Aaron's Blog

Being Young at CAR Meetings

Aaron Stafford (California Properties at Lake Tulloch) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:43:05 -0500

As a 11 year veteran of real estate at the ripe age of 33, you could imagine that I am one of the youngest agents when I attend functions like this. Being called a "kid" is nothing new, as I hear it in my office all the time. I just find it strange that there very few younger agents. I am our local association president and a CAR director and I swear that I am the youngest director at the board meeting in the room of about a thousand. I find it funny that the Young Professionals Network that has been launched by NAR is for agents under 40. 40? I find it crazy that young agents actually drive across the state to attend and they aren't directors or anything. They just attend to network for the hour or two and that is about it. I must admit, that I do feel old at the YPN functions as most are in their mid 20's and I am really an old man in the industry compared to most who have been in the business for 2-3 years.

Blogging is the way to go!

Aaron Stafford (California Properties at Lake Tulloch) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:32:14 -0500

I am at the California Association of Realtors Expo and Business meetings this week and the newest significant tred seems to be blogging. I know that it has been out for a while ( I started this blog a long time ago) but I need to keep current and do it more. The waterfront market has stayed active, but the prices have dropped a bit. The homes at Drifter's Marina ( www.tullochmarinahomes.com ) are now down to $599k and are the cheapest new homes that we have had in years. They are a maintenence free as you could possibly find and they are really nice. My 20 acre parcel with 650' of shoreline is down to $975k and it is a steal. It was the best of the best when it was purchased as we had our pick of the lots in the area. A huge loss is your gain. I have had a bunch of activity and I feel that I have a few waterfront deals working and I should be able to bring a couple to terms within a few weeks. I learned that 3rd quarter this year was almost 100% higher in sales than last year so it seems that we have hit bottom.

A little information about Lake Tulloch

Aaron Stafford (California Properties at Lake Tulloch) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:08:45 -0600

About Lake Tulloch

Lake Tulloch is a recreational reservoir located in the Sierra Foothills near the historic town of Copperopolis. The lake, which features 55 miles of beautiful shoreline and was created in 1958, is one of the few lakes in California that allows private waterfront homes and docks. It's convenient location, less than two hours from San Francisco Bay Area, makes it the ideal place for vacation or second homes.

The lake is fed by the Stanislaus River, and which is primarily fed by snow runoff. It's dam is used for power generation which also helps to keep the water clear and fresh.

Lake Tulloch consists of four main channels shaped similar to an "X". The channels are fairly protected by the surrounding foothills keeping the winds to a minimum and providing for great watersking conditions. The "glassy" water is favorite to most waterskiers and wakeboarders. Tulloch is also stocked with small mouth and large mouth bass, and trout which provides for great fishing. The center area of the lake, is open to the wind providing for windsailing, jetsking and tubing.

Lake Tulloch is located close to Yosemite National Forrest and Big Trees State Park, which lends a helping hand to the natural beauty of the area. We are located minutes from historic gold mining towns including Columbia, Angels Camp, Jamestown, Sonora, and Murphys. Murphys is the latest "hotspot" for wine enthusiasts.

During the summer, the Lake Tulloch area provides a great opportunity to explore other local lakes and recreation. New Melones, Don Pedro, Lake McClure, New Hogan, and Lake Camanche are within a quick drive. During winter months, Dodge Ridge Ski Area is within one hour and Bear Valley is about 1.5 hours.

Besides Lake Tulloch, Copperopolis provides many local amenities highlighted by the Saddle Creek Golf Course, and Lake Tulloch Resort. Saddle Creek provides golfers with a world class golf experiance, fine dining and wonderful bungalows for overnight lodging. Homes and homesites are also available. Feel free to contact me for more information. The Lake Tulloch Resort features the Del Lago Restaurant, with wonderful italian entrees, and breathtaking views of the lake. One interior bar and one lakeside bar, makes the "Lodge" a popular destination for those in search of "nightlife" during the summer and weekends. Lakeside lodging is available.

I love Lake Tulloch !!

Aaron Stafford (California Properties at Lake Tulloch) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:57:52 -0600

When I was about 10 years old, my parents asked me if I wanted to stay in the Lake Tulloch Area forever, and I replied, "I want to watch this place grow". Over the past 22 years, I have watched Copperopolis more than quadruple in size, yet it has kept it's small town feel. After high school, I moved to Illinois to attend college, but I knew that I would return to Lake Tulloch after graduation.

The day after graduation, I was back home in Copperopolis studying to get my real estate license, which I had planned to do all along. I was lucky enough to get April, to come along.

I could not think of a better place to raise a family. My two oldest daughters learned to water ski before they were three.

Some of the teachers that I had, still teach at Copperopolis Elementary and Bret Harte Union High School. I think that it is cool, but it really makes the teachers feel old. I have walked my daughters to class everyday (with a few exceptions) since they each started in Kindergarten. It is nice to go back, because I was really sad when I moved up to high school in Angels Camp. I think that the school is really special, because the teachers are genuine and they love to teach.

I also like the weather. In Illinois, I couldn't stand the weather, though I must admit that pring and fall were really nice. In Copper, we basically have two seasons, Summer and Winter. The transition periods betewwn the seasons seem to last about 2-3 weeks. Summers are dry and hot and the winters are pretty mild. It doesn't snow, but there is an exception to every rule...

I really like the location of the area. Since we are pretty much located in the middle of California, it is only about 1.5 hours to the airports in Sacramento, San Fran, or even Oakland or San Jose. You can compare rates for sure. The drive to Disneyland, isn't too bad, especially when you take J-59 to Merced. I think it is a pretty easy 6 hours, I make it normally at night, so I don't have to stop too many times for the kids.

Lake Tulloch is actually really close to great camping at Lake Alpine, Pinecrest, and the best of all, Yosemite. I had actually never been to Yosemite until last year. Pretty sad. It is only about 80 miles to the gate, and I had never been there. I really like Lake Tulloch, but if I could live in Yosemite, I would. It is amazing, and it your never have been there, you should get in your car and go NOW!

I love the Lake Tulloch-Copperopolis Area, and if it sounds great to you, I would be happy to show you around.