Similar to many of the automotive companies and the assurances they are giving to car buyers, the California Assocation of Realtors (C.A.R) just released some reassuring news to first-time home buyers with the C.A.R. mortgage protection plan. From what I could tell, this is the first of its kind. From C.A.R. - C.A.R. launches mortgage protection plan for first-time home buyers The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) today launched the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program … [Read more...]
You Make Money When You Buy, Not Sell
March 13, 2009 by Leave a Comment
The title of this post is something I heard a few times over the years. It didn't make a lot of sense then but sure does now. Reminds me of something Warren Buffett would say. One of his most famous & recently well used quotes is "to be cautious when others are greedy, and greedy when others are cautious." Less face it, right now, a lot of people are cautious. Even with the 20-50% price drops, and more and more bank owned deals hitting the market, some buyers continue to wait on the sidelines. I am not … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Monday Market Update For 3/2/2009
March 2, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Below is your weekly update for the Big Bear real estate market as of 3/2/2009. Property Type Listings for Sale Change from Last Week Pending Sales Change from Last Week Sales Year to Date Change from Last Week RESIDENTIAL 887 -21 113 -2 99 +13 VACANT LAND 359 -2 9 -1 4 +1 CONDOS 45 -1 5 -1 2 +1 GOVERNMENT LEASE 12 0 0 0 0 0 COMMERCIAL & RES INVESTMENT 55 +1 4 0 1 0 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 13 +2 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 1371 -21 131 -4 106 +15 A few notes about the market - The residential inventory is … [Read more...]
Big Bear Neighborhood Overview – Castle Glen Estates
December 9, 2008 by Leave a Comment
The Castle Glen neighborhood is one of the most sought after locations in all of Big Bear Lake. Generally referred to as a subarea of Fox Farm, Castle Glen is known as the area "up on the hill" above Stater Bros. It also borders Hwy. 18 along the Baker Pond section of Big Bear Lake. History of Castle Glen Castle Glen, which consists of a total of 245 parcels, was first developed at the end of 1998 in the hilltop area previously referred to as 'Rebel Ridge.' Lot prices in the first phase ranged from $39,900 up to … [Read more...]
Say It Ain’t So Zillow
November 28, 2008 by 4 Comments
I don't mean to bash Zillow but they make it so easy sometimes. Last time I checked, real estate prices in Big Bear are not going up. So you can imagine my surprise when I received an email last week from Zillow saying the Zestimate (read:value) for a rental property I own went up a staggering $20,000, or 11.4%, in the past 30 days. Huh? Not a big deal, I am in the business and know what is really going on. But I also received a call from a seller client about his property Zestimate going up $30,000, 11.5%, in … [Read more...]
Giving Out My Real Estate Thanks
November 26, 2008 by Leave a Comment
Even though the real estate market has seen much better days, I believe there is still plenty to be thankful for in the world of real estate. [viddler id=90c5a3a9&w=545&h=349] Have a great Thanksgiving everyone! … [Read more...]
Can I Keep The Buyer’s Deposit If They Cancel The Deal?
November 7, 2008 by Leave a Comment
This question always seems to come up from a seller when the buyer decides to back out of a real estate transaction or purchase. The answer to the question, as with a lot of real estate related questions, is "it all depends." Take a look below for my answer. [viddler id=ae8a8b4&w=437&h=368] Like the video above? Check out some of my other video posts. Related Articles Let's Be Earnest When Talking About A Good Faith Deposit … [Read more...]
Bank’s Incompetency = Buyer’s Gain
November 2, 2008 by Leave a Comment
It is no wonder why so many banks are failing these days. They just do not seem to comprehend what is going on in the current real estate market. Here is a perfect example. This property just came on the market for sale in the Moonridge area of Big Bear. Listing price is $399,900, 3 bed, office, family room, & 2.5 baths. It needs roughly $15,000 to $25,000 in finishing details to complete it. The property is now bank owned. A little history on this property. I had it for sale from April to August of … [Read more...]
Warning! A Scary Story On How Not To Sell Your Big Bear Home In This Market
October 31, 2008 by Leave a Comment
Selling your Big Bear home in this market does not need to be any tougher. The real estate market conditions are scary enough these days. So you can imagine my surprise when I went out on a listing appointment recently and the seller did not want to have their property listed on the open MLS. Nope, they just wanted me to know about the home, that they wanted to sell, and that they would pay me if I brought a buyer. Their plan was to let 5-6 of the top agents in the area know about their intent to sell, offer … [Read more...]
