Grab your fishing poles.....we've got 2 fishing tournaments this May in Big Bear Lake. The 27th annual Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic is May 16 and 17th. The Fishing Association of Big Bear Lake sponsors this tournament and gives out nine cash prizes (1st place=$2025). Applications are available at Big Bear Sporting Goods, Big Bear Marina, and the Big Bear Municipal Water District. All proceeds from the Trout Classic are used to provide fish plants, artificial habitat structures, conservation projects, and monthly tournaments for designated species. Entry fee is $50 but free for children ages 5-15 when fishing with a paid entrant. For more information or to register call Jacque Hall at 909-585-4007. "The Catch": Entries are limited to the first 425 anglers. The Big Bear Grizzly New... 04/28/2009

In 2003 I started selling Real Estate for the Tim Wood Group at Coldwell Banker in Big Bear.  I remember those days well.  When you wrote an offer on Big Bear property, you worked with the seller to try and write the cleanest and strongest offer possible. It was not uncommon to see multiple offers on these listings and you wanted your offer to stand out as being the best offer presented to the seller. The market has changed tremendously since 2003 yet there are some similarities.   With the decline in the stock market, many investors have pulled their money out and are now buying Real Estate.  They aren't out in the market buying just any home.  The buyers of today are looking for the best deal possible.  It's not uncommon to see a bank owned property list in the Big Bear Multiple Listi... 04/27/2009

Click here for property details on these 16 homes. 7 were bank owned "44%" Two of these homes were short sales 7 were organic "44%" (traditional seller) I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear. Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service) Steve Hirschler Associate, The Tim Wood Group Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery 42153 Big Bear Blvd. P.O. BOX 6820 Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 stevehirschler@gmail.com 909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889 Fax 909 866-3531 http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com Follow me on Twitter Subscribe to "Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Previously Posted on "Ask An Expert, Big Bear Real Estate" 04/25/2009

These are 6 new bank owned homes that came on the market this week.  Please call or email if you want to purchase a bank owned home in Big Bear, I will get you the best deal. I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear. Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service) Steve Hirschler Associate, The Tim Wood Group Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery 42153 Big Bear Blvd. P.O. BOX 6820 Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 stevehirschler@gmail.com 909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889 Fax 909 866-3531 http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com Follow me on Twitter Subscribe to "Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog"Previously posted on "Ask An Expert, Big Bear Real Estate" 04/25/2009

Click here for property details 3 were bank owned "50%" One of these homes was a short sale 2 were organic (traditional seller) I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear. Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service) Steve Hirschler Associate, The Tim Wood Group Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery 42153 Big Bear Blvd. P.O. BOX 6820 Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 stevehirschler@gmail.com 909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889 Fax 909 866-3531 http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com Follow me on Twitter Subscribe to "Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog" Previously posted on "Ask An Expert, Big Bear Real Estate" 04/18/2009

2 were bank owned "40%" None of these homes were short sales 3 were organic (traditional seller) I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear. Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service) Steve Hirschler Associate, The Tim Wood Group Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery 42153 Big Bear Blvd. P.O. BOX 6820 Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 stevehirschler@gmail.com 909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889 Fax 909 866-3531 http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com Follow me on Twitter Subscribe to "Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog" Previously posted on "Ask An Expert, Big Bear Real Estate" Possibly related posts: (automatically generated) New Listing 426 E Meadow, Big Bear City, Ca 04/16/2009

One of the nicest areas in Big Bear Lake is Castle Glen. There are 26 homes that are available currently. Prices and interest rates are down.  Sellers are motivated. Current Active Listings in Castle Glen Area ML # Price Address Bd Baths SF Apx Ttl 290480 499,500 361 FALLEN LEAF ROAD 3 2 2138 272139 550,000 42735 TIMBERLINE TRAIL 3 2.5 2174 282724 569,000 42763 TIMBERLINE TRAIL 3 2.5 2232 290097 569,900 395 FALLEN LEAF ROAD 3 2 2080 280995 599,000 437 FALLEN LEAF 3 2 1936 282439 599,000 42206 EAGLE RIDGE 4 3 2640 290422 599,900 385 GLENWOOD DRIVE 3 2 2200 290300 664,900 42292 CASTLE CRAG 4 3.5 3480 270173 699,000 372 STARLIGHT CIRCLE 4 3.5 3344 273133 699,000 402 GLENWOOD DR 5 3 3819 290197 699,000 42381 EAGLE RIDGE 4 3.5 3584 290210 799,000 389 GLENWOOD DR 3 2 2135 290134 875,000 318 S... 04/10/2009

Currently we have 45 bank owned homes available in the Big Bear Area MLS. There are 891 active listings, so the bank owned homes are 5% of the available homes. A low number for sure.    There are 48 bank owned homes in escrow. This is 41% of the 118 total number of homes in escrow.   Year to date through 4/10/2009 we have sold 88 bank owned homes. This is 49% of the 181 that have sold in the Big Bear Area. The average days on the market are 76, and the price differential is 86.70%. I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear. Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service) Steve Hirschler Associate, The Tim Wood Group Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery 42153 Big Bear Blvd. P.O. BOX 6820 Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 stevehirschl... 04/10/2009

10 Year Average-Deed Recordings Compliments of Mike Dolan Prudential Properties of Big Bear     2007 vs. 2008 Average  89%       Mike Dolan Big Bear's Leading Realtor    # 8 Prudential Agent Award    7 time PREA 100 Award    11 time Diamond Circle Award     2 time 5 Year Legend Award (909) 866-6453 (Office) (909) 936-6453 (Cell) mikedolan@bigbearproperties.com Mikedolan.com   Prudential Properties of Big Bear  "The Local's Choice"         04/10/2009

                  · PROPERTY INVENTORY:   907 Homes                                        359 Lots     49 Condos                             69 Commercial & Business     28 Gov't & Mobile Homes · INTEREST RATES: Declining · MARKET CONDITIONS: Great  Buyer's Market            · VALUES HAVE:  Decreased 30% over the past 3 years · NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD LAST MONTH: 52 ( 5.7 % of Market)                              Residential              East Valley                                 West Valley              Price Range Active Pending Sold   Active Pending Sold $ 0           -  $199,999 201 47 24   38 11 5 $200,000  -  $399,900 172 21 7   196 30 8 $400,000  -  $599,999 20 2 0   116 7 4 $600,000  -  $799,999 16 0 0   47 5 1 $800,000  -  $999,999 6 0 0   31 3 1 $1 Mil     -   $1,499,999 12 0 0... 04/10/2009

    The Big Bear Report       April 2009     A Monthly Review of the Big Bear Real Estate Market     We live in the wealthiest country in the world. While the media continues to focus on the unfortunate people losing their jobs, their homes, (their country), the fact is, there are others who still have lots of money to invest. And what better investment to make in today's "impending recession" than real estate? As the "Boomers" begin to think about retirement in the coming years, they look at their options, mostly about where they see themselves in 5, 10, or 20 years. As people age, they tend to experience a basic need to reward themselves for all the sacrifice and hard-earned money they made working over the years. Sales activity is picking up in the Southland which should add to our l... 04/10/2009

I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear. Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service) Steve Hirschler Associate, The Tim Wood Group Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery 42153 Big Bear Blvd. P.O. BOX 6820 Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 stevehirschler@gmail.com 909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889 Fax 909 866-3531 http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com Follow me on Twitter Subscribe to "Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog" Previously Posted on "Ask An Expert, Big Bear Real Estate" Possibly related posts: (automatically generated) New Listing 426 E Meadow, Big Bear City, Ca OFX FI details for Big Bear/Members First CU Affordable Air Charter Big Bear Real Estate's Sales Turn Upward while Prices Continue to Decline 04/07/2009

 Originaly Posted On www.tonycard.com   There has been a considerable amount of discussion in my office lately about the Short Sale process.   Many agents state that they hate Short Sales and they do their best to stay away from them.  With the Federal Government's plan to try and help homeowners stay out of foreclosure, the number of Short Sales is only going to increase.  So, let's take a look at some of the more common issues that arise out of a Short Sale. •1.       Who accepts the offer that I have made on a Short Sale property, the homeowner or the bank? The thing to keep in mind is that you are negotiating with the homeowner and not the bank.  If the homeowner accepts your offer, you have a deal and it's time to open escrow. •2.       Once the homeowner accepts my offer, when wil... 03/29/2009

This week we have 7 closed sales to report in Big Bear.     822 W Country Club, Big Bear City  Listed originally for $190,000 on 5/13/08 Seller Owned Sold 292 days 928 Kingston, Big Bear City Listed by previous owner for $450,000 in 2006 Bank Owned Sold in 7 days 438 Boyd Trail, Big Bear Lake Listed by previous owner for $330,000 8/31/07 Bank Owned Sold in 123 days 203 Knoll, Big Bear Lake Listed originally for $450,000 on 7/31/08 Seller Owned Sold in 205 days 125 Bayside, Big Bear Lake Listed originally for $899,950 on 6/07/07 Seller Owned Sold in 606 days 42584 Cougar, Moonridge Listed originally for $154,900 on 9/18/08 Bank Owned Sold in 140 days 1693 Columbine, Moonridge Listed originally for $515,000 on 10/31/07 Short Sale Sold in 391 Days I can show you any home for sale in Big Be... 03/28/2009

 Originaly Posted On www.tonycard.com One of the agents in our office sold a bank owned property to a client of his just recently.  When the buyer arrived for the home inspection, they opened the house and found it flooded.  It turns out that the pipes broke due to the lines freezing while there was still water in them.  Frozen pipes are very common in Big Bear if you don't winterize the property when not in use.    My question is this.  Who is responsible for the repairs to the house? According to the verbiage in the California Residential Purchase Contract, the seller is required to keep the home in the same condition that it was when the offer was accepted.  In other words, if a window is broken after the offer has been accepted, the seller must replace that window before the close o... 03/27/2009

That is a very common question that I get from buyers who are looking to purchase a home in Big Bear.  It matters not whether it is a Seller's market or a Buyer's market, the question is asked.   I've even been asked if it is safe to figure on offering 30% less than the asking price, no matter what the property is or how long it has been listed for sale. My answer to this question is this.  Every property is different and you need to look at all the data that you have in order to determine the value.  A good example of what I am talking about is this.   You find the perfect home in Big Bear and you decide to make an offer.  You ask your Realtor how long the cabin has been on the market and you see that they have been trying to sell it for 270 days.  Just because the cabin has been on th... 03/26/2009

This is one of the most frustrating things for a buyer in today's Real Estate market.  You do your homework and come prepared to buy a home in Big Bear.  You come to Big Bear and meet with your Realtor with your checkbook and your Pre Approval letter.  He has shown you the best 5-6 properties that fit your parameters and you are prepared to make an offer.  The home that you have chosen is a bank owned property and your Realtor informs you that even though you are pre approved, you will need to get a pre qualification letter from the bank who owns the property.  You simply ask, WHY? The banks are offering their foreclosed homes in the Big Bear area at extraordinary prices.  If you decided to buy a bank owned, REO home in Big Bear, then you'll be playing by the banks rules.  Not only will... 03/26/2009

 Big Bear California is a very beautiful place to visit and there are hundreds of wood bear carvings like this one. On my visit to Big Bear last Saturday 3-21-2009, it was still quite cold as you will see in the following pics.  There is still snow around the mountain sides around Big Bear.  People and children are still enjoying the snow activities.  Here are some homes around the lake with some snow because Big Bear is at a high elevation in the middle of the mountains.  Big Bear has huge rocks surrounding and stacked up around the lake shore and in the middle of the lake.  There are aslo areas around Big Bear Lake that have sand beaches like in the photo above.  I will be headed back to Big Bear Lake this Summer.  Photograph taken by: Robert Swetz at Big Bear Lake - California 3-21-... 03/25/2009

Previosly posted on www.tonycard.com I've been selling Real Estate for the Tim Wood Group at Coldwell Banker in Big Bear since 2003.  In this time period, I've seen the market do some crazy things.  In 2003 we had a strong sellers market with double digit appreciation.  In those days, the days on market would average 30 days and less it was not unusual to have multiple offers on your listings.  Fast forward to 2009 and take a look at what is going on in Big Bear.  We're in a market where home values have plummeted and lot sales are almost nonexistent. The good news for 2009 is that homes ARE selling in Big Bear.  The home values have dropped to 2003 and 2004 prices, but as long as they are priced right, they are selling. Listed below, are 5 common questions that I am asked by a buyer in... 03/18/2009

This is one of the questions that I get almost daily.  This question got me thinking about the changes in the Big Bear market between 2008 and 2009.  As the results are rather interesting, I thought I would share them with you. Let's compare the number of homes sold in January and February of 2008 with the same time period in 2009.   Date Units Sold   Date Units Sold   Percentage January 08 30   January 09 50   67% Increase February 08 34   February 09 57   68% Increase                 As you can see from these numbers, there has been a significant increase in sales from the same time last year.  Would these additional buyers be out buying if they didn't think that we were at or very close to the bottom? In January 2008, 30 homes sold... Of the 30 homes that sold, there was only 1 Bank ... 03/11/2009