How Can I Find Out the Condition of My High Desert Property?

A Guide for Remote Property Owners Who Haven't Visited in a While

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I Haven't Seen My Desert Property in Years—Where Do I Start?

Life has a way of changing our plans.

Maybe your property in Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Landers, Wonder Valley, or another High Desert community was once a favorite weekend getaway. Perhaps you planned to retire there someday, use it as a vacation home, or simply hold it as a long-term investment.

Then life happened.

You moved.

Your priorities changed.

One year became several.

Now you're asking yourself:

"I haven't seen my Desert property in years. Where do I even start?"

If that sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone.

Many remote property owners find themselves in the same situation. The good news is that you don't have to solve everything at once. Taking a few simple steps can help you understand your property's condition and decide what makes the most sense moving forward.

Step 1: Don't Assume Anything

It's easy to imagine the best—or the worst.

Some owners believe their property looks exactly the way they left it.

Others fear years of neglect and expensive repairs.

In reality, the condition usually falls somewhere in between.

Rather than guessing, start by gathering current information.

Accurate information leads to better decisions.

Step 2: Find Out What the Property Looks Like Today

One of the first things you'll want to know is the property's current condition.

Questions to consider include:

Is the home secure?
Does the exterior appear well maintained?
Has the landscaping become overgrown?
Is there visible damage?
Does anything require immediate attention?

Current photographs and a video walkthrough can provide valuable insight without requiring you to travel.

GET YOUR NO-OBLIGATION SOLUTION TODAY

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Tell us a little about your situation and we'll get back to you with options that work for you. For immediate assistance, call or text Dawn Anderson at 714-932-1746

Step 3: Think About Why You Still Own It

Before making any decisions, remind yourself why you purchased or kept the property in the first place.

Perhaps it was:

A vacation home.
A future retirement property.
A family retreat.
An investment.
Vacant land for future plans.

Now ask yourself:

Does that reason still apply today?

There's nothing wrong with changing your plans if your life has changed.

Step 4: Learn the Current Market Value

Real estate markets change over time.

The property's value today may be very different from what it was when you last visited.

Understanding the current market can help answer questions such as:

What might the property sell for?
Is buyer demand strong?
How long are similar properties taking to sell?
Does the market support my long-term goals?

Knowing your options doesn't mean you have to act immediately.

Step 5: Decide Whether It Still Fits Your Life

Many remote owners eventually realize the property no longer matches their current lifestyle.

Perhaps you've:

Retired somewhere else.
Purchased another home.
Stopped making trips to the desert.
Simplified your finances.
Outgrown your original plans.

That doesn't mean selling is the only answer.

It simply means it's worth asking whether the property still serves the purpose you intended.

Step 6: Remember That Selling Can Often Be Managed Remotely

Many owners worry they must return to California before doing anything.

Fortunately, much of today's selling process can often be handled from wherever you live.

Technology makes it possible to:

Review photos and videos.
Communicate by phone, email, or text.
Sign documents electronically.
Coordinate inspections and escrow remotely.

For many out-of-area owners, selling can be much more convenient than they expected.

Step 7: Take One Step at a Time

You don't have to decide today.

You don't have to list the property tomorrow.

And you certainly don't have to figure everything out by yourself.

The first step is simply understanding where things stand.

Once you know the property's condition, current value, and your available options, the next decision often becomes much easier.

You're Not the Only One Asking This Question

Many High Desert property owners eventually reach a point where they realize they haven't visited in years.

Some decide to keep their property and enjoy it again.

Others choose to sell and move on to the next chapter of life.

Neither decision is right for everyone.

The important thing is making a decision based on today's circumstances—not yesterday's plans.

Continue Exploring the Remote Property Owner Assistance Center

If you're trying to decide what to do with a property you haven't visited in years, you may also find these resources helpful:

How Can I Find Out the Condition of My High Desert Property?
Should I Keep My High Desert Property?
Is It Worth Keeping My High Desert Property?
Signs You've Become an Accidental Remote Property Owner
Questions to Ask Before Selling Your Property From Out of Area

The Remote Property Owner Assistance Center was created to help homeowners who live somewhere else but still own property in the High Desert.

Our goal isn't to pressure you into selling.

Our goal is to answer your questions, reduce uncertainty, and help you make a confident decision that's right for you.

If you'd like a confidential Property Options Review, we're here to help whenever you're ready.

Additional Resources