Big Bear Real Estate Blog

ONE OF THE BEST AVAILABLE SKI SLOPE VIEWS FROM THIS MOONRIDGE GET-AWAY. THIS CABIN HAS ROOM FOR A BIG GROUP. MANY UPGRADES INCLUDING SLATE FLOORING, T&G VAULTED CEILINGS,STACK WASHER/DRYER, HOT TUB,DISHWASHER,LARGE DECK W/UNBEATABLE MTN VIEWS. THIS HOME HAS BEEN A SUCCESSFUL RENTAL. BRING YOUR PET..FENCED BACKYARD. HIGH QUALITY STORAGE SHED INCLUDED.

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 shown above, currently there are 18 pending sales in the Moonridge area.

59 properties have sold year to date in Moonridge.

Closed Sales have included:

7 under $200,000

21 between $200,000 - $300,000

17 between $300,000 - $400,000

7 between $400,000 - $500,000

2 between $500,000 - $600,000

1 between $600,000 - $700,000

2 between $700,000 - $1,000,000

2 over $1,000,000

Interesting Facts

• We have 216 active listings in the Moonridge area. Using the average sales of 10 per month through June,  the absorption rate tells us the we have a 21 month supply.
• Closing prices are within 7% of list price.
• Almost 65% of the sales in Moonridge are now under $400,000.
• With 271 residential sales in Big Bear, Moonridge has had 21.8% of the total number of sales year to date.
• Last year in the same period Moonridge sales where only 17.5% of the total, that is a 24.5% increase over last year.

If you would like to discuss Real Estate in the Big Bear area, feel free to e-mail or call me.

Steve Hirschler

Worrying about what you pay, instead of what you get, is a mistake that will cost a seller thousands in the current Real Estate market.

• Pick a quality agent from a local brokerage and expect professional service.
• List with a discount brokerage and expect a discounted offer.
• Put a sign in your yard that says "I'm cheap" or "I'm desperate" and expect cheap buyers writing cheap offers.

Q. Is a Real Estate commission negotiable?

A. Yes. First let's look at the services being provided and the costs that are associated with them. We should talk about the commission that you are requesting and I will need to decide whether or not I am willing to work for the commission that you want to pay. It's a business decision for both of us.

Q. Should I increase the commission offered to the buyers agent?

A. No. The commission must be the same as other homes in the area and price range, and anything above that should be applied to a price reduction. Extra commissions are bonuses, but I can't sell a house because it pays me more.

Q. Will you list my house for a lower commission?

A. Yes. The commission is negotiable. If we set the price well below market value to reduce the costs associated with marketing the house. Most seller's would benefit from listing closer to market value and paying the extra commission.

Q. What if you list the house and sell it, will you take less?

A. No. If we are lucky enough for this to happen Mr. Seller, you win. If I bring a qualified buyer to your house and we have the luxury of having the agent the knows the house the best show it, you win. If I can tell them why it is worth the list price and show them the comparables that where used to establish the list price, you win.

Q. What is more important, the price or the commission?

A. The Price. Don't make the mistake of focusing on commission when listing your house. Pricing your home correctly is the single most important factor in determining when or if your home sells. 

If you are a seller and your first concern is the commission (big red flag) , you will start out with the wrong agent and end up with less money in your pocket. Experienced agents want to help you get the most they can for your property and just want a fair commission from the close of the deal.

Seller's that allow their agent to guide them through the sales process will benefit. Successful Real Estate agents in today's market bring local knowledge and transaction skills that net sellers more and provide smooth timely closings. If you want less service and less knowledge, go with a discount service, and expect to get what you pay for.

Steve Hirschler

GREAT VALUE ON THIS FOX FARM HOME. 2 CAR DETACHED GARAGE PLUS CARPORT. DETACHED GUEST AREA WITH 1/2 BATH IS THE 3RD BEDROOM. CORNER LOT IS CENTRALLY LOCATED MINUTES FROM BOTH SKI AREAS,RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING. FAMILY ROOM WITH WET BAR AND LIVING ROOM BOTH HAVE WOOD BURNING FIREPLACES. LOTS OF PINE TREES AND QUIET LOCATION. WASHER/DRYER HOOKUPS AND FURNISHED PER INVENTORY.

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

Often buyers have asked me this question, so I thought I would write a post on this subject.

In California a good faith deposit is given at the time an offer is made. A good faith deposit will show a seller that you are a serious buyer, and building the seller's trust is important. A deposit paid by a buyer to a seller to demonstrate intention to complete the purchase. also called earnest money.  While good faith deposits can be as little as one dollar, I recommend a 3% good faith deposit. When I review an offer for a seller, the good faith deposit gives me an idea as to the strength of the buyer, and a weak deposit sends up a red flag. The good faith deposit is held in the escrow. The liquidated damage clause (if initialed by both the buyer and seller) states that if the buyer fails to complete the purchase because of buyer default, the seller shall retain the good faith deposit not to exceed 3%. If the liquidated damages are not initialed and the buyer breaches the contract, the seller could sue for more than the 3% if the sller can prove default by the buyer. Contingencies must be removed in writing before a buyer is in default. If the buyer has not removed their contingencies and has stated one of the contingencies as their reason for not performing, the seller is not entitled to retain the good faith deposit. If you want to get the sellers attention, and purchase the property at the best price, the good faith deposit can help. Weak good faith deposits tell the seller that you may be a buyer that is not qualified, lacking funds to close, or fishing on a number of different properties. The good faith deposit will be applied to the down payment and closing costs at the close of escrow.

 Down payments are paid as final funds at the close of escrow. Depending on the loan amount down payments can be any amount. Obviously the larger a down payment the stronger the offer. All cash offers are the strongest offers, but a well qualified buyer with a strong down payment of 20% are welcomed by most sellers and lenders. With new lender requirements a strong down payment helps reduce the risk for the lender by creating equity in the property and decreasing the loan to value equation.

If you would like to discuss Big Bear Real Estate , please give me a call.

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