For a relatively small community, Big Bear is fortunate to have excellent health care services. This includes a top rated hospital (4 out of 5 stars), private practice doctors and dentists, ambulance services, chiropractors, optometrists, and two large chain pharmacies. Big Bear also has two excellent veterinary clinics to care for our pets and the occasional injured wild animal. The “Bear Valley Community Healthcare District” encompasses our local hospital with emergency services, acute care, radiology, … [Read more...]
How Much Big Bear Real Estate Can I Afford?
January 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Are you gearing up to buy a Big Bear home? Now is a great time to make a move in the local real estate market. First of all, interest rates are at historic lows. Compare today's 30-year fixed-rate average of between 3 and 4 percent to the 13 to 18 percent rates of the 1980's. This gives buyers more purchasing power as current interest rates equate to lower monthly mortgage payments. Additionally, homes are now at their most affordable on record. This is because home values have dropped considerably in the past few … [Read more...]
Picture Ops!
January 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The Big Bear Lake Area is a Photographer's Dream Here are some general locations you can visit for great outdoor photo shoots. Grab 3 friends with cameras and plan some spontaneous, winning snaps! If you're getting up for sunrise pictures, you'll want to go beyond the 2 lake crossings, though sometimes, these are the best places. Sunrises over water, are best seen from Stanfield Cutoff looking east over Baker Pond. Another good place is the west end of the airport, at Division. Pull in and park at the northwest … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – Sellers
January 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Beautiful landscaping around a home not only increases the overall value, it also acts as an advertisement. Increasing “curb appeal” in the mountains does not require an expensive investment. As a matter of fact, there are many species of plants that naturally thrive in Big Bear, CA. About.com suggests attractive landscaping can increase your home’s value from 7% to 15%. Trends suggest perspective buyers are interested in low-maintenance yards with year-round visual interest. Xeriscaping, landscaping that … [Read more...]
7 Things to Do Outdoors During Big Bear’s Winter
January 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
We moved to Big Bear back in the mid-90’s because of all of the outdoor activities. We love to ski the mountain or depending on the snow pack and the temperatures, we’ll hike the East valley. 1. The East valley is also home to Baldwin Lake Stables. You can go for a group ride or a private ride on the forest trails in Baldwin Lake. Be sure to call and make reservations in advance. 2. Snow Tubing at Alpine Slide - We purchased a half day ticket last year for us and the kids. It is enough to tire everyone out. We … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Resolutions for 2013
January 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
At the end of every December, people make all kinds of resolutions for the coming year. Typically, these are things they want to improve about themselves, ways to make their personal or work life better and to put them on track for a positive change. Whether you plan to buy or sell, there are some real estate resolutions that buyers and sellers can, and should, make for the coming year. Here are five New Year’s resolutions to help you with your Big Bear real estate goals. Buyers: Resolve to get your financial … [Read more...]
Snowshoe Big Bear
January 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Goldsmiths, Bear Valley Bikes, TC Ride Shop, and North Shore Trading Company, in Fawnskin; are some of the places you can rent or purchase snowshoes. If you haven't gotten into the deeper snow, you are missing a great opportunity to get in to Great Nature. With a 12,00 year history, many of us have an image of Eskimos walking on top of the snow with giant wood and leather tennis rackets tied to their feet. This is no longer the case. Modern technology has refined the shape and size of snowshoes. Made of … [Read more...]
Big Bear City – Real Estate Information
December 31, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear City consists of numerous neighborhoods including; Tanglewood Trails, Valley View, Shay Meadow, Pinewood Estates, North Shore East - Peter Pan, Maple Ridge, Gold Mountain, Forest Spring, Bear Loop, Wildhorse Estates, Hamilton Ranch, Meadowbrook Estates, Whispering Forest, Lake Williams, Erwin Lake and Baldwin Lake. As an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County, Big Bear City comprises 31.95 square miles. Big Bear City is home to an airport (L35), KBHR Radio, the Big Bear City Fire Department, an … [Read more...]
Tips for Winter Driving in Big Bear
December 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Before coming "Up the Mountain" for some slope time at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, please be sure you and your car understand the conditions you may encounter. Here are a few tips you may not have thought of when driving in the mountains. Before you leave, check your tire pressure. Balance the pressure in all 4 tires and check the spare. Don't over inflate! You are more likely to slip and slide. We really do have, "Twisty Mountain Roads", just like it says in the brochures. Throw a can of flat fixer under the … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Buyers – First Time Tips
December 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Buying a home is one of the largest purchases most of us will make. The real estate market in Big Bear has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. Prices have fluctuated significantly, as have the number of homes for sale, and getting a loan ain't what it used to be. Here are five tips to simplify the process of buying real estate in Big Bear today - 1. Lenders and budget. Research lenders first and use their advice in determining your budget. Get pre-qualified. Don’t assume that because your credit is … [Read more...]
