Palm Springs Area Desert Living Guide - 2023

BROKER CA DRE #00616212

PHONE

760.422.4030

TIM’S PHONE 818.531.5730

LAURIE’S PHONE 760.218.6893

OFFICE 45000 Club Drive Indian Wells, CA 92210

WEBSITE DesertDreamHomes.com

EMAIL Info@TheBriggsGroup.com

REALTOR ® CA DRE #01896117

Tim and Laurie Briggs are Canadian transplants who enjoy living and working in the desert full time. With successful business careers in law and Health Insurance, they recognized the need for exceptional service for individuals buying and selling resort properties. They also have an experienced team that’s hand-selected with a customer focus. There’s a reason they made the elite top 30% of Palm Springs Life’s Annual Top 100 Realtors.

“We want happy clients; communication and experience is key! Buying or selling a home can be stressful but we strive to make it exciting...in a good way.”

Many of our clients reside out of area; some in other countries so we feel it’s important to communicate in a way that best meets our individual clients’ needs. Email, text, phone, videos...no problem for our team. “We’re here to help!”

Meet Laurie & Tim Briggs

Tim Briggs

Broker Associate CA DRE #01898254

Laurie Briggs

THE COACHELLA VALLEY

The Coachella Valley is a place of extraordinary beauty and natural wonder; a year-round playground for the young and young at heart.

This beautiful desert region is home to Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, India Wells, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and Coachella. Each city offers its own unique flare and distinct personality.

In the greater Palm Springs area, quality is a given. With more than 360 days of sunshine every year; easy access to Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, and San Bernardino; and excellent transportation services, it’s easy to see why Greater Palm Springs remains one of the most sought-after lifestyle sanctuaries in California.

RECREATION & EVENTS

Boasting more than 110 golf courses, the Coachella Valley is one of the world’s most popular golf destinations. The region is also propelled by its breathtaking natural environment and world-class cultural and sports events such as ANA Inspiration Tournament (LPGA) and CareerBuilder Challenge (PGA) golf

tournaments, BNP Paribas Open (ATP and WTA) tennis tournament, and the two-weekend music juggernaut known as Coachella (Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival). The Palm Springs International Film Festival held in January and the ShortFest held in August rival well-known Sundance and Utah’s film festivals.

One-of-a-kind attractions, such as Palm Springs

Aerial Tramway and The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden, the world-class Palm Springs

Art Museum, and a spectrum of shopping, dining, and recreation options also distinguishes the area for residents and visitors.

AFFORDABLE

Affordable housing (in comparison to coastal and other metro areas of California) attracts young families, thereby expanding the skilled workforce. Families here average three people per household, with a median household income of more than $50,000. Population growth has skyrocketed, especially in the East Valley, since 2010 and is expected to continue to climb.

According to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the projection is a 99.4% increase from 443,401 population in 2014 to a projected 884,000 by 2035.

The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Photo Credit: Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

EDUCATION

You’ll find an area that places a premium on education, addressing the quality and capacity of the area’s workforce. Three primary / secondary school districts serve west, central, and east valley students, while College of the Desert — part of California Community Colleges — has about 15,000 students enrolled across three campuses and is expanding to accommodate increasing enrollment. California State University, San Bernardino, Palm Desert offers several bachelor’s degree programs and 10 master’s degree or credential programs, including degree options for healthcare majors. And the University of California, Riverside has a 20 acre campus in Palm Desert.

MEDICAL

Desert Regional Medical Center, Eisenhower Medical Center, and JFK Memorial Hospital anchor the first-class healthcare community that includes a selection of medical groups and ancillary wellness, rehabilitation, and fitness centers, as well as therapeutic spas.

The Palm Springs region teems with resorts, golf courses, and shopping centers. Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and other artistic communities lie farther north and northeast. To the south, the wildflowers of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park herald the arrival of spring. More refined than Vegas, more laid back than Beverly Hills, and more consistent sunshine than both, it’s no wonder that so many are making this part of the desert their home.

University of California Riverside - Palm Desert Center

Photo Credit: Simone Hogan / Shutterstock.com

Eisenhower Medical Center

Photo Credit: Bart Sherkow / Shutterstock.com

GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE

Palm Springs, along with the other cities in this guide, is in the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert, a division of the Sonoran Desert. Coachella Valley is unique in that it extends 45 miles southeast from the San Bernardino Mountains to the northern shore of the Salton Sea. It is 15 miles wide from the San Jacinto Mountains to the west and the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the east.

Being tucked away amid these mountain ranges gives the valley its famed warm, dry climate. With more than 350 days of sunshine and less than 5 inches of rain per year, sun seekers enjoy the greater Palm Springs area all year-long. Winter temperatures average a comfortable 70 degrees during the day and cool crisp nights are around 40. But not to worry, the area rarely sees freezing temperatures. It does get hot during the summer months with temperatures well into the 90’s and 100’s during the day. The perfect reason to grab a refreshing beverage, a towel and lounge poolside for a quick dip to cool off.

Coachella Valley BY THE season

Every Coachella Valley season has its charms. And with 350 days of sunshine every year and plenty of outdoor playtime, any season is a great time to enjoy your surroundings!

Winter

Dec. 1 - Feb. 15

Average High: 72° F / 22° C

Average Low: 45° F / 7° C

Seasonal Rainfall: 3.03”

Spring

Feb. 16 - April 30

Average High: 81° F / 27° C

Average Low: 51° F / 11° C

Seasonal Rainfall: 1.86”

While people in other parts of the country are bundled in heavy coats and shoveling snow; people in the Coachella Valley are practicing their golf swings. In the winter months, you’ll find bright sun and blue skies to keep you active.

Summer

May 1 - Sept. 15

Average High: 103° F / 39° C

Average Low: 71° F / 22° C

Seasonal Rainfall: 1.09”

Spring is absolutely stunning. The weather begins to warm up to perfection encouraging more outdoor exploration. From visiting hiking trails to art galleries you’ll quickly declare Spring as your favorite season!

Fall

Sept. 16 - Nov. 30

Average High: 90° F / 32° C

Average Low: 61° F / 16° C

Seasonal Rainfall: 0.79”

Summer is pool and evening event season. You’ll find plenty of activities to keep cool during the day and enjoy stunning evenings. From morning hikes to the finest outdoor dining destinations.

Fall doesn’t quite have the dramatic change that you find in other places. The days are still warm, if you stay out long enough into the evening you might find a slight chill in the air. Most residents find fall to be the perfect season for backyard socials.

The Forever Marilyn statue by Seward Johnson

Photo Credit: Noah Sauve / Shutterstock.com

TRAVEL & LOCATION

There are three airports that serve the Greater Palm Springs area, transporting more than 1.5 million passengers a year - Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport and Bermuda Dunes Airport.

Palm Springs International Airport, or PSP, is ranked in the top 10 of America’s stress-free airports by SmarterTravel. PSP connects to the nation’s largest airline hubs and has 13 airlines flying non-stop to 30 destinations.

The other two, Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport and Bermuda Dunes, accommodate

private aircraft and provides support and fueling services.

Amtrak and Greyhound Bus offer rail and road service to and from Greater Palm Springs. Once here, choose from car rental companies, limousines, shuttles, private cars, Uber, Lyft, taxis, and buses. SunLine Transit Agency offers local transportation with clean, natural gaspowered public vehicles. The major corridor through the area is Interstate 10, the fourthlargest interstate highway in the United States.

A playground to Hollywood stars and millions of weekend warriors – the Coachella Valley has expanded into a dynamic region with broad appealing amenities that continues to drive growth. It’s a region that embraces diversity, innovation, enterprise, and encourages people to live life to its fullest.

Welcome to the Coachella Valley.

CATHEDRAL CITY BY THE NUMBERS

Cathedral City / California

“To discover Cathedral City is to begin a deepening relationship with a place that has all the essential ingredients for creating the life you want. That is if you want a life enriched by the time-honored values of integrity, hard work, self-reliance, community, acceptance, and pride of place.”

- DISCOVERCATHEDRALCITY.COM

LAID-BACK & PICTURESQUE

Drive through Cathedral City and take a step back in time to a place that is as friendly as it is beautiful. The stunning rock formations around the city, from which it derives its name, gives the city it’s natural beauty. Add to that scenic golf courses, sunny, blue skies, and a laid-back atmosphere and those who visit Cathedral City want to stay.

Cathedral City is the second largest city in the Coachella Valley and offers everything one would want or need within the city limits. There is plenty of shopping venues, restaurants of every cuisine, golf courses, a movie theater, the valley’s only iceskating rink and is just a 20-minute drive east of the world-famous resort town of Palm Springs.

The hometown, down-to-earth vibe one gets when visiting Cathedral City comes from the resident’s integrity and hard work ethics. This is evident with the many locally owned restaurants and businesses you’ll find throughout the city. And folks are happy to discover that Cathedral City is one of the more affordable places to live in the Coachella Valley, with excellent schools, appealing neighborhoods, and several community parks.

DOWNTOWN

The Civic Center Plaza in the heart of downtown Cathedral City plays a major role in community events, bringing friends and family together. Here you can enjoy locally grown produce every Sunday from October through April at the Farmers Market,

the alluring hot air balloon festival each year and the architectural marvel of the interactive water sculpture, Fountain of Life. This engineering feat brings visitors from around the world and remains running year-round for residents, especially the children, to enjoy.

Plans to add a 125,000 square foot casino and mixed-use plaza to downtown, along with an outdoor amphitheater and playhouse will make the festive atmosphere of downtown an even more attractive place to live, work and raise a family.

BUSINESS FRIENDLY

With easy commutes to Los Angeles and San Diego and quick access to Palm Springs International Airport, Cathedral City has a healthy business climate. From service based to retail, big box store to the small business owner, Cathedral City’s central location is prime for development opportunities.

“Cathedral City’s pro-business spirit and streamlined development process is a plus for attracting new businesses and supporting homegrown entrepreneurs,” says Leisa Lukes, Cathedral City’s economic development manager. “This is evidenced by the numerous locally owned restaurants flourishing in the community, the retail stores being constructed on Date Palm Drive, and new residential communities popping up throughout the city. In addition, the newly reconstructed I-10 interchange at Date Palm Drive enhances the community’s link with future growth opportunities.”

SHOPPING

Whether it’s vintage attire and home décor, luxury

vehicles, or clothing, Cathedral City’s shopping district will keep you browsing all day long.

Perez Road is home to more than 200 business and is best known for its distinctive home interior décor and furnishings, home improvement and design showrooms, as well as many art galleries. Travel along East Palm Canyon Drive for your choice of automobiles with more than 12 dealers, including the electric Tesla Motors. The bargain shopper will enjoy the vast array of thrift stores and consignment boutiques along this stretch of highway as well as national retailers like Target, Trader Joes, Ross, and Big Lots.

COACHELLA BY THE NUMBERS

Coachella / California

UNIQUE CULTURE

The City of Coachella isn’t known for its grand resorts, posh hotels, fancy dining and upscale shopping like its better-known sister city of Palm Springs. As a matter-of-fact, if it weren’t for the famous Coachella Music and Arts Festival held annually, which many mistakenly think is held in the City of Coachella but is held in neighboring Indio, Coachella would only be known by those that live in the Valley.

The City of Coachella prides itself on strong family values and heritage. Coachella is a small, friendly town of just over 45,000 residents, where people know their neighbors and ride their bikes to nice, safe parks.

Ninety-eight percent of the population in Coachella is Hispanic, agriculture is a vital thread to the community’s fabric and art and culture are a way of life as seen by the many outdoor murals spread across the city. Here they celebrate their heritage and take part in annual cultural festivals such as Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias, Virgin of Guadalupe and the Coachella Christmas Parade.

DOWNTOWN

Although known largely as a rural and agricultural community in the desert, the City of Coachella has big plans for the coming years.

The brand-new library and conference center are a wonderful addition to the historic downtown area, honoring the traditional aesthetic of the Spanish Revival style. The new library is part of the city’s beautification of downtown. Located across the street from city hall, the library includes a coffee shop, classrooms, a teen and children’s sections, and books in both English and Spanish.

The CV Line will soon have a bike path that will connect to the City of Coachella, Indio and La Quinta. Named the Music and Arts Line after the

Coachella Music and Arts Festival, the nearly 10-mile route will be unlike any other in the desert, featuring musical and rhythmic elements, illuminated art displays and interactive artistic creations.

FISCALLY SOUND

Coachella is starting a period of unprecedented growth and transformation by diversifying its economy and expanding into new business sectors. The most recent additions of national retailers like Wal-Mart and Big 5 Sporting Goods shows visible steps in that direction. The city is also working on attracting other national brand retailers and a physical fitness retail location.

Two of the city’s largest employers are also a place for entertainment. Both the Spotlight 29 Casino and Augustine Casino are within Coachella’s city limits and employ more than 1000 residents. They also bring in visitors from throughout the Valley to play and watch live entertainment from top performers all year-long.

FUN FACTS

The City of Coachella is 68 feet below sea level; the Salton Sea is 228 feet below sea level

95% of the country’s dates are produced in Coachella and its neighboring cities

The Coachella Grapefruit is named after the city and so vital to its economy that the main highway running through town (Highway 111) is known as Grapefruit Boulevard

The city’s name was originally Conchilla, after the tiny snail shells found in the deserts sandy soil. But when the printer misspelled it Coachella in 1901 on the town prospectus, the founders kept the name, not wanting to delay the news of the new city.

Recently receiving a $3.19 million grant, the city plans to fund 20 infrastructure projects via the state’s Urban Greening program. These projects will enhance the urban area by creating more green spaces that are sustainable, making Coachella a more healthy and vibrant community. The grant will also allow for at least 200 trees planted throughout the city. This will improve the environment by adding much-needed shade and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.

GATEWAY TO THE SALTON SEA

Located at the easternmost section of the Coachella Valley, 28 miles east of Palm Springs, and surrounded by lush agricultural fields, the City of Coachella is more a place you come to live and raise a family than to visit. But with year-round sunshine, the largest lake in California, the Salton Sea, just 10 miles south, not to mention the best Mexican fare you’ll be sure to find anywhere, there is good reason to make a stop in Coachella while in the Valley.

DESERT HOT

BY THE

Desert Hot Springs / California

“The City of Desert Hot Springs is committed to becoming a world-class health and wellness destination based upon its famous miracle waters, unique desert ecosystem, spectacular mountain views, and natural environment.”

– City of Desert Hot Springs

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PLACE

Nestled between two mountain ranges, 1000 feet about the Coachella Valley floor, you will find Desert Hot Springs, “Spa City” of California. A true oasis in the desert and home to some of the worlds finest naturally occurring hot mineral springs, Desert Hot Springs draws people from around the world to soak in its therapeutic pools.

Visitors aren’t the only ones drawn to Desert Hot Springs; more people are calling it home and it’s easy to see why. Residents enjoy the views overlooking beautiful Palm Springs and being at the base of the Sand to Snow National Monument,

mountain bikers, runners and hikers have countless miles of sweeping vistas to explore, from the desert floor to the snow-capped San Jacinto Mountains.

For those that enjoy a welcoming peaceful atmosphere, Desert Hot Springs doesn’t disappoint. The city has a simple basic vibe of a village long ago yet continues to evolve and adapt as it grows. Here, housing is still affordable and the cost of living competitive. And having an international airport and world-renowned Palm Springs just 15 miles down the hill makes travel, shopping, and entertainment very convenient.

Photo Credit: Miracle Springs Resort and Spa / Michael Ray Burke

With honest hometown flair, internationally known spas, and proximity to phenomenal outdoor adventuring, Desert Hot Springs is on the rise.

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE WATER

Desert Hot Springs not only has amazing natural hot mineral water to soak in, but it also has underground cold water springs just as pure for drinking. It is the only place in the world with both hot and cold mineral spring aquifers.

For centuries, the naturally heated waters were believed to hold medicinal powers. When the first scientific analysis of the hot mineral water was performed in 1937, its curative value was affirmed. Today, people come from around the globe to soak in the healing waters of Desert Hot Springs. The water comes from thousands of feet below the earth’s surface and is cooled only when necessary to keep a comfortable temperature.

And for hundreds of years, the cold water aquifer provided habitat to wildlife and sustained Native American people. Today, Desert Hot Springs’ groundwater is ranked among the nation’s best, winning national and international awards for its deliciously refreshing taste. Pumped directly out of the earth, the municipal drinking water is better than any store-bought bottle, and the gold, silver and bronze awards prove it.

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE MAN

You can’t read about or visit Desert Hot Springs without hearing the name Cabot Yerxa (YER-ba). This hardworking visionary was the first to discover the hot and cold aquifers outside his homestead in the early 1900s.

In need of water, he dug a well near his home and discovered hot mineral water (the Desert Hot Springs Aquifer) right outside his door. 600 yards away he dug another well and discovered the pure cold water of the Mission Springs Aquifer. The two wells, one hot and one cold, led Cabot to name his homestead Miracle Hill.

Being the visionary that he was, he saw the area’s potential upon his arrival in those early years. In 1941 he began building the Old Indian Pueblo in its current location using materials from his original home. He painstakingly built the pueblo by hand over the next 20 plus years until his death in 1965. His intentions for the pueblo was to serve as a museum to house the many artifacts he had collected over the decades as an explorer and adventurer.

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum stands today as a cornerstone to Desert Hot Springs heritage.

INDIAN WELLS BY THE NUMBERS

Indian Wells / California

“Create an unsurpassed quality of life for residents and guests by providing superior public safety, exceptional service and outstanding amenities that will further enhance our image as a prestigious community and international resort destination.”

– City of Indian Wells

TRANQUIL AND LUXURIOUS

Guest and residents of Indian Wells relish in what this desert oasis has to offer. Home to four worldclass resorts, a championship golf course, a famed tennis facility, one of the largest tennis tournaments in the world, the BNP Paribas Open, along with a variety of cultural programs and impressive resident benefits, Indian Wells draws citizens and visitors alike with its upscale presence and smalltown environment.

Indian Wells is the smallest of the nine Coachella Valley cities with a population of just over 5,400. What it lacks in population it makes up for in luxury and prestige from fine dining options, relaxing spa treatments, lavish shopping, and country club benefits.

Drawing more than 450,000 visitors a year with the world-renowned BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells does a remarkable job at creating a sense of tranquility and relaxation throughout the city. Intelligent city planning and leadership have led Indian Wells to achieve its status as one of the premier residential resorts and vacation destinations in the United States.

Indian Wells is in the heart of Southern California’s Desert Resort communities, between La Quinta and Palm Desert, and just 20 minutes south of Palm Springs. Known to residents as an exceptional place to live, work and play with its many social activities, innovative city government, and one of the finest resident benefit programs in the nations.

RESIDENT PERKS

As mentioned above, Indian Wells offers one of the best resident benefit programs in the country. Play championship golf courses at Indian Wells Golf Resort and receive special rates and reserved tee times. With a property owners ID card, residents enjoy significant discounts on golf, tennis, food, merchandise, spa treatments, and resort hotel rooms.

The Indian Wells Community Garden is another added benefit to residents. In the garden, locals gather and create a space as diverse and unique as the people who live here. The garden creates a sense of community and connection with one another, a place to share advice and garden techniques. Whether it’s solely to grow flowers or a bountiful harvest of local vegetables, the community garden helps individuals and neighbors create access to fresh produce while making new friendships.

TENNIS ANYONE?

The BNP Paribas Open is an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event on the men’s tour and a WTA Premier event on the women’s tour held at the

Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Top-ranked men and woman tennis players compete for points and prize money. Except for the four Grand Slam events, the BNP Paribas Open is the most attended tennis tournament in the world.

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is a premier tennis destination and hosts over 450,000 visitors each year in March alone! Celebrities from all over the globe come to watch live action, returning tour champions, and nail-biting matches.

With the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains to the west and wonderful springtime temperatures, BNP Paribas Open has become a must-see event not only for tennis aficionados but for those that want a wonderful afternoon where you can see top athletes in action. And with the recent massive renovation and addition of 20 permanent restaurants, guests can enjoy first-class dining overlooking the on-court action at both stadiums.

One thing is for certain, this critically acclaimed tennis landscape offers visitors and residents alike a memorable and unique tennis experience in the beautiful, sun-filled desert.

arts and culture

The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

Coachella Valley Histor y Museum

Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre

Indio Performing Ar ts Center

McCallum Theater for the Performing Ar ts

Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs Art Museum

Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

Edwards Harris Pavilion

Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert

Tolerance Education Center

things to do

Big League Dreams Sports Park

BMW Driving Performance Center West

Boomers!

Chuckwalla Valley Raceway

Desert Ice Castle

Indian Canyons Hiking Trails

Joshua Tree National Park

The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Moorten Botanical Garden

Oasis Date Garden

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto National Monument

Shields Date Garden

Tahquitz Canyon Hiking Trails

Wet’n’Wild Palm Springs

points of interest

College of the Desert

Eldorado Polo Club

Empire Polo Club

Idyllwild

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Palm Springs Convention Center

I

Riverside County Fairgrounds

Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

UltraStar Mary Pickford Cinemas

UC Riverside Palm Desert/Cal State University

San Bernardino, Palm Desert

shopping

College of the Desert Street Fair (Weekends

Desert Hills Premium Outlets/Cabazon Outlets

The Gardens on El Paseo

Old Town La Quinta

Palm Springs Uptown Design District

Palm Springs VillageFest (Thursday Nights)

The River at Rancho Mirage

The Shops on El Paseo

Westfield Palm Desert Shopping Mall

golf

Desert Princess Country Club & Resort

Desert Willow Golf Resort

DoubleTree Golf Resort

Eagle Falls Golf Course

Escena Golf Club

Gar y Player Signature Course

The Golf Club at Terra Lago

Greg Norman course at PGA WEST

Indian Canyons Golf Resort

Indian Palms Country Club & Resort

Indian Springs Golf Club

Indian Wells Golf Resort

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club

Pete Dye Resort Course

PGA WEST - Nicklaus Tournament and Stadium courses

Rancho Las Palmas Country Club

Rancho Mirage Country Club

SilverRock Resort

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort

Indio

INDIO BY THE NUMBERS

POPULATION: 93,335 AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $53,669 MEDIAN RENT: $3,300

Indio / California

“Families are moving here because of our parks, schools, and outstanding public safety services. In fact, the Indio Police Department was recognized as one of fifteen cities in the nation to serve as a model for the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.”

– Michael H. Wilson, Mayor (2018)

RAILROAD TO AGRICULTURE

Indio is the largest and oldest city in the Coachella Valley and continues to grow at a more rapid pace than any of its neighboring cities.

Originally a railroad town as a stop between Los Angeles, California, and Yuma, Arizona, Indio quickly grew into its own becoming an agricultural mecca for onions, citrus, and dates. (Dates are a big deal here.) Indio became the “Hub of the Valley” in the early 1900s, with residents that established family roots, schools that were built, and a hospital that was completed to provide medical services.

Today, Indio continues to be the hub of housing, business, and development in the Valley. Its eclectic background shows up in its restaurants, in its festivals, and in its culture. It’s a diverse community that comes together and is successful, preserving its local heritage. Indio celebrates its rich culture with the Coachella Valley History

Museum, several annual festivals, and art displayed throughout the city.

Residents love Indio for its friendly people, the great police department and their community outreach, its heart for the youth and providing unique services just for them. Indio has great schools, the fastest growing community college in California, and is the center of the legal community in the Coachella Valley with its premier law school.

Because of its many festivals, Indio has become a destination spot but retains a small-town feel with peaceful, friendly surroundings. This exceptionally well-managed city continues to evolve with smart planning for the future. Indio’s quality of life, the strength of its economy, and value in real estate make it a great place to live and raise a family.

CITY OF FESTIVALS

Once touted the Hub of the Valley, Indio is now known as the City of Festivals. And it’s no wonder,

drawing more than 1.4 million visitors a year with its variety of events, from music, food and arts festivals, most notably the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

But let’s face it. Not everyone loves Beyoncé, but everyone does love tamales. So first we’ll start by talking about the International Tamale Festival. It is, after all, the largest tamale festival in the world!

Started in 1992, this much-loved event is held every December in Old Town Indio and has drawn as many as 120,000 festival goers in one weekend! Ranked as one of the top 10 “All-American Food Festivals” in the nation by Food Network-TV, tamale lovers fill the streets to sample every type of tamale one can possibly imagine. And it’s not just the tamales they come for. Seeped in its culture, the festival includes a festive holiday parade, Mexican Folkloric dancing, singing, and other live performances. There is even a car show, art and wine garden and a food truck alley for those that want something more with their tamales.

Although the International Tamale Festival draws a large crowd and is rich in tradition, it’s the famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, simply known as Coachella, that has really put Indio on the map. Held in April on the gorgeous grounds of the Empire Polo Club, Coachella has morphed from just a weekend to listen to good music to a cultural phenomenon, with incredible art sculptures, fantastic food, and big-name stars. Held over three days for two consecutive weekends, Coachella draws more than 200,000 music and art lovers from around the world.

Add to that the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Tachevah at the Indio Block Party, and other music events featured at the Empire Polo Club, it’s no surprise Indio received top billing as the number one city in the country for live music by the Matador Network, the world’s largest independent travel publisher.

La Quinta

LA QUINTA BY THE NUMBERS

La Quinta / California

“The City of La Quinta is booming with a growing population, as well as a large seasonal population of “snow birds.” There are retail stores along Highway 111 and Washington Street, the Old Town Village area with boutique shops and restaurants, hotels, and a variety of recreational and cultural activities.”

ART

Art has played an important role in the creation of La Quinta’s character and image. In 1983, the La Quinta Arts Festival was born and today is the number one Arts Festival in the country. Ranked #1 Fine Art & #1 Fine Craft Festival by Art Fair SourceBook 2018 and #1 Fine Art and Design Show by Sunshine Artist 2018, the La Quinta Arts Festival has been ranked the #1 Art Show in the nation four times in the last six years.

The Art in Public Places program showcases art throughout the community. This plays an integral role in enhancing the city’s social and environmental growth balancing development with artistic enhancement. Wherever you go in La Quinta, you’re bound to see a piece of art to spark conversation.

GOLF

La Quinta is a golf mecca with more than 20 golf courses snuggled up against the pink-hued Santa Rosa Mountains. Home to outstanding courses like the acclaimed PGA West Golf Club & Resort and a variety of spectacular public courses, it’s no wonder La Quinta has been called “the golf capital of the world”.

HIKE

Taking the sixth spot on Sunset.com’s top 42 hikes in the West, hiking enthusiasts seek out La Quinta “where granite, desert flora, and sweeping views surround primo hiking.”

DINE

Ask any resident what they love about living in La Quinta and you’ll hear about the variety of restaurants and dining options their beloved town has. From brewpubs to steakhouses, tapas to treats, just about anywhere you’ll enjoy outdoor dining while taking in the stunning views.

And with so much outdoor dining, there is a place to bring your pet along with you. La Quinta is such a pet-friendly city, PlayinLaquinta.com has dedicated a page to all things pets!

SHOP

Old Town is La Quinta’s gathering place. Along with its myriad of alfresco dining establishments, unique boutiques abound. Shop for fine and handcrafted jewelry, exclusive fashions, stylish eyewear, aromatherapy oils, and candles. Pick up original art pieces, California wines, and seasonal gifts.

EVENTS

La Quinta has many events throughout the year. From the local farmers market to the Humana Challenge, the Arts Festival to a friendly 5k Walk, La Quinta provides an exquisite canvas to host events. Search the city’s calendar on any given day and you’ll be sure to find something fun to do around the city.

PALM DESERT BY THE NUMBERS

California

Centered in the heart of the Coachella Valley is the city Palm Desert, a thriving community with its own natural beauty, where recreational amenities abound, and shopping is woven into its

offers many activities a little less…strenuous.

Palm Desert is a special place with plentiful parks, clean streets, an exquisite outdoor public pool, friendly people, and easily accessible commutes. It’s close vicinity to Palm Springs and the airport appeals to year-round residents as well as a popular vacation and winter “snowbird” destination.

While visitors flock to Palm Desert as a first-class resort destination, locals call Palm Desert home for a myriad of reasons: It’s a friendly place where people enjoy a small town feel but with big-city resources; it’s convenient proximity to resorts, golf courses, performing arts venues, picturesque drives, and nearby mountains with many hiking trails; and most notably, it’s safety. Palm Desert has the lowest violent crime rate in Southern

Befriend the animals and explore the natural beauty of the region at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Feed a giraffe, meet a meerkat, or ride a camel. Voted one of the best 10 zoos in the country by Condé Nast Traveler, it is a favorite for visitors and locals alike.

Golfers rejoice with two award-winning championship golf courses within Palm Desert city limits, Desert Willows Golf Resort and Palm Desert Resort Country Club.

Residents enjoy Palm Deserts exceptional educational facilities, including College of the Desert and extension campuses for California State University San Bernardino and the University of California Riverside. A healthy real estate market with a wide spectrum of home prices along with a low unemployment rate and a great quality of life draws families young and old to this part of the

The McCallum Theater offers world-class live entertainment with an array of jazz, classical, Broadway, dance, and holiday concerts. And art enthusiasts enjoy ongoing and temporary exhibitions at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. This architecturally significant building surrounded by the four-acre Faye Sarkowsky

Sculpture Garden, is the most important sculpture garden between Los Angeles and Phoenix. This sculpted, rolling landscape with winding pathways and water features is open year-round with no admission fee.

Glowing with opportunity and bliss with abundant activity, there’s no need to drive miles away out of the county when all you need is right here in Palm

Along with a plethora of outdoor recreation from biking, hiking, and rock climbing, Palm Desert also

Photo Credit: bonandbon / Shutterstock.com

SHOP HERE

Palm Desert wouldn’t be what it is today without El Paseo, an extraordinary mile-long shopping district. The oldest shopping locale in Palm Desert, El Paseo is known for its posh retail outlets, art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife, often called “The Rodeo Drive of the Desert.”

At the Gardens on El Paseo, you’ll find luxury department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and designer brands like Tiffany & Co., Luis Vuitton and Eileen Fisher, as well as some of the city’s most delicious restaurants.

The Shops on El Paseo, at the west end of the shopping district, represents a grand selection of glamorous retailers including Burberry, Gucci, Escada, and Ralph Lauren.

A mile northwest of El Paseo is Westfield Palm Desert, the area’s largest indoor mall. Westfield Mall offers more than 150 places to shop including a food court and movie theater. Here you’ll find national-brand retailers such as Macy’s, JCPenney, H&M, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Victoria’s Secrets, and other trusted names.

Desert Crossing includes favorites like Target, Best Buy, Ulta, Bed Bath & Beyond, Pier 1 and many others.

Whatever your flair and whatever your budget, there is no doubt about it, Palm Desert is shopping perfection.

Photo Credit: Idealphotographer / Shutterstock.com

PALM

BY THE NUMBERS

Palm Springs / California

Imagine never having to shovel snow or bundle up in flannel pajamas but instead, your days filled with year-round sunshine, your winter apparel consists of maybe wearing long pants and maybe closed toe shoes. Welcome to Palm Springs and life in the desert.

RELAX

Here, life moves at a slower pace. The majestic beauty of the San Jacinto mountains, the lush green landscaping surrounding the resorts and manicured neighborhoods, the warm hue of desert colors, the weather, calms the mind and body. There is nowhere like it in the country.

For those lucky enough to call Palm Springs home, it is for these same reasons and a few more that they have chosen the laid-back desert lifestyle. People here are friendly; there is almost no traffic; the diversity in ethnicity is vast and it is simply beautiful.

BIG ON SMALL

Palm Springs is a small town of just over 48,000 full-time residents which comes with added benefits. Residents love the ease of meeting with friends in the newly revitalized downtown, the short lines while out shopping and being able to quickly get a table at one of the delectable restaurants in town.

The community supports its many locally owned small businesses throughout the city. From retail shops with hand-selected merchandise, small inns and boutique resorts, chef-owned cafes to locally run tours. Palm Springs celebrates its ability

to offer such personalized service to locals and visitors alike.

HOT HOT HOT

We’re talking about the town, not the weather. Although considered a small town in number, it is big in retro-chic. With its new dynamic downtown and stylish hotels, fashionable restaurants, and chic boutiques, Palm Springs is once again the capital of cool.

A new demographic of a younger, hip generation is discovering Palm Springs. They awe at the Midcentury Modern architecture that is the fabric of the town, they shop in vintage stores, lounge around sparkling blue pools and end the night at the latest downtown club or trendy bar.

The growing nightlife, thriving art scene, and edgy vibe are bringing back Hollywood’s elite. The Palm Springs International Film Festival attracts A-List celebrities each January who are rediscovering the lure of the desert and the privacy it offers. Leonardo DiCaprio recently purchased a home and stars like Dakota Fanning, Halle Berry, and Gwen Stefani seek rest and relaxation in beautiful Palm Springs.

A favorite for the locals is the Palm Springs Villagefest – a Thursday night street fair featuring over 180 vendors showcasing arts, crafts food and entertainment. This event is held every Thursday night on Palm Canyon Drive where the street is closed to vehicular traffic and transformed into a festive, pedestrian street fair.

For more excitement, soar 8500’ above the desert floor to the top of the San Jacinto Mountain on the Palm Springs Tramway. This world’s largest rotating tramcar takes you on a 10-minute journey up breathtaking cliffs offering spectacular views of the valley floor below. Once on top, there is a whole other world to discover with a network of hiking trails, two restaurants, an observation deck, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, and a gift shop.

The super hip Palm Springs International Film Festival held in January is one of North America’s largest and most respected film festivals. It has drawn the likes of Clint Eastwood, John Travolta, Ron Howard, Halle Barry, Leonard DiCaprio, Anne Hathaway, Dakota Fanning and many more.

Then there is the ultra-cool 10-day festival, Modernism Week. This event features more than 350 events including the Modernism Show & Sale, Signature Home Tours, films, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours, tours of Sunnylands, fashion, classic cars, modern garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, and more.

Add to all this the golf, tennis, resorts, spas, restaurants, horseback riding, biking – the list is endless on the myriad of things one can enjoy here in beautiful Palm Springs.

ULTIMATE DESERT PLAYGROUND

One of the biggest draws to Palm Springs for both residents and visitors is the plethora of things to do for every walk of life. From old to young, outdoor to indoor, upscale to downhome, you will be sure to find something to entertain and attract you.

Photo Credit: JS Gordon-Moran / Shutterstock.com

Rancho Mirage

RANCHO MIRAGE BY THE NUMBERS

Rancho Mirage / California

DESTINATION OF DISTINCTION

To appreciate the upscale ambiance of Rancho Mirage one must first learn of its history.

Philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg created an immaculate 220-acre estate in the mid-1900s, today known as Sunnylands, which was popular with the rich and powerful. Guests included the likes of the British royal family, seven U.S. presidents including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford, and Hollywood A-Listers Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, and Marilyn Monroe.

From here, the city Rancho Mirage emerged creating and building high-end golf resorts and country clubs, catering to business clientele and entertainers. President Ford purchased a home in Rancho Mirage where he lived until his death in 2006. The world-renowned Betty Ford Center, established in 1982 by former first lady Betty Ford, sits on a private 20-acre campus next to the Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirages largest employer.

Today, Rancho Mirage continues its white-glove standard boasting world-class resorts like the fivestar Ritz Carlton, luxurious automobile dealerships Bentley and Rolls Royce, exclusive gated communities, the finest golf resorts, and exquisite tennis facilities.

WHAT TO LOVE

The City. This clean, upper-class beautiful city is home to more than 18,000 fulltime residents. Locals love the many hiking and biking trails in the area, the palm trees, alluring sunsets, and fancy cars. Parking is always available and there are great bicycle lanes to ride to the grocery store and other activities. And it is a very pet and family friendly community and extremely welcoming to visitors.

The Park. Rancho Mirage Community Park is where the community comes together. They enjoy live outdoor concerts in the 1,000-seat amphitheater under the gorgeous desert night sky. They come to play tennis in one of four lighted courts or racquetball and handball on two

Photo Credit: melissamn / Shutterstock.com

designated courts. It’s where families bring the kids and grandkids to play and have picnics. The newly remodeled park is also host to Rancho Mirage Art Affair and other community events.

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM. Right in the heart of Rancho Mirage is the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. This special place attracts locals and visitors from across the country to explore and inspire creativity with hands-on exploration. Children and families experience the joy of learning about themselves and the world around them.

SUNNYLANDS. What was once the private estate of Walter and Leonore Annenberg is now Sunnylands Gardens and Visitor Center which opened to the public in 2012. This historic estate has become a major attraction in Rancho Mirage, bringing visitors from around the world and hosting two U.S. Presidential meetings in recent years.

THE CASINO. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa offers around the clock gaming and “The Show”, a 2,000-seat premier concert venue that regularly brings in headliner acts. It’s the perfect place for a night of fun and excellent entertainment that is

close by to this otherwise quiet part of the desert.

THE RIVER. This is the leading destination in Rancho Mirage for food, fashion, and fun. Residents love being able to walk to this outdoor shopping and entertainment center to meet up with friends for a social hour. The style and allure of this refined plaza are unmatched. The outdoor patio’s overlook a park-like waterfront with cascading waterfalls and lush landscaping. Nationally known and award-winning restaurants, trendy boutiques, spas, a winery, and an outdoor amphitheater adorn the river walk. The River offers guests the perfect combination of luxury and recreation, a place to shop, dine and unwind for the day or an evening under the beautiful desert sky.

There is no doubt about it, Rancho Mirage is a special community. Its elegant ambiance and unique affluent lifestyle appeal to those with firstclass sophistication. It is the perfect combination of luxury, value, and access to some of North America’s finest golf, spa and dining experiences right in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Once you visit, you’ll want to stay.

Photo Credit: Steve Minkler / Shutterstock.com

Region!

L i V i NG D e S e RT Z oo AND GARD e NS

The Zoo has been a top attraction in the Palm Springs area for nearly 50 years.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. The Zoo is active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community.

PALM SPR i NGS A e R i AL TRAMWAY

M oo RT e N B o TAN i CAL GARD e NS

The Moorten family, all desert plant specialists, turned their residence estate into a living museum of desert lore. There’s something of interest for everyone with glistening crystals, colorful rocks, ancient fossils, pioneer and gold-mine relics.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the world’s largest rotating tram car—travels over two-andone-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your approximately ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station—elevation 8,516 feet—enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails.

Photo Credit: Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

PALM SPR i NGS A i R M u S eu M

The Palm Springs Air Museum is dedicated to the restoration, preservation and operation of America’s legendary fighters, bombers and trainers. It contains one of the world’s largest collections of flying WWII airplanes, including the Robert J. Pond Collection.

e L PAS eo S ho PP i NG

The world famous El Paseo Shopping District features over 300 world-class shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, restaurants and much, more…all lined along a beautifully maintained picture-postcard floral and statuefilled mile! Known as the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, El Paseo boasts a wide spectrum of stores from Sak’s 5th Avenue to individually owned boutiques.

The Palm Springs Air Museum flying aircraft are displayed in modern, well lighted, air-conditioned and clean hangars. Our Buddy Rodgers Theater shows daily documentaries about aviation in the military with an emphasis on World War II. In addition to planes and historic artifacts, the museum is host to a library of 6300 volumes primarily related to aviation and American military history.

C hi LDR e N’S D i SC o V e RY M u S eu M

Where children and parents can learn and discover hands-on activities together, including traveling exhibits, Build Your Own Race Car, Lie Detector, Vet Pet Station, Toddler Town, weekend workshops and so much more. Situated on 6.5 acres, CDMOD also offers outdoor play space, family picnic areas, and a garden. Children learn and have fun while creating, exploring, and experimenting in a safe, caring environment.

CAB o T’S P ue BLo M u S eu M

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum preserves the rugged frontier spirit of the pioneer days in the Coachella Valley. It also preserves the history of the life of Cabot Yerxa. His was a life of astonishing adventure, travel, long work and individualism. The Museum is a unique Hopi inspired Pueblo hand-made by Cabot Yerxa over 24 years. This multi-level building includes 35 rooms, 150 windows and 65 doors, all crafted from found materials.

PALM SPR i NGS ART M u S eu M

Palm Springs Art Museum is the largest cultural institution in the Coachella Valley and includes three locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. The flagship building is located in downtown Palm Springs and features compelling art exhibitions, a vast permanent collection, and the 433-seat Annenberg Theater, all in a 150,000 square foot, architecturally-significant building. Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion features exhibitions and programming that explore the rich topics of architecture and design.

Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: 49 Miles

Count the stars, photograph stacks of large boulders, and meander through 800,000 acres of beautiful desert vegetation. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the world’s most incredible natural desert treasures spanning a region larger than Rhode Island. The setting is established by two large ecosystems that have come together forming a landscape carved by wind, rain, and sun.

The two most dominant features that dot the landscape are large boulder formations with thousands of Joshua trees spread as far as the eye can see. Joshua Tree National Park is a popular hiking, rock climbing, and camping destination. The park is also a wellknown observation site for astronomers with the naturally dark night skies and 300-days of cloudless skies.

Depending on season, the park is home to over

250 species of birds. While most the animal life is active in the evening which includes snakes, bighorn sheep, kangaroo rats, coyotes, lynx, and black-tailed jackrabbits.

While only a couple hours away from Palm Springs, San Diego, and Riverside by car it is in a world by itself. A point that becomes crystal clear on a cloudless evening when the sky above is punctuated by countless stars its easy to lose yourself in the expanding galaxies above. The sheer size of this state park allows you to find your own secluded spot in the desert – serenity with a faint distant yap from a coyote.

During the day, the park hosts all levels of desert explorers. For most park visitors, the park is easily accessible via well maintained dirt/gravel roads which even a fully loaded Prius will find comfortable to transverse. However, if the road less travelled is more your adventure, you’ll find trails more than happy to test your 4wd mettle. But, some of the best places to see will require you to exercise your biped biology as you hike through narrow trails and rocks.

Anza-Borrego State Park

Distance: 99 Miles

If you’re taking the drive to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park you might want to just make a camping trip out of it. There are plenty of places to park an RV or trailer, or you can basically pitch a tent anywhere. Camping will allow you to explore more of the park by going further in, check out various hiking trails, climb rocks, shine a flashlight into a cave or two, and experience the star filled sky mentioned earlier.

When visiting the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park be sure to keep in mind that visiting in the fall versus winter may present you with different wildlife, beautiful flora, and different weather conditions. It’s really worth visiting the park in different seasons just to explore the differences. One thing remains, the park is large, rugged, and more than one can really explore in a lifetime –and like mentioned earlier, it really is a world by itself.

Palm Desert Center

UCR Palm Desert expands the reach of University of California, Riverside into one of the fastest growing regions of California, the Coachella Valley. Established as a teaching and research center in 2005, UCR Palm Desert is a catalyst for diversification by providing relevant regional research, offering innovative academic programs that attract and retain world class talent to the region, convening and creating partnerships that advance the public good, and enriching the cultural life of the community.

For more than a decade, UCR’s Palm Desert Center has organized hundreds of lectures, conversations, art shows, movie screenings, and other life-enhancing programs – mostly for free – all while teaching others and conducting renowned research.

Our mission from the beginning has been to provide cultural and life-long learning offerings to the entire desert community. We continue to be committed to that mission.

• We curate more than 60 free public lectures in numerous academic fields, bringing together our community with the extraordinary intellectual wealth of UC Riverside’s faculty to explore, discuss, and deepen our understanding of the world around us.

• We conduct environmental research in Coachella Valley locations, such as the Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center, the Salton Sea, Snow Creek and other biologically diverse locations.

• UCR Extension offers a wealth of certificate programs that help educate professionals in the Coachella Valley.

• UCR’s nationally acclaimed Low-Residency MFA program in creative writing provides a springboard for emerging writers to jump-start their careers in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, television and screenwriting.

California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually.

The “value added” by a CSUSB education ranks in the top 4 percent in the nation, according to the Collegiate Learning Assessment, a sequence of tests used by hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide that measure student learning in the freshman and then in the senior year. First-to-second year retention rates are third highest among all CSU campuses.

CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire, and it has the second highest African American and Hispanic enrollments of all public universities

in California. Seventy percent of those who graduate are the first in their families to do so.

The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctoral program. In recent years, CSUSB added its first doctorate (educational leadership), engineering program (computer science and engineering) and M.F.A. programs in creative writing and studio art/design. Every CSUSB academic program that is eligible has earned national accreditation. The university also is home to the California Professor of the Year (Stuart Sumida).

Cal State San Bernardino has seen records in enrollment, diversity of faculty and students, grant and contract funding, overhead funds, fundraising and international programs development. CS u SB ranks as the second-safest among all 33 public universities in California.

43-500

We’re one of the fastest-growing community colleges in California. From Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs in the west to Indio and Mecca/ Thermal in the east, with our Palm Desert Campus in the middle, we’re committed to helping you reach your education- and careeroriented goals throughout the Coachella Valley.

That commitment hasn’t changed since 1958, when the College started on 160 acres that once produced dates and grapes in Palm Desert.

We serve more than 15,000 students, with thousands more expected in the coming years through our tuition-free plEDGE program that launched in 2017.

College of the Desert is one of over 112 community colleges in California and a vital part of the world’s largest system of higher education. The governing body of College of the Desert is the Desert Community College District, which has five elected members on its Board of Trustees and a Student Trustee elected by the Student Body.

As a two-year college, COD offers transfer students an affordable option for starting college and transferring to a four-year institution. College of the Desert is the number one source of transfer students to California State University at San Bernardino.

In January, the College won the very prestigious national Bellwether Award in recognition of our EDGE academic boot camp. Many of you have successfully completed that program and know its value in helping prepare students for collegelevel coursework in English and math.

COD also offers a number of popular vocational and technical programs, including Nursing and Health Sciences, Digital Design and Production, Turf Grass Management & Ornamental Horticulture, Advanced Transportation Technologies, Culinary Arts, and a full range of Administration of Justice courses at the Public Safety Academy training facility.

Desert Regional Medical Center

Desert Regional Medical Center began serving residents of the Coachella Valley in 1948. Since then, it has continued to expand to meet the healthcare needs of the area’s growing population.

From a Level II Emergency Trauma Center – the only one in the valley – to the Comprehensive Cancer Center and Institute of Clinical Orthopedics and Neurosciences, Desert Regional’s medical facilities have provided both compassionate care for patients and superior support for their families.

An experienced medical staff focused on caring for the communities of Palm Springs,

Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and the larger Coachella Valley and Hi Desert regions.

Emergency treatment at the only designated Level II trauma center in the Coachella Valley, serving eastern Riverside and San Bernardino counties. A spacious, comfortable environment with 385 beds, include tertiary acute care services, critical care services and a skilled nursing unit.

S e RV i C e S: Digestive Disorders, Emergency Services, Heart Care, Lab Services, Maternity and NICU, Minimally Invasive

Procedures, Rehabilitation Services, Respiratory, Weight Loss Surgery, Women’s Health

Desert Regional Medical Center 1150 N. Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 323-6511

www.desertcarenetwork.com

For free physician referral, call (800) 491-4990

JFK Memorial Hospital

JFK Memorial Hospital has provided medical care to residents in the Coachella Valley since 1966. A group of physicians, including Dr. Reynaldo Carreon, founded the hospital and today one of JFK’s cross streets is named in his honor.

Originally called Indio Community Hospital, JFK has grown to a 145-bed acute-care hospital that is part of Tenet Healthcare California.

replacement services using emerging technology

• Cardiovascular services

• Maternity care and pediatric services

• Ambulatory surgery center

• Imaging services

• Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

awards.

JFK Medical Center 47111 Monroe St Indio, CA 92201 (760) 347-6191

www.desertcarenetwork.com

For free physician referral, call (800) 491-4990

• Emergency care 24/7

• Orthopedic and joint

• JFK is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency, and has received several prestigious healthcare

Eisenhower Health

As the valley’s only not-forprofit hospital, Eisenhower Health has provided high quality, compassionate care for more than 45 years through a full range of state-of-theart diagnostic, treatment and emergency facilities. Eisenhower is an accredited teaching hospital, with a School of Graduate Medical Education training new physicians in the specialties of family medicine and internal medicine.

Eisenhower Health has locations across the Coachella Valley for convenient, quality health care. The main campus and hospital is located on 130 acres in Rancho Mirage. Eisenhower Health is

a dynamic, progressive health care complex comprised of a 463-bed hospital, the Annenberg Health Sciences Building at Eisenhower, and the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower in addition to its outpatient facilities in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and La Quinta.

The Betty Ford Center is also located on the Eisenhower campus. Eisenhower not only offers the highest quality health care for residents and visitors, but additionally provides a broad range of educational programs for the public, and for health care professionals.

e isenhower h ealth

39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 340-3911

www.eisenhowerhealth.org

Need Assistance Finding a Doctor? Call 760.568.1234, M-F, 8:30-5 p.m.

“Greater Palm Springs is a great place to do business. This is the portal to 25 million consumers in Southern California and ports serving the Pacific Rim, offering a combination of quality of life and a friendly, supportive business environment that you cannot find in a metro area.”

–

Joe Wallace, CEO, CVEP

e C o N o M i C Snapshot

Information provided by the Annual Coachella Valley Economic Report. For more information please visit: www.cvep.com

Millions of visitors travel to the Coachella Valley every year, making tourism the largest employer and the number one contributor to the local economy.

Agriculture is second. Did you know Coachella Valley supplies over 50% of the country’s fruits and vegetables? That’s nearly a billion dollars in agriculture each year and over 12,000 people employed. Healthcare is right on its heels. As the demand for medical services increases, healthcare continues to emerge as a major contributor to the regions economy. And real estate development is quickly rising. Housing, commercial, and renewable power developments are increasing the economic impact from the construction industry.

T ou R i SM

Tourism is the region’s largest and most dynamic sector, generating about 50,000 jobs and more than $6.4 billion for the local economy, according to a Tourism Economics study commissioned by the CVB. Residents benefit too. Without tourism, the report suggests, each home would pay well over $3,200 a year in additional taxes to maintain the same level of services and quality of life.

he ALT h CAR e

Healthcare is an important economic driver because much of the funding comes from insurance policies and federal programs like Medicare. These dollars flow into the region and help drive the rest of the Coachella Valley economy.

AGR i C u LT u R e

Agricultural production is important to the Coachella Valley’s economic base since every $1 brought to an area by the farm economy increases overall output by $3.50.

W h Y You S hou LD W o RK W i T h A R e ALT o R ®

Not all real estate agents are REALTORS ®

.

The term REALTOR ® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS ® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are nine reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR ®

1. You ’LL h AV e AN e XP e RT To G ui D e You T h R ou G h T he PR o C e SS. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. G e T o BJ e CT i V e i NF o RMAT io N AND o P i N io NS. REALTORS ® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale

value when I am ready to sell?

3. F i ND T he B e ST PR o P e RTY ou T T he R e Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4. B e N e F i T FR o M T hei R N e G oT i AT i NG e XP e R ie NC e There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which

investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. PR o P e RTY MARK e T i NG P o W e R. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR ® , you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR ® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. R e AL e STAT e h AS i TS o WN LANG u AG e . If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. R e ALTo RS® h AV e D o N e i T B e F o R e . Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS ® , on

the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8. B u Y i NG AND S e LL i NG i S e M oT io NAL. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

9. e T hi CAL TR e ATM e NT. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS ® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR ® , you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS ® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.

Make sure you choose a R e ALT o R ® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.

1. ho W Lo NG h AV e You B ee N i N R e S i D e NT i AL R e AL e STAT e SAL e S? Is it your fulltime job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.

2. W h AT D e S i GNAT io NS D o You ho LD? Designations such as GRI and CRS ® — which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate

training — are held by only about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.

3. ho W MANY ho M e S D i D You AND You R R e AL e STAT e BR o K e RAG e S e LL LAST Y e AR? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

4. ho W MANY DAYS D i D i T TAK e You To S e LL T he AV e RAG e ho M e ? How did that compare to the overall market? The REALTOR ® you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

5. ho W CLo S e To T he i N i T i AL ASK i NG PR i C e S o F T he ho M e S You S o LD W e R e T he F i NAL SAL e PR i C e S? This is one indication of how skilled the REALTOR ® is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.

6. W h AT TYP e S o F SP e C i F i C MARK e T i NG SYST e MS AND APPR o AC he S W i LL You u S e To S e LL MY ho M e ? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look

for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your REALTOR ® is responsive.

7. W i LL You R e PR e S e NT M e e XCLu S i V e LY, o R W i LL You R e PR e S e NT B oT h T he B u Y e R AND T he S e LL e R i N T he TRANSACT io N? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your REALTOR ® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

8. CAN You R e C o MM e ND S e RV i C e PR o V i D e RS W ho CAN he LP M e o BTA i N A M o RTGAG e , MAK e ho M e R e PA i RS, AND he LP W i T h oT he R T hi NGS i N ee D D o N e ? Because REALTORS ® are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

9. W h AT TYP e o F S u PP o RT AND S u P e RV i S io N D oe S You R BR o K e RAG e o FF i C e PR o V i D e To You ? Having resources such as in-house

support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

10. W h AT’S You R B u S i N e SS P hi Lo S o P h Y? While there’s no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what’s important to the agent and determine how closely the agent’s goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.

11. ho W W i LL You K ee P M e i NF o RM e D AB ou T T he PR o GR e SS o F MY TRANSACT io N? How frequently? Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but it reflects your desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you not want to be bothered unless there’s a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, or a personal visit?

12. C ou LD You PL e AS e G i V e M e T he NAM e S AND P ho N e N u MB e RS o F You R T h R ee M o ST R e C e NT CL ie NTS? Ask recent clients if they would work with this REALTOR ® again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the REALTOR ®

Take the Stress Out of Homebuying

Find a real estate agent who you connect with. h ome buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one.

R e M e MB e R, T he R e ’S N o

“R i G h T” T i M e To B u Y, J u ST

AS T he R e ’S N o P e RF e CT T i M e

To S e LL. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.

D o N’T ASK F o R Too MANY

o P i N io NS. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas

from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home.

ACC e PT T h AT N o hou S e i S

e V e R P e RF e CT. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.

D o N’T TRY To B e A K i LL e R N e G oT i ATo R. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you

love. Negotiation is give and take.

R e M e MB e R You R ho M e

D oe SN’T e X i ST i N A VAC uu M. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

PLAN A he AD. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As we look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

Common

First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the homebuying process.

They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. i nsist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a R e ALTo R ® Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

F i ND i NG T he P e RF e CT N ei G h B o R hoo D

Your neighborhood has a big impact on your lifestyle. Follow these steps to find the perfect community to call home.

i S i T CLo S e To You R FAV o R i T e SP oTS? Make a list of the activities — movies, health club, church, etc. — you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering to engage in your most common activities.

C he CK ou T T he SC hoo L D i STR i CT. This is especially important if you have children, but it also can affect resale value. The Department of Education in your town can probably provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students who attend college, and special enrichment programs. If you have school-age children, visit

schools in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Also, check out www.schoolmatters.com.

F i ND ou T i F T he

N ei G h B o R hoo D i S SAF e Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type — such as burglaries or armed robberies — and the trend of increasing or decreasing crime. Also, is crime centered in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area?

D e T e RM i N e i F T he

N ei G h B o R hoo D i S

e C o N o M i CALLY STABL e . Check with your local city economic development office to see if income and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the percentage of homes to apartments? Apartments don’t necessarily diminish value, but do mean a

more transient population. Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?

S ee i F You ’LL MAK e M o N e Y. Ask a local REALTOR ® or call the local REALTOR ® association to get information about price appreciation in the neighborhood. Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give you a sense of how good of an investment your home will be.

MAK e P e RS o NAL

o BS e RVAT io NS. Once you’ve narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there and walk around. Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? How does it feel? Pick a warm day if you can and chat with people working or playing outside.

T i PS F o R B u Y i NG i N A T i G h T MARK e T

i ncrease your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer.

G e T PR e Q u AL i F ie D F o R A

M o RTGAG e . You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller.

STAY i N C o NTACT W i T h You R

R e AL e STAT e AG e NT To F i ND

ou T AB ou T T he N e W e ST L i ST i NGS. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market — if it’s a great home, it will go fast.

SC ou T ou T N e W L i ST i NGS

You RS e LF. Look at websites such as REALTOR.com and drive through the neighborhood to spot For Sale signs. If you see a home you like, write down the address and the name of the listing agent. Your real estate agent will schedule a showing.

B e R e ADY To MAK e A

D e C i S io N. Spend a lot of time in advance deciding what you must have in a home so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

B i D C o MP e T i T i V e LY. You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t go too low to get a deal. In a tight market, you’ll lose out.

K ee P C o NT i NG e NC ie S To A M i N i M u M. Restrictions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing. In a tight market, you’ll probably be able to sell your house rapidly. Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.

D o N’T G e T CA u G h T i N A

B u Y i NG FR e NZY. Just because there’s competition doesn’t mean you should just buy it. And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don’t neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound.

Y ou R PR o P e RTY W i S h L i ST

What does your future home look like? Where is it located? As we hunt down your dream home, we’ll consult this list to evaluate properties and keep your priorities top of mind.

BUDGET

$ Target Price $ Maximum Price

CITY / NEIGHBORHOOD(S)

Bermuda Dunes

Cathedral City

Desert Hot Springs

Indian Wells

Indio

HOME STYLE

La Quinta

Palm Desert

Palm Springs

Rancho Mirage

Thousand Palms

Contemporary Mediterranean/Tuscan/Spanish Mid-Century Modern

# of Bedrooms # of Bathrooms # of Parking Spaces

HOME FEATURES PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY

HOME FEATURES MUST HAVE WOULD LIKE FLEXIBLE DO NOT WANT UNIMPORTANT

Age of Home - New

Casita or Guesthouse

Den / O ce

Eat-In Kitchen

Family Room - Separate

Fireplace

Fixer (Minor paint, etc.)

Fixer (Major renovation)

Flooring – Carpet

Flooring Tile

Flooring – Wood

Formal Living Room

G-Garage, C-Carport

Gated Community

Golf Course Access

Great Room – Open

Great VIEWS

Land – Owned (Fee Simple)

Land – Leased Land

Laundry Room / Closet

Pickleball Access

Pool / Spa - Private

Pool / Spa – Community

Tennis Access

Yard – Fenced

Wheelchair Accessible

1. TAX BR e AKS. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. APPR e C i AT io N. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating

continued high demand for housing.

3. e Q ui TY. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. SAV i NGS. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. PR e D i CTAB i L i TY. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home

longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. FR ee D o M. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. STAB i L i TY. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

1. What is the assessed value of the property? Note that assessed value is generally less than market value. Ask to see a recent copy of the seller’s tax bill to help you determine this information.

2. h ow often are properties reassessed, and when was the last reassessment done? In general, taxes jump most significantly when a property is

reassessed.

3. Will the sale of the property trigger a tax increase? The assessed value of the property may increase based on the amount you pay for the property. And in some areas, such as California, taxes may be frozen until resale.

4. i s the amount of taxes paid comparable to other properties

in the area? If not, it might be possible to appeal the tax assessment and lower the rate.

5. Does the current tax bill reflect any special exemptions that i might not qualify for? For example, many tax districts offer reductions to those 65 or over.

TAX B e N e F i TS o F ho M eo WN e RS hi P

The tax deductions you’re eligible to take for mortgage interest and property taxes greatly increase the financial benefits of homeownership.

he R e ’S ho W i T W o RKS. ASS u M e :

$9,877 = Mortgage interest paid (a loan of $150,000 for 30 years, 7 percent, using year-five interest)

$2,700 = Property taxes (at 1.5 percent on $180,000 assessed value)

$12,577 = Total deduction

Then, multiply your total deduction by your tax rate. For example, at a 28 percent tax rate: 12,577 x 0.28 = $3,521.56

$3,521.56 = Amount you have lowered your federal income tax (at 28 percent tax rate)

KN o W AB ou T e XCLu S io NS To C o V e RAG e . For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These types of coverage must be bought separately.

KN o W AB ou T D o LLAR

L i M i TAT io NS o N CLA i MS. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may be a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured separately.

KN o W T he R e PLAC e M e NT C o ST. If your home is destroyed you’ll receive money to replace it only to the maximum of your coverage, so be sure your insurance is sufficient. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000 and it costs $180,000 to replace it, you’ll only receive $150,000.

KN o W T he ACT u AL CAS h

VALue If you chose not to replace your home when it’s destroyed, you’ll receive replacement cost, less depreciation. This is called

actual cash value.

KN o W T he L i AB i L i TY. Generally your homeowner’s insurance covers you for accidents that happen to other people on your property, including medical care, court costs, and awards by the court. However, there is usually an upper limit to the amount of coverage provided. Be sure that it’s sufficient if you have significant assets.

ho M eo WN e R’S i NS u RANC e : Lo W e R i NG C o STS

1. R e V ie W T he

C o MPR ehe NS i V e Lo SS u ND e RWR i T i NG e XC h ANG e (CLue ) R e P o RT o N T he PR o P e RTY You ’R e i NT e R e ST e D i N B u Y i NG. CLUE reports detail the property’s claims history for the most recent five years, which insurers may use to deny coverage. Make the sale contingent on a home inspection to ensure that problems identified in the CLUE report have been repaired.

2. S ee K i NS u RANC e C o V e RAG e AS S oo N AS You R o FF e R i S APPR o V e D. You must obtain

insurance to buy. And you don’t want to be told at closing that the insurer has denied your coverage.

3. MA i NTA i N G oo D CR e D i T. Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to determine premiums.

4. B u Y You R ho M e o WN e RS AND A u To P o L i C ie S FR o M T he SAM e C o MPANY AND You ’LL u S u ALLY Q u AL i FY F o R SAV i NGS. But make sure the discount really yields the lowest price.

5. RA i S e You R D e D u CT i BL e If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower. Avoid making claims under $1,000.

6. ASK AB ou T oT he R D i SC ou NTS. For example, retirees who tend to be home more than full-time workers may qualify for a discount on theft insurance. You also may be able to obtain discounts for having smoke detectors, a burglar alarm, or dead-bolt locks.

MORTGAGE

D e V e Lo P A hou S eho LD

B u DG e T. Instead of creating a budget of what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will factor in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, as well as predictable costs such as rent, utility bills, and groceries.

R e D u C e You R D e BT. Lenders generally look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. This figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 and 28 percent of your net household income. So you need to get monthly payments on the rest of your installment debt — car loans, student loans, and revolving balances on credit cards — down to between 8 and 10 percent of your net monthly

income.

Loo K F o R WAYS To SAV e . You probably know how much you spend on rent and utilities, but little expenses add up, too. Try writing down everything you spend for one month. You’ll probably spot some great ways to save, whether it’s cutting out that morning trip to Starbucks or eating dinner at home more often.

i NCR e AS e You R i NC o M e Now’s the time to ask for a raise! If that’s not an option, you may want to consider taking on a second job to get your income at a level high enough to qualify for the home you want.

SAV e F o R A D o WN PAYM e NT Designate a certain amount of money each month to put away in your savings account.

Although it’s possible to get a mortgage with only 5 percent down, or even less, you can usually get a better rate if you put down a larger percentage of the total purchase. Aim for a 20 percent down payment.

K ee P You R J o B. While you don’t need to be in the same job forever to qualify for a home loan, having a job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate.

G oo D CR e D i T hi STo RY. Get a credit card and make payments by the due date. Do the same for all your other bills, too. Pay off the entire balance promptly.

The first step in getting yourself in financial shape to buy a home is to know exactly how much money comes in and how much goes out. u se this worksheet to list your income and expenses below.

INCOME

Household Income

Child Support/Alimony

Pension/Social Security

Disability/Other Insurance

Interest/Dividends

Other

TOTAL INCOME

HOW BIG OF A MORTGAGE CAN I AFFORD?

Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your family, it also makes great financial sense because of the tax benefits — which you can’t take advantage of when paying rent.

The following calculation assumes a 28 percent income tax bracket. If your bracket is higher, your savings will be, too. Based on your current rent, use this calculation to figure out how much mortgage you can afford.

RENT:

MULTIPLIER:

MORTGAGE PAYMENT:

EXPENSES

Rent/Mortgage

Life Insurance

Health/Disability Insurance

Vehicle Insurance

Other Insurance

Car Payments

Other Loan Payments

Savings/Pension Contribution

Utilities

Credit Card Payments

Car Upkeep

Clothing

Personal Care Products

Groceries

Food Outside the Home

Medical/Dental/Prescriptions

Household Goods

x1.32

$ $

Recreation/Entertainment

Child Care

Education

Charitable Donations

Miscellaneous

TOTAL EXPENSES

(Subtract Total Income from Total Expenses)

REMAINING INCOME AFTER EXPENSES

When it comes to preparing paperwork for your lending appointment there is a bit of a grey area because different banks (or alternative lending institutions) may require different things. h owever, there are some key items that usually required when you apply.

W-2 forms or business tax return forms if you're self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan.

Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan.

Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances.

Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts.

Lender, loan number, and amount owed on other installment loans, such as student loans and car loans.

Addresses where you’ve lived for the last five to seven years, with names of landlords if appropriate.

Copies of brokerage account statements for two to four months, as well as a list of any other major assets of value, such as a boat, RV, or stocks or bonds not held in a brokerage account.

Copies of your most recent 401(k) or other retirement account statement.

Documentation to verify additional income, such as child support or a pension.

Copies of personal tax forms for the last two to three years.

10 Questions to Ask Your Lender

1. What are the most popular mortgages you offer? Why are they so popular?

2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would be best for me? Why?

3. Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?

4. Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so, how much will it cost, and how long will it be required?

5. Who will service the loan — your bank or another company?

6. What escrow requirements do you have?

7. How long will this loan be in a lock-in period (in other words, the time that the quoted interest rate will be honored)? Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if it drops during this period?

8. How long will the loan approval process take?

9. How long will it take to close the loan?

Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage.

1. You R PAYM e NT hi STo RY. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also impact your history.

2. ho W M u C h You o W e If you owe a great deal of money on numerous accounts, it can indicate that you are overextended. However, it’s a good thing if you have a good proportion of balances to total credit limits.

3. T he L e NGT h o F You R

CR e D i T hi STo RY. In general, the longer you have had accounts opened, the better.

4. ho W M u C h N e W CR e D i T You h AV e New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay them promptly.

5. T he TYP e S o F CR e D i T You u S e Generally, it’s desirable to have more than one type of credit — installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.

i MPR o V e You R CR e D i T

Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are big factors in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what your loan terms will be.

1. Check for and correct any errors in your credit report.

2. Pay down credit card bills. If possible, pay off the entire balance every month.

3. Don’t charge your credit cards to the maximum limit.

4. Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage.

accounts before applying for a mortgage.

7. Shop for mortgage rates all at once. Too many credit applications can lower your score, but multiple inquiries from the same type of lender are counted as one inquiry if submitted over a short period of time.

10. Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying the loan?

5. Don’t order expensive items for your new home on credit until after the loan is approved.

6. Don’t open new credit card

8. Avoid finance companies. Even if you pay the loan on time, the interest is high and it will probably be considered a sign of poor credit management.

Lo AN TYP e S T o C o NS i D e R

Brush up on these mortgage basics to help you determine the loan that will best suit your needs.

M o RTGAG e T e RMS. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. In general, the longer the term, the lower the monthly payment. However, you pay more interest overall if you borrow for a longer term.

F i X e D o R ADJ u STABL e i NT e R e ST RAT e S. A fixed rate allows you to lock in a low rate as long as you hold the mortgage and, in general, is usually a good choice if interest rates are low. An adjustablerate mortgage is designed so that your loan’s interest rate will rise as market interest rates increase. ARMs usually offer a lower rate in the first years of the mortgage. ARMs also

usually have a limit as to how much the interest rate can be increased and how frequently they can be raised. These types of mortgages are a good choice when fixed interest rates are high or when you expect your income to grow significantly in the coming years.

BALLoo N M o RTGAG e S. These mortgages offer very low interest rates for a short period of time — often three to seven years. Payments usually cover only the interest so the principal owed is not reduced. However, this type of loan may be a good choice if you think you will sell your home in a few years.

G o V e RNM e NT-BACK e D Lo ANS. These loans are sponsored by agencies such as the Federal Housing Administration (www. fha.gov) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (www. va.gov) and offer special terms, including lower down payments or reduced interest rates to qualified buyers.

Slight variations in interest rates, loan amounts, and terms can significantly affect your monthly payment. For help in determining how much your monthly payment will be for various loan amounts, use Fannie Mae’s online mortgage calculators.

i n high-priced housing markets, it can be difficult to afford a home. That’s why a growing number of home buyers are forgoing traditional fixed-rate mortgages and standard adjustable-rate mortgages and instead opting for a specialty mortgage that lets them “stretch” their income so they can qualify for a larger loan.

But before you choose one of these mortgages, make sure you understand the risks and how they work.

Specialty mortgages often begin with a low introductory interest rate or payment plan — a “teaser”— but the monthly mortgage payments are likely to increase a lot in the future. Some are “low documentation” mortgages that come with easier standards for qualifying, but also higher interest rates or higher fees. Some lenders will loan you 100 percent or more of the home’s value, but these mortgages can present a big financial risk if the value of the house drops.

SP

e C i ALTY M o RTGAG e S CAN:

• Pose a greater risk that you won’t be able to afford the mortgage payment in the future, compared to fixed rate mortgages and traditional adjustable rate mortgages.

• Have monthly payments that increase by as much as 50 percent or more when the introductory period ends.

• Cause your loan balance (the amount you still owe) to get larger each month instead of smaller.

C

o MM o N TYP e S o F SP e C i ALTY M

o RTGAG e S:

• Interest-Only Mortgages: Your monthly mortgage payment only covers the interest you owe on the loan for the first 5 to 10 years of the loan, and you pay nothing to reduce the total amount you borrowed (this is called the “principal”). After the interest-only period, you start paying higher monthly payments that cover both the interest and principal that must be repaid over the remaining term of the loan.

• Negative Amortization

Mortgages: Your monthly payment is less than the amount of interest you owe on the loan. The unpaid interest gets added to the loan’s principal amount, causing the total amount you owe to increase each month instead of getting smaller.

• Option Payment ARM

Mortgages: You have the option to make different types of monthly payments with this mortgage. For example, you may make a minimum payment that is less than the amount needed to cover the

interest and increases the total amount of your loan; an interest-only payment, or payments calculated to pay off the loan over either 30 years or 15 years.

• 40-Year Mortgages: You pay off your loan over 40 years, instead of the usual 30 years. While this reduces your monthly payment and helps you qualify to buy a home, you pay off the balance of your loan much more slowly and end up paying much more interest.

Q ue ST io NS To C o NS i D e R B e F o R e C hoo S i NG A SP e C i ALTY M o RTGAG e :

• How much can my monthly payments increase and how soon can these increases happen?

• Do I expect my income to increase or do I expect to move before my payments go up?

• Will I be able to afford the mortgage when the payments increase?

• Am I paying down my loan balance each month, or is it staying the same or even increasing?

i NV e ST i GAT e Lo CAL, STAT e , AND NAT io NAL D o WN PAYM e NT ASS i STANC e PR o GRAMS. These programs give qualified applicants loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment. National programs include the Nehemiah program, www. getdownpayment.com, and the American Dream Down Payment Fund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, www.hud.gov.

e Q ui TY ARRANG e M e NT. Under this arrangement, your family, friends, or even a third-party may buy a portion of the home and share in any appreciation when the home is sold. The owner/ occupant usually pays the mortgage, property taxes, and maintenance costs, but all the investors’ names are usually on the mortgage. Companies are available that can help you find such an investor, if your family can’t participate.

to save more toward your down payment. And in many cases, owners will apply some of the rental amount toward the purchase price. You usually have to pay a small, nonrefundable option fee to the owner.

C o NS i D e R A S ho RT-T e RM

S e C o ND M o RTGAG e .

e XPLo R e S e LL e R F i NANC i NG. In some cases, sellers may be willing to finance all or part of the purchase price of the home and let you repay them gradually, just as you would do with a mortgage.

C o NS i D e R A S h AR e D

APPR e C i AT io N o R S h AR e D

ASK You R FAM i LY F o R he LP. Perhaps a family member will loan you money for the down payment or act as a co-signer for the mortgage. Lenders often like to have a co-signer if you have little credit history. Lease with the option to buy. Renting the home for a year or more will give you the chance

If you can qualify for a shortterm second mortgage, this would give you money to make a larger down payment. This may be possible if you’re in good financial standing, with a strong income and little other debt.

h ome inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. h owever, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase.

STR u CT u R e : A home’s skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected.

e XT e R io R: The inspector should look at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, and doors. A home’s siding, trim, and surface drainage also are part of an exterior inspection.

R oo F i NG: A well-maintained roof protects you from rain, snow, and other forces of nature. Take note of the roof’s age, conditions of flashing, roof draining systems (pooling water), buckled shingles, loose gutters and downspouts, skylight, and chimneys.

PLu MB i NG: Thoroughly examine the water supply and drainage systems, water heating equipment, and fuel storage systems. Drainage pumps and sump pumps also fall under this category. Poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots, or corrosion can indicate problems.

e L e CTR i CAL: Safe electrical wiring is essential. Look for the condition of service entrance wires, service panels, breakers and fuses, and disconnects. Also take note of the number of outlets in each room.

he AT i NG: The home’s heating system, vent system, flues, and chimneys should be inspected. Look for age of water heater, whether the size is adequate for the house, speed of recovery, and energy rating.

A i R C o ND i T io N i NG: Your inspector should describe your home cooling system, its energy source, and inspect the central and through-wall cooling equipment. Consider the age and energy rating of the system.

i NT e R io RS: An inspection of the inside of the home can reveal plumbing leaks, insect damage, rot, construction defects, and other issues. An inspector should take a close look at:

Walls, ceilings and floors

Steps, stairways, and railings

Countertops and cabinets

Garage doors and garage door

systems

V e NT i LAT io N/ i NS u LAT io N: To prevent energy loss, check for adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and in unfinished areas such as crawlspaces. Also look for proper, secured insulation in walls. Insulation should be appropriate for the climate. Excess moisture in the home can lead to mold and water damage.

F i R e PLAC e S: They’re charming, but they could be dangerous if not properly installed. Inspectors should examine the system, including the vent and flue, and describe solid fuel burning appliances.

For more information, try the virtual home inspection at www. ASHI.org, the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Before you make your final buying or selling decision, you should have the home inspected by a professional. An inspection can alert you to potential problems with a property and allow you to make an informed decision. Ask these questions to prospective home inspectors:

1. W i LL You R i NSP e CT io N

M ee T R e C o GN i Z e D STANDARDS?

Ask whether the inspection and the inspection report will meet all state requirements and comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics, such as the one adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors. Customers can view each group’s standards of practice and code of ethics online at www.ashi.org or www.nahi.org.

ASHI’s Web site also provides a database of state regulations.

2. D o You B e Lo NG To A PR o F e SS io NAL ho M e i NSP e CTo R ASS o C i AT io N?

There are many state and national associations for home inspectors, including the two groups mentioned in No. 1. Unfortunately, some groups confer questionable credentials or certifications in return for nothing more than a fee. Insist on members of reputable, nonprofit trade organizations; request to see a membership ID.

3. ho W e XP e R ie NC e D AR e You ? Ask how long inspectors have been in the profession and how many inspections they’ve completed. They should provide customer referrals on request. New inspectors also may be highly qualified, but they should describe their training and let you know whether they plan to work with a more experienced partner.

4. ho W D o You K ee P You R e XP e RT i S e u P To DAT e ? Inspectors’ commitment to continuing education is a good measure of their professionalism and service. Advanced knowledge is especially important in cases in which a home is older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

5. D o You F o C u S o N R e S i D e NT i AL i NSP e CT io N? Make sure the inspector has training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection, which is very different from inspecting

commercial buildings or a construction site. If your customers are buying a unique property, such as a historic home, they may want to ask whether the inspector has experience with that type of property in particular.

6. W i LL You o FF e R To D o R e PA i RS o R i MPR o V e M e NTS?

Some state laws and trade associations allow the inspector to provide repair work on problems uncovered during the inspection. However, other states and associations forbid it as a conflict of interest. Contact your local ASHI chapter to learn about the rules in your state.

7. ho W Lo NG W i LL T he i NSP e CT io N TAK e ?

On average, an inspector working alone inspects a typical single-family house in two to three hours; anything significantly less may not be thorough. If your customers are purchasing an especially large property, they may want to ask whether additional inspectors

will be brought in.

Costs can vary dramatically, depending on your region, the size and age of the house, and the scope of services. The national average for singlefamily homes is about $320, but customers with large homes can expect to pay more. Customers should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Ask to see samples to determine whether you will understand the inspector’s reporting style. Also, most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.

The answer should be yes. A home inspection is a valuable educational opportunity for the buyer. An inspector’s refusal to let the buyer attend should raise a red flag.

8. W h AT’S T he C o ST?

9. W h AT TYP e o F i NSP e CT io N R e P o RT D o You PR o V i D e ?

10. W i LL i B e ABL e To ATT e ND T he i NSP e CT io N?

Title insurance protects the holder from any losses sustained from defects in the title. i t’s required by most mortgage lenders. h ere are five other things you should know about title insurance.

1. It protects your ownership right to your home, both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistake in the spelling of a person’s name or an inaccurate description of the property.

2. It’s a one-time cost usually based on the price of the property.

3. It’s usually paid for by the sellers, although this can vary depending on your state and local customs.

4. There are both lender title policies, which protect the lender, and owner title policies, which protect you. The lender will probably require a lender policy.

W h AT’S A ho M e WARRANTY?

5. Discounts on premiums are sometimes available if the home has been bought within only a few years since not as much work is required to check the title. Ask the title company if this discount is available.

A home warranty is a service contract, normally for one year, which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Coverage is for systems and appliances in good working order at the start of the contract.

Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also find out if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item.

• Plumbing

• Electrical systems

• Furnace

• Water heater

• Heating ducts

• Water pump

• Dishwasher

• Garbage disposal

• Stove/cooktop/ovens

• Microwave

• Refrigerator

• Washer/dryer

• Swimming pool (may be optional)

KN o W AB ou T e XCLu S io NS To C o V e RAG e For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These types of coverage must be bought separately.

KN o W AB ou T D o LLAR L i M i TAT io NS o N CLA i MS. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may be a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured separately.

KN o W T he R e PLAC e M e NT C o ST. If your home is destroyed you’ll receive money to replace it only to the maximum of your coverage, so be sure your insurance is sufficient. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000 and it costs $180,000 to replace it, you’ll only receive $150,000.

KN o W T he ACT u AL CAS h VALue If you chose not to replace your home when it’s destroyed, you’ll receive replacement cost, less depreciation. This is called

actual cash value.

KN o W T he L i AB i L i TY. Generally your homeowner’s insurance covers you for accidents that happen to other people on your property, including medical care, court costs, and awards by the court. However, there is usually an upper limit to the amount of coverage provided. Be sure that it’s sufficient if you have significant assets.

ho M eo WN e R’S i NS u RANC e : Lo W e R i NG C o STS

1. Review the Comprehensive Loss u nderwriting e xchange (CL ue ) report on the property you’re interested in buying. CLUE reports detail the property’s claims history for the most recent five years, which insurers may use to deny coverage. Make the sale contingent on a home inspection to ensure that problems identified in the CLUE report have been repaired.

2. Seek insurance coverage as soon as your offer is approved. You must obtain insurance to buy. And you don’t want to be told at closing that the insurer has denied your coverage.

3. Maintain good credit. Insurers

often use credit-based insurance scores to determine premiums.

4. Buy your home owners and auto policies from the same company and you’ll usually qualify for savings. But make sure the discount really yields the lowest price.

5. Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower. Avoid making claims under $1,000.

6. Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who tend to be home more than fulltime workers may qualify for a discount on theft insurance.

7. Seek group discounts. If you belong to any groups, such as associations or alumni organizations, they may have deals on insurance coverage.

8. Review your policy limits and the value of your home and possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may not need as much coverage.

9. i nvestigate a governmentbacked insurance plan. In some high-risk areas, federal or state government may back plans to lower rates. Ask your agent.

i t’s guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walkthrough. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. i deally, the sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances are in working condition and that agreed-upon repairs have been made. h ere’s a detailed list of what not to overlook for on your final walk-through.

• Repairs you’ve requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and warranties.

• There are no major changes to the property since you last viewed it.

• All items that were included in the sale price — draperies, lighting fixtures, etc. — are still there.

• Screens and storm windows are in place or stored.

• All appliances are operating, such as the dishwasher, washer and dryer, oven, etc.

• Intercom, doorbell, and alarm are operational.

• Hot water heater is working.

• No plants or shrubs have been removed from the yard.

• Heating and air conditioning system is

working

• Garage door opener and other remotes are available.

• Instruction books and warranties on appliances and fixtures are available.

• All personal items of the sellers and all debris have been removed. Check the basement, attic, and every room, closet, and crawlspace.

C o MM o N CLo S i NG C o STS F o R B u Y e RS

You’ll likely be responsible for a variety of fees and expenses that you and the seller will have to pay at the time of closing. Your lender must provide a good-faith estimate of all settlement costs. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for:

• Down payment

• Loan origination

• Points, or loan discount fees, which you pay to receive a lower interest rate

• Home inspection

• Appraisal

• Credit report

• Private mortgage insurance premium

• Insurance escrow for homeowner’s insurance, if being paid as part of the mortgage

• Property tax escrow, if being paid as part of the mortgage. Lenders keep funds for taxes and insurance in escrow accounts as they are paid with the mortgage, then pay the insurance or taxes for you.

• Deed recording

• Title insurance policy premiums

• Land survey

• Notary fees

• Prorations for your share of costs, such as utility bills and property taxes

o n closing day, expect to sign a lot of documents and walk away with a big stack of papers. h ere’s a list of the most important documents you should file away for future reference.

S e TTL e M e NT STAT e M e NT

Itemizes all the costs — commissions, loan fees, points, and hazard insurance —associated with the closing. You’ll need it for income tax purposes if you paid points.

TR u T h i N L e ND i NG

STAT e M e NT

Summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan, including the annual percentage rate and recision period.

M o RTGAG e AND N oT e

Spell out the legal terms of your mortgage obligation and the agreed-upon repayment terms.

D ee D

Transfers ownership to you.

AFF i DAV i TS

Binding statements by either party. For example, the sellers will often sign an affidavit stating that they haven’t incurred any liens.

R i D e RS

Amendments to the sales contract that affect your rights. Example: The sellers won’t move out until two weeks after closing but will pay rent to the buyers during that period.

i NS u RANC e P o L i C ie S

Provide a record and proof of your coverage.

PACK L i K e A PR o : 17 T i PS

1. PLAN A he AD BY o RGAN i Z i NG AND B u DG e T i NG. Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical on moving day, and create an estimate of moving costs.

2. S o RT AND G e T R i D o F T hi NGS You N o Lo NG e R WANT o R N ee D. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.

3. B u T D o N’T T h R o W ou T e V e RYT hi NG. If your inclination is to just toss it, you’re probably right. However, it’s possible to go overboard in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it. That will eliminate regrets after the move.

4. PACK S i M i LAR i T e MS

To G e T he R. P u T ToYS W i T h ToYS, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. It will make your life easier when it’s time to unpack.

5. D e C i D e W h AT, i F ANYT hi NG, You PLAN To M o V e o N You R o WN. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Don’t forget to keep a “necessities” bag with tissues,

snacks, and other items you’ll need that day.

6. R e M e MB e R, M o ST M o V e RS W o N’T TAK e PLANTS. If you don’t want to leave them behind, you should plan on moving them yourself.

7. u S e T he R i G h T B oX F o R T he i T e M. Loose items are prone to breakage.

8. P u T he AVY i T e MS i N SMALL B oX e S S o T he Y’R e e AS ie R To L i FT. Keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds, if possible.

9. D o N’T o V e R-PACK B oX e S. It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.

10. WRAP e V e RY FRAG i L e i T e M S e PARAT e LY AND PAD

B oTTo M AND S i D e S o F B oX e S. If necessary, purchase bubblewrap or other packing materials from moving stores.

11. LAB e L e V e RY B oX o N ALL S i D e S. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.

12. u S e C o Lo R-C o D e D LAB e LS

To i ND i CAT e W hi C h R oo M e AC h i T e M S hou LD G o i N.

Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.

13. K ee P You R M o V i NG

D o C u M e NTS To G e T he R i N A F i L e . Include important phone numbers, driver’s name, and moving van number. Also keep your address book handy.

14. PR i NT ou T A MAP AND

D i R e CT io NS F o R M o V e RS. Make several copies, and highlight the route. Include your cell phone number on the map. You don’t want movers to get lost! Also make copies for friends or family who are lending a hand on moving day.

15. BACK u P You R C o MP u T e R F i L e S B e F o R e M o V i NG You R C o MP u T e R. Keep the backup in a safe place, preferably at an offsite location.

16. i NSP e CT e AC h B oX AND ALL F u RN i T u R e F o R DAMAG e AS S oo N AS i T ARR i V e S.

17. MAK e ARRANG e M e NTS F o R SMALL C hi LDR e N AND P e TS. Moving can be stressful and emotional. Kids can help organize their things and pack boxes ahead of time, but, if possible, it might be best to spare them from the moving-day madness.

Moving to a new home can be stressful, to say the least. Make it easy on yourself by planning far in advance and making sure you’ve covered all the bases.

MOVING CHECKLIST

T WO MONTHS BEFORE

SORT AND PURGE

Go through ever y room of your house and you can get rid of. ink about whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage.

RESEARCH

Start investigating moving company options. Do not rely on a quote over the phone; request an on-site estimate. Get an estimate in writing from each company, and make sure it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on

to see if they are members of organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). When companies are members of these organizations, it is o en an indicator they are committed to providing good customer ser vice.

CREATE A MOVING BINDER

Use this binder to keep track of ever ything—all your estimates, your receipts, and an inventor y of all the items

ORGANIZE SCHOOL RECORDS

for their records to be transferred to their new school district.

ONE MONTH BEFORE

CHOOSE YOUR MOVER AND CONFIRM THE ARRANGEMENTS

Select a company and get written con rmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.

BEGIN PACKING

Start packing the things that you use most infrequently, such as the wa e iron and croquet set. While packing, note items of special value that might require additional insurance from your moving company

Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over $100 per pound, such as a computer

ONE MONTH BEFORE CONTINUED T WO-WEEKS BEFORE CONTINUED

LABEL

Clearly label and number each box with its is will help you to keep an inventor y of

SEPARATE VALUABLES

Add items such as jewelr y and important transport to your new home. Make sure to need it for reference on moving day

DO A CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Go to your local post o ce and ll out a change-of-address form, or do it online at always wise to ask a close neighbor to look with him or her two weeks a er the move, and again two weeks a er that.

NOTIFY IMPORTANT PARTIES

Alert the following of your move: banks, resources department, magazine and newspapers you subscribe to, and credit card, insurance, and utility companies.

FORWARD MEDICAL RECORDS

Arrange for medical records to be sent to any new health-care providers or obtain copies of them yourself. Ask for referrals.

T WO WEEKS BEFORE

ARRANGE TO BE OFF FROM WORK ON MOVING DAY

Notify your o ce that you plan to super vise the move and therefore need the day o .

ARRANGE UTILITIES

Contacting your old & new utility companies (power, gas, trash, internet, & cell) to cancel ser vice and arrange new ser vice at your new address.

CLEAN OUT YOUR SAFE-DEPOSIT BOX

contents of your safe-deposit box and put you on moving day

CONTACT THE MOVING COMPANY

Verify arrangements and moving schedule.

ONE WEEK BEFORE

REFILL PRESCRIPTIONS

during the next couple of weeks.

PACK YOUR SUITCASES

Aim to nish your general packing a few days before your moving date. en pack suitcases for ever yone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE

DEFROST THE FREEZER

If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day

DOUBLE-CHECK THE DETAILS

time and other speci cs and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the sta . Include contact information, such as your cell phone number

PLAN FOR THE PAYMENT

mover with a credit card, get a money and tip If the sta has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip If your move was especially di cult, you forget that refreshments are always appreciated.

MOVING DAY

VERIFY

Make sure that the moving truck that shows up is from the company you hired: e USDOT number painted on its side should match the number on the estimate you were given. Scams are not unheard-of.

TAKE INVENTORY

Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventor y list and keep a copy