Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate

Brutally Honest Big Bear Real Estate

30 Year Mortgage Rate Chart

30 Year Mortgage Rate Chart

30 Year Mortgage Rate Chart

As you can see, rates are at historic lows. Call Martha McKinley to get pre-qualified for your next purchase.

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

stevehirschler@gmail.com

909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

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August 21, 2009 Posted by Steve | Big Bear Market, Big Bear Real Estate, Real Estate | , | No Comments Yet

New Bank Owned REO Homes in Big Bear 5/9/2009

These are the 3 new bank owned homes that came on the market this week in Big Bear.
Listing Courtesy of Woodstock Real Estate
Listing Courtesy of Woodstock Real Estate

This home last sold for $219,900 in June of 2003!  It is located in Big Bear City, just off of North Shore Drive, HWY18. This is a nice home that has a 5000 sq ft lot. Nice Gambrel style home with large bedrooms. Over sized 1 car garage with unfinished room above. Room for a boat or Rv Parking. Covered deck.

Listing Courtesy of PREMIER PROPERTIES SOTHEBYS INTL

Listing Courtesy of PREMIER PROPERTIES SOTHEBY'S INT'L

Last sold for $340,000 in December 2004! Beautiful Home with vaulted ceilings and 2 x 6 construction. Riverrock fireplace and built in entertainment center. Large master suite with walk in closet and double sinks in master bath. Open kitchen with custom cabinets. Laundry room with sink. Redwood decking, and over sized insulated garage, and fenced yard.

Listing Courtesy of KELLER WILLIAMS BIG BEAR LAKE ARROWHEAD
Listing Courtesy of KELLER WILLIAMS BIG BEAR LAKE ARROWHEAD

Last sold for $229,000 in October 2006! Corner lot, Gambrel construction, rock fireplace, and storage shed. Seller is offering 3% paid points toward permanent rate buy down with Prospect Bank.

 

As of this morning, we have 47 bank owned  homes (REO’s) on the market, that’s only 5.2% of the 897 active listings. Please call or email if you want to purchase a bank owned home in Big Bear, I will get you the best deal.

I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear.

Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service)

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

stevehirschler@gmail.com

909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

Follow me on Twitter

Subscribe to “Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog”

May 9, 2009 Posted by Steve | Bank owned in Big Bear, Big Bear Market, Big Bear Real Estate, Big Bear Real Estate Market, Homes for Sale in Big Bear | , , , , | No Comments Yet

Sold in Big Bear Week ending 4/18/2009

Click here for property details

  • 3 were bank owned “50%”
  • One of these homes was a short sale
  • 2 were organic (traditional seller)
  • I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear.

    Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

    Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service)

    Steve Hirschler

    Associate, The Tim Wood Group

    Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

    42153 Big Bear Blvd.

    P.O. BOX 6820

    Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    stevehirschler@gmail.com

    909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

    Fax 909 866-3531

    http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

    Follow me on Twitter

    Subscribe to “Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog”

     

    April 18, 2009 Posted by Steve | Big Bear Market, Big Bear Real Estate, Big Bear Real Estate Market, Sold in Big Bear | , , , , , | 1 Comment

    Bank Owned Statistics for the Big Bear Area

    Currently we have 45 bank owned homes available in the Big Bear Area MLS. There are 891 active listings, so the bank owned homes are 5% of the available homes. A low number for sure. 

     

    There are 48 bank owned homes in escrow. This is 41% of the 118 total number of homes in escrow.

     

    Year to date through 4/10/2009 we have sold 88 bank owned homes. This is 49% of the 181 that have sold in the Big Bear Area. The average days on the market are 76, and the price differential is 86.70%.

    I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear.

    Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

    Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service)

    Steve Hirschler

    Associate, The Tim Wood Group

    Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

    42153 Big Bear Blvd.

    P.O. BOX 6820

    Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    stevehirschler@gmail.com

    909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

    Fax 909 866-3531

    http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

    Follow me on Twitter

    Subscribe to “Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog”

    April 10, 2009 Posted by Steve | Big Bear Market, Big Bear Real Estate, Homes for Sale in Big Bear, Sold in Big Bear | , , , , | No Comments Yet

    Moonridge Minute(s) March 2009

    I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear.

    Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

    Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service)

    Steve Hirschler

    Associate, The Tim Wood Group

    Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

    42153 Big Bear Blvd.

    P.O. BOX 6820

    Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    stevehirschler@gmail.com

    909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

    Fax 909 866-3531

    http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

    Follow me on Twitter

    Subscribe to “Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog”

    April 5, 2009 Posted by Steve | Big Bear Market, Big Bear Real Estate | , , , , , | No Comments Yet

    Big Bear Bank Owned Property 2009 Quick Facts

                                                                               

                                               Total Residential (excluding bank owned)                  Bank Owned

    Current  Inventory (total # of units)             846                                                     52          

    Pending (inescrow)                                     75                                                      51

    Sold (ytd through 3/23/09)                          74                                                      68

    Days on the market                                    192                                                     70

    Price Differential % (list vs. purchase)         95.02%                                            89.62%

    • Bank Owned Properties make up 5.79% of the total inventory in Big Bear.
    • Bank Owned Properties are 40% of the pending sales
    • Bank Owned Properties are 47.8% of what is selling in Big Bear.
    • Bank Owned Properties sell 2.74 times faster than non bank owned properties in Big Bear.

    Real Estate is Local, Big Bear is a unique market.  

    I can show you any home for sale in Big Bear.

    Search the Big Bear MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

    Search the Southern California MLS  (Multiple Listing Service)

    Steve Hirschler

    Associate, The Tim Wood Group

    Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

    42153 Big Bear Blvd.

    P.O. BOX 6820

    Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    stevehirschler@gmail.com

    909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

    Fax 909 866-3531

    http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

    Follow me on Twitter

    Subscribe to “Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog”

    March 23, 2009 Posted by Steve | Big Bear Market, Big Bear Real Estate, Real Estate | , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

    Home Buyers in Big Bear California can enjoy up to $18,000 in tax credits.

    Home buyers in California can enjoy up to $18,000 in tax credits – MarketWatch.

    This is great news for buyers and builders in the Big Bear area and the state of California.  This tax credit is available for full time principal residences. Currently in Big Bear we have 75 homes that are new or under construction in the Big Bear area that may qualify for this credit.

    More information on this tax credit

    Steve Hirschler

    Associate, The Tim Wood Group

    Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

    42153 Big Bear Blvd.

    P.O. BOX 6820

    Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    stevehirschler@gmail.com

    909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

    Fax 909 866-3531

    http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

    Follow me on Twitter

    Subscribe to “Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog”

    March 7, 2009 Posted by Steve | Big Bear Market, Big Bear Real Estate, Big Bear Real Estate Market | , | No Comments Yet

    Big Bear Homes Sales are Up 59% !!

    Sold through 2 24 2009

    Sold through 2 24 2009

    Big Bear homes sold year to date are up 59%. That is a good sign for the Big Bear Real Estate market. With 89 closed residential sales in 2009 compared to 56 closed during the same time in 2008 you could say the buyer’s are jumping off the fence.

     

    Sold through 2 24 2008

    Sold through 2 24 2008

    As you can see, the average price is down $83,179, from $379,079 in 2008 to $295,900 in 2009.  Interestingly. the highest price home sold in 2009 is $2,700,000 this year vs. $1,900,000 in 2008. The lowest price sold this year $26,000 is 1/4 of the low price in this period of 2008 $105,000.

    Price differential and days on the market remain relatively stable at 95 – 100% of list price and 140 -1 45 average days on the market for homes sold.

    I know you are hearing it from everyone, but it really is a good time to buy! The current trend of less inventory (904 as of today), very attractive lending rates, and increased unit sales indicate a shift in the market. Don’t miss this window of opportunity!

    Steve Hirschler

    Associate, The Tim Wood Group

    Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

    42153 Big Bear Blvd.

    P.O. BOX 6820

    Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    stevehirschler@gmail.com

    909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

    Fax 909 866-3531

    http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

    Follow me on Twitter

    Subscribe to “Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog”

    February 24, 2009 Posted by Steve | Big Bear Real Estate | , , , , , | No Comments Yet

    5 Things You Should Know About Buying a Foreclosure in Big Bear.

    1. Not every bank owned property is a great deal.

    • They will at some point be a good deal, but if not priced correctly when listed initially it may take an agent or two before the price gets to the deal range. Some banks are not willing to listen to the listing agent and want to list at their price.
    • Some have locations that are not a great deal for a vacation home or residence no matter what the price.
    • At the right price everything is a deal, but maybe the deal doesn’t fit for you.
    • You have to ask yourself, Do I want the best deal or the best house? 

    2. Most are sold “AS IS”.

    • Contingency periods are often shortened to 10 days or less. This makes it difficult for buyers from out of the area to do the investigations that they would like.
    • Natural Hazard Disclosures, preliminary title reports,  etc. need to be ordered immediately so that the buyer has this information available prior to the end of the contingency period.

    3. The bank will charge you $100 (average) per day Per Diem if you don’t close the escrow on time.

    • It’s important to have your loan pre approved prior to writing the offer.
    • Lender’s are a big part of this process, make sure you are a priority.
    • Don’t use an out of the area appraiser. Big Bear has a member only Multiple Listing Service, so an out of area appraiser will have problems getting comparable sales. Be involved in the appraiser selection, you are more than likely paying for the appraisal.

    4. Verify whether or not your lender will require a clear termite report.

    • Many banks will not pay for termite inspections or repairs on their properties. If the bank has this clause in your addendum, you will need to be sure to have the inspection done quickly so that if the repair amount is unacceptable you can exit the contract prior to the contingency period.
    • Lenders usually require a clear section 1 (wood destroying pest clearance).

    5. Most bank owned / foreclosures have years of deferred maintenance.

    • More than likely, the people that lost the home to the bank didn’t spend any money on upkeep.
    • Most are in need of cosmetic items (paint, flooring etc.) , and some have missing hardware (plumbing fixtures, water heaters, garage door openers, interior doors, built-in appliances, etc.)

    This is a short list of major items to watch. It’s important to use a local Realtor with knowledge of the areas and history of the homes. If you have an agent from out of the area, ask them  to refer you to a local agent so that you get all of the information necessary to make good decisions.

    If your agent can’t tell you:

    • Who supplies the utilities?
    • What kind of termites we have in Big Bear?
    • What a stop and waste valve is?
    • Where the trash sites are?
    • What is the property tax, and what items are on your tax bill?
    • How much does it cost to put your boat on the lake?
    • How do I winterize my Big Bear Home?
    • Who plows the roads, and who should I call to plow my driveway?
    • The difference between Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City.
    • What the best restaurants are?

     find a Local Expert Realtor that does.

    Steve Hirschler

    Associate, The Tim Wood Group

    Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

    42153 Big Bear Blvd.

    P.O. BOX 6820

    Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    stevehirschler@gmail.com

    909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

    Fax 909 866-3531

    http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

    Follow me on Twitter

     

      Subscribe to “Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog”

    February 22, 2009 Posted by Steve | Big Bear Real Estate | , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

    Lakefront Homes in Big Bear

    Big Bear Lake has some great lakefront homes available.

    Big Bear Lakefront Home

    Big Bear Lakefront Home

    There are 37 lakefront homes available currently. These lakefront homes are priced between $500,000 and $3,100,000. With 17 sold in all of 2008, that is a 2 year supply. Of these 35 active listings, 2 are bank owned (.57%), and 1 is a short sale. I should mention that there is another short sale that is not listed in the local Big Bear MLS (like fishing with no bait). I predict that the 2009 summer season will be a good year for unit sales on lakefront homes in Big Bear since the lake level will be high, and because of market conditions many buyers will think that lakefront homes are selling at huge discounts. They are not. While lakefront home pricing has dropped approximately 15 – 20%over the past 3 years, the drop is much less than the overall Big Bear market.  If you are in the market for a lakefront home in Big Bear, it is not a bad time to start looking.

     

    Steve Hirschler

    Associate, The Tim Wood Group

    Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

    42153 Big Bear Blvd.

    P.O. BOX 6820

    Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

    stevehirschler@gmail.com

    909 866-3481 EXT. 217 CELL 909 725-5889

    Fax 909 866-3531

    http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com

    Follow me on Twitter

     

      Subscribe to “Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate Blog”

    February 21, 2009 Posted by Steve | Big Bear Real Estate | , , , , , , | 1 Comment