Buying a home can be a confusing process for somebody who has not been through it several times. There are so many things to consider and so much paperwork to be completed before a transaction can be fully completed. If a buyer is not prepared for all the eventualities, it can be a very trying experience. In order to make the process as smooth as possible, I am going to list five major mistakes that many buyers make. 1. Not being pre-approved. In my mind, this is the biggest mistake a buyer can make. Most sellers … [Read more...]
Big Bear Foreclosure Numbers – February 2010
March 21, 2010 by 4 Comments
Foreclosure filings in Big Bear jumped 23% in February 2010 when compared to January. Year over year however, foreclosure filings were down 22% from the February 2009 numbers, the second straight month that foreclosure filings were down year over year. Keep in mind, foreclosure filings are made up of three parts - Notices of Default (NOD), a recorded document that starts the foreclosure process, which is normally filed after homeowners fall behind in their payments. Notices of Sale (NOS), a recorded document … [Read more...]
5 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Their Realtor
March 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment
1. Are you a Realtor or an agent? Most folks probably don’t realize that there is a definite difference between the two. A person who joins the National Association of Realtors is bound by the code of ethics of the association and must conform their conduct to meet its ideals or face expulsion from the group. Only a person who is a member of this group can call themselves a Realtor. A person who is not a member cannot call themselves a Realtor. They are classified as an agent, and are not bound by the code of … [Read more...]
“But My Neighbors Are Asking A Lot More For Their Homes”
March 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment
I get that response a lot from sellers when we talk about the current value of their home. And my reply, "the same neighbors who have been on the market 6-12 months without selling?" If you are going to compare prices with neighbors, make sure you are comparing with the ones that are currently in escrow, or those who have sold over the past 3 months, as those are the realistic prices being sold today. Can't see embedded video? Click here. … [Read more...]
Big Bear Home Sales – February 2010
March 8, 2010 by 2 Comments
Home sales in Big Bear remained relatively stable in February 2010 with no major shifts either way. Big Bear Home Sales Home sales in February were up a modest 7% when compared to the January sales (61 v. 57), and year over year, sales about 5% from the February 2009. Compared to Feb. 2008, however, sales were up 80%, further proof that 2008 was the bottom for number of sales. As for the pricing bottom, that remains to be seen. 24, or 39%, of the 61 home sales in Big Bear were bank owned, about 7% less than … [Read more...]
The Seclusion Factor – Tips on Finding a Great Setting for Your Big Bear Cabin
March 6, 2010 by Leave a Comment
The first thought most people have when thinking of a mountain cabin is a secluded, charming place in the middle of the woods. Most buyers are looking for a place to escape from the city and hustle and bustle they live in. Obviously, a secluded cabin would be the best way to make sure you will have a place to relax, uninterrupted in the mountains. Seclusion goes hand in hand with with the setting and the peace and quiet that buyers in Big Bear are looking for. While secluded cabins in the woods do exist in Big … [Read more...]
Does Your Big Bear Property Stand Out Like A Purple Cow?
March 5, 2010 by Leave a Comment
If you want to sell, it should. Here are a couple thoughts I have to help it stand out. Can't see the embedded video? Click here. … [Read more...]
Big Bear Foreclosure Numbers – January 2010
February 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Foreclosure filings in Big Bear were down 14% in January 2010 when compared to December 2009. Year over year, foreclosure filings were down 7% from the January 2009 numbers. This is kinda big news as it is the first time in more than a year that I can recall the overall foreclosure filings down year over year. A sign of things getting better? I don't think so. Keep in mind, foreclosure filings are made up of three parts - Notices of Default (NOD), a recorded document that starts the foreclosure process, which … [Read more...]
Big Bear Bank Owned Concerns
February 20, 2010 by 1 Comment
If you are considering purchasing a home in today’s market, the odds are pretty good you will be looking at a bank owned home. In Big Bear only 10% of the homes listed are bank owned homes, yet they make up 40% of the homes sold. Simply put, bank owned homes drive the market. In many cases, the traditional seller cannot afford to price his property at a competitive level with the bank owned properties in his neighborhood. So, for the time being, bank owned properties are going to be getting the bulk of buyer’s … [Read more...]
Big Bear Short Sales? Don’t Waste Your Time!
February 17, 2010 by Leave a Comment
If you don't see the embedded video, click here. If you are looking for a deal in Big Bear, focus on the homes that can be sold. In 2009, 80 short sale homes actually closed escrow. That is 9% of the 893 homes that closed in the Big Bear MLS. Currently there are 66 short sale listings that are in Pending, Active Contingent, or Contingent Status. That's 39% of the total Pending, Active Contingent, or Contingent Status (170). Anyone want to guess what percentage of these will actually get accepted by the bank … [Read more...]
