2019 Palm Springs Area Relocation Guide

2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

2019 RELOCATION GUIDE

&

CO A C HE L LA VA L LE Y

The Briggs Group Laurie & Tim Briggs CalBRE #01896117 & CalBRE #01898254 BROKER CalBRE #02043759

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

760.422.4030 Tim’s Mobile: 818.531.5730 Laurie’s Mobile: 760.218.6893 Office:

FOR THE NEWEST PROPERTY LISTINGS VISIT:

California Properties

www.desert-dreamhomes.com

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Tim Briggs Broker Associate CalBRE #01898254

Laurie Briggs REALTOR® CalBRE #01896117

Meet Laurie & Tim Briggs California Properties BROK ER C A L B RE #02 04 3 7 5 9 P H ON E

760.422.4030 TIM’S PHONE

L AU RI E’ S PH ON E

818.531.5730

760.218.6893

OF F I C E

73-700 El Paseo Palm Desert CA 92260 W EB S I TE

www.desert-dreamhomes.com EM A I L

desertdreamhomes@gmail.com 2

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 earned the top 1% BHHS Realtors Nationally - Chairman’s Circle Platinum.

“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!”

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Table of Contents

“Famous for its yearround sunshine and idyllic quality of life, and powered by tourism and agriculture, this bright region is proving itself as a fertile ground for innovation in clean energy, technology, healthcare, arts, media, and entertainment.”

- Coachella Valley Economic Partnership

MEET The Briggs Group

2

Welcome to the Coachella Valley

4

Cochella Valley by the Season

6

Geography & Climate

7

Travel & Location

8

9 GREAT CITIES OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY

10

+ Cathedral City

12

+ Coachella

16

+ Desert Hot Springs

20

+ Indian Wells

24

+ Indio

30

+ La Quinta

34

+ Palm Desert

38

+ Palm Springs

42

+ Rancho Mirage

46

Adventure Time 50 Joshua Tree National Park 54 Anza-Borrego State Park 55 Higher Education 56 + UC Riverside Palm Desert

57

+ CSU San Bernadino

58

+ College of the Desert

59

Regional Healthcare 60 Economic Snapshot 64 Why work with a local REALTOR® 66 Choosing a REALTOR® 68 Take the Stress Out of Homebuying 70 Find the Perfect Neighborhood 72 7 Reaons to Own Your Home 75 Mortgage 78

The Palm Springs/Coachella Valley Relocation Guide is researched and written

by The Internet Czar. All material in this publication is copyright protected and may not be copied for use in other publications without the written permission of The Internet Czar. All photography is copyrighted by their respective owners and licensed by The Internet Czar through shutterstock.com or as otherwise noted. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained herein, but accuracy is not guaranteed. Contact information for The Internet Czar: 70 SW Century Dr., Ste. 100-494, Bend, Oregon 97702 www. theinternetczar.com This guide is licensed to the real estate professional listed on the cover and throughout the footer. They may distribute, print, reproduce, and otherwise share this guide freely without restriction or limitation.

Lender Checklist: Getting a Mortgage 81 Loan Types to Consider 83 Home Inspection 86 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector 88 Title Insurance 90 Homeowner’s Insurance 91 Final Walk-Through 92 Common Closing Costs 93 Moving: 17 Tips 94 Social Media Pages to Join 97

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

T he C oachella V alley / The ultimate wor k/play destination 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.

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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 &

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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!

Dec. 1 - Feb. 15

Winter

Average High: 72° F / 22° C Average Low: 45° F / 7° C Seasonal Rainfall: 3.03”

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.

Spring is absolutely stunning. The weather

Feb. 16 - April 30

Spring

Average High: 81° F / 27° C Average Low: 51° F / 11° C Seasonal Rainfall: 1.86”

May 1 - Sept. 15

Summer

Average High: 103° F / 39° C Average Low: 71° F / 22° C Seasonal Rainfall: 1.09”

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!

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 Sept. 16 - Nov. 30

Fall

Average High: 90° F / 32° C Average Low: 61° F / 16° C Seasonal Rainfall: 0.79”

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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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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 pool-side for a quick dip to cool off.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bruno Furnari

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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 11 airlines flying non-stop to 21 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 gas-powered public vehicles. The major corridor through the area is Interstate 10, the fourth-largest interstate highway in the United States.

Edmonton

Bellingham

Vancouver

Calgary

Winnipeg

Seattle/ Tacoma Portland

Toronto

Minneapolis/ St. Paul

Salt Lake City

San Francisco

New York JFK

Chicago ORD

Denver

Los Angeles

PSP

Atlanta Phoenix Dallas/Ft. Worth Houston

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Boston

2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

DRIVING DISTANCE/TIME Los Angeles, CA 1:45 (Time) San Deigo, CA 2:15 Newport Beach, CA 1:45 Anaheim, CA 1:30 Phoenix, AZ 3:50 Las Vegas, NV 4:45 San Francisco, CA 7:00 Miles

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Cathedral City Coachella Desert Hot Springs Indian Wells Indio La Quinta Palm Desert Palm Springs Rancho Mirage

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Great Cities of the Coachella Valley

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Cathedral City

CATHEDRAL CITY BY THE NUMBERS POPULATION:

53,437

AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME:

$44,406

MEDIAN RENT:

$1,550

AVE HOME LISTING PRICE: $249,000 AVE HOME SELLING PRICE: $259,000 YEAR INCORPORATED: 1981 COMMUTE: 0:20 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD: 3.1

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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 ice-skating 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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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 14

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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Cathedral City Important Numbers Building Department Inspection Requests Planning Department Engineering Department Business License Code Compliance Conservation / Recycling Fire Department (Admin) Police Department Public Relations

(760) 770 - 0340 (760) 770 - 0341 (760) 770 - 0370 (760) 770 - 0349 (760) 770 - 0353 (760) 770 - 0309 (760) 770 - 0369 (760) 770 - 8200 (760) 770 - 0362 (760) 770 - 0396

FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE, MEDICAL, OR POLICE PLEASE DIAL

911

Frontier Communications (855) 284 - 2105 Charter Spectrum (855) 757 - 7328 SoCal Edison SoCal Gas Company Trash Collection Desert Water Agency Coachella Valley Water

(800) 655 - 4555 (800) 427 - 2200 (760) 340 - 2113 (760) 323 - 4971 (800) 262 - 2651

ANIMAL CONTROL & LICENSING Animal Control and Licensing for Cathedral City (and other participating cities in the valley) is a function of the Coachella Valley Animal Campus.

This new state-of-the-art facility, in Thousand Palms, was initiated by the Coachella Valley Assocition of Governments (CVAG) and Animal Samaritans Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

You can still get your animal license at City Hall. For renewals, please provide a current rabies certificate. For a new license, you will need to provide a spay or neuter certificate, as well.

For animal control issues, please contact: Riverside County Animal Services 72-050 Petland Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (760) 343-3644

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Coachella

COACHELLA BY THE NUMBERS POPULATION:

45,443

AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME:

$42,754

MEDIAN RENT:

$1,575

AVE HOME LISTING PRICE: $271,000 AVE HOME SELLING PRICE: $255,000 YEAR INCORPORATED: 1946 COMMUTE: 0:21 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD: 4.5

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

throughout the Valley to play and watch live entertainment from top performers all year-long.

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 muchneeded shade and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.

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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 yearround 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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Coachella Important Numbers Building Department Inspection Requests Planning Department Engineering Department Business License Code Compliance Fire Department (Admin) Police Department Public Relations Fix-It Request

(760) 398 - 3102 (760) 398 - 3102 (760) 398 - 3102 (760) 398 - 5744 (760) 398 - 4978 (760) 398 - 4978 (760) 398 - 8895 (760) 836 - 3215 (760) 398 - 3502 (760) 398 - 3502

FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE, MEDICAL, OR POLICE PLEASE DIAL

911

Frontier Communications (855) 284 - 2105 Charter Spectrum (855) 757 - 7328 SoCal Edison SoCal Gas Company Trash Collection Desert Water Agency Coachella Valley Water

(800) 655-4555 (800) 427 - 2200 (760) 340 - 2113 (760) 323 - 4971 (760) 398 - 2702

ANIMAL CONTROL & LICENSING The City of Coachella contracts with the County of Riverside to provide its animal services through the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS).

The Coachella Valley City/County Animal Shelter provides complete animal services.

The new Animal Samaritans low-cost veterinary clinic is now located at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. Animal Samaritans’ adoption center is still at its Ramon Road location at 72307 Ramon Road, Thousand Palms.

Animal Samaritans 72-120 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (at the Animal Campus next to Riverside County Animal Shelter)

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Desert Hot Springs

DESERT HOT SPRINGS BY THE NUMBERS POPULATION:

28,757

AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME:

$34,059

MEDIAN RENT:

$1,550

AVE HOME LISTING PRICE: $235,000 AVE HOME SELLING PRICE: $209,300 YEAR INCORPORATED: 1981 COMMUTE: 0:21 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD: 3.0

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

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 worldrenowned Palm Springs just 15 miles down the hill makes travel, shopping, and entertainment very convenient.

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 snowcapped San Jacinto Mountains.

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

For those that enjoy a welcoming peaceful

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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Desert Hot Springs Important Numbers Building Department Inspection Requests Planning Department Engineering Department Business License Code Compliance Fire Department (Admin) Police Department Public Relations

(760) 288 - 0639 (760) 288 - 0639 (760) 288 - 0639 (760) 288 - 0639 (760) 288 - 3129 (760) 288 - 0608 (760) 329 - 5123 (760) 329 - 2904 (760) 288 - 0639

FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE, MEDICAL, OR POLICE PLEASE DIAL

911

Frontier Communications (855) 284 - 2105 Charter Spectrum (855) 757 - 7328 SoCal Edison SoCal Gas Company Trash Collection Mission Springs Water Dist.

(800) 655 - 4555 (800) 427 - 2200 (760) 329 - 5030 (760) 329 - 6448

ANIMAL CONTROL & LICENSING The City of Coachella contracts with the County of Riverside to provide its animal services through the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS).

The Coachella Valley City/County Animal Shelter provides complete animal services.

The new Animal Samaritans low-cost veterinary clinic is now located at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. Animal Samaritans’ adoption center is still at its Ramon Road location at 72307 Ramon Road, Thousand Palms.

Animal Samaritans 72-120 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (at the Animal Campus next to Riverside County Animal Shelter)

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS BY THE NUMBERS

PALM SPRIN GSS S PRING

10

5,404

AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME:

$96,961

MEDIAN RENT:

$6,000

AVE HOME LISTING PRICE: $825,000 AVE HOME SELLING PRICE: $614,400 YEAR INCORPORATED: 1967 COMMUTE: 0:26 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD: 1.85

111 WE L LS LS

24

POPULATION:

COAC HELLA

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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 world-class 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 small-town 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.

For the newest Palm Springs area properties visit www.desert-dreamhomes.com

25

2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

26

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 firstclass 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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Indian Wells Important Numbers Building Department Inspection Requests Planning Department Engineering Department Business License Code Compliance Fire Department (Admin) Police Department Public Relations

(760) 346 - 2489 (760) 346 - 2489 (760) 346 - 2489 (760) 346 - 2489 (760) 346 - 2489 (760) 346 - 2489 (760) 568 - 5252 (760) 836 - 3215 (760) 346 - 2489

FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE, MEDICAL, OR POLICE PLEASE DIAL

911

Frontier Communications (855) 284 - 2105 Charter Spectrum (855) 757 - 7328 SoCal Edison SoCal Gas Company Trash Collection Coachella Valley Water

(800) 655 - 4556 (800) 427 - 2200 (760) 340 - 2113 (800) 398 - 2651

ANIMAL CONTROL & LICENSING The Coachella Valley City/County Animal Shelter provides complete animal services for the unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

It provides shelter and adoption services for Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.

The new Animal Samaritans low-cost veterinary clinic is now located at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. Animal Samaritans’ adoption center is still at its Ramon Road location at 72307 Ramon Road, Thousand Palms.

Animal Samaritans 72-120 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (at the Animal Campus next to Riverside County Animal Shelter)

For the newest Palm Springs area properties visit www.desert-dreamhomes.com

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

arts and culture The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands

1

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

2

Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre

5

7

Palm Springs Air Museum

8

Palm Springs Art Museum

9

Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center Edwards Harris Pavilion

10 11

Boomers!

15

Chuckwalla Valley Raceway

16

Desert Ice Castle

17

Indian Canyons Hiking Trails

18

Joshua Tree National Park

19

The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Gardens

20

Moorten Botanical Garden

21

Oasis Date Garden

22

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

23

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto National Monument

24

27

palm springs NO RT H

PALM SPRINGS VISITORS CENTER

43

BOG

ERT

73

YON DR.

San Bernardino, Palm Desert

61

DR.

PA L

MC

AN

YO

15

17

ND

R.

PER

EZ

DATE PALM DR.

UC Riverside Palm Desert/Cal State University

ON

ANY

AY C

R MUR

CATHEDRAL CAN

37

DR.

36

UltraStar Mary Pickford Cinemas

M CANYON

Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

LA VERNE WAY

27

.

MT. SAN JACINTO

34

ST

DR

35

EA

UB

Palm Springs Convention Center IRiverside County Fairgrounds

MESQUITE AVE.

21

48

CL

33

26

SOUTH PAL

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY

LF

32

53

GO

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PSP)

34 10

55

57

IL

31

44

9

8

ALEJO RD.

RA

DESERT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

VISTA CHINO DR. TACHEVAH DR.

EL CIELO RD.

Idyllwild

RACQUET CLUB RD.

YT TR

30

SAN RAPHAEL RD.

.

FARRELL DR.

29

Empire Polo Club

DR

SUNRISE WAY

Eldorado Polo Club

cath ci

AN

N

23

D.

C

YO

28

ER R

AU

College of the Desert

PA L

M

points of interest

VAR N

LANDAU BLV D.

Wet’n’Wild Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS AMTRAK STATION

NE

26

DESERT HILLS/CABAZON OUTLETS 15mi/24km

GE

25

Tahquitz Canyon Hiking Trails

20TH AVE.

ALLEROS

Shields Date Garden

51

45 FROM PREMIUM OUTLETS

AVIENDA CAB

14

DR.

13

BMW Driving Performance Center West

INDIAN CANYON

Big League Dreams Sports Park

CAMINO AVENTURA

DILLION RD.

MOUNTAIN VIEW DR.

12

things to do

HACIENDA

S TRAIL TWO BUNCH PALM

PA LM DR.

FROM LOS ANGELES 110mi/179km ORANGE COUNTY 92mi/148km SAN DIEGO 85mi/137km

2

BUBBLING WELL RD.

Tolerance Education Center

MISSION LAKES DR.

PIERSON BLVD.

HWAY

Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert

E.

INDIAN AVE.

6

N AV

TWEN TYNIN E PALM S HIG

Indio Performing Arts Center McCallum Theater for the Performing Arts

INDIA

desert hot springs

VERBENA DR.

4

WEST DR.

3

Coachella Valley History Museum

19

LITTLE MORANGO RD.

Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

FROM LAS VEGAS 260mi/418km JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK 61mi/99km

37 RO

AD

TRA

IL

38

shopping College of the Desert Street Fair (Weekends

39

Desert Hills Premium Outlets/Cabazon Outlets

40

The Gardens on El Paseo

41

Old Town La Quinta

42

Palm Springs Uptown Design District

43

Palm Springs VillageFest (Thursday Nights)

44

The River at Rancho Mirage

45

The Shops on El Paseo

46

Westfield Palm Desert Shopping Mall

47

golf

28

18

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS

Cimarron Golf Resort

48

Indian Springs Golf Club

Classic Club

49

Indian Wells Golf Resort

64

Date Palm Country Club

50

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

65

Desert Dunes Golf Club

51

La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West

66

Desert Falls Country Club

52

Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club

67

Desert Princess Country Club & Resort

53

Pete Dye Resort Course

68

Desert Willow Golf Resort

54

PGA WEST - Nicklaus Tournament and Stadium courses

69

DoubleTree Golf Resort Eagle Falls Golf Course

55

Rancho Las Palmas Country Club

70

56

Rancho Mirage Country Club

71

Escena Golf Club

57

SilverRock Resort

72

Gary Player Signature Course

58

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort

73

The Golf Club at Terra Lago

59

Greg Norman course at PGA WEST

60

Indian Canyons Golf Resort

61

Indian Palms Country Club & Resort

62

63

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ranch

2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

North

A RD.

LONG CANYON

DILLION RD.

coachella valley

hedral ity

30TH AVE.

DINAH SHORE DR. DA VALL DR.

68

VA R

NE

12

50

67

1 FRANK SINATRA DR.

71

45

52

65

40TH AVE.

palm desert

70

FRED WARING DR.

64

32

W A SH IN GTO N ST.

O

ST

PAL M

FAIRWAY DR.

62

.

LVD

30

EF IT RU

29

AP

GR

74)

50TH AVE.

52ND AVE.

VD BL .

72

AIRPORT BLVD.

la quinta

69 58TH AVE.

HARRISON ST.

60

VAN BUREN ST.

JACKSON ST.

IDYLLWILD

MONROE ST.

54TH AVE.

MADISON ST.

EISENHOWER DR.

42

FR NA OM FR TIO JO VA OM NA SH LL C EY HU L P UA RA CK AR TR CE W K 45 EE W ALL mi AY A /7 60 2k m m FROM i/9 7 km PHOENIX 280mi/457km

IO B

66

coachella 16

JFK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

48TH AVE.

JEFFERSON ST.

(HIG HW AY

31

24

indian wells

25

35

IND

PIN ES

FROM SAN DIEGO 85mi/137km IDYLLWILD 40mi/64km

indio

19

56

6 63

20 MESA VIEW DR.

4

MILES AVE.

EL PASEO

46 41

DI

7

59

42ND AVE.

HOVLEY LANE EAST

47

11

BE R D M AIR UN UDA PO ES RT

LLION RO AD

33 39 28

CO O K ST.

ho mirage

54

COUNTRY CLUB DR.

AVE.

GREATER PALM SPRINGS VISITORS CENTER

38 TAMARISK ROW DR.

MONTEREY

5

D.

ST.

3

RR

49

PO RTO LA AVE

GERALD FORD DR.

WASHINGTON

.

E DR H OP BO B

58 13

36

RAMON RD.

RAMON RD.

22

JA C CQ RE OC UE AIRGIOHRALINE PO NA N RT L

FROM OASIS DATE GARDENS 3mi/9.8km SALTON SEA 6mi/9.6km

14 SANTA ROSA MOUNTAINS

62ND AVE.

SALTON SEA For the newest Palm Springs area properties visit www.desert-dreamhomes.com

29

2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Indio

INDIO BY THE NUMBERS POPULATION:

89,793

AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME:

$49,551

MEDIAN RENT:

$1,055

AVE HOME LISTING PRICE: $355,000 AVE HOME SELLING PRICE: $323,000 YEAR INCORPORATED: 1930 COMMUTE: 0:23 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD: 3.1

30

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Today, Indio continues to be the hub of housing, business, and development in the Valley. Its eclectic background shows up in its

Because of its many festivals, Indio has become a destination spot but retains a small-town feel with peaceful, friendly surroundings. This

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31

2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

32

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Indio Important Numbers Building Department Inspection Requests Planning Department Engineering Department Business License Code Compliance Fire Department (Admin) Police Department Public Relations

(760) 391 - 4120 (760) 391 - 4110 (760) 391 - 4120 (760) 391 - 4017 (760) 391 - 4197 (760) 391 - 4123 (760) 347 - 0756 (760) 391 - 4057 (760) 391 - 4006

FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE, MEDICAL, OR POLICE PLEASE DIAL

911

Frontier Communications (855) 284 - 2105 Charter Spectrum (855) 757 - 7328 SoCal Edison SoCal Gas Company Trash Collection Indio Water Authority

(800) 655 - 4556 (800) 427 - 2200 (760) 340- 2113 (760) 391 - 4038

ANIMAL CONTROL & LICENSING The Coachella Valley City/County Animal Shelter provides complete animal services for the unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

It provides shelter and adoption services for Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.

Animal Samaritans 72-120 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (at the Animal Campus next to Riverside County Animal Shelter) Coachella Valley Animal Campus 72-050 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 Phone: (760) 343-3644

For the newest Palm Springs area properties visit www.desert-dreamhomes.com

33

2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

La Quinta

LA QUINTA BY THE NUMBERS POPULATION:

41,304

AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME:

$71,338

MEDIAN RENT:

$3,500

AVE HOME LISTING PRICE: $465,000 AVE HOME SELLING PRICE: $425,900 YEAR INCORPORATED: 1982 COMMUTE: 0:23 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD: 2.61

34

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.”

– PlayInLaQuinta.com THE GEM OF THE DESERT La Quinta’s beautiful location tucked right along the Santa Rosa Mountains, allows for some of the most spectacular views and easy mountain access to scenic hiking and biking trails. It’s truly a beauty you won’t find anywhere else in the Valley.

The youngest of the cities in the Coachella Valley, incorporating in 1982, the city is clean, vibrant, and safe, with great schools, quiet neighborhoods and a strong sense of community. It’s close to supermarkets, movie theaters, a nearby hospital, and College of the Desert.

Although a young city, it is rich in history.

Thanks to smart city planning, development, and vision, La Quinta maintains its charm and character that started back in 1927 with the opening of the La Quinta Hotel, now the La Quinta Resort & Club. The historic La Quinta Resort & Club is the largest resort in the Valley, meandering through lush grounds nestled along the mountain with 23 tennis courts, 7 restaurants, and 5 golf courses.

As La Quinta began to grow, buildings and commercial structures maintained the Missionstyle Spanish-Pueblo architecture of the original La Quinta Hotel. For example, Old Town La

Quinta – a restaurant and retail hub in the La Quinta Village – was built in 2002 and designed to look as if it was built back in the 1920s when La Quinta first began emerging as a destination.

Along with its pristine surroundings and rich history, La Quinta is known for its art, golf, dining, shopping, events and more, rightly naming it The Gem of the Desert.

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

For the newest Palm Springs area properties visit www.desert-dreamhomes.com

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

36

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

La Quinta Important Numbers Building Department Inspection Requests Planning Department Engineering Department Business License Code Compliance Fire Department (Admin) Police Department Public Relations

(760) 777 - 7125 (760) 777 - 7125 (760) 777 - 7125 (760) 777 - 7125 (760) 777 - 7150 (760) 777 - 7050 (760) 564 - 4351 (760) 863 - 8990 (760) 777 - 7085

FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE, MEDICAL, OR POLICE PLEASE DIAL

911

Frontier Communications (855) 284 - 2105 Charter Spectrum (855) 757 - 7328 SoCal Edison SoCal Gas Company Trash Collection Coachella Valley Water

(800) 655 - 4556 (800) 427 - 2200 (760) 340 - 2113 (760) 398 - 2651

ANIMAL CONTROL & LICENSING

The Coachella Valley City/County Animal Shelter provides complete animal services for the unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

It provides shelter and adoption services for Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.

Animal Samaritans 72-120 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (at the Animal Campus next to Riverside County Animal Shelter) Coachella Valley Animal Campus 72-050 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 Phone: (760) 343-3644

For the newest Palm Springs area properties visit www.desert-dreamhomes.com

37

2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Palm Desert

PALM DESERT BY THE NUMBERS POPULATION:

52,932

AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME:

$53,701

MEDIAN RENT:

$1,156

AVE HOME LISTING PRICE: $449,000 AVE HOME SELLING PRICE: $364,000 YEAR INCORPORATED: 1973 COMMUTE: 0:20 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD: 2.14

38

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Palm Desert / 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 fabric.

LIVE HERE

PLAY HERE

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.

Along with a plethora of outdoor recreation from biking, hiking, and rock climbing, Palm Desert also offers many activities a little less… strenuous.

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 California.

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

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 desert.

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 Desert.

For the newest Palm Springs area properties visit www.desert-dreamhomes.com

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

city limits, Desert Willows Golf Resort and Palm Desert Resort Country Club.

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 fouracre 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.

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 40

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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Palm Desert Important Numbers Building Department Inspection Requests Planning Department Engineering Department Business License Code Compliance Fire Department (Admin) Police Department Public Relations

(760) 776 – 6420 (760) 776 – 6420 (760) 346 – 0611 (760) 776 – 6450 (760) 346 – 0611 (760) 776 – 6360 (760) 346 – 0508 (760) 836 – 1600 (760) 346 – 0611

FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE, MEDICAL, OR POLICE PLEASE DIAL

911

Frontier Communications (855) 284 - 2105 Charter Spectrum (855) 757 - 7328 SoCal Edison SoCal Gas Company Trash Collection Desert Water Authority

(800) 655 - 4556 (800) 427 - 2200 (760) 340 - 2113 (760) 323 - 4971

ANIMAL CONTROL & LICENSING

The Coachella Valley City/County Animal Shelter provides complete animal services for the unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

It provides shelter and adoption services for Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.

Animal Samaritans 72-120 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (at the Animal Campus next to Riverside County Animal Shelter) Coachella Valley Animal Campus 72-050 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 Phone: (760) 343-3644

For the newest Palm Springs area properties visit www.desert-dreamhomes.com

41

2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS BY THE NUMBERS POPULATION:

48,142

AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME:

$46,059

MEDIAN RENT:

$1,050

AVE HOME LISTING PRICE: $488,900 AVE HOME SELLING PRICE: $387,500 YEAR INCORPORATED: 1938 COMMUTE: 0:21 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD: 1.96

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Palm Springs / California RELAX

BIG ON SMALL

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.

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.

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.

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

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

ULTIMATE DESERT PLAYGROUND One of the biggest draws to Palm Springs for both residents and visitors is the plethora 44

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.

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,

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

Building Department Inspection Requests Planning Department Engineering Department Business License Code Compliance Fire Department (Admin) Police Department Public Relations

(760) 323 – 8242 (760) 323 – 8242 (760) 323 – 8245 (760) 323 – 8253 (760) 323 – 8289 (760) 778 – 8434 (760) 323 – 8181 (760) 323 – 8116 (760) 323 – 8299

FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE, MEDICAL, OR POLICE PLEASE DIAL

911

Frontier Communications (855) 284 - 2105 Charter Spectrum (855) 757 - 7328 SoCal Edison SoCal Gas Company Trash Collection Desert Water Authority

For the newest Palm Springs area properties visit www.desert-dreamhomes.com

(800) 655 - 4556 (800) 427 - 2200 (760) 327 - 1351 (760) 323 - 4971

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Rancho Mirage

RANCHO MIRAGE BY THE NUMBERS POPULATION:

18,306

AVE HOUSEHOLD INCOME:

$66,083

MEDIAN RENT:

$3,600

AVE HOME LISTING PRICE: $629,500 AVE HOME SELLING PRICE: $480,000 YEAR INCORPORATED: 1973 COMMUTE: 0:22 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD: 1.87

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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 whiteglove standard boasting world-class resorts like the five-star 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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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 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 48

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 awardwinning 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 first-class 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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Rancho Mirage Important Numbers Building Department Inspection Requests Planning Department Engineering Department Business License Code Compliance Fire Department (Admin) Police Department Public Relations

(760) 202 – 9253 (760) 202 – 9852 (760) 328 – 2266 (760) 770 – 3224 (760) 770 – 3207 (760) 770 – 3220 (760) 328 – 9877 (760) 836 – 3215 (760) 324 – 4511

FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE, MEDICAL, OR POLICE PLEASE DIAL

911

Frontier Communications (855) 284 - 2105 Charter Spectrum (855) 757 - 7328 SoCal Edison SoCal Gas Company Trash Collection Coachella Valley Water

ANIMAL CONTROL & LICENSING

The Coachella Valley City/County Animal Shelter provides complete animal services for the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. It provides shelter and adoption services for Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.

Animal Samaritans 72-120 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (at the Animal Campus next to Riverside County Animal Shelter) Coachella Valley Animal Campus 72-050 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 Phone: (760) 343-3644

(800) 655 - 4556 (800) 427 - 2200 (760) 327 - 1351 (800) 262 - 2651

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

WHAT WE LOVE: Explore

t he Region!

LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS 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 SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY

MOORTEN BOTANICAL GARDENS 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 goldmine 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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

EL PASEO SHOPPING 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.

PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM 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.

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The Palm Springs Air Museum flying aircraft are displayed in modern, well lighted, airconditioned 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.

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CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM 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.

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM CABOT’S PUEBLO MUSEUM 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 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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

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.

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 54

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Anza-Borrego State Park Distance: 99 Miles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

FEATURED LOCAL INSTITUTIONS

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UC Riverside - Palm Desert

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CSU - San Bernardino

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College of the Desert

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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.

75080 Frank Sinatra Drive Palm Desert, CA 92211 760.834.0800 palmdesert@ucr.edu

HERE’S WHAT HAPPENS THROUGH OUR CENTER EACH YEAR:

• 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

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.

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

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.

MFA program in creative writing provides a springboard for emerging writers to jumpstart their careers in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, television and screenwriting.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

37500 Cook Street Palm Desert, CA 92211 760.341.2883 pdcinfo@csusb.edu

California State University, San Bernardino is a

of those who graduate are the first in their families to

preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity

do so.

in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino

The university offers more than 70 traditional

Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000

baccalaureate and master’s degree programs,

students each year and graduates about 4,000

education credential and certificate programs, and a

students annually.

doctoral program. In recent years, CSUSB added its first doctorate (educational leadership), engineering

The “value added” by a CSUSB education ranks in

program (computer science and engineering) and

the top 4 percent in the nation, according to the

M.F.A. programs in creative writing and studio art/

Collegiate Learning Assessment, a sequence of

design. Every CSUSB academic program that is

tests used by hundreds of colleges and universities

eligible has earned national accreditation. The

nationwide that measure student learning in the

university also is home to the California Professor of

freshman and then in the senior year. First-to-second

the Year (Stuart Sumida).

year retention rates are third highest among all CSU Cal State San Bernardino has seen records in

campuses.

enrollment, diversity of faculty and students, grant CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region

and contract funding, overhead funds, fundraising

and has the most diverse student population of any

and international programs development. CSUSB

university in the Inland Empire, and it has the second

ranks as the second-safest among all 33 public

highest African American and Hispanic enrollments

universities in California.

of all public universities in California. Seventy percent

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

43-500 Monterey Ave Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.346.8041 enrolls@collegeofthedesert.edu

We’re one of the fastest-growing community

Trustee elected by the Student Body.

colleges in California. From Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs in the west to Indio and Mecca/

As a two-year college, COD offers transfer students

Thermal in the east, with our Palm Desert Campus

an affordable option for starting college and

in the middle, we’re committed to helping you

transferring to a four-year institution. College of the

reach your education- and career-oriented goals

Desert is the number one source of transfer students

throughout the Coachella Valley.

to California State University at San Bernardino.

That commitment hasn’t changed since 1958, when

In January, the College won the very prestigious

the College started on 160 acres that once produced

national Bellwether Award in recognition of our

dates and grapes in Palm Desert.

EDGE academic boot camp. Many of you have successfully completed that program and know its

We serve more than 15,000 students, with thousands

value in helping prepare students for college-level

more expected in the coming years through our

coursework in English and math.

tuition-free plEDGE program that launched in 2017.

COD also offers a number of popular vocational and College of the Desert is one of over 112 community

technical programs, including Nursing and Health

colleges in California and a vital part of the world’s

Sciences, Digital Design and Production, Turf Grass

largest system of higher education. The governing

Management & Ornamental Horticulture, Advanced

body of College of the Desert is the Desert

Transportation Technologies, Culinary Arts, and a

Community College District, which has five elected

full range of Administration of Justice courses at the

members on its Board of Trustees and a Student

Public Safety Academy training facility.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

SERVICES: 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

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.

1150 N. Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 323-6511 www.desertcarenetwork.com For free physician referral, call

(800) 491-4990

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

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.

SERVICES: • Emergency care 24/7 • Orthopedic and joint

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replacement services using emerging technology • Cardiovascular services • Maternity care and pediatric services

prestigious healthcare awards.

JFK Medical Center

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

• Ambulatory surgery center

www.desertcarenetwork.com

• Imaging services

For free physician referral, call

• Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

(800) 491-4990

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

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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 stateof-the-art 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.

broad range of educational programs for the public, and for health care professionals.

Eisenhower Health

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.

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

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

“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

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ECONOMIC

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.

TOURISM 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.

HEALTHCARE 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.

AGRICULTURE 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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH A REALTOR® 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 HAVE AN EXPERT TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS. 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. GET OBJECTIVE INFORMATION AND OPINIONS. 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 66

have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. FIND THE BEST PROPERTY OUT THERE. 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. BENEFIT FROM THEIR NEGOTIATING EXPERIENCE. 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

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. PROPERTY MARKETING POWER. 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. REAL ESTATE HAS ITS OWN LANGUAGE. 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. REALTORS® HAVE DONE IT BEFORE. 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. BUYING AND SELLING IS EMOTIONAL. 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. ETHICAL TREATMENT. 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.

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QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A REALTOR®

Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.

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

3. HOW MANY HOMES DID YOU AND YOUR REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE SELL LAST YEAR? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SALES? Is it your fulltime job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — 4. HOW MANY DAYS DID is mostly learned on the job.

IT TAKE YOU TO SELL THE AVERAGE HOME? How did 2. WHAT DESIGNATIONS DO that compare to the overall YOU HOLD? Designations market? The REALTOR® you ® such as GRI and CRS — interview should have these which require that agents take facts on hand, and be able to additional, specialized real present market statistics from 68

the local MLS to provide a comparison.

5. HOW CLOSE TO THE INITIAL ASKING PRICES OF THE HOMES YOU SOLD WERE THE FINAL SALE PRICES? 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. WHAT TYPES OF SPECIFIC MARKETING SYSTEMS AND APPROACHES WILL YOU USE TO SELL MY HOME? You don’t want someone who’s going

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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.

9. WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT AND SUPERVISION DOES YOUR BROKERAGE OFFICE PROVIDE 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.

7. WILL YOU REPRESENT ME EXCLUSIVELY, OR WILL YOU REPRESENT BOTH THE BUYER AND THE SELLER IN THE TRANSACTION? 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.

10. WHAT’S YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY? 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.

8. CAN YOU RECOMMEND SERVICE PROVIDERS WHO CAN HELP ME OBTAIN A MORTGAGE, MAKE HOME REPAIRS, AND HELP WITH OTHER THINGS I NEED DONE? 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.

11. HOW WILL YOU KEEP ME INFORMED ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF MY TRANSACTION? 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. COULD YOU PLEASE GIVE ME THE NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS OF YOUR THREE MOST RECENT CLIENTS? 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®.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

Take the Stress Out of Homebuying 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.

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

REMEMBER, THERE’S NO “RIGHT” TIME TO BUY, JUST AS THERE’S NO PERFECT TIME TO SELL. 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.

DON’T ASK FOR TOO MANY OPINIONS. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas 70

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.

ACCEPT THAT NO HOUSE IS EVER PERFECT. 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.

DON’T TRY TO BE A KILLER NEGOTIATOR. 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.

REMEMBER YOUR HOME DOESN’T EXIST IN A VACUUM. 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 AHEAD. 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.

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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.

Your Home Search: 8 TIPS 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. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a REALTOR®.

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.

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FINDING THE PERFECT NEIGHBORHOOD Your neighborhood has a big impact on your lifestyle.

Follow these steps to find the perfect community to call home.

IS IT CLOSE TO YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS? 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.

CHECK OUT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. 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

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have school-age children, visit schools in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Also, check out www.schoolmatters.com.

necessarily diminish value, but do mean a more transient population. Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?

FIND OUT IF THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS SAFE. 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?

SEE IF YOU’LL MAKE MONEY. 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.

DETERMINE IF THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS ECONOMICALLY STABLE. 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

MAKE PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS. 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.

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TIPS FOR BUYING IN A TIGHT MARKET Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer.

GET PREQUALIFIED FOR A MORTGAGE. You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller.

STAY IN CONTACT WITH YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE NEWEST LISTINGS. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market — if it’s a great home, it will go fast.

SCOUT OUT NEW LISTINGS YOURSELF. 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.

KEEP CONTINGENCIES TO A MINIMUM. 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.

BE READY TO MAKE A DECISION. Spend a lot of time in advance deciding what you must have in a home so you won’t be unsure when you have DON’T GET CAUGHT IN A BUYING FRENZY. Just because the chance to make an offer. there’s competition doesn’t BID COMPETITIVELY. You may mean you should just buy it. not want to start out offering And even though you want the absolute highest price you to make your offer attractive, can afford, but don’t go too low don’t neglect inspections that to get a deal. In a tight market, help ensure that your house is you’ll lose out. sound.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

YOUR PROPERTY WISH LIST 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.

NEIGHBORHOODS

HOME STYLE

What neighborhoods do you prefer?

SCHOOLS What school systems do you want to be near?

• • • • •

BUDGET

Architectural style preference?

Single Family, Condo, Townhouse?

Single Level or Multi-Level?

Bedrooms: Bathrooms:

• Target Price: • Max Price:

HOME CONDITION

TRANSPORTATION How close must the home be to these amenities: • Public transportation • Airport • Freeways / Expressways • Neighborhood shopping • Schools • Other

HOME FEATURES

• • • •

New Home or Existing home?

Oldest Home you might consider: Turn-Key Home or Some Repairs Okay?

Any special needs?

PLEASE CIRCLE ONE OF THE CHOICES: Must Have, Would Like, Flexible, Do Not Want, Unimportant

Family Room

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Formal Living Room

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Formal Dining Room

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Eat-In Kitchen

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Laundry Room

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Finished Basement

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Attic

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Fireplace

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Spa in Bath

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Air Conditioning

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Wall-to-wall Carpet

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Wood Floors

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Tile Floors

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Pool & Spa

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Den / Office

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

Great View

Must Have

Would Like

Flexible

Do Not Want

Unimportant

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7 REASONS TO OWN YOUR HOME 1. TAX BREAKS. 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. APPRECIATION. 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. EQUITY. 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. SAVINGS. 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. PREDICTABILITY. 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. FREEDOM. 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. STABILITY. 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.

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2019 Palm Springs / Coachella Valley Relocation Guide

5 PROPERTY TAX QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK 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. How 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.

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.

4. Is the amount of taxes paid comparable to other

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

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS. ASSUME: $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)

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HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE: 5 THINGS TO KNOW KNOW ABOUT EXCLUSIONS TO COVERAGE. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item.

These types of coverage must be bought separately.

KNOW ABOUT DOLLAR LIMITATIONS ON CLAIMS. 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.

KNOW THE REPLACEMENT COST. 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.

KNOW THE ACTUAL CASH 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.

KNOW THE LIABILITY. 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.

HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE: LOWERING COSTS 1. REVIEW THE COMPREHENSIVE LOSS UNDERWRITING EXCHANGE (CLUE) 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.

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.

3. MAINTAIN GOOD CREDIT. Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to determine premiums.

6. ASK ABOUT OTHER DISCOUNTS. For example, retirees who tend to be home more than full-time workers 4. BUY YOUR HOME OWNERS may qualify for a discount on AND AUTO POLICIES FROM theft insurance. You also may THE SAME COMPANY AND be able to obtain discounts YOU’LL USUALLY QUALIFY for having smoke detectors, FOR SAVINGS. But make sure a burglar alarm, or dead-bolt the discount really yields the locks. lowest price.

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MORTGAGE

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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HOME FINANCING

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GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER: TO-DO LIST DEVELOP A HOUSEHOLD BUDGET. 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.

REDUCE YOUR DEBT. 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

of money each month to put away in your savings account.

Although it’s possible to get a LOOK FOR WAYS TO SAVE. mortgage with only 5 percent You probably know how much down, or even less, you can you spend on rent and utilities, usually get a better rate if you but little expenses add up, too. put down a larger percentage Try writing down everything you of the total purchase. Aim for a spend for one month. You’ll 20 percent down payment. probably spot some great ways to save, whether it’s cutting out KEEP YOUR JOB. While you don’t need to be in the same that morning trip to Starbucks or eating dinner at home more job forever to qualify for a home loan, having a job for less often. than two years may mean you INCREASE YOUR INCOME. have to pay a higher interest Now’s the time to ask for a rate. raise! If that’s not an option, GOOD CREDIT HISTORY. you may want to consider Get a credit card and make taking on a second job to get payments by the due date. Do your income at a level high enough to qualify for the home the same for all your other bills, too. Pay off the entire balance you want. promptly.

SAVE FOR A DOWN PAYMENT Designate a certain amount

between 8 and 10 percent of your net monthly income.

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BUDGET BASICS WORKSHEET 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. Use this worksheet to list your income and expenses below.

INCOME

EXPENSES

Household Income

Rent/Mortgage

Child Support/Alimony

Life Insurance

Pension/Social Security

Health/Disability Insurance

Disability/Other Insurance

Vehicle Insurance

Interest/Dividends

Other Insurance

Other

Car Payments

TOTAL INCOME

Other Loan Payments Savings/Pension Contribution Utilities

HOW BIG OF A MORTGAGE CAN I AFFORD?

Credit Card Payments

Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your family, it

Car Upkeep

also makes great financial sense because of the tax benefits — which you can’t

Clothing

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: x1.32 MORTGAGE PAYMENT: $

Personal Care Products Groceries Food Outside the Home Medical/Dental/Prescriptions Household Goods Recreation/Entertainment Child Care Education Charitable Donations Miscellaneous TOTAL EXPENSES

(Subtract Total Income from Total Expenses)

REMAINING INCOME AFTER EXPENSES

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LENDER CHECKLIST: GET A MORTGAGE 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.

However, 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.

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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?

YOUR CREDIT SCORE: 5 FACTORS Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage.

1. YOUR PAYMENT HISTORY. 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. HOW MUCH YOU OWE. 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.

CREDIT HISTORY. In general, the longer you have had accounts opened, the better.

4. HOW MUCH NEW CREDIT YOU HAVE. New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay them promptly.

5. THE TYPES OF CREDIT YOU USE. Generally, it’s desirable to have more than one type of credit — installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.

3. THE LENGTH OF YOUR

IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are big

6. What escrow requirements do you have?

factors in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what

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?

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

accounts before applying for a mortgage.

2. Pay down credit card bills.

If possible, pay off the entire balance every month.

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.

8. How long will the loan approval process take?

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

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

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your loan terms will be.

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

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

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.

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

MORTGAGE TERMS. 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.

FIXED OR ADJUSTABLE INTEREST RATES. 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.

BALLOON MORTGAGES. 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.

GOVERNMENT-BACKED LOANS. 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.

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SPECIALTY MORTGAGES: RISKS AND REWARDS In 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.

SPECIALTY MORTGAGES 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.

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COMMON TYPES OF SPECIALTY MORTGAGES: • 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.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING A SPECIALTY MORTGAGE: • 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?

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6 CREATIVE WAYS TO AFFORD A HOME INVESTIGATE LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. 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.

EXPLORE SELLER FINANCING. 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.

CONSIDER A SHARED APPRECIATION OR SHARED EQUITY ARRANGEMENT. 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.

ASK YOUR FAMILY FOR HELP. 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 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.

CONSIDER A SHORT-TERM SECOND MORTGAGE. 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.

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INSPECTION

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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS

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WHAT A HOME INSPECTION SHOULD COVER Home 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. However, 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.

STRUCTURE: 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.

EXTERIOR: 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.

ROOFING: 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.

PLUMBING: 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.

Walls, ceilings and floors Steps, stairways, and railings Countertops and cabinets Garage doors and garage door systems

ELECTRICAL: Safe electrical wiring is essential. Look for the condition of service entrance wires, service panels, breakers VENTILATION/INSULATION: and fuses, and disconnects.

Also take note of the number of To prevent energy loss, check for adequate insulation and outlets in each room. ventilation in the attic and HEATING: The home’s heating in unfinished areas such as system, vent system, flues, and crawlspaces. Also look for chimneys should be inspected. proper, secured insulation in Look for age of water heater, walls. Insulation should be whether the size is adequate for appropriate for the climate. the house, speed of recovery, Excess moisture in the home and energy rating. can lead to mold and water damage.

AIR CONDITIONING: Your FIREPLACES: They’re inspector should describe charming, but they could be your home cooling system, dangerous if not properly its energy source, and inspect installed. Inspectors should the central and through-wall examine the system, including cooling equipment. Consider the vent and flue, and describe the age and energy rating of solid fuel burning appliances. the system.

INTERIORS: 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:

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

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10 QUESTIONS TO ASK 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. WILL YOUR INSPECTION MEET RECOGNIZED 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. DO YOU BELONG TO A PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTOR ASSOCIATION? 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; 88

in the unique discipline of home inspection, which is very different from inspecting 3. HOW EXPERIENCED ARE commercial buildings or YOU? Ask how long inspectors a construction site. If your have been in the profession customers are buying a unique and how many inspections property, such as a historic they’ve completed. They should home, they may want to ask provide customer referrals whether the inspector has on request. New inspectors experience with that type of also may be highly qualified, property in particular. but they should describe their 6. WILL YOU OFFER training and let you know whether they plan to work with TO DO REPAIRS OR IMPROVEMENTS? Some state a more experienced partner. laws and trade associations 4. HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR allow the inspector to provide EXPERTISE UP TO DATE? repair work on problems Inspectors’ commitment uncovered during the to continuing education inspection. However, other is a good measure of their states and associations forbid it professionalism and service. as a conflict of interest. Contact Advanced knowledge is your local ASHI chapter to learn especially important in cases about the rules in your state. in which a home is older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated 7. HOW LONG WILL THE INSPECTION TAKE? training.

On average, an inspector 5. DO YOU FOCUS ON working alone inspects a RESIDENTIAL INSPECTION? typical single-family house in Make sure the inspector two to three hours; anything has training and experience significantly less may not be request to see a membership ID.

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thorough. If your customers are purchasing an especially large property, they may want to ask whether additional inspectors will be brought in.

8. WHAT’S THE COST? Costs can vary dramatically, depending on your region, the size and age of the house, and the scope of services. The national average for single-family 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.

9. WHAT TYPE OF INSPECTION REPORT DO YOU PROVIDE? 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.

10. WILL I BE ABLE TO ATTEND 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.

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5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TITLE INSURANCE Title insurance protects the holder from any losses sustained from defects in the title. It’s required by most mortgage lenders. Here 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.

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.

WHAT’S A HOME WARRANTY? 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

• Garbage disposal

• Electrical systems

• Stove/cooktop/ovens

• Furnace

• Microwave

• Water heater

• Refrigerator

• Heating ducts

• Washer/dryer

• Water pump

• Swimming pool (may be optional)

• Dishwasher

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HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE: 5 THINGS TO KNOW KNOW ABOUT EXCLUSIONS TO COVERAGE. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item.

These types of coverage must be bought separately.

KNOW ABOUT DOLLAR LIMITATIONS ON CLAIMS. 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.

KNOW THE REPLACEMENT COST. 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.

KNOW THE ACTUAL CASH 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.

KNOW THE LIABILITY. 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.

HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE: LOWERING COSTS 1. Review the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) 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. Investigate a governmentbacked insurance plan. In some high-risk areas, federal or state government may back plans to lower rates. Ask your agent.

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WHAT NOT TO OVERLOOK ON A FINAL WALK-THROUGH It’s guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, 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. Here’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.

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

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

• Intercom, doorbell, and alarm are operational.

• 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.

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• 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.

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COMMON CLOSING COSTS FOR BUYERS 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

• Deed recording

• 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.

• Land survey

• Title insurance policy premiums

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

CLOSING DOCUMENTS YOU SHOULD KEEP On closing day, expect to sign a lot of documents and walk away with a big stack of papers.

Here’s a list of the most important documents you should file away for future reference.

SETTLEMENT STATEMENT

MORTGAGE AND NOTE

RIDERS

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.

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

Transfers ownership to you.

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.

TRUTH IN LENDING STATEMENT

AFFIDAVITS

INSURANCE POLICIES

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

DEED

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

Provide a record and proof of your coverage.

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PACK LIKE A PRO: 17 TIPS 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.

1. PLAN AHEAD BY ORGANIZING AND BUDGETING. Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical on moving day, and create an estimate of moving costs.

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

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

6. REMEMBER, MOST MOVERS

13. KEEP YOUR MOVING

WON’T TAKE PLANTS. If you don’t want to leave them behind, you should plan on moving them yourself.

DOCUMENTS TOGETHER IN A

2. SORT AND GET RID OF THINGS YOU NO LONGER

7. USE THE RIGHT BOX FOR THE

WANT OR NEED. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.

ITEM. Loose items are prone to breakage.

8. PUT HEAVY ITEMS IN SMALL

3. BUT DON’T THROW OUT

BOXES SO THEY’RE EASIER TO

EVERYTHING. 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.

LIFT. Keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds, if possible.

4. PACK SIMILAR ITEMS TOGETHER. PUT TOYS WITH TOYS, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. It will make your life easier when it’s time to unpack.

5. DECIDE WHAT, IF ANYTHING, YOU PLAN TO MOVE ON YOUR OWN. 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, 94

9. DON’T OVER-PACK BOXES. It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.

10. WRAP EVERY FRAGILE ITEM SEPARATELY AND PAD BOTTOM AND SIDES OF BOXES. If necessary, purchase bubblewrap or other packing materials from moving stores.

FILE. Include important phone numbers, driver’s name, and moving van number. Also keep your address book handy.

14. PRINT OUT A MAP AND DIRECTIONS FOR MOVERS. 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 UP YOUR COMPUTER FILES BEFORE MOVING YOUR COMPUTER. Keep the backup in a safe place, preferably at an offsite location.

16. INSPECT EACH BOX AND ALL FURNITURE FOR DAMAGE AS SOON AS IT ARRIVES.

11. LABEL EVERY BOX ON ALL SIDES. 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. USE COLOR-CODED LABELS TO INDICATE WHICH ROOM EACH ITEM SHOULD GO IN.

17. MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SMALL CHILDREN AND PETS. 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.

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MOVING CHECKLIST TWO MONTHS BEFORE

ONE MONTH BEFORE CONTINUED

SORT AND PURGE Go through every room of your house and

LABEL Clearly label and number each box with its

you can get rid of. Think about whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage.

This will help you to keep an inventory of

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

SEPARATE VALUABLES Add items such as jewelry and important

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 often an indicator they are committed to providing good customer service.

CREATE A MOVING BINDER Use this binder to keep track of everything—all your estimates, your receipts, and an inventory of all the items ORGANIZE SCHOOL RECORDS for their records to be transferred to their new school district.

ONE MONTH BEFORE

TWO-WEEKS BEFORE CONTINUED CONTACT THE MOVING COMPANY Verify arrangements and moving schedule.

ONE WEEK BEFORE REFILL PRESCRIPTIONS

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 office and fill 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 after the move, and again two weeks after 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.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE

CHOOSE YOUR MOVER AND CONFIRM THE ARRANGEMENTS Select a company and get written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.

ARRANGE TO BE OFF FROM WORK ON MOVING DAY Notify your office that you plan to supervise the move and therefore need the day off.

BEGIN PACKING Start packing the things that you use most infrequently, such as the waffle 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.

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

CLEAN OUT YOUR SAFE-DEPOSIT BOX contents of your safe-deposit box and put

during the next couple of weeks.

PACK YOUR SUITCASES Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for everyone 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 specifics and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. 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 staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult, 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: The 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/inventory list and keep a copy.

you on moving day.

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LOCAL FACEBOOK PAGES TO JOIN These LOCAL Facebook groups are local favorites - from recreational groups, to individuals selling items, and even a place to post found or lost pets. The Coachella Valley really embraces social media.

Palm Springs Neighborhood Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/PalmSpringsNeighborhoods/

Palm Springs Social https://www.facebook.com/groups/PalmSpringsSocial/

Palm Springs Eats https://www.facebook.com/groups/PalmSpringsEats/

Palm Springs Outrageous City Locals https://www.facebook.com/groups/outrageouscity/

New Palm Springs https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewPalmSprings/

Palm Springs Craigslist Classifieds https://www.facebook.com/groups/456556197886952/

Desert Cities Classifieds https://www.facebook.com/groups/344826758973867/

Coachella Valley Bulletin Board https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoachellaFestivalBulletinBoard/

Lost and Found Pets in the Coachella Valley https://www.facebook.com/groups/LOSTANDFOUNDPETSINTHECOACHELLAVALLEY/

What’s Happening Coachella Valley https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatshappeningincoachella/

Coachella Valley https://www.facebook.com/TheCoachellaValley/

Coachella Valley Weekly https://www.facebook.com/cvweekly/

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! e v o m e h t e Mak Call The Briggs Group at 760.422.4030

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The Briggs Group Laurie & Tim Briggs CalBRE #01896117 & CalBRE #01898254 BROKER CalBRE #02043759

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

760.422.4030 Tim’s Mobile: 818.531.5730 Laurie’s Mobile: 760.218.6893 Office:

FOR THE NEWEST PROPERTY LISTINGS VISIT:

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California Properties 2019 RELOCATION GUIDE

&

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COA CHE L LA VA L LE Y

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