands. Palm Springs is a conference town, so there is always something interesting going on, from the Palm Springs International Film Festival and The Biker Weekend in September, to the People Who Dance New Year’s Dance Competition. For those reasons alone, many retirees clamor for Rancho Mirage real estate properties or homes in other areas of close proximity.
The shopping options in the area are pretty amazing as well. There are tons of antique stores filled with unique, hard-to-find items, as well as posh fashion boutiques, mid-century modern retailers and consignment dealers. There are also many great art galleries and centers, such as the Backstreet Art District, which consists of a dozen artist-owned galleries and working studios featuring incredible collections of contemporary art by nationally and internationally recognized artists.
In addition, nearby Cabazon is home to some of California’s most renowned fashion outlets, including Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Cabazon outlets, a feature that benefits residents in the entire, including owners of Indio, Indian Wells, Palm Desert and La Quinta real estate properties.
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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.
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