When the market was a strong sellers market, I would hear clients tell me that instead of buying a cabin in Big Bear, they would wait for the market to cool off and for values to fall.    Every year I would hear this and every year, prices would increase.  We all knew that this would end, but I don't think we were prepared for the hit that the housing market hit.  It started out that we would tell sellers that if they bought their home any time after 2006, they would be lucky to get out of the mortgage.  In less than six months we are telling sellers that if they bought their home in 2004, they are going to be lucky to get out of it.  That's right,prices in Big Bear have fallen to 2004 levels.  Now, there are a number of factors for this sudden decline, but there has been no bigger impa... 08/13/2008

Barbara Cheek from First American Title sent a report out today listing the break down of foreclosed properties within the Big Bear Valley.  I thought it was good information to share with you.  The report is broken down into three categories.  They are Pre-foreclosures These are properties that are in default but have not yet gone to auction. Properties going to auction.  These are properties that have a time and date set for auction. Foreclosed Properties.  These are properties that are now owned by a bank, government, company, or individually owned by private investors. The report was broekn down by city/zip codes 92314 which covers all of Big Bear City, Whispering Forest, and Erwin Lake reoorts the following: Pre-Foreclosure            Properties Going To Auction            Foreclos... 08/13/2008

The chart below shows the closed transactions in the Moonridge area for July 2008. There were 15 sales with an average price of $293,580. Sales averaged 8.33% below list price for these transactions.   Below is the chart for the 17 pending and contingent sales currently in Moonridge. Since these have not closed, we don't have the closing prices posted or accurate price differential information.   With 214 active listings in the Moonridge area, and 15 closings last month, we currently have a 14 month supply in this area. Moonridge is seeing some of the best buys in years during this buyer's market. With a good amount of inventory, and motivated sellers, it's a great time to consider a purchase. Steve Hirschler Associate, The Tim Wood Group Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery 42153 Big Bear... 08/05/2008

It isn't uncommon because of our extreme weather conditions to reseal, caulk, chink, and restain your exterior logs every couple of years in the mountains.  Usually it is a combination of water and sun (the sun's UV rays) that does the most damage to the exterior of your home. Many log homes have different exterior finishes (acrylic finish, oil-based finish, semi transparents and translucent finishes) so make sure you choose something that gives you the look you want but also provides UV protection. Contacting a local reputable painter is a must unless you have the spare time to do a good thorough job. Here's a list of qualified painters in the Big Bear Valley area.  JEFF LOOSE - LOOSE PAINTING CO Owner/Operator - Insured P.O. Box 3460, Big Bear City, CA 92314 909-866-9046 SEAN BOCK - ... 08/03/2008

Here are a few of my favorite design features found in log homes here in the Big Bear area.  1).  Open Floor Plan (Great Room)- most of today's newer constructions are built with a large kitchen facing the family room, large expansive windows, and one big room.  One can picture large family gatherings and entertaining with friends.  Many of the clients I work with spend most of their time in the great room.    2).  Open Loft-  it's always nice to have 2 gathering areas.  An area in the great room for one group of friends and family to congregate and a separate area upstairs for the kids/grandkids to hangout.  Open lofts are commonly used for game rooms, bedooms, and to take advantage of the views. 3).  Massive Corner Fireplaces-  fireplaces are an essential part of the log home feel and... 07/31/2008

How many times have representatives from different title companies brought their fancy charts and graphs to your office?  You know the charts and graphs that I'm referring too.   These are those charts and graphs that are suppose to reflect current market conditions.  They look very professional, don't they.  Let me ask you this.  Have you ever checked those numbers to see how accurate they really are? It's nice that the title representatives do these things for the Realtors.  But if they are going to go the trouble to go through all this work, it would be nice if they would verify the accuracy of the reports. Here is a perfect example of what I'm talking about.  We received a report from a Title Company yesterday comparing June of 2007 sales to June of 2008 sales.  This report was for ... 07/31/2008

Big Bear Lake, CA 2nd Quarter Lakefront Market Update 2008 (Sold from 3-1-08 to 6-30/08)        Property Address List Price Sales Price Days on Market Closing Date Residential Square Footage Square Footage of Land 125 Lagunita $1,195,000 $1,000,000 343 6/2/2008 2,759 3,500 185 N Eureka $1,295,000 $1,250,000 25 5/13/2008 2,997 13,617 39274 Waterview $1,495,000 $1,350,000 2 5/20/2008 2,848 11,460 38878 Waterview $1,900,000 1,550,000 342 3/12/2008 1,352 41,000 Average $1,471,250 $1,287,500 178   2,489 17,394      Lake Level as of Monday, July 14, 2008    Measured at the dam 67' 8"  (4' 8"  below full) These figures were pulled from the Big Bear Association of Realtors MLS and the Municipal Water District on 7/19/2008.  All information herein is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. 07/20/2008

I awoke this morning at 5:15 to clear sky's and  what looked like the start of another wonderful day in Big Bear.  After taking care of the morning chores, I went back into the house and got ready for work.  At 6:40 this morning, I noticed that it was very dark outside.  In no time, it went from a bright and cheerful morning to a darkness and heavy rain.  The only bright lights came from the lightening that seamed to be striking through out the east end of the Big Bear Valley. These summer thunder storms are common in Big Bear this time of the year.  They usually don't start up until the afternoon and are over with in about 30 minutes or so.  This storm started rather early and there is no telling whether it will blow out of here in an hour, or hang around for the day.  Either way, it'... 07/20/2008

  This is one of those bank owned (REO) properties in the Big Bear Valley that, in my opinion is a good deal.  The last time this home sold was back in 2004 and it sold for $225,000.00.  The bank now has it listed for $169,900.00.  I knew the property from when it was on the market before.   But, as it is now a bank owned (REO) listing and because it was listed so low,  I felt  a  trip out to Lake Williams was in order. When I think of a bank owned (REO), I picture a house that needs a lot of work.  But When I first arrived at the property, it looked like other bank owned (REO) properties that I've seen in Big Bear.  But once I got past the over grown shrubs and the deferred maintenance on the steps leading up to the decks, I was surprised! The interior was very clean (No Smell) with w... 07/19/2008

  44581 Barton is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath cabin locared in Sugarloaf, CA.  The living space is 900 square feet all on one level and the lot size is 5000 square feet. This property is fenced, so you don't have to worry about keeping your dogs in.  Take a look at the house using the Virtual Tour that I've set up for this house. Next to the 2 car detached garage is ample room to store your R.V.  The seller has included electrical hook-ups for the R.V. This home is located in the east end of the Big Bear Valley and easily accessible from Hwy 38. When I first listed this house, ti was listed for $199,000.00.  The seller has moved off of the mountain and needs to sell it soon.  As a result, we dropped the price down to $174,900.00 today. If you, or one of your clients are looking for a week end ... 07/17/2008

As anyone who reads my blog knows, I'm very supportive of the efforts put forth by the residence of the Big Bear valley in Moving A Million Miles For Ryan Hall. For those of you that don't know, Ryan Hall, a marathon runner is a local in Big Bear. Ryan has earned a spot on the  United States Olympic Team and is going to Beijing China in August. Back in December of 2007, The Big Bear Lighthouse Project issued a challange to the community of Big Bear Lake.  The challenge was quite simple really.  All they asked was that everyone get off their butt and start walking. The goal was set!  All we had to do was to move a million miles for Ryan Hall before his departure in August 2008.  I've posted blog articles from time to time reporting on the progress and it's time for another update.  As of... 07/16/2008

For years the owners of a Bed and Breakfast in Big Bear have done everything in their power to stop the city of Big Bear Lake from allowing Private Home Rentals.  This group of people have taken the city of Big Bear Lake to both state and federal court arguing that renting out a private home is a business and the homes aren't zoned for this type of activity.  Needless to say, both the state and federal court dismissed the law suites. The city of Big Bear Lake already has an ordinance in place to govern the private home rental industry.  The existing ordinance was well written and covers all issues come up when you rent out your home in a resort community.  Issues like too many cars parked at the rental are covered, too many people in the rental and most of all, noise and trash issues.  ... 07/12/2008

About two years ago, I noticed my neneighbor put his house up for sale.  He knew that I was a Realtor so naturally, I was a bit upset when I saw the sign go up just two doors down from my home.  This was a time when the market was still good.  The REO's were in the inventory and people were still over pricing their homes a little bit.  But when I saw what he listed his cabin for, I was so glad i didn't have the listing!  Trust me, I showed the home a lot but only to make a point of how over priced it was.  That made it so much easier to sell the properties in Big Bear that I wanted to sell.  About six months ago, the neneighbor contacted me and asked me to sell his cabin.   I told him that I would be happy to help, but if I take the listing, we are going to list the house at it's curren... 07/10/2008

It seams that you can't watch the evening news without hearing about the housing market.  Yes, it's true that many people have lost their homes because of poor choices when it came to picking their mortgage.  But their loss is your gain.  With all of the foreclosed (REO) property's for sale and the sellers who are trying to sell their homes as a short sale, there are some real bargains in Big Bear. For years, Big Bear has had it's own Real Estate Board and if a Realtor from down the hill wants to get into one of the Big Bear listings, he or she would have to make arrangments with every listing agent for access to the property.  This has made it difficult for the clients who choose to bring their Realtor to Big Bear.  One of the biggest problems with bringing your agent with you is that... 07/10/2008

Classic Chalet on Big Bear Lake - VIEWS and BOAT Included!Location: Fawnskin - North ShorePanoramic lake, mountain and ski slope views abound from this classic mountain chalet. Dock rights are included with easy access to the lake and sandy beach. Property is adjacent to the lake and National Forest with great hiking trails. This sunny, south-facing cabin with multiple-level view decks features an expansive and rustic great room with native rock fireplace and cathedral wood ceilings, three bedrooms plus loft and 1.5 baths. Recent upgrades include new roof, appliances and flooring, hot water heater and asphalt driveway. Versatile lower level with fireplace can be utilized as 3rd bedroom or recreational room. Storage and workshop area connected. BONUS - 21' sailboat!InformationContact Inf... 06/28/2008

The Opportunity Of A Lifetime!Location: Gilner PointQuite possibly the best lakefront location in all of Big Bear Lake. Old world charm with all the amenities you would want in a new home. Custom granite & tile, wood flooring & rustic wood finishings throughout. Dramatic native rock fireplace. Gorgeous master suite with panoramic lake views. Large family room with bar & fireplace. Deep water, wind protected & a peaceful setting with close to 115 feet of lake frontage. 2007 Soroptimist Home Tour winner. Call agent for a full list of property features. InformationContact Information Tyler Woodwhowood@gmail.com909-866-3481Contact Reply FormForward to a FriendView Other FlyersPricingAsking Price: $2,750,000Property Location174 Round DriveBig Bear Lake, CA 92315View MapLinksFeaturesBedrooms:... 06/28/2008

I just listed 723 Holmes in Sugarloaf, CA for $62,500.00.  The lot dimensions are 50' X 100" and is only a block and a half from the National Forest.  Sugarloaf is located on the east end of the Big Bear Valley with easy access from Highway 38.  With the current set back requirements put out by the county of San Bernardino, you could still build a very nice size cabin for part time or full time living.  If you're looking for land, this is one of the better lots in Sugarloaf that are on the market.  Please contact me for more information on this lot or any other property listed for sale in Big Bear.  As a member of the Multiple Listing Service, I can show you any property in Big Bear! Saturdays are set aside for the Big Bear Bank Owned (REO) Tour.  While most Realtors give you a list of ... 06/18/2008

  That's right!  If you own this small cabin, you'll be one of the first to have the road plowed after a good snow storm.  821 E. Big Bear Blvd was originally built in 1930 and had extensive remodel done in 2006.  Taken from an old cabin that looked like it needed to be torn down, the owners spend a lot of money repairing the cabin.       The living room centers around the native rock fireplace which will keep this 526 square foot cabin toasty warm on those cold winter nights. The cabin has new carpet, fresh paint on the walls, new energy efficient windows and much  more. The cabin features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, is 526 square feet and sits on a 2500 square foot lot.  Where else are you going to find a small cabin just minutes from the lake for only $129,000.00?   For more informatio... 06/18/2008

  If you're looking for that country feel then look no further.  This 1495 square foot home is spread out on this spacious 7125 square foot lot. The home features a country kitchen which opens up to the living room.  Plenty of room to sleep with the 3 bedrooms and no wait for the bathroom with 2.5 bathrooms.    The entire home has been modified for handicap wheel chair access.  The hallways and doors are all extra wide, making it easy to get around if you find yourself, or a family member in a wheel chair. Enjoy the year round landscaping with the fake grass.  Be the only home on the block with nice green grass during the winter snow! The home is located at 321 Wabash in Sugarloaf, CA 92386 and is listed for $269,000.00  Please feel free to contact me if you would like to see the cabin... 06/18/2008

Who needs a Realtor?  That is a question that I hear when I speak to FSBO's as well as buyers who plan to represent themselves.  There was a time, long before the internet that you had NO CHOICE but to speak with a Real Estate agent if you wanted information on a property.  Agents would put a sign on the property that was for sale and nothing else.  Real Estate offices were on almost every corner and you had to walk through the door and speak to the agent if you wanted any information regarding a specific property. The internet has forced the Real Estate industry to make some drastic changes.  People go to the internet for information and they normally walk in the door with a list of homes that they want to see.  So, other than opening the doors of the homes that they have picked out an... 06/16/2008