Big Bear Real Estate Blog

When Looking for a home in Big Bear, you'll want to employ a local Big Bear Realtor early in the search.

If not, you will only be seeing the tip of the iceberg. Many people think that they can get a good idea of the market in Big Bear by spending hours on the Internet looking at photos and descriptions of properties in the Big Bear area.

While I agree that this is a great way to get a feel for the different architecture and a general feel for the property values, most every buyer is really uneducated on the local Big Bear market until they make contact with a qualified Realtor. 

As a buyer, it is best to physically get out and see the different locations and see the surroundings of the neighborhood.

Your Big Bear Realtor should be able to point out homes that have recently sold or are currently listed as you are looking. This will give you a better understanding of what the values are for each neighborhood and how values are established.

For example, buyers that are looking for a lakefront home in Big Bear will learn about water depth and its effect on lakefront home values. Obviously, lakefront homes in Big Bear that have an unobstructed view of the lake and a deep water location for their dock will hold the highest values.

Another example would be buyers that are looking for a home near the ski slopes. In my opinion, the best areas for skiers and snowboarders are Moonridge and Summit Estates in Big Bear Lake East. These areas are both near the slopes and have a wide diversity of prices and sizes of homes.

Buyers looking for a home that is near the lake will prefer the Big Bear West, Boulder Bay, Eagle Point, Eagles Knoll, and Fawnskin areas.

The great thing about Big Bear is the small amount of time it takes to get from one point to another. Yes, we can have a few traffic issues on the big holiday weekends and prime ski season periods, but overall our traffic levels are light. This allows you to get from either end of the Valley to the shopping, restaurants,lake and ski lodges within 10 minutes or less. Even Fawnskin is only about 7.5 miles from the Main shopping areas and ski slopes.

If you are interested in more information on Big Bear or Big Bear Real Estate, please give me a call or email. my contact information is below.

Regards,

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

steve@bigbeargallery.com

909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com/

California Home Sale Price Medians by County and City
Home Sales Recorded in January 2008

As always, if you would like to discuss current market trends or recent Real Estate activity in Big Bear feel free to call me.

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

steve@bigbeargallery.com

909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com/

1. We are professional agents and we know the Big Bear Real Estate Inventory and Market.

The Members of the Tim Wood Group are full time agents that spend hours everyday studying the Big Bear Inventory. Often we will visit homes that come on the market the day that they are posted to the MLS. Would you buy a car from a salesperson that doesn't know the details of the cars that they sell?

2. We out work our competition. We are open from 8am to 6 pm 7 days a week.

We take our jobs seriously and work 6 or more days most weeks. The sale or purchase of a home is often one of your most important financial transactions, and we want to provide all of the information to help you make informed educated decisions.

3. We list your property on the Big Bear MLS, TheTimWoodGroup.com, BigBearEstates.com, So. Cal MLS, Active Rain, Localism, Craigs List, Back Page,all of the sites bellow, and others. 

We are constantly reevaluating our marketing and looking for ways to better serve our clients. Remember that marketing is only effective when properties are priced correctly. We pride ourselves on being honest with sellers up front on pricing.  

4.  All agents at Coldwell Banker Big Bear are active bloggers on Active Rain.

We know that over 80% of todays buyers are searching the Internet to find qualified agents to help with their Real Estate needs. We have a strong presence on the Internet and are constantly looking for new innovations and ways to educate buyers and sellers along with our agents.

5. No other real estate agent or group sells more Big Bear property than The Tim Wood Group. 

Tim has sold over 5000 properties throughout his career.  This has created a valuable network of past clients and referral business that generates multiple buyer leads every week!  Your property will reap the benefits of his 32 years of experience. Our group has over 55 years of Big Bear Real Estate experience.

6. Coldwell Banker is a name you can trust.

From the spectacular English Tudor building we work in to the hard working agents that we employ, our name is synonymous with high quality.  In fact, our work ethic continually puts us ahead of our competitor's production levels and yet we have half the amount of agents as most companies.  We attract the kind of buyers looking for your property.  Our average sales price is well over the MLS average.  Perhaps the most impressive statistic is that throughout the Coldwell Banker industry for office our size, we have been recognized on numerous occasions as the NUMBER 1 office in the world for properties sold.

7. Our Team concept benefits our clients.

When you list your Big Bear property with Coldwell Banker "The Tim Wood Group" you will enjoy the benefit of our team working together to get you home sold. We select the agent from our team that is an expert in the neighborhood that your home is located to handle your property. We don't compete for your listing amongst our fellow team members. When a sign call, Internet call, or walk-in wants to see your property they will be linked to an available agent from our group. This differs from most agencies that have independent agents that don't have the ability to work with multiple clients simultaneously. 

Buyers will enjoy our vast knowledge of the inventory and availability on weekends.   

These activities will help you net the most on the sale of your Big Bear property.

We have 96 homes in escrow currently and in the past 30 days ( 1/25/2008 - 2/25/2008)  we  had 33 escrows close in Big Bear. The breakdown for each area is:

AREA              #OF SALES   # OF ESCROWS    AVERAGE PRICE    DAYS ON THE MARKET      PRICE DIFFERENTIAL

Sugarloaf                     8                 19                    $166,188                    109                                    93.94%

Moonridge                    3                 16                    $528,667                      51                                    91.87%

Fox Farm                      5                  9                     $748,000                    171                                    86.56%

Big Bear City                9                19                     $245,722                    137                                    95.95%

Big Bear Lake              8                14                      $532,738                    150                                    97.43%

Baldwin Lake               0                   4                        0                                    0                                         0

Erwin Lake                    0                12                        0                                    0                                         0

Fawnskin                       0                 2                         0                                    0                                         0

Lake Williams              0                 0                          0                                     0                                         0

Whispering Forest      0                  1                          0                                    0                                           0

Total                             33               96                       $397,845                      131                                    93.76%

Baldwin Lake, Erwin Lake, Fawnskin, Lake Williams and Whispering Forest had no escrow closings during this time. As you can see the homes that have sold recently in the Big Bear Real Estate market closed at an average of 6.24% off of list price. The price differential is a number that buyers in this market should be aware of when placing an offer on a home in Big Bear. If you have been out looking at property with your Real Estate agent and you find the home that looks like the very best value, it probably is. You won't be very successful offering 25 -30% below list price if the home is already the best value on the market.  

Real Estate is local and I work with buyers and sellers in the Big Bear area. Give me a call to set an appointment to get out and see what your dollars will buy in the mountains. 

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

steve@bigbeargallery.com

909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com/

 Fox Farm, Big Bear Lake

If you are looking for a weekend get a way or full time home in the Fox Farm area of Big Bear Lake, give me a call. I specialize in this neighborhood and have the ability to show properties in this area that are listed by any broker. I am available 7 days a week. I can save you time and money on your Big Bear Real Estate purchase.

Fox Farm is a great location in Big Bear Lake. The homes in this area start in the high $200,000's in general Fox Farm and go up to $2,400,000 in the new Castle Glen subdivision. One of the things buyers love about Fox Farm is the central location in Big Bear. The trips to the grocery stores and shopping are short, and restaurants are near by.

The neighborhood of Fox Farm is well kept and has a high percentage of full time residents along with second home owners. The Fox Farm neighborhood also works well for vacation rental properties. Many of the lots are level, which people visiting the mountains in the winter will appreciate.

SEARCH FOR FOX FARM HOMES FOR SALE

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

steve@bigbeargallery.com

909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com/

As you can see, the Big Bear Market is still softening. Only 44 deed recordings in January 2008, and 15 of those where vacant land. This is 32.8% of the 10 year average for January and 57% of last January's recordings. Currently there are 102 pending residential sales (escrows), and 26 vacant land pending sales. Since February 1st, we have had 23 residential closings and no vacant land sales.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the Big Bear Real Estate market. 

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

steve@bigbeargallery.com

909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com/

If you are someone that is looking to invest money in 2008, why not a home in Big Bear? The current market has some of the best deals for buyers that we've seen in years and while lakefront homes are somewhat insulated from market fluctuation, not all sellers are. Prices have rolled back and interest rates are at all time lows. Big Bear has so much to offer. Bear Mountain Ski Resort and Snow Summit Ski Resort offer visitors skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Big Bear Lake is a public use lake with fishing, boating, water skiing and wake-boarding. Jet skis are welcome on Big Bear lake and there are 2 public ramps that offer launching for free. Boat / Vessel fees were $15 a day or only $75 for the yearly pass last year. Water temperatures rise to 70%+ in the mid summer months. There are many resturants in Big Bear and cabin rentals are an affordable way to have a true mountain get a way experience. Shopping in Big Bear is hassle free with two large grocery stores and for unique shopping the Village in Big Bear Lake is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

Big Bear Lake West is the area that you'll see first when entering the valley on the South Shore. Homes in this area are between $250,000 and go up to 1.5 million or more for a deluxe lakefront in a deep water location. One of the advantages of owning a lakefront home in Big Bear is dock rights. Dock rights meant that you have the right to maintain a dock on the lake for your boat. Some of the best lakefront home locations are on Cove Drive, Waterview, Cienega, and Willow Landing. Many of the streets that are not lakefront in this area offer wonderful lake views. Bolder Bay is one of the most scenic areas in Big Bear and there is a public park located the lake.

Lakefront Home on Cienega Drive

Cienega Road becomes Waterview Drive and this street is a premier lakefront location in Big Bear Lake. Some off shoots of Waterview Drive are Pulaski Road, Aurora, Delaney Court, Blue Jay Landing, Flora Landing, Shelter Landing, and Inspiration Road.  

Big Bear Lake Central is the next area that you come to as you are driving towards the Village area. You'll pass the City of Big Bear Lake's City Hall and the performing arts center on the right hand side of the road. There are always great performances and productions at the P.A.C. Just past the pack on the right side of the road is Tulip Lane. Tulip Lane leads to Mill Creek Road. From Mill Creek road you can access the Coldbrook Campground and Aspen Picnic area. Pine Knot trail head is in the Aspen Picnic area, which is a perfect area for hiking and mountain biking. Forest Service Road 2N10 is a right turn off of Mill Creek and turns to dirt road a mile or so up. This can be driven in the summer months, and the scenery and views are spectacular. On the North side of Big Bear Blvd., you'll see Edgemoor Road. If you turn down Edgemoor, you drive along the lake past Holloways landing, this area of the lake is called Metcalf Bay. Further down Edgemoor and left on Forest Road leads you to Gilner Point.  This is another favorite area for lakefront homes in Big Bear.

Lakefront home on Lake Drive

The streets that have the best lakefront locations in this area are Lake Drive, Point Road, Round Drive, Knoll Road, and parts of Forest Road. A right turn off of Edgemoor onto Lakeview is anoth area of Lakefront homes in Big Bear. Lakeview Drive has some great side streets that also have lakefront homes. Some of these are Avon Lane, and Lagunita Lane. This area also has 2 large condominium complexes, Viking Estates and Lagunita Lodge. Further down Lakeview Drive is Gibralter Point. If you turn left onto Gibralter Road the homes on both sides have lake access. The next street that you will come to is Lakeview Court. Lakeview Court has a great location near the Village area, and Big Bear Marina. As you follow Lakeview Drive you will see Simonds Drive on the left. This is another lakefront home location in Big Bear. Homes on Simmonds Drive have outstanding lake and mountain views. If you make a right on Paine Road, you'll soon see the traffic signal. If you go straight you will enter Ironwood Estates. Many homes in Ironwood Estates have lake and valley views. This is a great area that sits above the Village.

As you continue down Big Bear Blvd., you will be enetering Big Bear East. The area to the right of the Blvd. has many great home locations. This area is central and near both the Village and Snow Summit. Homes in this area are currently priced from the high 200's and go up to the high 600's. The left side of the blvd. has access to Eagle Point. Eagle Point has lakefront home locations on Eagle Drive, Eureka Drive, Condor, and Marina Point. Eagle Point Estates is located in this area and is a development that has a park and common boat dock for the home owners use. As you pass Summit Blvd. the area on the left is know as Winter Park. Winter Park is a great location with easy access to Snow Summit shuttles. Homes in Winter Park start around $450,000. Behind Winter park is Heavenly Valley Estates. Heavenly Valley Estates is a prestigiuos neighborhood with Beautiful homes on good sized lots. Homes in Heavenly Valley Estates have sold recently starting in the $800,000 and go up to $1,500,000. Further east on Big Bear Blvd. is Moonridge Road. Turn right to enter the Moonridge Area.

Moonridge has the best mix of amenities for most buyers of Big Bear Real Estate. Moonridge is located near Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski slopes. Moonridge in Big Bear Lake is the most desired area for skiers and snowboarders.

This area has some of Big Bear's finest mountain retreats. With many amenities like the Bear Mountain Ski Resort , Bear Mountain Golf Course, Moonridge Zoo, and access to the National Forest. Many homes in the Moonridge area have well treed lots with lake and ski slope views. Currently we have close to 200 homes and cabins available in the Moonridge area. I can show you any of these home and am available 7 days a week for my clients. You'll find homes in the Moonridge area of Big Bear to be priced between $179,000 and $1,999,000, which is a range that will fit for most buyers. There are many neighborhoods in the Moonridge area. Some of the areas that are popular are Lower Moonridge, Upper Moonridge, and High Timber Ranch.

Lower Moonridge has easy access to the Bear Mountain Parking lot and shuttle services. Homes in the lower Moonridge area are priced starting at about $180,000.

The upper Moordige area covers a wide range of prices and a large geographic area. Most of the lots in upper Moonridge are over 7000 sq ft and have many trees. This truly gives you the mountain get a way feeling that most people are looking for. I have personally lived in upper Moonridge for 18 years.

The High Timber Ranch area in a new development in the Upper Moonridge area. It has large lots that are usually over 20,000 sq ft and under ground utilities.

Homes in the High Timber Ranch area start in the $600,000 price range.

The Fox Farm area of Big Bear is located near the center of Big Bear Valley on the South Shore. If you are driving on Big Bear Blvd South on Starvation Flats will get you into the Castle Glen development in the Fox Farm area.

Castle Glen is one of Big Bear's favorite neighborhoods. Castle Glen is a quick left up Eagle Ridge and is located on the top of what many locals used to refer to as Rattle Snake Mountain. The area was at one time an Eagle Preserve, and there are areas that are within Castle Glen that are designated as open areas for wildlife. Many eagles have been sighted by home owners in the area. Homes in the Castle Glen area have underground utilities and many homes have Lake or Ski Slope Views. The homes in these areas are currently starting in the low $600,000's and go up to $2,400,000. With 24 homes currently available in this area, buyers have some great properties to choose from. Interest rates are at historic lows and I believe that now is the best time in years to buy. 

This home on Starlight Circle closed escrow on the 25th of January, and set a new record for the highest sale ever in Castle Glen Estates at $1,900,000. This home was listed for sale with Mike Wochner who is a member of  "The Tim Wood Group"  Big Bear's Leading Real Estate Group.

As you can see the lake views were outstanding and the home was spectacular. With 4200 sqare feet of living space and a three car attached garage, this is one of the homes that buyers find irresistible.

The home below was sold in June 07 for $684,000. This home is 1940 square feet and the lot size is 12,345. It is a 3 bedroom and 2 bath home built in 2000.

Homes in the Castle Glen area that are similar to this home are now priced in the low $600,000's.

Just past Fox Farm Road are the 2 grocery stores and shopping centers. The Interlaken Shopping Center has a wide selection of stores including Starbucks, First Mountain Bank, Vons Grocery, Shelli's Gold Crown Hallmark, Maggios Italian Restaurant, Haus and Home Interiors, Nachos Mexican Food, Big Bear Cleaners, Rite Aid, and a Laundry Mat. Behind the Interlaken Center is the are named Eagles Knoll Estates. This is a gated community that share a common boat dock and has a number of lakefront homes on Meadow Circle. The photo below is taken from the back deck of a home on Meadow Circle North,

As you can see, the City of Big Bear Lake has many choices for buyers. Please contact me if you would like to have more information on any area of Big Bear. As a resident of over 18 years, I can help you find the Big Bear home that fits just right with your needs and budget.

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

steve@bigbeargallery.com

909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com/

The Fox Farm area of Big Bear is located near the center of Big Bear Valley on the South Shore. If you are driving on Big Bear Blvd South on Starvation Flats will get you into the Castle Glen development in the Fox Farm area.

Castle Glen is one of Big Bear's favorite neighborhoods. Castle Glen is a quick left up Eagle Ridge and is located on the top of what many locals used to refer to as Rattle Snake Mountain. The area was at one time an Eagle Preserve, and there are areas that are within Castle Glen that are designated as open areas for wildlife. Many eagles have been sighted by home owners in the area. Homes in the Castle Glen area have underground utilities and many homes have Lake or Ski Slope Views. The homes in these areas are currently starting in the low $600,000's and go up to $2,400,000. With 24 homes currently available in this area, buyers have some great properties to choose from. Interest rates are at historic lows and I believe that now is the best time in years to buy. 

This home on Starlight Circle closed escrow on the 25th of January, and set a new record for the highest sale ever in Castle Glen Estates at $1,900,000. This home was listed for sale with Mike Wochner who is a member of  "The Tim Wood Group"  Big Bear's Leading Real Estate Group.

As you can see the lake views were outstanding and the home was spectacular. With 4200 sqare feet of living space and a three car attached garage, this is one of the homes that buyers find irresistible.

The home below was sold in June 07 for $684,000. This home is 1940 square feet and the lot size is 12,345. It is a 3 bedroom and 2 bath home built in 2000.

Homes in the Castle Glen area that are similar to this home are now priced in the low $600,000's.

If you are interested in the Castle Glen neighborhood in Fox Farm, Big Bear Lake, give me a call.

As a former retailer, I used to joke...$5 dollar bills for $4.99...Let just run this advertisement in the paper this week and see what happens. We won't have any inventory to buy, and what ever we sell can just go back to the bank at the end of the day. I'd be happy to get people to walk through the door of my business for a penny.

Gimmicks are not the solution and giving away profit is not the answer.....Pricing property correctly, doing necessary repairs and maintenance, and making you home easy to show is the answer.

Many times when I meet with sellers these days they ask about buyer incentives and agent bonuses. As a Real Estate professional it is my opinion that this plants the wrong seed in the mind of a buyer.

First of all, what are you offering to the buyer? If it is a new roof, and the property needs a roof, why not get it done and make a positive statement. "NEW COMPOSITION ROOF" If a seller's home has pink carpet, by all means replace the carpet with a neutral color instead of offering a carpet allowance. "THIS HOUSE HAS NEW CARPET" If you're trying to sell and you need a paint job, get it done. "FRESHLY PAINTED" I believe in having a sellers home looking as close to what the current style and color theme that is available in new homes in the area is the right answer. Once a buyer sees a negative, most won't remember anything else about your home. Take advantage of the opportunities to make your homes negatives positive.

Buyer's agents in this market understand that a bonus is just that, a BONUS. Most often the home was still the best fit for the buyer and the agent that brought the buyer actually did find the bonus to be a bonus to them. More than likely they would have bought this house anyway.

Hiring an agency that advertises discount services, may plant an idea in the mind of a buyer that you are a discount seller. Think about it... when you drive up to a house that has a sign on it that says discount brokerage, don't you kind of get the feeling you might be working with a seller that could be just a little bit in need of some lubricant?

Sometimes in my retail career, local acquaintances would ask me if we gave a discount. I always use the standard response "Yes, Everything is half of double price today".

Exterior Front

581 Lakewood, Erwin Lake Area, Big Bear City, CA 92314                         $550,000

RANCH STYLE SINGLE LEVEL HORSE PROPERTY, COUNTRY LIVING, SECLUSION, 1.88 ACRES WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS, CLOSE TO RIDING TRAILS AND PACIFIC CREST TRAIL., EXISTING MATERIALS FOR CORRAL CONSTRUCTION INCLUDED, GRADED AREA FOR TENNIS COURT OR HORSE ARENA ETC., LARGE LIVING ROOM,ALL BEDROOMS OPEN TO SUNROOM,JACUZZI TUB'S IN BATH,NEWER KITCHEN APPLIANCES, RECENT ROOF AND EXTERIOR PAINT.

ML#: 273012 AREA: ERWL/ GER VRMPRI: N PROP: Equestrian TYPE: Residential BED: 3 STATUS: Active BATH: 2.000 YEAR BLT: 1976 #ROOMS: 6 STORIES: One Story DINE: FURNISH: None GARAGE: Two Car ,Attached Garage INV ON FILE: N APRX SF: 2,148 Sqft Fm Fiche WASH/DRY: Y BOAT FAC: Boat Storage Outside CATEGORY: Resale FIREPLACE: One FP ,FP In Liv Room POOL/SPA: Jet Bathtub VIEW: Mountain View ,View National Forest TOPO: Level FRONTAGE: BUILDINGS: XSTREET: ERWIN RANCH ROAD ZIP: 92314

INSIDE: Phone Jacks OUTSIDE: Deck ,Fenced ,Dual Pane Windows ,Partial Landscape ,R.V. Parking OTH ROOMS: Solarium/Attrium APPLIANCES: WTR/SEWER: UTILITIES: Bear Valley Electric ,Propane Tank Leased APN: 314 - 422 - 64 LOT: BLK: TR: LOT DIM: 0 x 0 ZONING: Rural Living LOT SF: 81,890 ACRES: 1.880 ROAD: Dirt Not Maintained PARKING: Parking Pad DRIVEWAYS: Concrete Driveway

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

steve@bigbeargallery.com

909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com/