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
March 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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
February 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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
February 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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
February 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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
February 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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...]
Southern California’s Rim of the World
February 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
In most of Southern California, "Winter" means clear, brisk days, morning fog and snow capped mountains. Visibility, given the right conditions, can be completely "socked in" or crystal clear and breathtaking. There are particular times, coming to or leaving Big Bear and the San Bernardino Mountains that offer fantastic views. Obviously, you will need to choose your times to drive and take advantage of the conditions. For a change of pace, don't allow yourself to get caught in a long line of locals expecting you … [Read more...]
Your Home, Your Abilities
February 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Buying a home is an emotional decision. Real Estate buyers typically “try the house out.” They open closets, cupboards and almost anything else with a handle. They will switch on lights, turn on faucets and flush toilets. How do you make your home stand out in today’s real estate market? Small, incremental improvements can make a big impression on prospective buyers. Home Preparation Tips • Clean and shine fixtures including door handles, light switches, faucets and anything else that’s shiny. Check ceiling for … [Read more...]
Big Bear Lake’s Snow Summit
January 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment
I finally made it to the slopes. It’s been almost two years since my last snowboard outing. After years of begging my nephew to come up and ride with me he called me over the holidays and informed me he was ready to join me on the slopes. What I didn’t know was my nephew had been preparing for this day for quite a while. He took some lessons last year and without my knowledge had become a competent snowboarder. When he arrived the night before with some of the nicest, most expensive gear I have ever seen, I knew I … [Read more...]
Big Bear City
January 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
On Big Bear Blvd. within 4 blocks of the traffic light at Division, there are 4 restaurants, a pizza parlor, a liquor store, and a produce stand. If you haven't investigated, what are you waiting for? Just past 'Twin Bears Equipment Rentals', is the tiniest Mexican restaurant, 'La Paws'. This little place is one of the nicest secrets of dining outside of the Village. 'La Paws' has been open a very long time and are sure to please your taste buds with their authentic hand made food. Right past them is a great … [Read more...]
