How Important Is Location?

It’s possible to buy the right home here in the desert but in the wrong location. The old adage of location, location, location, is repeated three times to emphasize the importance of location. It basically means that similar or identical homes or condos can be valued differently based on their location.

Community And Amenities Equal Location

Throughout the Palm Springs area buyers can choose from over 150 golf and country club communities and a broad selection of non-golf communities. Location here starts with the city and then the community that best matches your criteria. Top agents will work first to identify your criteria and then guide you to  locations that best match your choices.

Once your agent helps narrow down your overall location criteria, s/he will then help you discover your location options within each community to form your ‘short list’. One example is sunlight exposure. Year-round residents and winter residents will likely have different needs and preferences.

Homes With A View

Homes offering views are one of the most requested location options here in the desert. And since outdoor living is so popular here, sweeping views can and will add value to an identical home or condo with limited or no views. Some buyers prefer golf course views, while others choose the mountains. And here in the desert you can actually have it both ways.

Close To Outdoor Recreation And Things To Do

One of the great things about our desert is there’s something for everyone throughout the valley and in nearby areas. For those who love to walk to restaurants and shopping, proximity to city centers becomes an important requirement on their ‘short list’ of desirable locations. Most desert activities are only a short drive away, as well.  In many gated golf and country club communities, great restaurants and shopping are only a short golf cart or bike ride away.

The Best Rental Locations

If you are considering renting your home you’ll want to think about what locations seasonal and long-term renters prefer. Golf course homes and condos always seem to top the list as do resort lifestyle communities offering nearby pools/spas, tennis or fitness facilities. Most seasonal renters of single-family homes want a private pool. Condos and town homes in gated communities with resort amenities are also popular as rentals, both as short and long term rentals.

Your buyer’s agent can also advise you about which communities have rental restrictions versus those that don’t.

Locations With HOA’s

Community locations with HOA’s (home owners associations) offer benefits to some buyers and drawbacks to others. HOA’s have rules and regulations. On the plus side is the fact that most HOA’s work hard at maintaining high community standards and appearances so your neighborhood doesn’t become run down or have blighted homes.

On the negative side there are usually HOA dues to pay and you’ll need to be aware of any HOA rules pertaining to using or modifying your property. Before buying a home or condo located within an HOA, you’ll want to read your copy of the HOA CC&R’s (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) that you’ll be provided with during escrow.

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