If you’re getting into the spirit of the season, this is the perfect weekend to visit Palm Springs. There is plenty of art, music and Halloween activities going on, giving visitors and owners of Palm Springs real estate lots of options to unwind from a busy week.
On Friday, Starting October 24, performances of Noises Off commence at the Arthur Newman Theatre. The classically comic hit Broadway show has been re-imagined for this more intimate space. The show takes place Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 7 pm. It runs through November 9, though there will be no performance on October 31.
The Palm Desert Community Center will host its Historical Society of Palm Desert Lecture Series on Friday from 7 to 8 pm. Donations of $5 are recommended.
On Friday from 8 to 10 pm, the Fantasy Springs Casino will host Cheech & Chong with War, a night of iconic music and hilarious comedy. At the Morongo Casino, Paquita la del Barrio will perform from 9 to 11 pm.
On Saturday, Saturday, October 25, the Palm Springs Annual Tram Road will take place at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is an absolute must-see for those considering Palm Springs real estate. For more than 25 years, this event has challenged walkers and runners from all over the world. The 6K uphill run/walk benefits United Way of the Desert.
Also on Saturday, the 10th Jacqueline Cochran Air Show will take place at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport. The event is sure to entertain aviation and airplane enthusiasts of all ages.
From 10am to 4 pm on Saturday, Old Town La Quinta will host its popular Art Under the Umbrellas event that features more than 80 artists sharing their work at this charming outdoor venue. From 10:30 to 4 pm, the Palm Springs Art Museum will feature Day of the Dead Celebration at The Palm Springs Art Musuem. There will be an opening procession by the Danza Azteca Citlaltonac Tierra dancers and many other festivities, including art installations, a special exhibition of Day of the Dead quilts and Mariachi Azteca de Oro de Jose Valdez.
On Sunday, October 26 from 11 am to 4 pm, the Living Desert will host Howl-O-Ween, a spooky and unique zoo adventure to celebrate the holiday.
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There is so much happening over the next few days, we had to split the array of activities into two blog posts! The active social season officially kicks off this weekend, making it the perfect time to visit, whether for a vacation or to scope out real estate in Palm Springs.
For starters, this Friday, October 10, the Pumpkin Patch and Amusement Park at Westfield Palm Desert kicks off. This holiday event is perfect for the entire family—it’s packed with Kiddie Rides, a Giant Slide, a Fun House, refreshments, games and prizes to benefit Animal Samaritans. The event runs through Friday, October 31, from 3:30 pm to 10 pm each day.
On Saturday, October 11 from 11 am to 4 pm, the popular Living Desert will host La Gran Fiesta. This unique festival celebrates Hispanic culture with live music, dancing, games, keeper chats, delicious refreshments and more. The event starts at 11 am and ends at 4 pm. If you’re considering real estate in Palm Springs, the Living Desert is a must-see—it’s a unique public desert botanical garden and wildlife zoo that you will love visiting when you’re a local.
On Saturday from 7 pm to 9 pm and Sunday, October 12 from 2 pm to 4 pm, the Indio Performing Arts Center will feature Unforgettable: The Nat King Cole Songbook, a tribute concert by Sheldon Craig, accompanied by a live 9-piece jazz band. The audience will hear some of the music icon’s most famous songs, including “Papa Loves Mambo,” “Mona Lisa,” Route 66” and “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home.”
Also on Saturday, the Fantasy Springs Casino will host a performance of The Experience Hendrix Tour from 8 pm to 11 pm. This incredible show features a bevy of superstars, including Jimi Hendrix’s own legendary bassist Billy Cox. At the Spotlight 29 Casino, standup comedian Bill Burr will bring his show to the stage from 8 pm to 11 pm.
On Sunday, October 12 from 7 am to 3 pm, the beautiful Palm Desert Aquatic Center will be the site of the Y BE FIT Palm Desert Challenge triathlon event, to benefit the Family YMCA of the Desert. There are separate events for walkers, runners and triathletes of all levels.
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Palm Springs Valley is renowned among hiking aficionados for having some of the best trails in California. Outdoor vistas offer picturesque views of the area’s stunning natural beauty. Many people who are interested in viewing Palm Springs homes for sale check out the trails to get a taste of the desert’s unique and scenic environment.
During December, there are a few guided hikes that will help both beginners and advanced hikers learn about the area and have fun while getting accustomed to some of the stellar trails available. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, these hikes are so beautiful that you’ll find yourself giving Palm Desert real estate serious consideration, if you aren’t already.
The Palm Canyon Geology Hike takes place this Saturday, December 15 at 9 am. Part of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum’s hiking series, this guided tour will teach participants about the natural processes that helped form the beautiful Palm Canyon. Start your day off with this amazing hike, and then head off to look at Palm Springs homes for sale afterwards. The cost of the hike is $25 and includes entrance to the canyon (no charge for Museum members). Registration is required and participation is limited to 20 people, on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 760.833.8169 for more information or to register.
During December, there will be a free guided hike from the National Monument Visitor Center every Thursday and Saturday from 9 – 11:30 am. An interpretive guide will lead hikers through the Dead Indian Canyon and Carrizo Canyon, in hope of sighting endangered Peninsular Bighorn sheep. Both hikes are considered easy to moderate; Carrizo Canyon is three miles long and Dead Indian Canyon is 2.5 miles. This is the perfect way to explore parts of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountain ranges, which owners of Palm Desert real estate consider one of the most beautiful amenities of living here. The National Monument Visitor Center is located at 51-500 Hwy 74, four miles south of Hwy 111, in Palm Desert. For more information, visit DesertMountains.org or call 760.862.9984.
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Making a decision to buy either a home or a condo can be difficult, as there are many factors to consider, especially if you’re a first time buyer. Whether you’re looking at Palm Springs homes for sale or real estate in Indian Wells, there are a number of questions that can help you determine which type of property is best for you.
Many homeowners face a common decision—whether to buy a condo or single family home. There are pros and cons for each, and once you are aware of these, you can determine what will work best for you and your family. For those who thrive on city life, often times, a condo is the most reasonable choice. While you may be able to get something much bigger with a yard outside of the heart of the city for the same price, if you crave the pulse of living in the city and don’t like to commute, a condo may work best for you and your family.Keep in mind that most condos are regulated by a Homeowners Association (HOA), which means you’ll have to share decision making with other tenants and pay fees to cover maintenance and insurance costs. Some people love that aspect, while others find it to be a hassle—it’s up to you decide which you prefer.
In addition, you’ll have neighbors in very close proximity, which may not be the case with that real estate in Indian Wells that you’ve been eyeing, with its two acres of land. In addition to privacy and location, other factors that are important to consider are responsibility—do you like sharing the decision making with other tenants or would you prefer to have total control over any decisions affecting your home and landscape? Some people actually enjoy performing a lot of the maintenance themselves, including outdoor lovers who often search for Palm Springs homes for sale. Gardening is a hobby that many people, and access is typically much more limited when you live in a condo.
So in addition to budgetary constraints, you’ll want to consider location, privacy, responsibility and maintenance when deciding between a home and a condo. image: mtgcapital.com
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When prospective buyers view Palm Springs homes for sale, one of the first things they ask to see is the kitchen. Often considered the most important room of the house, the kitchen is where family members and guests congregate and catch up with each other. When staging a property, it’s important to have this room in tip-top shape.
For sellers who may have let their kitchen go somewhat, there are ways to overhaul this room without racking up the bills. While the average midrange kitchen remodel costs around $60,000, there are many cost-effective ways to give your Indio real estate property a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Here are some tips shared by interior design experts.
1. Pick standard appliances. If your appliances need an upgrade, stick to standard sizes. While large size equipment may appeal to your esthetic, it costs more and may not fit in with what potential buyers have in mind. Plus, the larger appliances tend to be more powerful, and therefore require more energy—which translates to higher utility bills. You can’t go wrong with standard sizes.
2. Bargain shop. If you need anything from new countertops to new flooring for your Indio real estate, look for bargains in the form of older models or products that are overstocked. Search for appliances and other items at big discounts on websites such as Overstock, BestBuy.com and Searsoutlet.com. For flooring and building materials, try ifloors.com and lumberliquidators.com.
3. Think twice about countertops. This is an area that can be very expensive if you’re not careful. If your countertops are not in bad shape, skip remodeling, as it can be costly and time consuming. However, if you think they may turn off potential buyers, consider affordable options, such as laminate, which will save you hundreds of dollars as compared to granite or quartz counters.
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Whether you’re searching for Palm Springs homes for sale or property in another part of the country, one of the decisions you need to make is to buy a new or existing home. There are pros and cons for each option, you just need to make the decision that works best for you and your family.
While the prospect of sparkling new appliances and modern floor plans have great appeal for many, other may prefer some of the advantages of an existing home. Here are a few things that you’ll want to consider if you’re considering either route.
Remodeling and improvement potential. Sometimes it makes sense to modernize or expand on an already existing home, especially one in an area where value is increasing. An already built home can offer an array of home improvement projects that you can do to personalize it for you and your family.
Pricing. Often times, existing homes cost less than newer ones. Plus, they tend to come completed, so you may not have to purchase any of the extras that you would if you buy a brand new property, such as landscape items, window treatments and other built-ins.
The neighborhood. One of the benefits you’ll see with many existing Palm Springs homes for sale or properties in other cities is the community and neighborhood amenities. When an area is well-established, there tends to be good landscaping in place, developed trees and strong community measures for safety and other factors.
Maintenance and repair. One of the benefits of a new home is that everything should be in perfect working order when you move in. If you’re looking at existing homes, you should hire an inspector to assess everything from plumbing to the roofing. Keep in mind that if the home comes with built-in appliances, you may need to budget funds for repair and replacement, as some items may stop working over time.
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This weekend features an exciting slate of entertainment options, including an innovative film festival and a bevy of iconic performers. Whether you own Palm Springs real estate or are in town viewing homes for sale in Rancho Mirage, La Quinta or Indian Wells, you’ll enjoy the wide array of options to choose from.
The Cinema Diverse Film Festival is going on this entire weekend at the Camelot Theatres. Also known as the Palm Springs Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Cinema Diverse is dedicated to presenting the best in LGBT Cinema.
Friday, September 19 from 9 to 11 pm, Engelbert Humperdinck will perform at the Morongo Casino. Humperdinck is an English pop singer, known for his UK number-one hits “The Last Waltz,” “Release Me” and “After the Lovin’.”
On Friday from 9 to 11 pm, the legendary Peter Frampton will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. Also an Englishman, Frampton is a rock singer, songwriter, producer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for a bevy of hits including “Do You Feel Like We Do,” “Breaking All The Rules,” “Show Me the Way” and “Baby, I Love Your Way.” His album, Frampton Comes Alive! sold more than six million copies in the U.S. alone.
On Saturday, September 20 from 8 to 10 pm, the Fantasy Springs Casino will host a performance by the iconic singer, Diana Ross, as a stop on her In The Name of Love Tour. Ross’s incredible career started as a founding member and lead singer of Motown’s The Supremes. She was named the “Female Entertainer of the Century” by Billboard magazine, and in 1993, was declared the most successful female music artist in history by the Guinness Book of World Records–Ross has sold more than 100 million records worldwide when her releases as both a solo artist and with the Supremes are combined. Her performance is located on The Fantasy Springs Special Events Center stage, a favorite venue of those who own Palm Springs real estate.
On Sunday, September 21 from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre will feature Patti Gallagher & Mark Almy in: “Dynamic Duo.”
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Get your vacation home ready to rent!
If you are lucky enough to own Palm Desert real estate or a property in another desert city as a second home and it sits empty for most of the year, you may want to consider renting it out for additional income. If that sounds like a good option for you, here are some tips for protecting and making the most out of your investment.
1. Get your property in good condition for renting out. Whether you own something in an amazing area, such as Indio or one of the many beautiful homes in La Quinta, you want it to look great and have everything in stellar working condition. However, you may not want to keep expensive items in there that will cost a lot if they get damaged or broken. For example, you may want to avoid expensive furnishings, window treatments, fixtures, chandeliers and appliances.
2. Will you shoot for short or long rental terms? There are many factors to consider when making this decision. When you own property in desirable locations, such as Indian Wells, La Quinta or Palm Desert real estate, you can bring in a significant amount of income with short-term renters and vacationers. However, your risk factor for potential damage increases somewhat, so you may want to use a property management company to handle the day-to-day operations, which cuts into your profits a little bit. Likewise, if you contract a long-term renter, you will only be dealing with them, though you will need to charge less than you would to short-term renters. While equestrian homes can bring in a lot of extra income, long-term may be a better bet, as there typically be a lot more buildings included and animals tend to cause more damage than humans.
3. Determine pricing and deposit amounts. If you’re not working with a property manager to rent out your property, you’ll need to compare your home to other similar properties. For example, if you are looking to rent out real estate in Indio, look at other homes in the area and compare your square footage and features to determine your price points and deposit requirements.
4. Establish policies. Will you allow the renters to sublet the property? Will you allow pets? If so, how much will you increase your deposit?
5. Screen renters. Once you place an ad or determine which property management company you’ll be working with, your next step is to ensure that renters are thoroughly screened. You can use a service or do it yourself by contacting references, previous landlords, running credit checks and confirming employment.
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If you’re in the market for Palm Springs homes for sale, the Indian Canyons is an absolute must-see. When it comes to rich history, exclusivity and championship golf, the Indian Canyons Golf resort is unrivalled. Since its original opening in 1961 as the Canyon Country Club, it has been considered a jewel of the Coachella Valley.
What started as an elite winter getaway for the likes of Hollywood celebrities and former United States presidents, from Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Jackie Gleason to Ronald Reagan, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson, is now a popular place to live year round or have a vacation home.
Many buyers seek Palm Springs homes for sale for the incredible golf opportunities that the area affords its residents. Located at the base of the picturesque San Jacinto Mountains in South Palm Springs, the Indian Canyons boasts two spectacular golf courses where you can count on wind-free golf. This is due to the “Canyon” district’s location, which is surrounded on three sides by the San Jacinto Mountains.
Designed by William F. Bell, son of renowned golf course architect William P. Bell, the North Course is the longer of the two. Set on 550 acres of Native American tribal property, the par-72 course spans 6,943 yards and provides gorgeous views of the mountains and unique, mid-century modern homes, several of which were originally owned by Walt Disney. The course features six water hazards, the most notable of which is a lake located between the 9th and 18th holes. At the 18th hole is the famous Disney fountain, which shoots water over 100 feet into the air.
The South Course provides a distinctively different experience. Re-designed in 2004 by renowned architect Casey O’Callahan and player consultant, LPGA legend Amy Alcott, the 6,582-yard course is a favorite among female golfers. The course is absolutely stunning, with four ponds, 850 palm trees and 500 Washingtonia Filifera throughout the course to enhance the desert landscape.
Indian Canyons’ ideal location right in the heart of Palm Springs makes it even more appealing to residents and visitors. It’s in close proximity to the other desert cities, a bevy of recreational options and only 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs.
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Casa de Liberace
Palm Springs’ first and oldest neighborhood, Old Las Palmas, is a community that stands out among the rest. Whether you’re looking for your first home or investing in international real estate, Old Las Palmas has broad appeal for anyone who wants to live the Palm Springs lifestyle.
Located west of Palm Canyon Drive in central Palm Springs, Old Las Palmas dates back to the the mid-1920s, when it was first developed father-and-son builders from New York, Alvah and Harold Hicks. The development was designed to make the most of the bucolic and winding streets, beautiful landscape and the gorgeous views of the picturesque Dry Falls Canyon and the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains.
The 300 plus homes in the development boast unique and spectacular architecture that has attracted notable residents throughout the years, fostering a rich history that is hard to match and ideal for those investing in international real estate. Homes range in design from Spanish-style ranches and Mediterranean villas to Mid-Century Modern and large estates. The secluded location provides peace and quiet, serving as a respite for its diverse residents.
The exclusive community has been home to many movie stars, musicians, Hollywood moguls, designers, artists, entrepreneurs and CEOs who retreat to Old Las Palmas to get away from their busy lives. It has always attracted a large number of glamorous celebrities, especially during the 1950s. The impressive list of other celebrities who lived in Old Las Palmas includes Gene Autry, Donna Reed, George Randolph Hearst, Kirk Douglas, Alan Ladd, Sidney Sheldon, George Hamilton, Joseph Barbera, Harold Mirisch, William Powell, Rona Barrett, Rudy Vallee, Leo Spitz, Harold Robbins, Jack Warner, Sidney Korshak, Kitty Carlisle and Lily Tomlin, among many others. For example, the world-famous Liberace bought Alvah Hicks’ renowned home and transformed it into the opulent Casa de Liberace, where he lived until his death in 1987. image: irishfireside.com
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