New IRS Ruling Tax Break

Vintage Colusa
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

IRS to give break to distressed homeowners

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) last week announced it is “subordinating” federal tax liens and allowing primary mortgage holders to take precedence when a mortgage is refinanced or the home is sold. Homeowners with federal tax liens tied to their properties may find it difficult to refinance or sell. The new IRS program allows homeowners to refinance or sell a home without first having to pay any federal tax liens. The IRS is not forgiving the debt though, and homeowners must pay any back taxes owed.


To read the full story, please click here:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008

Happy Holidays

Dambacher, Trujillo & Wright
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Merry Christmas to you and your family. May Peace be with you.

Umpqua Bank Sonora

Umpqua Bank Sonora
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Sonora has great people, the banking staff at Umpqua Bank.

Santa & Mrs.Claus

City of Sonora Christmas Party 2008
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Santa Claus has arrived in downtown Sonora, CA on Washington Street in front of the Tuolumne County Courthouse. A great place for a visit and photo.

Sonora CA Sunset

Sonora CA Sunset
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Sunsets in Sonora have been outstanding as seen from the City of Sonora looking West.

Sonora CA Sunset

Sonora CA Sunset
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

12/05/2008 A California sunset, wrought Iron and a place called home.

Sunset 12/01/2008 Sonora, CA

Sunset 12/01/2008 Sonora, CA
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

One of the reasons why I live in Sonora, CA. Its a choice.

Sonora Christmas Parade

Sonora Christmas Parade
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

The charm of living in Sonora. Enclosed is a YouTube Video
of the parade,

I love parades and the holidays..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Rhk26_bj3w

Thanksgiving Dinner

Guest
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Christian Heights Church served the community a pre-Thanksgiving dinner in downtown Sonora Wednesday eveing. The smiles tell the story of sharing & giving.

Larkin Brothers Wine Club

Larkin Brothers Wine Club
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Brothers gather together in Sonora the night before Thanksgiving. Laughter, jokes, and the savor of good wine. Life is a journey.

Mountain Home Evening Sunsets

Mountain Home
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Jim W Hildreth Broker's newest listing a charming mountain home.
Minutes to fishing, hiking, moutaining skiing. $255,000

Vineyards in Sonora

Vineyards
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

A few minutes from Sonora and Columbia is Mt. Brow Winery.
http://www.MtBrowWinery.com

Living in the Gold Country has many treasures and the small boutique winerys in Amador, Calaveras & Tuolumne Counties are worthy of tasting and support.

Who is this man?

Who is this man?
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

When you work in a profession for decades, you meet some great people (L) Naomi Carper (M) Bob Edwards (R) Sally Allison .

Our current times in the real estate industry is challenging. Its nice to reflect for a moment with some smiles and love.

Top Hats in Sonora

Top Hats in Sonora
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Sonora has some great shops and my newest discovery is Happy Habit Boutique. A costume shop and what a variety of clothing items.

230 S Shepherd St, Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 533-3869

Blues Box Bayou Band

Blues Box Bayou Band
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Playing music with friends is a part of my life and when not marketing real estate or mediating a dispute, music is good for the soul.

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

The charm of living in Sonora.

Chinese Pistache

Chinese Pistache
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Sonora California The Official City Tree. The Chinese Pistache

492 Lyons Street Sonora, CA

492 Lyons Street Sonora, CA
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Looking for a view? Jim W Hildreth, RE/MAX of Sonora has 17 sellers, that desire to sell. Many of these homes are in the City of Sonora, and Sonora makes a great location to live.

Thinking of Buying?

32 years fulltime experience in Sonora

(209) 536-1103

The Human Touch

The Human Touch
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Having lived in Sonora since I was 19, we meet many friends and Billy Cook was a friend. I took this photo as I entered St. Patricks Church.

Girls Night Out

Girls Night Out
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

One of the things that I love about Sonora, CA is that it still feels like a small town and this photo depicts the charm of kids having a grand time being kids and acting silly.

Les

Les
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

I took this photo of my neighbor Les on August 8 2008. Sonora is friendly, Sonora has good neighbors and Sonora is a great city the photo was taken in downtown..

57 East San Charles St, San Andreas, CA

San Andreas Merchant
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

This retail/office location in prime downtown San Andreas will be available for lease on September 1st 2008. For details Broker Jim Hildreth (209) 536-1103. Minutes to the County Courthouse.

Sonora Spanish Style Home

Sonora Spanish Style Home
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

I remember 20 plus years ago talking to Mrs Haynes the owner of this Sonora Spanish Style residence and she explained to me that she was from Southern California and her and her husband and moved to Sonora in the early 1920's and her husband was the first manager of JC Penney.

She wanted to bring Spanish style architecture to Sonora.

Today this is a Sonora classic and can be seen at the corner of Lyons & Hope Lane.

Jim W Hildreth
RE/MAX of Sonora

The Dome on Barretta Street, Sonora, CA 95370

The Dome on Barretta
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Sonora Residents call the original elementry school, the "Dome" The location is at Barretta & Church Streets.

It is presently being used as administration offices for the Tuolumne County Schools Office.

Jim W Hildreth
RE/MAX of Sonora

Mt. Brow Winery Sonora, CA 95370

Mt. Brow Winery
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Coming to Sonora & Tuolumne County?. Do you love boutique winerys?

Be sure to put Mt. Brow Winery on your list during a weekend visit or if you live locally and location to take friends.

Enclosed is a website of the winery.

http://www.mtbrowwinery.com/

Jim W Hildreth
RE/MAX of Sonora

http://www.JimHildreth.com

Wells Fargo Bank-Sonora, CA

Stage Coach
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Wells Fargo Bank was the host to the monthly meeting of the Historical Sonora Chamber of Commerce. Staff and managment was gracious and chamber members were able to network.

Shirley Sargo of the Gunn House Motel reminded the members of the Friday night concerts in downtown Sonora at Courthouse Park and reviewed the various community projects such as raising funding for the Steinway Piano restoration for Sonora High School.

Chinese food was served by Sonora merchants Be Wok & Sushi.

For more details visit the Chamber site

http://www.sonorachamber.com/

Jim W Hildreth
RE/Max of Sonora
www.JimHildreth.com

August 19 2008 by RE/Max of Sonora Jim W Hildreth

Today I recieved a call from an agent from Heidi Hovatter of Century 21 of Twain Harte, she said to me congratulations on being number One.

I told her I was not number one but number 3 on ActiveRain.

She corrected me and said not ActiveRain but for actual sales both on the listing and and sale side from January 1st to August 19th 2008 for the Tuolumne County Board of Realtors.

I told her I had no idea and she stated that her Broker Kim Darr had brought it to her attention.
The actual unit sales were are at 22 and the top 49 agents averaged 8 sides of sales year to date.

This has been a soft market.

I knew I was closing transactions and as I have told others, its been all the lower end prices that have been selling. $20,000, $65,000, $150,000, $30,000. $231,000

It seems I'm closing 6-7 deals compared to one in the past for the same numbers.

I have a pending sale of $475,000 and this is high end in the present market.

What do I owe to these numbers ?. I'm equal in working with both sellers and buyers at 11 each and the number 2-3 agents have tied into the REO market with strong listings.

Hard work, great sellers & buyers, pricing to the market and I'm also a strong dual agent representing both buyers & sellers.

In addition the internet continues to be valuable in marketing.

I look forward in finishing the year and both buyers and sellers have been great to work with and in the past I have been a strong listing broker.

Jim W Hildreth
www.JimHildreth.com

RE/Max of Sonora (209) 536-1103

10780 Wigwam Rd # 66, Jamestown, CA 95327

10780 Wigwam Rd # 66
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Perhaps one of the best values of 2008. Two Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Modular Style home located in Twin Pines. There are only 14 homes in this community and the home has a 2 car garage, spacious rooms, a nice deck with a view. Twin Pines is a "all age" family park and you can buy this home for $64,900. Space rent is $460 per month.

Move to Sonora-Jamestown and this affordable property will not last.

Brokered by Jim W Hildreth (209) 536-1103

728 East Bald Mt Rd, Sonora, CA 95370

728 East Bald Mt Rd
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

In the heart of Meyers Hill, this Sonora CA residence consist of 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths with room for expansion. The home has been remodeled with a newer kitchen, new dual pae windows and the master bedroom is 14 X 24.

A spacious 1/4 acre parcel with public water & sewer.

The neighbors love the quietness of the Meyers Hill location..

The price is $314.900

Magic of the Night August 8th

Magic of the Night
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

The annual Magic of the Night in downtown Sonora, music, food, entertainment and a great event to meet friends.

863 E Bald Mt Rd, Sonora, CA 95370

863 E Bald Mt Rd
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Jim W Hildreth RE/Max of Sonora has been asked to market 863 E Bald Mountain Rd in Sonora.

This home is located in Meyers Hill just off of Lyons Street.

The main home consist of 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and presently is under a major remodel by Sonora Contactor Frank Baldwin of Baldwin Construction.

In addition there is a pool, and two small apartments with a shared bathroom.

The apartments could be guest quarters, a office or a change room for the pool.

This home is classic Sonora and will be reafy in late 2008 or early 2009.

This location is close to the new Sonora regional hospital and DSL is available

The price is $450,000

Jim W Hildreth RE/Max of Sonora
(209) 536-1103

Summer Tomatoes at Sonora's Farmer's Market

Summer Tomatoes
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Sonora, CA has a great farmers market, from spring to fall, the location is in downtown on Stewart Street and takes place every Saturday from 7:00am to noon.

Fresh coffee, fruits, vegetables, pastries, flowers and some local crafts.

Local products such as honey and olive oil.

Its a weekly event that is both fun and inviting.

La Bella Rosa Vineyards Sonora, CA

La Bella Rosa Vineyards
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Visiting Sonora? Looking for a small Botique Winery? Visit La Bella Rosa Vineyards located at 17990 Old Wards Ferry Road, Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 533-9968.

Open Saturda/Sunday 12-5:00 pm

My Tank is 3/4 Empty

June 29th 2008 by Jim W Hildreth RE/Max of Sonora, Ca 95370

I was introduced to a seller from San Francisco via a long term Sonora attorney who was handling a law suit among family members.

The seller had two properties in Tuolumne County, one for the estate and family suit and the other a property that included two old vintage homes built in the late 1800's.

The property just over .25 of an acre and vintage structures were bought by the San Francisco resident has he had a dream of restoring and having a country home.

He purchased the property for $50,000 cash from the family estate.
The property had two wells, one that was hand dug and the other was missing a pump.
There was a pre-existing septic system that was the original system or as some would say no system at all.

As time passed the San Francisco resident dreams of a country home faded and he decided to place the property up For Sale.

We listed the property and two homes on September 25th 2007 for $99,900.
We have shown the property to dozens and dozens and the majority of prospective buyers wanted to take the historic buildings down with a dozer.

The buildings were on the Historical Landmarks inventory for Tuolumne County.
Dozens and dozens of the 20 mile round trip were spent showing the property, fielding hundreds of calls about 2 homes for $99,900. Most prospective buyers, investors just laughed and told us what a joke and "Good Luck".

Months and months passed and one day we received a call that a couple were interested in a restoration project, we soon entered escrow and we were going to close in 30 day's at a price close to the listing price.

We soon discovered that it was impossible to place a septic system on that parcel. We spent another six months meeting with county officials, adjoining land owners. In the end it was impossible. The broker took a commission advance and was to have paid back $3,200.
Most buyers would not buy a property, with full knowledge that its impossible to place a septic system and there is no public water or sewer.

The buyers have a dream to restore those buildings and tomorrow on June 30th 2008, we will close this sale for $30,000.

The seller took a loss, the Broker will receive a $1,600 fee and now owes $4,200 to the commission advance company time & interest and the buyers will buy two old vintage homes.
My tank is 3/4 empty, I have some explaining to do with the commission advance company and the smile on my face, is the buyers are happy and I have a new San Francisco seller who is now a friend.

The same attorney who referred this account to me has referred a probate estate to me and I meet the representative tomorrow.
Affter 279 days tomorrow will be a new day in our job to market real estate representing Sellers & Buyers.

ps. The other property estate property is still For Sale. We have Septic Problems.

Jim W Hildreth RE/Max of Sonora
www.JimHildreth.com
(209) 536-1103

Azzo's Restaurant, Jamestown, CA 95327

Azzo's Restaurant
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

One of the pleasures of discovering a new community is its restaurants. You may be a visitor, or a full time resident.

Azzos Bar & Restaurant located at 18828 Main Street in Jamestown next to the community park, will delight your food pleasures with Italian Cusine.

17550 Fernwood-Jamestown, CA 95327, $275,000

17550 Fernwood-Jamestown, CA 95327, $275,000
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Thinking about moving to Sonora and Tuolumne County? This home is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with a nice deck, landscaped yard and an attached 2 car garage. The price is $275,000

Jim W Hildreth Broker
(209) 536-1103

"Winners" Mother Lode Fair Sonora, CA

"Winners" Mother Lode Fair
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

I love the saying between Sonora & Sonoma, which is often confused between the two California Cities.

"We have the Gold they have the Grapes"

Actually the Mother Lode is a great area for exploring and tasting wines.

Try the 3 counties of Amador, Calaveras & Tuolumne a hour drive in each direction.

Acreage Sierra Village $65,000

Acreage Sierra Village $65,000
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

Looking for secluded mountain acreage? This location is above Twain Harte and before Long Barn, near Lyons Lake.

Over 2 + acres, tall tree's, privacy and a great location to build a country cabin, home or mountain retreat.

Jim W Hildreth Broker
(209) 536-1103

Fresh Carrots in Sonora, CA

Fresh Carrots
Originally uploaded by JimHildreth

One of the advanatages of living in Sonora is a great Farmers Market that is located in downtown Sonora. The market is open from Spring to Fall and is each Saturday morning from 7:30 am to 11:30 am.

Enclosed is a flickr photo set of photos that I have taken of the farmers market before buying fresh fruit, cheese & bakery items.

Jim W Hildreth

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimhildreth/sets/72157605360114689/

The Daily Life of a Real Estate Broker

June 25 2008 Jim W Hildreth Broker RE/Max of Sonora.

Today started early 6:30 am as my usual routine is to read about a 6 online newspapers. The Modesto & Sacramento Bee, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, The Oakland Tribune, KTVU & KCBS, I also like to read the headlines of the NY Times.I scan for business articles, trends about real estate and I really enjoy local news. One of those local papers is the Calaveras Enterprise.

As I write this it looks like I'm a "News Junkie"

I responded to multiple e-mails about real estate and I made connection with a buyer, who was required to "Prove" cash fundsfor an offer that we wrote on his behalf. The buyers are a married couple who want to have a second home in Sonora and they live in Watsonville.

I find that many buyers are thinking of a retirement location.The afternoon was filled meeting a contractor buyer, meeting an appraiser on a home and family facing pre-foreclosure and fielding calls from MLS agents on various properties.One of the afternoon calls was from Berkeley Buyers on making a counter offer on their behalf as a Buyers Broker

In addition, I recieved a call from a CPA that they would like to schedule an appointment and determine value on a Sonora Home which is an estate.One of my specialities is Probates.

I also put on my Real Estate mediation hat http://www.RealEstateMediation.org and before I left the office I wrote 25 attorneys in Stanislaus County (Modesto) offering my Real Estate Mediation Services.With my 32 years of Real Estate Experience, Mediation credentials, I can offer parties in disputes many alternatives

Its now 7:30 pm and with these Hot California day's evening watering is a must.Jim W Hildrethwww.JimHildreth.com

Coming Soon Columbia CA 95310

Soon to be listed is a 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bath Modular in Columbia Sky Mobile Home Estates that
includes spacious rooms and a 10 X 12 permitted addition that could be a home office, crafts, bonus room. Nice Views Now taking reservations . Price will be under $47.000



RE/Max of Sonora
Jim W Hildreth Broker
www.JimHildreth.com
(209) 536-1103

Open House Columbia, CA 95310

Open House May 03 2008

10956 # 154 Green St Columbia, CA 95310

mls 20080242 $57,900

Jim W Hildreth, Broker of RE/MAX of Sonora is please to announce a "Open House" at theEller

Residence a Modular Home in Columbia Sky Mobile Estates.

The Home is 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1400 s.f and is fully upgraded with a large spacious

living room, new dual pane windows, dining room, spacious master bedroom with upgrades throughout.

Enclosed is a visualtour.

http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?t=1383077&prt=1003

Open May 3 2008 from 12:00 pm to 3:00pm

Parrots Ferry Rd (Columbia) Left on Green St, Follow Signs

RE/Max of Sonora

Jim Hildreth Broker

(209) 536-1103

Multiple Listing

Jim W Hildreth Broker, RE/MAX of Sonora

Every Tuesday morning I attend the local Tuolumne County Multiple Listing meeting.

The value for me is to share information such as new listings, price reductions, haves & wants among fellow agents.

In addition affiliate members such as title companies, lenders also give valueable input.

The timing is always good with new listings, prospects and the sharing of valuable real estate information.

Jim Hildreth has been in the brokerage business for 32 years.

Jim W Hildreth Broker
www.JimHildreth.com
(209) 536-1103

Sold Twain Harte, CA 95383

Jim W Hildreth, Broker-owner of RE/MAX of Sonora. represented both seller Kirby Wilkerson of Sonoma County & A Rowland of
San Francisco in the purchase of the Confidence Rd in Twain Harte.

The Buyers "Dreams" were to have a mountain home retreat.

Twain Harte, has always been a popluar destination from residents of the Bay Area. Close to the moutains, hiking and skiing.

Jim W Hildreth has practiced in Sonora-Twain Harte since 1976.

Jim W Hildreth, Broker
RE/MAX of Sonora
http://www.jimhildreth.com/
(209) 536-1103

For Sale By Owner

Jim W Hildreth, Broker, RE/MAX of Sonora

There is nothing wrong with being a For Sale By Owner and in this sale
Seller & Buyer wanted to complete the transaction, however they did
not have any real estate knowledge.

Jim W Hildreth Broker has a menu of servives, that include individual consulting for For Sale By Owner.

Our company assisted both the seller and buyer in making the transaction and assisted with proper forms, disclosures and individual consultation.

The Sonora seller has moved out of the country and the buyers are the owner of their first home.

A sliding fee schedule was used and both parties partispated in the fee.

Jim W Hildreth has practiced in Sonora since 1976.


Jim W Hildreh
RE/MAX of Sonora
www.JimHildreth.com
(209) 536-1103

Sale Pendings April 25 2008

Jim W Hildreth, Broker RE/MAX of Sonora is pleased to announce Pending Sales

with the following real estate clients.

01. Mr. and Mrs Applegate Buyer/Investors Sonora

02. Mr. Hand Seller Pleasanton

03. P. & W Baltrop Buyers Sonora

04. D Tacke Buyer Sonora

05. Manteca Homes Seller Manteca

06. Mr. and Mrs Barley Buyers Jamestown

07. Mr and Mrs Cambell Sellers Bakersfield

Jim W Hildreth has practiced in Sonora since 1976 and has first hand knowlege of

varios real estate cycles and has the experience to get RESULTS.

Jim W Hildreth

RE/Max of Sonora

http://www.jimhildreth.com/

(209) 536-1103

Jim Hildreth Broker-Owner Columbia Sale

Jim W Hildreth Broker owner of RE/Max of Sonora represented both
seller Sharon Fernandes of Columbia & Michael Antonucci of Cupertino on the
purchase of 10956 Green Street #202 in Columbia CA. 95310

The property was listed and closed within 45 day's.

The Buyer has retired and wanted to live in the Gold Country and be near family.

Jim W Hildreth has practiced in Sonora since 1976.


Jim W Hildreth Broker
RE/Max of Sonora
www.JimHildreth.com
(209) 536-1103

Columbia Sky Mobile Home Park $57,900

Jim W Hildreth, Broker, RE/Max of Sonora

Looking to move to the Gold Country? The following modular
is located in Columbia, CA 95310, in Columbia Sky Mobile Estates.

The home is 3 bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1400 s,f of living space, new dual pane windows, new AC
and the home is spacious, clean and comfortable.

Located in Columbia Sky Mobile Home Estates, an adult park 55+. The location is serene,
and is within walking distance to the community pool, spa, and recreational room that includes a large kitchen.

Space Rent is $405 per month

Minutes to the State Park, restaurants, banking, medical, Columbia College, Melones Lake and 15 minutes to Murphys.

Enclosed is a Visualtour

http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1383077&prt=10003


Jim W Hildreth Broker
RE/Max of Sonora
http://www.jimhildreth.com/
(209) 536-1103

Phoenix Lake Sonora, CA

Sonora CA, 95370

Live near a lake. Take a visual tour of Phoenix Lake.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimhildreth/2400159428/


Jim W Hildreth Broker
RE/Max of Sonora
http://www.jimhildreth.com/
(209) 536-1103

Outstanding Value $29,900

April 25 2008 Jim W Hildreth Broker, RE/Max of Sonora

Often we are asked find me a excellent value or a "Great Buy"

The following doublewide mobile may be one of the best values

in 2008. Located in Columbia, CA 95310. This home is located in Columbia Sky Mobile Estate, minutes from Columbia State Park, a quaint Gold Rush community. Museums, banking, restaurants, post office are within minutes.

A short drive to Melones Lake, or to the City of Sonora, or 15 minutes to Murphys, for winerys, restaurants, quaint shops.

The home is 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1248 s.f of living space and has fresh paint on both the interior & exterior, new carpet, new vinyl and a massive sunfilled living room.

In addition there are new appliances, and it it includes the refrigerator, washer, dryer and freezer.

Park Rent is $405 per month and one of the occupants must be 55+

Enclosed is a visualtour for additional information.

http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=824227&prt=10003

Retire to Sonora? Weekend retreat? Relocation?

Priced at $29,900


Jim W Hildreth Broker
RE/Max of Sonora
http://www.jimhildreth.com/
(209) 536-1103

Jim W Hildreth Broker's Website

Jim W Hildreth Real Estate Broker

Looking for Real Estate in the Sonora area ? Inventory with photos & visualtours

Jim Hildreth website for Real Estate is http://www.jimhildreth.com/

Real Estate in Sonora

April 24 2008 Jim W Hildreth Real Estate Broker

The following new blog will feature real estate information about Sonora & Tuolumne County.

Jim Hildreth is the Broker Owner of RE/Max of Sonora and has been in the brokerage business since 1976.