Why buy??

My mother asked me this today. "Why buy a home in the middle of an area full of other empty homes?"
An excellent question. Why buy? Well if you already own a home that was purchased during the boom, you are possibly not position to buy another home now. The slide in the market left negative equity for many homeowners, myself included. But as a wise broker once told me, it all depends on how you look at it.
Three years ago the average person couldn’t afford to buy a home. Small homes in areas such as San Andreas, Angels Camp, Copperopolis and Valley Springs were in the low $300,000s, with bigger homes pushing closer to $500,000. Now we have 30 homes under the $200,000 mark (per the Calaveras MLS 1/29/2008). First time home buyers have a fighting chance to actually get that home that they have been wanting. Interest rates are still low. Payments rival rents. Things are returning to what normal should be. The American dream is achievable once more -- Affordable housing for the masses.
Then there are the investors. Maybe not seasoned investors, but those people who have always thought "what if" as the market was rising higher and higher. Most of these homes have cosmetic issues – they need paint, carpet etc. Most of these things a handy person could do over time. Let's say you could pick up a home with those cosmetic issues for $175,000. Over the next two years you watch sales at the major chain stores, fixing your property up slowly. Now you have two options – sell when the market has started to gain again or hold on to your investment that, now fixed up has many many more options including growth in your equity!!
Another view is if I wanted to buy a bigger home during the boom – but it was priced at $499,000. Now that house is worth around $349,000. That's a drop of $150,000 in price! The bigger, nicer homes are now more affordable to the people who would like to move up.
Now IS the time to Buy!! Take the opportunities that this market is handing you. Make plans for your future, for your retirement, or for yourself!
I am sure that several of you saw the 20/20 about the Stockton foreclosure market. One thing not noted there but in a recent article is the amount of abandoned animals in these foreclosure homes. Please make a point to help these victims in any way that you can.

"Buy land, their not making it anymore"

Our quote today is from Mark Twain (b1835-d1910). In honor of Mr. Twain and his travels to our lovely county I thought I would bring to you what you can get for under $100,000 in land!


328 Forest Meadows Drive Murphys
Asking Price is $67,500
Water and Sewer Connections have been paid. Lot is .20 and located in the Forest Meadows Subdivision. Close to Murphys shopping, dining, and entertainment.
(070449 is courtesy of Gold Country Real Estate)





Fairview Place, Angels Camp
Asking $87,900
One of three adjoining in town lots. Views of Angels Camp. All of city services water, sewer and power close by. Buy one or all three. Make a spec house with lots of open space around you or build a family compound. Cul de sac location.
(080053 is courtesy of C21 Tri-Dam Realty)


Hawver Road Mokelumne Hill/San Andreas
Asking Price is $89,000
5.96 acres of gentle land on Hawver Road. Build your dream home here or save for future retirement. Rural area for those of us who like open space. Owner may be willing to carry.
(073300 is courtesy of C21 Tri-Dam Realty)




White Rock Road Mountain Ranch
Asking price $97,000
5 acres located in gate community of M24. Private lake usage for swimming or boating (no power boats). Brush has been cleared off lot, and showcases the great mountain views.
(070002 is courtesy of C21 Tri-Dam Realty)

To date there are 142 active unimproved properties in the MLS under $100,000. Some are in town lots, some are rural acreage, some are subdivision cuties. There is honestly something for everyone in today's market. Are you ready to see if your future is out there waiting??

Oh what a sight....

Over the weekend while killing time and enjoying the local scenery, I stumbled upon something wonderful. A little house tucked into the side of a hill of ivy with a for sale sign in front of it. At that moment I could see my kids in the front yard, playing on the green grass and moss covered rocks. It was almost magical - amazing how in a moment you can feel a connection with a house. We toured the home and each room I could see images of a happiness.

And in that moment I remembered what it was like to be a home buyer. The rush of finding a house that made your heart sing! Finding a place were you can see your life unfolding. To find beauty on a little lot in Mokelumne Hill. Take a look at this beautiful property and hopefully soon someone will make it a loved home.

(this listing is courtesy of Vintage Realty MLS # 073285)

Another Bank-Owned Property! Make an offer! Very cute 2bedroom/2bathroom in the historic town of Mokelumne Hill. Recent remodel includes updated kitchen with slate floors, breakfast bar & eating area with sliding glass door to side yard; bright living room with gas stove; den/office area; master bedroom suite with three closets & updated bathroom with stall shower; second bathroom with tub & mud/laundry room. Front & side porches, detached carport & nice yard with some established landscaping. Asking price of $225,000

Ode to Buyers

Good Sunday Morning to everyone! As the new week begins to draw closer, I thought I would add some information to start your week off right.

Our newest rate sheet from one of our admired lenders brought hope to what the media has deemed a crisis situation. Current local rates are 5.375% with 1 point or 5.625% no points (of course that is based income verification and acceptance FICO). That would make a $235,000 home have a monthly payment of $1315.93 a month. Calaveras County has approximately 63 homes for sale under $235,000! My pick of the week is one of these affordable gems.

Meet 1050 Bret Harte in downtown Angels Camp. This charming turn of the century home has a Victorian feel. Home has had many up dates over the years and would love a few more. High ceilings, and 2 extra rooms downstairs, that would be great for older kids or a separate living area (one has been sound proofed for the music lover in your family. This gem could really shine with a little TLC! Avoidably priced at $178,000 perfect for a first time home buyer or an investor not want to miss out on great deals (all information take from the Calaveras MLS #072730 - The following information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, neither the MLS, nor the agent guarantee the accuracy of any of the information contained herein. Anyone using the information contained herein should verify the information independently.)

Have a wonderful day off to those of who have it have it off. Remember we all have a dream that could change someones life no matter how great or small.

New Additions

I have been working to update my blog. I have added my favorite links! Some helpful items I hope. The property search link will let you search from listings in Calaveras County. I will be adding my feature home of the week as a new items next week. Every week I will feature a listing from the MLS that I think is worth the mention. Have a great weekend!

Woohoo!!

It is official! I am an active member of the Calaveras Multiple Listing Service! This is truly a amazing moment for me. I know that several people (381 in Calaveas,per the CCAR office) have achieved this but for myself it is one to be celebrated.
So today I take a look at gratitude and quote Melody Beattie

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and
more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It
can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision
for tomorrow"

Of course in my current frame of mind the that this quote really sticks out to me. I feel full of life. Full of clarity and peace. I have achieved a goal!
Now on with my journey ....to help the people I have the honor of working with become full of life too. To make a house into a home. And to bring a strong vision for their tomorrow.

Hello world!

As my first post on my new blog I would like to welcome all who happen upon it. I have admired my sisters blog from afar for several years. After finding fun, useful and helpful information, I decided to start my own. As a the newest member of Century 21 Tri-Dam Realty's sales team, I thought it would be fun to keep a journal as I venture in to the big world (or small - as the county may be) of selling real estate. So far my toes still remain dry as far as finding my first clients.

This will begin my quest, for the perfect client, or at least a client. My website went up today - and it remains relatively basic. But many additions are to come!
I hope that you all enjoy my journey, and learn as much as I do.