Desert Hot Springs Real Estate & Homes for Sale

Hot mineral water under the ground, strong wind off the San Gorgonio Pass and wide views back across the valley to Mount San Jacinto: those three things define Desert Hot Springs real estate more than any floor plan does. This guide covers what buyers and sellers should check. Questions are welcome at (951) 331-8453, the direct line for Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties.

Where the City Sits

Desert Hot Springs is an incorporated city on the north side of the Coachella Valley, across Interstate 10 from Palm Springs. It climbs a gentle slope toward the Little San Bernardino Mountains, so much of the city looks down on the valley floor. Palm Drive is the main north-south street and Pierson Boulevard the main east-west one. Highway 62 passes the west side on its way up to the Morongo Basin and Joshua Tree National Park. Unincorporated Sky Valley lies to the east along Dillon Road.

The Mineral Water Under the City

The city is known for naturally hot mineral water drawn from an aquifer along the Mission Creek fault, and for the spa hotels built around it. For property buyers this matters in a few practical ways:

• Some parcels, mostly spa and lodging properties and a limited number of homes, have their own hot water wells. A well should be inspected, and its permits and any reporting duties confirmed with the water district and the county.
• Several manufactured home and RV communities, including parks in neighboring Sky Valley, have shared mineral pools. Many of these are land-lease parks, and some are 55+ communities.
• Drinking water for most homes comes from the Mission Springs Water District, which is separate from the hot water wells.

Desert Hot Springs Homes for Sale by Type

Older desert houses

The central streets have small single-story houses from the mid twentieth century, some restored in a mid-century style and some needing full renovation.

Newer tracts

Subdivisions built from the early 2000s onward account for many of the houses for sale in Desert Hot Springs. Check for community facilities district assessments and any HOA.

Golf and country club property

Mission Lakes Country Club, on the northwest side, has houses and condominiums around a golf course with its own association and fees.

Vacant lots and small hotels

Infill lots are common, and small spa motels come up for sale as commercial property with zoning and licensing questions of their own.

Wind, Faults and Other Site Conditions

• Wind. The western part of the valley is one of the windiest places in Southern California, which is why wind turbines line the pass. Look at roof condition, fencing, blown sand and how outdoor areas are sheltered.
• Earthquake fault zones. Strands of the San Andreas fault system cross the city. A natural hazard disclosure will state whether a parcel is in a mapped fault zone, which can affect building and additions. Ask an insurer about earthquake coverage.
• Flood channels. Desert washes run through town. Check flood zone status.
• Sewer or septic. Parts of the city are on sewer and others still use septic systems. Confirm with the water district, and ask about any sewer assessment.
• Heat. Cooling systems, insulation and solar contracts all deserve a careful look.

Vacation Rentals and Investment Property

Investors look at Desert Hot Springs for short-term rentals near the spas and the national park, and for long-term rentals. The city regulates vacation rentals through its own permit rules, and those rules can change, as can HOA restrictions. Confirm the current requirements with the city before relying on rental income, and speak with a tax professional about lodging taxes. Aimee works with investors as well as owner-occupants and can help you gather the documents needed to evaluate a property.

Selling a Home in Desert Hot Springs

Buyers here compare the city directly with Palm Springs and Cathedral City, so presentation matters. Selling a home in Desert Hot Springs is easier when the listing documents the things buyers worry about: the age of the roof and air conditioning, whether solar is owned or leased, sewer or septic status, and any mineral water well. Views should be photographed properly, since the outlook over the valley is a real feature of many lots. Pricing is set from recent comparable sales in the same part of the city, because the older core, the newer tracts and the golf community behave differently.

A Desert Hot Springs Real Estate Agent Who Is Straight With You

Aimee Ghafouri is based in Temecula and holds a California license that lets her represent clients anywhere in the state. She is a Southern California native who grew up in Murrieta, with a bachelor’s degree in business and over 15 years in sales and marketing. Her approach is built on communication, dedication and serving others. Reach her at (951) 331-8453 or through the contact page.

Nearby Areas

• Palm Springs, directly south across I-10.
• Cathedral City, to the southeast.
• Thousand Palms, an unincorporated community along I-10.
• Morongo Valley and Yucca Valley, up Highway 62 in the high desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do houses in Desert Hot Springs have hot mineral water?

Most do not. Household water generally comes from the Mission Springs Water District, while hot mineral wells are found mainly at spa properties, some parks and a limited number of private parcels. If a listing advertises a mineral well, have it inspected and confirm its permits.

Is Desert Hot Springs windy?

Yes, particularly on the west side nearer the San Gorgonio Pass. Wind affects roofs, fences, landscaping and how much use you get from outdoor space, so visit a property on a windy day if you can.

Are there earthquake fault zones in Desert Hot Springs?

Strands of the San Andreas fault system run through the city, and some parcels are inside state-mapped fault zones. The natural hazard disclosure in escrow will say whether a property is affected, and the city can explain what that means for building.

Can I run a vacation rental in Desert Hot Springs?

The city has a permit system for vacation rentals, and HOAs may add their own limits. Rules change, so confirm the current ordinance with the city before you buy with rental income in mind.

How do I begin a home search in Desert Hot Springs?

Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453. Tell her whether you want an older house, a newer tract home, a golf property or land, and she will set up a search and schedule showings.

Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.