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OPEN HOUSE: Remodeled Indian Wells Los Lagos Desert Retreat | WHEN: Sunday February 19th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM | WHERE: 44017 Erie Court, Indian Wells

Come see this remodeled Mediterranean-style Indian Wells home, designed by renowned Architect Barry Berkus and located in the desirable gated Indian Wells Los Lagos community. The end of cul-de-sac location and large side yard patio offers excellent privacy. This ''Villa'' is a true and traditional Desert Retreat, with an excellent indoor/outdoor flow, numerous niches perfect for relaxing and entertaining, light filled rooms w/ wood beamed ceilings, wood laminate flooring (in dining/living areas) and focal point lodge style fireplace in Living Room. Spacious Chef's kitchen with newer premium appliances, cabinets and granite countertops, with views overlooking the charming side yard patio. The Primary Suite features walk-in closet and spa-like bath with adjoining atrium. Off the laundry room is a home office & hobby/craft area (formerly a golf cart garage) with direct access to the Courtyard. Directly across from the home office is a detached Casita with an en-suite bathroom. The home is surrounded with lush mature landscaping, including herb & rose gardens on the north side. Enjoy entertaining in the outdoor kitchen complete with built-in grill. This home has been meticulously maintained; with upgrades such as a premium epoxied garage floor & extensive interlocking brick driveway & patios, with Alumawood covered courtyard patio area. Los Lagos offers tennis/pickleball, pools/spas and beautifully maintained common areas and lush landscaping. Truly a gem that's close to shopping and dining. Indian Wells Residents also enjoy steeply discounted Resident Golf, Fitness & Dining Rates. 

MLS# 219086732 | Listed at $679,000 | Details, photos, video & virtual tours & floor plan at: http://www.44017eriect.com

The Briggs Group | Coldwell Banker Realty / Laurie Briggs – DRE# 01896117 / Tim Briggs – DRE# 01898254 / Coldwell Banker Realty – DRE# 00616212

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This striking home is located inside Rancho Mirage’s guard-gated Mira Vista community. Built by Toll Brothers, this spectacular 4,057 square feet, 3 bedroom + office, 4 bathroom home overlooks the first fairway of the Mission Hills North Gary Player Course. Inside, a large round foyer leads to an expansive great room, combining living room, circular conversation area, dining room, kitchen and  breakfast nook. The living room features a wet bar with designer tile front and stone faced gas fireplace. The kitchen has newer stylish cabinetry, stone counter tops and backsplash, a built-in stainless-steel refrigerator and a center island with eating bar. The primary bedroom suite offers a large bedroom and sitting area with golf course views, a large dressing area, double walk-in closets, a spa tub and roman shower. The home also provides an oversized home office (that could easily be converted to a fourth bedroom) and media room. The front exterior of the home has great curb appeal with the stacked stone façade, a long driveway and both double and single car garages with newer wood-look garage doors. The rear yard is perfect for relaxed outdoor desert living with an expansive covered patio with built-in gas heaters, a misting system, a pebble-finish pool & spa backed by a stacked stone privacy wall, and stunning golf course and mountain views. This home also comes with a money saving pre-paid solar system. Mira Vista's low HOA dues include a heated community pool & spa, tennis and pickle ball courts, cable tv and internet and guard gated security. In addition, residents are eligible for a Rancho Mirage Resident Card, offering discounted greens fees at the Mission Hills North Gary Player Course, Rancho Las Palmas Country Club and Desert Island Golf & Country Club.

MLS# 219082704 | Now listed at $1,675,000 | Details, photos, video & virtual tours & floor plan at: http://www.45vistaencantada.com 

The Briggs Group | Coldwell Banker Realty / Laurie Briggs - DRE# 01896117 / Tim Briggs – DRE# 01898254 / Coldwell Banker Realty – DRE# 00616212

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Here’s your chance to experience Mid-Century Design, updated for Modern Living in South Palm Desert! Inviting curb appeal for one of the finest meticulous homes you'll find in this price range! Major remodel with huge enhancements including polished concrete flooring, contemporary kitchen with granite counters, high-end stainless appliances and custom cabinets. Bathrooms are upgraded with custom cabinets, concrete flooring and tub surround, tiled showers. Stainless steel fireplace highlights the main living area with sliders that lead out the to the outdoor oasis living area! Enter into Aluma Wood covered entertainment patio area, with misting system, leading to the private backyard with open lawn and desert-scape. Newer sparkling Pebble-tech pool/salt water system with entertainment bar, misting system, outdoor speakers & gorgeous up-lighting to enhance your beautiful desert evenings! So many upgrades...located just moments from El Paseo with all of the finest shopping and dining that the valley has to offer

MLS# 219087779 | Now offered for long term lease at $3,200 per month | Details & Photos at: https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/ca/palm-desert/74534-peppertree-dr/pid_50858369/

THE BRIGGS GROUP | COLDWELL BANKER REALTY / Laurie Briggs DRE# 01896117 / Tim Briggs DRE# 01898254 / Coldwell Banker Realty DRE# 00616212

OPEN HOUSE: Remodeled Indian Wells Los Lagos Desert Retreat | WHEN: Friday February 10th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM | WHERE: 44017 Erie Court, Indian Wells 

Come see this remodeled Mediterranean-style Indian Wells home, designed by renowned Architect Barry Berkus and located in the gated Indian Wells Los Lagos community. The end of cul-de-sac location and large side yard patio offers excellent privacy. This ''Villa'' is a true and traditional Desert Retreat, with an excellent indoor/outdoor flow, numerous niches perfect for relaxing and entertaining, light filled rooms w/ wood beamed ceilings, wood laminate flooring (in dining/living areas) and focal point lodge style fireplace in Living Room. Spacious Chef's kitchen with newer premium appliances, cabinets and granite countertops, with views overlooking the charming side yard patio. The Primary Suite features walk-in closet and spa-like bath with adjoining atrium. Off the laundry room is a home office & hobby/craft area (formerly a golf cart garage) with direct access to the Courtyard. Directly across from the home office is a detached Casita with an en-suite bathroom. The home is surrounded with lush mature landscaping, including herb & rose gardens on the north side. Enjoy entertaining in the outdoor kitchen complete with built-in grill. This home has been meticulously maintained; with upgrades such as a premium epoxied garage floor & extensive interlocking brick driveway & patios, with Alumawood covered courtyard patio area. Los Lagos offers tennis/pickleball, pools/spas and beautifully maintained common areas and lush landscaping. Truly a gem that's close to shopping and dining. Indian Wells Residents also enjoy steeply discounted Resident Golf, Fitness & Dining Rates. 

MLS# 219086732 | Listed at $679,000 | Details, photos, video & virtual tours & floor plan at: http://www.44017eriect.com

The Briggs Group | Coldwell Banker Realty || Laurie Briggs – DRE# 01896117 || Tim Briggs – DRE# 01898254 || Coldwell Banker Realty – DRE# 00616212

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Local real estate market experts, Market Watch LLC, have just released their January 2023 Desert Housing Report. Here are some highlights:

COACHELLA VALLEY DETACHED HOME MEDIAN PRICE: In January, the Coachella Valley detached home median price was $650,000 (up 5.7% year-over-year from $615,000 in January 2022 and up 1.6% or $10,000 from December). Market Watch noted that this detached home median price was 8.5% below the peak price of $710,000 reached six months ago. They also noted that the increase in the detached home median price from December was somewhat expected since home prices typically begin their seasonal rise around January.

COACHELLA VALLEY ATTCHED HOME MEDIAN PRICE: The Coachella Valley attached home median price in January was $440,000 (up 3.5% year-over-year from $425,000 in January 2022 and unchanged from December). Market Watch noted that this attached home median price was 10.4% below the peak price of $491,056 reached in May 2022. Market Watch also noted that seasonally driven attached home price increases normally begin in December or January, and they are interested to see if this pattern continuer this year.

TWELVE MONTH CHANGE IN THE PRICE OF THE AVERAGE SIZE HOME BY CITY: There were double digit price increases for average size homes year-over-year in Coachella (up 16.2% year-over-year for the city’s 1,700 sq ft average size detached home), Rancho Mirage (up 13.2% year-over-year for the city’s 3,175 sq ft average size detached home), Cathedral City (up 12.7% year-over-year for the city’s 1,800 sq ft average size detached home), La Quinta (up 11.4% year-over-year for the city’s 2,550 sq ft average size detached home) and Indian Wells (up 10.4% year-over-year for the city’s 3,450 sq ft average size detached home). The only city with a decrease in the price of the city’s average size detached home was Palm Springs (down 1.3% year-over-year for the city’s 2,200 sq ft average size detached home). For attached homes, increases year-over-year in prices for average size homes ranged from 26.3% in Desert Hot Springs for the city’s 750 sq ft average size attached home to 1.9% in Indio for the city’s 1,050 sq ft attached home.

MONTHLY COACHELLA VALLEY HOME SALES – THREE MONTH TRAILING AVERAGE:  Home sales in the Coachella Valley continued to decline in January to 413 home sales per month (down 52.2% year-over-year from 864 homes sales per month in January 2022). Market Watch commented that pre-pandemic January home sales averaged 700 home sales per month (so current January home sales are 41% below average). Market Watch did note that historically, Desert home sales usually begin to rise at this time of the year.

MONTHLY COACHELLA VALLEY HOME SALES – TWELVE MONTH TRAILING AVERAGE: In January, the 12-month average of Coachella Valley home sales (which takes out seasonality) was 680 home sales per month (down 32% year-over-year from 1,005 home sales in January 2022). Market Watch commented that this is also the 18th consecutive month of a decrease in monthly home sales. Market Watch noted that long term sales are now roughly 15% below pre-pandemic average monthly home sales and since long-term sales lag short term sales, this metric should continue to decline for a while even if monthly home sales begin to increase.

COACHELLA VALLEY HOME SALES BY CITY: In January, every Coachella Valley city had considerably lower sales compared to a year ago. The largest percentage sales decreases in January were in La Quinta (down 57.6% year-over-year), Indio (down 57% year-over-year) and Rancho Mirage (down 54.3% year-over-year). The smallest percentage decreases in home sales were in Coachella (down 4% year-over-year) and Indian Wells (down 33.3% year-over-year).

COACHELLA VALLEY HOME SALES BY PRICE RANGE: Home sales decreased year-over-year in every price range in January. However, the largest decreases were in homes priced between $400,000 and $700,000. Market Watch noted that home sales in the higher price ranges, which initially resisted the sales decreases, showed sales considerably below last year. For example, in January sales of million-dollar plus homes were down 67.1% year-over year and sales of homes priced between $900,000 and $1,000,000 were down 73.7% year-over-year.

COACHELLA VALLEY HOME SALE INVENTORY: On February 1^st, Coachella Valley home sale inventory was 2,025 homes (up 6% from 1,911 homes in December and up 239.8% or 1,429 homes year-over-year from 596 homes on February 1^st 2022). Market Watch felt that some of the inventory gain over the last few months was seasonal but this factor was less than previous years. Market Watch had hoped that inventory might possibly reach 2,500 units by the end of February or March, but they don’t think that will happen now. They stated that the primary reason inventory is not growing is that, while sales are limited, new listings also remain very muted.

COACHELLA VALLEY REGIONAL MONTHS OF SALES RATIO: On February 1^st, the Coachella Valley’s months of sales ratio was 3.1 months (up from 2.7 months on January 1^st and the highest months of sales ratio since the summer of 2020). Market Watch explained that the February 1^st months of sales ratio, which measures supply versus demand, as below its historic average for this time of year. To Market Watch, this meant that while sales are down, there is still a good balance between buyers and sellers (unlike during the housing crisis in 2009-10).

COACHELLA VALLEY MONTHS OF SALE RATIOS BY PRICE RANGE: On February 1^st, the months of sales ratios in every price range continued to far exceed year ago levels. Market Watch pointed out that the months of sales ratios showed the normal pattern of higher months of sales ratios for higher priced homes.

COACHELLA VALLEY MONTHS OF SALES RATIOS BY CITY:  On February 1^st, months of sales ratios ranged from 2.6 months in Indian Wells to 3.4 months in Rancho Mirage. Market Watch noted that four cities had ratios of three months or over (Cathedral City, Thousand Palms, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage). The February 1^st months of sales ratios were below 3 months in the other Coachella Valley cities.

COACHELLA VALLEY DAYS IN THE MARKET:  Market Watch pointed out that the average selling time in the Coachella Valley continues to increase. At the end of January, the median number of days in the market throughout the Coachella Valley was 41 days (up 12 days year-over-year). Market Watch expects this metric to be back to 50 or 60 days relatively soon.

COACHELLA VALLEY DAYS IN THE MARKET BY CITY: In January, Palm Springs had the shortest median selling time for detached homes at 28 days, followed by Bermuda Dunes at 34 days. The longest median selling time for detached homes in January was in Rancho Mirage at 65 days. For attached homes, in January, Desert Hot Springs had the shortest median selling time at 24 days, followed by Bermuda Dunes at 29 days. The longest median selling time for attached homes in January was in Indio at 65 days.

COACHELLA VALLEY PERCENTAGE OF HOMES SELLING OVER LIST PRICE: In January, only 13.5% of home sales occurred above list price (compared to 42.6% in January 2022). Market Watch felt that the percentage of homes selling over list price was gradually returning to its historic norm of around 10%.

COACHELLA VALLEY AVERAGE PRICE DISCOUNTS BY CITY: In January, every Coachella Valley city had an average selling discount for detached homes, ranging from -0.1% in Coachella to -4.2% in Indian Wells. For attached homes, in January average selling discounts ranged from -0.2% in Bermuda Dunes to -7.7% in Indio.

The Briggs Group | Coldwell Banker Realty || Laurie Briggs DRE 01896117 | Tim Briggs DRE 01898254 | Coldwell Banker Realty DRE 00616212

The Desert Sun’s Brian Blueskye reports that the fourth edition of Desert X, the recurring site-specific, international art exhibition, will be open to the public from March 4 to May 7, 2023. Exhibit locations will be revealed on March 4th. Eleven artists from Europe, North America and South Asia will present poetic and immersive works that span sculpture, painting, writing, architecture, design, film, music, performance and choreography, education, and environmental activism in the exhibition curated by Artistic Director Neville Wakefield and Co-Curator Diana Campbell.

The participating artists are:

·       Rana Begum, b. 1977, Bangladesh, based in London

·       Lauren Bon, b. 1962, USA, based in Los Angeles

·       Gerald Clarke, b. 1967, USA, based in Anza, California

·       Paloma Contreras Lomas, b. 1991, Mexico, based in Mexico City

·       Torkwase Dyson, b. 1973, USA, based in Beacon, New York

·       Mario García Torres, b.1975, Mexico, based in Mexico City

·       Hylozoic/Desires (Himali Singh Soin, b. 1987, India, based in London and Delhi and David Soin

·       Tappeser, b.1985, Germany, based in London and Delhi)

·       Matt Johnson, b. 1978, USA, based in Los Angeles

·       Tschabalala Self, b. 1990, USA, based in New York

·       Marina Tabassum, b. 1968, Bangladesh, based in Dhaka

·       Héctor Zamora, b. 1974, Mexico, based in Mexico City

Desert X is produced by The Desert Biennial, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, conceived to produce recurring international contemporary art exhibitions that activate desert locations through site-specific installations by acclaimed international artists. 

We've included some photos or a few of the art installations from Desert X 2019. 

To read Brian Blueskye’s original article courtesy of The Desert Sun, please visit: https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/events/2023/01/30/desert-x-2023-a-complete-list-of-featured-artists/69849700007/

THE BRIGGS GROUP | COMPASS || Laurie Briggs – DRE# 01896117 | Tim Briggs – DRE# 01898254 || Compoass – DRE# 01991628

John Gerrard - Western Flag                     Pia Camil - Lover's Rainbow

Kathleen Ryan - Ghost Palm                      Sterling Ruby - Specter

Here we glow again! The wildly popular nightime event, Glow In The Park, returns to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens this spring with a spectacular new lineup of hand-crafted lantern displays that represent wildlife from around the world, and even under the sea. Glow in the Park, presented by Acrisure Arena, Home of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, is a unique event designed to celebrate the awe-inspiring beauty of nature through hundreds of illuminated lanterns. These larger-than-life displays, which feature breathtaking artistry, interactive elements, and a never-ending number of photo-ops, will create a truly unforgettable night for guests of all ages. It is pretty amazing and we’ve included some photos from last year’s event. 

For more information & tickets, please visit The Living Desert’s website at: https://www.livingdesert.org/events/upcoming-zoo-events/glow-in-the-park/

The Briggs Group | Compass || Laurie Briggs – DRE# 01896117 || Tim Briggs – DRE# 01898254 || Compass – DRE# 01991628

Enjoy Desert living in this private retreat located in the guard-gated Sun City Shadow Hills Phase 3 community. This Embark Model features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and an open floor plan that combines the large kitchen, dining area and living area. There are tile floors in the main living areas, high ceilings with ceiling fans throughout, upgraded kitchen cabinetry, granite kitchen countertops, kitchen breakfast bar and stainless-steel kitchen appliances. The large primary bedroom suite offers sliding glass patio doors that access the backyard and an en-suite bathroom with dual sink vanity, walk-in shower and walk-in closet. The oversize garage is both drywalled and insulated, with an epoxy floor. Both the front and back yards feature low maintenance desert-scape landscaping, with all-seasons alumawood type patio cover. Sun City Shadow Hills offers two 18-hole golf courses, 2 clubhouses, 3 community pools, 2 fitness centers, pickleball, tennis and bocce ball courts, 2 dog parks and 40+ clubs to enjoy year-round. This community is regarded as one of the very best in the Desert! Move-in bonus - ask about the Seller credit toward move-in painting.

Features Of This Home At A Glance:

•        Sun City Shadow Hills Private Desert Retreat
•        Embark Model | 1,321 Sq Ft | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
•        Tile Floors In Main Living Areas & Bathrooms | Carpeted Bedrooms
•        High Ceilings With Ceiling Fans/Lights Throughout
•        Upgraded Kitchen Cabinetry, Granite Kitchen Counter Tops & Stainless-Steel Kitchen Appliances
•        Low Maintenance Desert-scale Landscaping Front & Rear
•        Oversize Insulated & Drywalled 2 Car Attached Garage With Epoxy Floor
•        Sun City Shadow Hills Offers Two 18 Hole Golf Courses, Two Clubhouses, 2 Fitness Centers, Pickleball & Tennis Courts & Much More

MLS# 219089923 | Listed at $399,000 | Details, photos, floor plan & video & virtual tours at: http://www.39145caminonovena.com

The Briggs Group | Compass || Laurie Briggs – DRE# 01896117 || Tim Briggs – DRE# 01898254 || Compass – DRE# 01991628

Open House: Tastefully Renovated Indian Wells Los Lagos Desert Retreat | WHEN: Sunday January 29^th from 1:00PM to 3:00PM | WHERE: 44017 Erie Court, Indian Wells 

Come out on Sunday to see this classic Mediterranean-style Indian Wells home, located in the gated community of Los Lagos, and designed by renowned Architect Barry Berkus. While the central location may have some buffered traffic noise, the end of cul-de-sac location and large opposite side yard patio, offers excellent privacy. This ''Villa'' is a true and traditional Desert Retreat, with an excellent indoor/outdoor flow, numerous niches perfect for relaxing and entertaining, light filled rooms w/ wood beamed ceilings, wood laminate flooring (in dining/living areas) and focal point lodge style fireplace in Living Room. Spacious Chef's kitchen with newer premium appliances, granite countertops with views overlooking the charming back courtyard. The Primary Suite features walk-in closet and spa-like bath with adjoining atrium. Off the laundry room is a home office & hobby/craft area with direct access to the Courtyard (formerly a golf cart garage). Directly across is a separate Casita with bath, formerly used as a home gym/office. The home is surrounded with lush mature landscaping, including herb & rose gardens on the north side. Enjoy entertaining in the outdoor kitchen complete with built-in grill. This home has been meticulously maintained; with upgrades such as a premium epoxied garage floor & extensive interlocking brick driveway & courtyard with Alumawood covered courtyard patio area. Los Lagos offers tennis/pickleball, pools/spas and beautifully maintained common areas and lush landscaping. Los Lagos offers tennis, pickleball, pools/spas and beautifully maintained commons areas featuring lush landscape & water features. Truly a gem that's just a short stroll to shopping and dining. Indian Wells Residents also enjoy steeply discounted Resident Golf, Fitness & Dining Rates. 

MLS# 219086732 | Listed at $679,000 | Details, photos, video & virtual tours & floor plan at: http://www.44017eriect.com

The Briggs Group | COMPASS || Laurie Briggs – DRE# 01896117 | Tim Briggs – DRE# 01898254 || Compass – DRE# 01991628

OPEN HOUSE: Remodeled Palm Valley Country Club Golf Course Condo With West Facing Mountain & Golf Course Views | WHEN: Sat. Jan. 28^th from 2 PM to 4:30 PM | WHERE: 76222 Sweet Pea Way, Palm Desert, CA

You’re invited to our open house this Saturday in Palm Valley Country Club. Spectacular panoramic views take center stage at this stunning 3 bed/3 bath home.  Overlooking the 8th and 4th fairways on the Ted Robinson Jr. Championship Course, this beautifully reimagined Sycamore Plan (end unit) is located on one of the best streets in the community and features everything desired for relaxed Desert living. Inside you will find tastefully remodeled spaces with an open floor plan, modern kitchen with stylishly refinished cabinetry, Caesarstone countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Living Room fireplace, vaulted ceilings, skylights, neutral tile floors and walls add to the serene environment throughout the home. Primary Suite features an additional bonus area (with private entry) and can serve as an office, or flex space. Additional upgrades include energy efficient windows with automated Hunter Douglas blinds in the kitchen, living room and office skylight, along with updated ductwork throughout the house.  The double car garage extension provides Golf Cart parking w/extra storage. Relax and entertain while enjoying the unobstructed fairway and double fairway views with western mountain views as a backdrop. The tiled patio is fenced in providing privacy, features a built-in BBQ,  and was extended an additional 4 feet to the West. Because of this, the home is unique in its expansive panoramas of the pristine greens framed by the San Jacinto mountains. Community amenities include: fitness club, pools/spas, golf, tennis/pickleball, dining and a vibrant social calendar.

MLS# 219087060 | Listed at $799,000 | Details, photos, virtual & video tours & floor plan at: http://www.76222sweetpea.com

The Briggs Group | COMPASS || Laurie Briggs – DRE# 01896117 || Tim Briggs – DRE# 01898254 || Compass – DRE# 01991628