Evelyn's Blog

Why buy property in Modoc County, California?

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:31:39 -0600

Anyone who calls me about inexpensive property in our county usually needs a geography lesson before going into details.

I find it interesting that people see California as a location and then get really excited about being able to buy 1-2 acres of land for under $10,000.

Bottom line, we are in a very remote area of California. Prices, although they have gone up in the triple digits percentage wise, have not gone up much in actual dollar value compared to other areas of California.

So, why buy in Modoc County.

1. You are tired of the overpopulated rat race and want a quite lifestyle. Be sure you have a trade/profession that can support you if you need to work. If you're retired, well, you should find it easy to relocate here once you find the right property.

2. You want a vacation home.

3. You want to own land but can't afford to buy it in other markets.

4. Just because.

As with any investment, do your research beforehand. If you'd like to know more about buying or selling property in Modoc County, please give me a call.

I could hardly believe my eyes . . . . . .

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:51:01 -0600

Driving into my office this morning I thought that maybe I was dreaming.

It couldn't possibly be true. But there it was. In great BIG signage.

The price of gas in Modoc County has dropped to $2.84 a gallon for regular. YIPPEE !

I can finally fill up my Trailblazer for less than $40 !

Well Maintained 2005 Stick Built Home in Alturas Modoc County on 1.46 Acres, 1624 SF, 3 BR, 2 BA, HUGE 3 Car Attached Garage

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:55:23 -0600

Evelyn Panning | Property Connections Realty Inc. | epanning@frontiernet.net | 530-640-2411

3808 Pencil Road, Alturas, CA

Well Maintained Newer Stick Built Home in Modoc Recreational Estates on 1.46 Acres with a HUGE 3 Car Attached Garage

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $239,000

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	1,624
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	1.46 acres
HOA/Maint	$3 per month

DESCRIPTION

2181: I can’t begin to list all the amenities in this lovely home. This newer 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home is in excellent condition with neutral colors throughout. The center of the home is a large Great Room with wood burning stove. French Doors lead to the rear yard from both the Great Room and Master Suite. The large Master Suite has a large walk in closet and double sink vanity. The HUGE 3 car attached garage is any guy’s dream. Convenient concrete walkways around the home. This home is in great shape and move in ready. The rear yard has a newly constructed Gazebo. Can you imagine summer mornings and evenings in this lovely spot with a cup of coffee and a good book?

APN 013-087-07

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet
Dining room	Dishwasher	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Well Cared For 2005 Stick Built Home

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Evelyn Panning

Property Connections Realty Inc.

epanning@frontiernet.net

530-640-2411

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 3, 2008, 1:10pm PST

If you make a promise . . . be prepared to live up to it !

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:02:05 -0500

The Pastor and the Kitten

Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc. The kitty would not come down.

The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.

That's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little
further forward, the rope broke.

The tree went 'boing!' and the kitten instantly sailed through the air - out of sight.

The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten.

So he prayed, 'Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,' and went on about his business.

A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food.

This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, 'Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?' She replied, 'You won't believe this,' and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing.

Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, 'Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it.' She told the pastor, 'I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.'

Lesson learned: Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION - NOW ONLY $539,000 For this 159 Acre Gentleman's Ranch

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:27:57 -0500

Evelyn Panning | Property Connections Realty Inc. | epanning@frontiernet.net | 530-640-2411

2033 County Road 76, Alturas, CA

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION - NOW ONLY $539,000 (Reduced from $664,000)-- Incredible 159 Acre Gentleman's Ranch Now Available

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $539,000

Year Built	1981
Sq Footage	2,664
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	159 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

NOW AVAILABLE!
159 Acre Gentleman's Ranch. This property has a 2700 sf Home with basement, 3 BR, 2 BA, Large Office, Indoor Laundry, Oversized attached 1 car garage, 2 Huge Shop Buildings, 2 Irrigation and 3 Domestic Wells, Landscaped and Fenced Yard, Place for your Horses.

If you've been looking for a Ranch to call home, look no further -- THIS IS IT ! Give us a call for a private viewing of this wonderful property.

APN 017-250-39

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Fireplace	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Dishwasher	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Basement	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

2 Irrigation Wells, 3 Domestic Wells and 2 HUGE Shops

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Evelyn Panning

Property Connections Realty Inc.

epanning@frontiernet.net

530-640-2411

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 27, 2008, 2:23pm PDT

A sign of the times . . . . . . .

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:41:06 -0500

Modoc County, being a very remote area with limited job opportunities, has now reached an 8.3% jobless rate. The same time last year our jobless rate was 6.5%. In September 2007 we had a labor pool of 4,110 with 270 unemployed. This year we had a labor pool of 4020 with 330 unemployed.

So, if you're moving to Modoc County, where are the job opportunities? Major employers are city and county government, Bureau of Land Management, Forestry Service, and schools.

You could also do what many other have done here -- find a need and fill it. Become an entrepreneur. I've found that drive and determination can outdo any jobless rate data.

Mediation -- an interesting process and not at all intimidating.

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 15:47:11 -0500

It has been quite a week. Between trainings and other activities, topping off my Friday with a mediation hearing on one of my contracts.

Now, I can't tell you anything about the specific mediation (what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas -- same is true for mediation), but I've never been through the process and felt a bit uncertain and uneasy prior to going in yesterday.

Well, it wasn't bad at all. The mediator was not at all intimidating and mediation truly is a process by which the 2 sides try to resolve their differences -- some give and take by the two disputing parties with an independent party go between goes a long way to making process at an impasse. This seems far less confrontational than a court process -- the softer side of resolving ones differences.

Regardless of the outcome of mediation, the mediator cannot be called to testify to anything if the process goes on to arbitration, is not a legal advisor to either side and anything presented or said in the mediation process cannot be used if proceeding to arbitration. And, my part of the mediation fee was quite low -- far less than I would have paid for legal counsel and ultimately in court costs had mediation not been a part of the contract in question.

So, if you've been on the fence either as a buyer, seller or realtor about accepting mediation as part of your contract, don't be afraid of it. It's a much nicer path to resolving your differences than meeting up in court (cheaper too !)

On the road again . . . . .

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:06:49 -0500

Well, the price of gas has dropped to $3.54 a gallon for regular. So, I'm going to go out of town on Thursday and Friday (no, not because the price of gas dropped -- but it's nice that it isn't $4.64 any more.)

Being in a small, remote market has positives and negatives --

Positives:

Only one stop light in town
No traffic jams
Low crime rate
Clean Air
Quiet
Beautiful Country
Bountiful Wildlife
Elbow Room - Uncrowded

Negatives:

High cost of gasoline, groceries, etc.
No local educational opportunities for real estate

I'm glad the negatives is a short list.

On Thursday and Friday I'll be attending events sponsored by the Shasta Association of Realtor in Redding, California. I haven't been to an event for some time, so I'm really looking forward to it. Because Modoc County doesn't have a Board of Realtors, I felt the need to become a member in an association in another market. I consider it an important investment in my professional development.

On Thursday it will be all about education -- focusing on distressed properties. Amazingly, Modoc County has not had a lot of foreclosed or short sale properties (only 3 foreclosures that I know of) so I haven't focused any attention in this area. But, I'm anxious to learn more anyway.

On Friday it will be all about a motivational speaker -- I don't know about anyone else, but I sure could use some positive messages.

It's that time of year -- cattle come down from the high country.

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:05:32 -0500

It's that time of year again. The ranchers bring their cattle down from the high country for the winter.

This annual tradition happens down Pencil Road in Modoc Recreational Estates. Now, if I still lived in San Jose, California, I would have been extraordinarily annoyed by this process. But I noticed that I simply didn't mind. I wasn't in a hurry to go anywhere.

I enjoyed the pretty, sunny day and while moving at about 3 miles per hour down that stretch of road -- about 3 miles distant ahead of us yet -- I marveled at the herding dogs that kept the cattle moving -- any how they aggressively worked the ones that didn't want to go in the right direction. I wondered what the riders were talking about. I thought how pleasant it would be to be out riding at a leisurely pace this morning.

Of course, ranching isn't always this idyllic. I suspect that the work is pretty hard at times. But this morning, it looked like a very good life.

Moving to Alturas -- here are some contacts that you may need.

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:57:42 -0500

One of the challenges in moving to Alturas is making sure that you have all of your necessary services set up -- and who in the world do you call. Here are some numbers that should help you:

Utilities:

Electric Power -

There are 2 service providers in Modoc County for electricity.

Pacific Power and Light (an Oregon company) serves Alturas and other in town locations. 800-715-9238, 877-548-3768 or 888-221-7070
Surprise Valley Electric (an energy coop) serves the areas that PP&L does not serve. 866-843-2667

Propane: Contact Bethel's 530-233-2134

Kerosene: Ed Staub & Sons 530-233-2610

Telephone Service: Frontier 800-921-8101

Internet: you have several choices

Frontier (dial-up and DSL) - both services available in most areas 800-921-8101
Hughes Net (satellite) - anywhere you've got reception 866-293-8945
HDO - High Desert Online (dial-up and wireless): wireless in city of Alturas 530-233-4000
Charter Communications (cable) in town only 866-731-5420

Television:

DirecTV -- Phillips Appliance in Alturas can set up your service. Call 530-233-5705
Dish Network -- www.dishnetwork.com
Charter Communications 866-731-5420

Water/Sewer Service in Alturas 530-233-2052

Trash Collection in Alturas and surrounding areas Alturas Disposal 530-233-2373

Modoc Joint Unified School District: 530-233-7201

Real Estate Services: Of course you'll call Property Connections Realty Inc. at 530-640-2411

Homeowners . . . it's time to pay your Property Taxes.

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:22:17 -0500

Well, every year around this time homeowners (and owners of other real estate) get their property tax bills.

If you can't afford to pay it in one lump sum, you'll be able to pay in two equal installments. Your first installment is due on November 1, 2008 and to avoid any payment penalties must be paid by December 10, 2008.

Your second installment is due on February 1, 2009 and to avoid penalties cannot be paid any later than April 10, 2009.

Many counties now allow property tax bills to be paid online using a credit card. You may see instructions on your property tax bill that tells you where to look to pay online. If not, and you need the financial flexibility of using your credit card, call the tax collector office and ask if the option is available to you.

Allowing your property taxes to go unpaid can mean huge penalties and even the eventual loss of your home in a tax sale. Don't lose your most important asset.

Keeping your home warm during a long, cold Modoc winter.

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:18:35 -0500

I moved to Modoc County in May 2004. When I arrived, like many before me, I rented a house in town and was confronted with a contraption that I'd never seen before -- a Monitor Heater.

Well, since we can have a long cold winters in Modoc, there are a number of home heating options to choose from.

Monitor Heater -- a direct vent unit that runs on Kerosene. You need power to keep the unit running, but some models have battery back up devices that can kick in should you have a power failure.

Propane Heater -- also a direct vent unit. Typically they will continue to pump out heat even in a power failure -- they just won't pump out as much heat.

Propane Furnace -- well, I think most people know what this is. But, no power, no heat.

Wood Burning Stove or Fireplace -- very popular in Modoc County. Folks can get permits to cut their own wood locally for very little and get themselves set up for the winter.

Pellet Stoves -- these are great for the environment but not real practical in Modoc County. I haven't seen anyone carrying pellets locally, so you'll need to go out of town to buy them and haul them back.

Electric Furnace -- This is what I have. A few years ago I thought that I'd install a monitor in my home. I'm glad I didn't. With the cost of fuel now, I actually spend less to heat my 2200 square foot home than others spend with either propane or kerosene to heat a 1600 square foot home.

Castle Rock Estates -- The Subdivision . . . . .

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:47:09 -0500

As with other subdivisions in Modoc County, Castle Rock Estates was created in the 1960s.

At this time there are 86 home sites in Castle Rock Estates. The area is pretty and the homes in the area are above average in quality and tend to be well maintained.

As a neighborhood, Castle Rock Estates is very stable. Homes and lots rarely become available in this area. Neighbors really look out for one another. One day when I was marking a lot for sale (by the way, it sold shortly afterward) a neighbor decided to check to see what was going on and make sure that I was allowed to be there.

That's how folks look after each other in the area. Lots range from 1-2 acres -- a couple are a bit larger. One road is paved, Juniper Tree (also known as Grande). All others are graveled roads. Certain lots will have access to public sewer and water through the Cal Pines Services District. If you are interested in a particular parcel, we'll need to ask if they will extend the lines to that parcel.

The goods news is that the roads are county maintained and there is no association in the area. That means no annual dues. However, in this subdivision, being part of the Cal Pines Services District, there will be some assessments for the fire department.

The area has CC&Rs but they mostly reflect Modoc County Building Code requirements and fire safety issues, like, a home must be a minimum of 500 sf., clearing of weeds and debris around a home to minimize fire hazards, etc. No one will tell you what color your house can be.

If you're interested in buying property in this subdivision, give me a call. I'll be happy to assist you.

New Regulations for Manufactured Homes

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:46:45 -0500

Well, it's been in the works for a while and now it's the law.

For manufactured homes constructed after September 1, 2008 and all manufactured homes that will be installed in a State Responsibility Area (SRA), these homes must meet the same ignition resistant material standards in the California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 7A just like other structures.

If you're planning on putting a manufactured home on your Modoc County property, you can get more information from the Modoc County Building Department. Call 530-233-6403.

Just thought you'd want to know.

1.47 +/- Acre Home Site in a Great Neighborhood, Hilltop Drive, Modoc Recreational Estates

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:23:32 -0500

Evelyn Panning | Property Connections Realty Inc. | epanning@frontiernet.net | 530-640-2411

Hilltop Drive, Alturas, CA

1.47 Acre Home Site in a Great Neighborhood

1.47 acres Vacant Land

offered at $7,200

Lot Size

1.47 acres

DESCRIPTION

2180: This 1.47 acre Home Site is in a great neighborhood in Modoc Recreational Estates. Power runs along the road and the road is a well maintained gravel road. There are other homes in the area. This property would be easy to develop.

Come build your vacation or year round home on this property.

Are you looking for a New Home for your New Home Site? Look No Further. Property Connections Realty Inc. is an Authorized Liberty Manufactured Home Dealer. Let us help you customize your home for your home site.

APN 013-185-18

see additional photos below

LOCATION FEATURES

Great Neighborhood, Power at Road, Buildable

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Well Maintained Gravel Road

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Evelyn Panning

Property Connections Realty Inc.

epanning@frontiernet.net

530-640-2411

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 11, 2008, 12:14pm PDT

3.94 +/- Remote and Private Acres in Modoc Recreational Estates, $6,500

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:06:13 -0500

Evelyn Panning | Property Connections Realty Inc. | epanning@frontiernet.net | 530-640-2411

Thunderbird, Alturas, CA

3.94 +/- Remote and Private Acres, Great for a Vacation Get Away

3.94 acres Vacant Land

offered at $6,500

Lot Size

3.94 acres

DESCRIPTION

2179: Do you want to get away from it all? Here is a Remote and Private property in Modoc Recreational Estates on Thunderbird.. You’ll get 3.94 +/- acre and the property is priced to sell. This is a great area for a vacation cabin.

Bring the ATV and explore.

APN 013-054-16 & 013-054-17

see additional photos below

LOCATION FEATURES

Great Views, Remote, Private

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Evelyn Panning

Property Connections Realty Inc.

epanning@frontiernet.net

530-640-2411

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 11, 2008, 11:39am PDT

California Pines Subdivision . . . so what’s the scoop?

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:05:54 -0500

Back in the 1960s a large ranch property was developed into what is called California Pines. California Pines may have been the first subdivision to market properties using infomercials.

I still remember the guy with the big hat, snake skin boots, huge silver jewelry touting 1 acre parcels for $4,000. I was young and gullible then, but boy that sounded good for someone who lived in San Jose, California.

The promoters offered free weekends, fly or bus in and stay at the Cal Pines Lodge. Of course, when you arrived you had to participate in the sales pitch process and once you were here, there was no transportation other than that provided by the sales people for California Pines.

Well, the area was over promoted and oversold over the years. The most recent operator was National Recreation Properties (NRPI). They pulled out of the area last year and the result has been a big decline in sales in California Pines. Better than 90% of the properties are undeveloped. There are some very good deals to be had for the person that does the research.

California Pines is divided into different "units."

Lake Unit 1, Lake Unit 1A, Lake Unit 2, Hill Units 1-5, etc. Most of the Lake Unit parcels are lower altitude, easier access and easier to develop. The parcels are in flatter, more plains like settings - lots of grasses and sagebrush.

As you travel up Cal Pines Blvd., you enter into the Hill Units. Hill Unit 1 is first with Cal Pines Blvd. ending up in Hill Unit 5 - and I Mean UP! The upper altitudes are 6000-7000 ft above sea level. But those home sites are gorgeous, covered with many types of pine trees. But, you'll get more snow in the winter, the parcels are more difficult and expensive to develop and at this time there is no snow removal service at the higher elevations.

If you're looking for a year round location, I suggest going no further than Hill Unit 3 and try staying close to Cal Pines Blvd. where snow will be removed in the winter.

If you're thinking about buying property in California Pines, give me a call. I'll give you the real scoop on the area and help you find the perfect property to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a vacation getaway or year round home - there are so many properties available, I am certain I can help you find the right property at the right price.

Buying Real Estate Sight Unseen -- Good Idea or Not?

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:41:59 -0500

With Modoc County being quite remote, it isn't unusual for property buyer to buy property, mostly vacant land, sight unseen.

They buy through Ebay, private sellers on Craig's List, County Tax Sales and even through real estate offices. Is it a good idea?

Depends. When I get a buyer looking to buy sight unseen I have a lengthy discussion with him/her about the property of interest, location, access issues, buildability, etc. I try to give the pros and cons and also any precautionary advice. Even so, buyers will still buy sight unseen. Sometimes they get some really great deals -- other times they end up with duds.

If you are a buyer be sure to work with someone who will give you the "real scoop" on the area and the property that you are looking at. Even though we are remote and our property values significantly lag behind values in larger markets, if the deal looks too good to be true compared to other comparables in the area, it probably is.

Our first little storm of the season.

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:04:40 -0500

Well, it has been a long, hot and smokey summer. Today we have our first little storm system passing through - and boy does it feel good to have cooler weather and fresher air after all the fires in California this year.

We should only have a couple days of rain and it won't be cold enough for snow. We should be back to warm and sunny on Sunday. If you're planning to be in Modoc County, Sunday would be a good day to visit.

#1 Reason that you select your Realtor/Agent . . . . . .

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:50:30 -0500

So, you've decided to sell your property. How do you begin deciding which real estate office or agent will represent you as a seller?

You've got postcards, the yellow pages, the internet, real estate magazines, there is the office in town with the big sign, there is the ad on TV, someone showed up on your doorstep and introduced themselves, etc. Do you choose a big company with lots of agents, a smaller company, a BIG name company, a local market company? It can be overwhelming.

When you need an agent to help you sell your property, you are becoming an employer. You need to research the agent and the company just like an employer will evaluate a prospective employee.

Get information on what that agent is doing, what the company is doing, the results that the agent and company have had. Are they full time or part time agents - part timers work hard too, but sometimes they'll be harder to work with when marketing your home or engaged in an escrow. Are they a full service or limited service agent? How long have they been in the business? If they are fairly new, does the agent have good back up in the office to assist in the event of a problem? You don't have to avoid a new agent, just make sure that the resources are there to back that agent up. Do they specialize in what you are trying to sell?They should provide references. If they can't, won't or are hesitant about providing references run, don't walk, to the nearest exit.

This process could lead you to find several "suitable" candidates to do the job. Now, how do you choose? It is very simple - what does your gut tell you. You are about to embark on a journey that will probably have bumps in the road - real estate transactions are rarely smooth. It is important to select someone that you trust, with whom you can communicate and yes, if you like your agent, it will make the process easier. If you don't like your agent - you will probably have an unpleasant experience.

No matter how many of your friends say that a particular agent is great - if you don't trust that agent, can't communicate with that agent and don't like that agent - then it's a bad fit for you.

There are many good agents in the real estate profession. We come from many walks of life, have differing personalities, hobbies, etc. The thing that we have in common is our passion for real estate.

Today’s unexpected Real Estate and Life Lessons . . . . .

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:29:28 -0500

•1. An oven that requires 3 cans of Easy Off to Clean (and still is crusty and grimy) needs to be thrown out. This oven is not in my house, but one of my seller's homes that is being rented as of today.

•2. When a contractor says you need a 3" globe for a light fixture he really means 3.25" - clerks at the hardware store will give you a very weird look when you ask for a 3" fixture when the standard is 3.25".

•3. You can no longer buy a 60 watt bulb - I'm looking at the shelf and see 57 watt bulbs - what's with that?

•4. Cold Cased steel chains are nearly impossible to cut with Bolt Cutters - they are also expensive by the foot and really, really heavy.

•5. There are actually padlocks that are nearly impossible to cut with bolt cutters - I sure hope the folks that don't want me to list a probate property don't get smart and put their own tough lock on their own tough chain keeping me out of my listing.

•6. You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear - boy, one of my sellers is unbelievably dense and keeps undermining his ability to sell his property.

•7. When sellers are truckers they can be really difficult to reach if you have an offer on their property - it could take weeks.

•8. It is much easier to sell a good used vehicle in today's market than it is to sell a piece of real estate - regardless of how reasonably priced the real estate may be.

•9. An office door lock will only fail when you are running late for an appointment and have a very long drive ahead of you.

•10. A buyer call on a listed property starting with the statement "How motivated is your seller" is probably going to be a long and arduous phone call.

•11. An 11 month old Lab Mix puppy will have boundless energy - even while you - the loving owner, is dragging your tail.

•12. A cat comfortably positioned on your lap, suddenly startled by an overzealous 11 month old Lab Mix puppy is dangerous to the condition of your skin and could lead to significant blood loss and pain.

•13. An overzealous 11 month old Lab Mix puppy can tear through your screen at your glass slider door - especially when he doesn't wait until it's opened before rushing outside.

•14. Not turning on the television at the end of a day can actually improve your mood - you can't get brought down by the bad news of the day.

•15. A homemade and tasty dinner at the end of a day doesn't solve all the problems you've encountered during the day - but it sure can taste good - of course, it's best if you know how to cook or have a friend or significant other that will cook for you.

Bolt Cutters . . . . Who woulda' thought . . . . .

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:45:56 -0500

Well, I found myself in a major shopping area yesterday and realized that I'm meeting a deputy sheriff at my FUN listing where people keep putting new locks on the gate preventing me from accessing the property.

So, off I went to Home Depot looking for bolt cutters. It is always difficult to find help there and I don't have a clue what bolt cutters look like, let alone where to find them in the store.

20 minutes of searching for a sales person and I'm on my way to the right section. There I stand before quite an assortment -- "Wow, people must have this problem alot," I think. The sales guy starts asking me a plethora of questions, type of lock, size of lock, how much leverage will I need to cut the lock (huh?) - do I look like a bolt cutter expert?

Well he finally handed me a set and said this is what you need.

It never occured to me it would be a challenge to buy bolt cutters.

Hopefully the deputy sheriff will help me cut the lock if I end up failing my bolt cutter useage test.

Surprise. . . Surprise . . . Surprise . . . .

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:10:22 -0500

Gomer Pyle Time.

I'm making sure that a home that's been vacant and on the market for about 2 years is ready for tenants on October 1. (No, I haven't had the listing all that time -- I've had it in escrow twice but we couldn't get loans -- that isn't the surprise.) We completed a walk through on September 20th but couldn't finish the process because we didn't have power, water or propane.

We got the power issue taken care of and all the light fixtures and outlets appear to be fine.

We got the water turned on yesterday -- the valve is hidden under a porch that needs to be partially disassembled to complete. I made sure that I had someone there to help me in the event of leaks in the house. All the fittings looked fine. We decided to run some of the faucets to clear the lines and get clean water running. Because the home is on a well, we wanted to make sure that the tenants would have clear water -- not dirty water.

Well, we turned on some faucets downstairs, went back to check a couple of minutes later and found the entire under sink area in the bathroom flooded ! Both master sinks were rusted out at the bottom -- not obvious when you were looking at them from where the rusted out holes were located but REALLY OBVIOUS when you run the water.

I checked my seller disclosure documents -- nothing mentioned in the disclosures -- you'd think they would have said something. Could they have missed Niagara Falls coming through the bottom cabinets?

Needless to say, I am now doing double time trying to find someone to fix the problem prior to the tenants moving in. Not a difficult process in a larger market -- but here -- nearly impossible. Especially since someone will have at least a 2 hour drive one way to get to a Home Depot to get new sinks.

I am so looking forward to finding out what happens once we have propane in the tank !

Baby it’s Cold Outside – Time to Winterize !

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:52:44 -0500

Well, temperatures are getting below freezing at night now. If you have a home that you don't live in regularly or if you are a listing agent on a home in an area where freezing occurs, it could be time to winterize.

Winterizing a home involves blowing water out of pipes, draining the pressure tank, draining the hot water heater, getting rid of any water that could freeze, remove hoses from hose bibs. Water that stays in pipes and freezes breaks pipes and creates a potential disaster in an unoccupied home when the water thaws again.

If you're buying a home that's vacant, it's a good idea to know how long it's been vacant and whether the home was winterized if unoccupied during the winter months. Plumbing repairs and water damage can be very expensive to repair.

If you own or are trying to sell, protect your most valuable asset - it costs very little to do. If you're buying, be sure you're not buying a headache.

It's just common sense. Cause Baby, this morning it was Cold Outside !

California Foreclosures by Severity -- Report 9/21/08

Property Connections Realty Inc. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:37:07 -0500

Our local Title Company, Modoc County Title, sent out this information to us today.

I thought this was very interesting information. I suspected that there wasn't much foreclosure activity in Modoc County and haven't personally focused any energy or time in that area. I was pleased to see that Modoc County is in comparatively good shape. The numbers in other parts of California though are staggering.

http://FileLibrary.MYAASite.Com/Content/39/39601/28849402.pdf