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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...]

Want to EARN your Big Bear Thanksgiving dinner? Here’s How.

It’s almost that time. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pie… yep, it’s Thanksgiving! A day we all look forward to, especially when it comes to food. That being said, maybe a little jog would make you feel a bit better about indulging? If so, this year Big Bear has officially hopped on the Turkey Trot train and will be hosting its first annual run this Thanksgiving Day. The Big Bear Turkey Trot falls under the umbrella of Open Air Big Bear, and offers 3, 6, and 9 milers ranging from $35 - $45 (see … [Read more...]

Big Bear Holiday Schedule 2013

We feel fortunate to enjoy the holidays in the mountains. Here is a list of the major events going on around the Big Bear Valley. If you are new to the mountains, remember all activities are weather dependent. Check the forecast before leaving and carry chains throughout the winter season. The Community Arts Theater presents, “Christmas in the Mountains.” This is a musical variety show featuring an original play, “Scrooge of Starvation Flats.” The show is at the town hall, in the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts … [Read more...]

Big Bear Real Estate – Equestrian Properties

Buying property that can accommodate your horse(s) can be a good solution if you don’t want to stable your animal. The investment will pay off over the years. There are several neighborhoods in Big Bear that are excellent locations for horses. North Baldwin Lake has an area especially developed as equestrian property. There are also a lot of horses in Erwin Lake, Lake Williams and Shay Meadow. Big Bear requires a minimum of a half acre to keep one or two horse, allowing a maximum of four horses per acre. … [Read more...]

Reducing Cold Weather Energy Costs

Even in sunny Big Bear, California, the temperature can drop below freezing and that means you need to take time to make sure that your home is energy efficient for the cold-weather season. Perhaps the biggest waste of energy is when heat escapes through leaks in windows, doors, fireplace dampers, ducts, wires, and pipes. This is pretty common in older Big Bear cabins and homes. A well-sealed home is an energy-efficient home that can save you as much as 10 to 15 percent on your heating bill. To make sure your home … [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...]

How Much Big Bear Real Estate Can I Afford?

Are you gearing up to buy a Big Bear home? Now is a great time to make a move in the local real estate market. First of all, interest rates are at historic lows. Compare today's 30-year fixed-rate average of between 3 and 4 percent to the 13 to 18 percent rates of the 1980's. This gives buyers more purchasing power as current interest rates equate to lower monthly mortgage payments. Additionally, homes are now at their most affordable on record. This is because home values have dropped considerably in the past few … [Read more...]

Big Bear City – Real Estate Information

Big Bear City consists of numerous neighborhoods including; Tanglewood Trails, Valley View, Shay Meadow, Pinewood Estates, North Shore East - Peter Pan, Maple Ridge, Gold Mountain, Forest Spring, Bear Loop, Wildhorse Estates, Hamilton Ranch, Meadowbrook Estates, Whispering Forest, Lake Williams, Erwin Lake and Baldwin Lake. As an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County, Big Bear City comprises 31.95 square miles. Big Bear City is home to an airport (L35), KBHR Radio, the Big Bear City Fire Department, an … [Read more...]