All Forum Posts by: Darlene Harwick

Starlight Dunes is a community of 149 homes located in La Quinta, near Fred Waring Dr and Adams St. Homes were built in 1990 to 2002, range 2000 to 3600 square feet, 3-5 bedrooms. The community is within the Imperial Irrigation District. Since Janaury 2015, 15 homes have sold in Starlight Dunes, two were short sales. Sales ranged from $300,000 - $539,000, averaging $157/square foot and 125 days on market. The community monthly HOA due is $100. The community is managed Associa Desert Management, a nationwide property management firm. It is wise to contact Associa for guidance of community Bylaws, and visit the community and surrounding communities for comparison.

Buying a manufactured/mobilehome in Palm Desert, CA is a little different than a typical real estate purchase. It is important to determine if the home you are considering includes the land with the purchase, or, will you be renting the land from the owner of the development and paying a monthly space rent. Homes where you don't own the land are typically cash transactions. Financing for manufactured homes with land purchase is available from select sources, and financing is available with as little as 3% down. Typically homes older than 1976 must have a "Recorded 433A retro-fit foundation." If the home does not have the foundation, one can be installed during the escrow process, costing approximately $3200-$3500 for installation and permits.

Two popular, active 55+ Palm Desert manufactured/mobilehome communities include Portolo Country Club and Palm Desert Greens Country Club. Both communities offer homes with land purchase.

Portolo Country Club, located in the heart of Palm Desert, is a private, gated community for active adults. The 500 manufactured homes surround a popular, well-equipped clubhouse, a 3-par golf course, three pools, each with a jacuzzi, bocce ball, tennis and pickle ball courts, dog park, greenbelts, three social clubs, and a secured RV parking area. House sizes range from 1450 to 2450. The low monthly HOA dues include resident unlimited free golf, cable, trash pick-up, and all other community amenities.

Palm Desert Greens Country Club, also located in the heart of Palm Desert, is a private, gated community for active adults. The 1922 homes surround an 18-hole executive golf course, complete with a fully stocked golf shop and a PGA golf professional on staff. The clubhouse features a full restaurant and lounge, a fully equipped fitness center, and three pools and spas. Other activities include indoor shuffleboard courts, tennis, pickleball, bocci ball, and numerous social clubs. The monthly HOA dues are low and there is no golf initiation fees.

Both communities are close to theaters, restaurants, shopping, medical centers and hospitals. The locations, low HOA dues, and activities are attractive to snowbirds and annual residents. These homes are in demand and are easily rented.

Since I'm an active realtor here in Palm Desert area, I'm very familiar with condo communities and prices near El Paseo. I believe the projected rental rates you've been given is high, especially in light that it is an older unit. The HOA is high and most times boards and property management companies do not reduce it. I'm available if you care to further discuss.

Thank you John for your input. I am in agreement with your knowledge and observations. The desert have many mobilehome communities, however, there are a few that are managed well by their HOA and are popular with seasonal and annual residents.

As a Realtor here in our local desert region, I have seen interest rise in mobilehome investments.  I'm interested in hearing from investors who have purchased mobilehomes in my area and their decision process in the selection of the communities of those mobilehomes.

Palm Springs valley is a very different market.  My area is a destination resort market.  Properties and property values is  not relational to LA, OC and SD.  A great majority of homeowners in the valley own second, third, and more homes.  Palm Springs valley is not their primary residence.  That being said, the wants and needs of our demographics should not to compared to other regions.

I would like to know what industries will lure the young professionals to the valley.  The new construction is in areas that get a lot of wind, so buyers beware.

There are many areas in the Coachella Valley that offer great investment properties. Selecting the cities, areas in the cities, and the streets in those areas is the key. Many of our communities are gated and have numerous amenities, but also have high monthly HOA fees, which will affect not only your property appreciation, but also monthly cash flow. I specialize in our valley. Feel free to message me.

I live and work in the Palm Springs Valley.  If you are familiar with my area, then you know properties range from $250,000 - over $25 million. Coachella has had a great impact in the area. So have Canadians,  who have sold their properties in the past couple of years.  Sales here are very different from other premier SoCal communities. We are a resort destination.  Comps here do not relate to other areas.  Yes, great investment properties are here.  The key is knowing the cities, the communities, the streets.  Contact me if you want more info.

Hi Phil,

I focus in the Palm Springs Valley (Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Indio).  Just ask if you have questions.