I belong to a Facebook group called “You Know You’re From (My Home Town) If…” where everyone shares tidbits of local nostalgia and information that only a local would know. Here’s my Big Bear version of the article. You Know You’re a Big Bear Local If… 1. There’s a bear paw sticker (the right kind) on the back of your car. 2. The car you own is four-wheel-drive (probably a Subaru). 3. By the end of Summer you start dreaming about skiing & snowboarding. 4. You know all the back streets so to avoid weekend … [Read more...]
Oktoberfest at the Big Bear Convention Center
August 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Oktoberfest Like a Local Big Bear Lake’s Oktoberfest is a local tradition spanning more than forty years. Hans Bandow and his family originally brought the tradition to Big Bear. What started in a tent, quickly grew into its own building, the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. Hans had the architect design a building based on the early Oktoberfest tents from Germany. The event organizers provide an entertainment mix of German bands and progressive Los Angeles rock bands. The dancing is punctuated with old … [Read more...]
Big Bear Homeowner Benefits
July 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Opportunity is knocking for those considering a Big Bear real estate purchase. Historically low interest rates, lower real estate prices, and first time buyer incentives have combined to create some of the best real estate opportunities Big Bear has ever seen. Today’s opportunities aside, here are some undeniable reasons why owning a home in Big Bear is one of the best decisions you will ever make. 1. Lifestyle There aren’t many communities that have as much to offer as Big Bear. Winter sports, including skiing, … [Read more...]
Big Bear Celebrity Sightings
July 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I’ve never been a “star-chaser” and I don’t subscribe to any tabloids. But the other night I was dining with friends at the local Big Bear restaurant that used to be owned by character actor Andy Divine and the conversation turned to celebrity sightings. Specifically, Big Bear celebrity sightings. My first celebrity sighting occurred just after I had just moved to Big Bear in the early ‘90’s. I was skiing by myself at Snow Summit and was waved up from the singles line to join a half full chair of other skiers. … [Read more...]
Big Bear City Airport
July 23, 2011 by 1 Comment
Big Bear City Airport (L35) The Big Bear City Airport began as a dirt landing strip. Air service was through Los Angeles and Ontario airports. The Big Bear Land and Water Company, of Big Bear City, kept the time tables in their office. Early aviation attempts had to overcome the challenges of wind, weather and altitude. Mountain winds usually cross the valley from the west to the east and have reached speeds of over one hundred miles per hour. Big Bear City’s altitude begins at 6,725 feet. In the Summer, hot … [Read more...]
7 Things That May Blow Up Your Big Bear Real Estate Deal
July 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Few things are more frustrating in life than a real estate deal gone bad. Here are some of the most important things I've learned that Big Bear real estate buyers and sellers can focus on in order to ensure a successful real estate transaction. Communication - Or maybe I should say, "the lack thereof." A real estate transaction has a lot of moving parts : buyers, sellers, buyer's agent, seller's agent, escrow co, title co, lender, appraiser, home inspector, termite inspector and … [Read more...]
The Big Bear Market – Rentals and Real Estate
July 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
There are many factors to consider before you stick a “for rent” sign in your yard. Location and rent-ability are just as important as management and maintenance issues. Is the property better suited for vacation rental or are you looking for a full time tenant? Are you going to market and maintain the property yourself or will you need to hire a professional to help you? Here are a few key issues to think about before you get started. Location If your property is near the lake or next to the resorts it will be a … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Market Update – Thru June 2011
July 17, 2011 by 2 Comments
Big Bear Home Sales - Year to Date (1/1/2011 thru 6/30/2011) The Big Bear real estate market has slipped even further when compared to 2010, with home sales down 11% - 354 total sold in 2011 vs. 399 total sold in 2010 thru June. This drop is due in large part to a very slow sales month in June. There were 49 home sales in June, compared to 72 sales last June (32% drop), and down from 55 home sales in May. This is actually pretty surprising as sales should be going up this time of year, not down as they have been … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – Finding a Place in Big Bear To Call Your Own, Part 3
July 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The local Big Bear real estate market holds many potential opportunities. The correction in the market has opened up several exclusive neighborhoods to the average home buyer. Here’s a closer look at two of Big Bear’s upscale areas and why they’re great investments. The neighborhoods that make up Eagle Point are some of the most popular in Big Bear. Homes in this area include small cabins and homes located close to Meadow Park for the entry level buyer, custom lakefront and lake view homes for upper-end property … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – Finding A Place In Big Bear To Call Your Own, Part 2
July 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear is an excellent real estate value right now. Combine the unbelievably low interest rates available today with some of the best prices to hit our market in decades and you would be surprised how much property you can afford up here. There are dozens of great buys in the mid-price range ($175,000 to $350,000) and many of Big Bear’s most desirable neighborhoods have cabins and homes listed at these prices. The Boulder Bay area is a wonderful year-round location with the focus being beautiful Big Bear Lake. … [Read more...]
