The development of Castle Glen is located on the east end of Big Bear Lake (see map here ).  It offers spectacular views of Snow Summit and Bear Mountain Ski Resorts, as well as panoramic views of Big Bear Lake.  If you are looking for new construction and a view this is the place to be.          Arguably the fastest growing area in Big Bear, Castle Glen was developed into three phases totaling 245 vacant lots.  Phase 1 consisted of 46 lots off of Division Drive.  These lots (found on Timberline Trail, Fawn Trail Place, and Sunrise Way) were developed in 1999 and offered for sale by my broker, Tim Wood.  As a matter of fact, Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery Realtors represented the developer in all three phases of construction.  Phase two opened up in 2002 and had 42 vacant lots. It is ... 02/11/2008

Originally posted on The Sugarloaf Real Estate Blog Instead of telling you how beautiful Big Bear Lake, CA is, I thought I would show you in pictures.  As you can see,we have plenty of snow and Big Bear is a wonderful place to own a get-a-way cabin.  We are a four seasons resort with two world class ski resorts, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.  Once spring arrives, we have a fantastic lake to fish out of, water ski on, or just ride around in a boat and enjoy the breath taking views from Big Bear Lake.        02/10/2008

The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is without a doubt the single most important tool that real estate agents use to do their job. In short, the MLS is a private database in which real estate brokers can add properties for sale & offer compensation to other brokers who belong to the MLS (often called a cooperating broker). Cooperating brokers use this database as a resource to help potential buyers and other sellers. The Big Bear MLS is very unique in that it is a "member only" MLS with no reciprocal agreements with other MLS' in the area. As a real estate agent, if you are not a member of the Big Bear MLS, then you will not have access to the data nor are you entitled to be paid a commission if you sell in the area. Some agents who belong to the Big Bear MLS will still cooperate with "o... 02/09/2008

Listed below is every lakefront home sold in Big Bear Lake, CA in 2007.  It is broken down by list price (in green), sales price (in red), and average days on market (in blue).  There were 20 sales ranging from $599,460 to $2,800,000.  It is interesting to note that the sales price to listing price ratio is comparatively close (94%) so many sellers are still getting close to their asking price.  In today's buyers market normally you would find more of a disparity between the two.  But in this case, I believe the supply (currently there are 21 lakefront homes for sale) is relatively low.  As everyone knows, homes are sitting on the market longer (average Days On Market was 132 days in 2007) and I expect that statistic to continue to increase but overall the numbers still look pretty good... 02/06/2008

The development of North Shore East (also known as Bear Loop) is situated on the northeast end of the Big Bear Lake, in Big Bear Lake, CA (see map here).  Developed in 1993, there were a total of 53 vacant lots ranging from 6,300 to 27,230 square feet.  The roads are paved and maintained and all of the utilities are underground (sewer, water, electric, natural gas, phone, and cable).  Roughly 75% of the lots have been built out with custom homes ranging from 1,700 to 5,400 square feet.  There was only one sale in North Shore East-Bear Loop in 2007.  See below.   42589 Bear Loop was listed at $599,900.  It covered 2,088 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths.  Built in 2003, the kitchen had granite/marble, maple cabinets and a stainless steel appliances.  It took 288 days to sell, b... 02/04/2008

Currently there are 207 active listings available in the Moonridge area of Big Bear Lake. Homes in Moonridge are priced between $179,000 and $2,000,000. If you are looking for a home that has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, you'll be shopping in the $275,000 - $639,000 price range. Just click on this link to search for homes in Big Bear Lake, Moonridge, Fox Farm, High Timber Ranch, Castle Glen, Whispering Forest, Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, Erwin Lake, Lake Williams, or Shay Meadows  or feel free to contact me at Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery Realtors in Big Bear Lake.Examples of homes in the Moonridge area are:             42647 ALTA VISTA, Moonridge Area Big Bear Lake, CA             $499,900VIEWS OF BEAR MTN & SNOW SUMMIT OFF THE BACK DECK & LIVING AREA OF THIS SPOTLESS UMD CHALET. BLT IN '... 02/03/2008

Below are the homes sales statistics for 2007 in Meadowbrook Estates. The last sale was in August so things have definitely been quiet in the area since then. Currently, there are 13 homes for sale in the Meadowbrook Estates area, ranging in price from $750,000 to $1,695,000. The sizes range for about 2,000 sqft. to 4,500 sqft. This is the perfect area for buyers looking for space and privacy with all the amenities. All of the properties in Meadowbrook Estates are a minimum of one acre of land, most of which are heavily treed, with underground utilities and protective CC&R's. If you are interested in the Meadowbrook Estates area, please feel free to search for the properties here. Otherwise, you can contact me and I would be happy to email you the properties in the area. 02/02/2008

  1265 BALSAM DRIVE ML#: 273226 PRICE: $599,900 AREA: MOON/ GMO VRMPRI: N PROP: TYPE: Residential BED: 3 STATUS: Active BATH: 4.000 YEAR BLT: 1972 #ROOMS: 9 STORIES: Three Story DINE: Formal Dining FURNISH: Negotiable GARAGE: Four Plus Garage ,Detached Garage INV ON FILE: N APRX SF: 2,674 Sqft Fm Owner WASH/DRY: Y BOAT FAC: CATEGORY: Resale FIREPLACE: Two FP ,Brick FP ,FP In Liv Room POOL/SPA: Spa/Hottub ,Jet Bathtub VIEW: Lakeview ,Mountain View ,Neighbors & Trees View TOPO: Downslope ,Street to Street FRONTAGE: Fronts Street BUILDINGS: Gazebo XSTREET: CLUBVIEW ZIP: 92315 INSIDE: Phone Jacks ,Log Lighter OUTSIDE: Deck ,Patio ,Partial Sprinklers ,Partial Landscape OTH ROOMS: Loft ,Family Room ,Attached Guest Quarter APPLIANCES: Gas Oven ,Gas Range/Cooktop ,Microwave ,Dishwasher ,Garbage... 01/31/2008

Below is a list of the 15 homes that sold in the Castle Glen neighborhood as per the Big Bear MLS. The number of sales were down as compared to 2006 but it was still good sales activity. Things have already started off for the better this year in the Castle Glen area as we have had one sale at $1,900,000, one in escrow that was listed for $2,200,000, and several motivated buyers looking in the area. I am an expert in the Castle Glen real estate market so feel free to contact me with any questions. Address Bd Baths SF Apx Ttl Sold Price Sold Date 42285 CASTLE CRAG ROAD 5 4.5 4300 $1,475,000.00 6/22/2007 333 STARLIGHT CIRCLE 4 4 4450 $1,299,000.00 4/30/2007 463 WINDSONG DRIVE 4 3.5 3500 $1,200,000.00 7/27/2007 42267 CASTLE CRAG 4 3.5 3860 $1,100,000.00 5/21/2007 42336 EAGLE RIDGE 4 3.5 35... 01/31/2008

There were a total of 20 lakefront sales in the Big Bear area according the to the Big Bear MLS. While the sales numbers are down from the previous years, lakefronts properties are still selling. Give me a call or drop me a line if you have any questions on these or other properties in the Big Bear Lake area. Address Bd Baths SF Apx Ttl Sold Price Sold Date 350 PULASKI ROAD 5 4.5 5359 $ 2,800,000.00 7/12/2007 42042 EAGLE'S NEST 4 4.5 5579 $ 2,450,000.00 6/11/2007 39224 WATERVIEW 3 1 1992 $ 2,175,000.00 4/4/2007 40606 SIMONDS 5 4.5 4177 $ 2,165,000.00 9/21/2007 651 COVE DRIVE 3 2.5 3110 $ 1,800,000.00 3/30/2007 811 PENINSULA LANE 4 3.5 3500 $ 1,700,000.00 5/15/2007 164 N EAGLE DRIVE 4 3.5 1806 $ 1,535,000.00 9/5/2007 597 COVE DRIVE 5 3.5 2637 $ 1,500,000.00 7/19/2007 147 N EUREKA 3 2.5 2... 01/28/2008

It's another wonderful day here in Big Bear Lake, CA.  In the past week, we have had snow, wind, slush, and now rain.  After spending 45 years of my life in the hustle and bustle of the city, the best thing I ever did was making the decision to move to Big Bear Lake, CA.  The community has come a long way since 2000 when I arrived but it still has the small town feel where you know everyone and everyone is willing to pitch in when someone needs help.The Big Bear Valley is centrally located in the San Bernardino Mountains.  From the san Diego area, it's about a 3 hour drive and about 2.5 hours from Orange or Los Angeles.  If you're one that enjoys snow boarding or sking, Big Bear is alot closer than Mammoth or Tahoe and the home prices in the Big Bear valley are still very affordable.Sel... 01/27/2008

This is one of the most asked questions I hear from clients when determining the best time to buy a property in the Big Bear area. Trying to time the market, especially in today's real estate market, seems to be an inherent characteristic of most buyers. I recommend looking now to get a feel for the current market options that are available. Be particular for the right deal. Look for the options that might have some built-in equity already in the price (there are some of these out there). If you do not find the right property now, then I would keep eye out and wait another 6 months. The overall real estate forecast does not look great over that time frame. Most of the buyers I talk with now are continuing to wait to see what happens.    One thing to ask yourself is how long do you plan ... 01/24/2008

By: Hayley HindellMoonridge .... One of the most desired areas in Big Bear.Why is Moonridge the most frequently asked for area by buyers? Being as I am a buyers agent in Big Bear, one of the most commonly requested areas is Moonridge. Buyers tend to say "I spoke with my friends or someone in town last night and they said...you want to buy in MOONRIDGE". Due to the fact that Mooonridge is centrally located to all your hearts desire I do believe this makes it an area of interest. Points of interest include the slopes, the golf course, hiking and biking trails and The Moonridge Zoo. This area is great for the full timer or the second homeowner. You have so much to choose from, there are cute Mountain style cabins or the Multi Million Dollar Beauty, What ever you imagine your home to be I w... 01/23/2008

By: Hayley HindellEarlier in the month I had blogged about a great deal on a New Construction listed at $530,000 reduced $195,000 from when it was originally listed. The property has since become a short sale and is now listed at $499,000 for a total price reduction of $226,000. It is not often that you can find a deal like this. Brand New Construction - Never been lived in, Three plus bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, granite counter tops with a tumbled marble back splash, An Extra Large Garage, and a fenced backyard with redwood decking. You could live in a beautiful brand new home for a steal! I say jump on this deal while you can .......... 01/23/2008

For all you outdoor enthusiasts, a 5k and 10k snowshoe race will be coming the Big Bear Lake on February 9th, 2008. What a terrific way to get out and enjoy one of the many outdoor activities that Big Bear has to offer. In partnership with the San Bernardino National Forest Service and our local Big Bear Discovery Center, this should be a fun & invigorating event for all. More details can be found here along with a schedule of events and how to register. If you have any specific questions, contact Sarah Miggins, Executive Director for the National Forest Service. The route will go along forest roads 2N08 (Knickerbocker Rd.) and 2N10 through some of the most beautiful scenery Big Bear Lake has to offer. I have had the pleasure of mountain biking and snowshoeing this trail and can vouch f... 01/23/2008

If you are considering selling your Big Bear property, then you will need to consider the following question: Do you absolutely have to sell this home? If the answer to this question is "no", then I would suggest not even trying to sell in the current real estate market conditions. This real estate market is for serious sellers only. What is a serious seller you might ask? A serious seller is someone who has to sell no matter what is going on with the market. A serious seller is willing to price their property accordingly. I am sure if you survey the majority of sellers that closed escrow on their Big Bear property in December of 2007, they will tell you they are not pleased with the price they got for their property but they were happy to get it sold.  If you are not a serious seller, ... 01/08/2008

If you are thinking of selling your Big Bear home, you may want to take a look at the absorption rate of homes that are currently for sale. This is a great way to become more informed on the local real estate market, whether your are buying or selling. There is an easy to understand article here describing what the absorption rate is and what it means for the real estate market. In simplistic terms, it is the amount of time it will take for the a specified set amount of properties to be absorbed under current real estate market conditions. To get the most accurate reading for the Big Bear real estate market, you take the number of properties sold in the past month (more accurate than yearly) and divide that into the number of properties currently on the market for sale. Some other ways ... 01/04/2008

As mentioned previously, the real estate market for Big Bear in 2007 will go down as the the slowest year for sales over the last 20 years. In particular, vacant land has appeared to have the biggest drop off in sales activity as compared to single family homes. Each neighborhood in Big Bear is unique and is a special niche. But, the vacant lots that used to fly off the market just a few years ago in areas like Meadowbrook Estates, Castle Glen, Eagle Point Estates, and lakefront properties are now sitting on the market for 6-12 months or more with sales prices dropping nearly 30% or more. The number of sales in all of Big Bear for vacant land has dropped pretty consistently the past five years. There were over 602 sales in 2003 and only 182 in 2007 (we still have a day left this year bu... 12/31/2007

I spent today showing bank owned properties to a very nice couple I have been dealing with for a few months now. I have shown them property two times before today, and nothing really struck them. Today was different. We decided to stick to bank owned properties exclusively to see if they were going to be the solution to their needs. They were very impressed by what is out there at the moment. A few of them were, as you would expect, in very poor condition, with significant flaws. However, for the most part, the homes were in great shape and needed only a little tlc. When you can buy a home in great shape for a huge discount, why wouldn't you? If you have been waiting for the market to get to the point where a great deal is available, the time is now. Check out my website to get a free l... 12/30/2007

Despite what you may have heard, a great deal is still a great deal. Homes that are priced attractively are still selling in a timely fashion, and if you wait too long you can miss out. A perfect example of this happened to me today. A great bank owned home came on the market here last week. I emailed it to several clients and got three calls back. I told all three of my clients that this house would not last long. They hmmmed and hawwed for a week and one of them finally got around to coming up here a week after I send it to them. Guess what? I called the listing agent and the house in question already had an accepted offer and two back ups. I guess the moral of the story is, if you see an opportunity, don't wait. 12/30/2007