Richard's Blog

Great buy in Forest Meadow gated subdivision

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:07:55 -0500

Great new home in Forest Meadows, just outside of Murphy's California. Please take a look at this great home, all the extras are included. Very nice private lot right next to the pool and tennis courts. Several large oak trees on the lot, which makes for a very private setting.

Price, oh what a price this home is complete for $429,000 just bring your furniture and cloths and it ready to go. Builder has included granite kitchen, granite and tile baths, about 1100 sq ft of hardwood floors. Great appliance package. Rock fireplace with real wood mantel, custom cabinets with book shelf's in the great room and two large front and back redwood decks. Don't miss out on this home, it's sharp.

Will have a finial sometime next week. Not many homes in this area for this kind of price, what a buy.

This is a golf course subdivision with gates. Very close to Murphy's right in the center of California. Close to Tahoe and very close to Central Valley. Don't miss out come take a look. This is a great place to call home and a great place to retire.

The weather is starting to change!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:43:02 -0500

OK looks like we are going to get some great nighttime temps. The weather is going to start to change, I am seeing leaves starting to change. The golds are starting to fall now. I think it is going to be a matter of time before we see some fall.

Great time to come up to Murphy's or Arnold and have a great weekend getaway. Maybe even stop in a Forest Meadows and look at a couple of homes for sale. Great golf course and many great buys on homes in this small gated subdivision.

Check out the house at 814 Larkspur, new home with all the extras just finished. What a buy and a great lot right next to pool and park. This is a great place to retire, very quite area with many things to do. Only three miles from Murphy's it makes it easy to go into town for dinner or just take a quiet walk on a Friday or Saturday night.

Don't miss out hurry up and take a look for yourself, I am sure you will like it.

Forest Meadow Murphy's California

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:46:16 -0500

OK if you have not checked it out this is a great place to retire. Gated community with a golf course in California and you can buy a house anywhere from high 300's to high 400's this is crazy. This is a great place and the sites are incredible. Also a great elevation for the snow, not to much, it does not stay long. I would say you get just enough to make it beautiful in the winter.

The weather is great at this time of year, just right to come up and take a look. I am seeing a few new homes being built in the area. Prices are great and now is the time to come up . This is one of the few areas that the smart people are taking advantage. It has been steady up here. The homes are selling, people are seeing if they want to retire they have to get a great buy. There are several great buys up here so take a look.

Good luck and drive safe.

Great weather up here so come and enjoy and don't forget the clubs, great golf course.

Greenhorn creek golf!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:25:00 -0500

Hey this is going to be a great weekend to come up and play some golf or just kick around the area. Greenhorn creek resort is a great place to spend the weekend. The family can play golf, hike or just take in the sites.

A short drive from Stockton and the bay area make this a wonderful weekend destination. The weather is going to be gorgeous this weekend.

Hey if you have some time and want to look at some of our great housing inventory, give us a call. I can't see the price being this low for very long so come up and take advantage.

The mother-lode is a great place to retire so please keep that in mind.

Safe driving, see you up here!

GOING TO BE A GREAT WEEKEND TO VISIT THE MOTHERLODE!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:50:01 -0500

Don't miss out this is going to be a great weekend to visit the mother-lode. Try Murphy's the weather is great and temps are going to be around 65 or so. Perfect spring time weather.

Visit one of the local restaurants or maybe take a stroll down main street and take in some of the great shops. Also if you have the time stay all night and wake up to the fresh mountain air, it's totally rejuvenating. I must say this is the perfect way to get ready for the next busy work week.

Don't forget the golf courses, we have three and they are all playable.

The weather is great, so come up and enjoy

Drive safe, see you when you get here.

WE NEED HELP FOR THE HARD WORKING AMERICAN HOME OWNER!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:26:48 -0600

Everyday we here about it, hell it's almost the way of life now for the everyday average American home owner. Threat of loosing there home. I can only imagine what this must feel like. I am talking about the American dream gone bad. I am talking about the people that have worked hard, pay there payments for many years and then the bottom drops out. The economy drops right out from under them. Now they need help and they need help fast, so what's the fix?

Lets see if the A/R community can do what our elected officials have not done. Lets see if someone has an idea to help the average American family survive this mess and save there homes.

I feel that someone on this board just might have the answer to this large and growing problem. The A/R community is very large and I here some great things coming from some of you. I just know you have input, I would love to here it. I just know there is some very good, positive and helpful information on this board. Please give your input.

Good luck

GreenHorn Creek Golf Course - Check it out!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:57:43 -0600

I think this might just be the best week out of this winter to come up and play some golf. The easy drive from Stockton or Sacramento is very enjoyable and will give you piece of mind and time to relax.

The sun is peeking through the clouds and the weather man has promised the mid 60's all week. Bring your clubs and your friends and enjoy this wonderful 18 hole course. They also have a great club house with restaurant and full bar. Also if you have the time for a full weekend they have rooms at the timeshares, this will give you sometime to check out the Murphy's area for dinner. Calaveras county and Greenhorn Creek is a great place to place and also a great place for a full time residence.

Check it out, I am sure you will be surprised! Drive safe

Internet leads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:20:10 -0600

Agents - I know several have been interested in Internet leads. The question has been, do they work? Well I have only had one good system, out of the many I have tried. I can say that system worked very well for me and I sold several homes off that one product.

Now for all the others! I believe 90% of these lead generators are just ways to get your hard earned money. Now if you want to be a used car salesman you might be able to turn some off these leads into deals, but I must say I would be very shocked if you could do it. I would be very shocked if you ever see a customer face to face. Many of these buyers are so far from buying a home, it's a joke.

These companies are looking for the numbers and they are promising the moon. Please be careful and try to ask the right questions before you sign on the dotted line. The good lead companies don't need contracts because they are proven, agents know the good ones and they are waiting in line to take the next open zip code.

I thinks the number one question would be, where are your leads being generated from. I think you might be shocked at the answer. The second question is how are the leads being qualified either buyer or seller, can the buyer even buy or can the seller even sell.????????????????????Throw as many questions as you can and see if they can give you a good answer. Make sure they are not high balling you, remember it's your money not there's. Pay for good leads only! When in doubt go with your gut, if it sounds to good ------ it is, move on.

I can go on and on, I have tried many, many, many of these joke companies. Most are time wasters and money takers......rip offs!

One thing before you give your hard earned money, try going back to the basics of selling real estate and I feel you will have a lot more success! Go for the referrals there's more money in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck to all and happy selling!

Just a note on some of the foreclosure auctions on TV

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:52:12 -0600

I must start by saying some of these adds on TV are working to draw people to these foreclosure auctions. You must really check these auctions out before you waste a bunch of time. Last week I myself kind of got caught up in one of the auctions that is coming up in California.

The minimum bids suckered me to start checking out some of these homes. Things started to look real good until one of the hosts made the comment to me that! The bank has to approve the final bid. I replied - what in the world am I wasting my time on this for, another sucker was born!

I went back to my office and called the auction and sure enough. Some of these auctions are reserve auctions and the bank has a right to review the price and not sell if they don't want. ( Anyway it's deep in the terms of the auction terms) I sure don't see anything on the TV add's, I don't think a Realtor could advertise this way!

I must say this is a big sales pitch, to get you there and get you caught up in the heat.I have personally been to several auctions over my twenty-five or so years. I sure feel sorry for the people that don't check this out and waste there time and money on going to these ------------------ well, I wouldn't call them auctions.

I believe a true auction is one where you bid and the high bider gets the bid!

Now what do you think?

Don't forget to come up to the Murphy's open house!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 23:44:32 -0600

Looks like a great weekend to come up to the Murphy's open house. This is always a great event you will enjoy many activities and eat a lot of food.

Open house starts with a parade and a tree lighting and after your family can enjoy many of the shops that are decked out to the hilt with Christmas. I can't think of a better way for you and yours to get into the Christmas spirit.

Please if you are planning to spend the night you must make a reservation because you will end up driving back home if you wait. All the hotels in the area will fill up fast. Also the restaurants will be packed so make your reservations ahead of time.

Look forward to seeing you up here for this great event. I know that most people that come up make it an annual event, so please come up and enjoy!

Happy Holiday to all!

Christmas in the motherlode!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:46:07 -0600

This is the best time of year to visit the mother lode area of Calaveras and Amador county. I will tell you if you have not been to the open houses in Jackson, Angels Camp or Murphy's, you need to start. This will be a great jump start to your holiday season. Please note there are several other of the smaller towns that also have great open houses. This is a busy time of year and if you don't have time to come up to all of them please make it a point to at least visit one, you and your family will have a great time. The kids will enjoy it I am sure.

Angels Camp is having there open house tomorrow night and Murphy's will be next weekend on the 7th. Not sure on Jackson but you can find it on there website I am sure.

All of the stores on main street will be open along with the restaurants, I am sure you will need reservation for dinner so you better call ahead. There is also a parade in down town Murphy's and a tree lighting.

The weather up here has been incredible, very cold at night but clear and brisk in the day! Oh what a fall!

Come on up and get in the holiday spirit!

I am sure if you go once you will make it a tradition!

Happy Holidays!

Positive will breed positive, it's like wild fire!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:37:09 -0600

I see so many negatives in our news media and in several posts. I feel we should all find the positives and it will breed like wild fire.

OK, I see the good stuff everyday, but you just don't here about it or I should say you don't here about it enough.I know there are several great stories out there and you guys are all keeping it inside. Please don't do that, you must get this stuff out for all to here and feel. I tell you it's a prov-en fact, think positive thoughts and it will happen, positives will take over your life. Positive will kick the negative right out of your path!

Forget the negative stuff, it will not get you anywhere. Think positive thoughts, do positive things, answer all those negative stories with a positive and you will be shocked. Then after a while it will happen, the negatives will be gone.

I think AR can start this off! Now give me some positive!

What have you as a Realtor seen as positive, lets here it I know it's out there! I seen the good stuff everyday!

I would like to here from you.

Good luck and keep it positive, it will turn you around!

Buyers need to see the value in what they are buying!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:50:32 -0600

The good old days of just walking up to a home with a buyer and them saying after five minutes or so they will take it, are over. You now have to show and build value in a home before they will buy.

You now have to sell again! Hey thats our job isn't it! The Internet is great, and it is a good way to get a client, but you now have to know how to sell. Sorry but this is where technology is only a tool, you now must no all the tricks of the trade or you will not get anywhere. You must be a good sales person, you must know what to say and when to say it!

You have to sharpen up on all those old sales techniques, because they are now needed more than ever. Realtors need to know there product, you have to know the inventory, not just one home but several. This is very important so you can build value in what you are trying to sell.

Sales can be very easy and it can be very hard. The good sales people know how to make it easy and they are the ones to watch and learn from. I am sure you know who they are , they have the knack!

Pay attention and listen, it is a great tool and you will be amazed at what you will learn.......................

Good luck!

Taking good care of our sellers - Means more than just putting it on MLS!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:44:53 -0600

I have sold real estate in Amador and Calaveras counties for many years. I am accustom in letting out of area agents show our properties. I have no problem in going to a home and opening that home for any agent and I have done that on many occasions. I know several other agents in our area who have done the same thing.

This is not only a polite thing to do for other Realtors it is the right thing to do for your clients. The client is most important and this gives them one more chance to sell there home.

I find that every-time I go to the valley to show a home. I can't get into the home or the agent just does not have time, because they are so busy. People are not running around in droves and you need to sell your homes. So please help us out and get us a key! Who knows we might be able to sell your listing.

Today I had a buyer interested in a couple of homes and I could not even get them in because no one had the time. Lucky for me this is a great long time client of mine.

It's myself! Wow

Good luck all!

Buyers are out and there are some great buys!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:23:36 -0600

Noticing a big change in buyers in Calaveras county. Looks like there are a few buyers out and looking for that great buy. I have seen some really nice homes on our MLS and it looks like they are priced right. I don't think you will want to miss out, so you should come up to Calaveras this weekend and look at these homes and enjoy the weather.

Maybe you can look at a few homes and then take in the little towns. Like Murphy's, Angels Camp or even Greenhorn Creek. Maybe play a round of golf. Yesterday was one of the nicest fall days I have ever seen. The temperature at 2500' got to around 64,That's crazy for this time of year. The views are incredible because it is very clear up here, no smog up here.

Oh and one more thing the little towns, They have Christmas out and you can enjoy the Holiday spirit. So hurry up and get up here. I am sure you won't be sorry!

Good luck and enjoy!

Should you happened to need a Realtor, I would be happy to help. Please call!

New home at Forest Meadows Golf course! Murphy's

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:16:54 -0600

New home being built in Forest Meadows just outside of the town of Murphy's. This is a great little gated golf course community just below the snow line. This will be a semi custom three bedroom two bath home built near tenis and swimming pool.

If you have been looking for a great area to retire this is it. Great community with many amenities. The house will be price under 450,000 and will have granite counter tops, custom cabinet, upgraded appliances, hardwood floors and many more features. I will be following up with photos throughout the construction process.

This builder has built several homes in the mother-lode area and has a great reputation. I will keep you posted on the progress and should you have any questions. Please call me and I will be happy to help.

This is a great wooded lot and almost flat. Great area of homes! A must see!

Photos to follow! Completion is around March.

Take time out for the family and forget all the rest!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:07:54 -0600

This is the time of year you make that special time for your family. Life is very tough and we always get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Now is the time you just forget about that and spend that quality time with the family you love.

These are the times you will cherish in years to come and these are the memories you will make for the future. So don't forget tonight when you go to bed to unplug the switch and wake up tomorrow with that different attitude. Tomorrow is the time for the family you love. Everything else can wait!

I only wish, years ago when I was younger, I would have followed my own advice! Sometimes we are blind to whats in-front of us and it to late when we see it! Life goes by very quick to quick!

Anyway wishing you all a very happy holiday! Please don't eat to much, Oh but I know you will!

I will now be taking my own advice and spending my holiday with my family!

Happy Thanksgiving

PS Thanks AR Community - you guys are all great!

Stay in front of your past clients!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:34:16 -0600

Staying in front of your past clients is very important to your future business. I know after the sale you tend to move onto the next sale and forget to keep in-touch but you must find the time to stay in-touch.

Past clients have proven to be the best future clients for me and keeping in touch with them over the years has proven to be very important to my business. Always find time in your busy schedule to make calls and keep in touch with those past clients. Make it a point to call or stop by there office and just keep in front of them.

By doing this simple thing you will be amazed at how many referrals you will receive. Just by showing your face in front of them you could earn yourself that much needed referral. Referrals are always easier to work with because you already have there trust. Remember treat them right and you will then earn there referrals.

Just keep in front of them and you will be surprised, make those calls !

Good luck and keep up the good work!

Great buys in this market!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:36:42 -0600

I am seeing several more great buys this week. Calaveras has some great buys right now. I have seen several newer homes in the valley springs area for sale that appear to be great buys. I don't feel you can buy a vacant lot , pay for permits and build the home new for what many are being sold for.

Thats what you have to look at and that is replacement cost. The question, what would it cost me to build that house? People you need to do your research and you will see with your own eyes that a lot of the properties on the market are great buys.

I have seen homes in the 120.00 a foot range and even lower. That is crazy, there is no way you can build it for that. Land, permits and building cost will run you more than that.

Now if you are looking for a real estate bargain and are in it for the long run. You better check it out!

I would be happy to help you with your venture and your research. Feel free to call

Good luck

Late red colors are out in Calaveras county!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 23:03:34 -0600

This might be the best weekend for colors in Calaveras county. I was going through Murphy's this morning and notice a lot of the red colors are out. The reds were late to appear this year, I don't no why but can only guess that maybe it has been a very mild fall. We have not got the cold yet.

Great for us because we got a lot of yellows early and now the reds. This is better because we are getting a slow transition into winter. That means the colors of fall are lasting twice as long.

Anyway come up and check it out, you will be amazed by the gorgeous colors up here. The town of Murphy's is a great place to start. Maybe stop and have breakfast or maybe lunch.

Good luck and have a great time!

I have seen some really great buys in our market!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:02:59 -0600

I have noticed some great buys in our real estate market. The time is right for anyone that might be looking for a great buy. People open up your eyes and take notice.

There are several great properties on the market right now and I must say at some really great prices.

The weather is great right now and there is no excuse not to come up and take a peek at these great properties. I know you have noticed that interest rates are also great right now.

Please don't put it off come up and take advantage and make a great buy. You will be happy with yourself later, so make the trip and fall in love with this area. Great place to retire, Calaveras county.

Good luck!

Prospect companies on the internet!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:59:39 -0600

I have been in the business for several years and have tried several lead companies. I can't quite find any that really work, although agents tell me they are making sales from these generated leads.

I am starting to think this just might be a waste of time. The leads that are generated are 95% waste of time and I don't need any practice. They are also very expensive.

I am not looking for any of you to give up any of your secrets, just wondering if any body else has been scammed by the promise of prospective leads.

I am going to start to practice what I preach and spend 110% of my time on referral business. Seems thats the only thing that has ever worked for me! I have always got very good clientele this way, quality clients thats the goal here.

Good luck to all!

Positive radio ads from NAR!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 23:56:34 -0600

Hope you all have heard some of the positive radio advertisements from NAR. I just wanted to say they are starting to speak the Truth about our real estate market. I really think it is money well spent. I only wish I would here this positive stuff about every other minute or so. (WE NEED MORE POSITIVE)

I don't want to quote anyone here so you should all here it for yourselves and hopefully your customers will here it to.

This is good stuff and worth the money!

I sure hope NAR will continue to fight for us and continue to inform the market place of the real truths of the real estate market and industry as a whole. Come on NAR fight this media, you can do it.

Always think and speak positive.

Good Luck To All!

Go NAR

Let your agent work for you!

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:01:20 -0600

I here so many buyers say I am waiting for the prices to come way down before I purchase. Well if you buyers keep waiting the time will pass.

A lot of sellers out there would like to have the chance to look at anything you might want to offer. Please buyers let your agents work for you. Make an offer and let it play out. You just do not know what that sellers situation might be. I think they would just like the chance to see what you are thinking and who knows, you just might get lucky.

Buyers you have to start the ball rolling with that offer. It's all just a guess until you start the ball rolling, there has to be a starting point and you will have to start it. Sellers want to get as much as they can, it's only natural.

Buyers you are in great market and you just need to let your agents work for you. They will work hard I am sure, but you must give them something to start with.

Now Go Get It! There are great buys out there today, But we don't know about tomorrow!

Good Luck!

The Great buys are out there, but for how long.

Richard Perkins (Prudential California Realty) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 11:55:04 -0600

I am seeing quite a lot of action out there right now. I see a lot more people in my own area picking up fliers out of the boxes. I have seen it so many times, when the time to buy was right and people wait to long.

To many people pass up these great buys. The time to buy is now! November and December are great months to purchase. It's winter and you will get in just before the spring run. This great buyers market will not last forever. Don't be sorry!

Get it while the getting is good, or before it is gone. I see a lot of great inventory out there and sellers are looking at everything thats thrown at them right now.

Buyers take advantage before it's to late, Do your research and pick the right property and I am sure you will be happy in your real estate purchase.

Good Luck and Happy buying!