Nighttime view from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
While the weather in Palm Springs does get warm and dry in the summertime, there are still plenty of things to do and fun activities that will keep you cool in the desert cities. Here are some great ideas that owners of homes for sale in Palm Desert shared with us.
Absorb some culture. There are some amazing museums that visitors and those who own real estate in Rancho Mirage, Indio and La Quinta consistently rave about. The Palm Springs Air museum offers an amazing, family-friendly experience for viewing one of the country’s largest collections of World War II flying aircraft. In addition, this unique museum offers special programs for children throughout the summer.
You can also get your culture fix is to take a docent tour of the world-class Palm Springs Art Museum, where you can view everything from Classic Western American Art and Studio Art Glass, to Modern and Contemporary American works. Another cool choice is the Aqua Caliente Cultural Museum, which features exhibitions that portray the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other indigenous people.
Get a view from above. A favorite thing to do for visitors, residents and owners of real estate in Rancho Mirage and the surrounding areas is to take a trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is a fun way to cool down while watching the world from above. During the summer, there are options available to buy passes for unlimited rides. Temperatures are usually 20-30 degrees cooler at the top than in the desert valley.
Go on an evening adventure. There are plenty of options for exploring the desert at night, from moonlight hikes and visits inside the hillside windmills, to off-road tours of the San Andreas Fault or a climb among Joshua Tree National Park’s eerie moonscapes.
Click here to take a look at some of our listings of homes for sale in Palm Desert.
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As we’ve mentioned many times in our blog, when you’re trying to sell a house, whether it’s property in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells real estate, a beach cottage or one of the highly desirable equestrian homes in Southern California, curb appeal is key to attracting potential buyers and getting them to get out of their cars to take good long look.
Great landscaping can seriously enhance the style of your home and boost curb appeal tenfold. “Great” doesn’t necessarily have to mean expensive either. As long as it’s well-planned, intriguing and cohesive with the exterior of your home, you’ll be in great shape.
Pick a theme. Whatever you do, don’t try to combine more than one theme. Pick one and stick with it. If you’re working with Indian Wells real estate or property in Rancho Mirage, you may want to go with a desert or southwestern theme—just don’t try to mesh tropical with desert or a surf theme with Japanese garden.
Refresh planters. Get rid of weeds, prune everything so it looks neat, and plant seasonal flowers. You should also refresh mulch to replenish the color that is faded by sunlight. If you have a flower bed that has borders, make sure to clean the borders and replace anything that is damaged.
Install window boxes. Window boxes are an excellent way to add some charm to the exterior of your house. Plant flowers and plants that mesh well with your overall color scheme.
Add some artwork. Incorporate some pieces that are immune to the elements—in other words, items that don’t require a green touch. Wind chimes, fountains, birdbaths and sculptures are all good examples of pieces that you can use to complement your color scheme and exterior design. If you choose to have a fountain, which can add a very calming element to your garden or lawn, make sure to place them on ground level where they can be seen and heard, and avoid having them close to a tree, so that leaves aren’t dropping into it.
Click here to browse listings of equestrian homes, property in Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells real estate.
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If you live abroad and are considering an international real estate transaction in the Palm Springs Valley, it’s good to learn about the myriad benefits you may be able to reap. While there are many intricacies that are virtually impossible to cover in a short blog post, we can share an overview of some of the advantages we’ve seen our clients experience. Whether you live on another continent and are interested in Palm Springs properties,Rancho Mirage real estate or a beach condo in La Jolla or Malibu, it’s essential to do your research and perform due diligence before making a decision.
Purchasing international real estate is an excellent way to maximize your portfolio. It can actually be ideal for managing and minimizing risk, especially if you already own real estate in your home country. Depending on where you live, international investments can expose your portfolio to assets with lower correlations to your current economy, while also enabling you to take advantage of the tax benefits that the U.S. government offers to foreign investors. In addition, physical assets such as real estate can provide a level of protection against inflation.
For some European and Asian countries, maintaining real estate investments can be too costly. If your resident country falls into that category, it may be cheaper to invest in Palm Springs properties or Rancho Mirage real estate. In addition, there may be much less opportunity in other markets, while the U.S. real estate market appears to be on the rise, and continues to have a positive outlook.
While there are a multitude of investment opportunities in general, one of the safest you can make is in real properties. The stock market can be volatile and is difficult to predict, while real sate investments tend to be more stable in comparison, and the potential for growth in value over the years is substantial.
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This weekend is an amazing example of the diversity of Coachella Valley. You’ve got everything from stunning, relaxing retirement communities and celebrity golf tournaments to the hip events that people travel all over the country to attend, such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (aka Coachella) and Stagecoach. This weekend marks Weekend One of Coachella—an event attended by everyone from international tourists and celebrities to residents and owners of real estate in Palm Springs, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and the surrounding desert communities.
This annual three-day music and arts festival takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, and features indie, rock, hip hop and electronic music. Founded by Paul Tollett, Coachella features blockbuster music acts in addition to a wide variety of installation art. The event officially began in 1999—over 10,000 people attended, with headliners including Beck, Tool, Morrissey, Rage Against the Machine and The Chemical Brothers. However, it was reported that the event didn’t generate a profit and was therefore almost ended after the inaugural event.
While there was no festival in 2000, organizers gave it another try in 2001, bringing excitement to music lovers, including those who lived nearby or owned Indio real estate. Jane’s Addiction headlined and the effort was more profitable than the first year. In 2002, the recently reunited Siouxsie and the Banshees, Oasis and Bjork headlined, proving to owners of Indio real estate and other members of the community that the event could stimulate the economy. In 2003, The Beastie Boys Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iggy Pop and The Stooges performed, selling out and drawing worldwide attention to the event.
Since then, the event continued to expand—in 2012, it was scheduled to take place over two weekends, becoming an even bigger draw to attendees from all across the globe. An extremely popular array of diverse, award-winning and legendary musicians and bands who have performed at this festival include Arcade Fire, Duran Duran, Prince, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Blur, Muse, Swedish House Mafia, Daft Punk, The Cure, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Nine Inch Nails, Gorillaz, Radiohead, MGMT, The White Stripes, Roger Waters, Florence and the Machine, Swedish House Mafia, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and even a hologram of Tupac Shakur.
This year’s lineup includes the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Social Distortion, Wu-Tang Clan, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, New Order, Benny Benassi, Lumineers, La Roux, Moby, Vampire Weekend, Eric Prydz, Descendants and many other killer acts.
If you have time before or after the event and are interested in real estate in Palm Springs, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or Indian Wells, click here to browse some amazing listings.
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The first week of April is a big one here in the desert! If you’ve been eyeing homes in La Quinta, Palm Desert or another area of Palm Springs, then now is the perfect time to come visit, check out some real estate listings, and solidify your love for our vibrant communities.
The Kraft Nabisco Championship takes place all week long at the Mission Hills Country Club in beautiful Rancho Mirage. Steeped in tradition, this highly anticipated tournament is the first stop on the LPGA tour, with the Dinah Shore Trophy at stake. Whether you like to play golf or enjoy it as a spectator, getting a taste of the impeccable courses here will make you dream of finding properties in Rancho Mirage or buying real estate in a nearby area.
Tonight from 8 to 10 pm, Broadway star Linda Eder will grace McCallum Theatre with a much awaited performance. On Wednesday, April 3, another Broadway performer, Vicki Lewis, will perform at the Annenberg Theater. Ms. Lewis won the 2007 Ovation Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in the world premiere of Michael John LaChiusa’s Hotel C’est L’amour. Her Broadway credits include Chicago, The Crucible, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Damn Yankees and Snoopy!!! The Musical. The show will take place from 6 to 8 pm.
From April 4 through 8, the American Documentary Film Festival will take place right here in Palm Springs. Since we’re only about two hours away from Hollywood by car, we’ve got a great audience of film aficionados, and are on our way to seeing this become the largest documentary festival and market on the west coast. The festival will commence with an Opening Night Spectacular with Dionne Warwick, who will host the evening’s feature, Whitney Houston & Her Family: Voices of Love. In addition, there will be a live performance by the nationally-renowned gospel choir, Voices of Calvary. There will be screenings, seminars and other events during this exciting festival.
If you’re feeling inspired by these activities and are thinking about making a move to the desert communities, know that we’ve got even more going on this week alone! Click here to view some gorgeous homes in La Quinta or properties in Rancho Mirage.
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Joe Theismann
This week marks the first “major” tournament on the LPGA tour and an exciting event that is a favorite of all owners of homes in Rancho Mirage: the Kraft Nabisco Championship. From April 1 through April 7, more than 100 of the biggest stars in women’s golf will compete for the coveted Dinah Shore Trophy at The Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. If you’re in town for a vacation or to look at equestrian homes in the area, there is no better way to take a break that the entire family will enjoy.
This tournament promises to be an action-packed event. With a rich history dating back to 1972, this highly anticipated tournament will include participation from defending champion Sun Young Yoo, 2012 Player of the Year Stacy Lewis, and international gold stars such as Ai Miyazato, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Inbee Park, Jiyai Shin, Lexi Thompson, Michele Wie, Na Yeon Choi, Suzann Pettersen and Yani Tseng.
The 42nd Annual Kraft Nabisco Championship pro am will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Participants will have the opportunity to play with LPGA stars, as well as an array of exciting celebrities, including Anthony Anderson, Graeme Baxter, Alice Cooper, Oscar de la Hoya, Greg Ellis, Thomas Gibson, Carmine Giovinazzo, Greg Itzin, Bruce Jenner, Vinnie Jones, George Lopez, Cheech Marin, Joe Mantegna, Ray Romano and Kiefer Sutherland, among others. Tickets are still available to participate.
Not only will this year’s winner be awarded the trophy and win a place in LPGA history, they’ll receive the famous white robe and thrill fans with the legendary leap into Poppie’s Pond.
Grandstands are located on the 1st tee, 9th green, 10th tee, 17th tee, and 18th green. There is no reserved seating at this tournament; seating is obtained on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If this event inspires you to browse real estate in this bucolic town, click here to view listings of homes in Rancho Mirage or equestrian homes in the area.
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No matter what your age, Palm Springs Valley offers spectacular ways to enjoy Easter weekend. If you’re planning on moving to one of the desert cities or are already viewing homes for sale in Palm Springs, then you’ll love what the desert has to offer this weekend.
From March 28 through March 31, Mr. Horn will show at the Annenberg Theater, completing the first cycle of Desert Ensemble Theatre Company’s New Works program, which develops and produces original works.
On Saturday, March 30, The Gardens on El Paseo will host an appearance by the Easter Bunny with the Hop Into Spring event. A $10 donation benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert and includes a meeting and photo with the Easter Bunny. Hop Into Spring takes place from 11am to 1 pm on the Center Lawn in front of Saks Fifth Avenue. If you’ve been considering property in Rancho Mirage, this is the perfect time to check out the premier shopping and arts enclave of the desert.
On Saturday night at 8 pm, Rob Thomas and his four-time Grammy-nominated band, Matchbox Twenty, will perform on the Special Events Center stage at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Thomas performed solo here two years ago to a sold out crowd that gave the show rave reviews. Also on Saturday night, the Spotlight 29 Casino hosts the Happy Together Tour, which features incredible artists performing some of the greatest pop rock of the sixties, including The Monkees lead singer Micky Dolenz, The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Buckinghams and The Grass Roots, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. The show starts at 8 pm. Why not spend the day checking out homes for sale in Palm Springs and then relax at one of these amazing shows?
On Easter Sunday, the El Paseo Bunny Hop offers another great chance for those interested in property in Rancho Mirage to check out this boulevard in its shining glory. From 7:30 to 10 am more than 2000 people will run or walk this 5k to benefit Family Services of the Desert. Other cool Easter festivities include an Underwater Easter Egg Hunt at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
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While recent years were not the easiest for real estate professionals and the construction industry, even when it came to ultra-desirable properties that are typically in great demand, such as La Quinta and Rancho Mirage real estate, 2013 is shaping up to look like a great time for prospective home buyers, sellers, and the agents, brokers and short sale realtors who work with them.
The following information was excerpted from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI):
“74.9 percent of homes sold between the beginning of October and end of December were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $65,000. This was up nearly a percentage point from the 74.1 percent of homes sold that were affordable to median-income earners in last year’s third quarter.”
In addition to that good news, research indicates that nearly three quarters of the local markets in the United States are improving. As all of our local markets move further down the path to recovery, potential buyers, especially those considered median-income, are building confidence that owning a home in the near future is a plausible goal. Here in Palm Springs, we’re seeing growth and positive movement as well, especially when it comes to La Quinta and Rancho Mirage real estate.
Another positive trend that brokers, agents and short sale realtors are all consistently reporting is that low interest rates are increasing affordability, which obviously can make it a lot easier for prospective buyers, especially those considering buying their first home. Additionally, sellers have become more realistic when it comes to pricing their properties. This makes the process much easier for real estate professionals as well— when buyers are confident and assertive, and sellers are realistic with their expectations, it’s hard for everyone involved not to have a win-win experience.
It sounds like 2013 is indeed your year to buy a home!
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Local Project Runway all-star Michael Costello
Between spa day Spa Day at the Gardens at El Paseo and Fashion Week, there has been plenty of pampering and fun for the ladies of Palm Springs. Whether you’re a fashionista or just appreciate shopping, if you’ve been considering moving to Palm Springs or taking a look at Palm Desert real estate, this week’s incredible activities have probably cemented those thoughts.
This week, visitors and owners of homes in Rancho Mirage and the surrounding areas can enjoy the final slate of Fashion Week El Paseo activities. If you missed out on the exciting last few days, such as your chance to watch Michael Costello debut his spring 2013 collection alongside 11 other Project Runway designers, there are still plenty of exciting events to catch.
On Thursday, March 21, from 11 am to 3 pm, there will be a trunk show of collections by Michael Costello and other Project Runway designers, who will be on hand for personal consultations regarding their collections that are available for purchase. As Michael’s hometown is Palm Springs, he’s a consummate favorite of all the residents and owners of Palm Desert real estate and the surrounding cities.
In the evening, Sue Wong will evoke the allure and glamour of eras such as 1930s Shanghai, Precode Hollywood, and Manhattan’s gilded Jazz Age in a showcase of her latest collection. The event will begin at 7 pm with a cocktail reception, followed by the show at 8 pm. Sue Wong’s trunk show will take place Friday, March 22 from 11 am to 2 pm, with Sue on hand for consultations.
On Friday, March 22, Houghton Head Designer Katharine Polk will showcase the Houghton Spring 2013 collection for independent women seeking effortlessly chic looks inspired by style icons such as Bianca Jagger and Katharine Hepburn. The event will commence with a cocktail reception at 7, followed by the show at 8 pm, and an after party for attendees at the Marriot Desert Springs. The Houghton Spring Trunk Show will follow on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.
On Saturday, March 23, Dior-trained Beverly Hills couturier and Designer of the Week Gilbert Chagoury of Chagoury Couture will debut his spring 2013 collection of stunning designs worthy of any red carpet. The cocktail reception will start at 7 pm, with the show starting directly afterwards at 8 pm, followed by after party in the tent, complete with a taco bar courtesy of Jensen’s.
If these great events have motivated you to make the dream of moving to Palm Springs come true, click here to view listings of homes in Rancho Mirage and properties throughout the desert cities.
image: michaelcostellocouture.com
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One of the things we do best in Palm Springs is relax and enjoy life. It’s a lifestyle that is coveted all around the world—and a reason why so many migrate to the Coachella Valley and buy properties in Palm Desert, Indian Wells or La Quinta. This week is a perfect example of the ideal lifestyle that is so accessible in the desert communities.
Wednesday, March 20 is Spa Day at the Gardens at El Paseo. What better way to get through hump day than with some much-deserved pampering? This celebration of health and beauty takes place from 10 am – 2 pm on the center lawn in front of Saks Fifth Avenue, and will includes some of the valley’s finest spas and El Paseo’s best stores. Sneak out from work, hire a sitter to watch the kids, take a break from viewing Rancho Mirage real estate or simply schedule some me-time. For more information, click here.
On Thursday, March 2 from 6 to 8 pm, the Palm Desert Public Art Documentary Film Series will showcase another installment of its free screenings of public art-themed documentary films, followed by a guest speaker. The screening will be of the Academy Award-nominated film, Waste Land, which follows artist Vic Muniz from Brooklyn to Brazil, where he photographs and collaborates with an eclectic band of “catadores,” pickers of recyclable materials, at the world’s largest garbage dump in Rio de Janeiro. The screenings are held at UCR Palm Desert, 75-080 Frank Sinatra Drive in Palm Desert and are presented by the City of Palm Desert Public Art Department and the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert Graduate Center. It’s a perfect way to absorb some culture and fascinating knowledge after work or viewing properties in Palm Desert, as well as a cool way to spend time with the family. For more information, call 760.837.1664.
Music lovers can enjoy a live performance by Barbara Cook on Thursday, March 21 at the McCallum Theatre. Originally scheduled for February 14, the performance was reschedule to this week due to illness. One of Broadway’s most celebrated singers, Barabara Cook is acclaimed for her sublime vocals and performance style. The show will run from 8 to 10 pm.
If the spectacular Palm Springs lifestyle appeals to you, then click here to view some of our listings of La Quinta, Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage real estate.
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