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...]
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 Neighborhood Spotlight – Moonridge
June 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
With its heavily forested hills and valleys, central location, and endless recreational opportunities, the Moonridge area is one of Big Bear’s more popular residential neighborhoods. Moonridge is home to Bear Mountain Ski Resort, Bear Mountain Golf Course, and the Moonridge Animal Park (also known as the Big Bear Rescue Zoo). The San Bernardino National Forest virtually surrounds the area and several popular hiking trails originate and wind through the steep canyons and hills. Big Bear Lake, the Big Bear Airport, … [Read more...]
Renting Out Your Big Bear Home
May 13, 2012 by 1 Comment
If you own a second home in Big Bear, you’ve probably considered jumping into the rental market. The Big Bear vacation rental market is one of the most active and lucrative markets in California. The City of Big Bear Lake currently has over 1,100 registered vacation rentals on the books and they estimate another 300 to 500 properties are operating “under the radar”. If you take into account the hundreds of vacation rental properties located outside of the city limits, the total number of rentals in the Big Bear … [Read more...]
Big Bear Lakefront Homes
May 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
It’s the ultimate in Big Bear real estate - a single family home on Big Bear Lake with a private dock. Imagine being able to jump in your boat for an afternoon cruise or entertaining a few friends on your lakeside deck while enjoying one of the best views in California. Now imagine that dream becoming a reality. Thanks to the correction in the Big Bear real estate market, what was once out of reach for most homebuyers is now becoming surprisingly affordable. Bank-owned lakefront homes, some located on prime deep … [Read more...]
