Living in Big Bear Lake

Author: rachaelsmithrealestate

  • Compass National Snapshot

    Compass National Snapshot

    I hope you are well. 

    As restrictions in many states are easing from shelter-in-place, I want to share some positive news. Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen the number of homes going into contract trending upward in most of our markets.

    Below you’ll find real-time data from 11 markets reflecting an increase in newly under contract inventory. There are a few items I wanted to highlight for you:

    • In regions that have lifted restrictions over the past 2 weeks, there is a notable uptick in properties going under contract
    • In many areas where restrictions are not lifting, inventory levels remain low and we’ve seen new properties being held back from coming to the market until restrictions lift
    • Our Compass data showcase activity as it is happening, not after sales have closed which provides you with real-time data

    By utilizing Compass technology, I have access to curated real-time market analysis based on your specific needs and interest and the details of our market. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions, or if you would like to chat.

    Stay Safe!
  • 1025 Myrtle …SOLD… Big Bear City, CA

    1025 Myrtle …SOLD… Big Bear City, CA

    Sold this 💎!  The sellers enjoyed it for several years and made it better and better.  You couldn’t have asked for a greater setting in the Peter Pan neighborhood!  Sellers have moved onto Montana to enjoy the winters there!  Thanks to Melissa Gile for being AMAZING to work with!

    #compass #socalresorts #bigbearlake #bigbearcity #compass realestate #bigbearrealestate

  • Here’s your April market report for the Big Bear Lake area

    Here’s your April market report for the Big Bear Lake area

    How is the real estate market in our local communities? Are homes still selling? Are new properties coming to market? Find out the latest statistics below. 

    Please email me if you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss the market in your neighborhood! 
    Big Bear Lake | 28 Listings | 58.21% decrease from March
    Big Bear City | 26 Listings | 0% decrease from March
    Sugarloaf | 13 Listings | 35% decrease from March
    Fawnskin | 0 Listings | 100% decrease from March
    Big Bear Lake | 28 Listings | 6.2% decrease from March
    Big Bear City | 26 Listings | 16.2% decrease from March
    Sugarloaf | 13 Listings | 15% decrease from March
    Fawnskin | 0 Listings | 100% decrease from March
    Big Bear Lake | 0 Listings | 100% decrease from March
    Big Bear City | 12 Listings | 33% increase from March
    Sugarloaf | 5 Listings | 45% decrease from March
    Fawnskin | 0 Listings | 100% decrease from March
    Big Bear Lake | $0 | 100% increase from March
    Big Bear City | $197,000 | 25% decrease from March
    Sugarloaf | $200,000 | 4% increase from March
    Fawnskin | $0 | 0% increase from March
    Interested in learning more about the market in your neighborhood? Give me a call, or click here to download our Compass app for detailed, real-time reports.
    With your health and safety in mind, I’ve can curate a collection of homes on the market with virtual tours across these neighborhoods. 
    This way you can tour properties from the comfort of your own home.

  • Committee Proposes Partial Reopening of Big Bear Lake Businesses

    For us here in Big Bear Lake, yesterday’s meeting of the Pandemic Response Plan Committee was done to form ideas of a Phase 1 re-opening of the Big Bear Lake economy.  
    The 9 panel committee made comments to City Manager, Frank Rush, on May 1st.  


    Conclusions that discussed at the May 4th meeting include: Best practices for businesses to follow to avoid the spread of COVID-19.  Guidelines include: 


    -Face coverings to be required and should be carried at all times and used when interacting with others in public including outdoor activities.  
    -Businesses and restaurants will be limited to 50% capacity and allow for a 6 foot separation.  
    -Lodging and vacation rentals will be limited to 50% occupancy at any given time.  Additionally, renters will be instructed to bring their own food and supplies to ease the burden on supplies at our local supermarkets.  


    Committee member, Jo Ann Cecil, added that occupancy at this time of year is typically only at 40% so the limitation of 50% is a great place to start.  The possibility of allowing for outdoor dining and retail displays on sidewalks and streets to allow for social distancing was also discussed particularly as it could relate to the Village businesses.  The committee acknowledged the importance to treat all businesses in the same segment equally and that consistent messaging was important. 


    Frank Rush added the enforcement of Phase 1 operations should be in the form of an educational approach.  Other discussions included ideas of how to protect the vulnerable with committee member, Liz Harris, suggesting Tuesday as Senior Days to allow seniors the opportunity to shop or dine during a time that would be less crowded. The panel unanimously agreed to these well rounded conclusions but the San Bernardino County will decide if they will follow the State’s guidelines.  Committee chair, Mayor Rick Herrick stated, “We’re going to follow as close as we can the County’s conclusions.  I believe they have our best interests at heart.”  The PRPC will met again on-line today, May 6th to vote on the final plan which will be presented to the Big Bear Lake City Council for discussion and approval on May 11th.

  • Challenges and Trends in the Real Estate Market during COVID-19

    Challenges and Trends in the Real Estate Market during COVID-19


    I thought you might like to see a recent CNBC segment where Compass’ Founder & CEO, Robert Reffkin, discusses the current climate in real estate amidst COVID-19.

    Watch the full clip on YouTube below:

    As you may have experienced yourself, buyer searches for properties dropped 36% during the peak of COVID-19—from March 10th to 24th. However, our data is showing the number of buyer searches is steadily increasing, and we are now only 15% lower than where we were before the drop.

    As the curve flattens for increases in COVID-19 cases, Compass is seeing a flattening of the declining curve in real estate transactions. In fact, in the 135 cities where we operate, last week Compass saw a ~20% week-over-week growth in new listings and listings in contract / pending after the market spent 2 weeks at bottom.

    I wanted to share a few highlights that you might find particularly interesting about how Shelter-in-Place has changed what people are looking for in a home:





    These numbers are a reflection of what is happening right now but these sentiments will likely evolve. It’s worth mentioning that it’s important in real estate to focus on the long term, rather than making reactive decisions when so much is yet to be seen.

    I am here if you would like to chat or have questions about the current state of the market—or my thoughts on the future.

    Stay safe and healthy.

  • What does Compass have to offer?

    As a Compass agent, I have access to several exclusive client services that can help facilitate your real estate needs.

    • Compass Concierge: Helps you maximize the value of your home, by fronting the costs of home improvement services to prepare it for market. No interest charged and no hidden fees!
    • Compass Bridge Loan Services: Gets you access to competitive rates and dedicated support from industry-leading lenders, with the exclusive option to get up to six months of your Bridge Loan payments fronted when you sell your home with a Compass agent.
    • Compass Coming Soon: Enables you to gather insights and generate buzz for listings before they become officially available on the broader market.

    I would love to connect and see which of these might be most helpful in your real estate journey.
  • Recovery Analysis by McKinsey & Company Select

    Recovery Analysis by McKinsey & Company Select

    I hope you and your family are safe and healthy.

    I thought you might be interested in the results of a survey of global business leaders about what the recovery will look like. Thankfully, their outlook is that the COVID-19 crisis will be controlled and that we’ll avoid long-term structural damage to the economy.

    I’d be curious to hear your thoughts. Please let me know what you think if you have a moment.

    What will be the Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis?
    On April 28th, McKinsey & Company’s Global Managing Partner, Kevin Sneader appeared on CNBC to discuss how his firm is advising multiple governors on when and how to reopen their states. In his words, the decision hinges on one question: how do you reconcile the saving of lives with the safeguarding of livelihood?

    There’s no easy answer. And with 70% of the US workforce unable to do their jobs from home, states need to consider how to make sure there is enough PPE, testing and contact-tracing in place to be confident that once they reopen, they won’t have to shut down again.

    How This Could Unfold?
    A recent survey of over 2,000 global executives showed that many expect the recovery to look like one of the scenarios shaded in blue below (A1–A4) which lead to a V- or U-shaped recovery. In each of these, the COVID-19 spread is eventually controlled, and catastrophic structural economic damage is avoided.

    Almost one third of these leaders anticipate a muted world recovery where US GDP could drop 35-40% in Q2 of 2020 and won’t return to pre-crisis levels until Q1 of 2023 (A1). A slightly more optimistic outlook was the second most anticipated scenario, reflecting virus containment by mid-Q2 of 2020 with an economic rebound following Q2 2020 (A3). [Source: McKinsey]



    Which Sectors are being Hit the Hardest?
    1. Commercial Aerospace
    May take years to recover from production and supply chain shortages
    2. Consumer Air & Travel
    Domestic recovery is likely to recover faster than international travel
    3. Oil & Gas
    Oil price decline driven by short-term demand impact and OPEC+ decision to increase supply
    4. Insurance Carriers
    Reduced interest rates and investment performance impacting returns
    5. Automotive 
    Trade tensions and declining sales amplified by acute decline in global demand

  • Bear in Lake Williams!

    Check out the Bear that visited the neighborhood of Lake Williams last night 12/10/2018!

  • Big Bear 24/7 TPHR Complaint Response and In-Person Check In Information

    Big Bear 24/7 TPHR Complaint Response and In-Person Check In Information

    Recent Updates with the City of Big Bear Lake’s Rental Property Codes (Transient Private Home Rental-TPHR), state that all properties renting out on a nightly basis must have an In-Person Check-In Agent and a 24/7 Compliant Response Agent. These people fulfilling these jobs must complete and pass the tests to become certified. 


    Once you successfully pass each examination, the Agent will be contacted by City Staff and directed to complete an Affidavit to be submitted/signed in-person at Big Bear Lake City Hall or accompanied with a Notary Acknowledgment and forwarded to the City’s Code Department at which time they will receive their certificate.


    I just went thru this experience/test just to see what it was like.  


    First watch the video of Phil Mosely discussing the items that will be referenced on the test.


    TPHR In-Person Check-In Agent Training


    TPHR 24 7 Complaint Response Agent Training


    From there you should be in a position to pass the tests.


    IN-PERSON CHECK-IN AGENT EXAM


    27/7 COMPLAINT RESPONSE AGENT EXAM




    After about a week I received my Certificates via email and now just awaiting for them to reach out for me to the Affidavit and Notary.


    Call me with any real estate questions in regards to your own Airbnb in the Big Bear and surrounding areas.



  • Wouldn’t you want to live here?

    Wouldn’t you want to live here?

    814 Robinhood
    Big Bear City, CA 92314
    $249,900
    http://rachael.mountainuniquesearch.com/listing/mlsid/404/propertyid/3186571/