By Mike Sannes, April 16, 2014

Q1 2014 Update: Now that the first quarter of 2014 is behind us, let’s take a look at what has transpired in the Big Bear real estate market and what that indicates about what we can expect from the market as we head into the summer selling season.

2014 got off to a surprisingly strong start. January and February, which are typically slow months for real estate sales in Big Bear, saw impressive demand. ...continue reading

By Mike Sannes, March 19, 2014

February 2014 Market Update: Hello and thanks for checking in with us on the Big Bear real estate market. Winter in Big Bear this year was underwhelming, to say the least. And although the ski resorts and vacation rentals were disappointed with the lack of snow, the good weather actually helped keep the Big Bear real estate market moving right along through the cold months and should continue to help as we head into the Spring.

Normally, spring in Big Bear brings lots of listings to the market and I expect this to hold true for this season as well. In fact, we have already begun to see a substantial rise in the number homes for sale in Big Bear. ...continue reading

By Mike Sannes, February 14, 2014

January 2014 Market Update: 2014 is well underway, so let's take a look at how the Big Bear real estate market has started off the New Year and what that indicates regarding what to expect going forward.

The lack of snow, although not great for the ski slopes, has actually helped the Big Bear real estate market. Interested buyers can easily make the drive up to look at properties and tend to feel more confident about offering on real estate when they can actually see the roof and the yards. (Although what pops up in some yards when the snow melts can be an interesting surprise!) ...continue reading

By Mike Sannes, February 5, 2014

January 2014 Market Update: Looking at 2013 Year-In-Review.

Hello and thanks for checking in with us regarding the state-of-affairs in the Big Bear real estate market. We diligently track and analyze Big Bear’s unique real estate market and our aim is to make this your one-stop-shop for all the latest Big Bear real estate information. Should the urge to buy or need to sell arise, we most certainly look forward, and are very able, to help you obtain a great result.

2013 was a solid year for the Big Bear real estate market. In the paragraphs to follow, I will update you on how the market fared with respect to price and number of sales, as well as cover some important market statistics that are worth keeping an eye on. ...continue reading

December 2013 Market Update: As 2013 winds down, we hope you are set to enjoy a wonderful holiday season. Let’s get caught up on what has been happening in the Big Bear Real Estate market, shall we? We will be doing a comprehensive market ‘year-in-review’ in January for you as well… so stay tuned for that.

Prices in the Big Bear real estate market continue to rise: November 2013 saw a 14% increase in average residential sales price from November of 2012 and a 7.3% increase from October. This brought the year-to-date increase in average sales price in Big Bear to 5.8%, from where it stood through the end of October at 4.9%. ...continue reading

November 2013 Market Update: Thanks for checking in with us on the Big Bear real estate market. With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving fast approaching, let’s take a look at what occurred in October and what that says about how 2013 might end up.

October Traded Sideways

If, like me, you were looking for October to shed some light on the overall direction of the market for the fourth quarter, you will need to stay tuned, as October did not provide too much insight. ...continue reading

October 2013 Market Update: The change of seasons is in full swing here in Big Bear. With a fresh few inches of snow on the ground this morning and Halloween fast approaching, fall is in effect and winter doesn't feel far off.

Prior to reviewing the numbers for October, I thought I would shed some light on a number we use often in describing the Big Bear real estate marketAbsorption Rate – and what this number represents. ...continue reading

September 2013 Market Update: With the last few weeks of the 3rd quarter upon us, let’s check in on the how the Big Bear real estate market has fared over the summer.

A Solid Increase in Average Price

Big Bear Home Prices
Big Bear Homes: Average Sales Price August 2013

August 2013, as compared to August 2012, saw a solid 8% increase in average price. This was certainly an encouraging outcome as the market was looking for direction after somewhat underwhelming results in June and July (in which average sales prices were -1% and +2% respectively). Here in Big Bear, the months of August and September are typically good indicators of what direction the market will take in the 4th quarter. A strong month was needed to set the Big Bear real estate market up for a solid finish to 2013 and to consolidate the appreciation we witnessed in the first quarter. And, that is just what we got. ...continue reading

August 2013 Market Update: As we head into the last weeks of summer here in Big Bear, the nights have definitely been getting cooler, but has the Big Bear real estate market been cooling off as well? Thanks for checking in with us on the state of the real estate market in Big Bear. We are happy to help and always look forward to hearing from you, so do let us know if you have any questions on the market or are interested in buying or selling real estate here in Big Bear.

The overall trend we have seen so far this year -- increasing demand in the face of low to moderate inventory -- is, for the most part, still in effect. ...continue reading

July 2013 Market Update: Thanks for checking in with us on the Big Bear real estate market – Lots to cover, so let’s dive right in: The real estate market in Big Bear showed significant progress in the first half of 2013. The recovery we have been tracking has solidified. The rebound in number of sales persists and price appreciation is underway.

  • As compared to the first half of 2012, this year (January - June) saw a solid 17.8% increase in the number of residential sales. Interesting to note: Of what sold 13% were foreclosures, 10% were short sales and 75% were ‘regular’ resale.
  • 30% of all those sales were cash transactions.
  • 65% of all those sales happened under $250,000, whereas 27% sold between $250,000 and $500,000. The number of sales in this $250,000 to $500,000 price range increased 63% from last year! It is encouraging, and a healthy sign for the market overall, to see demand for higher-priced homes increasing at such a substantial rate.

...continue reading