5 Tips on Staging & Selling Your Big Bear Home The spring and summer months aren’t the only Big Bear real estate selling season, the fact is there are lots of potential buyers in Big Bear during the winter season. And with inventory at its lowest level in years, the decision to market your property in the colder months can really pay off. 1. KEEP SAFETY IN MIND Clear snow from the driveway and walkways and apply ice-melt as needed. First impressions are most important, so be sure that access to your home is … [Read more...]
Nuances of Mountain Living
November 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Purchasing a Big Bear mountain home is a different decision than purchasing one “down the hill.” You’ll want to be prepared for the change from urban living to our mountaintop lifestyle. Expect changes in trash pickup, mail delivery and even grocery shopping. Trash pickup is determined by your neighborhood. Big Bear Lake and parts of Big Bear City have regular trash pickup. Once you get out to the east Valley, like Baldwin Lake, you have to take your trash to the dump (as a resident, there is no charge). Big Bear … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate and Mortgage Rates
November 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Looking to purchase a home in Big Bear, CA? Obtaining the best mortgage rates can be daunting, especially since the lender requirements have changed over the past few years. There are fewer lenders and higher standards, due to the mortgage industry crisis. Your credit score has the most influence, but lenders also take into consideration your debt to income ratio, equity, job history and assets and savings. We distilled the qualifications for you: FICO Score Your credit score is the most influential part of … [Read more...]
Mountain Holidays
November 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Living in the mountains of southern California is especially fun during the holiday season. Big Bear dresses up with some magnificent touches from Mother Nature. One of my favorite traditions is singing Christmas carols with Santa, in the Village. This year, we expect Santa to arrive on Friday, November 23rd (the day after Thanksgiving). You can take advantage of free parking at the Visitor’s Center. We suggest you arrive early and dress warm so you can enjoy the live entertainment and the carolers. Enjoy … [Read more...]
Snow and Real Estate
November 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
If you purchased a home in Big Bear during the summer months you probably weren’t thinking about things like blowing and drifting snow or sheets of ice around your property. The sun is slowly sinking to its lowest point in the sky and many areas will be shaded by trees or mountains for a large part of the day. Some winters will have snow storms one after the other. Other years can be super dry with hardly any snowfall. No matter what the forecasters say, we just don’t know what will happen until it happens. While … [Read more...]
California Fire Prevention Fee Hits Big Bear Homeowners
November 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Property owners in the un-incorporated areas of the Big Bear valley, and throughout California, started receiving bills from the California Board of Equalization last week that has set off a firestorm (pun intended) of confusion. The following is a Q and A on the “fire fee” with links to important websites. What is the Fire Prevention Fee? On July 7, 2011 the State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Benefit Fee was signed into law. The Legislature has said that the fee is for fire prevention, not for … [Read more...]
Big Bear Lake’s Halloween in the Village
October 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear Lake celebrates Halloween throughout the Valley. Not only can you see decorations by locals, Mother Nature also competes for attention. One trip down Foxfarm and you’ll think you’ve changed coasts. We have beautiful yellows, brilliant oranges and a few reds. The more adventurous people head off-road to see the Aspens turn yellow. The Aspen Glen at Fish Creek usually puts on a spectacular display. The best known mountain-top Halloween event is Halloween in the Village. It’s sponsored by the City of Big … [Read more...]
Home Warranties
October 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The last thing a home buyer wants to worry about after closing is an expensive repair in their new home. Since that can cover a multitude of items and systems, it's a good idea to get a home protection plan. It's especially a good idea if you're a first-time home buyer with no “do-it-yourself” skills. Most homebuyers may not be be particularly well informed about home warranty policies, home warranty companies, or the various optional coverage available, and should ask their real estate agent for guidance. Who … [Read more...]
Going Solar In Your Big Bear Home
October 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The decision to go solar provides a lot to think about. Even though Big Bear receives over 300 days of sunshine per year, solar power isn’t for everyone. You need to get a good picture of what your current energy usage is, and learn how you can reduce your energy consumption in low and no cost ways. Tapping in to the power of the sun has multiple advantages. You can lower your energy costs and it will help you do your share to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, going solar requires you to consider a … [Read more...]
Fall Season Home Maintenance Checklist
October 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment
You can feel it in the air – it’s fall in Big Bear. As we get into the cold weather season the days start getting shorter and the nights are getting colder. It’s time to perform some routine maintenance to avoid major problems and to keep your Big Bear home operating more efficiently. Here’s a fall season checklist to help you with the most common home maintenance issues: Heating System – Replace the filter and consider hiring a qualified professional to service the heating system. Air Vents/Registers - Adjust … [Read more...]
