Score
0Palm Springs, CA
438 E Racquet Club Rd
1.5M
4 beds
3 baths
1,533 sqft
4 bd • 3 ba • 1,533 sf
This analysis was generated on 2/18/2025. It is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as real estate or investment advice.
AI Property Analysis
0:000:00 / 0:00
List Price
$1,495,000
Price/Sq.Ft
$975
Year Built
1959
AI Property Analysis
A comprehensive evaluation of this property's features, market position, and investment potential.
The Good
• Architectural Significance: Designed by renowned architect William Krisel, this mid-century modern home is a significant piece of Palm Springs history. Its inclusion on the Palm Springs Modernism Week home tour in 2015 underscores its architectural value and appeal to design enthusiasts.
• Meticulous Restoration: The current owner, an award-winning industrial designer, has meticulously restored the property, ensuring that it honors Krisel's original design principles while incorporating modern comforts and efficiencies. The two-year transformation reflects a commitment to quality and attention to detail.
• Prime Location: Situated near downtown Palm Springs and minutes from the airport, this home offers both convenience and tranquility. Its proximity to amenities, dining, and entertainment options makes it an attractive location for both full-time residents and vacationers.
• Exceptional Outdoor Spaces: The fully reimagined outdoor areas are designed for both entertaining and relaxation. The landscaped front yard enhances curb appeal, while the private backyard sanctuary offers high perimeter walls for privacy and sound containment. Features such as the pool, spa, sunken fire pit, and outdoor showers create a resort-like atmosphere.
• Modern Upgrades: The property has been upgraded with state-of-the-art systems, including electrical, plumbing, gas, insulation, and drainage. These upgrades ensure modern efficiency and reduce the risk of costly repairs in the future.
The Bad
• High Price Per Square Foot: At $975.21 per square foot, this property is significantly more expensive than the Palm Springs average, which is around $600-$700 per square foot for similar properties. This premium reflects the architectural significance and high-end renovations, but it may limit the pool of potential buyers.
• Relatively Small Interior: At 1,533 square feet for a 4-bedroom home, the interior space is smaller than many comparable properties in the area. This could be a drawback for buyers seeking more spacious living areas.
• School Ratings: The middle school (Raymond Cree Middle School) has a rating of 4/10, and the high school (Palm Springs High School) has a rating of 6/10. These ratings are below the city average, which can impact property values for families with children.
The Ugly
• High Insurance Costs: The estimated insurance cost of $5,382 per year is significantly higher than the average for Palm Springs, primarily due to the "Major" fire risk (5/10). This ongoing expense should be carefully considered by potential buyers.
• Extreme Heat: The "Extreme" heat risk (9/10) and 98th percentile temperature of 112°F pose a significant challenge. Maintaining a comfortable indoor environment will require a high-capacity, energy-efficient air conditioning system, which can result in higher utility bills.
• Potential for High Utility Bills: While the home has been upgraded with modern systems, the combination of extreme heat and a pool/spa can lead to high utility bills, especially during the summer months. Potential buyers should budget accordingly.
Who is this property for?
These details are presented solely for entertainment purposes and are not meant to steer or limit any prospective buyer.
Best For
• Design Enthusiasts: This home's architectural pedigree and meticulous restoration make it ideal for those who appreciate mid-century modern design and are willing to invest in a piece of Palm Springs history.
• Entertainers: The outdoor spaces, including the pool, spa, sunken fire pit, and custom-built trellis with a bar and BBQ area, are perfect for hosting gatherings and events. The sound containment ensures privacy for residents and their guests.
• Short-Term Rental Investors: Located near downtown Palm Springs and the airport, this property is well-suited for short-term rentals, particularly during events like Modernism Week. The casita provides additional rental income potential.
• Buyers Seeking Low-Maintenance Landscaping: The desert landscaping, integrated irrigation system, and commercial-grade systems for landscape lighting and pool/spa controls offer a balance of aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance.
• Buyers Prioritizing Turnkey Properties: With state-of-the-art upgrades to electrical, plumbing, gas, insulation, and drainage, this home is ready for immediate occupancy without the need for extensive renovations.
Not For
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: The high price per square foot ($975.21) and estimated insurance costs may deter buyers seeking more affordable options in Palm Springs. While the property offers unique features and high-end finishes, it may not align with the financial priorities of those on a strict budget.
• Buyers Needing More Interior Space: At 1,533 square feet, this home may feel small for larger households or those accustomed to more spacious living areas. While the outdoor spaces are extensive, the interior square footage may not meet the needs of all buyers.
• Buyers Sensitive to Extreme Heat: Palm Springs experiences extreme heat, with an extreme heat risk score of 9/10 and an average of 7 hot days per year. Individuals who are particularly sensitive to high temperatures may find the climate challenging, despite the home's air conditioning system.
• Buyers Seeking Top-Rated Schools: While Vista Del Monte Elementary School has a rating of 6/10, the middle and high schools have lower ratings (4/10 and 6/10, respectively). Families with school-aged children who prioritize high-ranking schools may want to consider other neighborhoods with better options.
• Buyers Averse to Fire Risk: The property has a "Major" fire risk rating of 5/10, which contributes to higher insurance costs. Buyers who are particularly risk-averse may prefer properties in areas with lower fire risk scores.
Demographics
Area Median Income
$60,289
Property History
Price History
Ownership Timeline
$285,000Cash Purchase
Sep 20, 2012Parrish L Scarboro, Michael E HeathLev Chapelsky
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
$0Cash Purchase
Sep 18, 2012Parrish ScarboroParrish L Scarboro, Michael E Heath
Intrafamily Transfer
Non-Arm's Length Transactions
$0Cash Purchase
Feb 4, 2010Parrish Scarboro, Michael HeathParrish Scarboro
Intrafamily Transfer
Non-Arm's Length Transactions
$415,000Financed
Nov 3, 2004Dene L Sanders, Angela M McreynoldsParrish L Scarboro, Michael E Heath
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
$190,000Financed
Feb 8, 2001Arthur W Tufts, Karl S StoneRichard S Hamilton, Ernest Etheridge
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
$120,000Financed
Feb 4, 2000Usitalo Richard & LynneArthur W Tufts, Karl S Stone
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
$82,000Cash Purchase
Mar 30, 1994Gertrude Cronin Hiss Mayer, Gertrude Cronin HissRichard Usitalo, Lynne Usitalo
Grant Deed
Standard Sale (Purchase/Resales)
Property Taxes
$4,649
2024 Tax Assessment
1.8%from previous year
Assessed Value$360,286
Tax Rate1.29%
Sunlight Analysis
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Sunlight Analysis
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Schools
Nearby school quality by education level
Elementary
5.0/10
AverageMiddle
4.0/10
AverageHigh
5.0/10
AverageFinancials
Monthly Costs
Market Rent (4 bed)
Get a detailed estimate on Zillow$1,281
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Location & Comparables
Subject Property
Comparable Sales
Subject Property
Price
$1,495,000
Price/sqft
$975
Layout
4 bd•3 ba
Days on market
12 daysat time of analysis
Stats in the Area
Based on 6 comparable properties nearby
Average Price
$777,000
92.4%
Your price is 92.4% above average
Median Price
$969,000
54.3%
Based on 6 recent sales
Price per Sq.Ft
$519
87.9%
Your price is 87.9% above average $/sqft
Comparable Properties
| Address | Price | Sq.Ft | Beds | Baths | $/Sq.Ft | Sale Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2168 Jacques Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | $1,178,000 | 1,448 | 4 | 3 | $81416.6% | 11/12/2024 |
| 2260 N Indian Canyon Dr #C, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | $385,000 | 1,344 | 3 | 3 | $28670.6% | 9/21/2024 |
| 504 W Sunview Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | $385,000 | 1,620 | 3 | 2 | $23875.6% | 11/25/2024 |
| 970 E Racquet Club Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | $969,000 | 1,449 | 3 | 2 | $66931.4% | 11/22/2024 |
| 651 E Alexander Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | $680,000 | 1,425 | 3 | 2 | $47751.1% | 11/26/2024 |
| 1253 E Del Mar Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | $1,065,000 | 1,683 | 3 | 2 | $63335.1% | 12/5/2024 |
2168 Jacques Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Price: $1,178,000
Sq.Ft: 1,448
Beds/Baths: 4/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$81416.6%
Sale Date: 11/12/2024
2260 N Indian Canyon Dr #C, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Price: $385,000
Sq.Ft: 1,344
Beds/Baths: 3/3
$/Sq.Ft:
$28670.6%
Sale Date: 9/21/2024
504 W Sunview Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Price: $385,000
Sq.Ft: 1,620
Beds/Baths: 3/2
$/Sq.Ft:
$23875.6%
Sale Date: 11/25/2024
970 E Racquet Club Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Price: $969,000
Sq.Ft: 1,449
Beds/Baths: 3/2
$/Sq.Ft:
$66931.4%
Sale Date: 11/22/2024
651 E Alexander Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Price: $680,000
Sq.Ft: 1,425
Beds/Baths: 3/2
$/Sq.Ft:
$47751.1%
Sale Date: 11/26/2024
1253 E Del Mar Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Price: $1,065,000
Sq.Ft: 1,683
Beds/Baths: 3/2
$/Sq.Ft:
$63335.1%
Sale Date: 12/5/2024
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