September in the high desert has been all about momentum, properties moving, projects launching, and new ideas taking shape. From securing mountain gems and celebrating sold desert lots to officially kicking off Renovate Like a Pro (finally!)… this month reminded me that real estate isn’t just about closing deals, it’s about creating lasting value, building community, and designing futures that actually feel good to live in.
Here’s what’s been happening, what’s new, and what’s coming next…
Listings & Investment Updates
SOLD -1853 Winfield Rd, Joshua Tree | $55,000 | Seller + Buyer Rep
Set on 5 acres in North Sunfair Heights, this property came with a water meter paid + connected, zoning potential for up to 14 residential units, an existing slab from a prior homestead, and panoramic desert views.
→ Check our business page for the reviews
"If you like someone who responds quickly, always has the answer and will get your back 100% Jessica is the realtor for you! I cannot say enough great things. She helped me buy land and is now helping through the building process."
"Greatest experience working with Jessica. She is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and works so hard. This has been such a smooth process because of her! 10/10"
Secured - Big Bear Lake Investment Property | $660,000 | Buyer Rep
This 4 bed / 3 bath home with an ADU and lake views hit the market over $700K, but with strategy + quick action, I got it secured for my client at $660K. She’s now turning the ADU into a rental, and I’ll be supporting her every step of the way. Grateful to @kw.bigbear + @kwsocalproperties for a smooth close, and excited for more mountain visits ahead.
New Listing - 7330 Valley Vista, Yucca Valley | $335,000
A picture-perfect, turn-key mid-century retreat operating as a successful STR ($59,535.73 in 2024).
Highlights:
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Stylish interiors + vintage furnishings
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Hot tub, fire pit, multiple outdoor lounges
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Custom glass house w/ panoramic desert views
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Detached garage + large lot = ADU potential
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Walkable to Old Town Yucca + JTNP access
Listing by Karla Ruzicki DRE# 02213364 + Jessica Cure, eXp Realty DRE# 02218627
→ This one blends proven income, lifestyle convenience, and expansion potential. Is the desert calling you home?
→ Check the listing full details
Price Improvement - 61800 Belmont St, Joshua Tree | $111,000
Originally $144K, now $111K. With legal access, utilities at the street, a vintage cabin eligible for alteration permits, and conceptual renderings included, this is a true opportunity lot just minutes from downtown Joshua Tree.
Featured Investment - The Golden Slipper (Formerly Landers Brew)
A beloved landmark is being reborn as The Golden Slipper: a restaurant, bar, and music venue with permits approved + build-out ready to begin. Multi-revenue streams, strong community demand, and a chance to be part of desert history. Investors + partners welcome.
Off-Market Opportunities (by request)
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A luxury STR in Yucca Valley netting $150K+ yearly
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A clean duplex in Joshua Tree with steady returns
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A 5-star STR brand grossing $200K+ annually
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Additional high-performing STRs across the High Desert
đź“© Reply to this newsletter for details + private walkthroughs.
Renovate Like a Pro - Officially Live!
This month marks the very first session of my group mentorship program, Renovate Like a Pro, and I couldn’t be more excited.
This 8-week framework is built for homeowners, investors, and creatives who don’t just want someone to do it all for them, but actually want to learn the process:
→ Creating a plan + budget
→ Knowing who to hire (and when)
→ Asking the right questions
→ Spending vs. saving wisely
→ Keeping momentum without the overwhelm
If you’ve ever wished you had someone to sanity-check contractor bids, help with permit questions, or just guide you through without dropping you in the deep end…this is for you.
Reply to this newsletter for details or hop on the waitlist for October + November groups
Get Interviewed - Kimberly Velez & The Golden Slipper
Meet Kimberly Velez (@kimibalanced), the visionary behind reviving the former Castle Inn/Landers Brew as The Golden Slipper. For Kim, this isn’t just about food and drink… it’s about preserving desert history and building community through music, art, and culture.
From Puerto Rican flavors to off-the-beaten-path desert vibes, The Golden Slipper is set to become the last rural bar in California…and a true cultural hub that “Keeps Mojave Weird.”
She’s currently seeking investors to bring this dream to life.
→ Read the full story on the blog + Reply to this newsletter for opportunities.
Why Passive Homes Are the Future
Passive House design isn’t just efficient… it’s resilient, healthy, and beautiful. In the high desert, that means homes that stay cool in heatwaves, filter dust + smoke, and remain comfortable even in wildfire season.
Masseria Morongo proves sustainability + luxury go hand-in-hand: soulful interiors, desert palettes, and 90% less energy use compared to a typical home.
This is the future of desert living: sustainable, resilient, and deeply human.
→ Read the full Passive Home blog
Coming Soon: Roadmap to Buying a Profitable STR in Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree short-term rental (STR) market is evolving fast.. and while average hosts are exiting, savvy investors are still finding high cashflow opportunities.
In our upcoming blog, we’ll share a step-by-step roadmap on how to buy, permit, and launch an STR in Joshua Tree that’s built to thrive in today’s market. From defining your investment criteria, avoiding “permit hell,” and prioritizing outdoor amenities, to mastering offer strategies and post-launch optimization, this guide covers it all.
Stay tuned, this blog will be live soon, and you won’t want to miss it!
Looking Ahead
As we move into fall, I’ll be sharing more from inside Renovate Like a Pro, spotlighting sustainable design practices, and opening up new off-market investment opportunities across the desert + mountains.
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right time to step in…this is your sign.
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xx
Jessica Cure
Planning Commissioner | Real Estate Consultant | STR Strategist
www.curedesigns.com | @curedesignstyle
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