Homes sales in the area of Palm Desert jumped nearly 17% in August compared to the same month last year, and the median price rose 6.3% to $270,000, San Diego based Data Quick Information Systems reported. Prices in Palm Desert have proven to be especially resilient in 2011 even as its neighbors have struggled.  Supply is so far down in Palm Desert, we are seeing the price hold more stable.

Snowbirds and vacation home buyers who can pay cash or who can easily qualify for financing are drawn to homes along golf courses and in gated communities, a staple in Palm Desert.

In contrast are Indio and La Quints with large numbers of foreclosures and short sales.  They saw an incase in sales by 30% over last August but prices are down by double digits.

In comparison buyers from Vancouver recently paid about $500,000 for a mid-century modern home in Palm Springs.  They were willing to pay a little more for a Jack Meiselman designed home which featured views of the San Jacinto Mountains. 

While the quest to find lower priced foreclosed homes and short sales was 54% of sales sold in the valley during August, in some cities, the median price has held steady or has remained considerably higher than the overall valley figure.

The median price in Palm Springs was $349,000, $465,000 in Rancho Mirage and $510,000 in Indian Wells.  The median price in Cathedral City of $149,251 and $165,500 in Indio in August.