Big Bear Real Estate Market Snapshot

by David Cartwright on November 15, 2011

There are currently 701 active residential listings in the Big Bear Valley (including Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin and Sugarloaf) with an average list price of $387,193.  286 homes have sold since August 1st with an average sold price of $220,523, $142.20 price per square foot and an average 114 days on market.

From the prior 3 month period (May 1st to July 31st), the average sold price was $236,231, $145.19 per square foot and 105 days on market.  This reflects a decrease in average sold price by about 7% compared to the prior 3 month period.  Marketing times (average days on market) have increased by nearly 8%.

Year-to-date, homes have consistently sold for 95% of list price on average.  Of the 704 homes that have sold this year, 299 were “distressed” sales – foreclosures or short sales, about 42%.

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Opening Days Announced for Bear Mountain and Snow Summit

by David Cartwright on November 8, 2011

Dust off those skis and snowboards because winter is here already!  An early season storm passed through Big Bear last weekend and the conditions were just right for snowmaking at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.

Bear Mountain will open on Wednesday, November 9th and Snow Summit’s opening day will be Thursday, November 10th.  Both resorts will have top to bottom runs open.  More lifts and runs will open as snowmaking progresses.  Lift tickets will be available at early season rates.  All three roads to Big Bear are open with no restrictions.

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Amgen Tour of California Returns to Big Bear!

by David Cartwright on November 4, 2011

The 2012 Amgen Tour of California host cities and dates were just announced and Big Bear will host Stage 6 finish for a second time! This stage will start in Palmdale and head to Big Bear Lake, which was the site of a thrilling stage finish in 2010 when Michael Rogers (AUS) of HTC-Columbia secured his place as the race leader. For 2012, new challenges arise as a new climb is thrown into the mix. “Big Bear is honored to serve as a finish city for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California,” said City of Big Bear Lake Mayor Bill Jahn. “In 2010, we served as the first-ever mountaintop finish for the race, and it definitely put Big Bear on the international map for road cycling.”

About the Amgen Tour of California:

The largest cycling event in America, the 2012 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, created and presented by AEG, that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 13-20, 2012. The Amgen Tour of California continues to draw global attention as one of the most anticipated cycling events of the year – one that attracts Olympic medalists, World Champions and the top Tour de France competitors.

The 13 Host Cities for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California include:

  • Stage 1: Sunday, May 13 – Santa Rosa
  • Stage 2: Monday, May 14 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz County
  • Stage 3: Tuesday, May 15 – San Jose to Livermore
  • Stage 4: Wednesday, May 16 – Sonora (new for 2012) to Clovis
  • Stage 5: Thursday, May 17 – Bakersfield (Individual Time Trial)
  • Stage 6: Friday, May 18 – Palmdale to Big Bear Lake
  • Stage 7: Saturday, May 19 – Ontario (new for 2012) to Mt. Baldy
  • Stage 8: Sunday, May 20 – Los Angeles/L.A. LIVE

“We have been treated to one of the best cycling stages we’ve seen in America, ever.”                                – Phil Liggett, legendary cycling commentator on the 2010 Stage 6 finishing in Big Bear Lake

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Daylight Savings Time Ends Nov 6th

by David Cartwright on November 1, 2011

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 6.  We’re getting to the “Fall back” time of year on our clocks.  Don’t forget to roll back that clock an hour on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

It’s also a good time to be reminded about routine home safety and/or maintenance.

  • Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test batteries and replace.
  • Interior Caulking: Inspect caulking around windows, tubs, showers and sinks; replace any if it is deteriorating.
  • Furnace: Change filters, if required.
  • Toilet: Check for leaks and water run-on.
  • Garbage Disposal: Tighten drain connections and fasteners.
  • Dryer: Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.
  • Washer: Clean water inlet filters; check hoses and replace them if they are leaking.
  • Wiring: Check for frayed cords and wires; repair or replace them as needed.
  • Range/Stove Hood: Wash fan blades and housing.

A little regular maintenance can save thousands of dollars down the road.

Enjoy that “extra hour” of sleep!

 

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Big Bear Does Halloween!

by David Cartwright on October 25, 2011

Come on up to Big Bear and join in the spooktacular Halloween festivities!

On Saturday, October 29th from 1  to 5pm, bring your children (and yourself) dressed in costumes to the Moonridge Animal Park for Boo in the Zoo.  A special afternoon of Tricks ‘n Treats– Visit The Graveyard, Pumpkin Patch, Electric Dungeon of Doom, Witches Brew, Scarecrow Land, Witches Lair, and Goblins throughout the park.  Enjoy seeing the park animals receive their Halloween treats!  Win a prize for best costume(s) in several categories.  Regular admission prices apply.

Beware of things that go bump in the night at the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District’s Panic in the Park!  This frightmarish haunted house features a live cast and is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (10/28-30) from 6 to 9pm at the Meadow Park Gym.  Admission is $5 per person and all proceeds will benefit the Big Bear Teen Center.

Trick-or-Treat at Halloween in The Village!  Every year, the Village Business Association and merchants throughout the Village “L” make Halloween something special.  Village Drive and Pine Knot Avenue close to motorists and the merchants close up shop then open their doors to trick-or-treaters.  Village merchants pass out candy from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Bring your kids to the safest place to trick-or-treat this Halloween!

Nottingham’s 8th Annual Tavern of Terror Halloween Party is on Saturday, October 29th.  The 21 & over party starts at 8pm and will feature music & dancing, food and drink specials and a costume contest with prizes for Best Couple, Best Male and Best Female costumes.  Admission is free.

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Fall Fun!

by David Cartwright on October 12, 2011

Though winter is right around the corner, there is still time to enjoy summertime activities in Big Bear!

Bear Mountain Golf Course is in excellent condition and is open 7 days a week until October 31, weather permitting.  Bear Mountain Golf Course is a 9-hole course located at the base of Bear Mountain Resort and offers a driving range, pro shop and The Club House Grill which overlooks the 9th hole.  Call 909-585-8002 for specific hours of operation and available tee times.

Also, the Scenic Sky Chair at Snow Summit is operating on weekends through the beginning of the winter season, weather permitting.  The Sky Chair allows guests of all ages to enjoy the natural beauty of Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike down one of the many trails or simply get back on the chair for a peaceful ride back to the bottom.  Mountain bikers can take their bikes on the chair and experience the exhilarating downhill action!  Those who have already purchased their season passes for the 2011/2012 winter season can ride the Sky Chair for free!

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Time to Winterize

by David Cartwright on October 5, 2011

Homes that are vacant for extended periods of time in the winter months should have the water shut off and the plumbing system drained to reduce the chance of frozen broken pipes.  Also, it is recommended to leave the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees.

In addition, there are other ways to winterize your home that can help with efficiency and help keep energy costs down.  Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors help reduce drafts.  Thicker curtains can help insulate heat-stealing windows.  Keeping doors closed to rooms that are not being used conserves heat.

Stay warm, save energy and save money!

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Big Bear Real Estate Market Snapshot

by David Cartwright on September 27, 2011

There are currently 796 active residential listings in the Big Bear Valley (including Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin and Sugarloaf) with an average list price of $381,641.  256 homes have sold since June 1 with an average sold price of $221,110, $142.97 price per square foot and an average 101 days on market.  From the prior 3 month period (March 1 to June 1), the average sold price was $251,594, $149.60 per square foot and 130 days on market.  This reflects a decrease in average sold price by nearly 14% compared to the prior 3 month period.  Marketing times (average days on market) have shortened by over 20%.  Year-to-date, homes have consistently sold for 95% of list price on average.  Of the 561 homes that have sold this year, 251 of those were “distressed” sales – foreclosures or short sales, nearly 45%.

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Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails

by David Cartwright on September 20, 2011

The 8th Annual Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails snowboard competition is happing this Saturday, September 24th at Bear Mountain!  Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails is the biggest summertime snowboard event in the world and will feature 40 top pros competing for $15K!  Hang out at the Beach Bar and check out dozens of brands in Booth City.  Enter contests to win great stuff and don’t forget to buy your Screamin’ Deal 2011-12 season pass as this is the last day to get the best price of the year.  Visit www.BearMountain.com for details.

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Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest!

by David Cartwright on September 16, 2011

Every weekend, starting Saturday, September 17th through Saturday, October 29th, the Big Bear Convention Center hosts the 41st Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest.  Rated Southern California’s #1 Oktoberfest, this Fall festival offers non-stop entertainment and lively festivities.  People gather to sing traditional Bavarian songs, dance to Polka music and participate in contests such as stein-carrrying contests and log-sawing competitions.  Grab a stein at one of the Bier Gartens, watch authentic dancers and performers from Germany and Austria and browse the many vendor booths.

 

Big Bear’s Oktoberfest kicks off this Saturday with American Heros weekend offering free admission for all past and present military, fire fighters and law enforcement personnel.  The weekend festivities take place at The Convention Center of Big Bear Lake located at 42900 Big Bear Blvd.  General admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors (65+), and $6 for children 12 and under on Saturdays; with discounted prices on Sundays.  For more details and general information, visit www.BigBearEvents.com or call (909) 585-3000.

 

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