Local News and Events

The "Mountain Pivot": Trading the Grind for Big Bear’s Four-Season LivingGood morning, Big Bear!  If you feel like you’re always working, you’re not imagining it. A recent analysis of the 116 largest cities found that the typical American works 1,796 hours a year—significantly more than workers in countries like Japan, the UK, and Germany.While Cheyenne, Wyoming, currently ranks as the hardest-working city in America with a 40.7-hour average workweek, many Southern California residents are feeling the burn of the "grind". It’s no wonder we are seeing a massive shift in how people choose to live and work.Escaping the "Concrete Jungle" for the MountainsThe "mountain pivot" is officially the hottest trend in SoCal real estate for 2026. More than ever, buyers are trading humid coastal subur... 05/13/2026

Skyward Wildfire: Can We Stop Lightning Before It Strikes Our Mountains?Good morning, Big Bear! Living in the San Bernardino Mountains, we are all too familiar with the tension that comes with summer thunderstorms. While we love the cooling rain, the dry lightning that often accompanies it is a major source of anxiety for our communities in Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin, and Sugarloaf.In Canada’s 2023 fire season, lightning sparked almost 60% of wildfires, accounting for a staggering 93% of the total area burned. As our conditions here get hotter and drier, finding a way to prevent these strikes could be a game-changer for wildfire prevention.The Pitch: Neutralizing the StormA Vancouver-based startup called Skyward Wildfire claims it can stop lightning in its tracks. Their meth... 05/13/2026

All Eyes on Maine: A Data Center Pause and What It Means for Our Mountain EnvironmentGood morning, Big Bear! While we are used to talking about lake levels and snow totals, there is a new conversation bubbling up across the country that hits close to home: the massive energy and water demands of the AI revolution.According to The Wall Street Journal, Maine is currently considering becoming the first state to ban new data centers of 20 megawatts or more until November 2027. To put that in perspective, 20 megawatts is enough to power roughly 15,000 homes.The goal? To give the state time to examine how these massive facilities impact the environment and the local power grid. As AI use fuels the need for more data centers, communities everywhere are asking: At what cost?The Hidden Cost of A... 05/13/2026

Cracking the Code: The Science of the Perfect Mountain EspressoGood morning! If you thought you had perfected your morning coffee ritual in your Big Bear cabin, think again. An international team of mathematicians and scientists just published a study claiming to have cracked the code for the perfect espresso.Using complex physics and 3D imaging, researchers discovered that the "perfect" shot isn't just about the bean—it’s about the flow. They found that factors like grind size, packing, and surface area are the primary architects of how water moves through a coffee puck. These variables ultimately dictate the chemical extraction and the resulting flavor profile.While the scientists are focused on the math, we tend to agree with the local sentiment: the perfect espresso is whichever one... 05/13/2026

Where Are All the Swimming Pools in Big Bear?If you are moving to the mountains, you might expect to trade your swimsuit for a parka. But when summer hits the San Bernardino Mountains, the first thing many new residents and visitors ask is: "Where can I go for a swim?"While the "mountain pivot" is all about hiking trails and ski slopes, finding a traditional swimming pool in the Big Bear Valley requires a little local insider knowledge. Whether you are in Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin, or Sugarloaf, here is the lowdown on where to find the water.1. Big Bear Lake: The Hub for "Day Pass" LuxuryBig Bear Lake has the most options, but you won't find a giant public municipal pool in the center of town. Instead, the "pool scene" here is dominated by hotels and private clubs that offe... 05/13/2026

Stars, Stripes, and a $100,000 Surprise: A Thank You to Our VeteransFor many of our nation’s heroes, the dream of homeownership represents the ultimate "welcome home." This summer, that dream could get a massive $100,000 boost.In a powerful show of appreciation, realtor.com® and Veterans United Home Loans have teamed up for the 2026 Stars, Stripes and Summer $100K Veteran Homebuyer Giveaway. It’s more than just a sweepstakes; it’s a life-changing opportunity for one U.S. Veteran or active-duty service member to secure their piece of the American Dream.The Prize: $100,000 Toward Your New HomeImagine walking into your closing meeting with a $100,000 credit toward the purchase of your home. Whether it’s covering a significant down payment, lowering your monthly mortgage, or helping you aff... 05/13/2026

This week was packed with valuable learning opportunities as our industry continues to evolve here in Texas real estate.This morning, Independence Title hosted an outstanding online course covering the proposed changes to our real estate forms that have been approved and will officially go into effect on July 1, 2026. With more than 200 agents attending the webinar, it was clear that these updates are top of mind for our industry.A huge thank you to Kaema Roberson and Mark Schulz for making such an important topic engaging, informative, and even fun!The biggest changes center around updates to the compensation section of our contracts, along with an entirely new section addressing water rights and potential seller disclosures that may now be required. There are also numerous wording rev... 05/13/2026

For the second straight year, Pasco is included on a Forbes list of the “Best Places to Retire” in the U.S.!There are no rankings; the list is presented in alphabetical order. Forbes says the choices were made from almost 1,000 towns and cities, and came from analyzing things like housing costs, taxes, healthcare, crime, air quality, and the risks of natural hazards.Forbes describes Pasco as a “sun-kissed city of 84,000 on the majestic Columbia River in the Tri-Cities area.” It cites the city’s median home price as $418,000 -- that number’s probably a few months old. (This is an excerpt from my blog post. For more of the specific pros and cons of retiring in Pasco, see the full article here. Also has links to the Forbes list and Pasco profile.) 05/13/2026

Come on, get your tickets for Hot Dog Day!---Helpfulhannah 's tips May 13th is the Last Day to get your tickets. It is almost Hot Dog Day at Delaire Landing Community. It is the tradition that marks the opening of the Pool and the start of Memorial Day Weekend. Some very wonderful residents give their time to cook hot dogs and sauerkraut for all the residents, along with many other hot-dog fixings they desire, including mustard, relish, chips, and soft drinks.There is usually ice cream and other goodies too - all this is free of charge. All you need to do is come and get your tickets by May 13th. You also must be a resident of Delaire Landing. No Guests on Hot Dog Day It is a fun and fabulous day - You can then enjoy the day by the pool if you wish, or sit and talk with all the wonderfu... 05/13/2026

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE- Sunday, May 17th, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM @ 203 Palisades Boulevard, Sleepy Hollow, New York 10591, Westchester County - JUST REDUCED TO $1,850,000Beautiful 4-bedroom, 3 full and 2 half bath brownstone-style townhome in Sleepy Hollow's Edge on Hudson development, perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking river views and the iconic Mario Cuomo Bridge. This exceptional home showcases top-notch craftsmanship in the heart of Sleepy Hollow along the Hudson River. Designed for today’s modern lifestyle, it features an open floor plan, high ceilings, oversized windows, and rich hardwood floors throughout. The first level offers a flexible bedroom / home office with a full bath, a mudroom, and direct access to the two-car garage. On the second floor, natural light pour... 05/12/2026

Every smart real estate investor starts with one simple exercise: Picture your life in the future.Not the next deal. Not the next tenant. Not the next renovation.Picture the life you want your investments to create.Do you see: A portfolio that pays you whether you’re working or not Properties across Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze that appreciate year after year A retirement built on cash flow instead of uncertainty Time freedom — not just financial freedom A legacy your family can build on, not start over from Real estate is the bridge between where you are and the future you’re imagining. But that bridge doesn’t build itself. It takes strategy, discipline, and a guide who knows the Gulf Coast market inside and out.When you invest with intention — when every property moves you closer ... 05/13/2026

The Investor’s Rule: Do Everything at First. Stop as Soon as You Reasonably Can.In real estate investing, the early stages demand full effort — research, due diligence, inspections, financing strategy, rental projections, neighborhood analysis, contractor bids, and exit planning. It feels like a lot because it is. That’s the point.When you’re building long‑term wealth, the front end is where you protect yourself, position yourself, and set the tone for every deal that follows.But here’s the part most investors miss: Once the systems are built, once the numbers make sense, once the team is in place — you stop doing everything. You shift from hustle to management. From scrambling to scaling. From guessing to executing.That’s how smart investors grow portfolios without burning out. Do ever... 05/13/2026

To kickoff winery week we are starting at Lakeridge Winery which is about 20 minutes to 45 minutes south of The Villages, Florida, depending where in The Villages you live.  Been there done that a few times and can make for a nice day trip.  They offer wine tours and tastings every day from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, they last about 30 to 40 minutes.  You will learn about the Muscadine grapes which are called the “Super Fruit of The South” due to their antioxidant levels, and anti-inflammatory properties, healthy wine!Weekends at the winery sounds like a fun time to schedule your visit.  Enjoy our expansive vineyard green, including delicious food, live entertainment, and of course your favorite Lakeridge wines at our outdoor bar.  Easy trip by turnpike or 441 to 27 to get to Lakeridge.  W... 05/12/2026

The Auburn Ring Night Tradition: Why Auburn Alumni Stay Connected for Life If you’re relocating to Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/), here’s a tradition most people outside Auburn don’t know about — but it means a lot to Auburn alumni.It’s called Ring Night.And honestly, it explains a lot about why Auburn people stay emotionally connected to this place for decades after graduation.Auburn is not just somewhere people attend college.For many alumni, it becomes part of their identity for life.What Is Auburn Ring Night?Ring Night is one of Auburn University’s most meaningful traditions.Students who order an official Auburn class ring receive it during a special ceremony surrounded by friends, family, classmates, and the Auburn community.For many students, it’s one of the moments ... 05/11/2026

 Charlotte Region Farmers Markets 2026: Where To Shop Local This Summer... and Beyond “I've come to realize my market gig is like therapy for me. I've always loved being surrounded by food, but what I have come to cherish most at these markets is the sense of community. I know Frank the cheese guy and Barbara the mushroom lady. I swap muffins for raspberry jam with Josie at Jefferson Family Farms and ciabatta for apples with Maggie and Drew at Broad Tree Orchards."... Dana Bate If you're searching for a true sense of community along with a wide variety of fresh produce, vegetables, meats, poultry, baked goods, health and beauty products, plants, and more, the Greater Charlotte area’s farmers markets are well worth a visit. With dozens of active markets across the region—some operating s... 05/11/2026

California Mexican Grill in Salem, SC: Outdoor Dining, Authentic Flavor, and a Relaxed Evening OutSometimes the best places to eat are the ones you almost drive past.Tucked along McCall Brothers Drive in Salem, South Carolina, California Mexican Grill has become one of those local spots people mention once they have been there:“You need to try it.”And they are right.This outdoor food truck venue combines authentic Mexican cooking with a relaxed atmosphere that feels perfect for an evening in the mountains and lakes area of Oconee County.Casual Outdoor Dining With a Fun AtmosphereOne of the first things you notice is the setting.This is not fast food.It is not a chain restaurant.And it does not feel rushed.California Mexican Grill offers:• Outdoor seating• Open-air dining• A relaxed gath... 05/10/2026

Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward Tour: May 16-17A Rare Look at One of Charlotte’s Most Unique Neighborhoods A surprising number of Charlotte locals have never experienced one of Uptown’s most charming traditions— Fourth Ward Secret Gardens Tour, where tucked-away courtyards, historic porches, and neighborhood stories quietly come to life. Taking place May 16–17, 2026 (Noon–4 PM each day), this walkable, self-guided tour offers rare access inside Historic Fourth Ward—one of the city’s most distinctive and often overlooked neighborhoods. Along the route, you’ll step into private gardens, admire Victorian-era homes, and explore outdoor living spaces that most people pass by without ever realizing what’s behind the hedges and gates. But it’s more than a garden tour. Throughout the weekend, the... 05/12/2026

Why Falmouth’s New Trash Carts Are BetterThe new trash carts in Falmouth bring simple improvements that fit our coastal lifestyle. Lids keep rain out and prevent materials from blowing across yards or roads on windy days. Wheels make rolling to the curb effortless, even on uneven driveways common around here.Automated collection is safer for workers and faster, which helps keep costs steady and service reliable. One cart per household keeps things organized and reduces roadside mess—something every Falmouth neighbor appreciates.These changes support a cleaner, more efficient Falmouth we can all feel good about.If you are thinking of selling your Falmouth home and want help preparing for changes like this, find an excellent experienced listing agent who knows the local market. [Link: htt... 05/13/2026

New Trash Carts Roll Out in FalmouthFalmouth is making trash day easier and cleaner with new standardized carts. Starting in mid-May 2026, most homes will receive a 65-gallon wheeled trash cart with a lid. Delivery by Nauset Disposal should finish by Memorial Day.These carts replace open bins and bags for a smoother, more reliable pickup. The town and Nauset designed the change for safety, less litter, and better service across our neighborhoods and coastal roads.The program brings Falmouth in line with modern collection that protects workers and keeps our beautiful town tidy.If you are thinking of selling your Falmouth home and want help preparing for changes like this, find an excellent experienced listing agent who knows the local market. [Link: https://forms.gle/4qAeJmV86DmGua8S8]Th... 05/12/2026

Happy Mothers Day to the Mothers of the World and the Mothers in our lives! There have been a lot of mothers in my life who have had so much influence on the man I am today.  My mother in law Marilyn Brey left us a few years ago and we miss her so much. My mother is also an exceptional woman who we are fortunate to have living with us for a little while longer as we work with her rapidly progressing dementia. And there have been so many other mothers in my life who have also imparted love and wisdom for me, my family and so many others. One mother that has had a great impact on my life is the mother of my three children, Sally! Sally is a special person and over the past 42 years she has impressed me over and over again with so many lessons on how to be a better person, how to be a bet... 05/10/2026