We kind of have a saying in Big Bear, "No matter which direction, it takes about an hour from the bottom of the mountain to get up the hill." In essence, this is true. There are only 3 roads that lead to Big Bear Lake. Just remember, the 18, the 38, and the 330. These are Big Bear's access numbers. Each is the route number, from different directions, that will take you to our mountain paradise. Most drivers coming from the Los Angeles area, tend to use the 330 through Running Springs. You'll notice the "Mountain … [Read more...]
Protecting Your Real Estate Investment – Frozen Pipes
February 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear... was hit with a cold snap earlier in January and the ever present problem of frozen pipes reared its ugly head throughout the valley. I made the rookie mistake of leaving my hoses attached to the outdoor faucets and woke up to frozen pipes. Fortunately, the problem was isolated to a small area of my home, but I learned from my plumber that over 40 homes in my neighborhood had been affected. Water, as we learned in school, expands when frozen. That's a problem because inside the pipes, there is no room … [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...]
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...]
Snow and Real Estate
November 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
If you purchased a home in Big Bear during the summer months you probably weren’t thinking about things like blowing and drifting snow or sheets of ice around your property. The sun is slowly sinking to its lowest point in the sky and many areas will be shaded by trees or mountains for a large part of the day. Some winters will have snow storms one after the other. Other years can be super dry with hardly any snowfall. No matter what the forecasters say, we just don’t know what will happen until it happens. While … [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...]
Going Solar In Your Big Bear Home
October 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The decision to go solar provides a lot to think about. Even though Big Bear receives over 300 days of sunshine per year, solar power isn’t for everyone. You need to get a good picture of what your current energy usage is, and learn how you can reduce your energy consumption in low and no cost ways. Tapping in to the power of the sun has multiple advantages. You can lower your energy costs and it will help you do your share to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, going solar requires you to consider a … [Read more...]
Fall Season Home Maintenance Checklist
October 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment
You can feel it in the air – it’s fall in Big Bear. As we get into the cold weather season the days start getting shorter and the nights are getting colder. It’s time to perform some routine maintenance to avoid major problems and to keep your Big Bear home operating more efficiently. Here’s a fall season checklist to help you with the most common home maintenance issues: Heating System – Replace the filter and consider hiring a qualified professional to service the heating system. Air Vents/Registers - Adjust … [Read more...]
