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Our Real Estate is in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear

Mountain Homes are Surrounded by Alpine Forests. Big Bear Lake has the unique distinction of being an incorporated city that’s completely surrounded by National Forest.  For over 150 years, people have been coming to our valley to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that only a protected forest can provide.  With so much change occurring elsewhere in California, it’s amazing that these lands have remained open to the public. San Bernardino National Forest is a federally-managed forest covering … [Read more...]

Big Bear Sellers – Don’t Let Your Agent Make This Mistake.

Direct link to YouTube video "You've only got one chance to make a first impression."  I am sure many of you have heard this saying countless times in the past.  Well, it applies just as much in the Big Bear real estate world as well. One of our jobs as real estate agents is to market the properties we sell in the best light in order to get top dollar for our clients.  That said, it always fascinates me when I see such a poor job being done by some listing agents (those representing the property sellers).  And … [Read more...]

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear locals pride themselves on knowing just enough about their community to validate their local status.  Whether you’re planning on living in Big Bear someday or you just want to be able to carry on a conversation with the natives, it helps to know some basic facts about our alpine paradise.  The next time you have a chance to share your Big Bear knowledge, throw a few of these tidbits into the conversation. Big Bear Trivia Big Bear was named after the Grizzly Bears that once roamed the valley. Local … [Read more...]

Big Bear Home Buyers – Incentives Extended by Fannie Mae

HomePath® Buyer Incentive: June 14 – October 31 Fannie Mae is currently offering Big Bear home buyers up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance through October 31, 2011. A $1,200 selling agent bonus is also available to selling agents who close on an owner occupant property and meet all eligibility requirements and terms and conditions. Terms and Conditions: Buyers and/or selling agents (the agent representing the buyer) must request the incentive upon submission of initial offer. Initial offer must be submitted on … [Read more...]

Does Your Big Bear Home Have Wiggle Room?

Direct link to the YouTube video. … [Read more...]

Does Your Big Bear Home Have The “Cabiny” Feel?

Link to YouTube Video. If not, selling your Big Bear home is going to be a litte tougher. Nearly 80% of the real estate buyers in Big Bear come from out of the area, and they are looking for a second home retreat. That said, the vast majority of these buyers are looking for something completely different than their primary home - a woodsy, cabin retreat.  They want a home with lots of wood or logs, T&G (tongue & groove) wood, high ceilings, heavy beams, & a rustic fireplace. So, if your property … [Read more...]

What Do Real Estate and Weather Reports Have In Common?

Link to YouTube video. They are most accurate when describing local conditions. I wrote a post several years ago on this same topic but it is still just as important today - especially given all the news about homes prices, sales numbers, and foreclosures that get published every month. The key point is this - just as you wouldn't watch a weather report in San Francisco (insert any other City name here other than Big Bear) and assume it must be the same weather conditions in Big Bear, you shouldn't take advice … [Read more...]

Sellers Respond Better to a Written Offer.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9plp0akOuYI[/youtube]   Direct link to YouTube video. Sellers respond better to actions than words. Recently I have had lots of calls on my listings from agents representing buyers interested in knowing if we get any offers. I have even had my own buyers tell me to let them know if we get an offer on a home that they are interested in. I want to remind everyone of a rule that applies to many things in life, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. Real Estate is a … [Read more...]

What Does It Mean To Be An Aggressive Agent?

Direct link to YouTube video? That's my take.  What do you think? … [Read more...]

Your Property Photos Should Look Better Than a $50 Pair of Shoes

Link to YouTube video. I know, I know, sounds very simplistic and common sense.  Yet, only 1-2% of real estate agents in Big Bear really understand this.  Most of the property photos out there are garbage. Stats show that 90% or more of buyers are using the internet to find real estate.  I'd argue that for Big Bear that stat is going to be over 90%.  So, if this huge pool of buyers is looking online, and there are over 600 properties for sale in Big Bear, wouldn't it make sense to make your property stand out … [Read more...]