Elaine Stewart, Palm Springs Real Estate

As with every other area around the country, the Coachella Valley region saw a near-record number of sales over the past 27 months. While this is encouraging, it is discouraging considering the fact that many closed at incredibly low prices.

If you are a first-time buyer, there has never been a better time to buy. There has been an increase in first-time buyers by 47 percent compared to all home-buyers. And even if this is not your first time around the block, it is still a tremendous time to look into the real estate market.

It is believed that sales prices will continue to stay at the low mark they are at in 2010. While this is promising for home buyers, this means agents will have to close more deals then they did two to three years ago just to see the same business thresholds.

It is forecasted that sales will be sluggish in the mid- to upper-level home market. Coachella Valley and other parts of the country will face some troubling times as homes will see a significant decline in overall value and equity.

Homes that used to be around the $800,000 mark are now falling below the $500,000 mark. As you might expect, this is attracting many first-time buyers with the incredibly affordable home prices on remarkable homes. Not only is this appealing to first-time buyers, but it is also the perfect opportunity for people to move up into a larger home.

What some are taking advantage of is selling at a 5 percent hit and then buying a home for 10 to 15 percent off. People are wheeling and dealing any way they can to take advantage of the market.

One thing is for sure; the market is still healing as there are countless issues that remain relevant. Something that has become quite common today is cash buys due to the low prices. In addition, real estate agents are becoming familiar with multiple bids as many buyers will place a bid on several homes hoping to get one.

In 2006, 40 percent of all homes sold below the asking price. Today, that number is at a staggering average of 80 percent creating a long-run average of 69 percent. These kinds of numbers make it incredibly difficult to predict where the market will be in five years.

Anyone can throw a book of statistics out there and hope for the best. However, it is the plan of action and what really happens that is going to matter. Right now statistics show incredibly low prices on homes for sale resulting in a tremendous surge in home buyers.

Add onto the equation the tax credit that is good until at least November 30 and you have first-time buyers jumping at every home they can. It is even a promising market for people looking to move from one home into a larger home due to the fact that once high-priced homes are selling for average prices.

While all is good for home buyers, there really is no say where the real estate market will be down the road do to the inconsistent and constantly changing industry today.

Coachella Valley continues to show signs of improvement in the Palm Springs Real Estate market with another stellar month in July. Despite triple-digit temperatures and a credit market that was sure to scare home buyers away, home sales still rose by a tremendous 17.4 percent. This marked the second month of double-digit gains.

While things are looking up for home sales, the median price is unfortunately still looking down with a less than impressive $180,000 median. The last time it was this low was all the way back in 2001 and is much lower than the median price of $274,000 just a year ago. With the remarkably low prices, there is no question why home sales numbers continue to increase.

If you are looking in the market to buy, now is the time. As a first-time buyer with cash and strong credit, you have the potential to find a deal that is unlike anything seen since the 1980s. But the $100,000 to $200,000 range is not the only price market that is increasing in sales. The high-end market is showing signs of improvement little by little.

As with most areas around the country, sales were particularly heavy in areas with a large amount of foreclosure. Indian Wells Real Estate saw the most drastic signs of increase in sales with numbers rising 100 percent. In all there were sixteen sales for the month with the highest at $3.8 million.

In homes that have been purchased in Southern California above $417,000, purchase loans rose to its highest mark since August 2008 at15.1 percent compared to 15.6 percent in 2008. However, before 2007 nearly 40 percent of all Southland sales were financed by these high-priced loans.

One thing is for sure; realtors all over are anxious and excited for what is transpiring into a terrific season. Many believe real estate sales have hit the bottom and are only going to go up from here. Although prices will undoubtedly remain low for some time, it is only a matter of time before they begin to increase as well.

As for the high-end homes, realistic prices are what some believe is helping increase sales. While homes in the $800,000 range have been selling like crazy, homes around $1 million to $2.2 million are beginning to se offers as well.

Inventory on Palm Springs Bank Foreclosures is declining as well as Riverside County saw 58.7 percent of all homes that resold were foreclosure resales. Despite this, it is still lower than it has been since April 2008. While foreclosures were impacting the median price at one point, it is not having quite the same effect today thanks to the rise in high-end sales.

There is no question that the increase in sales is promising, but DataQuick President John Walsh fears it is too soon to call a bottom. With the amount of future job losses and foreclosures, he feels it is not appropriate to say the market has bottomed out just yet.

Another thing that is uncertain is how the high number of mortgage defaults from early in the year will be handled. There are too many options and variables that could affect the market in the long-run.

What you are seeing is that banks are not simply putting property back into the sales market right away. With the stabilized inventory that is taking place, there may be some increases in price. But for now, all we can do is sit and wait to see exactly what the market will do.

Thunderbird Heights is one of the most acclaimed residential communities in Rancho Mirage, California. Set on the hillsides of Coachella Valley, Thunderbird Heights is set at a close proximity to the Thunderbird Country Club. Residents in this development all have access to country club benefits, golfing, tennis, spas and more. The neighborhood was originally constructed as the first one in the area in the 1950s. Since then, there have been necessary renovations to bring the homes up to scale with the modern look and amenities of today.

The golf course Thunderbird Heights residents have access to through the country club membership is the oldest one built in the area, constructed in 1987. It has seen remodeling that has earned it the title of the place to be for those seeking the most elite environment. The homes in Thunderbird Heights vary greatly in square footage, layout, and lot size and therefore have a wide range of prices. For any home, new or older, the average prices run between $975,000 and $3.2 million. Most of the existing homes were originally build in the 1960s and 1970s but this should absolutely not be a drawback to the location. The fact that the structures have lasted and have required only aesthetic renovations says a lot about the integrity of the buildings.

Because this is privately established development with access to country club benefits, membership fees are required of all residents in the community. The reasonable monthly price of $125 delivers golf course access, tennis courts, fitness clubs and a chance to live in this prestigious community. If membership was not exclusive it could not offer all that it does. While it is true that newer establishments surround that of Thunderbird Heights, the charm from years past are seen in no other Rancho Mirage development. The history of famous past residents makes the community a rich goldmine of history to be unlocked. The perfect combination of classic charm and modern design and conveniences, the homes in Thunderbird Heights leave nothing to be desired.

If the Thunderbird Heights community interests you and you wish to set up a tour of the area, do not hesitate to call to get things started. The high desirability of this history-rich community means homes sell fast, so act quickly to find your dream home today! Whether you desire a seasonal home or something permanent in Rancho Mirage Real estate area, there are options for you. Enjoy luxury every day like you never have before with a home in Thunderbird Heights.

The community of Waterford is found in Rancho Mirage, California. This private development is set at Morningside and Frank Sinatra in Coachella Valley. Custom homes built in this area surround a five-acre lake, and this allows nearly half of the properties to overlook the large lake as lakefront properties. Every home also boasts fine mountain scenery and professional landscaping. Most resale values of homes in this area are currently between $1.5 and $2 million dollars. A few select estates sell for well over that, but these are not usually available for purchase. The Waterford homes were constructed between 2002 and 2003.

Homes For Sale in Waterford, Rancho Mirage

The 40-acre Waterford community is within walking distance of four private country clubs in the area. These are Morningside Country Club, The Springs Country Club, Thunderbird Country Club and Tamarisk Country Club. Members of this community have the option of obtaining members to any or all of these exclusive country clubs. The 61 homes, which are all single-family residences, range in size from about 4,700 to 5,500 square feet of luxurious living space. Customized design schemes of the homes are as elegant and majestic as the area they are situated in. Lot sizes in Waterford average about a half-acre, giving each homeowner plenty of outdoor space to call their own.

Since the community is gated and private, traffic and noise are not an issue. The safety in such communities is next to none and provides relief for members of the community, especially those with families. Although Waterford is private and secluded, it is still walking distance from many desirable locations like the exclusive country clubs in Rancho Mirage. The close proximity of the community to the mountains also allows for exciting outdoor living.

If you find yourself looking for a luxurious place to call home --whether seasonally or permanently-- the Waterford community could be for you. The lush landscaping in combination with the desert environment and lakeside properties make this Rancho Mirage development one of the best in the area. There are still some empty lots available for purchase which allows you to customize a home to the exact specifications you are looking for. The pristine location and safety of the community make Waterford properties sell quickly. Set a tour today to find out what homes are available for sale. Do not hesitate to move forward because these homes for sale will not last long. Find your place in paradise today with a home in Waterford