Sonora & Twain Harte Real Estate Blog

Anyone thinking ahead about buying a second home in Northern California, renting it out most of the time, and perhaps someday retiring to the Sierra Nevada?  Other Sonora retirees may also desire to turn their homes into Sonora rental properties. Northern California homes for rent in Tuolumne County help property owners by capitalizing on the great recreational destination and adding income.

All of these folks may be interested in the new property management services at Century 21 Wildwood in Twain Harte.  We will walk you through the tax rules.  Here’s a sampling:

• A Sonora home for rent can be leveraged if an owner uses the second home only 14 days a year or less.
• A second home is defined as an investment property if the owner occupies it only 10% of the total time that it is rented.
• The Internal Revenue Service considers rental real estate to be a passive activity unless property owners personally and actively maintain the house, advertise it, and find renters.
• As far as federal law, each owner is entitled to two weeks of rental income tax-free annually.
• If an owner finishes the year with a net profit from rental income, he/she may deduct all rental expenses. If there is a net loss, the deduction is limited by the passive activity rule.

For non-residents of California, the snowy mountains and temperate weather make Tuolumne County California an ideal location for owning second homes. Federal tax incentives for owning a second home in California is advantageous if the owners qualify as non-residents. It is important to follow the California rules to the letter on that point to avoid extra taxation.

If California considers any owner a nonresident, it will tax only the income derived from the owners California sources. Rental income on a Sonora house would be taxed, but not income from a primary occupation in another state. Nonetheless, non-residency must be proven.  California also collects a transient occupancy tax for short-term rentals.  All other income minus expenses is taxable.

Our Century 21 Wildwood Property Management Services enable homeowners to continue as passive landlords.  We specialize in offering rental properties in the Sonora area–from Columbia to Jamestown to Twain Harte and Pinecrest Lake. Most of our rentals are long-term leases.  We offer full service management beginning with determining the suitability of a property for rent and continuing all the way to maintain, working with renters, covering the legal basis, and providing profits and profit/loss accounting necessary for financial planners and tax professionals.

Contact Century 21 Wildwood for House Rentals/Property Management

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Northern California home rental company including long-term rentals, second home rentals, cabin rentals, and horse property rentals in Tuolumne County.  We also offer properties for sale.

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Buyers who choose primary and vacation homes in Sonora California are along the Mother Lode and the Sierra Nevada.  The historic gold rush town of Groveland makes for a fascinating day trip for residents and visitors toSonora CA homes. Groveland lies on Highway 120 on the way to Yosemite National Park.

Complete with a western-like downtown with shops and restaurants and landmarks, grove land real estate itself makes for an interesting study.  The Iron Door Saloon, California’s oldest continuously operating saloon peers out over the highway amidst numerous buildings remaining from the town’s boom days in the mid-1800s. Called Garrotte until 1875, the community grew up around the discovery of gold by James Savage in 1848.  Subsequently, Groveland experienced a second and third gold rush.

There’s more to Groveland than walking in the footsteps of gold miners.  Many paddlers enjoy real estate Sonora and other areas of Tuolumne County.  This weekend, during the Annual Paddle to the Sea events, hundreds of waterborne craft will take to the river and paddle the Tuolumne and American rivers to the San Francisco Bay.

In addition, Groveland was the center for the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Water Project and the center of bustling lumber activity after World War II. Right on the heels of those projects came developer Boise cascade and the Pine Mountain Lake resort. Pine Mountain is a planned community with a lake, marina, beach, golf course, country club, airport, and stables. The very popular community features more than 4000 home sites.

There’s another side trip.  The nearby vintage community of Coulterville is an authentic gold-mining relic. Coulterville is home to Northern Mariposa History Center and Whistling Billy, an eight-ton locomotive left over from the mining days. Capable of hauling 15 five-ton cars of ore, the marvelous little engine ran on a narrow-gauge track along a steep and twisting four-mile route.  Other attractions in Coulterville include Sun Sun Wo Co., a Chinese store, and the Magnolia Saloon, both built in 1851.

Groveland’s proximity to Yosemite is yet another reason to explore its possibilities.  Residents of Tuolumne County plan to visit the park often—to hike, camp, watch birds, visit waterfalls and Hetch Hetchy Lake.

Buying and Selling Property in Tuolumne County

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for information about Tuolumne County homes, horse properties, cabins, and real estate.   We also offer rentals and property management services.

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Century 21 Wildwood property management in Twain Harte is now offering a three bedroom two bath home in Twain Harte for rent just in time for summer vacations.  Northern California property along the Sierra Nevada provides the perfect vacation getaway to hike and climb, fish, bike, and watch the birds.

The Twain Harte rental features 1830 square feet of comfortable living space with an attached garage. The open floor plan features a family room with a fireplace. There is a large downstairs bonus room as well.  The home is located at 22542 Cedar Pines, Twain Harte, CA 95383.  Rent is $1500 per month.  (Other houses for rent are available in Tuolumne County, too.)

Twain Harte is a small mountain community with a big, joyous heritage. It is brimming with friendly neighbors and lots to do. The town center feature shops, cafés and restaurants, boutiques, farmers market, outdoor family movies and concerts, wine tasting, and a golf course and club.  Popular events include Summer Arts & Wine Festival, Annual Wines in the Pines, and the Oktoberfest celebration.

It’s a great time to arrive in Twain Harte.  Coming up soon are the following events:  Kennedy Meadows Horse Camp for ages 12-17, Twain Harte Fourth of July Parade and Carnival, Coyote Meadow Trail Ride, The Dam Duck Race at Twain Harte Lake, Playday at Center Camp in Twain Harte, and the list goes on.

Set on the forested western flank of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tuolumne County is home to the Mother Lode.  Miners discovered record quantities of gold ore from the hills here during the California Gold Rush.  As people settled, bustling towns and a substantial lumber and milling industry took root. The nearby historic towns of Sonora, Columbia, and Jamestown feature museums paying tribute to the gold and lumber eras.

Twain Harte is named after Mark Twain and Bret Hart and has been a summer resort for artists and adventurers since the early 1900s. The family friendly destination has drawn people from the San Francisco Bay Area for decades.  In 1923, a developer purchased a ranch and opened a private recreational subdivision in the community.  It quickly became a summer destination with cabins and a multipurpose clubhouse. The landmark wooden arch at the entrance to Twain Harte was built in 1933.  Twain Harte Golf Course grew out of the development.

Up the road from Twain Harte, residents and visitors enjoy the snow and winter recreation on the slopes of Dodge Ridge.  Summertime opens the swimming pool, golf course, more equestrian activities, and lots of fun at the lake.

In essence, our Twain Harte cabin rentals offer a home base for family and friends, retirees with RVs, and full-time residents who, like us, can’t get enough of the forests and the breezes.

Contact Century 21 Wildwood for House Rentals/Property Management

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Northern California home rental company including long-term rentals, second home rentals, cabin rentals, and horse property rentals in Tuolumne County.  We also offer properties for sale.

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The Twain Harte Homeowners association has inspired and motivated, represented and done everything to deserve the motto, “Keeping Twain Harte Beautiful Since 1974″.  This year’s patches of colorful daffodils blossomed after volunteer residents of Twain Harte properties donated, planted, and nurtured thousands of daffodil bulbs.

The Town of Twain Harte and its invaluable real estate remain cherished for pristine forests, adventurous trails, fish-laden streams, cool lakes, glorious golf course, and other sought-after attributes.  Volunteers with Twain Harte Homeowners help preserve our legacy.  It continues to assist owners of property in Twain Harte to better the welfare of all residents.

The organization helps with matters dealing with zoning, taxation, roads, streets, highways, and regular cleanup.  For example, coming up is the monthly Twain Harte Volunteer Litter Pickup on Saturday, May 4, 2013 beginning at 9 AM.  Volunteers meet at express on Park where they receive safety vests, gloves, trash bags, and litter pickers.  Teams of volunteers head in different directions.  See Twain Harte homeowners.com for more information.

In addition, Twain Harte Homeowners help produce community events such as the Twain Harte Annual Christmas Parade, Twain Harte Film Fest, plays at Stage 3 Theater, Valentine event at Twain Harte Golf Course, the Habitat for Humanity Challenge and so many more local events and activities.  The Association brings music, parades, and a joie de vivre to the community.

The original Twain Harte Homeowners’ Association was ratified by the California Secretary of State on July 5, 1974.  In part, the purpose was to “… carry out the plans, policies, and activities that will tend to preserve and protect the environment, ecology, natural beauty and aesthetics of the area commonly known as Twain Harte, California….”  Although it is longer incorporated, the association now functions with a nine member board.

The goal of the Association is to have at least one member of every property owner family providing valuable input that allows the Twain Harte Homeowners Board to work side-by-side with other organizations, and the County government, Twain Harte Fire Department, and other entities to coordinate projects and handle issues important to owners.  The organization is diligent in taking action to preserve the unique character of the town and to maintain a quality level of infrastructure and services.

Residents can join Twain Harte Homeowners and will receive the very informative biyearly newsletter.  The membership fee is $15.

Buying and Selling Property in Tuolumne County

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for information about Tuolumne County homes, horse properties, cabins, and real estate.   We also offer rentals and property management services.

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Century 21 Wildwood Property Management in Northern California is featuring a Sonora CA home for rent on Beckwith Circle overlooking the city.  Two miles east of Sonora, the rental property is near all of the activities and medical facilities in town as well as excellent recreation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Stanislaus National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

This desirable Sonora rental house features 1900 square feet of comfortable living on one story.  Boasting a large yard with wooded surroundings, the attractive home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a detached two-car garage and workshop.  The kitchen is open with an eating bar and dining area next to the large family room with fireplace.  Rent is $1600 per month.

Directions:  From downtown, go northwest on S. Stewart St. toward Lindberg St.  Turn right on Lyons and continue onto Lyons Bald Mountain Rd.  Go right onto Greenley Rd., left on Cabezut Rd., slightly right onto Sylva Ln., and turn right on Beckwith Cir.  The home is on the right side of the street.  The rental property address is 12923 Beckwith Circle, Sonora, CA 95370.

Sonora is a long time cultural hub in an area called the “Mother Lode.”  The historic city incorporated in 1851 during the California Gold Rush and quickly became a regional commercial, governing, and social center – roles it has continued to play.  The small Victorian city has a family friendly appeal and a welcoming hospitality.  The community features an eclectic mix of museums, live theater, art galleries, festivals and special events, eateries and shops.

Other Available Rental Properties in Tuolumne County

1. Twain Harte:  22542 Cedar Pines, fine 3 bedroom/2 bathroom with 1830 square feet, $1500 per month
2. Tuolumne:  17809 Ruby Rd., 2 bedroom/2 bathroom modular home on 9 acres with 924 Square Feet, $950 per month
3. Twain Harte:  23173 Oak View, Adorable 2 bedroom/1 bathroom on large corner lot with indoor laundry and covered carport, 900 square feet, $800 per month
4. Twain Harte:  22872 Sierra Drive Unit A, 2 bedroom/2 bath duplex downtown, 1000 square feet, $800 per month
5. Soulsbyville:  19600 Jubilee Ct., exceptional 1800 square-foot farmhouse with 4 bedroom/3 bath and full equestrian facilities, $2100 per month

Contact Century 21 Wildwood for House Rentals/Property Management

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Northern California house rental services,  including long-term rentals, second home rentals, cabin rentals, and horse property rentals in Tuolumne County.   The Sonora/Twain Harte property management offices at Century 21 Wildwood are located off Highway 108W.

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Residents and visitors to Northern California communities from Sonora real estate to Twain Harte properties and up to Pinecrest Lake have daily opportunities during the warmer months to explore on their bicycles Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and every point in between.

Area residents are able to readily practice mountain biking near Twain Harte homes.  There is an 8-mile stretch that climbs over 200 feet with a maximum elevation of 4235 feet.  The ride starts at Forest Route 4N014024.  A 4-mile stretch beginning near Mount Elizabeth Road ascends 240 feet with a maximum elevation of 4071 feet.

We also hold special cycling events In Northern California—and one is coming up soon.  On April 28, 2013, cyclists will converge in downtown Sonora CA real estate for the Sonora Gran Fondo.  The now-popular cycling event will take place in the grand environs of the Sierra Nevada where riders feast upon the rolling hills and climbs of the Mother Lode.  The race follows the fabulous route through Golden Chain Highway that was used last year for Stage 4 of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California.

The 2013 Sonora Gran Fondo begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. at the historic Red Church on Snell Street.  Riders start en masse with a police escort through town.  Everyone must start at 9:00.  Organizers have located Rest Stops food and beverages every 20 miles.

Cyclists may register for one of three distances for the 2013 Sonora Gran Fondo:

• Gran Fondo, 87 miles/8700 elevation gain, $65
• Medio Fondo, 60 miles/6700 elevation gain, $50
• Piccolo Fondo, 28 miles, $25

Registration will be held online at topsportcycling.com through April 27, 2013.  All riders who register by April 22, 2013 will receive a free t-shirt.  Latecomers may register beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Sonora High School on School Street in Sonora.

Three-time United States road race champion Fast Freddie Rodriquez will set the pace for this year’s event.  Rodriguez is a veteran of the Tour de France and a stage winner at the Giro D’Italia.  Cycling results will be published on topsportcycling.com.  The fastest three men and three women will be awarded merchandise and free entry into next year’s race.

The Sonora Gran Fondo is sponsored by Sonora Regional Medical Center.  Proceeds support the Live Well Be Well Center.

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for information about Tuolumne County homes, horse properties, cabins, and real estate.

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Now is the time to investigate Sonora home rentals in Northern California.  Many times, it is more affordable to rent a property such as the beautiful horse property in Soulsbyville featured by Century 21 Wildwood than to purchase and maintain the real estate yourself.  We manage properties and rent houses throughout Tuolumne County, including Sonora, Columbia, Twain Harte, Jamestown, Mono Vista, Soulsbyville, Tuolumne, Strawberry, Pinecrest, and cabins and ranches in between.

There are several good reasons to rent homes along the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  You may be able to afford a nicer home.  For example, when considering all of the expenses a particular home may cost $6000 each month to own and only $3000 monthly to rent.  Perhaps your subdivision offers amenities such as a lake or a swimming pool or trails.  The landlord immediately takes care of all maintenance problems and pays the taxes.  Renters insurance is very inexpensive.  And renting offers residents great flexibility.

Tuolumne County rentals turn out to be more advantageous for many people than buying real estate in the area.  Are you one of them?  Ask yourself a few questions and soon you will know if you will be happier and freer if you choose one of our comfortable Sonora rentals.

1. Are you able to afford the down payment, closing costs, monthly house payments, property taxes, home maintenance costs, insurance, and repairs that come with owning a home?
2. Are you planning to stay in Tuolumne County for at least five years so that you could break even when you sell the property?
3. Do you enjoy relocating simply for the change in scenery?
4. Does it make more sense to rent a home now so you can buy vacant property in Tuolumne County and build over the next year or two?
5. Are you able to sustain the livelihood you desire while living in a rural area?
6. If you choose to move out of the home you buy and it does not sell quickly, are you prepared to turn it into a Sonora or Twain Harte rental so that you can move on to your next cycle?

Contact Century 21 Wildwood for House Rentals/Property Management

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Northern California home rental company including long-term rentals, second home rentals, cabin rentals, and horse property rentals in Tuolumne County.

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Relocate to a home in Twain Harte California where you will enjoy the small-town atmosphere and down-home fun at community events.  Look at Twain Harte homes in the spring during the Parade and Family Day, “Who Let the Dogs Out…in Twain Harte???”  This year’s event takes place along Twain Harte Main Street on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. to coordinate your visit with viewing Twain Harte real estate for sale.  If you come during the week before the parade, you can also gain free entrance to Yosemite National Park.  Fascinating Bridal Falls and Half Dome will whet your appetite for future adventures throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

So who is letting the dogs out from their Twain Harte properties? Residents and visitors parade through town with furry friends of all shapes and sizes.  Local canines are joined by others looking for adoptive homes.  In Twain Harte, every pet is special.

One at a time, the announcer puts the grandstand spotlight on each dog and family, introducing each one and telling a little about their favorite activities.  From taking walks to sleeping, swimming and kayaking to chasing squirrels, to hiking the Sierras and running in the snow, the dogs from around Tuolumne County thoroughly enjoy themselves, and so do the masters.  One therapy dog especially loves visiting schools in the area.

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.  The entry fee is $5.  In addition to learning about the pooches on parade, everyone has the opportunity to check out fun booths all day long including the dog vendors, American Kennel Club Agility Course, Obedience Training Demonstrations, Human Howling Contests, Dog Contests, Humane Society Petting Area, Meet the Therapy Dogs, Earth Day Booth.

A celebrity panel is on hand to select the Best Dressed Dog over 50 pounds and the Best Dressed Dog under 50 pounds. Treats are available for well-behaved dogs, too.

Held the fourth Saturday in April, the annual event helps raise funds for the Humane Society of Tuolumne County.  The 2013 Twain Harte Dog Parade is sponsored by Allen Enterprises, Richard and Marilyn Knudson, Steve Leontie Photography, the Twain Harte Business Association and the Soroptomists International of Twain Harte.

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for information about Tuolumne County homes, horse properties, cabins, and real estate.

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Lease an affordable home in Sonora California for your family to broadly experience the splendor of Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada region.  Northern California home rentals available through Century 21 Wildwood serve as excellent home bases for family getaways and vacations into Yosemite as well as Stanislaus National Forest. See available Sonora property rentals here.

Residents of Sonora rental homes have the opportunity to be drawn into the heart of diverse ecosystems and dramatic features within Yosemite.  Families enjoy investigating the old trails and mining camps along the Mother Lode.  Along Highway 120 are a number of stops interesting to elementary children.  Along with Columbia and Sonora, Jamestown and Groveland are interesting stops for children and grandchildren as well as the inquisitive parent and grandparent.

Live in a Sonora or Twain Harte property and you will find treasures every time you return.  Yosemite National Park spans 761,268 acres in the central Eastern area of California.  The National Park spans the Eastern portion of Tuolumne County as well as Mariposa and Madera counties.  There is so much to see and most visitors only scratch the surface of the Yosemite experience as they pass through Yosemite Valley.

How about exploring Yosemite National Park on your own terms?  Decide to experience the entire gamut of accommodations, from campgrounds to the Four-Diamond Ahwahnee Hotel.  The Ahwahnee is located in the heart of the Park where it offers world-class amenities and spectacular panoramic views.  Return again to relax and explore Yosemite Falls.  The Yosemite Lodge at the Falls features the Mountain Room Restaurant, tours and activities, bicycle rentals, and knowledgeable staff.  Thirty miles from Yosemite Valley near Lukens Lake and Harden Lake, White Wolf Lodge features hard-sided cabins and canvas tent cabins to get your crew used to roughing it.

Situated four miles from the south entrance to Yosemite National Park, the Wawona Hotel exudes the presence of yesteryear.  Its whitewashed buildings are just a hint that you are entering the natural surroundings of a National Historic Landmark.  No distracting phones or TVs here—only the gorgeous natural surroundings.  Similarly, Curry Village offers cabins, canvas tents, and motel rooms smack in the middle of the great outdoors.

Along the Merced River, Housekeeping Camp is the place to go for campfires and outdoor cooking.  An outpost for excursions into the High Sierra, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge features canvas tent cabins.  And for the very adventurous level goals of exploring the backcountry, the High Sierra Camps are just perfect.  These five rustic camps are about a day hike from one another.

Contact Century 21 Wildwood for House Rentals/Property Management

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Northern California home rental company including long-term rentals, second home rentals, cabin rentals, and horse property rentals in Tuolumne County.

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Buy your vacation home in Sonora California or up the road in Twain Harte and you’ll discover every day to be a celebration.  Residents of Sonora homes and properties in Tuolumne County share a special camaraderie at events such as we have on the schedule this month.  Community gusto plays an endearing role in the value of Sonora real estate.

The largest Celtic Festival in California took place last week.  Family fun began with bagpipes and storytellers, Scottish Knights and jousting, a Celtic village and marketplace, accented by good old ethnic food enjoyed by all.  If you missed the Celtic Faire, be sure to get here for next year’s annual event.

Gold Rush Days in Columbia celebrate the rich heritage of our community. It is located on the Mother Lode, one of the largest strikes found during the Gold Rush of the 1800s. From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month, highly knowledgeable staff and docents dressed in period costume open up exhibits and venues at Columbia State Historic Park allows visitors to experience the life of a miner working in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

On Saturday, March 16, 2013, community volunteers will host Murphy’s Irish Day.  The daylong celebration is a tribute to the historic Murphy Family and the Irish heritage.  Festivities include a pancake breakfast, old-fashioned parade, live entertainment, arts and crafts, silent auction, vendors, pony rides, and lots of good food.  Also on Saturday is a Sierra Club Bike Ride, the 18th Annual Spring Daffodil Show at Ironstone Vineyards, and Waldorf School Rites of Springs Auction at the Fairgrounds.

Neighboring communities add to the fun.  In Twain Harte, participants in the Shooter Scooter Race and Poker Run dress in costume and cheer on teams racing around town on their scooters.  The crazy festivities are hosted by the Twain Harte Business Association and The Twain Harte Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Saint Patrick’s Day Hunt takes place Sunday at Heron Point Trail while Columbia Nursery hosts Ukuleles among the Flowers.  Columbia’s Birthday Celebration will be on March 27, 2013.  A speech at noon in front of the museum begins the three-hour event.

Easter Celebrations add to this year’s March calendar.  Celebrate with an Egg Hunt on the slopes at Dodge Ridge or in several of our Sierra Nevada communities.

Contact Century 21 Wildwood for House Rentals/Property Management

Contact Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Northern California home rental company including long-term rentals, second home rentals, cabin rentals, and horse property rentals in Tuolumne County.

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