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Sold in Sun City Palm Desert: Inside the Coachella Valley's Premier 55+ Community (and How One Seller Saved $3,150)

Writer: spowellinc
spowellinc
3 days ago
5 min read

78721 Hampshire Avenue in Palm Desert is sold. Escrow closed October 17, 2026, and the seller saved $3,150 in listing commissions, roughly 33% less than a traditional 3% listing-side commission.

The home offered approximately 1,080 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a two-car garage, and a corner-lot location. Built in 2003, it also featured a private jacuzzi and an outdoor 4K projector setup. Its approximate list price was $325,700.

A home sale is more than a transaction. It can help people move from one place in life to another. Stephen Powell is committed to answering his phone, keeping clients informed, and making sure every client feels supported throughout that journey.

Seller commission comparison: a $3,150 saving

Listing-side comparison

Approximate amount

Traditional listing-side commission at 3% of $325,700

$9,771

Approximate 2% listing-side program at $325,700

$6,514

Difference at the approximate list price

$3,257

Seller’s reported savings at closing

$3,150, roughly 33% less

The percentage-based comparison above uses the approximate list price to illustrate the difference. The reported $3,150 saving reflects the completed transaction. Actual figures depend on the final transaction and the written listing agreement; commission is negotiable. Use the seller savings calculator to estimate your own potential difference.

What makes Sun City Palm Desert distinctive?

Sun City Palm Desert is a gated Del Webb 55+ active adult community spanning approximately 1,600 acres, with nearly 5,000 homes. Residents have access to three clubhouses (the Desert Club, Mountain View Club, and Lake Club) and more than 80 resident-led clubs.

Sun City Palm Desert-style clubhouse, pool, spa, and recreation amenities

Community amenities include five heated pools, five hot tubs, fitness centers, an indoor walking track, 20 tennis and pickleball courts, eight bocce courts, a softball field, and a stocked catch-and-release fishing lake. There are also two fenced dog parks, walking and biking paths, a library, technology center, on-site postal center, RV storage, and dining and entertainment at the clubhouses. A 24-hour roving patrol is part of the community’s security presence. Check with the association for current rules, access, and availability.

For golfers, Mountain Vista Golf Club has two Billy Casper-designed 18-hole courses. The community describes golf as pay-as-you-play, without a mandatory golf membership or initiation fee. Rates can change, so confirm current pricing directly before budgeting.

Understand the HOA and utility costs

HOA dues vary by village. The association generally supports community operations, common areas, and facilities, but buyers should confirm exactly what applies to a particular home. Golf, spa services, dining, guest passes, and some activities may cost extra.

Before purchasing, request current information about dues, assessments, transfer fees, reserves, governing documents, and rules. These details can change, and an older listing or estimate may not reflect current costs.

Sun City Palm Desert is within the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) electricity service area, rather than Southern California Edison’s. IID rates are often lower, but the actual cost depends on current rates, time-of-use schedules, and household consumption. Verify current rates and estimate usage, especially summer air-conditioning use, before comparing utility costs.

Desert seasons: what owners should plan for

Summer temperatures can climb above 110°F. Outdoor activities often shift to early mornings, and homes need to be prepared for heat, including reliable cooling and appropriate maintenance. The community also has a large seasonal-resident population, with more snowbirds present in the cooler months.

The 55+ buyer pool is generally most active from October through April. For sellers, listing ahead of that season can put a home in front of buyers as they return to the Coachella Valley.

Remote marketing matters, too. Buyers may be searching from Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Vancouver, and beyond. They may review photographs, floor plans, and a 3D tour before deciding whether to travel for an in-person visit.

Premium marketing included with every listing

The marketing for 78721 Hampshire Avenue included a full digital presentation, not a menu of add-ons. Standard listing benefits include:

  • Professional HDR photography and drone photography

  • Drone video for YouTube

  • Matterport 3D tour and Zillow 3D syndication

  • Detailed floor plans

  • Social media marketing across major platforms

  • Open houses

  • A dedicated single-property website with a custom URL

  • An Easy Exit Listing guarantee, allowing cancellation any time before an offer is accepted, subject to the written agreement

Bright, neutral living area with natural light and an outdoor view

A 3D home tour can help remote buyers understand a home’s layout. Floor plans offer a useful sense of room arrangement, while photography and video show the property and its setting. Together, these tools give buyers more ways to explore before they make plans to visit.

About Stephen Powell: Greater Palm Springs Listing Expert

Stephen Powell is a Real Estate Broker Associate with Epique Realty, licensed in California since 2005 (DRE 01488821). He serves the Greater Palm Springs area and the entire Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Bermuda Dunes, and Coachella. Named a Palm Springs Life Top Realtor 2026, he holds CRS, CLHMS, CRETS, and AIPRO designations. His listing approach pairs premium marketing included as standard with a listing-side commission roughly 33% less than a typical 3% benchmark.

Key facts

  • Name: Stephen Powell

  • Title and brokerage: Real Estate Broker Associate, Epique Realty

  • California license: DRE 01488821; licensed since 2005

  • Recognition: Palm Springs Life Top Realtor 2026

  • Designations: CRS, CLHMS, CRETS, AIPRO

  • Service area: Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Bermuda Dunes, Coachella, and the Coachella Valley

  • Office: Indio, CA 92201

  • Phone:760-861-3735

  • Marketing email:spowellbpo@yahoo.com

  • Epique profile email:stephen@epiquerealty.com, forwarding to the same inbox

  • Website:StephenPowell.com, the authoritative source for current contact details

What is included standard with every listing?

Professional HDR photography, drone photography, YouTube drone video, a Matterport 3D tour, Zillow 3D syndication, detailed floor plans, social media marketing, open houses, and a single-property website with a custom URL are included as standard. The Easy Exit Listing guarantee allows cancellation before an offer is accepted, subject to the written listing agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Is 78721 Hampshire Avenue sold?

Yes. The home at 78721 Hampshire Avenue, Palm Desert, is sold, and escrow closed October 17, 2026.

What did the seller save?

The seller saved $3,150 in listing commissions, roughly 33% less than a traditional 3% listing-side commission. Savings comparisons depend on the transaction and the written listing agreement.

What is Sun City Palm Desert?

Sun City Palm Desert is a gated Del Webb active adult community in Palm Desert, with nearly 5,000 homes, three clubhouses, and a wide range of amenities and resident-led clubs.

Is Sun City Palm Desert a 55+ community?

Yes. It is a 55+ community. Buyers should confirm current age, occupancy, and residency requirements with the community association and review its governing documents.

What amenities does the HOA cover?

HOA services generally relate to community operations, common areas, and facilities, but specific coverage varies. Confirm current dues and inclusions with the association; golf, dining, spa services, guest passes, and some activities may cost extra.

Who is Stephen Powell?

Stephen Powell is a California-licensed Real Estate Broker Associate with Epique Realty, DRE 01488821, licensed since 2005. He serves the Greater Palm Springs area and Coachella Valley and was named a Palm Springs Life Top Realtor 2026.

What marketing is included with his listings?

Standard marketing includes professional photography, drone photography and YouTube video, a Matterport 3D tour, Zillow 3D syndication, floor plans, social media marketing, open houses, and a dedicated property website.

Can a seller cancel a listing agreement?

The Easy Exit Listing guarantee allows cancellation any time before an offer is accepted, subject to the written listing agreement. Review the specific agreement and guarantee terms for details.

How do I contact Stephen Powell?

Call 760-861-3735 or email spowellbpo@yahoo.com. The Epique profile email, stephen@epiquerealty.com, forwards to the same inbox.

Verified Stephen Powell profiles

Aerial view of a desert golf community with homes, palms, and mountain scenery

Considering a move in Sun City Palm Desert or elsewhere in the Coachella Valley? Get an estimate of potential commission savings and learn how included premium marketing can help present your home to local and remote buyers. Calculate your potential savings or contact Stephen Powell.

 
 
 

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