LAKE ARROWHEAD REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT ~ May 13, 2013

The LAKE ARROWHEAD real estate market is HOT HOT HOT! We have serious buyers not only looking, but buying! Our prices have gone up  approx 20% since Dec. which is great for sellers. Interest rates are still at all tiime lows. However, our inventory is still low. So if you (sellers) have been thinking about listing, think no more. This is a perfect time. CALL today!

LAKE ARROWHEAD Real Estate Market Report on This Aprils Fools Day 2013

STAY ON YOUR FEET in The WINTER, and OFF The ICE

When you're living in a four-seasons area, you really need to be prepared for ALL of them. We're in the mist of winter now, and after a couple of snow storms, I thought I'd share with you AN "ugly" little secret. I have something that helps me STAY IN A VERTICAL POSITION when I'm walking on icy walkways/driveway, etc (or up until now they have). These not-so-stylish black things in the photo are called GET-A-GRIPS. I bought them several years ago on QVC and I have been thankful ever since. 

I think most hardware stores carry these, or similar ones. They now go by another name, but they're the same thing.  (I don't like the chain type, only the clete type).

WHAT DO YOU USE TO STAY ON YOUR FEET WHEN DEALING WITH ICE?

Okay, so maybe they won't make you look like a fashion Deva... but boy they make you look more graceful by staying on your feet, verses the alteritive.

Peeps have been telling me some of the stores in town are now carrying them, like JUST BROWSING in the Village.

Would You Go Out on A Limb For A Listing? Literally.

Have you ever been showing property and have your clients say, "Wow, this doesn't look anything like the picture in the magazine (or online)!" ???  I bet you have.  My answer is usually the same, "Some Realtors are really good with a camera."     SOME ARE VERY GOOD.   (I even knew a Realtor who actually climbed a TREE once to get a "peek of the lake" so she could put that description in her listing). Was she WRONG for doing this? I think so.

The same goes to describing our listings. Some wording can be MISCONSTRUED, misleading or a flat out fib. True, we run out of descriptions for homes. Also, some folks are better at coming up with new ways to say the same old stuff. There are just so many ways to say beautiful or exquisite. Either way, we really do need to be careful when we paint a picture of our listings.

Words to really use with care:

• VIEW, PEEK OF, GREAT VIEWS; Of what? Forest? Trees? Lake? Inside your neighbors bathroom window?  Tell us.
• NEW: This can be tricky. If you're talking about a roof or household appliances, my broker prefers we use "Newer." Even if it's a month new.
• MOTIVATED:  Are we looking after our sellers best interest when we use this term? It MAY make our sellers sound desperate. (Okay, they may be, but I doubt we should disclose that to the world).
• BEST BUY?  Compared to what? The best buy on the street? The town?

Since I live and sell in a mountain resort, we (many of us Realtors) use some sweet descriptions over and over when we're inputting data about a cabin we've listed...like; charmer, charming, rustic, cozy.  Before I even go look at a listing with one of these delightful words, I'm thinking, "Oh BOY...I can smell musty written all over this."   And, I am guilty of using a few of these on occasion, too.  ...but, I can honestly say that I've NEVER climbed a tree to take a picture.

 So, what's the funniest description you've ever read, or story you've heard about a Realtor whose "embellished" a tad?

IS WINTER A GOOD TIME TO LIST MY HOME?

I have sellers ask me all the time "Is winter a lousy time to list my home?" And I respond with, "NO, NO, NO." In fact, it could be the best time to list!

Lake Arrowhead is a resort community, where approximately 50% of our homes/Cabins for Sale in Winter belong to part-timers. Folks purchase here, not only to get away from the hustle-bustle of big city living but, to experience our four mild seasons... winter being one of their favorites!

Here are a few reason why I think listing in winter is a good idea:

• What is more cozy then curling up in front of a fireplace, watching old movies and sipping hot cocoa, as the snow flakes fall?
• For the snow-skiing lovers, they wish to be near the slopes (we're oh, so close to Snow Valley and Bear Mountain.
• There are fewer listings on the market (our inventory is way down), giving your home an even better shot at getting viewed/sold. More exposure. Supply & Demand.

If you've been sitting on the winter fence, pondering to list or not, ponder no more. It IS a great time to list. Don't wait, as your competition will increase in spring. So, let's spring into action in winter!

LAKE ARROWHEAD HOME FOR SALE ~ Dec. 6, 2012

BRAND NEW LAKE ARROWHEAD HOME

Overview Maps Photos Market Stats

$1,099,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms Interior: 5,000 sqft Lot: 14,000 sqft Location 27642 ALPEN DR LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA 92352 USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

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Kat DeLong MOUNTAIN COUNTRY REALTY (909) 273-4542 lakearrowheadkat@hotmail.com http://www.propertiesinlakearrowhead Listed by: MOUNTAIN COUNTRY REALTY

Our recent listings BRAND NEW LAKE ARROWHEAD HOME LAKE ARROWHEAD CABIN CABIN IN THE FOREST ARTISTS RETREAT! COTTAGE HOME & ENGLISH GARDEN Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

WANT A REAL CHRISTMAS TREE in Your LAKE ARROWHEAD HOME? Here's where to Shop.

Looking for that "Real" Christmas Tree for your Lake Arrowhead home or cabin? Want that fresh pine smell wafting throughout the house? Well, there are several places to check out when shopping for yours right here in our local mountains.
JACK'S CHRISTMAS TREES. Jack's is located in Lake Arrowhead Village near B of A. Here you'll find a huge selection from small to tall, thick and bushy and more. Map to Jack's Christmas Trees.
VILLAGE NURSERY; Here you'll find TREES, plants and flowers and so much more. Right on Highway 18 as you enter Rim Forest. Directions to Village Nursery.
LAKE ARROWHEAD NURSERY: A nursery with any, and all, plants, trees and flowers and tons more. When you're there, stop in and say hi....my office is two doors over. Directions to Lake Arrowhead Nursery.
So come on up, come on out, and go find your perfect LAKE ARROWHEAD Christmas Tree!

CHRISTMAS PARADE in Blue Jay CA 92317

It's the most wonderful time of the year.... Time for the Christmas holiday events to begin in Lake Arrowhead, Blue Jay and other mountain communities. And one of our biggest holiday events is THE CHRISTMAS PARADE in BLUE JAY.
You'll want to bundle up the kiddies (and yourself) , as it will be a bit nippy out. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa or coffee, something to sit on, and come on up & come on out for some Christmas fun.
(click on advertisement below for map)

ARROWHEAD QUEEN, Lake Arrowhead

One of the best (& most fun) ways to get to know Lake Arrowhead is to take an hour long boat ride on The Arrowhead Queen ! You'll be fascinated listening to the Captain, as he shares all the exciting details about our lake & the history of the film industry's involvement here in Lake Arrowhead. He may point out homes where many movies were made & where some of the "movie stars" of yesteryear vacationed/lived. There are many celebrities that call Lake Arrowhead home today, either part-time or full time. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Arrowhead's clear, blue skies and our abundance of wildlife.

Map to Lake Arrowhead Village

Buy your ticket at Leroy's Sports, lakeside

Lake Arrowhead North Shore Home for Sale.

$2,300,000 

Gated North Shore Estates. Incredible upscale lakefront value. 3,470 sqft of lakeside living. Fully remodeled 5 beds, 5 baths. Great family room with bar. Large outdoor entertaining patio and viewing decks. 2 Car detached garage. Cement driveway direct access to fabulous sandy beach swanky dockhouse with fireplace, single slip dock N-67 in calm water Winter Harbor. Former home of L.A. Dodger owner Walter O'Malley. Private 19,000 sqft groomed lot. Impeccable. Immaculate. Private. Turn-key.

Call for MORE details.

Lake Arrowhead WEEKLY Housing Market STATS 8/01/2008

Lake Arrowhead and surrounding area stats, and stats for same period last year.

• New Res Listings MLS wide Median $: $325,000= 188 2007 $349,900 =216
• New Cross Prop Listings MLS wide This Week: $247,000 =41
• Sold Residential MLS wide Median $: $255,000 =70 2007 $314,950 =54
• Sold Residential AW & LF Median $: $370,000 =21 2007 $610,000 =24
• Sold Cross property MLS wide Median $: $253,500 =76 2007 $232,000 =65
• Active Cross property MLS wide Median $: $299,000 =1520
• Active Cross property AW & LF Median $: $499,450 =630
• Active Residential MLS wide Median $: $359,000 =1114
• Active Residential AW & LF Median $: $579,000 =494
• Total Pendings, cross property: $175,000 =143
  
  
  Source: MLS, Rim of the World Association of Realtors
  
  
  For your Lake Arrowhead Real Estate needs (AND A FREE MARKET EVALUATION OF YOUR HOME) call: Kathy "Kat" DeLong, REALTOR.
  To view ALL listings in and around Lake Arrowhead CLICK HERE.
  
  
  

Lake Arrowhead UP to the Minute Market Stats 7/15/08

LAKE ARROWHEAD "Residential" STATS (actives and pendings) for TODAY, July15, 2008

• Active Listings in "The Woods" = 439 Prices from $210,000 to $5,995,000
• Pending Sales in "The Woods"= 28 Prices from $225,000 to $899,000

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• What being in "The Woods" means: ARROWHEAD WOODS ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE

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• Active LAKE FRONT (in "The Woods") Listings= 34 Prices from $1,150,000 to $10,500,000
• Pending Sales for LAKE FRONTS (in "The Woods") =5 Prices from $824,900 to $2,222,222

***

• Active Listings (surrounding areas): Blue Jay, Crest Estates, Arrowhead Villas, Sky Forest, Rim Forest, Twin Peaks, Running Springs, Crestline, Arrow Bear, Deer Lodge Park, Cedar Glen, Green Valley Lake = 590 Prices from= $54,900 to $1,997,000
• Pending Sales (surrounding areas): including Blue Jay, Crest Estates, Arrowhead Villas, Sky Forest, Rim Forest, Twin Peaks, Running Springs, Crestline, Arrow Bear, Deer Lodge Park, Cedar Glen, Green Valley Lake = 70 Prices from: $119 to $595,500

***

• SOLDS-all areas listed above--from July 1, 08 to July 14, 2008 =17 Prices from $126,500 to $800,000

Listing by WINDERMERE Fine Properties/Lake Arrowhead
Check all active listings @ LAKE ARROWHEAD "KAT"

26445 Thunderbird Drive, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

THE PERFECT MOUNTAIN HOME, Spacious home in beautiful setting with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, plus guest quarters with private bath over 2 car attached garage. Level entry! Great boulders in the front yard. Unbelievable price for this home! $449,000 (more pic's soon)

Listing by WINDERMERE Fine Properties/Lake Arrowhead
Check all active listings @ http://www.lakearrowheadkat.com/

LAKE ARROWHEAD'S HISTORY...

I LOVE discovering the history about an area...and Lake Arrowhead has plenty. The first bit of history is its name: Originally Lake Arrowhead was called "Little Bear Valley." Why valley was tagged on, I have no idea. On the following links, you'll learn about the first white man to the area, to the story about the new Lake Arrowhead Village and what happened to the OLD one.
Here are some key points about OUR history here in Lake Arrowhead, CA (obtained from the Chamber of Commerce and Rim of The World Historical Society). Enjoy!

1. Before the first white man, there were Paiute Indians who used the mountain as hunting grounds.
2. First road up the mountain was built in 1852 (can you imagine that feat?)
3. 1860: the logging industry
4. 1891: Businessmen chose Little Bear Valley as a spot for a reservoir
5. 1912, the Dam was 80% completed
6. World War II, Lake Arrowhead Village was a popular place for R & R for servicemen
7. 1946: Santa Anita Race Track bought the lake and surrounding properties, known as Arrowhead Woods.
8. 1960: Businessmen from LA built our 18-hole golf course
9. 1979, the Village WAS burned down (learn why from the link below)
10. 2008--TODAY!
    And out find much, much more at:
    Lake Arrowhead History/Chamber of Commerce
    RIM OF THE WORLD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Lake Arrowhead Weekly Stats: 4/25/2008

Lake Arrowhead Weekly UPDATE 4/25/2008 (edit/delete)
Market Statistics for Lake Arrowhead
Active Residential Listings: 1371
Active Residental Listings in Arrowhead Woods: 531
Pending Residential Sales: 134
Sold Residential Properites month to date: 44
MLS wide Median Residential Sold Month-do-date: $267,550 (#41)
Arrowhead Woods & Lake Front Median Sold Month-do-date: $450,000 (#15)
Source: MLS, Rim of the World Association of Realtors

Buyers--The Process of Buying

1. Contact your lender and get Pre-qualified: Tell him/her your budget, then he/she will tell you what price range you are in. Go over terms and interest rates
2. Sit down with your Realtor and go over your criteria-what you're wants and needs are: area, price, property type, etc
3. Preview homes with your Realtor
4. When you find the "home of your dreams," tell your Realtor you're ready to "write it up" and decide what price you want to "offer," and terms of offer: closing date, etc.
5. Get your check book out so that you can write an "Earnest Money Deposit." This will go into escrow once an offer is accepted and toward your purchase price at closing.
6. Have your lender send your Realtor a Pre-qual letter.
7. Realtor will present your offer to the listing agent and, or, Realtor and sellers. "Wait" for response from seller/s.
8. Once all terms (or counter offers) are accepted, we go "into escrow."
9. The clock starts ticking:
10. You get inspections (unless you have a contingent offer that states you are selling your home. If so, we wait until your home/property goes into escrow.
    Review all "Disclosures" seller supplies you.
11. INSPECTIONS: Pest, Well, Septic, Home; Regardless who is paying for the reports, once they are done, a buyer can then ask seller to make any, and all, repairs. Seller does NOT have to fix any items (except Water Heater Bracing and Smoke Alarms). In CA, at least. However, at this time, a buyer can "cancel" escrow if they do not accept inspections or disclosures. All inspections and reports are a part of your contingencies.
12. Lender will be preparing your loan, have appraisal done and submit loan documents. Near the close of escrow, the loan documents will be sent to escrow officer and you will go in and sign loan and escrow documents (I WILL be there with you). Once this is done, it is usually two days for closing to occur and, if there are no "last minute hiccups," we close escrow and YOU get the KEYS.
13. Congratulations Homeowner/s!