514 Riviera Drive, Lake Arrowhead Offered at $879,900 located in one of the best locations in Lake Arrowhead.  Across the street from Lake Arrowhead Country Club.  This home has nearly every amenity.  Great Family home or second home retreat.  Totally remodled with many upgrades.  Truly a geat value and great house.For more detailed information on this house visit www.cbskyridge.com or email me at steve@cbskyridge.com 02/20/2008

 Lake Front living is the ultimate lifestyle here in Lake Arrowhead.  Have your own private dock to walk down to with your lake front home.  With 29 lake fronts on the market, with prices ranging from the $995,000 mark to the $11,000,000 price range.  When you live in Lake Arrowhead it is a private lake that is exclusive for property owners of Lake Arrowhead only.  Join the Lake Arrowhead Yacht club and have the ultimate lake experience.  The yacht club is open durning the Spring and Summer months and offers a restuarant, bar and day dock sites.  Join in with the sailing club and compete for the gold cup.  Kim Kelley Realtor @ Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty909-336-7949 Direct Line909-725-1248 CellLake Arrowhead CaliforniaLog on to  www.ArrowheadEliteProperties.com  02/19/2008

 26 Homes available in Lake Arrowhead built in 2007-2008Prices Range from $375,000 to $2,575,000All with full lake rightsBlue Jay VillageLake Arrowhead VillageGolf Course AreaPalisades areaCedar RidgeNorth ShoreWith the vast area of Lake Arrowhead surrounded by the National Forest, this is a great time to buy a new construction home in Lake Arrowhead.  Settle in before summer hits and enjoy the skiing and boating of the Lake Arrowhead Private Lake.  Contact me today for your personalized list of available properties in your desired pricing.Kim Kelley Realtor @ Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty909-336-7949 Direct Line909-725-1248 CellLake Arrowhead Californiawww.ArrowheadEliteProperties.com 02/19/2008

Population1980........6,3001990........11,9602000.......12,982Full Time residents:  53.8%Part Time residents:  46.2%Lake FactsLake Arrowhead is a private lake governed by the Arrowhead Lake Association, and is for restricted use by Lake Arrowhead property owners.Lake Size:  782 Acres (capacity)Shoreline:  14 MilesElevation:  5108Maximum depth:  185Lake width:  1.5 milesLake length:  2.2 milesThe earliest settlements by Europeans in this area were due to the logging industry. In the 1800's, Chinese work crews dug a series of tunnels through the San Bernardino mountains connecting to Lake Arrowhead. A narrow gauge steam train ran along what is now "Rim of the World" highway, through Running Springs and into Grass Valley. The tower that stands in the middle of Lake Arrowhead is 195 feet hi... 02/19/2008

If your looking for an exclusive country club lifestyle, look no further than Lake Arrowhead.  The Lake Arrowhead Country Club offers some of the most excellent greens in the area.  A new facility for the club house, pro-shop, pub and restuarant.  Golf, play tennis, hang by the pool, or just sit back and relax and have a cocktail.  Have the best of everything with a home right on the golf course, I would be happy to set up your personalized profile on homes available in the golf course area.Country Club membership is as follows:Golf Equity $15,000 initiation plus $435 Monthly DuesTennis Equity $2,500 initiation plus $202.50 Monthly Dues (golf allowed 6 times a year Mon-Thurs after 2PM)Non-Equity Tennis-Social $1,500 initiation plus $150 Monthly Dues (Includes Putting and Pool Privledge... 02/19/2008

WEATHER CONDITIONSThe Sure-Fire, 100% Guaranteed-To-Be-Right Weather PrognosticatorIf you want to know for sure what the weather will be, I haven't found a better way yet than an ordinary rock placed on your front yard.*  If the rock is wet, it's raining.*  If the rock is dry, it's fair.*  If the rock casts a shadow, it's sunny.*  If the rock is white, it's snowing.*  If the rock is hard to see, it's foggy.Though the above seems overly simplistic, it truly is the best way to determine the weather in our mountains.  One minute it can be sunny and warm and the next, the clouds have poured over the Rim and we're enveloped in fog, rain or snow (depending on the season).I think I should have been a weather forecaster. I don't know of another profession where you can be wrong a good percentag... 02/19/2008

OUTDOOR SAFETY My dad, Gary Steffens (left), during training session with the Rim of the World Search & Rescue TeamOne of the greatest blessings I had growing up in these mountains was a father that loved the outdoors.  Though I Iearned many things from my involvement in Boy Scouts, I learned many times more from my dad as we spent time hunting and fishing together, cutting and splitting firewood, driving the forest roads, camping and hiking.  I learned so much from him - and many others learned from his experiences as well. That is because Gary Steffens isn't just my dad, he was a member of the Rim of the World Search and Rescue Team for 35 years.   He is an expert tracker and has tale after tale about rescuing lost hikers, searching for downed aircraft and pulling people from cars tha... 02/19/2008

 Winter in the San Bernardino Mountains has always been a magical time for me.  I have many fond memories of sledding and snowball fights as a child.  We used to build snow caves and make snow cones with the fresh snow and Kool-aid.  When the trees are flocked with snow and hanging icicles, there are few things that are prettier. Start making your own winter-time memories.  Contact us today to find out more about buying the perfect mountain getaway for you, your family and your friends.  Visit our website at:  www.GregSteffens.com 02/19/2008

QUICK BUYER / SELLER TIPS  BUYERS:Ah, to be a buyer!  What a great time in Lake Arrowhead real estate to be looking for a home.  There are, however, certain things that you should know.1)  There are great loans to be had!  The current issues with the lending community are directly linked to the melt-down of the sub-prime market.  This crisis, however, does not effect most home buyers whose loans fall within conforming loan limits (maximum of $417,000 loan, 680 FICO, full documentation).  People looking for jumbo loans (over $417,000) need, more than ever, to be tight with their loan broker.  There are loans available, but you need someone "in-the-know" to guide you.  For more information, please see our section on Financing Information or contact Arrowhead Home Loans.2)  It is a buyer's... 02/19/2008

  VACATION RENTAL INFORMATION Having been a property manager for several years locally before I started selling property with Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty, I know that many people wonder how the vacation property rental programs work and if owning a rental property is viable option for them.The most common question is, "How much could I rent the house for?"  This is specific to the view, the style, the size, the location and the amenities the property provides.  The best way to get an approximate idea is to go to the websites of the local rental companies and compare the property you own (or are interested in purchasing) with the homes already on the rental programs.  To visit some of their websites, click here.Most people also want to know how often they can expect their property t... 02/19/2008

Conversation in 2004, 2005, 2006:Agent: "We charge 6%.  3% is paid to the Broker who sells your home, and we retain 3% for our efforts on your behalf."Seller:  "I have people lined up to list and sell my home and they all tell me that they will do it for 5%.  You aren't worth 6%."Conversation today:Agent:  "Our standard commission structure is 6%.  3% is paid to the Broker who sells your home, and we retain 3% for our efforts on your behalf.  I would like to suggest however that you offer an incentive to the Broker who represents the buyer to better position your property and give you a better chance to sell.  We would list the property for a 7% commission, pay 4% to the Broker who brings the buyer and we will retain the 3% for our efforts on your behalf."Seller:  "I am not going to pay... 02/19/2008

The following properties are available for sale according to the Rim Association of Realtors as of February 19, 2008.  If you need further information on any of these available properties, send me an email at steve@cbskyridge.com and I will email you full details on any of the properties.Golf Course Frontage Homes AvailableAddress of Property Asking Price 169 Fairway Dr. $                   595,000 231 South Fairway Dr. $                   599,900 180 Grass Valley Road #10 $                   630,000 207 Brentwood Dr. $                   729,900 173 Hillcrest Ct. $                   749,900 143 Fairway Dr. $                1,400,000 512 Golf Course Rd. $                1,900,000 739 Brentwood Dr. $                2,150,000 643 Brentwood Dr. $                2,199,000 374 Golf Course Rd.... 02/19/2008

There are only a couple of months and the trees will be blooming, the birds will be singing and Lake Arrowhead will be jumping for summer.  The Lake Arrowhead Village free concert series begins the second weekend in May.  Some of the best bands around will be belting it out again in the Village at the Center Stage.  Come and enjoy the free concerts and stay for a beer/wine at Center Stage.  The kids will enjoy the arcade and rides at the Village as well.  I will update with the bands when it becomes available, but pencil in the opening weekend. Kim Kelley Realtor at Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty909-336-7949 Direct Line909-725-1248 Cell PhoneLake Arrowhead Californiawww.ArrowheadEliteProperties.com 02/18/2008

Staging a home... Make it a warm place...The idea, keep the potential buyer in your home...The Sellers' Daily DutyTurn the lights on, make it bright Turn on soft music Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, too cold and the Buyer will leave, too hot, same thing Take a few moments and put away the clutter, keep the sinks and counters clean Sweep up the front entry way, freshen up the front door paint and hardware Plug in some air freshners in a few outlets, stay with a mellow scent, staying away from florals Have the carpets cleaned and treat all stains Clean all the windows, make them sparkle Buy a new front door mat, simple black mat, the Buyers need to connect to the house Rake up the yard, neat and clean Put the trash can away with the lids on Taking a few moments every day... 02/18/2008

This morning I was reading a recent article in Time Magazine entitled "Ignore the Headlines."  The author Dan Kadlec empasises his point that in order to beat the market, you can't pay attention to the headlines.  He talks about all the bad news out there and how it affects us... and prevents us from acting even if the signs are there that we should act.Kadlec agrees that with regard to the housing market, some skepticism is in order, but you shouldn't allow it to keep you from making a move.  There are a lot of great opportunities out there.If you are emotionally ready to be a homeowner, have good credit, plan to stay put for 5 years or so and have been waiting for the appropriate entry point, it is time to get serious about buying something before interest rates go up and you lose the... 02/18/2008

Can you believe February is half over.  Here is an update for the the week ending February 17th 2008 for the Rim o'the World Assoc or Realtors.  All information obtained through RIM AOR.  Sold homes for the last 7 days5 homes sold in Lake Arrowhead ~ State Hwy 173 Sold Price $295,000                                                  Aleutian Drive Sold Price $500,000                                                  Zurich Drive    Sold Price $580,000                                                  Cedar Ridge   Sold Price $1,500,000                                                  Little Pond     Sold Price, not reported                                                  Crestline 1 home sold Weisshorn Drive for $250,000Green Valley Lake 1 home sold Angeles Drive $320,000New Escrows for l... 02/18/2008

The stars will descend the weekend of April 10 to April 13, 2008 on the Lake Arrowhead resort for the annual Lake Arrowhead Film Festival.  Over the years this event has grown to be one of the premier events here in the mountain communities.  The Lake Arrowhead Film Festival is not the largest film festival around, but the event has built a reputation of offering very high quality films.This years Thursday evening will feature a "meet and greet" with the filmmakers.  Friday will be the annual gala and Sundy will feature the awards luncheon.  This years event is shaping up to be the best Lake Arrowhead Film Festival ever... don't miss the fun! 02/18/2008

Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty recognizes and understands the importance of a broad exposure to the internet.  The following list represents a listing of all of the websites associated with Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge realty.  Currently, there are 45 live active websites owned and maintained by our company.  These sites are interlinked and offer the most exposure for sellers available on the mountain.  These sites are also an excellent resource for buyers some of the best values and nicest properties are showcased on these sites.WebsiteOwnerhttp://www.mountainmoves.com/Company Sitehttp://www.mountainupdate.com/Company Bloghttp://www.coldwellbanker.com/Corporate Sitehttp://www.coldwellbankerpreviews.com/Corporate Sitehttp://www.aboutlakearrowhead.com/Bob & Kathy Winnhttp://www.andrealass... 02/18/2008

To be an informed seller or buyer, it is imperative to know what is happening in the current market.  There are many factors to determining the proper price when listing a home for sale.  There are just as many factors to help you decide whether you are getting good value for your dollar when you purchase a home.Below is a weekly breakdown of new listings, homes sold, active listings and homes currently in escrow.  We have further broken down this information to show you median prices and price ranges, number of days on market and the percentages of list price to sales price.To discuss your particular property and to get a more detailed idea of what your property is worth in our current market, including a free comparative market analysis, please call us.  If you are looking to buy a ho... 02/16/2008

Friday February 15, 2007 Bruce Block, Broker Associate with Coldwell  Banker Sky Ridge Realty addressed the topic of the final walk through in the offices weekly training meeting.  Block stated that the final walk through is a critical step in closing process in order to protect both buyer and seller in a real estate transaction.  He empasized that being prepared and having the appropriate documentation on hand such as the home inspection report, and request for repairs list will facilitate a successful walk through.The training session was part of the Coldwell Banker weekly training meeting held every Friday morning in which either Broker/Owner Steve Keefe, or a top agent he selects covers a current topic to insure that agents at Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty continue to sharpen th... 02/16/2008