Cozy, Smart & Climate-Ready: What Desert Homebuyers Want This Fall

If you're shopping for a home in Palm Springs this fall, chances are you’re thinking about more than just the price tag or the square footage. Desert buyers are increasingly prioritizing comfort, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient design — features that make daily living easy, stylish, and sustainable.

According to Zillow’s 2025 fall trends, buyers are searching for homes that combine “cozy” spaces with “solar” power and “whole-house battery” systems. In a climate where summer temps can soar above 110°, these details matter more than ever.

Here’s what to keep an eye on during your next tour — and a few smart questions to ask before making an offer.

Desert living is all about indoor-outdoor flow — but also about staying comfortable year-round. Buyers are favoring well-defined floorplans with shaded patios, cozy den spaces, and private retreats rather than wide-open echoing layouts.

Earthy finishes like natural wood, breeze block accents, stone, and muted desert palettes are trending. When you walk through a home, ask yourself: Can I picture relaxing here on a warm evening with the ceiling fans spinning and the doors open to the patio?

Palm Springs is known for its mid-century and 1970s modernist gems. If you fall in love with original woodwork, breezeblock walls, or vintage tile, make sure the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems have been updated.

A perfect desert home feels historic, but works like it’s brand-new — with efficient ductwork, updated roofs, and well-sealed insulation to keep cool air inside where it belongs.

With rising energy costs and intense summer heat, desert buyers are putting a premium on solar panels, whole-home batteries, zoned HVAC systems, and smart thermostats.

A home that’s energy-efficient isn’t just sustainable — it’s financially smart. Ask about recent electric bills, insulation upgrades, and whether the smart features actually integrate easily (not just sit unused on the wall).

Unlike other markets, our region’s biggest threats are heat, drought, and occasional power outages.

Desirable upgrades include:

These features not only protect your comfort but can add real value over time.

Spa-style bathrooms, wet rooms, and efficient laundry zones are popular for a reason: they’re easy to clean and help beat the heat. Buyers also love indoor drop zones to stash sandals, hats, and pool towels, and well-designed storage that keeps living spaces uncluttered.

A pretty staging job can hide big issues — ask for energy usage history, recent upgrades, and system maintenance records.

Buying a home in Palm Springs isn’t just about what looks good in photos. It’s about finding a space that works for your life in the heat, the wind, and the sunshine — day after day.

That means knowing what features will actually save you money and stress over time, and which ones may cost you more than they’re worth.

At Paul Kaplan Group, we help buyers look beyond the surface to find homes that truly support their lifestyle — whether it’s a mid-century classic, a modern energy-efficient retreat, or something in between.

✨ Looking for your next desert home? We’ll help you find one that’s as smart as it is beautiful.

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