Spring is here! And with it an all too familiar longing to explore and find something new to lift your spirit and feed your soul.

For many of us, our search will end with a retirement or vacation home.  Whether single, coupled or a family, a new home is a place to re-awaken life’s passions and create new memories.

But finding the perfect California desert home and lifestyle can be daunting. I know. an professional in retirement and vacation home moves, you would think it easy for me to find the perfect place.  It wasn’t.  And for good reason. As I come to learn, my husband and I had two very different ideas about what the perfect retirement lifestyle and home looks like.

Take it from me, if partnered your search begins with knowing what you and your other half consider most important in a new desert home and lifestyle.

For most people, the three conditions below are the hardest to get past, so they should form the foundation of your initial search.  Resolving these questions upfront will save you money, time and quite possibly, your relationship.

• You Want to Live in What? Where? If coupled, make sure you both share the same idea of the perfect retirement or vacation lifestyle. For example, if one enjoys a gated desert golf resort, and the other a home on a mountain and private infinity pool. You’ve got some tough choices to work out. Or, you want a new contemporary-style home with room for visitors, while the other wants an older Traditional Spanish fixer on acreage, then negotiation and compromise will be key to a successful purchase and  peaceful life.

• Distance from family and friends, how far by car? by plane? If keeping close ties to family and friends is important to you, consider whether travel cost and time to your new home is prohibitive for you and, them.

• Lifestyle versus Expenses. While cost of living expenses, especially in retirement are very important, here is a tip learned from the many people I’ve worked helped find homes. For most, our happiness is derived from living the lifestyle we love and feel most comfortable, even if it means downsizing to a smaller home. If you use cost of living as the number 1 criteria for choosing a new home, you may be in for a second more costly move down the road.

Whether you know the area or are just starting your search for a home in Greater Palm Springs, give me a shout. There is a perfect home and lifestyle waiting for you. I will help you find it!

Call me at (206) 755-9823; or email donna.ambrose@kw.com, or visit my website www.PalmSpringsDreaming.com to learn about and search for your home in the California sun.

Donna Ambrose, REALTOR® CalBre#02038351