Congratulations on selling your Big Bear home! It’s time to concentrate on the "fun" part of selling a home - packing up all those clothes, toys, and pots and pans. Here are a few tips for a smooth move. Start the packing process as early as possible. The earlier you begin packing the more organized and stress-free you’ll be. Go room by room and make notes on what’s going with you (and staying behind). Stock up on packing supplies, including: boxes, bubble wrap, newspapers, labels, markers, packing foam, packing … [Read more...]
Summer Cycling Events in Big Bear Lake
After the Big Bear Climb, the fantastic Amgen race in the Spring, the end of July and beginning of August are prime times for bicycling in Big Bear. Well organized and waiting for you, tune into https://www.bigbearcycling.com. The Big Bear Cycling Association is a non-profit organization devoted to all things cycling in the San Bernardino Mountains. As well as workshops and loads of events, they schedule weekly group rides for all levels and ages. In an hour and a half, you'll have the ride of your … [Read more...]
Types of Home Loans
The dictionary defines mortgage, as “a conveyance of or lien against property (as for securing a loan) that becomes void upon payment or performance according to stipulated terms”. There are many features to consider when securing a home loan. You’ll want to consider the size of the mortgage, method of repayment, interest rate and maturity of the loan. Fixed Rate Mortgage 75% of all mortgages are fixed rate, it’s the mainstay of the home loan industry. They’re popular because they’re predictable. Borrowers … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Tour – East Big Bear City
East Big Bear City is comprised of Baldwin Lake, Erwin Lake and Lake Williams. The area varies from pinion and cedar forests to high desert. It’s a great area for hiking, mountain biking, horses and ranching. All of Big Bear City is in the unincorporated area of San Bernardino County. According to the Chamber of Commerce, a “DBA” (Doing Business As) from your bank is all that is required to work out of your home. High speed computer access and cable television is available in most of this area. We enjoy the area’s … [Read more...]
Home Improvements for Resale
Even though market conditions are beyond your means to control, upgrading your property can be a simple way to increase the value of your home. Some home improvements increase your home’s value beyond the initial cost. Common Home Improvements Minor Kitchen remodel Add a Bathroom Finish the Basement/Attic Upgrade the Landscaping Roofing Replacement Deck Addition Remodeling Magazine published their annual “Cost versus Value Report.” They’ve found that adding an attic bathroom and bedroom has been in the top 10 … [Read more...]
Big Bear’s Unusual Winter
Baldwin Lake Neighborhood Given Southern California's mild Winter weather this year, visiting Big Bear can be a bit different. You've got yourself packed for the slopes. Loaded the skis, boots and boards, and checked the tire chains. Got the snow pants, gloves and sweaters ready. It gets into the 20's at night. You at least, want to be prepared for that brisk night air. You come scooting up the mountain to find out the temperatures can be pushing into the high 40's. The pre-holiday snow is gone from the … [Read more...]
Real Estate Advice for Newlyweds in Big Bear
The wedding and the honeymoon are joyous times, celebrating with family and friends. As you move into daily life, home buying becomes one of the largest decisions you make together. Planning and communicating will save you time and reduce arguments later. Define how long you expect to live there and whether this is where you will begin to raise a family. This will impact what you need in a home. 1. Deposit Considerations Prior to considering your amount for deposit, be sure you have at least three to six months … [Read more...]
Home Selling Tips
Photo: East Big Bear City, Baldwin Lake Neighborhood You’ve picked your listing agent and your home is priced right. The show is on! Here are a few helpful suggestions about showing your home. The Lock Box Option These are not for everyone, but they increase your home’s marketability. It makes your home available to prospective viewers seven days a week. Most Agents will give you several hours notice. If you’re interested, ask your listing agent to set this up for you. Try not to be home It’s not always possible, … [Read more...]
Real Estate Neighborhood Tours – Fawnskin
You may recognize the Fawnskin area from the Eddie Murphy movie, ‘Dr. Doolittle’. We love this area because it’s heavily wooded and backs into some of the Valley’s best hiking and mountain biking trails. Fawnskin was originally an artist’s community, and is steeped in history. It was the beginning of the main coach road through the mountains. It’s best known as the gateway into Holcomb Valley, where southern California’s largest deposit of gold was found. Fawnskin was also home to loggers and hunters. The Pederson … [Read more...]
Cleaning Up Your Credit – Big Bear Real Estate
Having a good credit score is more important than ever. It can mean the difference between qualifying for your Big Bear dream home or missing out on a great opportunity. Savvy buyers have been snatching up well priced Big Bear real estate within days of coming on the market. The key to having a strong negotiating position is to be pre-qualified and ready to move when the right property becomes available. The first step in the process is to get the hard, cold facts. There are several places to obtain your score such … [Read more...]