Tanna Reynoso

Well, I know a lot of people out there reading this have relatives or friends that are real estate agents that they'd like to help make a living. Very kind of you and admirable, too. However, if you have decided to look for a home or land in another area, it might be in your best interest to have them refer you to a knowledgeable and experienced agent in that area -it might save you thousands of dollars and a friendship, too. Why, you ask? I can only give you examples that I have experienced.

Amador and Calaveras counties in Northern California are rural counties compared to others. Many of our properties have wells, septics, road associations, special easement requirements and zoning requirements. Agents in the area usually know which areas are prone to low water levels, minerals in the water or even mining that was done in the area. Also, what types of septic systems and the prices of those systems are something that most agents know. Most of the time, an outside agent doesn't know enough about the area to ask for all the required inspections and if they happen to discover that there might be another inspection needed, the inspection period has lapsed. Mistakes like these can cost a buyer his/her good faith deposit or even worse, thousands of dollars for a new septic or well.

Finding and showing properties can even prove difficult. Our MLS is locally owned, not given to just any agent. Agents have to pay to become members just to get into our website. This will probably change in the future. Some agents use Realtor.com to find properties in our area, but don't have ability to get into them once they find them. Also, Realtor.com is a good source but only for limited information. If there are special notes about the property such as give 24 hr. notice to show, don't let animals out, or showing times only during specific hours because of day sleepers, it won't be on Realtor.com and if you are from far away is it worth wasting your time?

So, save yourself from lawsuits and worry, do yourself AND your out-of-area real estate agent a favor... ask to be referred to a knowledgeable and experienced realtor in the area!

This blog was written by Tanna Reynoso, Prudential California Realty, Jackson

I'm new to blogging, so I thought I would start out with what I know best - Amador County real estate and living!

If I told some of you that I was raised in a small town of 5300 people, your reaction would be "poor thing!" But actually, I consider myself lucky! Amador County, California is a wonderful place to live, grow a family or retire and I'll tell you why - Friendly people, great real estate prices (compared to other parts of California), low crime, room to breathe, slower paced and centrally located.

Amador County is small, gold mining county, located 36 miles southeast of Sacramento, 35 minutes from Kirkwood Ski Resort, 2 hours from San Francisco and 1 1/2 hours from Tahoe. Jackson, the county seat, is infamous for being the last town in California to shut down it's gambling and "cat house" operations; We were one of the richest counties during the gold rush days, Jackson Rancheria is a well-known destination, and many people leave with a bottle of one of famous zinfandels under their arm. A recreational sports enthusiasts mecca - Amador County has 6 lakes, Kirkwood Ski Resort, horse-riding trails, Shenandoah Wine Country, camping, hiking and fishing. Wow! Why wouldn't anyone want to live here?! Well, if you are used to road rage, malls, smog and a Starbucks on every corner (though we do have 3 now), you probably won't like it here and that's fine.

But what about real estate? How reasonable is it? Well, our median sales price has dropped like everywhere else, but we had an article about us in the Sacramento Bee saying that we dropped the least of all the areas and we are still the best deal in the area. Just get on with it, what's the median sales price! Well...... can you believe..... $275,000? No, I didn't miss a "0" somwhere and yes, Amador County is in California! We aren't what people typically think of when they think of California. We aren't near Disneyland or on the ocean; movie stars arent' prevalent; Sushi and wheatgrass are not staples. Actually, we are a very beautiful part of Northern California and we have lots of open land, mountains, lakes, cattle ranches and vineyards. Our elevations range from 700 to over 4000 feet and our topography runs from flat to mountainous. We have something for everyone, I think. As a friend of mine who lived in Southern California once asked "where is all the cement"?

We have many events coming up: Dandelion Days (flea market and open house in Jackson) Daffodil Hill is opening (all sorts of beautiful daffodils in bloom) and the Jazz Festival. Come visit Amador County and remember me for your real estate needs if you decide that living here is perfect for you too!

LISTING OF THE MONTH: 5.15 flat to rolling, beautiful acres w/creek, spring-fed pond, small orchard, well, power and 20,000 gallon, spring-fed underground water storage. 5 minutes outside Plymouth, 5 minutes to Shenandoah Wine Country, 1/2 hr. to Sacramento. All this for $259,000. 80% financing available through US Bank.

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY TANNA REYNOSO, PRUDENTIAL CALIFORNIA REALTY.