The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest celebrates 42 years of German style family fun and good times this year. Rated Southern California’s #1 Oktoberfest, this Fall’s festival offers authentic German entertainment, food and beer! … [Read more...]
Maximizing Your Real Estate Agent
September 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
CNN Money: “When you go to an open house and meet a real estate agent showing the property, that agent represents the seller's interests. So you might be better off using a buyer's agent whose job is to represent your interests.” Purchasing real estate in Big Bear is an important financial decision. Home buyers will confront complex issues and lots of paperwork. Finding a buyer’s agent with expertise and local knowledge is invaluable. Market knowledge is one of the most important assets a buyer’s agent brings … [Read more...]
Interest Rates May Have Bottomed Out
August 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The Big Bear real estate market has been picking up steam lately thanks to the correction in home prices and historic low interest rates. And while many potential home buyers have been waiting on the sidelines for an indication that the market has bottomed out, the recent up-tick in interest rates may be signaling that the time to buy a Big Bear home or investment property is NOW. The most recent “Primary Mortgage Market Survey” by Freddie Mac reports that fixed mortgage rates moved higher following stronger … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – Tips For a Smooth Move
August 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Congratulations on selling your Big Bear home! It’s time to concentrate on the "fun" part of selling a home - packing up all those clothes, toys, and pots and pans. Here are a few tips for a smooth move. Start the packing process as early as possible. The earlier you begin packing the more organized and stress-free you’ll be. Go room by room and make notes on what’s going with you (and staying behind). Stock up on packing supplies, including: boxes, bubble wrap, newspapers, labels, markers, packing foam, packing … [Read more...]
Summer Cycling Events in Big Bear Lake
August 3, 2012 by 1 Comment
After the Big Bear Climb, the fantastic Amgen race in the Spring, the end of July and beginning of August are prime times for bicycling in Big Bear. Well organized and waiting for you, tune into https://www.bigbearcycling.com. The Big Bear Cycling Association is a non-profit organization devoted to all things cycling in the San Bernardino Mountains. As well as workshops and loads of events, they schedule weekly group rides for all levels and ages. In an hour and a half, you'll have the ride of your … [Read more...]
Local Real Estate – Fixer-uppers
July 22, 2012 by 1 Comment
Wikipedia defines a fixer-upper as a “real estate property that will require maintenance or work, though it can be usually lived in as is.” If you’re in love with old homes, the idea can be irresistible. Advantages: Purchase a home in a good neighborhood at a lower price Increase the net worth of your investment Here are our suggestions: 1. Do the math first. Add up the expected expenses of renovation, accurately reflecting the cost of materials and labor. Then subtract the expected value. Experts from the … [Read more...]
Choosing the Best Big Bear Neighborhood
July 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Once you've been pre-qualified for a loan, you should be ready to put your house-hunting efforts into high gear. The next important step in the home buying process is scouting out the Big Bear neighborhoods and getting familiar with each area. The best way to get started in your neighborhood search is to get in your car and explore, especially if you're unfamiliar with Big Bear. Ask your agent for a map and just start driving around. Get an idea about the neighborhoods by seeing first hand which areas appeal to … [Read more...]
Neighborhood Spotlight – Big Bear City
July 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Although it’s often confused with the City of Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City is the unincorporated township located to the east of Big Bear Lake, in the center of the Big Bear Valley. The Stanfield Marsh Bird Sanctuary borders to the west, Baldwin Lake borders the eastern edge, and the San Bernardino National Forest cradles Big Bear City to the north and south. Sub-areas include Baldwin Lake, Erwin Lake, Lake Williams, and Whispering Forest According to the 2010 census, Big Bear City’s population has more than … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Neighborhoods
June 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Spotlight on Boulder Bay Big Bear real estate is comprised of many unique neighborhoods and Boulder Bay is one of the most iconic places in the Big Bear Valley. Towering pine trees, massive rock formations, and tranquil lake views are the dominant features of this classic neighborhood. The rock formations that seem to float in the waters off Boulder Bay are some of the most photographed images in Big Bear. Boulder Bay is located on the south-west shore of Big Bear Lake and is one of the first neighborhoods you … [Read more...]
Big Bear Rescue Zoo
June 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Located in Moonridge next to the golf course, the “Big Bear Rescue Zoo” is open daily from 10AM to 5PM (weather permitting, Memorial Day to Labor Day). It was formerly known as the “Moonridge Zoo”, but changed its name last month. The Zoo was created in response to the devastating 1959 fire which left injured animals. The Zoo now rehabilitates and cares for animals that can’t be released back into the wild. They have used some of the animals to create educational outreach programs, visiting schools and youth … [Read more...]
