Palm Desert, CA

The fantastic homes of The Estates at Desert Springs may only be outmatched by the views they offer. There are so many benefits to living in this community that they may only be briefly summarized in this article. We'll go over some of the main attractions Desert Springs has to offer, as well as what potential future residents can expect to see while living there. The Estates at Desert Springs are a shining example of country club living in Palm Desert, California, and is the way it is meant to be done.There are all sorts of activities available for all age groups and interest groups. The main attractions for golfers are the two courses, which are professional level and occasionally used in pro-level championships. There are even some unique perks, such as graphical layouts of each hole which are downloaded into the golf carts' computers, allowing you to see an overview of each hole right from your cart. It is this level of quality and expertise you will come to expect from everything with which you interact at The Estates at Desert Springs.

There is a fully equipped fitness center, complete with saunas, spas, and professional staff on hand at all times to assist you with whatever you might need. There are numerous tennis courts, as well as areas for other sports and activities. Events occur at The Estates at Desert Springs on an almost weekly basis, and range from fitness to social gatherings. There are lots of chances to interact with fellow residents, and the consistently beautiful weather and pleasant temperature make it easy to do so.

There is even a Kids Klub for children of a wide range of ages, in order to foster friendships and encourage exploration and outdoor activities. Creativity and active fun are rewarded, and there are lots of opportunities for both. Professional counselors are around at relatively every hour. There are lots of social events for adults, too, such as culinary classes, sports and fitness classes, and even some workshops of the culinary variety. Of course, you can always pop by the golf club for a quick drink or a nightcap to share the day's stories. The Estates at Desert Springs offer so much in so many different ways, it's sometimes hard to believe there are any spaces left. Theses gorgeous homes are located in the grounds of the Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa and are very conveniently located.

The Ironwood Country Club is one of the most prestigious communities in Palm Desert, California. It is a veritable haven for golfers, but also features a variety of other attractive features. In this brief article, we'll take a look at what makes the Ironwood Country Club so famous and what potential future residents could expect to see while living there. As far as sports, fitness, and social atmosphere is concerned, the place is a paradise, and luxurious living has never been done in such a friendly environment.

There are two golf courses at the Ironwood Country Club. The first, the North Course, qualifies annually for the U.S. Open, but is open at all other times of the year to Ironwood residents. This course is professional level, and the full eighteen holes can at times be punishingly difficult. If golfers find the North Course too hard, the South Course can offer a more intermediate challenge, while not as long, the South Course rewards accuracy more than hitting power. Each course is designed to help you practice a certain aspect of your golf game. There are other facilities available, such as a driving range and bunker area, and trained professionals are available at the Pro Shop.

The Ironwood Country Club also features over a half a dozen tennis courts, including a tournament grade stadium court. There are all kinds of lessons, clinics, and tournaments available to club residents. Another feature is the ten thousand square foot fitness center, complete with spas, weight rooms, exercise classes, and locker rooms for men and women. Professionally trained staff is available at all times to assist with whatever you might need. There are all kinds of social activities monthly, seasonally, and yearly for all ages and interests.

One of the biggest attractions is the on site dining, as the cuisine at all the local eateries is outstanding. The Ironwood Country Club features some of the best country club dining available, and the green terraces and gardens with views of the spectacular mountain ranges only serve to enhance this experience. There is twenty-four hour, roaming patrol-based security to make sure that the entire community is safe at all times. Ironwood prides itself on keeping its residents safe and happy, and has so far been successful whenever it was at all possible. If you're looking for a country club home, take a closer look at the Ironwood Country Club.

Bing Crosby's former estate is currently for sale in Ironwood Country Club, it's listed for $4,695,000 and has 7 bedrooms with 71/2 baths. This secluded Spanish Compound is at the top of the hill on the largest lot, privately gated behind the gates of Ironwood CC. You can see more of this fabulous home at www.crosbyestate.info

The Desert Sun reported today: "Coachella Valley home sales during the third quarter of 2008 jumped 51.5 percent compared to 2007, driven predominately by buyers nabbing foreclosures and other distressed properties that have been sharply discounted."

Bargains for buyers: Although sales are up, averge prices are down. This is partly a result of banks wanting to unload the numerous foreclosures currently on the market. Those that don't have to sell, are holding off. However, motivated sellers are having to meet or beat the foreclosure pricing in order to be competitive. Over half of all homes sold recently were foreclosures. The end result, is that the median pricing for homes, has come down more then $150,000 in the Palm Springs area.

The Desert Sun also reports: "[Sales are] up from the 1,277 sold during the same three months of 2007 and up from 2006, when 1,665 homes were sold. The bulk of homes sold are going for less than $500,000, a price point that traditionally has been described as the entry-level market. In 2007, homes priced under $500,000 made up 68 percent of all local sales. In the third quarter of 2008, they accounted for nearly 85 percent."

Smart buyers are taking advantage of the current pricing in Palm Springs. The current reduction in pricing, is now making it more affordable for both first time buyers and those looking for a second home. Buyers are picking up homes that sold for $400,000 to $600,000 just two years ago, for $200,000 to $300,000- Once gain it is affordable for some to consider owning a 2nd home here in the desert.

Canadians are still buying, even though the value of their dollar has fallen. Many are wanting to take advantage of this window of opportunity, before their dollar falls even further. 50% of my sales lately, have been with Canadian buyers.

Pricing is attracing many savvy buyers. Although prices are being offered at huge discounts, sales are very competitive. Many homes these days are receiving multiple offers, and homes have been selling for over asking price. On average, homes are selling for about 94% of the asking price, but it is not uncommon to see homes selling for even more then asking. If you are considering buying, the important pre-requisite is to have your financing in order. Its important to have your realtor watch the market constantly. Bargain priced properties often go pending within hours of being listed.

If you're thinking of taking advantage of current market condition, please give me a call. I'll help you get prepared to make a purchase. I monitor the market all day long searching for great deals, to match up with my clients. Let me show you how I can help you too!

Paul Kaplan

760-285-8559

Golf lovers rejoice! There is the perfect place in Palm Desert for you to take a look at: Bighorn Golf Club. There are fantastic views, lovely homes, and two huge courses that boast full clubhouses and amenities. Whether you're a golfer or not, the neighborhood is beautifully designed and has much to offer any kind of lifestyle. In this brief article we'll take a look at what the courses have to offer, as well as the other ways this neighborhood is sure to impress.

The two golf courses are championship level, eighteen hole, full length courses. The Mountains course was designed by Arthur Hills, while the Canyon course was done by Tom Fazio. Both of these courses have long-standing reputations, and many have appeared in tournaments on television. The clubhouse is frequented by professional golfers in the area, and the golf shop is ranked in the top twenty-five private shops for the last seven years. There's even a five star restaurant on site. Other bonuses include a junior golf program for kids of all sizes, professionals on staff at all times, and four driving ranges to get your game up to speed. The Bighorn Golf Club is a veritable golfer's paradise surrounded by Palm Desert luxury real estate.!

However, one doesn't have to be into golf to enjoy Bighorn Golf Club. There are plenty of other activities that are sure to pique your interest. There are professional tennis lessons as well as weekly clinics and tournaments, a fitness center, complete with spa and salon, and even a wine and culinary arts program. There are plenty of seasonal, yearly, and monthly events to attend, and a newsletter to keep you informed. All this, and all within a single neighborhood might sound too good to be true to some people, but all this and more is available to residents.

There are lots of ways to enjoy the luxury of the Bighorn Golf Club, and many of them manifest in the ways to get around. A private club limousine can be called at any time, and a private jet service is ready to take you anywhere you like. There are lots of dining venues within a few minutes' drive, a dog park for pet owners, and lots of activities for kids. Twenty-four hour roaming security, manned gates, trash and recycling, full cable service, even common area maintenance - the list goes on. Bighorn Golf Club is truly a paradise to be enjoyed.

Nordstrom is coming to our desert! On November 12^th, the development director for Westfield Shopping Centers met with the Palm Desert Architectural Commission to review plans for the Westfield Mall's expansion and renovation. Along with Nordstrom, which is scheduled to open in 2011, the mall will have approximately 373,500 square feet of new retail space, 30,000 square feet of new restaurants and a 50,000 square foot movie and dining complex. A scheduled complete renovation of the north and south facades with larger entrances, patio dining, plans to regulate traffic circulation, and parking is planned. According to Westfield's director, the project is "fast tracked" and the plans will be going to the City of Palm Desert next week followed by a public hearing before the commission on November 25^th.

This is great news for our valley, especially with more and more of our residents enjoying the desert lifestyle year round!

If you are interested in searching for homes in the Coachella Valley, researching the current value of your home, viewing our Desert Real Estate Website, or learning more about the current housing market please give us a call at (760) 567-9100.

Copyright © 2008 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. "Nordstrom Scheduled to Open in 2011 in Palm Desert". Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.