There are several reasons why the Coachella Valley is considered a very pet-friendly environment. Much of it is cultural, as America itself has become much more animal-friendly over the past two decades. Most of us can remember growing up with our dogs considered outdoor animals, with their dog-houses, tie-poles and the whole nine-yards.  Now, in 2007, when was the last time you even saw a doghouse?But even more so is this shift pronounced in Palm Springs. The demographics of the town are much of it. Elderly and single people make up much of Palm Springs's population, and many in this group count on their pets as more than mere companion animals. They are family, oftentimes their only family.This makes the pet-friendly percentage of the city population more powerful, resulting in a poli... 11/07/2007

Buying a home or condo is a milestone for many people.  It usually signifies that you are able to take care of yourself and you are ready to take life as it comes.  Many times buying a home also means that you received a raise, got a promotion, got married, or you may have a new baby on the way and just need the extra space.  There is also a downside to purchasing a home, it can be very stressful.  There are several things that you can do to minimize the amount of stress that comes with purchasing a home.Many people do not have a choice on what city they want to live in because of the location of their jobs, but some people can choose where they want to live.  Palm Springs, in Coachella Valley, is an excellent location for a young family or a couple that is looking for a place to retire... 11/06/2007

 Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you with that. But it's true that this exclamation is making the rounds today in discussions about Palm Springs and The Coachella Valley. I'm not going to disrespect Phoenix, for its setting is lovely and some of the nicest people I know live there or in the surrounding communities. But it's not blasphemy to acknowledge that in many ways it has become another Los Angeles.The sprawl is endless, the air often murky with dust, urban ills of every kind dominate their news on many days. Will this happen here? Not likely.Oh sure, of course we already have our own growth issues. If you'll excuse the dated cliché, years ago we stopped being "God's waiting room" and became a year-round full-fledged city (or combination of several little cities, if you will). The plac... 11/06/2007

 If you stumbled into town these days without having read or heard about the resurgence of Modernism as an architectural and interior trend, you might think Palm Springs Modern had fashioned itself as a sort-of theme park. Along the line of say ... Leavenworth, Washington or other Bavarian-themed towns, only with a twist. Of course the village area remains mostly Spanish-Mediterranean in flavor, but nearly every residential neighborhood has dozens, even hundreds, of spectacular examples of the clean and stark modernism that was so favored from about 1950 to 1970. But it wasn't theme park economics that created this situation. On the contrary, it was economic decline. These aren't faux Vegas-style structures (although that is happening more now, well after the fact) but rather original b... 11/06/2007

  Ann-Margaret won't be strutting her stuff here in a film anytime soon, at least not with Elvis, but it's true in one major way that Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley has become a sort-of mini Las Vegas.  Driving in from the west the first skyscraper casino/hotel looms 23 stories tall in Cabazon, rising above a massive outlet mall. From there on, there are at least 5 more major casino hotels before the I-10 freeway winds behind Indio for points east.Several of these mega-casinos are currently building higher and larger additions, as word continues to spread throughout Southern California that one does not need to drive to Las Vegas for a complete gambling and entertainment experience. Of course there is virtually no chance the area will ever truly compete with Vegas, as the demand ... 11/05/2007

Yesterday, Sunday, Nov 4th, was the Gay Pride Parade in Palm Springs, CA.  It was another warm day, in the low 90's a little cooler than last year.  Prudential California Realty participated with a float about 2 dozen agents and managers.  They handed out beach balls and "pearl" necklaces.  Just to help you remember our agents are "pearls" and we're on the "ball" agents.  If you're looking for a referreal agent in Palm Springs, CA, please let me know.....I'd love to be of assistance to you. 11/05/2007

 I don't know if anyone saw the sunset last night but it was spectacular. It's just one of the great things that happen in November in the Palm Springs Area.  This shot was taken from Mountain View Country Club in La Quinta, CA. The Palm Springs Real Estate market has started to pick up briskly this month for some agents. Many Canadian clients are seriously looking for second homes, here in Palm Springs, and La Quinta Golf Course Communities. Trilogy has been a favorite of some, offering great incentives to buyers. There are lots of events coming up in November such as the Keith McCormick's Palm Springs exotic car auction November 16th through the 18th, the auction will be held at The Spa Resort Casino located in downtown Palm Springs. Gates open at 8:00 am and the first car crosses the... 11/05/2007

Josiah Hamilton | Prudential | josiah@desertarealiving.com | 760.449.0049 538 S Indian Trl, Palm Springs, CA Beautiful Spanish Style Hacienda In Great Neighborhood 4BR/3BA Single Family House offered at $625,000 Year Built 1946 Sq Footage 2,222 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking Unspecified Lot Size 7,840 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Huge Rental Income History! When you pass through the private gates of this serene Palm Springs Villa, you will find yourself drifting back in time far before mid-century modern, back when historic Spanish was the way of the landscape. Casa Bonita has a total of 4 bedrooms. 3 lovely bedrooms and 2 baths in the main house with a 1 bed and bath detached guest Casita. Vacation Palm Springs has managed the home since 2... 11/05/2007

Josiah Hamilton | Prudential | josiah@desertarealiving.com | 760.449.0049 292 N Monterey Rd, Palm Springs, CA Sunrise Park Mid Century Modern Alexander Home 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $585,000 Year Built 1958 Sq Footage 1,287 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 4+ Covered spaces Lot Size 10,454 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Located in the highly desirable and wind free neighborhood of Sunrise Park, this Alexander is a rare find with unique architectural qualities and upgrades. This starts with a towering wall of glass expanding the entire length of the main living area, allowing your outdoor and indoor life to flow effortlessly as one. The kitchen has all new appliances, cabinets and classy black granite counters, all plumbing throughout the ho... 11/05/2007

The costumes have been packed away, and the candy is still being eaten.  Another Halloween has come and gone in the village known as Palm Springs.   Jeff and I only had a few trick or treaters at the house, which was a surprise because our little "Wisteria Lane" does not have any street lights. Now it's time to start going through my recipes and start planning the annual Diebley-Watts Thanksgiving bash.  The Turkeys are coming!!  Actually, my friend Sean and his partner Jason (Jeff's cousin) do all the planning and cooking, we just supply the house.   Life in Palm Springs is not just about dinners and parties during the holidays, its about getting out and participating in all the activities this town has to offer.  Here is just a sample of what's happening in Palm Springs during the mon... 11/02/2007

Everyone loves a parade. Whether its the excitement of the crowd, taking in the attractions, or just the town coming together, a parade brings out the best in everyone. The first parade I remember as a child was the Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon. I always remember my eyes lighting up watching the giant floats (they looked giant to me back then) and the marching bands. The sound of the trumpets and drums had me marching back & forth on the street. It was pure magic, and I didn't want it to end. The residents of Palm Springs came out today to view the annual Palm Springs High School Homecoming Parade in Downtown Palm Springs. Being that my office is right downtown, I had a ring-side seat to view the festivities. This year's parade was on Halloween, so of course there was a kaleidescope ... 10/31/2007

CopyKatz, a local entertainment venue featuring celebrity impersonators, has filed a lawsuit against the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.The papers were filed on October 22, 2007 in the Riverside County Superior Court.  The lawsuit names Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, Mary Jo Ginther, Executive Director, and SMG.  According to the Palm Springs City Council Meeting archives dated November 3, 2004, the City of Palm Springs unanimously approved an agreement to have SMG take over tourism related services for a period of 4 years.SMG, based out of Philadelphia, manages convention centers, exhibition halls, sport arenas, and many other public venues across the country.  They currently manage the Palm Springs Convention Center.Breach of contract & negligence is the basis of the lawsuit CopyKatz... 10/29/2007

The community of Palm Springs came out today to support the Desert Aids Project with their participation in the 20th Anniversary Desert Aids Walk.  My partner Jeff and I, went to Francis Stevens Park to support our friends who were participating in the walk. When we got to the park just before 9:30am, there were about 2000 people waiting to start the walk.  There were groups from the different real estate companies, families with their kids & pets, and others from all walks of life who came out to participate in this great cause.It was a beautiful day, despite the smoke & haze from the fires in San Diego.  Jeff and I decided at the last minute to do the Walk.  We ran into local Palm Springs City Council Candidate, Sheila Grattan, who was out in full force with her bag of T-Shirts.  She ... 10/27/2007

  I go away for a week in Austin, TX and all hell is breaking loose in Palm  Springs.  Since Friday, there has been a lot of finger-pointing going in the world of local politics.  With the Palm Springs elections only 3 weeks away, the onslaught of political ads & scandal is among us.I'm talking about the story the Desert Sun reported in their paper this past weekend about local Palm Springs City Candidate, Roxann Ploss.  Apparently, Ms. Ploss has been writing a local blog on the MyDesert.com website, which is sponsored by the Desert Sun.  You are probably thinking that this is no big deal, what's the story about?  Well it turns out that Ms. Ploss was writing the blog under the assumed name, "John Morris", a 70 year old man.  It turns out that "John Morris" was using the blogsite to make... 10/16/2007

 As I am sitting here writing this article for you, I ponder on the fact that this year has gone by so quickly. October in Palm Springs is a great time of year. The heat of the summer has gone away, and there's a little nip in the air during the morning sunrise.October also signals the start of the "season" in Palm Springs. For many years, this town would be a ghost town after Memorial Day. Many businesses and restaurants would shut down for the summer because there were many people who left Palm Springs when the temperatures started to rise. Then those same people would return to the Desert, and start the whole process all over again. This year's season in Palm Springs is starting of with a bang, and there's a plethora of activities happening around town. Here is just a small sample:Oc... 10/01/2007

  With the local Palm Springs elections less than 2 months away,  the City Council race is starting to heat up.  There are 8 candidates running for the 2 open city council seats, and on November 6th, the citizens of Palm Springs will have to vote for their new leaders.Last night at the Rock Garden Cafe, the Lincoln Club of Palm Springs & the Log Cabin Republicans unanimously gave their endorsements to City Council candidates Sheila Grattan & Lee Wiegel.Sheila Gratten is 30-year full-time resident of Palm Springs, who believes in a balanced City Council.  She is the founder of Save Our City, a member of the Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board, former chairman of the Homeless Taskforce, and a member of the City Blue Ribbon Budget Task Force.  She will support and facilitate proj... 09/19/2007

What better way to spend a relaxing weekend in the Desert, than by playing 18 holes at the Gary Player COurse in Rancho Mirage.  Great greens, xhallenging holes and the beautiful backdrop of the mountains are just some of the perks the Desert has to offer.  Are you looking to improve your game?  Email me and I'll fill you in in some of the best pros in the valley including special golf schools, which are guaranteed to improve your game.Stop wasting time and get out here and enjoy one of the 100+ golfcourses in the Valley.  Actually, spend a couple days and enjoy a couple.   Don't miss the US Open at Bighorn in the middle of October.  It's action that's sure to please! 09/09/2007

Here is the Palm Springs Market Update for the month of August 2007:                          August 2007 was the second slowest month for home sales in Palm Springs.  There were 46 homes and 41 condos that sold during the month.                              The August 2007 total of 87 homes sold is 36 less homes than the 2006 August total of 123 homes.                                                                                                    But all is not doom & gloom in the Desert.  The YTD median home price in Palm Springs is $481,814, which is nearly 2% above the 2006 median home price of $480,246.   The homes in the 1 million+ dollar range has been doing very well in Palm Springs, which has kept the median home price up, even though there have been less sales.If you would ... 09/05/2007

 Labor Day Weekend has descended upon the city of Palm Springs, along with the heat and some thunderstorms.  Even though Autumn does not arrive until September 22nd, Labor Day Weekend signals the end of summer in the Desert.  For most people, myself included, Labor Day has always been viewed as just another day off.  Labor Day has been a national holiday in the United States for over 100 years, but it was a hard struggle for many people to get the government to recognize the American worker.  To learn more about the origins of Labor Day, you can go to the Dept. of Labor's website.Whether you play golf, go to the spa for a day of beauty, or spend the day shopping, there are plenty of activities in Palm Springs to keep anyone busy.  Here is a sample of activities that will kick off the fa... 08/31/2007

The ultimate mid century modern home in this prestigious neighborhood. 4 bedrooms, 3 new baths, head on mountain views, terrazzo flooring, new kitchen with stainless appliances. This home is awaiting your finishing touches.     08/28/2007