Maximize the current upswing in the economy and work to reduce your monthly payables. As a real estate owner on the mountain, tightening your belt will help you to reach your goals sooner and have you prepared for the “unexpected.” Ways to reducing reoccurring expenses. 1. Bundle your services. Charter, the cable access company for many people on the mountain, offers several bundling packages with internet download speeds up to 30Mbps. No contracts are required. Go through your current monthly bills. Consider … [Read more...]
Big Bear’s Icy Real Estate Neighborhoods
February 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The majority of housing in the residential area of this mountain community is situated along the lake on the north facing slope of the valley. There are lots of towering trees that keep things cool year round. Prevailing winds, rain and snow generally come over the dam and along the lake from the west. If you have a chance, while making a decision on where to live in Big Bear, drive through the neighborhoods after we've received a few inches of snow. Your choice of convenience, balanced with utility, will help you … [Read more...]
Reducing Cold Weather Energy Costs
February 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Even in sunny Big Bear, California, the temperature can drop below freezing and that means you need to take time to make sure that your home is energy efficient for the cold-weather season. Perhaps the biggest waste of energy is when heat escapes through leaks in windows, doors, fireplace dampers, ducts, wires, and pipes. This is pretty common in older Big Bear cabins and homes. A well-sealed home is an energy-efficient home that can save you as much as 10 to 15 percent on your heating bill. To make sure your home … [Read more...]
Protecting Your Real Estate Investment – Frozen Pipes
February 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear... was hit with a cold snap earlier in January and the ever present problem of frozen pipes reared its ugly head throughout the valley. I made the rookie mistake of leaving my hoses attached to the outdoor faucets and woke up to frozen pipes. Fortunately, the problem was isolated to a small area of my home, but I learned from my plumber that over 40 homes in my neighborhood had been affected. Water, as we learned in school, expands when frozen. That's a problem because inside the pipes, there is no room … [Read more...]
Big Bear Facts!
January 22, 2013 by 3 Comments
There are several misconceptions the Big Bear area can't seem to get rid of. Logic and hearsay don't always come together. Until I visited Big Bear my first time, I had a few of these preconceived notions. Do any of these sound familiar? * Big Bear doesn't have electricity. I was asked this question, while the TV was blaring in the background. * Big Bear doesn't have running water. That has to be a fact because... * Big Bear's residents all live in little 1-room log cabins in the deep, dark forest. * … [Read more...]
Big Bear Healthcare Services
January 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment
For a relatively small community, Big Bear is fortunate to have excellent health care services. This includes a top rated hospital (4 out of 5 stars), private practice doctors and dentists, ambulance services, chiropractors, optometrists, and two large chain pharmacies. Big Bear also has two excellent veterinary clinics to care for our pets and the occasional injured wild animal. The “Bear Valley Community Healthcare District” encompasses our local hospital with emergency services, acute care, radiology, … [Read more...]
How Much Big Bear Real Estate Can I Afford?
January 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Are you gearing up to buy a Big Bear home? Now is a great time to make a move in the local real estate market. First of all, interest rates are at historic lows. Compare today's 30-year fixed-rate average of between 3 and 4 percent to the 13 to 18 percent rates of the 1980's. This gives buyers more purchasing power as current interest rates equate to lower monthly mortgage payments. Additionally, homes are now at their most affordable on record. This is because home values have dropped considerably in the past few … [Read more...]
Picture Ops!
January 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The Big Bear Lake Area is a Photographer's Dream Here are some general locations you can visit for great outdoor photo shoots. Grab 3 friends with cameras and plan some spontaneous, winning snaps! If you're getting up for sunrise pictures, you'll want to go beyond the 2 lake crossings, though sometimes, these are the best places. Sunrises over water, are best seen from Stanfield Cutoff looking east over Baker Pond. Another good place is the west end of the airport, at Division. Pull in and park at the northwest … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – Sellers
January 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Beautiful landscaping around a home not only increases the overall value, it also acts as an advertisement. Increasing “curb appeal” in the mountains does not require an expensive investment. As a matter of fact, there are many species of plants that naturally thrive in Big Bear, CA. About.com suggests attractive landscaping can increase your home’s value from 7% to 15%. Trends suggest perspective buyers are interested in low-maintenance yards with year-round visual interest. Xeriscaping, landscaping that … [Read more...]
7 Things to Do Outdoors During Big Bear’s Winter
January 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
We moved to Big Bear back in the mid-90’s because of all of the outdoor activities. We love to ski the mountain or depending on the snow pack and the temperatures, we’ll hike the East valley. 1. The East valley is also home to Baldwin Lake Stables. You can go for a group ride or a private ride on the forest trails in Baldwin Lake. Be sure to call and make reservations in advance. 2. Snow Tubing at Alpine Slide - We purchased a half day ticket last year for us and the kids. It is enough to tire everyone out. We … [Read more...]
