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...]
Big Bear Lake’s Memorial Day Weekend
May 2, 2012 by 4 Comments
Now that the weather has settled down, Big Bear is switching gears for Spring and Summer. Many call this the "slow time" of Big Bear. You can't ski and you can't swim! Not to worry. Everything is being prepared and this is NOT the "slow time". In less than 2 months, official Summer starts. Here in the mountains, we take advantage of every warm day we can. We set our calendars a little differently. We watch the weather and plan ahead. Set YOUR calendar. Spring is here and Summer is coming fast! No matter what the … [Read more...]
Springtime Home Maintenance
April 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
One of the great things about living in Big Bear is the variety of weather we enjoy. In mid-April, we had over a foot of snow and temperatures were well below freezing. As I write this, just two weeks later, the temperatures are in the seventies and the snow has all but disappeared. We’re swapping our ski poles for fishing poles and everyone is happy to see warm weather again. As temperatures rise and snow melts it signals the time to start thinking about seasonal home maintenance. On average, exterior home … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – From “For Sale” to “SOLD”
April 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment
When it comes to selling Big Bear real estate you have to understand the marketing process to reach the ultimate goal of a closed escrow. Here are a few crucial tips for selling your Big Bear home in today’s challenging market. Choose the right agent Choosing an experienced agent to help guide you is the most important step in the marketing and sales process. Unfortunately, there are dozens of agents that claim to be Big Bear real estate “Experts”. Working with an unqualified agent can cost you time and money. … [Read more...]
Real Estate Tips – Vacation Home Rentals
April 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Buying a vacation home for rental can be a great investment, especially if you have a stock heavy portfolio. According to MSN, baby boomers hold 57% of all vacation homes and about 21% have two or more vacation properties. Big Bear Lake is a great place to consider investing in vacation rental property. It’s southern California adjacent, with a small town feeling. An alpine forest surrounds the valley and the summer abounds with outdoor fun. Our well stocked lake will keep any fisherman happy. Activities range … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – Spring Maintenance Inspection Checklist
April 13, 2012 by 1 Comment
Big Bear winters may not be as harsh as other parts of the country but they can take their toll on your mountain home. Here are a few tips for getting your Big Bear property back in shape after the snow has melted away. Exterior Maintenance Inspection Grab a ladder and thoroughly inspect your roof for missing shingles and flashing. Pay special attention around chimneys and vents. Minor roof damage can quickly turn into major problems if left un-checked. Inspect gutters and downspouts to see that they haven't … [Read more...]
Big Bear Vacation Homes – Poised for a Comeback
April 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear second home sales have always driven our local real estate market. With over 25 million people living within a 2 hour drive, Big Bear is a natural choice for families looking for a vacation home or investment property. Thanks to affordable prices and unlimited recreational opportunities, the local vacation rental market is one of the hottest in California. The trend for second home purchases seems to be increasing across the country. The National Association of Realtors recently published the 2012 … [Read more...]
Big Bear Lake is Open!
April 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The first of April marks the beginning of our season out on the lake. The East Ramp on the North Shore is open to the public for boat launching, picnicking, and fishing from the shore. The hours for East Ramp are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily. They are extended to 7:00 PM on May 10. The local marinas are also open for boat rentals and great fishing advice. All boats on the lake must have a permit and state registration. You can obtain permits at the boat ramps and most of the marinas. Motorized boats pay $25 for a … [Read more...]
Home Improvements for Resale
March 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Even though market conditions are beyond your means to control, upgrading your property can be a simple way to increase the value of your home. Some home improvements increase your home’s value beyond the initial cost. Common Home Improvements Minor Kitchen remodel Add a Bathroom Finish the Basement/Attic Upgrade the Landscaping Roofing Replacement Deck Addition Remodeling Magazine published their annual “Cost versus Value Report.” They’ve found that adding an attic bathroom and bedroom has been in the top 10 … [Read more...]
Big Bear’s Unusual Winter
March 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Baldwin Lake Neighborhood Given Southern California's mild Winter weather this year, visiting Big Bear can be a bit different. You've got yourself packed for the slopes. Loaded the skis, boots and boards, and checked the tire chains. Got the snow pants, gloves and sweaters ready. It gets into the 20's at night. You at least, want to be prepared for that brisk night air. You come scooting up the mountain to find out the temperatures can be pushing into the high 40's. The pre-holiday snow is gone from the … [Read more...]
