Big Bear winters may not be as harsh as other parts of the country but they can take their toll on your mountain home. Here are a few tips for getting your Big Bear property back in shape after the snow has melted away. Exterior Maintenance Inspection Grab a ladder and thoroughly inspect your roof for missing shingles and flashing. Pay special attention around chimneys and vents. Minor roof damage can quickly turn into major problems if left un-checked. Inspect gutters and downspouts to see that they haven't … [Read more...]
Big Bear Vacation Homes – Poised for a Comeback
April 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear second home sales have always driven our local real estate market. With over 25 million people living within a 2 hour drive, Big Bear is a natural choice for families looking for a vacation home or investment property. Thanks to affordable prices and unlimited recreational opportunities, the local vacation rental market is one of the hottest in California. The trend for second home purchases seems to be increasing across the country. The National Association of Realtors recently published the 2012 … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Tour – East Big Bear City
April 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment
East Big Bear City is comprised of Baldwin Lake, Erwin Lake and Lake Williams. The area varies from pinion and cedar forests to high desert. It’s a great area for hiking, mountain biking, horses and ranching. All of Big Bear City is in the unincorporated area of San Bernardino County. According to the Chamber of Commerce, a “DBA” (Doing Business As) from your bank is all that is required to work out of your home. High speed computer access and cable television is available in most of this area. We enjoy the area’s … [Read more...]
Home Improvements for Resale
March 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Even though market conditions are beyond your means to control, upgrading your property can be a simple way to increase the value of your home. Some home improvements increase your home’s value beyond the initial cost. Common Home Improvements Minor Kitchen remodel Add a Bathroom Finish the Basement/Attic Upgrade the Landscaping Roofing Replacement Deck Addition Remodeling Magazine published their annual “Cost versus Value Report.” They’ve found that adding an attic bathroom and bedroom has been in the top 10 … [Read more...]
Big Bear’s Unusual Winter
March 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Baldwin Lake Neighborhood Given Southern California's mild Winter weather this year, visiting Big Bear can be a bit different. You've got yourself packed for the slopes. Loaded the skis, boots and boards, and checked the tire chains. Got the snow pants, gloves and sweaters ready. It gets into the 20's at night. You at least, want to be prepared for that brisk night air. You come scooting up the mountain to find out the temperatures can be pushing into the high 40's. The pre-holiday snow is gone from the … [Read more...]
Cleaning Up Your Credit – Big Bear Real Estate
February 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Having a good credit score is more important than ever. It can mean the difference between qualifying for your Big Bear dream home or missing out on a great opportunity. Savvy buyers have been snatching up well priced Big Bear real estate within days of coming on the market. The key to having a strong negotiating position is to be pre-qualified and ready to move when the right property becomes available. The first step in the process is to get the hard, cold facts. There are several places to obtain your score such … [Read more...]
Your Home, Your Abilities
February 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Buying a home is an emotional decision. Real Estate buyers typically “try the house out.” They open closets, cupboards and almost anything else with a handle. They will switch on lights, turn on faucets and flush toilets. How do you make your home stand out in today’s real estate market? Small, incremental improvements can make a big impression on prospective buyers. Home Preparation Tips • Clean and shine fixtures including door handles, light switches, faucets and anything else that’s shiny. Check ceiling for … [Read more...]
Big Bear City
January 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
On Big Bear Blvd. within 4 blocks of the traffic light at Division, there are 4 restaurants, a pizza parlor, a liquor store, and a produce stand. If you haven't investigated, what are you waiting for? Just past 'Twin Bears Equipment Rentals', is the tiniest Mexican restaurant, 'La Paws'. This little place is one of the nicest secrets of dining outside of the Village. 'La Paws' has been open a very long time and are sure to please your taste buds with their authentic hand made food. Right past them is a great … [Read more...]
Big Bear Looks Like Christmas
December 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear looks like a Christmas card thanks to a recent snow storm that blanketed the valley with almost a foot of new snow - and the timing was perfect. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain have opened up most of their runs and lifts, just in time for the holidays. The Big Bear winter season is off to a great start. Let’s face it, whether you like it or not, Big Bear is a tourist town. As much as the locals may complain about the traffic and the crowds, most of us probably wouldn’t be here if not for the fact that Big … [Read more...]
Your Big Bear Home
November 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Go Green Save Money Reducing your carbon footprint and “going green” are big buzzwords these days. Winter heating costs have risen over the past few years and it’s more important than ever to reduce energy consumption. Here are a few low-cost and no-cost tips to help Big Bear home owners reduce their carbon footprint and save money at the same time. Use The Heat Of The Sun Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the … [Read more...]
