Ask an Expert, Big Bear Real Estate

Brutally Honest Big Bear Real Estate

Does your Big Bear Real Estate agent tell you what you want to hear, or the truth?

Listening to a Real Estate agent that has their interests in front of yours can be a big mistake. I must admit that I have a problem, I am often Brutally Honest.  Being honest is not the problem, but I know I could improve on the way I deliver the message.

I don’t do the sugar-coating thing well. I tend to tell it like it is and live with the consequences. I won’t tell you what you want to hear, unless I believe it to be the truth. It really makes things easy to remember.

When you work with me, you might hear more than you want to hear about the house. I might get in the way sometimes as if I were buying the house myself. Sometimes I will want repairs made that the buyer doesn’t seem to care about or is not aware of. That’s just how I am.

If I am representing you as a buyer, I might tell you all of the things that the seller would rather have you overlook. I will more than likely be at the home inspection and in addition to thoroughly looking at the items that the home inspector discovers, I might ask him to look at things that he didn’t discover or mention. I will also let you know as a buyer that repairs done by sellers are often done with the cheapest materials and least expensive labor that the seller can find. This doesn’t always equate to the best results, so I will often recommend that we get a bid from someone who knows how to do the repair correctly, at a fair price. I might tell you that the house you like is over priced, or not the best value. Isn’t that the type of honesty you deserve?

 

If I am your listing agent I will tell you the recommended list price based on market conditions, not your needs or debt. That’s not to say I am not flexible at all or sympathetic to your financial situation, but I will give you the real price, even if you don’t like it. I will recommend the work needed to get the home sold and lead you through the selling process. I will work with you on improvements that need to be made by providing contractors and handyman that will perform their jobs as professionals. I will be available to return your calls timely and with real answers. Don’t be surprised if I tell you your home is worth less than some other agents will tell you. I won’t give you a price that is 20% above what I believe is the real value just to get your signature on the listing agreement. I might offer to show you the other homes that a buyer will look at in your price range to show you the reason your home needs to be priced correctly.

After all, what sign do you want to have hung in front of your home in 90 days?

just reduced sign

or

sold-sign-cropped1

If your agent of choice is unable to put your interests first, you need to find one that will.

Click here to read my recommendations for buyer’s and seller’s that I have represented in the past.

October 27, 2009 Posted by | Big Bear Real Estate, Selling your home | , , , , | Leave a comment

Shouldn’t I Price My Big Bear Home with a Little Cushion?

 

I get this question on most listing appointments that I have. The sellers want to leave some room to negotiate. In a market that is moving in the sellers direction, pricing your home with a little cushion will benefit sellers because 30, 60, 90, or more days from the list date, the home will be worth more. That is why we always say “It’s time or money”. 

In a buyers market, it’s “TIME AND MONEY”. Pricing with cushion will often price your home above market value and effect showings. Slowing down the showings on your property will result in wasted market time. With prices coming down, this will cost the seller money.

Please don’t overprice your property in the market that we are currently experiencing. Amend your price frequently if you are not having ample showings. Get your home priced so that buyers and their agents find your home to be the best value. The good news is you don’t have to accept any offers that come in below your asking price, and believe me buyers will try to get the best deal they can.

What situation do you want to be in? Do you want to be getting offers and negotiating, or have your home sit and not be shown while prices are falling? Seller’s should take a hard look at every offer in this market. Always counter an offer if you are not going to accept. I don’t believe in rejecting offers in any market. The goal is to sell your property, so lets not get our ego in the way. Tell the buyers what you will accept and see how they respond. Buyers in this market are rare. Don’t go shooting endangered species.  

Slow decision making on the part of sellers will also be costly. I have had this happen a number of times. I will give the sellers information on comparable properties and recommend amending the price. This market analysis is based on current conditions, not a month later. If you are a seller that takes weeks to come around to getting back to your agent and approving the price reduction, you might miss that price again.

In the current Real Estate market in Big Bear prices are still coming down. So, if you aren’t going to pull the trigger for a few weeks or more on the recommended price change or list price, you might want to consider how far prices will drop during the time that you will need to make the decision.

So, save yourself some money and price your home at or below market value in a buyers market and respond quickly to market changes.

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

steve@bigbeargallery.com

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

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com/

Steve Hirschler

DRE#01703081

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker

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

www.bigbearhomes.wordpress.com (blog)

www.stevesellsbigbear.com (website)

www.activerain.com/blogs/slhoo7\ (blog)

www.thetimwoodgroup.com (group website)

http://twitter.com/stevehirschler (follow me)

October 25, 2009 Posted by | Big Bear Real Estate, Selling your home | , | 1 Comment

Big Bear Real Estate Fast Facts 10/25/2009

  • Current Residential Inventory Available 766
  • Last years inventory 10/2008 – 1078
  • Inventory is down 29% from last year

 

  • Residential Sales closed in the past 30 days – 78
  • Homes sold October 2008 – 73
  • Number of year to date closed residential sales – 681
  • Number of year to date closed residential sales 561 for the same period in 2008 +21.3%

 

  • Current Pending sales 154
  • 39 of these are Bank owned 25% 
  • That means  75% are not bank owned!

 

  • Bank Owned Homes 46 make up only 6% of the inventory available in Big Bear
  • That means 94% of the homes available in Big Bear are not Bank Owned!
  • 261 of the 681 sold this year were bank owned 38%
  • 77 of the 561 sold last year were bank owned 13.7%

What does all of this mean?

  • There are less homes to choose from currently than there were a year ago.
  • More homes have sold this year than last year for the same period.
  • With 154 pending sales and 681 closed sales this year, more homes will be sold in Big Bear this year than last year (669) 
  • Big Bear does not have a high percentage of bank owned properties available, but what is available is selling faster than other homes sold by traditional sellers.

October 25, 2009 Posted by | Big Bear Real Estate, Big Bear Real Estate Market, Homes for Sale in Big Bear, Real Estate, Sold in Big Bear | , , , | Leave a comment

2010 Amgen Tour of California to include Big Bear stage

 

Levi Leipheimer, shown here in the 2009 race, is the three-time defending champion of the Tour of California. Leipheimer and Lance Armstrong have committed to participating in the 2010 race in May, which includes a leg in Big Bear Valley.(Photo courtesy of Amgen Tour of California)
Published: Thursday, October 22, 2009 2:26 PM PDT

The Tour of California bicycle race will make a stop in Big Bear Lake in 2010.

Sixteen host cities for the Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road race were unveiled Oct. 22 including the tour’s first-ever mountaintop finish. The Stage 6 ride on May 21 will begin in Pasadena and wind its way along mountain roads to finish in Big Bear Lake.

The eight-day race will take place May 16-23 beginning in Nevada City, Calif., and ending in Agoura Hills. Other cities involved in the event include Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Davis, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Modesto and Visalia.

“For the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, we had the unique opportunity to move our race to a part of the year when we are almost guaranteed great weather in California,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports. “This timing will help us to better showcase the beautiful features the state of California has to offer, while allowing us to travel to parts of the state that just weren’t feasible in previous years.” Previous tours were in February.

The Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, and is the largest cycling event in America. Soon after the 2010 tour stages were announced on Oct. 22, Lance Armstrong committed to competing in the event, along with three-time Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie and George Hincapie.

“Our community is pleased to be selected as the first-ever mountaintop finish for this awesome cycling event,” said Big Bear Lake mayor Rick Herrick. “Event spectators and visitors alike will be able to stay in our quaint Alpine town, view a world-class event and take in the warmth and hospitality of Southern California’s only four-season resort.”

For more on this story, pick up a copy of the Oct. 28 issue of The Grizzly.
Article Courtesy of the Big Bear Grizzly News Paper
 

October 23, 2009 Posted by | Big Bear Real Estate | Leave a comment

5 New Bank Owned REO Homes in Big Bear, 10/17/2009

As of this morning, we have 48 bank owned  homes (REO’s) on the market, that’s only 6.17% of the 777 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”

October 17, 2009 Posted by | Bank owned in Big Bear, Big Bear Real Estate, Homes for Sale in Big Bear | , , | 1 Comment

93 Homes Sold in Big Bear September 2009

List Price Address Area Bd Baths SF Apx Ttl Broker   Sold Price Sold Date
$1,150,000 39473 LAKE DRIVE BLC 4 5.5 2874 RMX-M $1,000,000 9/30/2009
$1,100,000 896 SKY HIGH BLC 6 4.5 4666 BBV $1,000,000 9/1/2009
$725,000 464 WOODSIDE DRIVE BBC 5 3 3292 GCR $560,000 9/23/2009
$636,800 427 EAGLE LAKE PLACE FOXF 4 3 2880 BBV $615,000 9/11/2009
$634,900 41599 STONEBRIDGE BLE 4 3 3343 OBK $700,100 9/3/2009
$631,700 42292 CASTLE CRAG FOXF 4 3.5 3304 PRM $650,000 9/14/2009
$617,900 149 STONY CREEK ROAD FOXF 4 3 3316 OBK $617,900 9/21/2009
$599,900 385 GLENWOOD DRIVE FOXF 3 2 2200 MTG $580,000 9/9/2009
$575,000 717 JEFFRIES RD BLE 6 8 5304 PRU $450,000 9/15/2009
$537,500 40365 LAKEVIEW DRIVE BLC 3 2.5 2363 PRU $535,000 9/15/2009
$499,900 997 CLUBVIEW MOON 3 2 1880 FTR-B $489,000 9/16/2009
$478,800 47275 LAKEVIEW BALD 4 3 3160 BBV $480,000 9/11/2009
$400,000 819 JAYBIRD LANE BLC 4 2.75 2904 REX $392,500 9/8/2009
$379,000 42363 SNOWCREST FOXF 3 2 1497 FTR-B $370,000 9/11/2009
$369,000 43527 SAN PASQUAL DRIVE MOON 3 2 1344 GCR $340,000 9/28/2009
$359,000 43439 SHEEPHORN MOON 3 2 1300 GCR $345,000 9/19/2009
$349,999 1139 CANYON RD FAWN 3 1.75 1719 ERA $339,999 9/28/2009
$339,000 1628 MALABAR WAY BBC 3 2 1894 PRU $300,000 9/9/2009
$333,000 816 TEHAMA MOON 4 1.75 1900 PRU $299,000 9/22/2009
$325,000 229 FINCH BLE 3 2.5 1830 RMX $295,000 9/16/2009
$314,900 829 MC ALISTER FOXF 3 2 1928 CEN $310,000 9/29/2009
$309,000 1087 SNOWRIDGE WHIS 3 2 1644 CHB $300,000 9/23/2009
$299,900 43441 SHEEPHORN MOON 5 2.5 2336 BBV $300,000 9/15/2009
$292,900 43335 BOW CANYON MOON 4 2 1440 PAL $305,500 9/25/2009
$289,000 1060 SE ASH ERWL 3 2 1795 REX $245,000 9/24/2009
$279,900 619 VILLA GROVE MOON 3 2 1166 MTG $265,000 9/9/2009
$275,000 583 VICTORIA LANE SUGA 3 2 1840 RMX-M $235,000 9/1/2009
$274,900 1291 BUFFALO CT MOON 3 2 1712 BBC $276,000 9/5/2009
$270,500 316 SANTA CLARA FOXF 3 2 1776 PRM $270,500 9/2/2009
$259,900 40105 HILLCREST BLC 3 2 943 BBV-B $230,000 9/24/2009
$259,000 41446 OAK ST. BLC 3 2 1300 PRU $235,000 9/16/2009
$259,000 39578 RACCOON FAWN 2 2 1423 MTG $243,000 9/18/2009
$249,900 507 ANGELES BBC 3 2 1546 RMX-M $230,000 9/22/2009
$249,900 42595 WILLOW AVE MOON 2 1 1070 CEN $225,000 9/1/2009
$245,100 397 CATALINA ROAD FOXF 3 1.75 1478 BBV $245,100 9/25/2009
$239,000 605 ROSEHILL DRIVE BBC 3 2 1536 BBV $245,000 9/11/2009
$229,900 45457 THIRD STREET BALD 3 2.5 1450 RMX $220,000 9/11/2009
$229,000 110 WABASH SUGA 3 3 1763 PRU $207,000 9/21/2009
$219,000 42898 ENCINO RD MOON 2 1 864 ERA $202,500 9/3/2009
$215,000 45346 7TH BALD 3 2 1707 WHR $195,000 9/4/2009
$209,500 739 PANAMINT WHIS 3 1.75 1838 ERA $193,717 9/4/2009
$208,100 2009 CEDAR PINE ERWL 4 2 2400 BBV $200,000 9/17/2009
$200,000 1116 MOUNT DOBLE BBC 3 2 1288 REX-V $200,000 9/16/2009
$200,000 567 VISTA BLC 3 1.25 1700 RMX-M $187,000 9/30/2009
$199,900 1842 BALDWIN LAKE ROAD BALD 3 2.5 1807 RMX $195,000 9/18/2009
$199,000 42660 LA PLACIDA MOON 2 1 864 SPN $182,000 9/18/2009
$189,000 46009 PARKWAY RD. BALD 3 2 1514 BBV $180,000 9/2/2009
$187,500 872 TEHAMA MOON 2 1.72 1003 CEN-B $175,000 9/23/2009
$184,900 1300 MOUNTAIN VIEW BLVD BBC 3 1.75 988 REX $184,900 9/3/2009
$179,900 305 E SHERWOOD BBC 2 1 945 ERA $179,900 9/18/2009
$179,900 42826 WILLOW MOON 2 1 864 MTG $179,900 9/23/2009
$178,000 356 PINE LANE SUGA 2 2 1166 CEN $165,000 9/18/2009
$175,000 209 SHAKESPEARE LANE BBC 3 1.75 2700 SPN-C $175,000 9/3/2009
$174,900 42766 SONOMA MOON 3 2 1273 MTG $172,900 9/11/2009
$169,995 654 VICTORIA LANE SUGA 2 1 1072 CEN $155,000 9/30/2009
$169,900 673 BUTTE AVE MOON 2 1 697 PRM $165,000 9/18/2009
$169,900 43449 SHASTA ROAD MOON 2 1 984 PRM $195,000 9/23/2009
$158,000 960 HEMLOCK ERWL 2 1 976 FTR-B $140,000 9/4/2009
$152,000 304 E NORTH SHORE DRIVE BBC 4 2.5 1722 MTG $145,000 9/25/2009
$150,000 430 IMPERIAL SUGA 2 1 988 REX $145,000 9/23/2009
$149,900 545 IMPERIAL SUGA 3 2 980 ERA $112,000 9/28/2009
$149,500 1865 POND DR BALD 3 2 1386 BBC $140,000 9/2/2009
$149,000 395 LOS ANGELES SUGA 2 1.5 896 PRU $149,000 9/18/2009
$148,005 699 RIVERSIDE SUGA 3 2 1378 PAL $149,000 9/4/2009
$144,900 1253 BALSAM MOON 3 2 912 OBK $241,000 9/1/2009
$140,000 1037 GREENWAY BBC 2 1 1040 CEN $150,500 9/30/2009
$139,900 941 MOUNT DOBLE DRIVE BBC 3 1 912 RMX-M $150,000 9/16/2009
$139,000 205 W SHERWOOD BBC 2 1 944 RMX-M $130,000 9/10/2009
$134,000 836 E FAIRWAY BLVD. BBC 2 2 1344 SPN $137,500 9/22/2009
$133,650 701 MARIN BLE 2 1 896 CEN-B $123,000 9/18/2009
$131,500 765 W BIG BEAR BLVD BBC 4 2.5 1768 RMX-M $118,000 9/4/2009
$130,000 225 W SHERWOOD BLVD. BBC 2 1 840 MTG $125,000 9/23/2009
$129,900 1082 ROCKY MOUNTAIN WHIS 2 1 910 BBV $130,000 9/30/2009
$129,000 722 W AEROPLANE BBC 3 2 1694 MTG $129,000 9/9/2009
$125,000 403 LEONARD SUGA 2 1 608 RMX $125,000 9/24/2009
$124,900 827 KERN SUGA 3 1.75 1454 RMX-M $94,500 9/1/2009
$119,900 820 RAINBOW BBC 2 1 824 RMX $117,500 9/11/2009
$119,899 1031 W COUNTRY CLUB BBC 2 1 906 PRU $110,000 9/15/2009
$119,000 1008 SEQUOIA DR BBC 2 1 760 PRM $110,000 9/4/2009
$119,000 523 LOS ANGELES SUGA 2 1 800 PRU $107,000 9/28/2009
$114,999 359 LOS ANGELES SUGA 2 1 608 CEN $109,999 9/30/2009
$104,000 905 MICHAEL AVE. BBC 2 1 1135 BBV $99,000 9/21/2009
$89,900 695 HIGHLAND SUGA 1 1 570 PRU $85,000 9/10/2009
$85,000 105 E COUNTRY CLUB BBC 2 1.5 816 BBV-B $80,000 9/3/2009
$80,000 2057 THIRD LANE ERWL 2 1.5 840 PRM $80,000 9/25/2009
$74,900 309 CEDAR SUGA 2 1.1 1064 PAL $74,000 9/28/2009
$69,900 413 WABASH SUGA 2 1 570 PGR $69,900 9/15/2009
$69,000 912 BARKER BBC 0 1 400 MTG $69,500 9/9/2009
$68,805 814 ROBINHOOD BBC 2 1 740 WDS $75,100 9/30/2009
$64,800 312 E SHERWOOD BLVD. BBC 2 0.75 590 BBV $67,000 9/4/2009
$59,900 46572 ARASTRE ROAD BALD 3 2 972 PRM $52,000 9/18/2009
$51,900 325 W MOJAVE BBC 2 1 720 OBK $45,000 9/24/2009
$47,900 403 HIGHLAND LANE SUGA 0 1 463 MTG $46,500 9/15/2009
                 
$23,594,452             $22,459,415  

Click here to see the details of these homes

October 11, 2009 Posted by | Big Bear Market, Big Bear Real Estate Market, Sold in Big Bear | , , | Leave a comment

5 New Bank Owned REO Homes in Big Bear, 10/7/2009

921 W Rainbow

921 W Rainbow

921 W RAINBOW , BIG BEAR CITY/ $79,200

Total SqFt: 840 (Approx)

Bedrooms: 2 Baths: 1.00 /Fireplace: One FP /Garage: None /Stories: Two Story /View: Neighbors & Trees View ML#: 292125 

Listing Courtesy of Keller Williams Big Bear Lake Arrowhead / David Cartright , JR

593 Highland

593 Highland

593 HIGHLAND LANE, SUGARLOAF /$95,800

Total SqFt: 624 (Approx)

Bedrooms: 1 Baths: 1.00 /Fireplace: One /Stories: Two Story/ View: Neighbors and  Trees View

 ML#: 292106 / Virtual Tour Link: http://www.vflyer.com/home/flyer/mls/home/2857578

Listing Courtesy of Coldwell Banker / The Tim Wood Group / Tyler Wood

 

39286 Cedar Dell

39286 Cedar Dell

39286 CEDAR DEll, FAWNSKIN /$207,500

Total SqFt: 456 (Approx)

Bedrooms: 1 Baths: 1.00 / Fireplace: Two/  Garage: Two Car / One Story /ML#: 292121

Listing Courtesy of Ash Realty / Sam Ali

42608 Cedar
42608 CEDAR ,Moonridge,BIG BEAR LAKE / $229,900
Total SqFt: 1,608 (Approx) 
Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2.50 /Fireplace: One FP /Garage: None/ Stories: Two Story
View: Neighbors & Trees View ML#: 292133
Listing Courtesy of Premier Properties Sotheby’s Int’l / Tom Benson
1298 Luna
1298 LUNA Area: Moonridge, BIG BEAR CITY /$439,900
Total SqFt: 2,304 (Approx)
Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 2.75 /Fireplace: One FP /Garage: None/ Stories: Two Story
View: Ski Slope View /ML#: 292124
Listing Courtesy of Remax Big Bear / Bryan Iverson

As of this morning, we have 48 bank owned  homes (REO’s) on the market, that’s only 5.96% of the 805 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”

October 7, 2009 Posted by | Bank owned in Big Bear, Big Bear Real Estate | , , , | Leave a comment

Market Condition Report for the Big Bear Area

Market Condition Report for the Big Bear Area

Market Condition Report for the Big Bear Area

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”

October 3, 2009 Posted by | Big Bear Market, Big Bear Real Estate, Big Bear Real Estate Market, Sold in Big Bear | , , , , | Leave a comment

How Do I Winterize my Big Bear Home?

Winterizing your Big Bear Cabin can save you money and avoid damage to your plumbing system. Below is the instructions that the DWP sends out to help homeowners understand the process. It’s a good idea to turn your stop and waste valve off whenever you are leaving the mountains, even in the summer. By doing this you will keep the stop and waste valve from becoming hard to turn or stuck in one position.

Steve Hirschler

Associate, The Tim Wood Group

Coldwell Banker Mountain Gallery

42153 Big Bear Blvd.

P.O. BOX 6820

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

steve@bigbeargallery.com

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

Fax 909 866-3531

http://www.stevesellsbigbear.com/

October 1, 2009 Posted by | Living in Big Bear | | Leave a comment