Sonora & Twain Harte Real Estate Blog

Theatre distinguishes the Sonora California area.  Residents of Sonora California real estate and vacation homes benefit thrice over from the cultural presence of the tremendously successful Sierra Repertory Theatre.  Located in in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills, the company performs at two great theaters close to Sonora CA homes (and Columbia, Jamestown, and Twain Harte homes).

The Host a Star program involves property owners in Tuolumne County.  They are blessed to host an interesting variety of traveling actors, musicians, and dancers—performers who bunk with gracious residents of homes in Sonora during reversals and performances.

Sonora Repertory Theatre is currently performing Gypsy at the East Sonora Theatre.  The production runs through April 22, 2012.  Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash starts April 20 at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia California.  Other performances scheduled for this summer include The 39 Steps, Carousel, There Goes the Bride, and I Love a Piano.

Five young folks started the Sierra Repertory Theatre in a warehouse and an old Sonora movie theater in 1980.  In 1997 the company expanded into the Historic Fallon House built in 1885 as a dance hall and theater behind Owen and James Fallon’s hotel in historic Columbia.

Sierra Repertory Theatre is a highlight of the vibrant arts community in the distinctive rural-Sonora region.  With a staff of 30 and 200 artists presenting ten Main Stage shows per year, Sierra Repertory Theatre performs for annual audiences of 65,000 people including 2400 season subscribers.  In addition, the company benefits from 1000 donors and hundreds of volunteers who help with sets, costumes, box office work, and special events such as the Gala.

Truly a professional performing arts center, the company successfully focuses on its mission:

• to present audiences with a broad range of theatrical literature at the highest production quality possible
• to pay artists and staff a living wage
• to make a vibrant contribution to our community’s economy, culture and spirit

Programs offered through Sierra Repertory go beyond the Main Stage events to educational outreach.  Trunk shows with professional artists perform at schools and the company features for student matinees each year with discounted tickets.  Occasional Family Theatre Nights also engage the younger and older generations.  During their Wine Down Fridays, many participants of Sierra Repertory Theatre meet residents and visitors at area wineries.  Just one of our cultural perks!

Real Estate Agents and 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.

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North of Yosemite National Park, Sonora CA homes are priced just right.  A little further into the mountains, vacation homebuyers also thrive in Twain Harte real estate and small communities all the way to Dodge Ridge Snowsports Area.

Median prices for Sonora homes for sale decreased during February.  In this prolonged buyers’ market, it is still possible to pick up developed Tuolumne County real estate for less than $100,000 and at every price point up to $1 million.  Approximately 150 homes are listed in the Sonora California real estate market right now.  The median sales price is approximately $240,000 and the average sales price is $280,000.

Looking for California vacation home investment properties?  Century 21 Wildwood Properties now offers property management services to help homeowners and tenants strike a balance.  From cabins in the mountains to estate home properties and ranches to river frontage fishing cottages – any of these options make the good investments for a home away from home.Our hassle-free management services assist buyers who purchase second homes in Sonora to use for personal family vacations.

Located near the junction of California Highways 49 and 108, real estate in the historic mining town of Sonora is situated in the Sierra Foothills at approximately 1,825-foot elevations on the Mother Lode.  With characteristic Victorian-era homes and historic districts, the vibrant little city is the centerpiece for a large recreational area.  Sonora is the county seat of Tuolumne County.

The second-home owner and investor usually have an easier time of balancing the financial picture when they eliminate mortgage payments.Many purchase on an all-cash basis.

Be aware that the IRS offers write-offs on the mortgage interest for primary residences and not on additional properties.  Similarly, financial experts do not recommend mortgaging primary residences to pay for second homes or investment properties.  Therefore, it is important to shop in a comfortable price range.

A second home is considered an investment property if the owner spends less than two weeks a year in it.  The owner must attempt to rent the property for the rest of the year.As of 2010, the tax rules regarding second homes, vacation homes, and investment-class second homes allow owners to rent the property for fourteen nights without reporting any income.

Real Estate Agents and 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.

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Kimberly Darr, Broker

Direct: 209.770.3113

Email: KimDarr@mlode.com

DRE #01195325

________________________________

Betsy Hurst-Younger, Realtor®

Direct: 209.604.2609

Email: BetsyHurst@hotmail.com

DRE #01229794

________________________________

Larry Cook, Realtor®

Direct: 209.352.0464

Email: realtor4u@mlode.com

DRE #01268128

________________________________

Rick Hoffman, Broker Associate

Direct: 209.607.3924

Email: Century21Rick@yahoo.com

DRE #01314943

________________________________

Gina Oliveira, Realtor®

Direct: 209.743.9724

Email: Ginasproperties@sbcglobal.net

DRE #01701958

________________________________

Mark Pradenas, Realtor®

Direct: 209.559.6789

Email: MarkPradenas@yahoo.com

DRE #01710487

________________________________

Rosie Martin, Realtor®

Direct: 209.770.4619

Email: RosieLMartin@yahoo.com

DRE #01800180

________________________________

Heidi Hovatter, Realtor®

Direct: 209.743.3010

Email: Heidi@SonoraProperties.com

DRE #01292167

________________________________

Jeanette Giomi, Broker Associate

Direct: 209.768.6330

Email: Jeanette.Giomi@yahoo.com

DRE #00549292

________________________________

Virgil Martin, Realtor®

Direct: 209.480.9462

Email: Virgil.Martin@Century21.com

DRE #01467947

________________________________

Donna Salyer, Realtor®

Direct: 209.728-7286

Email: DonnaSalyer@mlode.com

DRE #00631714

________________________________

Gina Wertz, Realtor®

Direct: 209.352.3102

Email: Gina.Wertz@Century21.com

DRE #01881053

________________________________

Suzie Mills, Realtor®

Direct: 209.743.3080

Email: Suzie@TeamHomehunter.com

DRE #01873967

________________________________

Julianna Healy, Realtor®

Direct: 209.770.0491

Email: JuliHealy@gmail.com

DRE #01844537

________________________________

Adam Wilson, Broker Associate

Direct: 209.743.3910

Email: Adam_W@att.net

DRE #01253673

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It pays to be an excellent tenant of Tuolumne County real estate.  Whether or not you’ve ever rented a house before – in Twain Harte or Sonora real estate or anywhere, these tips may help you view the experience from the vantage of the property owner and the property manager.

A tenant that anticipates the needs of the Twain Harte or Sonora area property owner can be helpful to both himself and the landlord.  A conscientious tenant will be able to claim positive recommendations when he/she moves on.  It may motivate renters to know that their rental history can be factored into decisions by future lenders.  Today, many property managers submit rental and leasing statistics to the three major credit bureaus.

Most Tuolumne County property owners do not have much wiggle room to pay the bills and have funds left over.  Most of the time, the investor or homeowner sees little cash profit.  A monthly excess of $100-$500 also needs to cover major repairs and upgrades.  Over time, the property gains value for the owner.

Therefore, a tenant that is forthright, courteous, pays on time, reports problems in a timely manner and so forth helps the property owner.  Good tenants take care of the rental properties as well as or better than their own.

Basic daily upkeep and care for a rental property is necessary just as it is for a primary residence.For example, they may have the carpets shampooed every six months or year.  They regularly change the filters on the heating and air-conditioning units and tend to other small home-maintenance tasks.  Depending on the type of property, many renters keep the walks shoveled as needed and others mow the lawn.

Basic guidelines for tenants include:

1. Be familiar with the rental agreement or lease and comply with it.
2. Purchase renters insurance.
3. Protect the premises from damage.
4. Clean regularly.
5. Submit maintenance request to landlord in writing.
6. With advance notice, allow landlord into unit for maintenance.
7. Avoid annoying noise levels.
8. Abide by the law.

Before leasing to an applicant, the property manager/landlord will try to determine if the tenant has sufficient income to pay the rent.  The monthly payment should not be more than a third of the tenant’s total monthly income.  However, if difficult circumstances disrupt this equation, it is incumbent upon the renter to find solutions – and not wait until the last minute when rent is due or overdue to speak up.  Clear communication goes a long way to sustaining a good tenant/landlord relationship.

Contact Us for 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.

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Just down the highway from Sonora CA homes for sale (and area real estate in Twain Harte, Jamestown, Columbia, and Wi-Muk Village) lay the wonders of Yosemite National Park.  Full-time and seasonal residents of Tuolumne County homes get just as excited about visiting Yosemite as tourists from the USA and abroad.

For the past couple of weeks, local and visiting nature photographers have been flocking to Yosemite National Park to witness a “molten” waterfall.  As the sun sets in mid-February, its fiery presence illuminates the falling waters of Horsetail Fall as they tumble down the sheer side of the El Capitan.  Reflecting the sunset, the waterfalls appear a bright gold or ruby/orange color.  The celestial configuration occurs when the Sun and Earth align to create the illusion of a fire falling over El Capitan.

Located on the north side of Yosemite Valley in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, El Capitan is on the western end of Yosemite National Park.  It is a vertical rock formation situated at 7,569-foot elevations. The tallest face of the granite monolith extends about 3,000 feet from its base to the summit.

The color will appear at sunset in varying degrees for approximately two weeks a year.  In 2012, the last day to capture a little of the phenomenon is probably February 24, 2012.  The spectacle at Horsetail Fall has been recorded historically in black and white by renowned photographer Ansel Adams.  In 1973, outdoors photographer Galen Rowell well captured the fleeting moment in color.

During the rest of the year, the lesser-known Horsetail Fall is a narrow ribbon of water and word/or ice tumbling straight down the cliff side.  Yet it is uniquely situated to deliver a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience for photographers.  They perch on high open cliffs, in out close or canyons, but must be in a low angle of light to capture the iridescent colors of the sunset as they reflect off the granite rock wall that is behind the waterfall.

According to the Associated Press article by Tracie Cone on February 20, 2012, a photo instructor with the Ansell Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park explains that a great photograph takes luck, timing, and nature’s cooperation.  The southwestern horizon must be free of clouds.Combining astronomy, physics, and geometry, keen photographers measure the degrees and minutes of the Earth’s orbit relative to the sun.  Then they choose apropos angles and lenses for the job.

It is a little easier to view the occurrence without worrying about bringing it home on film.  The annual pilgrimage to El Capitan is another reason why buyers who appreciate the magic of nature search for real estate in Sonora and its surrounds.

Real Estate and Property Management Services

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.  Ask about Century 21 Wildwood home rentals and full property management services.

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Rental Application

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Century 21 Wildwood now offers professional property management services.  We assist California real estate investors and second-homeowners to maintain and rent their Sonora CA homes, Twain Harte real estate, and other property in the Tuolumne County area.  Also, our staff helps owners to head off unnecessary problems and expenses related to owning multiple properties.

The property managers at Century 21 Wildwood assist owners of Tuolumne County real estate in many ways.  We market to maximize profits, balance expenditures with income, screen applicants, and/or maintain homes.  Our full-service management provides owners with out-of-sight, out-of-mind investments.  In other words, we will pay the mortgage, insurance, taxes and all other expenses, returning the profits to you.

There are many reasons for Tuolumne County homeowners to engage a reputable property management company instead of managing their homes alone.  Knowledgeable staff at Century 21 Wildwood can recommend and implement strategies that have proven to be successful.

For example, look at marketing.  Our team is experienced in marketing and advertising properties in Tuolumne County.  We keep abreast of the going rates for similar rentals and seasonal rates.  In fact, we may suggest a few accents or amenities, possibly a Murphy bed or rollaway bed, new curtains or a BBQ – things that we feel would increase the desirability of your home or real estate.  Curb appeal and positive presentation can make all of the difference as to whether one vacation home or seasonal home is chosen over another.

To accomplish maintenance work, we network with a collection of excellent service providers, including housekeepers, plumbers, carpenters, painters, decorators, and so forth.We know that you would like to avoid being involved with negligent renters and other unpleasant experiences, so we take the lead.

As a Sierra Nevada real estate company and property management firm in the Twain Harte and Sonora area, our multifaceted services build strong associations and keep us in tune with important streams of information.  Adding a touch of creativity and flexibility, we are best able to achieve customer satisfaction.

Are you trying to cover HOA fees for your family, produce an entire secondary income, or something in between?Let the property managers at Century 21 Wildwood know exactly what you desire to achieve as an investment property owner and we will tailor our services to fit your goals.

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.

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Sonora California homes for sale in Tuolumne County nestle into the garment of the Queen of the Southern Mines.  Originally settled in 1848 during the California Gold Rush, real estate in the charming City of Sonora lies on the Mother Lode at the western edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Other historic communities located in the foothills on the outskirts of Sonora include the authentic Town of Columbia to the north, Twain Harte real estate to the northwest, and the Tuolumne County areas of Groveland, Tuolumne City, and Jamestown CA homes to the south.

Developed during the 1800s, historic Downtown Sonora real estate and its unique shops, savory diners, wineries and breweries, and excellent museums recapture the atmosphere of yesteryear.  “Queen” Sonora is the hub for the Central Sierra Arts Council and home to many well-placed artists and artisans.  The beloved city is also the nucleus for vibrant theater and entertainment venues.  All year round, these historic cities and towns host a colorful variety of events and festivals.

Tuolumne County homebuyers also search for real estate in the Sonora area that lends itself to recreational activities.  Buyers seek Twain Harte horse properties, Tuolumne County ranches and riverside cabins, and large Tuolumne County home sites near lakes, hiking trails, horseback riding, and skiing.  From places close, such as the Dragoon Gulch Trail, to the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada unfolds in magical ways season after season.

The deep heritage of Sonora is infused with the respect of the Native Americans who treasure the Sierra Nevada and the joy of gold miners and their families who made the trek here from Sonora Mexico.  Infused with the European and American pioneering spirit, residents and vacation homeowners in Tuolumne County enjoy a high-quality lifestyle.

The friendly communities make it easy for newcomers to weave their own stories into the scenic tapestry of the Sierra Nevada.  Real estate investors, second-home buyers, and families looking to relocate will find helpful resources at the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau and the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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Historic Groveland California homes are about 25 miles southeast of Sonora CA real estate along Highway 120.  Both iconic communities date back to the era of the California Gold Rush, yet they are full-service communities today.  The Groveland locality is home to approximately 7000 residents.  Area geography features rolling hills and heritage oaks, against the back drop of the majestic Sierra Nevada.

A part of Tuolumne County, Groveland real estate features excellent vacation homes, retirement homes, Tuolumne County horse properties, and California ranches.  Developed by Boise Cascade, Groveland California real estate in Pine Mountain Lake offers excellent amenities for full time and part-time residents.  It boasts a clubhouse, golf course and stables, as well as an airport.  Pine Mountain Lake is comprised of over 4000 residential lots; most are quarter- or third-acre parcels.

The Sierra Nevada Mountain community is a cherished landmark and destination for thousands of tourists traveling from the San Francisco, Sacramento, Stockton, and Modesto and other metropolitan areas.  Downtown Groveland real estate features shops and restaurants, including the Iron Door Saloon, which is reputed to be the oldest continuously operated saloon in California.  The luxurious Groveland Hotel is also a well-known historic landmark.

Heavenly outdoor activities keep residents and visitors fit.  Located about 26 miles from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, recreational activities include wilderness hikes, crystal-clear streams for fishing, rafting in the rapids of the Tuolumne River, and exploring the small historic towns along the Mother Lode.  Tuolumne County homes in Groveland are near water sports at the popular Pine Mountain Lake and Lake Don Pedro.

The community offers up many a tale.  James D.  Savage discovered gold in Big Oak Flat in what was then called Garrotte in 1848.  It became a boom town but after the rush turned into a quiet cattle ranching area – still visited by tourists taking the Big Oak Flat Road to Yosemite.  In 1875 the name was changed to Groveland, just before a second gold rush began.  A third gold rush began in 1914.

After World War II, the area was home to a couple dozen lumber mills for a while and then it served as the headquarters of the Hetch Hetchy Water Project along the Tuolumne River, which benefits the city of San Francisco.

Along with historic attractions, the town is home to the Groveland Ranger District office of the adjacent Stanislaus National Forest.  The Yosemite Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual 49er Festival during September in commemoration of Groveland’s colorful past.  Other community events make great use of the local Community Park and its picnic areas, skate park, bandstand, the Groveland Museum and Library.

The Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified School District serves the students in the area.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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Twain Harte California is a small Sierra Nevada mountain community in Tuolumne County real estate.  Located along California State Highway 108, Twain Harte homes are popular full-time and seasonal residences.  Set in elevations of 3640 feet, the friendly community features an iconic golf course, pretty lakes, fabulous trails, and a quaint in-town area.

Most Twain Harte mountain homes and Twain Harte home sites feature large lots with nearby recreational amenities such as wooded trails, fishing holes, horseback facilities, swimming beaches, etc.

Outside the city limits nestled in the surrounding mountainside are several more Twain Harte neighborhoods: Black Oak Estates, Brentwood Park, Cedar Springs, Cedar Pine Vista, Confidence Ridge, Forest Vista, Heavenly Hills, Hunts Camp, Knox Road, Lakewood Park, Lakewood Highland, Linwood Estates, North Tuolumne Road, Sherwood Forest, South Fork, Twain Heart Valley, and Twin Lakes.

Real estate in Tuolumne County runs the gamut from historic old cabins to Twain Harte horse properties to estate homes in the mountains and lakefront homes – to modern subdivisions of new homes, some with golf-course or club amenities.  Average home prices fluctuate in the mid-$200,000 range.

Located closest to downtown Sonora real estate and businesses, there are beautiful neighborhoods Brentwood Park and Twin Lakes.  Just south of Twain Harte are lovely homes in Cedar Springs, Confidence Ridge, Knox Road, North Tuolumne Road, and Sherwood Forest are also popular.  Drive through the center of Twain Harte and find Forest Vista, Lakewood Highlands and Lakewood Park, Linwood Estates, and Twain Harte Valley, home of the historic golf course.

Perched between the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, the community serves as an excellent home base for memorable family vacations season after season.  Rejuvenating activities begin with unlimited hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; rock climbing; rafting, boating, fishing and other water sports; and cross-country and alpine skiing, snowshoeing; bird and wildlife watching; and scenic drives.  In addition, the community features an avid cultural element.  Citizens place importance on arts and crafts, theater, music, and education.

Families are served by Twain Harte School District.  The community is 10 to 20 min. from larger shopping districts in Sonora and the general aviation Columbia Airport.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.comfor helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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