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.
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There’s a reason why several of our former presidents spent so much of their vacation time in Rancho Mirage. When it comes to retirement, there are few other areas that appeal to so many retirees as much as Rancho Mirage real estate. If you’re planning to retire in the near future, then here are a few reasons to consider homes for sale in Rancho Mirage or the surrounding areas including Palm Springs, Indian Wells and Palm Desert.
1. The outdoor beauty. The majestic Sam Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains set the stage with picturesque beauty around which many outdoor activities revolve around. From hiking and horseback riding to watching a tennis tournament or relaxing poolside, the stunning setting the desert provides makes it easy to revel in the resort lifestyle.
2. Golf, golf, golf. Rancho Mirage has 12 great golf courses, including the Rancho Mirage Country Club, Mission Hills North and the Rancho Las Palmas Country Club. In addition, the surrounding desert cities also boast great country clubs and resorts, such as La Quinta Country Club, SilverRock Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort and the Greg Norman course at PGA West. Many retirees and avid golfers seek homes for sale in the surrounding areas of Palm Springs because of the multitude of opportunities to golf.
3. The culture. Part of the appeal of Rancho Mirage real estate is its rich history and notable residents, coupled with its vibrant arts community and cultural offerings, make it a mecca for those who want to enjoy the benefits of living in a well-rounded community.
4. The carefree lifestyle. Every day seems like a vacation at for owners of Rancho Mirage real estate. From exploring hiking trails with beautiful views, swimming with the family and playing a round of golf on an impeccable course, to shopping at chic boutiques, experiencing fine dining and relishing spa services in close proximity, there’s something for everyone to enjoy almost every day of the year in this incredible desert city.
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Most people are aware that Palm Springs is an ideal place to live for golfers, but not as many know that the Coachella Valley is a perfect place for equestrian homes. Not only does one of the most exciting horse shows take place in the Valley—the A-rated Horse Show in the Sun (HITS) Desert Circuit—but there are great equestrian trails nearby with stunning views to choose from, from Murray Canyon to the areas around Thousand Palms that are protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In addition, the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park, which offers 253 miles of equestrian trails, is a short drive away.
The incredible climate that Palm Springs boasts makes it enjoyable to ride horses nearly all year long, which makes it worth it for horse owners to consider the area’s equestrian homes and properties with the potential to be converted. There are definitely areas throughout the desert communities that are ripe for horses—many already have barns, stables, paddocks, areas for training and miles of trails nearby.
If you’ve been considering real estate in Rancho Mirage or La Quinta, there is a wide range of properties to consider, from small and medium-sized to larger, ranch style homes. In fact, the Equestrian Centers International is located in Rancho Mirage, and can serve as a great resource to those looking to buy or sell horses, or even board their own. There is also the nearby Clancy Lane Boarding Stables, a full service boarding facility, and plenty of horse trainers and places to get horseback riding lessons in the area surrounding Rancho Mirage and La Quinta. Many horse owners also choose to find homes or ranchettes in the Indio area, which has quite a few farm properties.
Click here to browse some of the equestrian properties or other types of real estate in Rancho Mirage.
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The vacation home market continues to heat up—especially in the Palm Springs area. Buyers are eyeing Rancho Mirage real estate, luxury homes in Indian Wells, and properties in Indio for their dream vacation homes. Real estate experts maintain that the market is primed for buying a second home now, as interest rates are good and demand is poised to increase in the near future. Here are three great reasons to get in the market now:
1. Vacation rentals are in demand. As we start to come out of a recession, more people are committing to taking vacations this year, resulting in an increasing demand for rentals. This is a great way to offset the cost of a second home and bring in some additional income. Rancho Mirage real estate offers an ideal location for tourists and vacationers, with its renowned golf courses and varied recreational activities. Plus, in general, vacation rentals appeal more since they tend to be less expensive and more comfortable than hotel rooms, especially for families and those seeking a longer stay.
2. It’s a pretty safe investment. Real estate is a good place to put your money for the long-term, and the potential for additional income is a plus. In addition, there is a chance to make a profit, especially when renting out highly desirable properties, such as luxury homes in Indian Wells. Many property owners are able to cover their entire mortgage payment simply by renting out their second home for a week.
3. You will save money on your own vacation. When you own a vacation home, you always have an option of a place to go during your time off, and can take more vacations than normal since you won’t have to worry about hotel costs and can take advantage of the kitchen and other amenities such as a swimming pool.
Whether you’re interested in properties in Indio, a beach cottage or a high-rise apartment, now is a great time to take advantage of the benefits of owning a vacation home.
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If you’re ready to take a break and have some fun this weekend, it seems like the Coachella Valley offers unlimited options for recreation. If you own a home in Palm Springs or have plans to look at Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage real estate during the next few days, make sure to carve out some time to enjoy the desert cities with your loved ones.
As you may know from our recent blog posts, Modernism Week is in full swing and those with an equestrian flair can get their fix at the 21st annual Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) Thermal Desert Circuit Show. If you’re more of a music lover, you may want to check out “Remembering the 1960s,” a tribute to four legends including Cher, Dionne Warwick, Neil Diamond and Paul Anka, featuring a cross section of music that all ages will enjoy. This event takes place at Cal State Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus on Friday, February 15. Another classic and ever popular act, Boyz II Men, performs at the Morongo Casino Resort on Friday as well.
Whether you own properties in Indio or another part of Coachella Valley, the 67th annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is an amazing experience for all. The event starts today and runs through February 24. Come see why Indio is famous for its dates, and watch one-of-a-kind activities like pig, ostrich and camel races, participate in livestock auctions and learn some unrivalled methods of cooking with dates. The event is located at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, 82-503 Highway 111, in Indio.
On Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, you can check out the unique Pam Am Exhibit at the Saguaro in Palm Springs, where actor Philip Keene (The Closer, Major Crimes) shares his collection of more than 3,000 items.
On Saturday night, Palm Springs Pathfinders holds a gala to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. The event features a silent auction, cocktails, dinner, dancing and other entertainment. If you’re considering Rancho Mirage real estate, it’s the perfect way to get a taste of what the community has to offer and its commitment to important causes.
Also on Saturday night, world famous Grammy award winner Bonnie Raitt will appear at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. It’s an amazing way to finish a day of browsing properties in Indio or any other part of the Coachella Valley.
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If you’re a horse lover or a lucky owner of equestrian homes, then you’re probably already a fan of Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) Thermal Desert Circuit Show. This six week circuit runs annually from January – March, and is a mainstay of West Coast competition. In its 21st year, the show takes place at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California, which is just minutes away from Palm Desert and the other desert cities. HITS is the winter show home to some of the best and most accomplished equestrian riders in the world, such as United States Olympic Gold Medalist Will Simpson and Canadian Olympian Jill Henselwood.
HITS offers an amazing opportunity to watch as riders and their horses jump, leap and gallop in a thrilling circuit of events that are judged on style, grace, presentation and appearance. During this six-week event, more than 3000 horses, 10,000 riders and nearly 30,000 spectators are expected to attend. Equestrians and their fans will visit from all over the world—and many will take the time to browse luxury homes in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and other areas of the posh desert communities.
HITS takes place this year from January 22-March 17.There is no better opportunity to watch world-class thoroughbreds and champion equestrians compete in 16 Grand prix events. In addition, there is cool shopping, great food, fun music and other unique activities that are perfect for the entire family. It’s a great way to unwind after looking at equestrian homes and other luxury homes in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and La Quinta.
Admission to HITS Thermal is free from Tuesday through Saturday and $5 per person on Sunday entry. Children under 12 are permitted to enter free of charge. The event takes place Tuesday through Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit hitsshows.com.
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This weekend will be a fun and active one for desert city residents and owners of Palm Springs, Indio and Rancho Mirage real estate! Starting today, February 7 through Sunday, February 10, seniors and adults ages 35 and above will compete in the Palm Desert Senior Games & International Sports Festival. Whether you’re a spectator or participant, this event is sure to provide lots of entertainment.
The City of Palm Desert and The Desert Recreation District partnered with the California State Senior Games Association and the National Senior Games Association to present this awesome event. The games are open to all athletes, whether you’re a resident of Palm Springs, owner of Rancho Mirage real estate or come from anywhere else in the state—the only requirement is that participants turned at least 35 by December 31, 2013.
The broad range of fun, challenging sports competitions include basketball, golf, soccer, swimming, pickleball, table tennis, lawn bowling, track and field, speed walking, volleyball, water volleyball and shuffleboard. The mission of the event is to promote healthy, active, and happy lifestyles for seniors and all those above 35, and to provide venues and outlets for athletes who seek a competitive environment and the camaraderie that these type of events offer.
The Senior Games & International Sports Festival takes place in Palm Desert and surrounding venues.
image: desertseniorgames.org
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Over the last decade, Rancho Mirage has been named one of the best places to retire in America by renowned publications such as the US News & World Report. If you’re already searching for Rancho Mirage real estate or properties in Indian Wells, La Quinta or Palm Desert, you’re probably already familiar with this bucolic town’s many charms. If not, read on.
Quality of life. Living in Rancho Mirage, La Quinta and other areas in Palm Springs Valley affords you access to unparalleled outdoor recreational activities, incredible shopping, fine dining options and a thriving arts and culture community. Whether you’re a tennis or golf aficionado, an avid hiker or cycler, or simply enjoy bathing in the sun, you’ll be able to take advantage of the sunny climate all year long.
Resort amenities. Stellar golf courses aren’t the only benefits of nearby country clubs—resort-style amenities and world class spa services can be enjoyed in the stunning desert setting that owners of Rancho Mirage real estate call home. It’s like being on vacation every day of the year.
Access to superb medical care. This resort city was formerly known as “The Playground of Presidents,” due to regular visits by Nixon, Reagan and Gerald Ford, who eventually bought a house in Rancho Mirage. Perhaps this has something to do with the development of high-end, world-renowned medical facilities in the area, such as the Eisenhower Medical Center and the Better Ford Center addiction rehabilitation clinic.
Location, location, location. Rancho Mirage is not only close to all the desert communities, it’s also only a couple hours by car to the beach, Las Vegas and other desirable locations.
Whether you’re interested in homes in Rancho Mirage or properties in Indian Wells or La Quinta, it’s safe to say that each promises to be a perfect haven for retirement.
image: ranchomirage.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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Every year, the Humana Challenge Golf Tournament brings lots of excitement to bucolic La Quinta—and this year was no different. For most of the tournament, Scott Stallings was the leader. But on the final day, there was much to talk about when Charles Howell III, David Lingmerth and Brian Gay came from behind, ending up in a three-way tie. Owners of La Quinta real estate, visitors and other area locals were able to witness one of the most exciting 18th hole this year, when Longmerth hit his ball in the water, leaving only Gay and Howell to playing number 10 for a tiebreaker. Howell’s shot ended up in the bunker with Gay’s just off the green—Gay won the tournament for his fourth PGA win and the $1,008,000 prize.
Formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic, this 72-hole tournament is part of the PGA Tour’s early season West Coast Swing, and is renowned for its celebrity pro-am. In fact, it formerly was only a pro-am, including the many years that it was hosted by legendary icon, Bob Hope. In 2012, Humana changed its format to a traditional four round tournament, played over three different courses: Palmer Private at PGA WEST, Nicklaus Private at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club, all favorites of residents and owners of La Quinta real estate. The first 54 holes of the Pro-Am features each of the 156 pros partnering with a different amateur each day. On Sunday, the low 70 professionals play the final round. We always suggest that clients who are viewing homes in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Palm Desert spend one of their days here at this incredible, star-studded event.
The Clinton Foundation partnered with the PGA, committing to help make this tournament a part of its mission to bring the message of healthy living to American through golf. While President Clinton was at the tournament on Thursday, he did not play. He was unable to stay through the entire tournament, due to his obligation to attend the Presidential Inauguration. But how exciting for residents throughout and those who own homes in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta to get a glimpse of the former president. He’ll attend all five days of the 2014 tournament!
Celebrities who participated included Eric Dickerson, Alice Cooper, Marshall Faulk, Don Felder and local resident Carson Daly, among others. Organized by the non-profit organization, Desert Classic Charities, the Human Challenge has donated more than $52 billion to the Eisenhower Medical Center and a multitude of other local nonprofit organizations.
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