The Iconic KC and the Sunshine Band
If you’re in town this weekend to look at homes for sale in Rancho Mirage, La Quinta or Indio, there are plenty of ways to relax and take a break after a day of viewing properties. The concerts and musical events taking place this weekend are a great example of the diverse array of cultural events that characterize Palm Springs every week of the year.
On Friday, August 8 from 9 to 11 pm, the Morongo Casino will host a performance by music legends KC & The Sunshine Band. The iconic band is renowned for its funk, disco and R&B sounds which are represented in some of their biggest, most well-known hits, including “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Get Down Tonight,” “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty,” “I’m Your Boogie Man” and “Keep It Comin’ Love.” Also on Friday, the Fantasy Springs Casino will feature a performance by the unforgettable singer/songwriter Prince Royce. The show starts at 8 pm.
On Saturday, August 9 at 8 pm, the Fantasy Springs Casino will host a concert by Grammy award winners, Michael McDonald and Toto. McDonald was a member of the Doobie Brothers from 1976 to 1982 and has won five Grammy awards. The rock band Toto experienced tremendous commercial success in the late 1970s and 1980s, during which they were one of the best-selling music groups of their era. The band has sold more than 35 million albums to date, has won several Grammys and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009. Some of their most well-known hits include “Rosanna,” “Hold the Line,” and “Africa.” This will be a very exciting show for locals, visitors and those in town to view homes for sale in Rancho Mirage, La Quinta or Indio.
Also on Saturday, the Spotlight 29 Casino will feature Revolver, A Celebration of The Beatles in a fun, dynamic tribute to the legendary band. The show runs from 8 until 10 pm. On Sunday, August 10 from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre will feature Jaci Davis in: “Liza & Ella & Babs, Oh My!”
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If you’re a first-time buyer of real estate in Rancho Mirage, you may not fully understand the escrow process. Read on for some basic information about how escrow accounts work.
When you borrow money from a mortgage lender to buy a home, you will usually pay funds into an escrow account each month, in addition to your loan payments. When you have a mortgage, your home becomes collateral for the loan. Therefore, the lender will want to be certain that the property is properly insured in case damage or some type of accident occurs. In addition to the principal and interest your pay your lender each month, they may also collect property tax and homeowners insurance payments to ensure those bills are paid and to avoid a tax lien on your property should you neglect to pay your taxes. Many owners actually prefer to pay their lenders each month so that they are not hit with a large annual bill.
While escrow accounts are not always mandatory, if you have a loan guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), you must have an escrow account. Escrow accounts are also required on high-risk loans, such as those with a down payment of less than the typical amount, which is 20 percent. If yours is a conventional loan, the lender can decide whether or not to require an escrow account.
Since property taxes and insurance premiums change over time, the amount of your escrow payments may also change. Once your annual payments are made, if there is a shortage or overage in your account, you will get a refund or have to send an additional payment to make up the difference. As you can see, whether you’re buying real estate in Rancho Mirage or another part of California, escrow accounts can ensure that your investment in secure and be a convenient way to make sure all the bills associated with owning property are paid.
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Are you hoping to sell your Rancho Mirage real estate to the highest possible bidder? Whether you’re selling luxury properties such as equestrian homes, a ranch or beach condos, properly staging the property will highlight its strengths and downplay its weaknesses so that you can appeal to the widest pool of buyers.
1. Create groupings. To make rooms look as large and user-friendly as possible, float furnishings away from the walls and arrange them in small conversational-style groupings. This actually opens up the appearance of each room more than positioning furniture against the walls will.
2. Make a statement. If you have a room that needs work or lacks purpose, add value by repurposing it or adding a standout design feature. Be creative and think outside the box—you can transform a boring guest room into a reading nook with a plush chair, a sumptuous rug and statement lighting. With properties like equestrian homes, you have a lot of area to work with and accessorize—consider vintage lighting concepts or unique window treatments to add stylish flair to your property.
3. Employ lighting. If you’ve ever visited a home that was staged well, it probably felt warm and inviting. An easy way to create that kind of atmosphere is with good lighting schemes. Two key ways to do this is 1) Play with the wattage in both your interior and exterior lamps and fixtures, and 2) Strive to blend three types of lighting: ambient, task and accent.
4. Create illusions of space. To make a section of your house appear larger, paint two adjacent rooms the same color. To take the illusion even further, match your curtains to the paint.
Using staging tips like these will improve the appearance of your Rancho Mirage real estate, luxury home or any other type of property you’re putting on the market. As a result, you will increase your pool of prospective buyers.
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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 and the Empire Polo Club and the Eldorado Polo Clubs are located in nearby Indio.
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 that have the potential to be converted. There are definitely areas throughout the desert communities and parcels of vacant land for sale 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 to find places board them. 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 throughout the desert cities, including Rancho Mirage, La Quinta and Indian Wells. Many horse owners also choose to find homes or ranchettes in the Indio area, which has quite a few farm properties.
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If you’re looking for a cool thing to do this summer, whether as a solo mission or as an activity for the whole family to enjoy, the unique Palm Springs Air Museum is sure to entertain and educate people of all ages. If you’re visiting from abroad to look at international real estate, own real estate in Rancho Mirage or are just in town for a few days, you should definitely make time to check out one of the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft.
In addition to the remarkable aircraft housed here, this innovative aerial museum also features an array of related artifacts, artwork and an extensive library to further share and perpetuate American history. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, here’s your chance to get up close and personal to admire 27 flyable Warbirds and the spectacular vintage car collection, or take a tour through a working B-17 bomber. You can also test your skills on a flight simulator! Tourists and visitors in town to look at international real estate will appreciate that the hangars are air-conditioned—plus, they are free of ropes, so you can fully examine and interact with the one-of-a-kind exhibits.
There is always a trained docent to seek out, who can give you details about each aircraft, many of whom are WWII veterans and will share their experiences firsthand to help give you a sense of flying them. The Palm Springs Air Museum is truly like no other experience.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm. It’s located at 745 North Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, California 9226. For more information, call 760.778.6262.
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When you’re selling your home, whether it’s a beautiful piece of Rancho Mirage real estate or a condo in a big city, staging can make a huge difference in your asking price. Even when the market is strong and you feel like your house looks good, there are a few things you can do to increase its marketability.
One of the most important things that many sellers forget is that buyers want to be able to picture themselves living in your house—and with their things. Here are a few ways to boost the appeal of your property so that prospective buyers can imagine themselves living there.
1. Make the bedroom look as comfortable as possible. A bedroom is meant to be a sanctuary where residents can retreat from the rest of the world. Make sure there is no clutter whatsoever—that means remove the book from your nightstand, pack those family photos and hang everything in the closet. The room should look as spacious as possible. Keep the furniture to a bare minimum—a bed, dresser and nightstand is more than enough. Buy some new linens and pillows and consider painting the room in muted, neutral hues. If you can, remove the majority of your closet so that it appears larger as well.
2. Make the bathroom beautiful. Even though we don’t spend much time in the bathroom, if you want to maximize the appeal of your Rancho Mirage real estate, it will behoove you to make it looks its very best. Replace any old or rusty hardware and fixtures. Hang fluffy, luxe towels and place spa-like accessories around the room, such as scented soaps and candles.
3. Have the house professionally cleaned. When prospective buyers view a house that is cluttered or unclean, they will have difficulty seeing beyond the mess. Hire professionals to do a deep clean so that it looks like you just moved in. Have the carpets steamed, wash the windows, dust the woodwork and make sure to hit every nook and cranny until the place is sparkling.
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Buying equestrian homes can be daunting, especially for first time buyers. Potential buyers should arm themselves with information via research and advice from experts such as real estate professionals. As with purchase of any property, from Rancho Mirage real estate and Indio homes to beach condos and downtown lofts, buyers must find something that fulfills all their needs and most of their wants, while falling within their budget.
Here are three things to give serious consideration when you’re searching for equestrian properties:
The Surrounding Areas. When searching for equestrian homes, it’s very important to find out about the neighborhood you’re considering. See if there are other horse properties or stables in close proximity, and talk to any horse owners who live nearby. Your real estate professional will have information about the area as well. If there are no other horse properties in the vicinity, even if there is enough space for horses, your neighbors many not be happy about dealing with some of the issues associated with the maintenance.
The land. It’s important to evaluate the soil types and vegetation on the properties you’re considering. Assess the property’s overall condition—check out the native trees, flora and fauna to see how well the property has been maintained and how good the soil is. Look for the type of soil that drains well and isn’t rocky to make a good pasture for your horses.
Access. Another important aspect to consider is how easy it is to access the stables. You’ll want to make sure the driveways have enough space for you to drive a trailer, delivery trucks and any other large vehicles. It’s also essential to be close to some trails so that you can enjoy your horses and ensure that they get adequate exercise.
Click here if you’re interested in checking out real estate in Rancho Mirage or other areas in the desert cities that accommodate horses.
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Morningside Country Club
If you’re searching for real estate in Rancho Mirage, a spot you will definitely want to consider is the exclusive and beautiful Morningside Country Club. The community is comprised of 363 luxury homes that are situated on 165 acres of lush, impeccably manicured landscape. Located at 39033 Morningside Drive in Rancho Mirage, the Morningside Country Club is in the heart of Rancho Mirage, with incredible access to all of the other desert cities.
The club provides an incredibly luxe setting for its residents, along with the highly desired benefits of equity club membership. Morningside’s membership roster includes former presidents, industry moguls, professional athletes and renowned artists, among other notable members. The Homeowner’s Association offers an array of services that is rare among private communities, ranging from a perimeter security system, 24 hour per day patrol and an advanced technological Security Command Center, to an onsite handyman, 24 hour concierge shuttle services and a homeowner preferred vendor referral program.
Many buyers seek real estate in Rancho Mirage for the golf amenities the area is renowned for. The Morningside Country Club features The Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, located on 140 sprawling acres of immaculate greens and 20 acres of lakes, amidst breathtaking views. Illuminated at night, the course is a spectacle to behold. This course is one of the only nine area clubs that feature bentgrass greens, of which there is no finer putting surface. The flowerbeds set this course apart from any other—every fall, 250,000 individual flowers are planted on the course, creating spectacular displays that are often used as backdrops for magazine and television ads. The Morningside clubhouse sets itself apart from others as well, with beautiful details including Italian marble, rustic river rock and polished brass.
In addition, The Club at Morningside boasts an active social calendar, new age fitness center, fine dining and amazing tennis facilities that include one clay court and five hard surface courts.
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School’s out, the snowbirds are gone and there are lots of fun ways to enjoy the rest of your week here in the Coachella Valley. If you’re in town on vacation, live here year round or are looking at homes for sale in Indio, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta or one of the other picturesque desert cities, you have a diverse array of options when it comes to entertainment this weekend.
On Wednesday, June 25 from 6 to 8:30 pm, Mario’s Italian Café will host Paint, Sip & Inspire, a fun way to learn how to paint and create your own beautiful masterpiece. Paint, Sip & Inspire brings painting supplies and instruction to locations all around town, and will even come to your home or corporate event. It’s a great way to have fun with friends and family while creating something special. Mario’s Italian Café is located at 73-155 Highway 111 in Palm Desert.
The Coachella Valley Repertory will present a dynamic, cabaret-style performance this weekend called Laughter, Love & Lunacy. The innovative concert will feature “songs you can or can’t take seriously. The performance takes place at The Attrium in Rancho Mirage, located at 69930 Highway 111 in Suite 116. Show times are Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 from 7 to 9 pm, Sunday, June 29 from 2 to 4 pm.
On Saturday, June 28 from noon to 2 pm and 3 to 5 pm, the Annenberg Theater presents an exciting event for all ages to enjoy: The Super Scientific Circus. An array of fun effects including ultraviolet light, sonic booms, aerodynamics, boomerangs, bull whips, beach balls and bubbles will show just how fun science can be. Located at 101 North Museum Drive in Palm Springs, the Annenberg Theater is a must-see for anyone contemplating homes for sale in Indio, La Quinta or any of the other desert cities.
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When it comes to rich tradition and luxe living, Mission Hills Country Club is unparalleled. If you’re looking for Rancho Mirage homes for sale, you won’t want to miss visiting this prestigious club. It offers exclusivity and world class amenities coupled with the exquisite beauty of the desert landscape.
Set against the mountains of the Coachella Valley, the Mission Hills Country club has received an array of accolades that attest to its many attributes. It has been voted the number Private Country Club in the Coachella Valley several times, and its golf course has been voted the number one private course in the Coachella Valley. It was deemed the 2009 USTA Tennis Facility of the Year, 2012 USCA Croquet Facility of the Year in the United States, and most recently, the number one USTA tennis facility in the nation.
Many search for Rancho Mirage homes for sale to enjoy the incredible golf this town has to offer—and the Mission Hills Country Club features 54 holes of challenging golf amidst a lush backdrop of picturesque beauty. Opened in 1972, the Mission Hills Country Club’s first golf course was designed by the renowned Desmond Muirhead. The course has been the site of many championship tournaments, including the Dinah Shore Tournament and the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Golf icon Arnold Palmer designed the second course, which opened in 1979. In 1988, a third course was added, the Pete Dye Challenge Course. There is also a 17 acre practice facility that includes an all-grass driving range, four putting greens and a short game area. The Tennis facility features 34 tennis courts on three different playing surfaces, including clay, grass and hard.
In addition to the bevy of incredible golf options available, there are unrivalled first class facilities that provide the premier club experience to anyone who spends time at the Mission Hills Country Club. To complement the tennis and golf offerings, there is croquet available on 10 impeccably manicured lawns, a 17,000-square-foot state of the art fitness facilities with a full class schedule and a Kinesis wall, a 21 meter lane pool complex, two championship bocce courts and a spa that features world class services. The Club is also renowned for its exceptional and welcoming Member service.
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