Be careful out there 🙂 … [Read more...]
Looking to Ditch That Big Bear Cabin Look? Here’s Some Tips to Modernizing Your Mountain Home….
"We want something cabin-y." This is something I hear ALL the time. Most of my clients want to escape from the city to their mountain home that really feels mountainous. But here's the thing, you can still get that feeling without the bears and lacquered wood. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people love that look and it is important to decorate your home to fit your taste. But, if you're looking for something current or are hoping to maximize your rental potential, kicking that traditional cabin look may be the … [Read more...]
Big Bear Holiday Schedule 2013
We feel fortunate to enjoy the holidays in the mountains. Here is a list of the major events going on around the Big Bear Valley. If you are new to the mountains, remember all activities are weather dependent. Check the forecast before leaving and carry chains throughout the winter season. The Community Arts Theater presents, “Christmas in the Mountains.” This is a musical variety show featuring an original play, “Scrooge of Starvation Flats.” The show is at the town hall, in the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts … [Read more...]
Independence Day 2013
If you have not experienced Big Bear Lake's Independence Day celebration, you are missing a real treat.Big Bear Lake is famous for holding one of the top 10 fireworks displays in the state of California.The show is always on July 4th at 9:00pm. This year, the 4th is on Thursday. Courtesy of the Big Bear Rotary Club, each year's show has an uplifting half hour of gorgeous, high-flying fireworks, coordinated with Independence Day music from the local radio station, KBHR 93.3FM. Be sure to tune in! The fireworks are … [Read more...]
Big Bear Lake Transient Private Home Rentals (TPHR) Ordinance
Vacation rentals are big business in Big Bear. There are close to 1700 private homes currently registered or pending approval within Big Bear Lake city limits. Add to that the rentals in the un-incorporated areas of Big Bear (Fawnskin, Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, etc.) and the number of available vacation rentals within the Big Bear valley is estimated to be over 2000. The City of Big Bear Lake receives over $1,200,000 annually in tax revenue from vacation rentals based on approximately $15,000,000 in sales. Back in … [Read more...]
Reducing Cold Weather Energy Costs
Even in sunny Big Bear, California, the temperature can drop below freezing and that means you need to take time to make sure that your home is energy efficient for the cold-weather season. Perhaps the biggest waste of energy is when heat escapes through leaks in windows, doors, fireplace dampers, ducts, wires, and pipes. This is pretty common in older Big Bear cabins and homes. A well-sealed home is an energy-efficient home that can save you as much as 10 to 15 percent on your heating bill. To make sure your home … [Read more...]
Big Bear Facts!
There are several misconceptions the Big Bear area can't seem to get rid of. Logic and hearsay don't always come together. Until I visited Big Bear my first time, I had a few of these preconceived notions. Do any of these sound familiar? * Big Bear doesn't have electricity. I was asked this question, while the TV was blaring in the background. * Big Bear doesn't have running water. That has to be a fact because... * Big Bear's residents all live in little 1-room log cabins in the deep, dark forest. * … [Read more...]
How Much Big Bear Real Estate Can I Afford?
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...]