Author: rachaelsmithrealestate

This weeks Newest Listings

Click the following link to view the Listings:
http://bbv.mlsmatrix.com/DE.asp?ID=47073589

I look at Real Estate all day long.  Both online and at the location while showing.  
Here are my Top 10 Streets I love in Big Bear!

Its been an interesting 2 months practicing what I preach on a daily basis to my clients that are looking for investment properties in Big Bear.  My husband and I bought a rental property last July and found a great tenant that lived in the home for a year but eventually moved off the mountain.  While that was great and worked out well for both sides we decided it was time to start renting nightly which was the original goal.

Two weeks before the tenant moved out we started ordering everything from furniture, decorations and cleaning supplies necessary to have it on the market July 2 after a long term rental move out date of June 30th.  I love difficult goals!

We stocked the house, got it ready and started renting it out July 2.  In the course of the 2 months that we’ve been renting the home out we have made the income equivalent of 6 months mortgage!  This is doing it on our own and has been a low level of involvement. (mainly responding to requests online, arranging cleaning and just being responsive).

100% of our rentals have come from Airbnb.  While we have it loaded on 2 separate sites (Airbnb and VRBO) it seems to be renting significantly more on one site than the other.  The beauty of having it on both is that the calendars can SYNC and not allow a booking thru one site if its rented thru the other.

I intend to use a company called Rental Ready Big Bear.  Some of my clients have used this company and been really happy with their service.  Basically they are a cleaning service that  does a la carte add on items depending upon what you want them to do. Their cleaning calendar syncs with your calendars so that they get notified when the renter is out and when they need to clean the home.  You can set up your Airbnb or VRBO to pay out directly to them as well.  All of this, and guess what- no management fees- you get to keep the income for what you are renting.

For now though, I’ve been using my military trained husband to clean the home each time we have an arrival.  He slowly but surely seems to be getting to a point of wanting to hire a company but we will surely get there in November when reservations hit the fan and its all hands on deck!

Its been a lot of fun and some back end work that happens to get where you have the home set up and the ball continues to roll easily but its worth it in the long run.  Always stay mindful of your neighbors and I always recommend screening your applicants that are wanting to rent your home.  In the last 2 months we have turned down several guests because we didn’t feel that we were a great fit.

Feel free to reach out if you want help with yours or you’d like to buy a home that will make you a lot of money!  Rachael Smith 909-744-2190 or email at rachael@bigbearsold.com

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19551192?location=big%20bear

So I got so tickled when I was leaving my listing in Lower Moonridge the other day.  I was driving down the street and noticed the roof on this home which inspired today’s blog post.  I’m not sure if you can see it all that well but apparently some shingles had fallen on this roof and the owner decided to nail them in.  You can see the numerous nailheads in the shingle as well as the fact that they are not lined up as they should be.  This begs the question when it comes to a remodel or repair job- Should I use a Handyman, Contractor or Do It Myself?

When to use a contractor?

• If the job is going to take more than a week, hire a GC.

• If the job requires several different pros to complete, hire a GC.

• If the job requires a few permits, hire a GC.

• Does not list a number in the phone book.

• Asks you to get required building permits.

•  Only accepts cash.

• Solicits door-to-door.

• Says you will get a discount if you find other customers for that contractor.

• Says your job will be a demonstration.

• Offers exceptionally long guarantees.

• Asks you to pay for the entire job up front.

• Tries to scare you into signing for repairs claiming they are urgent.

• Demands a lien on your property.

When to use a handyman?
When doing small jobs inside the home.  Structural changes should not be done with a handyman.  
Nothing that would require permits or moving of major walls.



When to do it yourself?
If you are confident in your workmanship or your are a contractor yourself go for it.  Additionally if you are doing small jobs and have great finish work this may be the time to do the work yourself!

Fawnskin is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California, United States. Its altitude is 6,827 feet. The community has a post office, which was established on 18 May 1918 and many parts of the town are for sale just waiting to be developed even more!


More History on Fawnskin Here


The following information was pulled from either the MLS or public records. If you have any questions please call me at Rachael Smith at 909-744-2190


North Shore Trading Company 

Offered at 2 different prices there are many options here.

As a business it is offered at $250,000 and includes gear, clothing and clinic storefront in the charming unincorporated area of Fawnskin. specializes in wooden canoes, kayaks, paddleboards by seda, american traders, hobie, old town and necky. clothing by north face, keen, woolrich and nomadic traders. cabin decor by local artisans. tours, clinics and lessons. list price includes real estate and business

As a residential property offered at $175,000 it backs to national forest! Currently
used as a commercial but zoned for single family, this is a great location for any
way you want to use it! The current owners have used it as a gear shop in the
charming unincorporated area of Fawnskin. so many options with this adorable
cabin. right across the street from the lake, what a setting! kitchen is not set
up but plumbed.

Gold Pan Nugget Room

I have more plans for this property that include its current use, however you would need to call to discuss this.  This property is offered at $349,000 is a rare opportunity to own as a part of Big Bear Lake history!  Was once a pharmacy and gift shop in the early 1900’s, but was most recently a bar and restaurant.  This historic building is located in the heart of Fawnskin within walking distance of the lake, 2 parks and Captain John’s Marina.  Just a few minutes drive to the Discovery Center, hiking trails and campgrounds.  Upstairs is a 2 bedroom, one bathroom Management Quarters with office and laundry room.  Downstairs is a full kitchen with vented flat top hood, open floor plan, full bar area, commercial sink, service station, walk in refrigerator, plenty of dry storage areas and men and women’s restroom.  All kitchen equipment is included in the sale.  This Commercial property has tons of potential for anyone looking to start a new business in this scenic suburb of Big Bear Lake.

Restaurant/Tavern

Offered at $395,000 this restaurant, bar with ADA bathrooms and 2 rental units with kitchenettes.  Two outside eating areas.  Frontage on highway and side street.  Large signage and great visibility.  Full liquor license available.  North shore tavern has been around for about a hundred years in one form or another.  Keep the tradition going!

In the past these have also been for sale:

39210 North Shore

Right next door to the Gold Pan this was offered at $199,900.  It was set up like a residential property amongst several commercial businesses but came up expired over a year ago.

39214 North Shore

Next door to the one above, this one was offered at $76,000 a couple years ago!  Owner had started to renovate it but also decided to stop.  Currently set up as a residential property.


39129 North Shore

At an expired price tag of $298,000 this is a cabin plus Commercial building.  Cabin is 2 story 3 bedroom 1 bath overlooking a creek with views to the mountains.  Second unit is a commercial building that previously was a restaurant.  The “restaurant” has 2 bathrooms.  Kitchen appliances have been removed but the stove hood is still intact.  Building need some work.  The property has an open backyard with direct access to a seasonal creek and a view of the ski slopes.  Depending on the season and water level one could launch their personal watercraft from the property and follow the creek as it drains into Big Bear Lake.


39126 North Shore

Commercial and Residential completely rebuilt in 2001, 3 bedroom, 2 bath furnished 2 story (old firehouse) with vaulted ceilings, bonus area, laundry facilities, spiral staircase, maple cabinets, 800 sq ft heated garage, vinyl siding, 2 RV hookups and tons of parking on fully fenced 12,100 sq foot lot backing to National Forest with Peek a Boo Lakeviews.

Fawnskin lies on the North Shore of Big Bear Lake.  The quaint town maintains its late 19th century charm back when it was populated by loggers, hunters and miners seeking fortune in the Holcomb Valley.  With the opportunity of what’s listed and been listed in the past this is any investors dream to build a new Village of Big Bear on the North Side.


Many people call asking about the FawnLodge.  Here is a recent article mentioning its history.




Article on Fawn Lodge

Give me a call to discuss any interest in these or any property in Big Bear Valley.  909-744-2190 or email at rachael@mountainunique.com

Just wanted to get you all a quick update on the recent acquisition of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.  The article below will give you all of the specifics!

With a large company behind our two local resorts, who know what improvements we will see!  In addition, there are a multitude of public projects in the works.  Big Bear continues to be a great Southern California resort destination and a wonderful place to consider buying an investment or second home!

Call me today to check in and say hello.  I want to make sure you are getting all of the great properties I have been sending you and find out when you plan to visit Big Bear next.  I look forward to continuing to help you in your cabin search!

If you’ve been looking for Big Bear Real Estate, let me help you!  Many times I can find off market listings that are a great value to you, my clients.  Here are a couple that we know about that are at minimum a couple weeks out but are available for viewing/offers.

This listing (Coming Soon) is a 2 for one package deal!  Located on a corner lot in Big Bear its a main house Chalet/Gambrel with a 2 bedroom 1.5 bathroom.  The 2 car garage that sits behind it comes with it and a guest house to boot!  One bedroom, 1 bathroom in the guest house, the current owner has used the main house as a month to month rental and the guest house as an Airbnb rental.  All this for under $300,000!

Looking for a home in Fox Farm?  4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms completely gutted and updated.  Open floor plan with a living room and gameroom, on a large lot.  This 2300+ sq ft log style home won’t last long.  The sellers have nailed down almost everything but the price, but projected to be under $500k.

Said goodbye to this listing today! I know the sellers Michael and Ana are happy. Expired a while back with another agent for $135,000 a couple years ago. Today we closed for $176,000!