John White

Thinking of Buying a Home in Palm Springs? Here’s What You Need to Know Buying a home in Palm Springs can be a dream come true—but like any real estate market, it has its own quirks. Whether you're planning to relocate, invest, or find the perfect weekend escape, here are a few key tips to make your homebuying journey smoother: 1. Understand the Neighborhoods From the midcentury gems of Twin Palms to the scenic beauty of Indian Canyons and the historic charm of the Movie Colony, each Palm Springs neighborhood has its own unique feel. Spend some time exploring to discover which one best fits your lifestyle. 2. Know the Difference: Land Lease vs. Fee Simple Palm Springs has a mix of fee simple (you own the land) and leased land properties (you pay rent on the land). Leased land homes often come with a lower price tag, but you’ll want to carefully review the lease terms and long-term costs. 3. Timing Matters Winter is peak season, which means more buyers and stiffer competition. If you're open to braving the summer heat, you may find better deals and less buyer competition during the off-season. 4. Be Mindful of HOA Fees Many properties—especially condos and communities with amenities—come with HOA fees. Always ask what those fees cover and make sure they fit your budget. 5. Look Into Vacation Rental Restrictions Not all homes in Palm Springs can be used as vacation rentals. If rental income is part of your plan, make sure the property is in an area that allows short-term rentals and check the city's current permit rules. 6. Work With a Local Expert Having a Realtor who lives and works in Palm Springs can give you access to off-market properties, insider knowledge of neighborhoods, and guidance through the city's unique real estate landscape. If you’re ready to begin your Palm Springs home search or have questions about the market, I’d be happy to help. Let’s find the perfect desert home for you!

Top Advice for Selling Your Home in Palm Springs 1. Price It Right the First Time Palm Springs buyers are savvy, and the market is adjusting. Overpricing—even slightly—can cause your home to sit too long, triggering price drops and buyer skepticism. A well-priced home will generate interest faster and could attract multiple offers. 2. Highlight What’s Unique About Your Property Midcentury features, mountain views, resort-style pools, energy-efficient upgrades, and outdoor living spaces are highly desirable in this market. Make sure your listing photos and description showcase what makes your home stand out. 3. Stage to Impress Desert homes show best when they feel clean, fresh, and light. Declutter, depersonalize, and if possible, stage professionally—or at minimum, use fresh white linens, neutral tones, and accent with desert greenery like succulents or palms. 4. Know the Importance of Timing High season (October–April) brings the most buyers, especially second-home seekers and vacation rental investors. If you're not in a rush, listing in early fall can maximize exposure and price. 5. Understand the Buyer Pool Many buyers are from LA, San Diego, San Francisco, or out of state, and may be unfamiliar with Palm Springs’ unique considerations—like leased land vs. fee simple, vacation rental restrictions, or HOA rules. A knowledgeable agent can help educate and reassure them. 6. Invest in Great Marketing Professional photography, aerial drone shots, 3D tours, and strong social media promotion are essential—especially since many buyers are shopping from afar. Your home needs to shine online. 7. Work With a Local Expert Palm Springs is a nuanced market. A local Realtor who knows the neighborhood trends, pricing patterns, and city regulations can help you sell smarter—and often faster.

I've worked with first-time home buyers, relocation buyers, vacation rental investors, and home sellers of multi-million dollar properties. I am proud to work with all types of people!

I recently had the pleasure of representing a seller in the iconic Canyon View Estates neighborhood of Palm Springs—a midcentury community known for its clean lines, open spaces, and architectural pedigree. Through strategic marketing and careful positioning, the home caught the attention of Dwell Magazine, where it was proudly featured for its timeless design and thoughtful updates. This national exposure brought heightened interest and serious buyers to the table. The sellers were thrilled—not only with the final sale price, but with how their home was celebrated and appreciated by design lovers around the country. It was a true win for everyone involved.

John White is thriving in Palm Springs as a successful Realtor, proud father of three grown children, and husband to his partner Travis, an interior designer. After decades of running his family’s business, Insect Lore—the beloved company known for butterfly and insect kits—John realized it was time to make a major life change. Coming out later in life meant letting go of a long-held version of himself and stepping fully into authenticity. In doing so, he also stepped into a new career. With his natural warmth, people skills, and love of design, real estate felt like a perfect fit. He built his business from the ground up, and by 2020, he ranked among the top agents in the Coachella Valley. Clients describe him as patient, professional, and genuinely invested in helping people find their place in the desert. For John, becoming a Realtor wasn’t just a career shift—it was the start of living life fully, with purpose, connection, and joy.