WEEKLY LAKE LEVEL INFO FROM ALALast Year's Reading - 5103.23 Friday, March 14 - 5105.80 Saturday, March 8 - No Reading Sunday, March 9 - No Reading Monday, March 10 - 5105.69 Tuesday, March 11 - 5105.71 Wednesday, March 12 - 5105.74 Thursday, March 13 - 5105.77 The water temperature is 46.6 degrees.(Full is 5106.70 according to ALA, we had some rain over the weekend, so I will be excited to see what it says after today's reading!) 03/17/2008

For the die-hard skiers, snowboarders and snowman/lady makers, today is perfect weather for it. Last night a storm came and left us with a beautiful blanket of the fresh, white powder. But, if you're heading up for a day of fun, check road conditions, check weather conditions and pack the car with chains, extra warm clothes and a big smile!Local ski resorts:Snow Valley My little birdhouse outside..... 03/16/2008

 Whether it is San Diego, Orange County or Los Angeles the bright lights and big city can be a fantastic place to live, work and play... ...but the city hustle and bustle can create a little stress from time to time... WATER TO WATER CONNECTION ~There is a easy and gorgeous solution... The Solution? IS LAKE ARROWHEAD. A Gem in the San Bernardino Mountains...Get out of the mainstream and into some adventure in Lake Arrowhead. Whether you are looking for a weekend retreat or a new way of life, there is something for everyone. Less than a 2 hour drive from the OC, LA, or San Diego Counties... this makes the LA to LA connection possible. Lake Arrowhead has four seasons and they are stunning. This is one of the most beautiful times of the year to pack up the family car and head up. We just h... 03/16/2008

Twin Peaks is a beautiful area, located between Crestline and Blue Jay.  Being the highest community in elevation of all of the Lake Arrowhead sub-communities, it is usually crisp and cool most of the year 'round.  Also because of the elevation, this area also receives more accumulation snow in the wintertime, literally turning it into a "winter wonderland" during the colder months.Twin Peaks is perfectly located for the many people who commute to "down-the-hill" jobs with it's proximity to Highway 18.  Within town limits, there are many benefits as well:  The Club (gym), post office, a small market, auto repair shop, fire and sherrif's department, senior housing and recreation center, baseball field, Grandview Elementary School, Calvary Chapel, the Historic Antler's Inn, rental cabins,... 03/14/2008

Greetings from beautiful Lake Arrowhead. It's a wonderful time to come up & buy your dream vacation home.Interest rates are still low & their are some excellent values for you.Call me at my toll free number 800-221-6103 ext 314 or email me at berambert@earthlink.net I am here to serve you.Bill Erambert 03/14/2008

Steven R. Keefe, Broker/Owner Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge RealtyArrowhead Home Loans, Inc.www.mountainmoves.comsteve@mountainupdate.com(909)  336-2131 Marketing the Globes Most Magnificent Estates Since 1933 Coldwell Banker Previews International pioneered the sophisticated global approach to marketing high end-properties. For over six decades, Previews has represented an impressive array of the world's most fabulous real estate-and a Who's Who of the most illustrious names in business, entertainment, diplomacy and politics.Built over many decades, the Previews network of international connections is unparalleled. Today, Coldwell Banker, Previews International represents the highest level of knowledge, experience and discretion in the specialized art of selling exceptional properties.Powe... 03/14/2008

Looks like we'll be getting some weather this weekend, though the debate rages whether it will be "wet" or "white."  Some are saying that the snow level will drop to about 4000 feet.  Regardless of whether the storm system delivers drops or flakes, it should be arriving in the area in the latter part of Saturday and be gone on Monday.Below are two links for area weather that I have found to be relatively accurate.  Of course, at this time of year in the mountains, weather is totally unpredictable.  So, if you're planning to make your way up the hill this weekend, it is worth it to check the updated information before you head out the door.http://www.bensweather.com/.  This site focuses on Big Bear weather and gives measurements of precipitation based on a higher elevation, so bear in mi... 03/13/2008

I do a lot of shopping online.  Whenever I am looking to make a purchase, I log on to google and do some research to find out the best place to buy whatever it is I am looking for.Today more than 85% of homebuyers do as I do and log on to begin their search for a home.  Rapidly, the internet is becoming the method of choice for sellers to sell and buyers to buy because of the quality and quantity of the information available.  Consumers, however should be advised that reliance on the internet is not without risk.Buying a $100 box of cigars is one thing, a $500,000 home quite another.Believe it or not, there are people that are entering into real estate transactions site unseen, all virtually.  From my experience there are a few pitfalls people shopping online for homes should consider.P... 03/13/2008

I got a call a few weeks ago from a friend wanting to know where they could go to get information in vacation rentals here in the Lake Arrowhead area.  I instantly picked up the phone and called my friends at Arrowhead Property Rentals who arranged a fantastic cabin for my friends family to enjoy for a long weekend.  During their stay, they made contact with one of our sales agents and bought a condo.  I guess they fell in love with the area!There are vacation rentals of all shapes and sizes available for your enjoyment.  If you have an interest in what is available, shoot me an email at steve@mountainupdate.com  or  by phone a (909) 336-7995 and I will put you in touch with the experts in vacation rentals. 03/13/2008

Current Market in Arrowhead Woods(Arrowhead Woods, Residential only) Active listings 314Contingent listings 3In Escrow listings 33Closed transactions (since 2/1/08) 16Average list price on solds (since 1/1/08) $637,261Average sale price (since 1/1/08) $559,364Average Days on Market 173 Current Lakefront MarketActive listings 28Contingent listings 0In Escrow listings 0Listings sold since (1/1/08) 3Average list price on solds (since 1/1/08) $2,325,000Average sale price (since 1/1/08) $2,106,000Average Days on Market 218(All data pulled from Rim o the World MLS) 03/12/2008

Bald Eagle Census"Big Bear Lake, CA - The fourth and final bald eagle census of 2008 spotted six (6) adults and two (2) immatures as volunteers spent an hour last Saturday observing eagles at several mountain area lakes....Eleven volunteers at Lake Arrowhead observed one (1) adult bald eagle. Twenty-two volunteers observed two (2) adult eagles at Lake Hemet. Volunteers at Lake Silverwood observed two (2) adults....Thus a total of at least eight (8) bald eagles (6 adults, 2 immature) are currently spending their winter vacations in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains."(Michael P. Neufeld)Apparently since the lakes and rivers up north freeze in the winter and ours do not, the Bald Eagles choose to vacation here. I have to agree! What a great place to vacation, not only for the gr... 03/12/2008

 I am amazed at how people treat each other.  I can't tell you how many times I've been having a conversation with someone and their cell phone rings.  That the phone rings doesn't bother me at all.  I can't believe it, though, when people actually break-off our discussion to answer the call.  How rude!  I can't think of many other ways that someone can say, "You're not nearly as important to me as the other person who is calling." In a day and age where people are expected to be reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every week of the year, common courtesy has flown out the window.  If it wasn't a cell phone ringing, but another person walking up and interrupting two people talking, most people would be outraged.  In my opinion, I shouldn't be proof of Pavlov's theory each time my ce... 03/12/2008

If you are looking for someone with knowledge and experience, you have come to the right place!  Michelle Hutton is one of the best agents in the Lake Arrohwead Market.Michelle has been working in the real estate business on the mountain since 1988 and can give you the tools you need to make the right decisions. Lake Arrowhead has been her full time home since 1980, and she has spent vacation time here since 1968.  A graduate from Rim of the World High School in 1983 she began raising her family here in 1988.  Michelle feels Lake Arrowhead is the perfect place to call home.  We are 1 1/2 hours to the beach or desert.   It is a short 45 minute drive to Ontario International Airport and we are surrounded by world class medical treatment such as Loma Linda University Medical Center.We enj... 03/12/2008

Steven R. Keefe, Broker/Owner Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge RealtyArrowhead Home Loans, Inc.http://www.mountainmoves.com/steve@cbskyridge.com(909)  336-2131 You have my contact information above.  I invite you to use it.  This site has been designed and is intended to provide real estate information for the Southern California Mountains.  Please let me know if you need further information on any of the topics, or if you have a suggestion for something I should cover.  My objective is to provide service by creating a resource for our customers, agents and the general public.  Please let me know your thoughts. 03/12/2008

March 11, 2008, Lake Arrowhead CASteve Keefe, Broker Owner of Coldwell Banker is proud to announce the implementation of Relay Transaction Management in its state of the art Lake Arrowhead Operation.  Relay offers state of the art transaction management and online document storage and retrieval for agents and customers.  The system promotes better communicaiton between the parties to the transaction and smoother, faster and more efficient closing.Relay is a Realtor owned transaction management system that has the following components:Document ControlRELAY sycronizes documents with Winforms online.RELAY stores digital documents on a secure web server.Agent controls who can upload, view and modify each document.Documents can viewed, printed and emailed from RELAYRELAY maintains version hi... 03/11/2008

A topic that isn't often covered in our Lake Arrowhead real estate conversations is lot and land sales.  Undeveloped land can often be a great investment, whether you are looking for a site to build a future dream home, or to hold onto for resale down the road.Lots in Arrowhead Woods sold for a median price of $80,000 in 2006 with sale prices ranging from $10,000 to $375,000 (a total of 76 lots sold).  In 2007, 66 lots sold with a median sale price of $68,500 (down almost 15%).  The sale prices for 2007 ranged from $19,000 to $875,000.Currently there are 64 active listings for land in Arrowhead Woods.  Prices start at $39,500 (have all the bottom-end listings been bought-up?) and top-out at $695,000.   This puts the median list price at $92,250.  So far in 2008, there have been six lots... 03/11/2008

Lake Arrowhead is the premier destination for a world class resort.    There are currently 340 homes on the market in Lake Arrowhead.Cabins to to EstatesPrice range $225K - $5.5M Lake Front homes are an incredible way to experience this beauty... Hiking trails out the back door, meander down to your own dock, drive across the lake for breakfast with the family.29 Lake Fronts on the marketPrice range $900K- $9.9MDockTrailsUp close and personal with the lakeIf you are looking for Golf Course frontage homes, look no further, one of the most beautiful courses in So California is sitting right here in Lake Arrowhead.  Pull out the golf cart and enjoy the lifestyle here.13 Golf Course Frontage homesPrice range $595K - $2.5MPrivate Country ClubStill close to the lake...Kim Kelley RealtorColdwe... 03/11/2008

 Starting in mid June... and going through mid August... Every 2 weeks there will be a new group of 500 kids, ages 10-15 going to Idol Camp at Pali Mountain.  There are 20 concerts already planned to take place in Lake Arrowhead and Blue Jay.  Kids from all over the Nation will be coming to be a part of history.Information below from www.idolcamp.com  This summer, you'll have the chance to perform and grow in two magical weeks at the ultimate summer camp: Idol Camp. Former Idols*, performing artists*, and inspiring teachers will show you how to take your skills to the next level.· Applications available for Summer 2008!· Now open to 10-15 year olds.· New West Coast location!* Confirmation to participate pendin 03/10/2008

   A little-known place for many people who visit our mountains is the Arrowhead Fish & Game Conservation Club, Inc.  Casually known as "The Rifle Range" by locals, this facility is located on Highway 173, 1 mile north of Grass Valley Road.   I've spent many hours shooting at millions of targets and spent countless cartridges there over the years.  I remember shooting a .22 for the very first time there with my Cub Scout troop (gosh, that was almost 3 decades ago)!  Michelle has acquired "trigger itch" since we've been together and we have frequented the trap range to throw some targets in the evenings before the sun goes down or on our "date days."  It is a great way to have some fun close to home.Facilities include an outdoor pistol range (200 yards), an outdoor rifle range (200 yards... 03/10/2008

Before my family moved to Lake Arrowhead--in 1991--I did as much research as possible about the area. We knew the schools were awesome, which was actually the reason we were moving here. Most of our education, however, came from our wonderful Realtor, via "word of mouth." She was always on top of it. Those days, we made calls and did a lot of mailing back and forth to gain knowledge: Things to do, places to see, where to eat, etc.  Today, thanks to the information highway (INTERNET), we have instant access to an area before we ever leave home. I hope the sites below we will helpful to you in your search. Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commence:     Lake Arrowhead CHAMBERAbout Lake Arrowhead: Lake Arrowhead NetLake Arrowhead Visitors Center: Visitors CenterSchool District: Rim of the World Sc... 03/10/2008