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Refuge Neighborhood Market Intelligence
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Welcome to The Refuge: Your Desert Oasis
Nestled in the heart of Palm Desert, The Refuge offers an unparalleled lifestyle of luxury and tranquility. This prestigious gated community boasts stunning homes, meticulously landscaped grounds, and a sense of privacy that is truly exceptional. If you're seeking an exclusive desert retreat, The Refuge may be the perfect place to call home.
The Lifestyle You Deserve
Life in The Refuge revolves around enjoying the best that Palm Desert has to offer. Imagine waking up to breathtaking mountain views, spending your days on the renowned Gary Player Signature golf course, and relaxing by your private pool in the evenings. The Refuge is more than just a neighborhood; it's a community where neighbors become friends and lasting memories are made. Its proximity to El Paseo and other shopping and entertainment venues ensures you're never far from the action.
Real Estate in The Refuge
The Refuge features a collection of elegant single-family homes, many custom-designed or semi-custom. Architectural styles range from Mediterranean to Spanish Colonial and Contemporary, reflecting the discerning tastes of its residents. Many properties boast private pools, spas, and outdoor living spaces perfect for entertaining or simply soaking up the desert sun. This is a high-end market, reflecting the quality and desirability of the location.
Amenities and Conveniences
Residents of The Refuge benefit from a wealth of amenities both within the community and in the surrounding area. Enjoy access to:
- The Gary Player Signature Golf Course (membership required)
- Gated security for peace of mind
- Easy access to El Paseo shopping district
- Close proximity to excellent restaurants and grocery stores
- Desert Sands Unified School District schools
Why Choose The Refuge?
If you're seeking a luxurious and private desert lifestyle in a prestigious golf course community, The Refuge is an exceptional choice. The combination of stunning homes, meticulously maintained surroundings, and convenient location makes it a truly special place to live. Discover the serenity and sophistication that awaits you in The Refuge.
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| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $625,000 |
| Median Rent | $2,850/mo |
| Median Household Income | $98,500 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 42 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $345 |
| Average Home Size | 1,810 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 72.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.0% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 35.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 4.0% |
| Year-over-Year Change | +3.2% |
| Inventory Level | Low |
| Market Type | Seller's Market |
| Market Tier | Main |
| Primary ZIP | 92260 |
| Mortgage Originations (2023 HMDA) |
| Total Mortgage Originations | 899 |
| VA Loan Originations | 20 |
| VA Loan Share | 2.2% |
| Average VA Loan Amount | $502,000 |
| Conventional Loan Originations | 817 |
| FHA Loan Originations | 62 |
| Source | FFIEC HMDA Data Browser (2023) |
Selected Real Estate Professionals (10)
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 10 agents serving Refuge who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 10 Agents
- Bahareh Kamoei (5 stars, 210+ reviews, listed)
- Asuncion Penesa Robertson (5 stars, 120+ reviews, listed)
- Gina May Nestande (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Gil Ruttenberg (4.9 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Benton Lee Walter (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Amber Avila Placentia (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Alejandro David Martinez (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Anthony Michael Shay (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Gregorio R Sandoval (4.8 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Alan Marc Abell (4.9 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
5 stars[2][3]
210+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1873752[1]
BBS Brokers Realty
Contact
Phone: (760) 702-3022
Email: bahareh03@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.bbsbrokers.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/bbsbrokers
680+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $225K to $1.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her strong community commitment as a scholarship provider for Coachella Valley High School and advocate for first-time homebuyers. She is further distinguished by 225 five-star reviews and recognition like Palm Springs Life's "40 Under 40."
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
120+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2025362[1]
eXp Realty
Contact
Phone: (760) 702-4667
Email: peyson@obsidianregroup.com
Website: https://www.obsidianregroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/peyson
220+ career transactions[2]
110+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $11K to $2.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership, directing a 31-professional team. She maintains 5-star ratings across 131 reviews, demonstrating quantifiable excellence and a client-focused, systematic approach.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
50+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1710608[1]
Coldwell Banker Realty
Contact
Phone: (760) 567-5700
Email: gina@nestande.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/gnestande7
20+ years experience[1]
80+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $499K to $499K[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community roots and leadership, having served her local network for over 15 years. She combines a proven track record of client satisfaction with the professional distinction of a Broker's license.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
40+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1736362[1]
Desert Properties Realtors
Contact
Phone: (760) 636-5020
Email: realpropmarlene@gmail.com
Website: http://www.desertpropertiesrealtors.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Marlene%20Ruttenberg
26+ years experience[1]
190+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $40K to $1.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community roots as a lifelong Coachella Valley resident and her extensive 25-year real estate career encompassing brokerage management, escrow, and transaction coordination.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1363906[1]
Bennion DeVille Fine Homes
Contact
Phone: (818) 917-1099
Email: cathi@desertareahomefinder.com
Website: http://www.desertareahomefinder.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/DesertAreaHomeFinder
23+ years experience[1]
170+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $185K to $1.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his extensive community leadership as LUXE Director and 22 years of expertise, Benton Lee Walter also maintains a perfect 5-star rating across 48 client reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2004287[1]
HomeSmart
Contact
Phone: (760) 835-3764
Email: amplacentia@yahoo.com
Website: https://amberplacentia.homesmart.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AmberPlacentia
8+ years experience[1]
170+ career transactions[2]
20+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $14K to $910K[4]
Why selected: Selected for her leadership in community service and professional excellence, Amber Avila Placentia also delivers exceptional client results with a perfect 5-star rating across 39 reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2032586[1]
HomeSmart
Contact
Phone: (760) 550-1572
Email: realestatebyalexm@gmail.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AlexMTheRealtor
8+ years experience[1]
90+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $80K to $2.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community leadership as a 12-year U.S. Navy veteran, combined with a strong performance record of 35 five-star reviews and an 8-year career built on disciplined client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1973836[1]
Coldwell Banker
Contact
Phone: (954) 873-5064
Email: darrenjshay@gmail.com
Website: http://www.darrenjshay.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/DarrenJShay
13+ years experience[1]
230+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $70K to $1.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement and leadership roles, Anthony Shay also demonstrates exceptional performance with a 5-star rating across 24 reviews since 2012.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.8 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2029755[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (760) 880-5408
Email: gregorio@sandiphillips.com
Website: https://gregorio.desertarealuxuryhomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/gregoriosandoval
11+ years experience[1]
50+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $13K to $1.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his significant community leadership roles and board positions. He combines this with a strong performance record and honors in Business Management.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1195414[1]
Coldwell Banker Palm Desert
Contact
Phone: (760) 408-8800
Email: palmspringshomes@msn.com
Website: http://www.aabell.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/palmspringshomes77
35+ years experience[1]
170+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $329K to $7.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement as a long-term resident and trusted local advisor. He combines 34 years of experience with a 4.9-star rating from 21 reviews and consistent performance as a Multi-Million Dollar Producer in the luxury market.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.