Market Time! Who doesn't love the holiday market time? Discover unique handmade treasures from talented artisans - perfect for everyone on your list! Great gift ideas for family, friends, and clients, or treat yourself to something special. Here is a list of just some of the amazing markets in the area! I have enjoyed and tried to hit many of these over the past few seasons. I also added a few new ones I would like to try!

Let’s Take a Break from this snow and Talk about …. South of the Border Vacation Homes and Investment Property Purchases (Featuring, The Sunny Palm Springs, Ca Area

    Well, it’s April and snowing here once again in Calgary, so today I decided to share with you some warm south of the border Real Estate Info! If your looking for property south of the border for either investment purposes or a second vacation home, I’m your connection! I have established a fantastic network with trusted realtors in some pretty amazing warm destinations. Buying south of the border tends to be daunting for most Canadians. There are many issues to take into account when looking at property south of the border including, taxes, the ability to rent your property when your not using it, financing, and most important having someone on the other end that is familiar with Canadian clients that is both experienced and trustworthy. I have aligned myself with colleagues that will treat my clients like family, with honesty and yet have the experience to give them the best investment advice for their across the border property purchase.

   Our winter this year has been long, and cold season. For spring break this year I decided to take a little trip out to the Palm Springs, California area with my family and friends to soak up some sun, relax and get an updated first hand look at the real estate market in the area. A direct flight to the Palm Springs Airport means you are 3 hours away from escaping snow drifts and dipping your toes in a fantastic pool!  I personally lived in the area as a travel nurse for a period of time and honestly feel it’s like my second home. We as a family, try to get back to the area a few times a year to escape the cold in Alberta and take in the relaxed and calming atmosphere the area has to offer. The Coachella Valley cities include Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage,Palm Desert, Indio, and La Quinta. The cluster of small cozy cities run along the San Jacinto mountain base and the weather tends to be warm all year long, with the average temperature being around 24. Literally you are able to drive along the mountain base travelling through each little dessert city, and yes, this should be done with your car top down! Being a Calgarian, we have the beautiful mountain views, and I think in a sense this is what makes the area feels so familiar, minus our Alberta snow. If you are interested in a vacation property or an investment property that is warm, sunny, yet calm and inviting these little cities in the valley are fantastic option.

   There are a multitude of reasons to choose this area, but the one that stands out to me everytime I visit the area  is how relaxing, calm and familiar it feels. This particular area tends to attract many other Canadians that are looking to take a break from cold weather and enjoy time with their family. Property ownership in the area by Canadians is very common, I was surprised to learn that my realtor colleague was actually showing two other Canadian families homes for vacation purchases later in the week. The area encompasses the outdoor active lifestyle that Canadians like to embrace. When attending the local weekly street festival I ran into many fellow Calgarians, but also couldn't help but notice all the Canadian license plates driving around from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and B.C. This attests to how much Canadians from all over our country love the area. Travel within the valley cities is easy, and effortless. The area is full of fantastic quaint restaurants and shops. Pools Pools and Pools, need I say more. Golf options are endless and amazing. Hiking adventures, biking and even having a day trip out at the well known Santa Monica and Venice beaches are all just part of the lifestyle the area has to offer.

   Obtaining property for a reasonable price in this area is also something that is realistic for most Canadians. There is a vast array of property price points in the Valley. In general you are able to obtain beautiful single family home ownership with your own pool at the mid to high 300K price point. Something that is not attainable here in Calgary or in other parts of California. I took the time to view some of these properties that hit this price point in particular, but the options really are endless. Condo options are also pretty amazing and include security and fantastic amenities all with very reasonable condo fees. When looking at property in this area, you honestly will be very surprised what you can get for your Canadian dollar.  If your looking for a wonderful new adventure in home ownership south of the boarder feel free to give me a call, I’m happy to answer your questions about this incredible area or any other area south of the border. If you're looking for a reliable experienced realtor south of the border I would be happy to connect you to one of my colleagues. Brandy

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