It rained again yesterday for quite a while. It was hard at times and I think it did all the growth good and the animals were probably happy as well! We need all the rain we can get since our water supply is totally dependant on mother nature's grace. There is no water pipeline to Big Bear from somewhere else. All our water falls from the skies! When we say in the winter, "Pray for Snow" we are serious!

The great real estate buys are still here in Big Bear. There are enough to last through the year. I did hear that interest rates went up this week. If that becomes a trend it will cost more to own a cabin or home in the future. We have had the perfect situation in the past year of low rates and low prices but most would be buyers were holding out for lower prices. I just don't think we will see that. If interest rate changes are an indication of the market turning then we are there!

I believe that the market has turned and we are about to see the proof in past stats. At any rate, if you want to buy a mountain cabin in Big Bear are you just looking unemotionally, at the lowest price you can get and nothing more? It would be foolish to judge a property just by price! Location is the primary factor in a real estate purchase. Why? Because someday you will sell that property and location is going to determine what you will get for it and how quickly it will sell! If the property is in a great area you may have to pay a little more for it but in the end you will profit from that decision.

When listing a property one must discern what price to place on it. One size fits all does not apply here. When you compare like properties they may not be alike. One seller may have owned the property for many years and doesn't have to sell for the very highest price the market will bring because he has a great deal of equity built-in. The other seller with a similar home just bought it two years ago and now is being transferred so he or she doesn't have much room in the price. Sellers have varying reasons for selling and different circumstances to satisfy. So, there you have it why some homes that seem the same are not priced the same.

You have to do your homework and look at several properties and computer print-outs to get an idea of the real value. Your real estate agent can help you immensely. But again, in Big Bear no two houses are the same (with the exception of the very small tract at Maple Ridge in Sugarloaf) they have generally been built individually and are custom. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and decide. You will make the right decision. Remember, if you don't get in the game you will never win! To build wealth for your future real estate has to be a large part of your plan. I am a firm believer in real estate. But if you hover around only finding the best deal you may miss the boat and never buy. I have always believed that principle of financing that says the terms are more important than the amount you pay.

When carry a note that you wish to sell the interest rate is important but the length of the note is more important. It relates to time and money. Money today is worth more than money down the road. And if you are on the buying end then the longer the mortgage runs the better off you are. The money you pay monthly now may appear high but 5, 10 or 20 years from now it will be a pittance. We are getting involved now and I will save that lesson for another time. Just remember, don't be paralyzed by trying to find the perfect house for the lowest price. Just buy something and be one of the property owners that can cash in on the tax benefits, income that the property may produce and the wonderful enjoyment that this property in Big Bear will give you, your family and friends! That can only happen if you make the buying decision!

Until next time, BB

We had rain here in Big Bear Friday and Saturday. A funny thing happens when it rains here and that is it doesn't rain in the entire valley. It may rain in Big Bear City, or in Fox Farm or parts of Big Bear Lake. Wherever the clouds are thickest is where it pours. Now, on Friday afternoon it rained very hard in Fox Farm and on the west side of town there was nothing! So, when I say it rained I mean it rained in some ares and not in others! When it snows it covers the whole area but when it rains it's a different story. Also, it rarely rains at night in the mountains. It can but not often. Usually it clears up before dark and the sun is out. However, the next day it may cloud up and rain again. We see the most rain in July and August and it can become quite humid. I actually love the rain in the summer but normally, after we have a big summer rain the temperature drops and does not return to the degree prior to the rain. It becomes cooler at night and stays that way. Just some interesting bits of information about Big Bear that perhaps you didn't know.

There are still some wonderful real estate buys right now so plan to come and look. You couldn't get a better deal than right now. If you haven't been to Big Bear in a long time you really need to visit. You will be surprised how lovely it is this time of year.

Until next time, BB

Yesterday was warm and beautiful here in Big Bear. I played golf in the late afternoon with my office manager. It was great! Not my score, but just being outdoors and enjoying the lovely course we have here in Big Bear. It is only 9 holes but it is challenging none the less! I did par one hole...and only one hole but it was an exciting feeling. When I got back home I thought I am so lucky to live in Big Bear and to be able to do the work I really love...and that is real estate! I enjoy everything about real estate. I didn't hope to grow up to be a real estate agent when I was a kid but somehow fate drew me to it and it took! Without it there would be little excitement in my life. Real estate and all it facets are very rewarding.

I showed property to two buyers today and I wrote up an offer for one. The buyers are abundant once again. I am so happy to see them because there are terrific deals out there waiting to be bought. I wish I could tell everyone that Big Bear real estate is such a bargain as well as a great place to vacation, bring the family or live! I can't say enough about it and this time of year it is so pretty.

I have a great little cabin on a triple lot with a park like setting, a wood shed full of wood and a little work shop. You could sit on the deck among the pines or just tinker in the work shop. You and your friends could play horseshoes and the dogs can run in the large yard! And, the best part is the price is only $85,000. Now that is a real estate bargain! It wasn't long ago we were paying that price for a car! Yikes!

These prices won't last. I am certain of that so now is the time to get the best buy in real estate. We have financing for your purchase so there is no reason for you not to buy in Big Bear NOW! Everything is a go and I can help you with a cabin for you personally, or a place that you can rent-out for future income or for that retirement home you always wanted in the mountains! It's all up to you. They say you only regret the things you didn't do, not the things you did! So, what's stopping you? Come on up to fresh air and a slower pace. I'll be waiting for you!

Until next time, BB

Yes, it is another beautiful day in Big Bear. Days like today are why I love living here. The snow is nice but the spring, summer and fall are gorgeous! The smell of the pine trees and the soft gentle wind that produces the whispering pines sound is all part of loving the mountains. You could be enjoying the Big Bear Valley and own a piece of real estate that would bring you endless pleasure. All you have to do is make up your mind that you do really want it... and then go for it!

I remember when I bought my first second home, I was scared. I wanted it but after I made the offer I started to worry. Everything became overwhelming and I couldn't separate real from imaginary. Then I realized that I had that contagious illness..."Buyer's Remorse"! Me, of all people should have recognized it earlier since I have been a real estate broker since the 1970's and I have helped so many buyers through that same sickness! When I heard the seller accepted my offer I instantly got well and was overjoyed that I got the house! Yes, there was a twinge of anxiety but for the most part I was glad I got the house.

I paid $460,000 for that house and now it is worth about a million even with the down market we have been in. So, as you can see it was a good move for me to purchase the property. If I hadn't, I not only would have missed all the great times in that house, but I would be about $500,000 poorer than I am now. Real estate is still the best wealth builder I know of and the best part is that you control the future of the property. You make the decision of whether you will use it or you will rent it to create income. There are so many possibilities. And, the mortgage is being paid down each year while the value goes up. But, you must get in the game if you want to run with the big dogs! You can't stay on the side lines of life and expect to experience the zest of life! Real estate, as well as Big Bear properties have been my zest of life. Starting back in 1969 when I bought my first Big Bear property. It was a commercial lot on Big Bear Blvd. It was 100'x 150' and I paid $6,800 for it. There was a block building on it, not much of a building but it was usable. I added on over the years. That property today is worth about$600,000. In a few years as we pass this down time it will be worth very close to $1 million. Was that a good investment? I think it was!

Can you see that real estate, Big Bear real estate in particular, is the avenue to future wealth? It is, believe me when I say that unless you invest in real estate you will never attain the wealth you desire. It works for you 24/7 and will produce income forever if you allow it. Real estate is a shrinking commodity and there isn't any more so don't let this wonderful buying time pas you by. NOW IS THE TIME to buy Big Bear real estate.

I can help council you on Big Bear property. Allow me to help you make your purchase or to sell your current property. I know the market and I know the possibilities. I hope to here from you.

Until next time, BB

The 4th of July holiday was great with many, many people visiting our valley. Reports from the Village merchants was that people were spending money! That is a good sign. Possibly the staycation phenomenon is helping Big Bear since we are so close to LA and Orange county.

I was very busy over the holiday. I showed property to three different groups of people and I saw a great deal of property. There remain some very good deals out there currently. Not necessarily bank owned property. Most of the bank stuff is the left overs because very little new properties have come on the market. The banks continue to hold the properties back for some time before they put them on the market. Whether that is a wise choice or not I am not certain. What I have noticed is that the ones that do appear on the market now are priced higher than they were. In time they won't even be a bargain. I have been through this before in the 1990's so I know what to expect.

The lake is beautiful, the skies are so blue and the air is clean and soft! What more could anyone want? Big Bear has it all if you want a change of pace in life style. It is much slower, small townish and nature loving. Big Bear has so much to offer the adult and the child. Yes, much of it is outdoors and that is where most of us should be more of the time is outdoors! This is a place you can come to and leave the computers and electronic devices behind. Just be you and enjoy your family and friends in the great outdoors!

I would love to help you find a piece of Big Bear real estate that you can come to and enjoy and build those precious memories. Call me or e-mail me and I will be happy to find you the right property. Don't be one of those woulda, shoulda, coulda people that always regret not stepping up to the plate of life and partaking! This is your life not a dress rehearsal...so go for the gold and come up to Big Bear and start looking! See you there. Until next time, BB