Click here for video link. Back in the "crazy" Big Bear real estate years of 2000 thru 2007, the longer a home was on the market, the more a seller could get for it. The prices were going up every month, and sellers were getting lucky. Over the past 5 years however, this process has flip flopped. Generally, the longer a home sits on the market, the lower the price it will fetch. Seems pretty simple. Yet, sellers continue to tell me they want to sell, but they are not in a hurry. Therein lies the … [Read more...]
Neighborhood Spotlight – Big Bear City
July 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Although it’s often confused with the City of Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City is the unincorporated township located to the east of Big Bear Lake, in the center of the Big Bear Valley. The Stanfield Marsh Bird Sanctuary borders to the west, Baldwin Lake borders the eastern edge, and the San Bernardino National Forest cradles Big Bear City to the north and south. Sub-areas include Baldwin Lake, Erwin Lake, Lake Williams, and Whispering Forest According to the 2010 census, Big Bear City’s population has more than … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – The Skinny on Home Inspections
June 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Every Big Bear real estate purchase agreement should include a provision for a home inspection. The following list covers the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you’re considering for purchase. Structure: A home’s structure impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected. Exterior: Big Bear weather and sunlight can be tough on homes. The … [Read more...]
Renting Out Your Big Bear Home
May 13, 2012 by 1 Comment
If you own a second home in Big Bear, you’ve probably considered jumping into the rental market. The Big Bear vacation rental market is one of the most active and lucrative markets in California. The City of Big Bear Lake currently has over 1,100 registered vacation rentals on the books and they estimate another 300 to 500 properties are operating “under the radar”. If you take into account the hundreds of vacation rental properties located outside of the city limits, the total number of rentals in the Big Bear … [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...]
Is The Big Bear Real Estate Market Shifting?
April 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
That is anybody's guess but there is some encourgaing news coming out for the real estate market in Big Bear. The number of homes under contract has nearly doubled while available inventory is down about 25%. Most people are concerned with the number of closed sales every month and what direction prices are heading, but the basics of supply and demand always come first. Based on the most recent numbers, there are some reasons to be optimistic about the Big Bear real estate market. Pending Home Sales … [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...]
Cleaning Up Your Credit – Big Bear Real Estate
February 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Having a good credit score is more important than ever. It can mean the difference between qualifying for your Big Bear dream home or missing out on a great opportunity. Savvy buyers have been snatching up well priced Big Bear real estate within days of coming on the market. The key to having a strong negotiating position is to be pre-qualified and ready to move when the right property becomes available. The first step in the process is to get the hard, cold facts. There are several places to obtain your score such … [Read more...]
Your Home, Your Abilities
February 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Buying a home is an emotional decision. Real Estate buyers typically “try the house out.” They open closets, cupboards and almost anything else with a handle. They will switch on lights, turn on faucets and flush toilets. How do you make your home stand out in today’s real estate market? Small, incremental improvements can make a big impression on prospective buyers. Home Preparation Tips • Clean and shine fixtures including door handles, light switches, faucets and anything else that’s shiny. Check ceiling for … [Read more...]
