Yes, it is another beautiful day in paradise...Big Bear I mean! The sun is shinning, the lake is shimmering and there remains ample snow. The line of cars on Big Bear Blvd. is backed up to the Village. Anxious skiers and snowboarders wanting to test their skills on the slopes. It's a typical weekend in the mountains.
Did you know that presently it is the best time to buy real estate in more than 10 years? Prices are down and bargains are to be had. Perhaps you can't afford to buy in the town you live in but you could afford Big Bear. Many of our buyers know that they won't ever be in a position to buy at the beach because of the cost. So, they have decided to buy in other areas, like the mountains. By the way, we have an office in Lake Arrowhead and we also service Running springs, Crestline, Arrow Bear and Lake Gregory. So, we cover the San Bernardino mountains.
Back to what I was talking about. If you would like to improve your net worth this is a good way. When you buy a property, say in Big Bear, you will receive a gift from your Uncle Sam. In the form of a tax deduction for the interest and taxes that you pay on the house that you purchase. From now on you will be saving tax dollars which will very likely get you a refund at tax time. Or, at the very least reduce your tax bill so you don't pay as much as you have in the past. If you are one who owns no real estate then you pay the highest taxes possible. How is that? Well, you can't deduct car loan interest, credit card interest or any other personal interest. What is left? Really nothing! That is way the average working guy pays through the nose, so to speak! Your only hope of keeping more of the money you earn is either starting a business or owning real estate or both, That is the only way to reduce your tax burden because those kinds of things are deductible.
The second gift from Uncle Sam is if you use the house you buy as a rental. Then you are allowed to use the deprecation deduction and take off
a certain amount over a 27 and one half years from your taxes. It is like found money. The IRS is giving you this deduction assuming that property depreciates over time as a building grows older. When we know that the value goes up over time. But we say, thank you, for the deduction! That is why so many well off people buy real estate. That tax deduction helps shelter their income.
Let's say you are young and just starting out. You don't have a great deal of money to work with but you are paying a lot in taxes. Now, is the time to remedy that situation by buying a house or duplex. You can live in it and enjoy some tax benefits or you can buy a house and use it as a rental and reap huge tax benefits! If you are a first time buyer, which means you don't presently own a home then there are terrific loans out there for you requiring little down. Again, Uncle Sam wants to help you get a home so he helps with low down loans. What better way is there to start building wealth for your future? And, what better time than NOW! Even if you aren't young and just starting out this is the perfect time to buy additional property for investment. There just couldn't be a better time. Think about it this way...the money you save in taxes will help pay your monthly mortgage payment. Otherwise, you are giving that money to the government to spend as they see fit!
Working hard for every dollar is not the way to become wealthy. You must put your dollars to work for you. Real estate is one of those ways because you usually put 20% down and the bank finances 80%. If you buy stock you must put up the entire 100% and there are no tax benefits. Historically, real estate has been the best investment. Remember, you can live in it or you can use it for income. I wonder why everybody doesn't buy real estate?
Until next time, BB
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
It is shocking that more people don't know about Big Bear! Here sits a jewel in the San Bernardino mountains that has a stunning lake, two ski slopes and a golf course. Plus it is ringed by the National Forest for the public to enjoy. There is hiking, biking,mountain climbing, boating and just plain beauty all around.
It is amazing that everyone in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties isn't up in the mountains every weekend. Big Bear offers the only true four season playground in Southern California. Did I mention the air? The air is CLEAN! Right now the air is cold and crisp. It hits you in the face when you step outside. Snow is everywhere with those little diamond like crystals in the snow that shine like jewels. It is a 180 degree experience.
You know why I tell you this...because now is the opportunity of a life time to buy a hide-a-way in the mountains for very little money. You, your family and friends could be here enjoying what I described above. Thy city has its place but Big Bear will have a place in your heart! It can be magical here and it tugs at your mind. Asking you to come back and stay.
I have a terrific cabin for sale right now that is a very low price for what it offers. It is 2 bedroom, 2 bath, fireplace, laundry, and only a few years old. It is listed for $166,500. That is a give away for the size. Call me if you would like information about it or e-mail me.
Have you ever read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", by Robert Kiyosaki? If you haven't you are in for a life changing read. He talks about owning real estate in depth. Not just your own home but income producing property. Most everyone has heard of his book but he has written a whole series of them. If you want to improve your income as well as own lots of real estate these are the books you must start with. If you haven't read them check them out. Most wealthy people in history owned lots of real estate and lots of books. That was their fortune. Reading takes up a good deal of my time; however, that is most likely why I have done well in real estate. Financial I.Q. is very important but Real Estate I.Q. is even more important!
If you are the adventurous type then you belong in Big Bear. Why not come up and take a look at what our valley has to offer. Don't be surprised when you see that Big Bear is just a small town, with no night clubs or malls. It's O.K., you will find that all that plastic down in the city doesn't exist here. But that's why people come here. For the quiet, serene and slow pace of life. You can actually unwind and really be you! If that is what you are looking for then Big Bear is waiting...
Until next time, BB
It is amazing that everyone in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties isn't up in the mountains every weekend. Big Bear offers the only true four season playground in Southern California. Did I mention the air? The air is CLEAN! Right now the air is cold and crisp. It hits you in the face when you step outside. Snow is everywhere with those little diamond like crystals in the snow that shine like jewels. It is a 180 degree experience.
You know why I tell you this...because now is the opportunity of a life time to buy a hide-a-way in the mountains for very little money. You, your family and friends could be here enjoying what I described above. Thy city has its place but Big Bear will have a place in your heart! It can be magical here and it tugs at your mind. Asking you to come back and stay.
I have a terrific cabin for sale right now that is a very low price for what it offers. It is 2 bedroom, 2 bath, fireplace, laundry, and only a few years old. It is listed for $166,500. That is a give away for the size. Call me if you would like information about it or e-mail me.
Have you ever read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", by Robert Kiyosaki? If you haven't you are in for a life changing read. He talks about owning real estate in depth. Not just your own home but income producing property. Most everyone has heard of his book but he has written a whole series of them. If you want to improve your income as well as own lots of real estate these are the books you must start with. If you haven't read them check them out. Most wealthy people in history owned lots of real estate and lots of books. That was their fortune. Reading takes up a good deal of my time; however, that is most likely why I have done well in real estate. Financial I.Q. is very important but Real Estate I.Q. is even more important!
If you are the adventurous type then you belong in Big Bear. Why not come up and take a look at what our valley has to offer. Don't be surprised when you see that Big Bear is just a small town, with no night clubs or malls. It's O.K., you will find that all that plastic down in the city doesn't exist here. But that's why people come here. For the quiet, serene and slow pace of life. You can actually unwind and really be you! If that is what you are looking for then Big Bear is waiting...
Until next time, BB
Monday, January 26, 2009
New snowfall
If you are looking for beautiful white, fluffy snow...we have it! It snowed last night. Not a lot but four to five inches. It is a real winter wonderland this morning! The birds and squirrels are scurring about to find their hidden stash and the sun is shinning.
If you have been thinking about coming up to Big Bear, this is a great time. Have you dreamed about spending weekends in the four seasons? If you have, Big Bear is the place...and it is so close to Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego. Winter is our season and most people come at that time but our summers are cool and beautiful.
A little real estate talk, now! The prices of cabins remain low as well as the interest rates. We have a wide variety of properties on the market and they are priced very well. We do have a few bank owened properties with equally good prices.
I see some signs of real estate recovery here in Big Bear. One, the amount of listings on the market has dropped for the second consecutive year. Two, more buyers looking and making offers. The market won't change over night but does seem to be turning a bit. Lenders are getting loans through again. It takes more time but it is happening. So, 2009 could be the turn around year for Big Bear Valley.
What that means is this is the year to come and look at cabins if you really want to have a place in the mountains. It couldn't be a better time to start building those memories with your friends and family.
If the interest rate goes up even 1%, that could wipe out the little bit you thought you would save by waiting to see if the prices fall further. It is a guessing game to time the market. And, while you are doing that you and your family are not enjoying the cabin of your dreams! Don't look back two years from now and say " I should have bought the cabin in 2009". You can either be a player or a bystander...which memories do you want to build for yourself and your family?
The stunning lake, the snow and the cozy cabin await! Come on up and take a look! After living here for 41 years I am truly bullish on Big Bear!
Until next time,
BB
If you have been thinking about coming up to Big Bear, this is a great time. Have you dreamed about spending weekends in the four seasons? If you have, Big Bear is the place...and it is so close to Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego. Winter is our season and most people come at that time but our summers are cool and beautiful.
A little real estate talk, now! The prices of cabins remain low as well as the interest rates. We have a wide variety of properties on the market and they are priced very well. We do have a few bank owened properties with equally good prices.
I see some signs of real estate recovery here in Big Bear. One, the amount of listings on the market has dropped for the second consecutive year. Two, more buyers looking and making offers. The market won't change over night but does seem to be turning a bit. Lenders are getting loans through again. It takes more time but it is happening. So, 2009 could be the turn around year for Big Bear Valley.
What that means is this is the year to come and look at cabins if you really want to have a place in the mountains. It couldn't be a better time to start building those memories with your friends and family.
If the interest rate goes up even 1%, that could wipe out the little bit you thought you would save by waiting to see if the prices fall further. It is a guessing game to time the market. And, while you are doing that you and your family are not enjoying the cabin of your dreams! Don't look back two years from now and say " I should have bought the cabin in 2009". You can either be a player or a bystander...which memories do you want to build for yourself and your family?
The stunning lake, the snow and the cozy cabin await! Come on up and take a look! After living here for 41 years I am truly bullish on Big Bear!
Until next time,
BB
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I watched as the new president took the oath of office this morning in Washington D C. It was historic and I saw all the hope in people's eyes and heard the tremendous cheering! Obama's speech was good, not rousing but it fit the times. What he said that I liked was the old, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get out there and make a difference! That is exactly what I have been saying to the people that work for. We must begin again to make a new life and a better life! "If it is to be, it is up to me"!
One thing that the new president said was that things are no different than they were. We all need what is being produced, we all need housing and cars and many other items. Everyday life continues and the needs remain. Now is the time for us to man-up or woman-up and turn our problems into solutions. The mood appears to be very positive and hopefully 2009 will be a turn around year for our country in more ways than one.
Many of you have been waiting for property prices to fall even further before you buy. No one has a crystal ball but what can be said is that real estate is a product that is very difficult to time. When we learn that prices stabilized and started an upward trend it will have happened six to nine months ago. Since real estate relies on past sales, trends have to be determined after many months of data. By the time the trend is a reality prices have already gone up. So, timing the market is not as easy as one might think.
If you have been considering Big Bear property...what are you waiting for? There hasn't been a time like the present for many, many years. Question: How long do you plan to keep the cabin you are going to buy? If you plan to keep it five to seven years then what you pay today doesn't really matter much. How is that? Well, real estate goes up about 6% a year on average since the records have been kept so if you keep the property for a while it will have gone up in value even if you did nothing to cause the increase. At the same time you would have paid down the mortgage and enjoyed tax benefits.
Today's buyers seem to think they have to make a lot of money on any real estate purchase or they can't buy. Let me ask another question: Have you or do you ever buy something that goes down in value? What about your car, your boat, your, motorcycle, your furniture...and I could go on and on but you get the picture. Most items that you purchase DO NOT go up in value...do they...and we don't concentrate on grinding on the price either! Isn't it interesting that we feel so compelled to get the very best deal in real estate and that it has to go up in value soon or we are disinterested! I think this idea comes from that very small window of time in the 2000's that real estate prices went through the roof and everybody who was anybody was buying. No body cared how much they paid for it because prices would never fall! Yes, during that time you could make money on real estate in a very short time of ownership...however; that is not the normal way real estate works! Real estate is and always has been a long term investment. You will certainly profit over the long haul as well as take part in long term tax advantages.
When you purchase a cabin for weekend use you are purchasing a long term dream. That dream is to see your children enjoy the snow, the mountains, the clean air and such. For your wife to have some down time and take walks in the forest or just nap in front of the fire. And for you it is time to unwind from the city hassles and find yourself again. These things are priceless. These things can't be bought and these things need time to occur. So, what if you paid a little more for the cabin than you wanted to or that prices dipped a little more before they began to rise. Does it really matter since you plan to keep your cabin for the long haul and build those irreplaceable moments with friends and family? It only matters when you sell and if you aren't selling then the price of your property means nothing. Again, there couldn't be a better time to buy in Big Bear!
Until next time,
BB
One thing that the new president said was that things are no different than they were. We all need what is being produced, we all need housing and cars and many other items. Everyday life continues and the needs remain. Now is the time for us to man-up or woman-up and turn our problems into solutions. The mood appears to be very positive and hopefully 2009 will be a turn around year for our country in more ways than one.
Many of you have been waiting for property prices to fall even further before you buy. No one has a crystal ball but what can be said is that real estate is a product that is very difficult to time. When we learn that prices stabilized and started an upward trend it will have happened six to nine months ago. Since real estate relies on past sales, trends have to be determined after many months of data. By the time the trend is a reality prices have already gone up. So, timing the market is not as easy as one might think.
If you have been considering Big Bear property...what are you waiting for? There hasn't been a time like the present for many, many years. Question: How long do you plan to keep the cabin you are going to buy? If you plan to keep it five to seven years then what you pay today doesn't really matter much. How is that? Well, real estate goes up about 6% a year on average since the records have been kept so if you keep the property for a while it will have gone up in value even if you did nothing to cause the increase. At the same time you would have paid down the mortgage and enjoyed tax benefits.
Today's buyers seem to think they have to make a lot of money on any real estate purchase or they can't buy. Let me ask another question: Have you or do you ever buy something that goes down in value? What about your car, your boat, your, motorcycle, your furniture...and I could go on and on but you get the picture. Most items that you purchase DO NOT go up in value...do they...and we don't concentrate on grinding on the price either! Isn't it interesting that we feel so compelled to get the very best deal in real estate and that it has to go up in value soon or we are disinterested! I think this idea comes from that very small window of time in the 2000's that real estate prices went through the roof and everybody who was anybody was buying. No body cared how much they paid for it because prices would never fall! Yes, during that time you could make money on real estate in a very short time of ownership...however; that is not the normal way real estate works! Real estate is and always has been a long term investment. You will certainly profit over the long haul as well as take part in long term tax advantages.
When you purchase a cabin for weekend use you are purchasing a long term dream. That dream is to see your children enjoy the snow, the mountains, the clean air and such. For your wife to have some down time and take walks in the forest or just nap in front of the fire. And for you it is time to unwind from the city hassles and find yourself again. These things are priceless. These things can't be bought and these things need time to occur. So, what if you paid a little more for the cabin than you wanted to or that prices dipped a little more before they began to rise. Does it really matter since you plan to keep your cabin for the long haul and build those irreplaceable moments with friends and family? It only matters when you sell and if you aren't selling then the price of your property means nothing. Again, there couldn't be a better time to buy in Big Bear!
Until next time,
BB
Monday, January 12, 2009
Happy 2009! Isn't it great that we are done with 2008! This is a new and better year with lots of great things to look forward to! If you are a buyer thinking about Big Bear real estate this is YOUR TIME! Prices remain low and probably will do so for sometime. It is the proverbial candy store out there.
Prices of bank owned properties are attracting buyers because they are well below market value. However, just about all of the properties on the market in Big Bear right now are below market value. The non-bank owned listings are very competitive with the bank owned property. Many times they are a better buy because they are not sold "As Is"! Bank owned property is somewhat of a gamble because it is up to you to find any problems with the property in your short inspection period. So, you had better hire a good inspector and hope he doesn't miss anything...because if he does...you are now stuck with the problem! If you know what you are doing and are diligent, bank owned properties are a terrific deal.
If you would like a list of bank owned properties for sale just e-mail to bonniejblue@yahoo.com and we will accommodate you. Big Bear is and has been on SALE and it is a perfect time to buy.
I have noticed lately that so many buyers are paying cash for property. I haven't seen that for some time. Probably, it is money pulled from the stock market, home equity and some inherited World War II money. Acquiring a loan has been difficult so many buyers are just bypassing the banker and buying other ways!
Until next time,
BB
Prices of bank owned properties are attracting buyers because they are well below market value. However, just about all of the properties on the market in Big Bear right now are below market value. The non-bank owned listings are very competitive with the bank owned property. Many times they are a better buy because they are not sold "As Is"! Bank owned property is somewhat of a gamble because it is up to you to find any problems with the property in your short inspection period. So, you had better hire a good inspector and hope he doesn't miss anything...because if he does...you are now stuck with the problem! If you know what you are doing and are diligent, bank owned properties are a terrific deal.
If you would like a list of bank owned properties for sale just e-mail to bonniejblue@yahoo.com and we will accommodate you. Big Bear is and has been on SALE and it is a perfect time to buy.
I have noticed lately that so many buyers are paying cash for property. I haven't seen that for some time. Probably, it is money pulled from the stock market, home equity and some inherited World War II money. Acquiring a loan has been difficult so many buyers are just bypassing the banker and buying other ways!
Until next time,
BB
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