About Modoc County, CA

I moved to Modoc County in May 2004. When I arrived, like many before me, I rented a house in town and was confronted with a contraption that I'd never seen before -- a Monitor Heater.

Well, since we can have a long cold winters in Modoc, there are a number of home heating options to choose from.

Monitor Heater -- a direct vent unit that runs on Kerosene. You need power to keep the unit running, but some models have battery back up devices that can kick in should you have a power failure.

Propane Heater -- also a direct vent unit. Typically they will continue to pump out heat even in a power failure -- they just won't pump out as much heat.

Propane Furnace -- well, I think most people know what this is. But, no power, no heat.

Wood Burning Stove or Fireplace -- very popular in Modoc County. Folks can get permits to cut their own wood locally for very little and get themselves set up for the winter.

Pellet Stoves -- these are great for the environment but not real practical in Modoc County. I haven't seen anyone carrying pellets locally, so you'll need to go out of town to buy them and haul them back.

Electric Furnace -- This is what I have. A few years ago I thought that I'd install a monitor in my home. I'm glad I didn't. With the cost of fuel now, I actually spend less to heat my 2200 square foot home than others spend with either propane or kerosene to heat a 1600 square foot home.

As with other subdivisions in Modoc County, Castle Rock Estates was created in the 1960s.

At this time there are 86 home sites in Castle Rock Estates. The area is pretty and the homes in the area are above average in quality and tend to be well maintained.

As a neighborhood, Castle Rock Estates is very stable. Homes and lots rarely become available in this area. Neighbors really look out for one another. One day when I was marking a lot for sale (by the way, it sold shortly afterward) a neighbor decided to check to see what was going on and make sure that I was allowed to be there.

That's how folks look after each other in the area. Lots range from 1-2 acres -- a couple are a bit larger. One road is paved, Juniper Tree (also known as Grande). All others are graveled roads. Certain lots will have access to public sewer and water through the Cal Pines Services District. If you are interested in a particular parcel, we'll need to ask if they will extend the lines to that parcel.

The goods news is that the roads are county maintained and there is no association in the area. That means no annual dues. However, in this subdivision, being part of the Cal Pines Services District, there will be some assessments for the fire department.

The area has CC&Rs but they mostly reflect Modoc County Building Code requirements and fire safety issues, like, a home must be a minimum of 500 sf., clearing of weeds and debris around a home to minimize fire hazards, etc. No one will tell you what color your house can be.

If you're interested in buying property in this subdivision, give me a call. I'll be happy to assist you.

Well, it's been in the works for a while and now it's the law.

For manufactured homes constructed after September 1, 2008 and all manufactured homes that will be installed in a State Responsibility Area (SRA), these homes must meet the same ignition resistant material standards in the California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 7A just like other structures.

If you're planning on putting a manufactured home on your Modoc County property, you can get more information from the Modoc County Building Department. Call 530-233-6403.

Just thought you'd want to know.

Back in the 1960s a large ranch property was developed into what is called California Pines. California Pines may have been the first subdivision to market properties using infomercials.

I still remember the guy with the big hat, snake skin boots, huge silver jewelry touting 1 acre parcels for $4,000. I was young and gullible then, but boy that sounded good for someone who lived in San Jose, California.

The promoters offered free weekends, fly or bus in and stay at the Cal Pines Lodge. Of course, when you arrived you had to participate in the sales pitch process and once you were here, there was no transportation other than that provided by the sales people for California Pines.

Well, the area was over promoted and oversold over the years. The most recent operator was National Recreation Properties (NRPI). They pulled out of the area last year and the result has been a big decline in sales in California Pines. Better than 90% of the properties are undeveloped. There are some very good deals to be had for the person that does the research.

California Pines is divided into different "units."

Lake Unit 1, Lake Unit 1A, Lake Unit 2, Hill Units 1-5, etc. Most of the Lake Unit parcels are lower altitude, easier access and easier to develop. The parcels are in flatter, more plains like settings - lots of grasses and sagebrush.

As you travel up Cal Pines Blvd., you enter into the Hill Units. Hill Unit 1 is first with Cal Pines Blvd. ending up in Hill Unit 5 - and I Mean UP! The upper altitudes are 6000-7000 ft above sea level. But those home sites are gorgeous, covered with many types of pine trees. But, you'll get more snow in the winter, the parcels are more difficult and expensive to develop and at this time there is no snow removal service at the higher elevations.

If you're looking for a year round location, I suggest going no further than Hill Unit 3 and try staying close to Cal Pines Blvd. where snow will be removed in the winter.

If you're thinking about buying property in California Pines, give me a call. I'll give you the real scoop on the area and help you find the perfect property to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a vacation getaway or year round home - there are so many properties available, I am certain I can help you find the right property at the right price.

With Modoc County being quite remote, it isn't unusual for property buyer to buy property, mostly vacant land, sight unseen.

They buy through Ebay, private sellers on Craig's List, County Tax Sales and even through real estate offices. Is it a good idea?

Depends. When I get a buyer looking to buy sight unseen I have a lengthy discussion with him/her about the property of interest, location, access issues, buildability, etc. I try to give the pros and cons and also any precautionary advice. Even so, buyers will still buy sight unseen. Sometimes they get some really great deals -- other times they end up with duds.

If you are a buyer be sure to work with someone who will give you the "real scoop" on the area and the property that you are looking at. Even though we are remote and our property values significantly lag behind values in larger markets, if the deal looks too good to be true compared to other comparables in the area, it probably is.