Montecino & Associates has developed Hope For Owners division out of a very strong need to help homeowners who may be experiencing hardships and may be facing foreclosure.

The Hope For Homeowners division is here to help people in our communities by giving them the information they need to either modify their loan and stay in their home or if that is not an option, to help them understand and proceed with a short sale of their home in order to avoid foreclosure.

The Hope For Homeowners team are CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) trained and have invested time and money to learn and develop the systems to work with the banks and lenders with the goal of achieving a short sale approval.

Homeowners do have options and we strongly feel it is our responsibility as real estate professionals to help people explore their options and avoid foreclosure.

If you know of anyone who is experiencing hardships and are struggling making their payments please have them call the Hope For Homeowners team at (559) 683-3556.

Ahh… the joy of commuting.  Commuting is the price we pay for living in our beautiful mountain communities.  Those who live in Yosemite Lake Park have a nice, easy 25 minute commute to Fresno.  The further north we live the longer the drive.  Coming from Coarsegold or Oakhurst you can expect to drive 30-50 minutes.  Although those seem like dreaded minutes; it is actually a great time to relax, spend some time to yourself (if you don’t have a commuting buddy), and wind down from a busy day at work.  In the end the commute was worth it.  As you come around the corners and see the beauty that these small Eastern Madera County towns have, you remember it is a small price to pay for living in such beautiful country.  Whether you live in Yosemite Lakes Park, Indian Lakes, Coarsegold, Raymond, Oakhurst, Bass Lake, Fish Camp, Ahwahnee, or North Fork the short commute down to the valley is well worth it.  Drive Safe.

Is the cost of California real estate overvalued?  California is a great place to live.  You have the beaches, the desert, the mountains, Disneyland, Hollywood, Yosemite, and many other famous attractions.  There are parts of California with highly desirable weather and parts with breathtaking beauty (Yosemite, Mariposa Groves, coastline, and Giant Sequoias).  But is the cost of living in California overvalued?  I know there are many parts of California that I would never be able to afford a home- even with a double income from two well paying jobs.   I often ask myself- should we move to another state where real estate and the cost of living are less expensive?  Is it worth the money to buy and live in California?  I don’t know.  What do you think?

This year is the worst fire season on record. It seems just as one fire is contained another begins. The Telegraph fire in Mariposa is posing a huge threat to the Mariposa’s communities. As of 11:30 last night, it has burned nearly 30,000 acres, has destroyed 25 homes and 27 other structures. In addition, 4,000 residences in the communities of Midpines, Briceburg, Mariposa, Greenley Hill, Coulterville, Bear Valley, and Mt. Bullion Camp are still being threatened. In a situation like this we need to pull together as a community and assist all those in need. The American Red Cross is doing its part and we need to do our part. This fire is not only affecting the residents of the community but others around the valley. The air quality remains unhealthy and it is recommended to stay indoors and avoid outside activities. Lets join forces and lend a helping hand to all those in need. If you have any ideas what we as a community can do to help out let us know by responding to this blog.

   It is amazing to look back and remember what the town of Oakhurst use to be like.  Twenty years ago when my family and I moved to the small mountain town in Eastern Madera County it was much different than it was today.  There was, or course, Raleys and next to Raleys was a Stride Rite.  This was the only shopping center in town.  I think there may have been one stop sign at that time and half the amount of cars in town.  Today Oakhurst resembles more of a little city than a small mountain community.  Over the years hotels were built, more stops signs were added which now have turned into stop lights, and the roads have widened.  Although the economic boom is great, it is sad to see how much this once quaint little town of Oakhurst has developed.  For me, the small town feeling is gone but it is exciting to see all the new changes that have taken place.  Oakhurst still remains a great place to live.  It now provides more opportunities for all ages which are something it lacked twenty years ago.  Oakhurst is not the only little mountain town to have changed.  Coarsegold, Bass Lake, and Mariposa have also undergone many changes.  We have to let go of the past and be excited about all the new changes these communities have experienced.    

What are the benefits of living in one of Eastern Madera County’s little communities rather than in a city?   I am sure you asked this same question when you were making the decision to relocate.  Having grown up in the mountains and moving to the city for college, I now look back at my childhood and realize its many benefits, some of which I took for granted.  Living in a small town where you saw familiar faces in the grocery store and waved at the passing cars is something special that you don’t always have in the city.  I realize now how lucky the children are to attend one of our small mountain schools.  With the small classes, teachers are able to give the students more individual instruction, they are able to keep a better tab on the progress levels, and can easily differentiate instruction to meet the many diverse needs in the classroom.  Not to mention our high schools competitive athletic programs.  Our small mountain towns offer fresh, clean air and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.  Living in Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Fish Camp, Raymond, or any other of our communities there are many outdoor activities to take part in.  You can go hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, swimming at the lake or a local river, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, snowboarding, snow skiing, or many of the other activities; all this just a short drive away.  These are just a few of the many benefits the small communities of Eastern Madera County have to offer.  Eastern Madera County is a great place to raise a family.

Clearly one of the biggest events of the year in Oakhurst is the Installation Dinner and Dance.  The Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them on Friday, December 7, 2007 at 5:30 p.m..  The festivities will be held at the Pines Resort, Lakeview Room.  Attendees will help welcome into office the new Board of Directors.

The evening will include appetizers, served during the reception with a No Host Bar.  Dinner choices are Prime Rib or Salmon, and will include a salad, wine, and dessert with coffee or tea.

Honoree for the Life Time Achievement Award will be Tommie Underwood.  Winners will also be announced for the “Volunteer of the Year”, “Woman of the Year”, “Man of the Year”, and “Business of the Year”.

After the Installation of Officers, participants will enjoy a night of dancing with Sierra DJ.

Reservations are currently being taken for this event.  The cost is $45 per person, or you may reserve a table for 8 for $360.  You may also sponsor the Installation Dinner for $500.  This price will include a table for 8, an announcement recognizing your contribution with special recognition in the program that is provided to participants.   For an extra $50, you may want to enter the table top decoration contest.  If you are entering the contest, plan on arriving between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to decorate your table.  The winner will be announced at the dinner and will receive $100. 

Sponsoring an award recipient’s table is available for an additional $500 donation.  Be sure to notate which recipient you would like to sponsor.  Donations are also being accepted from those who are not able to attend this event.

If you would like to make a reservation or receive more information, call the Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce at (559-683-7766) or visit their website.