So you decide to drive up to Big Bear for a weekend and wonder if there is something to do. Our Mountain Community offers year round activities and 300+ days of sunshine per year. So, get out and enjoy paradise in the mountains. Here are 5 reasons to be in Big Bear. 1. Summers are cooler, could be 20+ degrees cooler than "down the hill" 2. No Smog! 3. 7 mile lake with 22 miles of shoreline. How about some water skiing, parasailing or rent a pontoon boat. 4. Take a hike - we are surrounded by the forest, go out and explore. The Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair is now open daily effective June 21st and runs through September 1st. 5. Buy your own piece of paradise. Prices are down and inventory is up. Start your search here. 5.5 Concerts, car shows, motorcycle runs, antique/craft faires, road ... 06/22/2008

With the market being like it is, more and more Realtor's are attempting to sell real estate in market's that they are not familiar with. Even though it is most likely in their client's best interest's to refer them to a local agent who can make better informed decision's on market condition's and actually be able to show up for thing's like home inspection's.  They are so desperate for a sale that they will drive up here from two hour's away and make offers and take listing's in an area they know nothing about. In my opinion, they are doing their client's a grave disservice. To illustrate my point, I am going to relate my experience yesterday with a home I put into escrow. I received an email inquiry from a couple who saw one of my listing's on the Internet. Within a few moment's I was... 06/16/2008

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... 06/15/2008

Bank Owned Properties in Big Bear seem to be just in two different groups.  Some seem to be priced to sell, and others aren't.  A good way to judge the listing price of the property is to look at the last sales price and date.  If you can purchase the property at a substantial percentage below the previous sale, for the most part you should be getting a fair price.  Now of course as with all real estate, each property needs to be scrutinized individually.  But as a general rule of thumb, a property priced 25% or more below it's 2006 (or earlier) sales price should be a good value. Here are five Big Bear Bank Owned Properties that meet that criteria. Listed over 33% below last sale price 722 SUMMIT - Commercial two unit property.  Two Bedrooms and Two Bath 960 sq foot cabins.  Newer log ... 06/10/2008

I just wanted to let everybody know that we are going to be sponsoring a tour of the best bank owned homes in Big Bear. The first tour is going to be on July 12th at 1:00 pm. We are going to be meeting at the Coldwell Banker office at 42153 Big Bear Blvd. The tour will take anywhere between two to three hours. We will be providing refreshments and snacks at no charge to anybody who wants to come along. If you want to sign up, just follow this link http://www.bigbearreo.com/big-bear-bank-owned-prope.html . Space is limited, so the sooner you reserve your spot, the better. We will be doing the tour every Saturday after the 12th. So, if you can't make it then, don't despair. Just contact us and we will put you on the next one. Also, we can show property any day of the week if you can't mak... 06/09/2008

This bank owned property just closed escrow today. I am posting it to shed a little light on how the market is dealing with bank owned properties at this time. The home is located at 332 Downey, in a nice area in east Big Bear City. The home itself is 2,760 square feet and sits on a 10,539 square foot lot. It was built in 1973 and is in fair condition. It last sold in 2006 for $425,000.00. After it went into foreclosure, the current listing price was $249,900.00. It sold for $265,000.00, $15,100.00 more than it was listed for. It just goes to show you, the market on bank owned properties is really heating up. The properties that are good deals are receiving multiple offers and are selling at or above list price. If you see a bank owned home that you want to purchase, be aware of this f... 06/03/2008

  Many consumers are unclear with some of the terms in today's Real Estate market. "REO" (Real estate owned) is property that the bank acquires through foreclosure. The bank has already had an auction on the property and did not find a buyer. Currently REO properties are abundant in most California markets. These homes are often priced well and represent some of the best values.    REO's are far easier transactions than short sale properties. REO escrows are often completed in 30 days or less.  One problem the banks are having with properties in the Big Bear area is our member only MLS (Multiple Listing Service) access. Many local Realtors only see the properties that are listed in the Big Bear MLS and are unaware of REO properties that are listed in other areas. It really is a disservi... 05/31/2008

Hi Everybody, I just wanted to tell everybody who read's my blog and is interested in Big Bear real estate that we are going to be planning a great opportunity to view the best bank owned properties in Big Bear. We are still in the planning stages at the moment, but we are trying to put together a tour of Big Bear Bank Owned Homes. Depending on the amount of interest and reservations, we may even rent a bus to accomodate everybody. We want to get our most knowledgable agents as guides and  show prospective buyers the best deals available today. We are going to have a catered lunch and refreshments free of charge. It is going to be a good time and an easy way to see all of the bank owned homes in the valley. 05/29/2008

Sold year to date in Baldwin Lake, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake Central, Big Bear Lake East, Big Bear Lake West, Erwin Lake, Fawnskin, Fox Farm, Lake Williams, Moonridge, Sugarloaf, and Whispering Forest.   QUICK FACTS Closed residential sales in 2008 for Big Bear Valley. 210 sold YTD as of 5/27/2008. Average list to sold price is 95%. Average days on the market 140. There are 105 pending (in escrow) and 1188 active listings.   The top 3 highest price sales YTD have had representation by Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery Realtors / The Tim Wood Group.     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.stev... 05/27/2008

Originally posted at www.bigbearilluminated.com This is a bank owned property I just closed escrow on this Friday. This home had suffered around 80k in fire damage last year. I did the comps and determined that this home would probably sell between 480k and 520k, if it was rehabbed. The home was priced at $229,000. My client started out at $200k with no contingencies, a 10 day escrow, and all cash. It turns out several other buyers liked it as well. The bank countered back with best and final on all offers. I told my client if he really wanted this home than he needed to figure out how high he could afford to go and then make a maximum bid. So, we bid $253,000, all cash and we got it. We were lucky due to an even higher offer coming in right after ours was accepted. This just goes to p... 05/25/2008

  Big Bear Lake is near full and a great place to visit and get out of the summer heat. We have cabins in Big Bear starting under $200,000. I can show you any home in Big Bear regardless of the listing agents. For a free search of the Big Bear MLS listings with no obligation, just click here Big Bear MLS search 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   05/22/2008

  Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Monthly  10 Year 2008 % of  Rank Average Average                                                             Jan 96 125 125 158 130 194 163 128 139 77 12 134 44 33% Feb 97 126 158 128 148 169 173 147 112 80 11 134 43 32% Mar 132 183 174 168 187 197 219 186 118 99 9 166 59 35% Apr 110 159 169 150 213 227 238 170 131 81 10 165 65 39% May 129 151 193 182 269 200 268 171 132 99 8 179   0% Jun 154 161 198 207 224 199 246 188 148 78 7 180   0% Jul 188 195 180 187 247 228 275 171 108 95 6 187   0% Aug 185 191 256 264 292 246 263 198 159 106 1 216   0% Sep 202 231 248 199 274 281 263 228 121 82 2 213   0% Oct 216 188 270 224 302 227 236 199 123 77 3 206   0% Nov 221 227 217 187 241 231 224 192 115 87 4 194   0% Dec 179 237 194 199 276 216... 05/20/2008

Originally Posted At www.bigbearilluminated.com I just wanted to rant a little bit about something that happened to me this weekend, and since this is my blog and I can do as I please, here goes:) I was out showing bank owned Big Bear homes to a very nice couple on Saturday. Since they were walk-in's and already had a list of homes they wanted to see, I didn't have time to plan out our excursion. Given time, I can usually call ahead and be ready with all codes etc. There are many bank owned properties up here that are listed by off the hill agents. They don't want to take the time or spend the money to join our board. This means that the houses don't have lock boxes that work with our supra keys. If we want to show the home, we have to call the listing office, find the listing agent, an... 05/19/2008

Originally posted at www.bigbearilluminated.com We just listed this bank owned property located in Erwin Lake. This manufactured home is a great buy at only $145,000. It is almost 1,000 square feet and looks like it is brand new. The paint looks fresh and the carpets have been recently cleaned. It even has washer and dryer hookups. Don't let this one pass you by. It would be perfect for both a vacation cabin or full time living. Call or email me today for an appointment to take a look at this great deal. 05/15/2008

It seems sellers want to use every type of method to price their home except the market conditions. You might as well sit down and play spin the bottle. The other players at the table are: I owe this much. (Check out my new car and boat) I want this much. ( I think you can sell a Yugo for $50,000 if you run an ad on the Superbowl) I need this much. (Buyers care how much I need) I don't really need to sell. ( I just want to waste your time and money) My brother is an agent in another state and he said its worth .... (and he knows more about this market than you do) The house across the street is priced at ......(it's been on the market for 2 years with no offers) Pricing your home with any method other than market conditions and comparable sales will result in loosing the shirt off your ... 05/11/2008

If you are shopping for a mountain home here in Big Bear, bring your checkbook. There are houses that sell in the first 2 weeks on the market, and then there are homes that reach the correct price and suddenly become the best deal. Either way, the ability to recognize these deals comes from inventory knowledge. Buyer's in this market will need an agent that is up to date on the ever changing Big Bear Real Estate inventory. If you are a seller in this market, get ready to play hard ball. 42220 Evergreen, Big Bear Lake,CA listed at $650,000 in escrow. On the market 11 days. Price your house based on anything other than market conditions and you will fail. You will be one of the other 1100 overpriced listings. Buyers are ruthless and want the very best value. Once identified, these houses ... 05/11/2008

Just a quick snapshot of what is happening in the Big Bear Market.There are 1154 residential listings on our MLS.There are 122 residential properties in escrow.Year to date, there have been 172 sales.Of the 1154 listings, 47 are either bank owned or short sales. 05/08/2008

This bank owned home was just listed by Keller Williams a little bit ago. It is located in Big Bear City in a heavily treed lot, on a quiet street. At 1,310 square feet, this home has three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The yard is a roomy 5,000 square feet and is fenced in the back. Overall, it is in good condition with only a little work needed to transform it into a perfect vacation cabin or full time home. This home last sold for $300,000 in 2005. It was upgraded with new paint and flooring before it went into foreclosure. It is currently listed at $265,000. If you would like to get more information on this home, or any other listed on the Big Bear MLS please don't hesitate to contact me at your convenience.. Originally Posted At http://www.bigbearilluminated.com/   * This home just lowe... 05/03/2008

    1.   $110,000 1536 E Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear City, CA 92314 This A frame 902 sqft home is a 2 bedroom 1 bath home on large lot (8529 sq. ft.).  It overlooks Shay Meadows and needs some updating but is a fabulous deal!                     2.   $118,900 870 Victoria, Sugarloaf, CA 92386 This is a nice 1 bedroom cabin 3 lots from the National Forest in Sugarloaf.  It sits on a double lot, has a level entry and is a single story home.  You won't get lost walking around this one because it's only 432 sqft but it's one of the 10 least expensive homes in Sugarloaf.         3.   $222,900 776 Elm Street, Moonridge, CA 92315 Great investor property with 3 units (2 studios, and a 1 bedroom unit in back) close to Bear Mountain Ski Resort and Bear Mountain Golf Course.  This would make an excel... 04/30/2008

Originally posted on the Big Bear Real Estate Blog.Accepted offer doesn't mean Sold HouseIn today's Real Estate Market nothing is certain.  Opening an escrow is just the beginning of the fun.  Escrows seem to be "falling out" almost as fast as they are opening up. Will the property appraise?  Is the loan program a buyer qualified for last month still available?  Is the buyer serious and ready to purchase a property or were they just "fishing" to see how low they could get a seller down in their price?  While these are just a few of the issues we are dealing with everyday in today's market, they definitely aren't the only ones.  With so many properties on the market, it seems like everyone has time to "keep looking" for that steal without worrying about missing out on the "one".REOs fall... 04/29/2008