Title insurance provides coverage for certain losses in the title that may have occurred prior to your ownership. It protects against claims resulting from various defects such as prior fraud or forgery that might go undetected until after closing, including liens, encumbrances, and defects that were unknown when the title policy was issued and may possibly hurt your ownership or investment. What protection am I receiving with a title policy? A title insurance policy contains provisions for the payment of the … [Read more...]
Choosing the Best Big Bear Neighborhood
July 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Once you've been pre-qualified for a loan, you should be ready to put your house-hunting efforts into high gear. The next important step in the home buying process is scouting out the Big Bear neighborhoods and getting familiar with each area. The best way to get started in your neighborhood search is to get in your car and explore, especially if you're unfamiliar with Big Bear. Ask your agent for a map and just start driving around. Get an idea about the neighborhoods by seeing first hand which areas appeal to … [Read more...]
Neighborhood Spotlight – Big Bear City
July 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Although it’s often confused with the City of Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City is the unincorporated township located to the east of Big Bear Lake, in the center of the Big Bear Valley. The Stanfield Marsh Bird Sanctuary borders to the west, Baldwin Lake borders the eastern edge, and the San Bernardino National Forest cradles Big Bear City to the north and south. Sub-areas include Baldwin Lake, Erwin Lake, Lake Williams, and Whispering Forest According to the 2010 census, Big Bear City’s population has more than … [Read more...]
The Escrow Process – Part Two
July 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment
When escrow is opened the buyer’s deposit check will be cashed. Assuming the sale goes through, this money will be applied to the purchase price of the home. If for any reason the sale is not consummated, a buyer may be entitled to receive all of their deposit back, depending on the reason, less standard cancellation fees. In certain instances, the seller may be able to retain this money as liquidated damages. Prior to executing a purchase contract it would be wise to speak with your agent or attorney regarding … [Read more...]
The Escrow Process – Part 1
June 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Congratulations! You’ve negotiated an agreed upon sales price on a perfect piece of Big Bear real estate. So now what happens? It’s time to open escrow. Very simply defined, an escrow is a deposit of funds, a deed or other instrument by one party for the delivery to another party upon completion of a particular condition or event. In California, escrow companies are regulated by the Department of Corporations or the Department of Real Estate and must undergo constant scrutiny. They are required to hold funds in … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – The Skinny on Home Inspections
June 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Every Big Bear real estate purchase agreement should include a provision for a home inspection. The following list covers the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you’re considering for purchase. Structure: A home’s structure impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected. Exterior: Big Bear weather and sunlight can be tough on homes. The … [Read more...]
July 4th in Big Bear Lake
June 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The annual Big Bear Lake Independence Day Fireworks are scheduled for the 4th of July at dusk (9:00 PM). The show, coordinated with music from the local radio station (KBHR 93.3), consistently ranks in the top 5 for California fireworks shows. The fireworks are organized by the Big Bear Rotary Club with support from the City of Big Bear Lake, the Chamber of Commerce, the Big Bear Lake Resort Association and local business and community donations. The spectacular show lasts 30 minutes. You can get out on the lake to … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Neighborhoods
June 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Spotlight on Boulder Bay Big Bear real estate is comprised of many unique neighborhoods and Boulder Bay is one of the most iconic places in the Big Bear Valley. Towering pine trees, massive rock formations, and tranquil lake views are the dominant features of this classic neighborhood. The rock formations that seem to float in the waters off Boulder Bay are some of the most photographed images in Big Bear. Boulder Bay is located on the south-west shore of Big Bear Lake and is one of the first neighborhoods you … [Read more...]
Big Bear Rescue Zoo
June 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Located in Moonridge next to the golf course, the “Big Bear Rescue Zoo” is open daily from 10AM to 5PM (weather permitting, Memorial Day to Labor Day). It was formerly known as the “Moonridge Zoo”, but changed its name last month. The Zoo was created in response to the devastating 1959 fire which left injured animals. The Zoo now rehabilitates and cares for animals that can’t be released back into the wild. They have used some of the animals to create educational outreach programs, visiting schools and youth … [Read more...]
