Sonora CA and Twain Harte Real Estate BLOG

Foreclosures in Arnold, CA

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:15:49 -0700

I am heading to Arnold, CA tomorrow to check on 3 new foreclosures. If you are looking for a home or cabin in the Arnold, CA area then let me know and I can give you a heads up on these new listings! Arnold is located in Calaveras County. It is close to Bear Valley Ski Resort.

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Storms aren't done yet

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:27:47 -0700

It is April and we are expecting another snow storm in the Sierra's tomorrow (April 7, 2011) . After this storm I think I will be ready for Spring. It has been a long, wet and cold winter. We needed the rain/snow to fill the lakes but I am ready for warmer weather.

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Railtown 1897 Opening Weekend 2011

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 19:03:18 -0700

JAMESTOWN, Tuolumne County: Opening Weekend for Railtown’s regular 2011 Steam Train Operating Season! Grand Opening festivities, both days! This weekend only, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne County residents ride trains for free (proof of residency required). Arrive at 7am and watch the crew prepare the train for the day!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Safety in the Home

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:05:28 -0800

Safety in the Home
By Sheriff Jim Mele

Prepare your yards and homes for the upcoming winter. We have many homes in the Twain Harte area that are vacation homes, and we know that the criminal element will go to the place of least resistance, meaning that they don’t like to work at stealing.

So how can we make our homes safer?

1) Lighting: Motion detection is great. I know that we have a lot of animals who activate these lights, but they do work. Also try to use strong lighting. That is the best deterrent.

2) Locks: Look at your locks. Are they strong? Do you have two locks, and are all of the entrances locked with a lock, meaning windows, sliders and doors?

3) Alarms: When the criminals see that a home has an alarm or that it may have an alarm, that is also a good deterrent. Dogs can be looked at as an alarm. They will usually make a noise to alert you or the neighborhood.

4) Shrubs: Make sure that shrubs are not covering windows, and it is important that they are notso big as to allow someone to hide behind them. We all like greenery and plants, but make sure that you can see behind them. If not, that means you won’t be able to see someone hiding.

5) Get to know your neighbors: This is probably the best hint of them all. If you can get to know your neighbors, someone can watch your house when you leave . If they see somethingsuspicious, they can call the Sheriff’s Office and report the suspicious activity. Also, if you do go on vacation, you can call the Sheriff’s Office and request our CSU folks to do a vacation check of your residence.

Remember, we are talking about people who do not want to be seen or heard, and they want to get in and out as quickly as possible.So keep these few ideas in mind to help make your home safer and harder to break into.

Thank you Sheriff Mele for this great information.

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

18019 Clouds Rest, Soulsbyville, CA 95372

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:25:07 -0800

Single level home with level entry, has open floor plan. Low maintenance yard with automatic drip system. Large back patio great views. Easy access to Sonora and Twain Harte conveniences. Located in the Soulsbyville School District. High Schoolers can choose between Sonora and Summerville High.

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

76 Corte del Encino, Sonora, CA 95370

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:53:12 -0800

This is an amazing home with room for everyone! The main level features the kitchen, dining room, living room, master bedroom/bathroom, guest bedroom, office and guest bathroom. Downstairs is the family room, additional bedroom AND bonus room/guest quarters/man cave!!! The kitchen has been updated with stainless appliances (all included). There are hardwood floors on the main level. There are several french doors to the decks, including from the master bedroom. The outdoors is amazingly private. There is a large deck with lap pool and hot tub. Most of the yard has been terraced with pavers. You will really enjoy this home and yard!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

18843 E Sequoia Lane - Twain Harte, CA 95383 $199,900

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:43:52 -0800

This is that perfect cabin with LAKE MEMBERSHIP that you have been looking for! Located right in downtown Twain Harte. Walk to town. This cabin is darling. Very well maintained. The wiring and windows have been upgraded. Propane heat stove will keep you cozy in this charming living room. Relax on front or large back deck amongst the tall pine trees. NEW PRICE AT $199,900. Call TODAY!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

That beautiful Yellow House - 16165 Curtis Circle, Sonora, CA

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:35:35 -0800

That beautiful Yellow House in Sonora is listed. You know this yellow house on the corner. You drive by this home all the time and say "WOW, what a great house". This home can now be yours! Your dream home is move in ready with new interior & exterior paint, new carpet, new appliances, new decks, large portion of driveway has new cement & lots of lush new lawn. And did you notice the 4 car garage with huge level driveway to park or play on? This is all on 3.93 acres! What are you waiting for? You know you want it!!!!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

TUOLUMNE COUNTY RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO RECYCLE CHRISTMAS TREES

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:05:45 -0800

Tuolumne County’s Solid Waste Division is encouraging Tuolumne County residents to once again plan on recycling their real Christmas trees. Christmas trees can be chipped, shredded and used as: mulch for water conservation and weed control; erosion and/or dust control on hiking trails and bridle paths; additives in composting operations; and alternative fuel in co-generation or biomass plants. Local collection companies, the Big Oak Flat/Groveland Transfer Station and the Cal Sierra/Waste Management Earth Resource Facility are accepting Christmas trees on a limited basis for FREE under certain conditions.

Reminders for Tuolumne County residents:
  Christmas trees become a fire hazard when kept too long.
  Burning Christmas trees in the fireplace is extremely dangerous.
  Burning trees in the open creates air pollution.
  Recycled trees have many beneficial uses.

Christmas trees should NOT be mixed with other trash for disposal or recycling. Residents may wish to chip their Christmas trees and use them at home as mulch or compost or take advantage of one of the following opportunities to recycle Christmas trees in Tuolumne County.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Please remove all decorations, tinsel, metal tree stands and nails. Also, some trees may have a metal supporting rod in the trunk that must be removed. Please do not bring any Christmas wrapping paper or trash.

Big Oak Flat/Groveland Transfer Station at the end of Merrell Road (10700 Merrell Rd) will accept clean cut and bundled trees AT NO CHARGE. The minimum gate fee of $14.70 will be charged for flocked trees of any kind. Drop off during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 3:45 pm, Wednesday and Saturday only, through the month of January.

Cal Sierra/Waste Management Earth Resource Facility (ERF) on Camage Avenue, off of Tuolumne Road, near Standard will accept clean, whole trees AT NO CHARGE during regular business hours, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, closed 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Tuesday thru Saturday, through the month of January. NO FLOCKED TREES. All other green waste will be at the regular charge.

CURBSIDE COLLECTION

Local solid waste collection companies will provide limited free curbside collection of Christmas trees from customers in their respective collection areas along their regular collection routes. They ask that the trees:

Be free of all types of decoration and any metals
Be cut 4 feet or less in length
Bundled and tied
Bundle must weigh a total of 40 pounds or less

Burns Refuse Service will pick up trees in their collection area including East Sonora, Tuolumne and Standard beginning Monday, January 3, through Friday, January 7, 2011 on regular trash collection days. NO FLOCKED TREES OF ANY KIND.

Cal Sierra Disposal/Waste Management will pick up trees in its collection area, including Columbia, Sonora, Jamestown and the Highway 108 corridor (Twain Harte, Pinecrest) areas beginning Monday, January 3, through Friday, January 7, 2011. NO FLOCKED TREES OF ANY KIND.

Moore Bros Scavenger Co., Inc will pick up trees in their collection area one day only on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. NO FLOCKED TREES OF ANY KIND.

Trees collected will be chipped and used for mulch, or composted. You can call your local collection company for additional information

Real Christmas trees are a renewable, recyclable resource, help reduce the waste stream by recycling or composting your Christmas trees.

For more information please contact Tuolumne County Solid Waste Division at
(209) 533-5588 or visit us at www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov.

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Jamestown ReHorse Rescue Ranch

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 19:13:22 -0800

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Half Dome Permits for 2011

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:10:25 -0800

If you are planning to climb Half Dome in 2011 then mark March 1st at 7pm on your calendar. That is the first day you can reserve your permit for the season. You can go online at:

www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm

These are likely to go quick as they do every year.

Be Safe!!!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Mi Wuk Village Real Estate and Homes for Sale week ending 12/03/2010

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:54:53 -0800

Two homes sold in the Mi Wuk Village/Sugar Pine Area last week. Here is a summary:

ADDRESS LIST PRICE SOLD PRICE % DAYS ON MARKET BANK OWNED?

19831 Wanita Way $129,900 $134,900 104 95 YES

23985 Pine Lake $159,900 $161,500 101 76 YES

Once again bank owned homes sold for over asking price. I know there were multiple offers on Pine Lake Drive.

If you are looking for a foreclosure or a regular sale home or cabin call me!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Sonora CA Real Estate and Homes for Sale week ending December 3, 2010

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:41:51 -0800

Four homes sold in Sonora last week. Here is a summary:

ADDRESS LIST PRICE SOLD PRICE % DAYS ON MARKET BANK OWNED?

17875 Mountain Ridge $399,900 $375,000 94 413 YES

18580 Pradera Real $266,000 $275,000 103 139 NO

20598 Meadow Brook $337,000 $322,000 96 91 NO

19671 Hacienda Heights $285,000 $285,000 100 56 NO

Homes continue to sell in Sonora California. Call Heidi and she will find the home you are dreaming of!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Twain Harte Real Estate and Homes for Sale week ending December 3, 2010

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:55:49 -0800

Two homes sold in Twain Harte last week:

ADDRESS LIST PRICE SOLD PRICE % DAYS ON MARKET

22814 Placer Drive $197,000 $201,000 102 50

23116 Middle Camp $269,500 $255,000 95 112

The home on Placer Drive was a foreclosure. This goes to show that foreclosures can sell for more then the asking price and banks are not giving the homes away!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Send a Soldier a Christmas Card

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:45:15 -0800

Christmas Cards

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to
this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of
how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so
much would get. A Great Idea!!!

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please
include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Salvation Army Kettles

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:19:33 -0800

Got this in an email today. Wonder if this is true? Does anyone know?

When you open your pockets to donate keep these facts in mind:

Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross... salary for year ending 06/30/03 was $651,957 plus expenses.

Brian Gallagher, President of the United Way receives a $375,000 base salary, plus numerous expense benefits.

UNICEF CEO receives $1,200,000 per year plus all expenses and a ROLLS ROYCE where ever he goes and only cents of your dollar goes to the cause

The Salvation Army's Commissioner Todd Bassett receives a salary of only $13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization.

No further comment necessary.
Please share this with everyone you can think of.

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

My Christmas Tree in Sonora California

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:01:56 -0800

I am in a new house this Christmas. Apparently I did not give much thought to where to put the Christmas tree. I thought the corner I put it in was good but after 5 days realized that it is not working for me. So, last night at midnight I moved the couches and my fully decorated tree! Only a few ornaments fell. I was more concerned that water would splash out but none did. I am very happy now with my tree location and I suspect that will be the tree location for years to come.

Have you ever moved your tree?

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Do you decorate your office for Christmas?

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:28:07 -0800

Last week my office got together at lunch time. My broker brought pizza and soda. We shared a nice meal and then we broke out the Christmas decorations! We truly had an enjoyable time putting the tree up, hooking on the ornaments, tying ribbons around and watching the men outside putting up the lights and holding the ladder in the snow.

This was so much fun, not just because it is Christmas time but because the agents get along and truly like each other. Thank you Century 21 Wildwood for putting together a great office!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Tuolumne County Home Sales Statistics through December 1, 2010

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 23:55:32 -0800

2009 2010

Avg Sold $243,440 $218,682

C21wwp avg $218,062

# units sold ytd 383 585

Avg DOM 151 158

# homes for sale 489 617

How many months supply? 11.5 11.64

% listed vs. sold 40.22% 48.67%

Avg Expired Sales Price $383,898 $332,000

In summary...yes, homes are selling but it does take close to 6 months. Pricing and marketing are key. Call Heidi for further information on how I can get your home sold!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

St. Nicholas Day to be celebrated December 6, 2010

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 23:31:16 -0800

Why Celebrate St. Nicholas Day?

December 6 or December 19 on the Julian Calendar

* To tell the story of a Christian saint, whose model life inspires compassion and charity.

* To reveal the true identity of Santa Claus and Father Christmas.

* To focus on giving more than on receiving * To emphasize small treats and family fun.

* To provide a bit of special festivity early in the waiting weeks of Advent.

* To offer a spiritual dimension to gift giving.

* To help keep Jesus the center of Christmas.

Why celebrate? To learn about the true St. Nicholas: the man of faith who lived his life in devotion to Christ. Saint Nicholas loved children and cared for the needy. He brings the love of Christ and the healing of Jesus. When we honor this saint, following his example of selfless giving, we honor the Christ Child who selflessly gave the greatest gift of all—himself.

How to Celebrate:

Tell a story of St. Nicholas' generous example of giving in secret to those in need. Then encourage children to identify a kindly "Nicholas deed" to do for someone else. Have children fill their shoes with pieces of carrot or bits of hay for his white horse or donkey. Place shoes outside bedroom doors or on the hearth. See that a candy treat (a candy cane represents Bishop Nicholas' crozier) and simple gift appears by morning on December 6th.

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Winter Storm Warning for Sierra Nevada's for December 5 - 6, 2010

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 23:14:53 -0800

from MyMotherlode.com:

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada through 8am Monday.

Locally heavy rain may cause minor flooding in some areas.

Thunderstorms are likely in the Motherlode from 10pm tonight through 4am Monday. These thunderstorms may contain heavy rain, small hail and wind gusts of up to 40mph.

Wind gusts of forty to forty-five mph are likely in the Sierra and gusts of up to sixty mph are possible over the Sierra crest.

The snow level will range from 5000 to 5500 feet. Three to six inches of snow accumulation may fall above 5000 feet. A total of ten to fifteen inches of snow is expected above 7000 feet. Up to two feet of snow is possible above 9000 feet.

All precipitation will taper off by Monday morning ending in a Winter Weather Advisory for the Sierra Nevada through 10am.

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Twain Harte Parade - 2010 CANCELED

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:31:19 -0800

We just got word that the Twain Harte parade scheduled for this Friday night has been canceled due to snow and ice. Have no fear though, Santa will still appear! Santa will be at the American Legion Hall in Twain Harte at 5:30. There will be Christmas Caroling, photos with Santa and the boy scouts will be selling hot chocolate. Merry Christmas!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Thrift Store Fun in Ventura CA

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:22:57 -0800

While visiting my mom over the Thanksgiving weekend we hit 5 Thrift Stores in Ventura. Although it was Black Friday we were looking for even better bargains. We found some great deals on brand new items in the Thrift Stores. 2 of the thrift stores including Goodwill had half-off. Next time you are in the area check out the thrift stores!

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Realtor® Canned Food Drive in Sonora and Twain Harte CA

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 01:29:00 -0800

Realtor® Canned Food Drive

Realtors® will be collecting canned food for Interfaith on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the following locations:
Twain Harte Market, 1-4
Price Co, 10-2
Grocery Outlet, 10-2

Please be generous with your contributions this year! You can also stop by Standard Park from 9 - 3 to donate cans or coats.

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com

Stats for October 2010 and Year to Date for Tuolumne County Real Estate

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 01:24:35 -0800

OCTOBER STATS:
Residential 2009
53 Sold
Median Price—$200,000
30 Private (57%)
4 SS (8%)
19 REO (36%)
Equals more than 100% due to rounding.

Residential 2010
61 Sold
Median Price—$229,000
38 Private (62%)
7 SS (12%)
16 REO (26%)

YEAR-TO-DATE STATS:

Residential 2009
382 Sold
Median Price—$225,000
200 Private (52%)
31 SS (8%)
151 REO (40%)

Residential 2010
428 Sold
Median Price—$203,000
211 Private (49%)
58 SS (14%)
159 REO (37%)

Heidi The Home Hunter * dre# 01292167 * (209) 743-3010

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Sonora / Twain Harte area, you can visit my primary real estate website SonoraProperties.com