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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
How To Hold Title To Your Big Bear Real Estate
December 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
One of the last things most home buyers think about is how to take title to their new house. It's best to consult a real estate attorney before deciding but, unfortunately, most homeowners don't do that. Here are the options available for holding title to your Big Bear real estate and how they affect your ownership. 1. Sole ownership If you are single, one way to hold title to your home is in your name alone. This method is also called ownership in severalty. When a married person takes title to real property … [Read more...]
Big Bear CA – Utility Providers
November 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The utility services available to Big Bear homeowners vary depending on the location of the property. For instance, some areas in Big Bear have mail delivery and trash pick-up while other areas require you to pick up your mail at the local post office and haul out your trash to a disposal area or the local dump. The following is a list of Big Bear utility companies with a brief description of their services: Big Bear City Community Services District – (909) 585-2565 - 139 East Big Bear Blvd. (PO Box 558) Big Bear … [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...]
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...]
Your Big Bear Lake Home – Mold and Mildew
October 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The recent summer storms and high humidity in Big Bear Lake have created potential breeding grounds for mold and mildew. And there’s no denying that household mold and mildew can be dangerous to our health. In fact, it has been proven to promote asthma, allergies, and colds. Likewise, it’s thought to increase the occurrence of mood swings and depression. Prevention is the best way to eradicate the problem; however, that seems to be the issue with mold — we often don’t know it’s forming until it rears its nasty … [Read more...]
