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We pulled to a stop, and just as I was pointing out the view, suddenly, wild big-horn sheep came into sight, almost like a movie. It was one of those classic views where you’re looking into the distance towards the desert and it’s shimmering in pink, and the sheep were there on a cliff. My buyers were astounded. They turned to me and said in unison, “Did you plan that?”

I’ve seen bear up here and certainly coyote. I’ve even seen fox. But honestly, that was the first time I’d seen these sheep myself. And as I was pointing—it was quite funny—where there had been two sheep, all of a sudden three more appeared in the picture. They were a little herd. It was a thrilling moment for my buyers and me.

Now, I can’t guarantee such a spectacle, but you just never know about this place. It’s very special.

The Challenges

There can be challenges to finding a home at Big Bear Lake, especially when it’s a second home. Why? Because a second home tends to have more of a dream element to it such as “a little cabin in the woods.” The challenge comes when trying to match the dream to reality. And sometimes, to get the secluded cabin in the woods, it won’t have the utilities you’re expecting. For instance, it may have propane gas instead of natural gas. Within the incorporated area of Big Bear Lake, however, it’s very civilized.

The roads can also present challenges. For example, sometimes the roads have mini-avalanches, and people can’t get up or get down. Most people think this just adds to the wonderful sense of seclusion they’re looking for. But it could be a problem for some.

There are even times when financing is a challenge. But I’ve been helping clients buy and sell real estate here for over two decades, and I’ve become very good at thinking of different financing vehicles and finding creative ways to structure a deal. Lately, I’ve done owner carries, 1031 exchanges and, right now, I’m working on a type of financing we did many years ago called an AITD (All Inclusive Trust Deed). Actually, I enjoy the challenges because they keep things ever changing and interesting.

What You Get

Because I’ve been in real estate here for so long, I’m very familiar with all the different areas and neighborhoods. For example, when I see a property come up on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), I know where it is and may even know the exact home. Maybe this one street has fabulous views or the home has features that meet your needs. If so, I will immediately email you to come up. And now, with my new Web site, you can sign up here for my early Email Listings Notification, and my system will automatically alert you when homes meeting your criteria come on the market.

Once, early in my career, a wise broker said to me, “Diane, look around you. Everything could be for sale.” I’ve never forgotten this advice. And when you choose me as your buyer’s agent, I go out of my way to work with your needs, even if it means contacting a homeowner whose home is perfect for you but is not on the market. And should the perfect match not be found here, I have no trouble admitting it and referring you to a trusted colleague in another resort-lake location.

Also, when you have me as your buyer’s agent, there’s something else you should know. I won’t gloss over a home’s flaws, even if it means killing a deal. If I know something is wrong with a property or there’s noise or something else that would affect me if I were the buyer, I lay it out on the table. I’m not the hard-sell type. I like for the property or the setting to sell itself. This is what I would want in a buyer’s agent. How about you?

Are You An Internet Shopper?

There are agents who only show their own listings or only their office listings. But I’m not one of them. So, if you have a list of homes you’ve found on the Internet, give me a call. I’ll arrange the showings for the date you plan to come up. Be sure to bring your camera because, when home shopping, taking photos is easier than taking notes.

I’ll help you find the balance between the seclusion you want and the modern conveniences you need. Or I’ll help you find a lakefront home with the fantastic view that leaves you breathless. Give me a call, and let’s get this exciting journey started.