If you have a growing family, there are many additional concerns to keep in minding when buying real estate. Whether you are interested in Indio homes for sale or another part of Palm Springs, there’s more to consider than square footage and how many bedrooms a house has. If you’re looking for your dream property in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells or another part of California, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- The future. Take stock of your future plans. Are you going to have more children? Do you have a boy and a girl? Do you want there to be a guest bathroom that is separate from the children’s bathroom? Does your family have pets? What size backyard are you looking for? And a common question that crosses the minds of those looking at Indio homes for sale: do you want a pool? Be thorough in assessing your needs and be realistic about what is available within the constraints of your budget.
- The school system. How close is the home you’re looking at to schools? Does the public school system meet your children’s needs or will you need to find a private school? What is the student-teacher ratio at the schools you are interested in and how do the students’ test scores rank?
- The neighborhood. Just like adults need work/life balance, children need a balance of school and play. How close are the parks and playgrounds? What type of extracurricular activities do your children want to pursue? You may want to assess the proximity of dance classes or a gymnastics school, as well as nearby sports programs, football fields, basketball courts and baseball diamonds. Another thing to consider is access to swimming pools, hiking trails, horse stables for those interested in horseback riding and places for safe bicycling.
If you do some research, you’re sure to find the perfect home for your entire family. If you’re ready to get the process started, click here to see listings of property in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and other areas of the Coachella Valley.
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Whether it’s the strength of their local currencies or the appeal of a having a second home in an area with gorgeous weather all year round, many foreign buyers with designs on the luxury international real estate market are eyeing the Palm Springs Valley. As buyers cast a wider net in terms of their desired areas, it makes sense to tap into this growing market when you list your real estate in Rancho Mirage or Indian Wells property.
Many buyers from all over the world, from Canada and Asia to Europe and Russia, have their eye on areas of the Coachella Valley. We’ve seen interest from international clients in everything from equestrian homes in Indio to luxury properties in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta real estate. At present, some of the states that have seen the most foreign interest when it comes to residential properties include Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, Texas and New York.
One of the upsides of attracting buyers from the luxury international real estate market is that they are typically well-qualified. Few investors are going to make a trip to the states to look at properties if they are not serious. While the closing process is very similar, whether the buyer is foreign or local, research shows that more than half of the buyers from abroad pay cash, compared to the much lower rate of American buyers who do—less than 10 percent.
If you’re interested in attracting a buyer from this burgeoning market, it’s ideal to find a real estate professional who understands the process and knows how to work with foreign buyers and investors. Avoid loud, in-your-face marketing tactics and stage your home in a clean, minimalist manner. Many other regions, such as Europe and Scandinavia, prefer simple, classic designs and may be turned off by cluttered spaces.
Another good tactic is to emphasize the rental income angle, especially in an area like Palm Springs Valley, where real estate properties in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Palm Desert are in high demand. The potential to offset costs can be very appealing to foreign investors.
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Palm Springs comes alive on Independence Day, as people of all ages come out to celebrate and enjoy the wide-ranging festivities that the desert cities have to offer. It’s a great time to visit and experience the community, especially if you’re looking at Rancho Mirage homes for sale and are interested in checking out the Coachella Valley during the summer.
On Wednesday, July 3 the Backstreet Art District presents its “First Wednesday” Art Walk at Images by Gideon Fine Art Gallery. Experience fine art, meet the artists, see working studios and enjoy refreshments at this vibrant event. First Wednesday takes place from 6 to 9 pm. Images by Gideon Fine Art Gallery is located at 2682 South Cherokee Way in Palm Springs. For more information, call 760.250.1521.
On Thursday, July 4, a spectacular Independence Day Celebration takes place at the amazing Palm Desert Civic Center Park from 7:15 pm to 9:30 pm. A brilliant 20 minute fireworks display will be accompanied by synchronized music on The Mix 100.5 FM starting at 9 pm. In addition, there will be live music from the Swing Cats Band and other activities. It’s the ideal time to check out the Civic Center Park, which is one of the pride and joys of residents and owners of homes in Palm Desert. For more information, call 760.346.0611.
Also on the 4th, there will be a dazzling Independence Day Celebration benefitting the AIDS Assistance Program at the legendary O’Donnell House. The evening includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and fireworks. The event starts at 7:30 pm and fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. Tickets are $100 per person and advance purchase is required. Contact 760.325.8481 or purchase tickets online at www.aidsassistance.org.
There will also be a Fourth of July Parade and Community Celebration at La Quinta Park, located at 77865 Avenida Montezuma. The 4th of July parade begins at 4:30 pm followed by a chili cook-off, beer garden and other food and entertainment in the Laguna Park off of Avenida Montezuma. The evening will end with a spectacular and unforgettable fireworks display! If you’re interested in La Quinta properties or nearby Rancho Mirage homes for sale, this is a great opportunity to witness these communities in their full glory.
If the weekend inspires you, click here to view listings of homes in Palm Desert and the rest of Coachella Valley.
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You’ve found that gorgeous piece or Rancho Mirage real estate and you’re ready to move in. Your next step should be to buy a homeowners insurance policy. Most of the time, mortgage lenders require it, but even if they don’t, home insurance is an important purchase that you should definitely consider.
Buying a home is a large investment, and for many people, the biggest purchase they make in their entire lifetime. Whether you’re investing in luxury properties in the international real estate market or buying your first home, it makes sense to protect such an important expenditure, which is why many homeowners opt to buy insurance to protect the value of their property.
Similar to others types of insurance contracts, when you buy a homeowners policy, you pay premiums and meet their policy requirements. In return, the insurance company guarantees to reimburse any losses due to damage incurred. A basic policy protects typically protects owners against damage from fire, lightning, wind and hail storms, as well as damage caused by theft or vandalism. It also usually includes funds for the cost of a hotel and food if you are required to leave your Rancho Mirage real estate property while the damage is repaired. While flood or earthquake damage is not typically covered, there are options to buy separate policies for those types of occurrences. In addition, a homeowners policy provides liability coverage against lawsuits brought by someone who was injured on the owner’s property.
Whether you own your home outright or have a mortgage, a homeowners insurance policy is the best way to protect this important investment. It can be the best way to keep costs low in the long run, and to provide peace of mind for your family and future.
Click here to view luxury properties for the international real estate market.
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Are you practicing with your camera so you can get some gorgeous photos of your Rancho Mirage real estate property yet? As we mentioned in our last blog post, good photos are critical to expanding your pool of prospective buyers from both the domestic and international real estate market. Hopefully, you’ve been figuring out good angles to highlight your home’s best features so you can get started soon if you haven’t already.
Here are a few tips for improving your photography skills so you can present your Rancho Mirage real estate in the best possible light.
1. Use your self-timer. The best way to shoot is with a tripod, so that you don’t ruin a great shot due to unsteady hands. Turn the timer on and take your hands off the camera so you don’t jar it.
2. Make adjustments. If you’re not using a tripod, you’ll need to adjust your position accordingly. If you’re tall and when you aim the camera straight it’s too high to get the entire room, then sit on a chair or get down on your knees and aim high. If you’re too short, stand on something. Either way, it’s ideal to shoot from different heights to get some variety in the mix. If you have a staircase, try shooting from different levels.
3. Take care of the details. Even the latest Smartphones have impeccable resolution, so all the nitty gritty details will show up clearly in digital photos. Make sure your house is sparkling clean and that you’ve fixed any little cracks in the paint or similar issues. Schedule your photo session right after spring cleaning or a visit from your housekeeper. Straighten up all your furniture, steam the curtains if they’re wrinkled and move all garbage cans out of sight.
Click here to browse listings if you’re in the domestic or international real estate market and ready to find your own dream home.
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If you’re looking at equestrian homes, chances are you’re considering Palm Springs Valley. The area offers stunningly picturesque, horse-friendly areas and both gated communities and ranch-style homes that are perfectly suited to equestrians. There is an array of ideal options across the region, from properties in Rancho Mirage and LA Quinta to Palm Desert and Indio.
What about Palm Springs makes it so ideal for horse owners? Is it the gorgeous weather that lasts almost year round? Or does the desert landscape provide perfect natural layouts? Actually, there are so many reasons that the Coachella Valley is ideal for equestrian properties, we had to narrow it down to the top three. Check them out!
1. Location, location, location. Coachella Valley boasts an abundance beautiful hiking trails, some of which are considered the best in the country. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges provide majestic backdrops, making each ride unforgettable, and there are picturesque vistas that allow riders to take in the desert’s amazing natural beauty. In addition, Joshua Tree National Park is in close proximity to the desert cities, and people are allowed to bring their own horses to experience this natural wonder. In fact, the Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan provides for 253 miles of equestrian trails—many riding trails are open, clearly marked, and ready to be enjoyed, while others are in development.
2. Ample facilities. Palm Springs is filled with ranches, as well as smaller, more manageable properties that are also perfect for equestrians. Many properties in Rancho Mirage, La Quinta and Indio are already equipped with barns, paddocks, training areas and proximity to a myriad of riding trails. Plus, there are many stables and ranches that offer private riding lessons for those who are new to the sport.
3. HITS Horse Show and Polo Clubs. Every winter, horse lovers flock to the “A” rated, world-class Horseshow in The Sun (HITS) located in Thermal. In addition, two renowned international polo clubs round out the incredible draws for horse owners to the Coachella Valley.
Click here to browse listings of equestrian homes in Palm Springs Valley.
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May was National Moving Month—did you sell your property in Palm Springs, La Quinta or Indio last month? Or did you finally buy that gorgeous piece of Rancho Mirage real estate you’ve been eyeing? If so, you’re probably not that excited about the daunting tasks you face in the execution of the big move. Here are some tips to make things a little bit smoother and less stressful, based on a move that’s one month out. If you have more time, then it will be even easier! Good luck!
- A month out. It’s time to get organized and start taking care of the little things. Schedule your change of address forms online—you can do this in advance so you don’t have to worry about it later. Notify magazine subscriptions of your address change and give termination dates to all your service providers, such as electricity, cable, gas, water, etc. You may even want to let your friends and family know that you’ve found that dream property in Palm Springs and will be moving soon, and provide your new address. Now is also a great time to research moving companies.
- Three weeks to go. De-clutter and take inventory. Start going through all your things and throwing away those items that you haven’t used in awhile or are in not-so-new condition. Take inventory of the items you plan to keep and make a list that includes their value. Schedule your moving services and get down to business.
- Two weeks. Packing time. Buy your boxes, packing tape and other materials now and get started with the oh-so-pleasant task of packing. The more organized you are as you pack, the easier it will be to find everything when you unpack.
- One week left. Set aside your valuables that you don’t want to include in the moving truck. This is also a good time to clean or schedule a cleaning crew to come in and clean.
- The day of. Do a walk through to make sure you haven’t left anything. Turn off the lights, lock up everything and say goodbye.
If you haven’t found that dream home or the Rancho Mirage real estate you’ve been looking for, click here to browse some amazing listings.
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This weekend kicks off the season with an amazing slate of performances and fine dining options for everyone from local residents in Palm Springs to international visitors browsing real estate opportunities in town. There are events that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy or a solo mission, as well as those that offer opportunities to spend one on one time with your loved one. With Uncorked kicking off the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week, your slate of options seems unlimited.
On Saturday, June 1 the San Gorgonio Ballet presents a live performance of Reflections at the Annenberg Theatre. The program will feature the dance company’s amazing cast of talented professional dancers in a celebration of the company’s tenth year of dance along with guest performances by popular and talented singers and entertainers from the desert and beyond. The show will include the dance company’s thrilling repertoire of original work, classical favorites, and selections from their amazing new works. International visitors browsing real estate opportunities in Palm Springs can plan a perfect night with a seat at the ballet and dinner at one of the fine restaurants participating in Uncorked.
Also on Saturday, from 6 to 8 pm, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino will host the renowned boxing event, the Battle of the Badges, featuring both women’s and men’s matches, in addition to a live performance by Judge Jackson. A favorite among those who own Rancho Mirage real estate or live nearby, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino is located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive.
On Sunday, June 2, the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series 2013 will continue with Jerome Elliott in My Favorite Springs at the Arthur Newman Theatre. Acclaimed Coachella Valley cabaret artist Jerome Elliott will fuse his rich baritone and sly wit under the direction of Musical Director Charlie Creasy for an exciting and arresting performance. The show will run from 2 to 4 pm.
Click here to view some stunning listings of Rancho Mirage real estate.
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Buying equestrian homes can be a daunting project for many, especially the first time around. There are myriad maintenance issues to consider, even when it comes to the best designed ranches and properties. Normal maintenance will definitely be a chore, and especially when the property has any strange characteristics.
If you already own horses, you know that it is a substantial financial commitment and one that requires a great deal of time. The same goes for owning equestrian homes, whether you’ve found the perfect piece of real estate in Rancho Mirage or La Quinta, or a property in Santa Barbara.
Every task performed at a stable will be required of those owning a property where horses are kept. Horses require exercise on a daily basis, and even more so for those confined in paddocks and stables the majority of the time. In addition to exercising horses, the paddocks should always be free of trash and debris, especially broken glass. Fences always need to be in a perfect state to prevent horses from getting injured, and stable bedding must be changed daily. Unfortunately, droppings must always be removed to prevent flies and worm infestation. Tack should be properly cleaned and horses should be groomed after each ride. In addition, it’s typically normal for a horse owner to check the paddock twice a day to make sure horses have clean water and adequate feed, and that they are safely in the stable.
When you are planning your visits to check out real estate in Rancho Mirage or another prime area for equestrian properties, make sure to consider all the maintenance aspects. Think about equipment storage, irrigation, manure disposal, and obviously the amount of space when you visit a potential property or are already in the planning stages.
Click here to browse listings of some extraordinary equestrian homes.
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There’s a big decision on the mind of many these days—is it a better time to remodel or move? With all the talk of a seller’s market, there are a lot of things to consider, whether homeowners are thinking of listing properties in Palm Springs or are looking to sell Rancho Mirage real estate.
If you’ve got a full house, the signs may already be clear. Many of us have been there—clutter everywhere, your home office has merged with the playroom, your garage serves as a storage facility. You can have all that going on and already be looking at properties in Palm Springs, and still not be certain that it’s time to move.
The recent surge in the housing market is indicative of a seller’s market, which is motivating many to consider listing their homes. Prices are rising and it appears that banks are loosening requirements up a little. That being said, there are still a few questions to ask yourself:
Do you need more space immediately? If you’re planning on expanding your family or just took a job that allows telecommunicating, you may be poised to significantly benefit from added space. If you think you may need even more space in a year or so, then remodeling may not be the most reasonable option.
Are you attached to your neighborhood? Are good school districts a priority for your family? Is your current home a short commute for all members of the family? Or are you ready for a change? These are all important elements to consider.
How drastic would a remodel be? Assess what it would take for you to be happy in your home. Do you need more space or do you just dislike the current use of space? If you need to add on, this may be a substantial expense that deems it more worth it to buy a new home.
Looking at potential new homes may help you make this critical, life-changing decision. Click here to check out some listings of Rancho Mirage real estate and beautiful homes for sale in other areas of Palm Springs Valley.
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