The Cross Trail in Palm Desert offers hikers breathtaking views and a workout
Palm Desert is ripe with hiking opportunities. Many trails are close by and offer breathtaking panoramic views down into Palm Desert and out across the Coachella Valley to the San Andreas Faultline and north mountains beyond. “The Cross” trail, as it’s known to hikers, is exceptional.
PALM DESERT AND THE BEST HIKING IN THE VALLEY
The Cross is especially cool for several reasons. One is that you can bring your dog… some of Palm Desert’s other trails don’t allow them. Horses and Bikes are allowed, but it’s rare to cross paths with them. The trail is steep, gaining over 600 feet in elevation before reaching the large metal Cross (lighted at night) located on a promontory. Once there, you can look down into Stone Eagle Golf Course with its emerald green manicured fairways… a striking juxtaposition to the adjacent rocky landscape. And you just might happen upon Bighorn Sheep, as the area serves as their native habitat.
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When it comes to homes for sale in Palm Springs, Deepwell Estates boasts a rich history and beautiful community that is truly unparalleled. It is considered one of the finest and most picturesque places to live in the entire Coachella Valley, attracting an incredible caliber of residents that make up a friendly, social community.
A tour though the Deepwell Estates sets the bar high for those looking for homes for sale in Palm Springs. The wide array of architectural styles feature everything from the mid-century modern designs that are so prevalent in Palm Springs to the popular environmentally “green” residences of present day. While there is a variety of landscapes, all are creative and visually stunning, making it obvious that residents take great pride in their properties. Over the years, the Deepwell Architectural Committee ensured a general standard for the aesthetics of the community, while preserving views and maintaining a residential environment—and it shows.
The name “Deepwell” was evoked by a well dug by scientist Henry Pearson in 1926 on his property. While he hit water at 100 feet, he continued drilling to 630 feet—hence, the name “Deepwell.” In 1928, the property was converted into the Deepwell Guest Ranch with accommodations for 22 guests, which inspired much of the ranching activities and horseback riding that continue to this day.
In 1952, the Deepwell Colony Estates was officially founded as a subdivision and development of the incredible community that stands today commenced. There are approximately 369 homes, including 19 Biltmore residences. The community is filled with social events and many residences jog, cycle and walk their dogs on the beautiful roads where they often meet and get to know their neighbors. It only takes sense that so many celebrities have been drawn to the stylish Deepwell community over the years, such as Tippi Hedren, Loetta Young, William Holden, Eva Gabor, Carmen Miranda, Jerry Lewis, Liz Taylor, Richard Burton and Eddie Fisher, among others.
Image Credit: skyscrapercity.com
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In the Palm Springs area and across the U.S., foreign buyers hunting for safe investments have been flocking to the U.S. housing market, attracted by low the prices here.
International clients accounted for $82.5 billion worth of sales during the 12 months ending in March, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors . Compare that to the $66.4 billion spent over the same period a year earlier.
These foreign purchasers , mostly from Britain, Canada, China, India and Mexico, made up 55% of all international purchasers. The four states of California, Arizona, Florida and Texas – accounted for 51% of the states in which international buyers purchased homes.
Several factors are driving foreign buyers to purchase in the locations they did, including proximity to their home countries, climate and convenience. It seems the East Coast attracted mostly Europeans buyers while the West Coast attracted mostly Asians. Florida has drawn South Americans, Canadians and Europeans.
There are many happy and proud new Canadian homeowners in our Palm Springs area here. I happen to have new Canadian neighbors across the street from my home. They got a great little Santa Fe with western exposure that’s taking some work to get it back into shape. But, they’re happy with their smoking deal and we’re happy to have nice, friendly neighbors who take pride in their home . . . even though they can only be there six months out of the year. It’s a win-win for everyone.
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Yes, you heard it straight !!! California is continuing to push to prevent foreclosures. . . and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac borrowers may see their mortgages shrink through principal reduction.
A significant change is being made by state officials to the Keep Your Home California program. They are dropping a requirement that banks match taxpayers’ funds when homeowners receive mortgage reductions through the program. Previously, the program was facing lackluster participation and lender resistance, but now that the requirement that banks provide matching funds, well . . . let’s just say that now the banks are more willing to participate. Hmmmm . . ..
Hopefully, increased participation by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will provide a major boost to the Keep Your Home California program. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac own about 62% of outstanding mortgages in California, but neither institution has elected to participate in principal reduction due to concerns about adding additional costs to taxpayers.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were seized by the Feds in 2008 when bordering on bankruptcy – we, the taxpayers, have provided $188 billion to keep them afloat. These two institutions last year made it their policy to participate in state-run principal reduction programs such as Keep Your Home California – as long as they or the mortgage companies that work for them didn’t have to contribute funds.
Housing advocates have argued that reducing mortgages of underwater borrowers would boost the housing market by giving incentive to homeowners to keep paying off their loans – And would reduce foreclosures by lowering the monthly payments for underwater homeowners, giving them hope that one day they would again have equity in their homes.
Other requirements of financial institutions will be to make other modifications to loans such as reducing the interest rate or changing the terms of the loan. The changes to the Keep Your Home California program will roll out in early June . . . so Hang In There, underwater borrowers . . . sounds like help is on the way !!!
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Palm Springs has many cool neighborhoods with much history to write about – Vista Las Palmas is one of those – a scenic and historic Mid Century community nestled up against the San Jacinto Mountains in the northwest side of Palm Springs.
A little of the history – in the late 1950s, a father and son team of George and Robert Alexander of the Alexander Construction Co. built over 1200 “tract” homes designed in what is now called “Southern California Modern” style in the Palm Springs area.
For the times, the homes they built were very modern and included soaring rooflines with elegant minimalist facades – inside they boasted post and beam construction, walls of glass and spacious, open floorplans, capitalizing on the Sou. Cal. lifestyle which flows from the inside to outside.
The Alexanders began constructing homes in the southeast end of Palm Springs, but as they grew more successful, they were building in the Vista Las Palmas area on the northwest side of town near Las Palmas where the wealthy Hollywood crowd had been building Spanish Revival homes.
Also, the firm of Palmer and Krisel built about 330 homes in Vista Las Palmas. Krisel is known for his iconic “butterfly” roof design and their architect is responsible for the distinctive “Swiss Miss” A-frame style found there as well. The mix of design styles in Las Palmas has created one of the most architecturally diverse, yet cohesive communities in Palm Springs.
Also to be mentioned is “The House of Tomorrow” located in Vista Las Palmas- a futuristic style house for the time. It was featured in Look Magazine in 1962 and set a new standard for luxurious living in Southern California. The home became the secret getaway for Elvis & Priscilla Pressley in 1968 – it was where they honeymooned.
In the 1950s, many celebrities from Hollywood designated their homes in Vista Las Palmas as their desert retreat. Some of the elebrities who once lived and played there include Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Debbie Reynolds, Joan Collins, George Hamilton, Kirk Douglas, Dinah Shore and more.
Today, Vista Las Palmas has become a symbol of Mid-Century Modern design for the distinctive homeowner who wants the relaxed lifestyle of the desert. Owners include full-time residents, Snowbirds and weekenders from nearby Los Angeles. The residents in this iconic picturesque neighborhood share an interest in preserving the history and architecture that is unique to Palm Springs and so perfectly complements our desert landscape here.
Should you be interested in looking at Homes for Sale in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood in Palm Springs, give Kimberley Kelly, Realtor with HK Lane a call and set up an appointment today.
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We hadn’t had the chance to check out the Cliffhouse in La Quinta, perched on historic Point Happy, since it was recently taken over by Pacifica, the fabulous seafood restaurant and bar at The Gardens in Palm Desert. Pacifica is a class act and I could only imagine that the Cliffhouse would benefit by its new management. I had heard that the valet parking is a little dicey . . . and I must admit that I experienced that firsthand on Saturday. The energy of the valet team is a little aggressive and not welcoming – as they seem to cater to those driving Ferraris as opposed to regular “middle class” cars. BUT, once we climbed the stairs that meander next to the rock boulders and refreshing waterfall, we had regained our sense of good spirit and were delighted with what was to follow.
The Cliffhouse has a comfortable and earthy ambiance, that of a historic ranch house, offering magnificent mountain views from the indoor bar and dining area, an outdoor dining alcove carved into the adjacent granite mountain- complete with a flowing waterfall and a massive stone fireplace.
We met our friends at the Cactus Grill indoors and the atmosphere was festive and upbeat. The bar menu bears resemblance to the old Cliffhouse one, with a few subtle changes here and there. It feels a little more upscale, but prices are still affordable. The service was good, the Pinot Grigio I selected from the Happy Hour list was delightful and my simple order of a Wedge salad was executed perfectly. It was served at room temperature and everything was sumptuous and fresh. My friends offered up tastings of their French Fries and the yummy dishes they had ordered. We were all pleased as punch and very happy with our “new” Cliffhouse experience.
Hopefully, the valet parking situation will be resolved over time – there is no more park your own car, you must valet park. I have no beef with that, but the parking dudes could stand to take some lessons in customer service and proper valet etiquette. I won’t let that stop me from returning to the Cliffhouse for another delightful repast . . . and the sooner the better.
Living in La Quinta just keeps getting better and better !
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Most everywhere across the country, and in La Quinta too, all you have to do is look in the local paper at the ‘For Rent’ section of the Classifieds to see that the rent prices are climbing. At the same time, home prices are either still declining or remain at a relative low. This is enough to get some reluctant home buyers into the game and ready to take the plunge into home ownership and the current spring selling season is reflecting this trend.
Other factors contributing to the increased buying activity – sales made by investors and second-home purchasers . . . but, realtors are saying that they are hearing complaints from people who are currently renting about the rise in rental prices. Experts are saying that due to the rising rents (avg. apartment rents rose by 2.7% last year) coupled with stagnant or falling home prices and available low interest rates, demand for entry level homes is on the rise. They also believe that 2012 will be the first year since 2005 that the percentage of apartment renters moving out to buy a home will increase from the previous year.
Some housing analysts say that historically, the cost to rent an apartment has been about 10% lower than the after tax cost of owning a home. That discount began falling in 2010 and last year disappeared entirely. By the end of last year, it was found that the cost to rent an apartment was about 15% higher than the cost to own a home – showing that conditions are “overwhelming” in favor of buying now.
But not all markets have been seeing the same trend – for instance, in Orange County and NYC, where home prices are extremely high, it is still cheaper to rent. But even NY realtors say sales of small studio and one-bedroom apartments are brisk because renters don’t want to pay such high amounts to rent – so may as well own.
Spring home sales are bustling . . . and the question remains, To Buy or Not to Buy . . . stay tuned !!!
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Escena, a Mid Century Contemporary styled community in Palm Springs, is just another long-delayed development in our Coachella Valley currently experiencing a revival. Having debuted back in 2006, Escena held much promise with its offerings of an 18 hole Nicklaus golf course, fantastic clubhouse and dining facility and two innovative and modern-styled home developments by Lennar. It is ideally close to downtown Palm Springs, the Palm Springs International Airport, Interstate 10, Highway 111 and more (and let’s not forget its stunning views of Mount San Jacinto). And then, well you know the rest of the story . . . the economy took a nose dive.
The exciting news is that Alta Verde, the new developers at Escena, are planning this summer to begin selling Escena’s new homes, ranging in size from about 2,200sf to 2,800sf. These homes carry through, as one would expect from a modern, with open floor plans, clean lines and lots of glass . . . bringing the outdoors in. These homes are priced from the low $400,00s.
Alta Verde’s new homes in Palm Springs at Escena are different . . . different how, you ask??? Well, different enough that the new developers claim their homes boast modern space planning and design with a new edge, coupled with building technologies of today. They are calling their homes “This Century Modern.” Brilliant.
I’m Looking forward to previewing this new generation of home, “This Century Modern,” when they become available in the summer. Just part of Modern architecture’s evolution and changing with and for the times. History in the making.
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La Quinta Cove's crown jewel, La Quinta Hotel
La Quinta Cove is on fire . . . not literally, but properties in this beautiful piece of east valley, wrapped on three sides by stunning mountains ranges, are being snapped up at a very fast clip. Investors and homebuyers, both foreign and local, are grabbing up hot deals in this “best kept little secret” of a community that’s not so secret any more.
So what is the draw, what makes this Cove community such an appealing area of the Palm Springs Valley in which to buy??? Well, it only takes a drive around La Quinta Cove to understand why! For one, the Cove affords the finest Santa Rosa Mountain views around. The Fred Wolff Bear Creek Nature Preserve is tucked away at the western edge of the La Quinta Cove and has trails for hiking, biking, dog walking and jogging. There is also quick access to several city parks.
Fortunately, too, is that La Quinta’s dark sky ordinance ensures that starry nights will shine brightly for all in the Cove. At the foot of the Cove and its Santa Rosa Mountain range, are two unique locations – Old Town La Quinta with its fine dining, coffee shop, boutiques and regular events and the La Quinta Resort and Spa, a world renowned destination resort.
La Quinta Cove residents have access to excellent public schools right in La Quinta, as a part of the award-winning Desert Sands Unified School District. The Cove is also located in the Imperial Irrigation District which offers the lowest electrical utility rates in the Coachella Valley. Home styles here vary from Santa Fe, to southwest style and from mid-century to contemporary to Mediterranean architecture. This area has attracted award winning architects, artists, designers, musicians and chefs who claim the Cove as their home.
So, I ask you, what’s not to love about living in La Quinta Cove??? It’s got everything you could want for an active desert lifestyle . . . and so much more.
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With mortgage rates dropping, La Quinta homebuyers (and buyers all over the country) gain more purchasing power – as buyers with the same amount of monthly payment are able to borrow more money today and therefore purchase a more expensive house with more amenities than just one year earlier. Average 30 year fixed mortgage rates fell by 17.7% in a one year period ending in January 2012 – from 4.76% in Jan. 2011 to 3.91% in Jan. 2012.
The maximum amount a homebuyer can borrow to purchase property depends entirely on the amount of his down payment and the amount he’s qualified to borrow from a lender. His borrowing ability is based on these two factors:
1) current mortgage rates, which are always changing
2) home buyer’s income, which typically changes every year at the rate of inflation
It is known by lenders that on one hand, homebuyers are less likely to default if they are allocating no more than 31% of their monthly gross income to their monthly mortgage payments. Therefore, mortgage lenders are now refusing to lend more money than the buyer can repay at that 31% gross income ration amortized over 30 years based on a fixed interest rate.
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