Sonora & Twain Harte Real Estate Blog

Our Sonora/Twain Harte Property Management Services at Century 21 Wildwood make landlords happy with owning Northern California rentals and investment property.  For one, we carefully examine the Northern CA homes for rent in the Sierra Nevada—Sonora rentals or other Twain Harte rentals—to minimize landlord/tenant disputes.

Century 21 Wildwood property managers adopt a fair, step-by-step routine for check-in, checkout, and inventory.  We also conduct interim visits to ensure each successful tenancy.  Supporting documentation allows us to accurately refer to the condition of the rental homes in Sonora, Twain Harte homes for rent and other properties in Jamestown or Columbia and so forth.

Tenants enjoy the impersonal relationship to their landlord through the mediating property-management company.  Fair wear and tear is best determined objectively.  An independent inventory provides an unbiased and objective assessment.  It protects the landlord’s property investment as well as the tenant’s deposit.

Relationships between landlords and tenants may be strained at best without a common agreement delineating the difference between “fair wear and tear” and damages.  The worst-case scenario could involve a legal dispute.Our property management services help landlords to make allowances for depreciation.  At the same time, the landlord may not use the tenancy to seek the betterment of the property.  For example, the tenant is not responsible to improve the property.

Following are some key criteria affecting “fair wear and tear”:

1. Lease agreement
2. Inventory and schedule of condition reports, check-in
3. Interim property visit reports
4. Cleanliness
5. Fixtures and fittings
6. Brand appeal

The lease agreement, for example, may specify the number of persons to be living at the home.  Naturally, it is fair to assume that greater numbers of people permitted on the property increase the wear and tear.  A family with several children may be expected to wear out a medium-grade carpet in a few years; the carpet may last five years with only a professional couple in residence.  Likewise, the washing machine and dishwasher would be used more often for a larger family.

The agreement must also delineate any restrictions for smokers or pets or care of landscaping or modifying fixtures or paint.  The landlord may also define wear and tear differently for a one-year rental versus a five-year rental.  The check-in an interim visit reports procedure may involve long checklists and pictures of existing damages, such as a substantial scratch on the wood floor.

Contact Century 21 Wildwood for Real Estate/Rentals/Property Management

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Property Management Services as well as for buying and selling primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.

• Read More »

Now providing Property Management for Tuolumne County California, including House Rentals in Sonora and Twain Harte Rental Properties.  Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties at 209-586-3258.

Brentwood Park Subdivision and Real Estate in Twain Harte California

The Brentwood Park neighborhood of Twain Harte CA real estate is a long-loved vacation playground in the Sierra Nevada.  The established mountain neighborhood features cul-de-sac living and a wonderful community lake.  Brentwood Park is also convenient to Sonora CA real estate and employment.

Located between Sonora California and the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, Twain Harte homes in Brentwood reach out to unlimited mountain recreational activities.  Think of swimming, hiking, golf, horseback riding, rock climbing, skiing and snowshoeing, boating and fishing, and more.Memberships in the Brentwood Lake Club are available, including social and recreational options.

The average listing price for Twain Harte real estate in zip code 95383 is under $250,000.  Situated in Tuolumne County off Sonora Pass Highway 108, the scenic Twain Harte neighborhood offers homebuyers peaceful mountain home sites at 3,652-foot elevations.  Most are more than a quarter-acre and wooded, some have creeks.

Brentwood Park consists of variety of existing homes–large cabins to country estate homes with swimming pools and wraparound decks, although the majority offer a modest footprint between 1500 and 2200 square feet.

One of the newer homes in Brentwood Park is selling for $389,000.  It is a three bedroom two bath single-family contemporary home that was built in 2008 with high open-beam knotted pine ceilings, a chef’s kitchen, and great layout.

Other attractions in Twain Harte, the High Sierra, and Mother Lode/Gold Country vary from season to season.  There is lots of wintertime fun at the Dodge Ridge Ski Resort and Leland Meadows sledding hill, Smell Park for snowmobiles, and the Long Barn ice-skating rink.

In the summer, fish and swim at Brentwood Lake and Pinecrest Lake.  Hike through Emigrant Wilderness.  Waterski at New Melones Lake and join in the plethora of festival events and summer concerts.

Twain Harte is a friendly community of approximately 2500 residents. The historic mountain-resort community is well known for a vibrant culture accenting education, theater, music, and arts and crafts.  Families living in Brentwood Park are served by Tuolumne County Schools.

Contact Us for Property Management

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.comfor helpful information about our Property Management Services as well as for buying and selling primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.

Brentwood Park homes for sale

• Read More »

Built in 1885, the opera house in Sonora California can be rented for personal and community events.  The antiquated but restored “Jewel of the Mother Lode” nestles into the heart of Downtown Sonora CA real estate on the western flank of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The City of Sonora offers opera house rentals through its Special Programs department at 94 N. Washington St., Sonora, CA 95370.  Renting the historic Sonora property contributes its rich heritage to the ambience of any special event.  The Sonora Opera Hall is popular for weddings, seminars, parties, and conferences, which can be coordinated with using space on the grounds of the city park.

Now restored to its original edifice of strength and beauty, the historic building offers unique features and amenities.  For example, the Opera Hall is dressed with burgundy velvet draperies and coordinating carpet in the entrance and beautiful hardwood floors on the stage and main floor.  It features handy assets such as a large kitchen, a sound system and microphones, and Wi-Fi access.

Sonora Opera Hall accommodates 400 people in theater-style seating and 200 to 254 banquet-style events.During the week, the facilities are available for $150 a day and on weekends and holidays the price is $250 per day prices are reduced for multiple days.  Included in the rental are 25 eight foot tables, 56 foot tables, and over 200 chairs.

History of Sonora Opera Hall

Proceeds from the Bonanza Gold Mine in Sonora funded the building of a flour mill in in 1879 at the site of today’s Sonora Opera Hall.  Under suspicious circumstances, the mill burned down in the summer of 1885 and was rebuilt as the present Opera Hall.  Until December 1896, the community gathered there for plays and concerts, grand dances, the county fair, meetings, political rallies, and skating parties.

Then, rather abruptly, the local newspaper reported a decision to close the wonderful Sonora Opera Hall.  “It is the source of much regret to our people to learn that the only public hall in Sonora worthy of the City’s name is to be converted into a carpenter shop and forever closed as a place for giving public exhibitions.”

Over the decades, the building was modified several times and deteriorated far from its original magnificence.  Private Citizens tried to raise funds to restore the property in the early 1980s.  Finally, the City of Sonora acquired it in 1986 and set wheels in motion.  The restoration process was possible by utilizing historic preservation grants, redevelopment funds, and volunteer fundraisers.

Contact Us for Real Estate/Rentals/Property Management

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Property Management Services as well as for buying and selling primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties, and investment properties in Tuolumne County.

• Read More »

If you are considering purchasing Tuolumne County real estate in Sonora or Twain Harte, consider the value of Century 21 Wildwood Property Management solutions.  The Tuolumne County California real estate located on the western flank of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in Eastern California includes Sonora investment properties and Twain Harte homes.  Yosemite National Park lies in the southeast corner of the recreational haven.

That’s why young families, middle-aged professionals from the large cities, and people planning for retirement take special interest in Tuolumne County homes.  If you are searching for a mountainside home in Twain Harte, Long Barn, Mi-Wuk Village, Strawberry or up to Dodge Ridge Snowsports Area, ask our highly skilled Tuolumne County real estate agents for assistance.

If you prefer to try out our picturesque paradise before investing, ask about Sonora home rentals, Twain Harte homes for lease, and family homes in Jamestown or East Sonora subdivisions that are available as year-round rental properties.

If you buy now while interest rates are low, keep in mind that any investment property requires attention.  Our property management team at Century 21 Wildwood is on-site seven days a week, ready to inspect and maintain your second or third home seven days a week.

We can also help you pay down any mortgage and create income by renting out the property.  Our full-service property managers will care for your investment as if it were our own.

It is better to allow properties to be gently used by responsible tenants than to risk possible damages and intrusions to vacant properties.  On the other hand, it is also easier to sell a property that is not vacant.

Our property management company offers the services that you do not have the time or inclination to perform yourself.  First we will meet with you, the landlord, to determine a specific program that fits the needs of you and your property.  Then, depending on our assessments, we offer the following options:

• Documentation including pictures, movies, and checklists will establish a baseline for the condition of the property.
• We offer maintenance capabilities including minor repairs, plumbing, landscaping, heating and cooling, in addition to emergency maintenance
• We market your home online and in print media.
• We will screen applicants utilizing high standards.
• Our team is available seven days a week to meet with renters and potential tenants.
• We provide regular home inspections.
• Accounting services include collecting and depositing rent with monthly statements to property owners as well as annual summaries.

Contact Century 21 Wildwood for Real Estate/Rentals/Property Management

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Property Management Services as well as for buying and selling primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.

• Read More »

Pet Application

• Read More »

Now offering Property Management Services for Tuolumne County homeowners, Sonora Rentals, Twain Harte houses for rent.  Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties at 209-586-3258.

Phoenix Lake Sonora CA Real Estate for Hiking Golfing Fishing

Over a dozen Phoenix Lake neighborhoods in northeastern Sonora California real estate are located in the forested Sierra Nevada foothills of Tuolumne County near Phoenix Lake and Phoenix Lake Golf Course.  The collections of Sonora CA homes enjoy privacy in the woods only a few miles from amenities in the City of Sonora.  Phoenix Lake is also near Twain Harte, Pinecrest Lake, and Dodge Ski Resort.

Built over several decades, the options for Phoenix Lake Sonora real estate is located off Phoenix Lake Road, which is named after Phoenix Lake.  Few lakeside home sites remain available in 2012.  Occasionally, existing Phoenix Lake homes come on the Tuolumne County real estate market. Boasting desirable natural settings and large land lots, the Sonora properties are available in a wide variety of styles and price points.

Phoenix Lake subdivisions include Bear Cub Estates, Bellview, Bellwood Estates, Lakeside, Lower Crystal Falls, Oakhaven, Phoenix Lake Country Club Estates, Phoenix Lake, Phoenix Lake Park, Potato Ranch, Ridgewood, Scenic Broke, Sonora Meadows, and White Oaks.  Homeowners are a full-time, weekender, and seasonal mix.

Phoenix Lake Country Club Estates is an open-gated community surrounding the Phoenix Lake Golf Course.  Founded in 1968 by Bert Stamp, the picturesque 9-hole golf course offers a high degree of difficulty with narrow fairways, tall oak trees, and interplay with Sullivan Creek.  Yet, the 2711 yards of beautiful scenery and sunsets makes Phoenix Lake one of the most enjoyable courses along the western flank of the Sierra Nevada.

The golf course features excellent conditions and a friendly staff.  Facilities include a driving range, new clubhouse with dining area, and a pro shop and professional golf instruction.  Phoenix Lake Golf Course periodically hosts tournaments and special events, including golf workshops, golf schools, and golf clinics.  A selection of membership options and privileges are offered.

The historic City of Sonora is the county seat of Tuolumne County California.  Home to approximately 5,000 residents, the charming community was founded by gold miners from Sonora, Mexico in the mid-1800s.  Although mining and timber industries supported the local economy in the past, the community relies on tourism today.

Along with Columbia and Jamestown, two neighboring historic towns, Sonora offers residents as well as tourists traveling to Yosemite National Park and neighboring natural area such as Stanislaus National Forest several exciting and relaxing reasons to stop.  There are signature community events, live theater, antique shops, outstanding restaurants, and plenty of services.

Curtis Creek Elementary School and Sonora Union High School serve the families in Phoenix Lake neighborhoods.  Columbia Community College in Tuolumne County offers two-year college degrees.

Contact Us for Real Estate/Rentals/Property Management

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Property Management Services as well as for buying and selling primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.

Phoenix Lake homes for sale

• Read More »

Century 21 Wildwood Twain Harte California real estate offices now offer homes for rent/lease and property management services.  If you are looking for long-term condos and homes for rent in the Sonora California region on the Western slope of the Sierra Nevada, you are in the right place.  Our company offers Sonora California homes for rent in all of the rural areas and small towns in the MotherLode.

Renting a property in Sonora, Phoenix Lake, or Soulsbyville, a home near Jamestown, ranch in Tuolumne, Twain Harte home, or looking to rent a ski or fishing cabin near the Deer Ridge Snowsports Area is an excellent choice for anyone thinking of purchasing California real estate in the Sonora area.

Sonora CA home rentals include homes in Angels Camp, Mi-Wuk Village, Columbia California real estate, Long Barn, Pinecrest, Strawberry, Chinese Camp, and other small communities.  All are close to incredible mountain scenery and recreation.

Available home rentals are continually changing.  Sonora property owners desiring to rent their homes may contact Century 21 Wildwood for details about the excellent services provided by our property managers.

Sonora is located southeast of San Francisco and Sacramento and north of Fresno and Modesto.  It is the perfect location for weekend getaways for city dwellers.  Anyone approaching retirement age might enjoy leasing a Sonora home to acclimate themselves with the possibilities of retiring to Tuolumne County.  The charming historic city of Sonora and the surrounding towns host vibrant community events, excellent restaurants and entertainment, and companies offering all of the necessary services.

Along the road to Yosemite National Park, these mountain communities have opened their hearts to visitors from around the world.  In the mid-1800s, the gold rush but the area on the map.  In the 1900s, tourists and visitors have become full-time and part-time residents.  They discovered more than gold but the serenity of the natural environment.

The Mother Lode is a haven.  Children love romping and exploring the Sierra Nevada foothills.  Trails leading into the neighboring Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest provide endless recreational opportunities for hikers, bikers, off-road vehicles, and horseback riding.  Truly the wildlife rustling through the tall trees and undergrowth and multitudes of fascinating birds cultivate a quietude and serenity under nature’s canopy.

Contact Us for Real Estate/Rentals/Property Management

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about our Property Management Services as well as for buying and selling primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.

• Read More »

Residents of Tuolumne County California real estate are putting attention on Jamestown’s Railtown 1897.  The local attraction is one of many California State Parks scheduled to close in 2012.  After last weekend’s Spring kickoff event in the Mother Lode, both full-time and seasonal owners of cherished real estate in Sonora, Twain Harte CA homes, and other Western Tuolumne County ranches and mountain homes are doubly determined to raise the funds to keep Railtown 1897 open.

A full slate of additional activities in the Yosemite North and Gold Country area offers residents and owners of second-homes in Sonora, Columbia, Jamestown, Twain Harte, and Groveland additional wonderful activities for vacations and a quality lifestyle.  Besides a strong year-round culture offering the arts, festivals, shopping, theater, music, wine tasting, Tuolumne County and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are fabulous playgrounds.

Half of Tuolumne County is unsettled.  The region includes Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, Big Trees State Park, and the Emigrant Wilderness Area—great places for sightseeing, hiking, biking, fishing, camping, skiing, and river rafting activities, and myriad rejuvenating experiences.

Tuolumne County boasts a rich heritage.  The Mi-Wuk inhabited the area for hundreds of years and many are present today.  Settlement spring up during the California Gold Rush, including the first American settlement at Woods Crossing in 1849 and a Mexican settlement in Sonora California soon thereafter.Many towns spring up around 1897 when the lumber industry sprouted into Tuolumne County.  Chinese Camp is one gold-mining town that survived the last century.

Located three miles north of Jamestown on Highway 49, Sonora is and has been the county seat.  A colorful and vibrant little city, Sonora features a large collection of Victorian homes and historic buildings.  The city hosts the Mother Lode Roundup and a huge parade over Mother’s Day weekend.

From Sonora, take Highway 108 into the mountains and discover the beauty of the pine trees and the small town of Twain Harte real estate.  The community hosts the annual Sonora Pass Wagon Train in July.  Grove lands grew out of the gold rush and the lumber industry. It was also headquarters during the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Water Project– a project that dramatically changed the landscape.  Groveland is the gateway to Yosemite National Park.

And back to Jamestown.  The historic community is located on Highway 108 and Highway 49.  It is the first town on the west side of Tuolumne County.  Home to over 2000 residents, Jamestown marks the spot of the discovery of the first gold in Tuolumne County.  Railtown 1897 State Historic Park pays tribute to the Sierra Railway.  It features workshops, roundhouse, and steam locomotives along with weekend train rides.

Contact Us for Real Estate/Rentals/Property Management

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.comfor helpful information about our Property Management Services as well as for buying and selling primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.

• Read More »

A number of Sonora and Twain Harte landowners have become landlords in the past five years by virtue of the slow real estate market and economy.  Some put on the landlord hat before realizing the challenges they would face.

Here are a handful of reasons why owners of Sonora and Twain Harte real estate pay to hire property managers.

• Rising rents could bring Tuolumne County property owners some financial benefits.
• High maintenance costs can drain the profits.
• Property owners must maintain taxes, insurance, and homeowner association fees.
• Renters need to be screened in a lawful way.
• Landlords need legal contracts to protect themselves.

In the Wall Street Journal (12/12/11) Amy Hoak cautions, “No one should decide too quickly to become a landlord, a job that brings with it legal responsibilities, a steady parade of expenses, and unforeseen headaches.  It might bring in extra cash, or it might be a sinkhole if the home sits empty or costs exceed the rent.”

A landlord should hire a property management company if he/she is not able or willing to do the job correctly.  The company earns its fees by keeping the landlord out of the nitty-gritty of the rental business.

A property management company will deal directly with all prospects, saving landlords time and worry.  The company will market the real estate, collect the rent, respond to the tenants, handles the maintenance and repairs, and edict problematic tenants.

Property management services are most welcome for owners who live out of town.  If the property owner desires to rent out a vacation home in the Sonora or Twain Harte area, our Century 21 Wildwood property managers are located near the home.  Our property management company in Tuolumne County can be quickly on site to take photographs, show the property, process applications, and start producing income for the landowner.

In addition, owners of many rental properties could need employees to assist them.  Our property management services eliminate the need for multi-property owners to hire employees.

Our full-service Century 21 Wildwood property management firm will track the expenses and revenues to submit to tax professionals at the end of the year.  Landlords can take several deductions for the rental of small residential properties.  The deductions include interest, depreciation, repairs, local travel, long-distance travel, home office expenses if applicable, employees and independent contractors, casualty and theft losses, insurance, and legal and professional services including property management.

• Read More »

Residents and visitors to Sonora California homes and ranches choose from a wide selection of trails and trail systems in Tuolumne County.  Numerous trails for hiking and biking and equestrian trails weave through spectacular Tuolumne County real estate.  The trails intercept the beautiful foothill communities of Sonora homes, Columbia, Groveland, Jamestown, and Tuolumne; Twain Harte homes, East Sonora real estate, and the Rawhide Road/Jamestown Road and High Country areas.

More are on the drawing board.  These rich mountain communities address the need for continual improvement in pedestrian walkways and trail systems as well as future road and highway projects.  The Tuolumne County Bikeways and Trails Plan developed by the Tuolumne County Transportation department offers a comprehensive, long-range view of trail systems within the County. Designed to enhance safety and accessibility, the Plan coordinates with street, road, and highway transport.  It establishes a network of regional trails to provide non-motorized alternatives for transportation.

Located in the eastern portion of Central California, Tuolumne County nestles into the Sierra Nevada mountain range.  Elevations vary from near the San Joaquin Valley to the top of the Sierra Nevada.  Geographical features include rolling hills and mountains with some flat areas.

Half of Yosemite National Park is in the fascinating and rugged terrain of southeastern corner of Tuolumne County.  During the winter when it snows above 3000 feet elevations, the route to Yosemite via State Highway 108 closes east of Strawberry.  At times, State Highway 120 may also be closed.

Popular Tuolumne County trails include the Railroad Grade Trails, Heritage/Interpretive Trails, Urban Escape Trails at Dragoon Gulch, New Melones Trails, High Country Trails, and Yosemite Trails.  Several website resources outline the difficulty and distance of the trails.

Now that it is springtime, the following Tuolumne County trails are becoming more inviting to explore: Alder Creek, Bradley Grove, Bridalveil Fall, Cathedral Lakes, Chilnualna Fall, Elizabeth Lake, Four Mile, Glen Aulin, Grove Overlook, Lava Bluffs, Lower Yosemite Fall, McGurk Meadow, Mirror Lake/Meadow, Mist, Mono Meadow, North Grove/Big Trees, Ostrander Lake, Panorama, Poopenaut Valley, Rancheria Falls, Smith Peak, South Growth, Swinging Bridge Loop, Taft Point, Valley Floor Loop, Wapama Falls, and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.

Consider these trails your checklist to experience different trails each weekend while searching for a vacation home or primary residence in Tuolumne County.

Property Management and Real Estate Services

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.comfor helpful information about our Property Management Services as well as for buying and selling primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.

• Read More »