For a relatively small community, Big Bear is fortunate to have excellent health care services. This includes a top rated hospital (4 out of 5 stars), private practice doctors and dentists, ambulance services, chiropractors, optometrists, and two large chain pharmacies. Big Bear also has two excellent veterinary clinics to care for our pets and the occasional injured wild animal. The “Bear Valley Community Healthcare District” encompasses our local hospital with emergency services, acute care, radiology, … [Read more...]
Picture Ops!
January 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The Big Bear Lake Area is a Photographer's Dream Here are some general locations you can visit for great outdoor photo shoots. Grab 3 friends with cameras and plan some spontaneous, winning snaps! If you're getting up for sunrise pictures, you'll want to go beyond the 2 lake crossings, though sometimes, these are the best places. Sunrises over water, are best seen from Stanfield Cutoff looking east over Baker Pond. Another good place is the west end of the airport, at Division. Pull in and park at the northwest … [Read more...]
7 Things to Do Outdoors During Big Bear’s Winter
January 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
We moved to Big Bear back in the mid-90’s because of all of the outdoor activities. We love to ski the mountain or depending on the snow pack and the temperatures, we’ll hike the East valley. 1. The East valley is also home to Baldwin Lake Stables. You can go for a group ride or a private ride on the forest trails in Baldwin Lake. Be sure to call and make reservations in advance. 2. Snow Tubing at Alpine Slide - We purchased a half day ticket last year for us and the kids. It is enough to tire everyone out. We … [Read more...]
Snowshoe Big Bear
January 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Goldsmiths, Bear Valley Bikes, TC Ride Shop, and North Shore Trading Company, in Fawnskin; are some of the places you can rent or purchase snowshoes. If you haven't gotten into the deeper snow, you are missing a great opportunity to get in to Great Nature. With a 12,00 year history, many of us have an image of Eskimos walking on top of the snow with giant wood and leather tennis rackets tied to their feet. This is no longer the case. Modern technology has refined the shape and size of snowshoes. Made of … [Read more...]
Tips for Winter Driving in Big Bear
December 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Before coming "Up the Mountain" for some slope time at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, please be sure you and your car understand the conditions you may encounter. Here are a few tips you may not have thought of when driving in the mountains. Before you leave, check your tire pressure. Balance the pressure in all 4 tires and check the spare. Don't over inflate! You are more likely to slip and slide. We really do have, "Twisty Mountain Roads", just like it says in the brochures. Throw a can of flat fixer under the … [Read more...]
Real Estate Projects – Kitchen Makeovers
November 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Looking to improve your home’s resale appeal? An inexpensive kitchen makeover may be the way to go. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and Americans spend a lot of time there. Here are four easy tips to make your kitchen bright and inviting. 1. Painting Painting is probably the least expensive, yet effective, project. A new coat of paint will make your kitchen look revitalized. Be sure to include the ceiling. Check out Valspar (the Eddie Bauer Collection) for great color palette paint choices. This task can … [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...]
Winter Home Presentation for Real Estate
November 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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...]
