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Looking to Ditch That Big Bear Cabin Look? Here’s Some Tips to Modernizing Your Mountain Home….

"We want something cabin-y." This is something I hear ALL the time. Most of my clients want to escape from the city to their mountain home that really feels mountainous. But here's the thing, you can still get that feeling without the bears and lacquered wood. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people love that look and it is important to decorate your home to fit your taste. But, if you're looking for something current or are hoping to maximize your rental potential, kicking that traditional cabin look may be the … [Read more...]

Looking For A Vacation Rental Property in Big Bear? Here’s Some Tips to What Makes One Successful…

Vacation rentals are likely my most discussed topic while showing property to potential buyers. "How much could this generate annually?" "What are the restrictions?" "Do I need a hot tub?" "What is the best vacation rental area?" . Here in Big Bear, 80% of the homes sold are second ones and a majority of those will take advantage of the short term rental market. So what makes a great vacation rental? Let's dive in... Where should I buy? Location is a big factor (if not the biggest) when you are on your quest to … [Read more...]

Big Bear Winter Fun For Everyone!

Whether you're a skier, rider, sledding junkie or exercise enthusiast... Big Bear has it all! Sure... summer time is a bit on the warmer side, but that doesn't mean you have to be stuck indoors all winter long. You may be a full-timer or here on vacation, either way there are several ways to get up, get out and breathe some fresh air. Check it out... Bear Mountain and Snow Summit: Our two local ski resorts offer a wide range of ski/snowboard lessons, terrain for all abilities and a shuttle that will take you to … [Read more...]

Big Bear Real Estate News

In our digital economy, international, national and local economies affect our marketplace. As we keep our eye on China, the Euro, the unemployment rate and other leading indicators, the news seems to show an upswing in several economic factors. On the international scene, China’s lifting of some controls is the strongest sign that the government intends to change; according to the New York Times. Some have called the restructuring a symbolic move. But, since it signals a broader acceptance of western banking … [Read more...]

Feng Shui and Your Home

This 5,000 year old art is said to bring peace of mind, good health and happiness. Feng Shui means Wind and Water in Chinese. There are many similarities between Feng Shui and the rules of Home Staging. They both address emotional appearance; stressing clutter reduction and the use of furniture to affect traffic flow. Disney, British Airways and Donald Trump are among those westerners taking Feng Shui seriously. Here are a few guidelines for home buyers and sellers! PROPERTY SHAPE If you are buying a new … [Read more...]

How Much Should I Offer?

What you offer on a Big Bear property depends on a number of things, such as the maximum price you’re willing to pay for the home, the risk of losing the home to another buyer, appraisal value, and how realistic the asking price is.  Though homes in Big Bear are selling for an average of 96% of the listing price, there is no cardinal rule for a fixed amount that a seller will negotiate from their asking price. Every property & every seller is unique. The Big Bear real estate market is in a transition from a … [Read more...]

Big Bear’s Utility Options

What do you look for in a house that you want to call your own? Do you need the conveniences and location of city life? Are you willing to trade out one or two of the available services for alternatives further from town? If your future home is in the city, water, sewage, natural gas and electric services are provided to the house. Your services are ready for you. You just need to "plug in". Contrary to humorous belief, the majority of the Big Bear area has all these services readily available. Then again, the … [Read more...]

New “App” for Home Improvement Projects

If you’ve been considering a remodel project for your Big Bear cabin or home, and just don’t know where to start, there’s a great new “app” available - and best of all, it’s free. Zillow Digs, launched by Zillow.com, is hoping to corner some of the social media market share that houzz.com and pinterest.com have in the virtual real estate world. Zillow.com is the website that allows visitors to get an estimate (or as it’s called on the site, "zestimate") on the value of homes. Zillow helps homeowners, buyers and … [Read more...]

Routes to Big Bear

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...]

Big Bear Facts!

There are several misconceptions the Big Bear area can't seem to get rid of. Logic and hearsay don't always come together. Until I visited Big Bear my first time, I had a few of these preconceived notions. Do any of these sound familiar? * Big Bear doesn't have electricity. I was asked this question, while the TV was blaring in the background. * Big Bear doesn't have running water. That has to be a fact because... * Big Bear's residents all live in little 1-room log cabins in the deep, dark forest. * … [Read more...]