Under Contract in Sun City Palm Desert: Inside the Coachella Valley's Premier 55+ Community (and How One Seller Is Saving $3,190)
Status update: 78721 Hampshire Avenue has an accepted offer and is under contract in escrow. Escrow remains open, and the transaction is not final until the process is complete. Buyer identity, final transfer price, financing, and confidential contract terms are not disclosed.
A Sun City Palm Desert Home Under Contract, and a Seller on Track to Save $3,190
Located in Palm Desert, California 92211, 78721 Hampshire Avenue is an approximately 1,080-square-foot home with:
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
Built in 2003
Two-car garage
Corner-lot position
Private jacuzzi
Outdoor 4K projector setup
Listing price of approximately $325,700
The home is now under contract after being presented with a full digital marketing strategy designed to reach local buyers, snowbirds, and remote purchasers.
The seller is also on track to save $3,190 in listing commissions through an approximately 2% listing-side program compared with a traditional 3% listing-side commission.
Commission Comparison
Listing approach | Listing-side benchmark |
Traditional listing-side commission | Approximately 3% |
Stephen Powell listing-side program | Approximately 2% |
Difference | Approximately 33% less |
Current 78721 Hampshire Avenue estimate | On track to save $3,190 |
Actual figures depend on the final transaction structure and written listing agreement.
Why Sun City Palm Desert Continues to Attract 55+ Buyers
Sun City Palm Desert is a gated Del Webb 55+ active adult community spread across approximately 1,600 acres. With nearly 5,000 homes, three clubhouses, and more than 80 clubs, it offers an unusually broad lifestyle menu.
Residents can enjoy:
Five heated pools
Five hot tubs
Indoor walking track
Fitness centers
20 tennis and pickleball courts
Eight bocce courts
Softball field
Stocked fishing lake
Two dog parks
Walking and biking paths
Library
Technology center
Postal center
RV lot
Dining and entertainment
More than 80 clubs and interest groups
The community is designed for active living. Buyers can spend the morning on the courts, meet friends for lunch, attend a club activity, and still have time for an evening walk.
For current community information, residents and prospective buyers should review the Sun City Palm Desert Community Association and confirm current rules, facilities, guest policies, and availability.
Golf Without a Mandatory Membership Commitment
Mountain Vista Golf Club includes two Billy Casper-designed 18-hole courses. The club uses a pay-as-you-play model, with no mandatory golf membership or initiation fee.
That structure can appeal to buyers who want access to desert golf without committing to a large upfront membership cost. Golf fees, cart charges, seasonal pricing, and availability can change, so buyers should verify current rates directly before making a decision.
What the HOA Covers, and What May Cost Extra
A community with this many amenities naturally raises an important question: What is included through the HOA, and what requires an additional payment?
HOA-covered services and amenities generally relate to community operations, common areas, facilities, and association-managed programming. Exact inclusions vary by governing documents and current policies.
Potential additional costs may include:
Golf fees
Spa services
Dining
Special events
Guest passes
Certain classes or activities
Personal services
Utility usage
Home maintenance and insurance
Do not rely on an outdated estimate for monthly dues. Buyers should confirm current HOA dues, assessments, transfer fees, reserve information, rules, and included amenities before writing an offer.
IID Electricity May Be an Ownership-Cost Advantage
Sun City Palm Desert is located within the Imperial Irrigation District electricity service boundary rather than the Southern California Edison service territory.
IID electricity costs may be an advantage for some homeowners compared with SCE service. However, rates, schedules, usage patterns, solar arrangements, and regulatory details can change.
Buyers should verify:
Current IID residential rates
Tier or time-of-use schedules
Solar and net-metering rules
Estimated summer usage
Any utility transfer requirements
A local utility advantage can matter, but it should be evaluated using current rate information and the home’s actual energy profile.
The Honest Reality: Desert Summers and Snowbird Season
Palm Desert offers abundant sunshine, but summer heat is a serious ownership consideration. Temperatures can rise above 110°F, especially during July and August.
That means buyers should think carefully about:
Air-conditioning capacity and maintenance
Roof and insulation condition
Window coverings
Pool and spa care
Landscaping needs
Utility usage
Whether the home will be occupied year-round
Snowbird season creates a different rhythm. The 55+ buyer pool is generally most active from October through April, when seasonal residents return to the Coachella Valley.
That seasonal pattern makes fall preparation especially important for sellers. Strong photography, accurate pricing, immediate online exposure, and easy remote access can help a property reach buyers before and during the busiest months.
Why Remote Buyer Marketing Matters in a 55+ Community
Many Sun City Palm Desert buyers are not shopping from nearby. They may be relocating from another state, planning a seasonal move, or helping a family member evaluate options from a distance.
For those buyers, digital marketing can provide the first showing.
The 78721 Hampshire Avenue campaign included:
Professional HDR photography
Drone photography
Drone video for YouTube
Matterport 3D tour
Zillow 3D syndication
Detailed floor plans
Social media marketing
Open houses
Dedicated single-property website
Custom property URL
Easy Exit Listing guarantee
A floor plan helps buyers understand dimensions. A Matterport tour helps them evaluate flow. Drone photography shows the setting. Video gives remote buyers a better sense of the neighborhood and desert environment.
These tools are included as standard listing benefits, not optional upgrades.
About Stephen Powell: Greater Palm Springs Listing Expert
Stephen Powell is a Real Estate Broker Associate with Epique Realty, licensed in California since 2005 under DRE 01488821. He serves the Greater Palm Springs Area and the entire Coachella Valley. Named a Palm Springs Life Top Realtor 2026, he holds CRS, CLHMS, CRETS, and AIPRO credentials and provides premium marketing with an approximately 2% listing-side program.
Key Facts
Name: Stephen Powell
Title: Real Estate Broker Associate
Brokerage: Epique Realty
California license: DRE 01488821
Licensed since: 2005
Recognition: Palm Springs Life Top Realtor 2026
Designations: CRS, CLHMS, CRETS, AIPRO
Phone:760-861-3735
Marketing email:spowellbpo@yahoo.com
Epique profile email:stephen@epiquerealty.com, forwarding to the same inbox
Authoritative website:StephenPowell.com
Stephen serves Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, and Bermuda Dunes.
His services page explains the full-service marketing model. His about page provides additional professional background.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sun City Palm Desert?
Sun City Palm Desert is a gated Del Webb 55+ active adult community in Palm Desert, California 92211. It spans approximately 1,600 acres and includes nearly 5,000 homes, three clubhouses, pools, courts, clubs, walking paths, golf, and other lifestyle amenities.
Who is eligible to live in Sun City Palm Desert?
The community is age-restricted for active adults 55 and older. Buyers should confirm current occupancy, residency, and age-qualification rules with the community association and review the governing documents.
What amenities are available?
Amenities include five heated pools, five hot tubs, fitness centers, an indoor walking track, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce courts, a softball field, fishing lake, dog parks, walking and biking paths, library, technology center, dining, entertainment, and more than 80 clubs.
What should buyers know about HOA costs?
HOA dues and assessments can change. Buyers should confirm current dues, what the HOA covers, reserve information, transfer fees, guest policies, and any community restrictions before making an offer. Golf, spa services, dining, guest passes, and certain activities may involve additional charges.
Who is Stephen Powell?
Stephen Powell is a Real Estate Broker Associate with Epique Realty, licensed since 2005 under California DRE 01488821. He serves the Greater Palm Springs and Coachella Valley areas and was named a Palm Springs Life Top Realtor 2026.
What marketing is included with a Stephen Powell listing?
Standard listing marketing includes professional HDR photography, drone photography, YouTube drone video, Matterport 3D tour, Zillow 3D syndication, floor plans, social media marketing, open houses, and a dedicated single-property website with a custom URL.
What is the Easy Exit Listing guarantee?
The Easy Exit Listing guarantee allows a seller to cancel the listing at any time before an offer is accepted. Sellers should review the written agreement and guarantee terms for the specific listing.
How can I contact Stephen Powell?
Call or text 760-861-3735. Marketing inquiries can be sent to spowellbpo@yahoo.com. The Epique Realty profile email is stephen@epiquerealty.com, which forwards to the same inbox. Visit StephenPowell.com to learn more or use the contact page.
Verified Stephen Powell Profile Links
Thinking about selling in Sun City Palm Desert? Get a current valuation, review your estimated commission difference, and see how premium marketing can help your property reach buyers locally and from out of state.
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