Today we had 50 properties on this week's "hotsheet."  There were 22 new listings in Arrowhead Woods alone.  Of those 22, there was: 1 Lakefront ($8,900,000 at 27453 Bayshore - 7br, 7.5ba built in 2006) 1 condo ($294,000 for a 3br, 2.5ba near Tavern Bay, Willow Creek #29) 2 short sales (1148 Voltaire - 4br, 2.5ba built in 1966 for $379,000 and 1424 Innsbruck - 3br 3ba built in 1990 on 5+ acres, horse property) 3 lots ($165,000 on St. Anton, $580,000 on Hamiltair - gated community with dock rights, $ 175,000 at 26226 Augusta)   3 brand new homes (769 N. Golf Course - 3br 4.5ba for $769,000, 843 Jagerhorn - 5br 2.5ba for $739,900, and 26505 Walnut Hills - 3br 2ba for $549,000) Of the properties being "re-toured" in Arrowhead Woods there were 6 price reductions: 28462 North Bay - 4br 2.5ba... 04/03/2008

From Crestline, through the Lake Arrowhead communities and including the Running Springs areas, there are currently about 3 dozen properties listed in the MLS as REO or bank-owned properties.  That number is almost identical to the number last month.  Prices range from $104,900 to $534,900.  Additionally, there are 20 homes being advertised as short sales, ranging in price from $145,000 to $1,395,000. REO AND BANK-OWNEDPRICEAREASTREET ADDRESSBRBAYR BLT$104,900Arrowbear2294 Deep Creek 211981$129,000Arrowbear2315 Eagle Lane21.5 1977 $157,500Arrowbear 32918 Chipmunk Lane3 2 1960 $169,900Arrowbear2397 Independence 31.51964      $139,900Arrowhead Villas544 Arrowhead Villas 111952$189,900Arrowhead Villas551 Dover Court211980$199,900Arrowhead Villas 826 Community 3 2 1963       $225,000Arrowhe... 04/03/2008

The following chart represents sold single family homes in the Crestline/Lake Gregory market for the last 90 days as reported to the Rim Association of Realtors as of April 2, 2008.  Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty represented 44% of all sellers for this time period.CompanySold ListingsMarket ShareColdwell Banker Sky Ridge844%The Parkinson Group317%Remax317%Century 21 High Country 317%Exit Realty16%Total Sold Properties18For all of your real estate related needs on the mountain, contact Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty at 909.336.2131, on the web at www.mountainmoves.com or via email at steve@cbskyridge.com   04/02/2008

MobileI just discovered a very powerful tool that you may want to know about.  I have found that texting is a quick easy way to communicate with others.  Frequently being out and about, I need information quickly.  I just found out about a Google service that allows me to text a search query and receive back information instantly.Begin by texting 46645 which happens to spell google on most devices.  Then enter a search... such as:Search FeatureSample QueryLocal sushi 94040Weather weather bostonGlossary define zenithSports **score red soxMovies movies 94110Stocks stock tgtZip Codes zip code 72202Directions directions pasadena ca to 94043Maps map 5th avenue new yorkFlights ***flight aa 2111Area Codes area code 650Products price ipod player 40gbQ&A abraham lincoln birthdayAirlines ***unite... 04/02/2008

Steven R. Keefe | Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty | 909.336.2131 621 Brentwood Drive, Lake Arrowhead, CA Luxurious living on the Lake Arrowhead Country Club 4 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $1,550,000 Year Built 2001 Sq Footage 4,020 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 10,032 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Simply the highest quality home on the course. If you are looking for top quality in a premier location, this is the property. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Family room Bonus/Rec room Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Granite countertop Washer Dryer Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Golf Course Fro... 04/01/2008

This post covers only residential sales in Arrowhead Woods (not including condos, lots, or lakefront properties) for the first quarter of 2008 and shows listing and sales activity, including price ranges, median values and averages for days on market and list-to-sale percentages as compared to the first quarter of 2007.Though we are down in the number of new listings and sales as compared to last year, the median prices for both listings and sales are up.  In fact, the median sale price rose by $80,000.  Days on market are longer this year, on average, by almost a month and a half and seller are a tad looser in their negotiating (by a percent or two). We're still seeing an increase in the number of properties that had to do a price reduction (at least one from their original list prices... 04/01/2008

This post deals strictly with ARROWHEAD WOODS statistics as compared monthly to the prior year's activity.  This report is for single-family residences only and does not include lakefront homes, condos or lots.  We are tracking information regarding new listings and properties sold.  We are also looking at some of the averages - days on market and the list to sale percentages.  Lastly, we are seeing how many listings had to reduce their original list prices before they received an acceptable offer.March 2007 2008New ListingsMedian List PriceList Price Range92$497,000$287,500 - $1,899,50062$531,950$267,550 - $1,795,000Listings SoldMedian Sale PriceSale Price Range35$449,000$255,000 - $1,780,00014$582,500$190,000 - $1,225,000Average Days On MarketAverage List To Sale Percentage155.896.421... 04/01/2008

The following is a market update for the Lake Arrowhead area.  I have compiled data from the Rim o'the World Association of Realtors.  This is the activity from January 1, 2008 to April 1, 2008.  Arrowhead Woods Activity Since Jan 08       Active ListingsPrice Range # of Homes     $450,000.00$550,000.0050 $551,000.00$650,000.0044 $651,000.00$750,000.0032 $751,000.00$850,000.0016 $851,000.00$1,000,000.0022    Pending ListingsPrice Range # of Homes     $450,000.00$550,000.005 $551,000.00$650,000.004 $651,000.00$750,000.001 $751,000.00$850,000.004 $851,000.00$1,000,000.002    Sold ListingsPrice Range # of Homes     $450,000.00$550,000.007 $551,000.00$650,000.009 $651,000.00$750,000.004 $751,000.00$1,000,000.001     Looking to sell your home?  Pricing and advertising your home aggressively ... 04/01/2008

The following chart shows all single family listings that have sold comparing 1st quarter 2008 vs 2007 as reported to Rim Association of Realtors as of March 31, 2008.  Also identified are companies that represented the seller.  2008 is off 37% vs 2007 for number of sold transactions.  Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty maintains a nearly 50% market share of all listings that have sold in Lake Arrowhead. 04/01/2008

4 years ago today, Jamie and I took ownership of Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty, and Arrowhead Home Loans, Inc.  I have been affiliated first as a sales associate since 1989 then a loan officer from 1994 to 2004.Our organization is an extremely special team of people.  Thank you all for your dedication and hard work to make our 3 companies the great organization that they are.Steve and Jamie Keefe 03/31/2008

I have noticed over the last few weeks a marked increase in activity.  Today Monday March 31, 2008 I have noticed a large increase in the amount of activity in our market.  Usually things really turn on right after "Tax Day", but for some reason, we are getting an early spurt in activity.  I am not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.  I am going to embrace it and say thank you... I think the market on the mountain is going to enjoy a very strong season and I am looking forward to it.... what are you guys seeing out there. 03/31/2008

I can't stress enough that Buyers' really should do a home inspection and do their due diligence on purchasing a home.I am dealing with a buyer right now that has closed escrow and has a water leak in the bathroom.  Now this being said, I had asked him on numerous occasions to do a home inspection, but because of the cost he didn't want to do it.  The seller was asked about a stain that was dry and they explained that they didn't know about a leak.  The actual seller didn't live in this home on a full time basis.  The cost is not a huge amount when you start to think of the actual purchase you are doing.  The cost is between $250- $400 depending on the inspector you choose.  Now having a home inspection is not going to save you from the normal woes of being a home owner.  We all have th... 03/31/2008

Lakefront activity at zero, though with Spring and Summer coming, it won't be that way for long.  About 35 new residential listings mountain-wide and well over 100 homes in escrow.  Rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are fantastic and there are many properties to choose from.  Personally, buyer activity has been noticeably increased over the last week or two.  More and more people are coming around to the idea that the bottom is here (or is close enough any way) to feel confident about moving forward with a purchase.  Good deals are going quickly, so stay on top of price reductions and new listings.... ARROWHEAD WOODSNew Listings10Median Price$487,000Price Range$279,000 - $769,000  Active Listings329Median Price$534.900Price Range$225,000 - $5,995,000  Pending Listings31Median Price$469,... 03/31/2008

 Active Residential Listings: 1266 Active Residental Listings in Arrowhead Woods: 365 Pending Residential Sales: 120 Sold Residential Properites month to date: 35 New Residential Listings this week: 140 MLS wide Median Residential Sold Month-do-date: $250,000 Arrowhead Woods & Lake Front Median Sold Month-do-date: $675,000 (#13)  Source: MLS, Rim of the World Association of Realtors 03/30/2008

I know I've been focusing a lot on sellers in my recent posts - mainly because we're dealing with a market where buyers are few and listings, well.....aren't.With buyers wanting to get a great deal and take advantage of the current market conditions, I thought I'd spend a few minutes touching on what I think buyers should be keep in mind:Just because it is a bank-owned property doesn't mean it is a good deal.  You must stack the property up against recently sold homes in the area and what is currently on the market that is comparable.  Run the numbers, they don't lie.  Consider the neighborhood, what repairs you will need to do, etc.  Don't just look at the list price!  Dig deeper to get the true picture. Don't write offers for $100,000 below list price.  Don't waste your time.  Not in ... 03/30/2008

Make the front doors shine.  Remember the saying, "First Impressions are Everything". Well your homes front door is the first impression of your home you are trying to sell.  Living in an area that there are four seasons can take a beating on the front door.  Between the sunshine, the rain, the snow and anything else "Mother Nature" can throw at it, the paint and wood start to break down after just one season.Sand the door, clean it up, paint it, put a new front door mat out and sweep up.  Make your first impression the best one you can when selling your home. A little investment can make a world of difference on what a Buyer thinks.For all your real estate needs... Call me, Kim Kelley.Kim KelleyColdwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty909-336-7949 Direct Line909-725-1248 Cellwww.arrowheadelitep... 03/30/2008

Yesterday one of my agents sent me an email asking if lenders normally allow credits to buyers for repairs.  The deal was structured where the buyer was getting approximately a 3% credit to closing costs and another 3% for repairs.  The mortgage broker handling the transaction (not our in house lender) at the 11th hour informed the agent that the repairs will be required prior to close of escrow, the lender would not allow a credit of this type.  I asked the agent why the buyer used this lender.  I was told that this lender offered a better price.  Unfortunately this is an REO property that will not do the repairs prior to closing.  They will only credit the buyer through escrow.So much for the better price, because the deal isn't going to close.  The mortgage guy should have known, or ... 03/30/2008

It is a beautiful Lake Arrowhead day with the sun shining and warm temperature.  I went home for lunch with Michelle and we spied this squirrel in an oak tree just off our deck.After the harsh winter we've had, he was definitely soaking up the sun's rays.  He slept there, with his tail curled up over his head and his hands tucked beneath him for about an hour (we were amazed that he could stay perched there without falling) and then decided to move on.I can't wait for more warm weather to laze about in, though some rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. 03/29/2008

 CALTRANS COMMUNITY MEETINGCOME AND VOICE YOUR OPINION ON CONCERNS ABOUT OUR LOCAL ROADS!DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! The meeting is regarding upcoming projects impacting the mountain communities including HWY 189 IN BLUE JAY & HWY 173 Date:  TUESDAY, April 22, 2008Time: 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.Location: BURNT MILL BEACH CLUB For more information, please call the Lake Arrowhead Community Chamber of Commerce @909-337-3715LAKE ARROWHEAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCECAL TRANS LINK  03/29/2008

What can I say?  Another great day to tour homes on the market.  There are some good buys out there.  A cutie in Arrowhead Villas, with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, good parking also, priced at $229,000. If you are looking for a condo VERY close to the lake, , look no further, an upgraded unit with a dock, is available for $619,000. I particularly liked the redo on Nadelhorn, cute as can be with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. If you are looking for a lot of house, the bank owned at Cedarwood and North Bay Rd would be worth looking at. In Crestline I saw a great house, close to Lake Gregory, in super condition  and decorated perfectly.   Tour is a good time to network with fellow agents, comparing listings, and encouraging showings and feedback for my own listings on the market.  The word this week ... 03/29/2008