Local & Community
More Palm Valley Homeowners Win Transfer Fee Cases
More Palm Valley Country Club homeowners are winning court battles over a nearly $10,000 transfer fee charged when they sold their homes.
The issue was first reported by NBC Palm Springs in June, when seven homeowners had successfully challenged the fee in small claims court.
Since then, 16 additional homeowners have taken the issue to court and won.
Former Palm Valley Country Club resident Brett Butler was the first homeowner to successfully challenge the fee. He has since helped other homeowners pursue their cases.
Butler says about 22 cases have now gone through small claims court, with homeowners prevailing in every case.
He says the country club appealed one of those cases and hired an attorney, but the second judge reached the same conclusion: the transfer fee was not enforceable.
Butler says homeowners previously faced additional challenges collecting the money awarded to them by the courts.
He says some homeowners had to involve the sheriff and pursue bank levies to collect their judgments.
Butler says the club is now refunding those court-ordered amounts.
There's also been a major policy change.
In an email sent to homeowners August 5, the Palm Valley HOA Executive Committee said the golf club stopped requesting the transfer fee through escrow in July.
The HOA called the change a "positive and constructive step" and said it plans to continue working with the club on solutions that support the club's long-term success while protecting homeowners.
Butler says the change is the result of homeowners choosing to challenge the fee in court.
He says he's encouraged by the decision to stop collecting the fee but believes questions remain about homeowners who previously paid it.
Butler says he's been told a separate class-action lawsuit has been filed against Palm Valley, with the goal of potentially recovering fees paid by homeowners in the past.
The status and outcome of that lawsuit remain pending.
For now, the transfer fee is no longer being requested through escrow, while homeowners who previously paid the fee continue to seek possible avenues for reimbursement.
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 6, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃
Labor Day traffic is picking up in Palm Springs. If you’re heading out, our Maria Noble Valdez has what you can expect on the roads here. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com for more Labor Day coverage #LaborDay #LaborDayTraffic #PalmSprings #TrafficUpdate #i10
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Cael Woody with the dot under pressure, 2) Tatum Webster with the pass breakup, 3) Ivan Garza with the rushing TD, 4) Sean Meza with the toe tap, or 5) Jesus. Valenzuela with the strong hands #fypage #fridaynightlights #top3 #hondaofthedesert
Me On A Plate is back! We head over to @tacquila_ps to talk to chef David Arreguin about his love of spice, being the seventh of nine children, and his drive to always follow his passion. Check it out now on our website nbcpalmsprings.com