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avid Barenholtz, 63, and Jeff Allyn, 52, both self‑employed consultants, had lived in Austin for eight years after moving from Los Angeles. When their four‑bedroom Barton Hills house was sold almost immediately, they found themselves without a place to go. “We sold so fast we were stunned,” Barenholtz said. They had been considering Tucson, Arizona, or a return to California, but the political climate and weather in Texas, plus a $2,000 monthly summer electric bill even when they were away, pushed them elsewhere. Their frequent stays at a lake house in Northern Michigan made that season a natural anchor.
A trip to Palm Springs, California, changed the plan. Allyn said, “We spent a week in Palm Desert and realized it could be our winter home.” They wanted a self‑contained, low‑maintenance property that could be locked up for the months they spent in Michigan. With a budget of $1.2‑$1.6 million, they hired John Nelson of Compass in Palm Desert. Nelson pointed them to Rancho Mirage, noting that while Palm Springs offers architecturally unique homes and walkability, Rancho Mirage is newer, has underground utilities, and bans fast‑food restaurants. He also highlighted that the town’s homes are about 15 minutes away and generally less expensive.
Scanning the market, the couple found 34 listings in their range, but only seven were non‑HOA. They were not interested in gated communities with golf courses or in paying HOA fees and renovation costs. Barenholtz, who has flipped 22 houses, said, “I’m tired of constant renovation; I just want a move‑in ready place.” Allyn, a car enthusiast, wanted a spacious garage; Barenholtz desired garden space. Both sought a pool, quiet surroundings, and privacy.
Their shortlist included:
1. Bennion Deville Homes – a 3,155‑sq‑ft 1996 build at the end of a cul‑de‑sac. Four carpeted bedrooms, all en‑suite, 4.5 baths, and a casita attached to the garage. Features: three‑car garage, saltwater pool, firepit, fruit trees, high ceilings, tiled floors, open kitchen with island (needs updating). Asking $1.525 M; annual taxes $10,200.
2. Cool Digs – a 2,800‑sq‑ft 1987 home, also cul‑de‑sac. Two bedrooms, two baths, plus a casita with a third bedroom and bath. Backed by a hill of palm trees for privacy. Includes pool, patio, two‑car garage, artificial lawn, octagonal kitchen, family room with fireplace and wet bar, vaulted wood‑beamed ceilings, glass wall to yard, wood floors, solar panels. Needs renovation. Price $1.395 M; taxes $18,200.
3. Desert Sands Realty – a 2,200‑sq‑ft 1973 house hidden behind hedges. Three bedrooms, two baths, concrete tile floors, remodeled bathrooms, open floor plan with floor‑to‑ceiling windows overlooking mountains. Rustic living room with vaulted beams, small open kitchen with breakfast bar, primary bedroom small. Bedrooms open to pool deck with tall Ficus hedge, covered and open entertaining areas. Price $1.499 M; taxes $10,200.
Which would you pick? Which did they ultimately buy?
