Nancy's Blog

LAKE ARROWHEAD - AGENTS TOUR APRIL 3RD AND 10TH

2008-04-12T13:16:27Z

It looks like we are having a little pickup in pending sales the last few weeks. Our inventory is increasing and there are some good buys to be had. An adorable log house on Jagerhorn Dr. was one of this weeks highlight along with a property on Grass Valley Rd. There is a new construction in Twin Peaks, priced at $372,000. Out in the Crestline area there is a special property on acerage and a home for $799,000. All in all, as usual it was a good tour giving the agents a variety of homes to view.

Year to date in Lake Arrowhead Woods, 48 homes have closed escrow and there are currently 22 homes in the Lake Arrowhead Woods that are in escrow. By the way, Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge has a 48% market share of closed sales in the Woods. For more information about the current market in our area, go to: www.mountainupdate.com

Have a great week.

Nancy Wright

Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty, 909-336-7924

LAKE ARROWHEAD - CHURCHES ON THE MOUNTAIN

2008-04-10T16:07:17Z

For a relatively small community, we have a wide range of opportunities to worship.

My home church is Community Baptist Church of Lake Arrowhead, located on Hwy 173. Our pastor, Mack Braden has been teaching on Acts. This coming Sunday we will have a guest speaker, although Ron Merrell is no stranger to us. Ron was our youth pastor for many years before leaving to become an assistant Pastor in Northern California. He is a gifted speaker, and has a creative way of presenting the gospel.

We offer 2 services on Sunday morning, one at 9:00 am and one at 10:45 am. Childrens church is held during our second service at 10:45 am.

Our youth group will be meeting on Sunday from 5 to 7 pm for a "Burger Bash". Some of these high schoolers are available to help with spring yard clean up. Just contact the church at 909-337-8400.

We also offer small group bible sturdies and a Wednesday night Bible Study held at the church.

For more information about Community Baptist Church, go to the website at http://www.churchonthemountain.com/.

Other Churches on the Mountain

First Baptist Church of Crestline
Shihoh Messianic Congregation
Lake Gregory Community
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
St. Richard's Espiscopal Church
Mt. Cavary Lutheran
Mountain Refored Church
St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
Christian Science
Mountain Jewish Community
Church of the Woods
New Wine Christian
Woodlands Community Bible Church
Twin Peaks Community
Crestline Presbyterian Church

SPRING CLEANING - OLD TAX RECORDS

2008-04-09T15:34:40Z

Yesterday my husband and I decided to do some much needed Spring Cleaning. Since it was a nice sunny day, we started outside and did a little after winter clean-up. It started to get a little cool so our efforts were channeled inside.

Being it is tax time and having just purchased a shredder that would take up to 12 pages at a time, we thought this would be a good time to clean out the tax records that go back to 1980 and other miscellaneous paperwork that we haven't needed for years. After checking on several websites that conveys advice about how long to keep tax records we felt confident that we could get rid of a lot of paper. I always thought you had to keep records for 7 years, but was advised via the internet sites that 3 years was long enough, unless there were special circumstances with certain years return. You know how it is, out of sight, out of mind. To think we moved those boxes when we came to Lake Arrowhead 10 years ago.

So, there I sat, looking over each return, just in case there was something I needed, and then shredding for hours. I managed to get rid of 2 years of returns and some miscellaneous household paperwork. It is tedious to say the least and I've lost my enthusiasm for the task, but have vowed to do a little every day. I like the let's get rid of it attitude.

Nancy W.

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS - SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT 206

2008-04-09T14:37:02Z

When my husband became of age to start collecting his Social Security Benefits, we were shocked to find out that he was denied the full earned monthly payment. You see, he was an employee of the local fire department for 20 years, and that is considered a government employee. We also had our own business. As a Fire Department employee and a small business employer and employee, he paid all Social Security taxes that were due. Yes, he collects a retirement benefit from the Fire Deartment. The Social Security Adminstration considers it double-dipping if he were to collect his full SS benefits and get a government retirement, even though for 50 years he contributed to the SS program.

I can tell you that we were shocked that there is such a ruling that pertains only to government employees. Then we were concerned as his SS benefit was cut by almost 60%. We were not advised of or warned ahead of time about this ruling. Please understand this is not a "poor me" statement. Just an attempt to let people know about this provision and to ask for your support in overturning it. I'm sure that there are many others that found themselves in this same situation.

There is a bill that has been introduced to Congress that will eliminate this discriminatory provision. The bill is Social Security Fairness Act S206 and HR 82. At this time, any government employees' Social Security benefits are being penalized by the present unfair ruling. By the way, retirees in the private sector are not penalized like government employees are.

If you agree with the unfairness of this present ruling, please contact your local Legislators and make your voice heard.

Thank you, Nancy

258 Crest Circle, Lake Arrowhead

2008-04-01T12:29:52Z

Nancy Wright | Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty | 909-336-7924

Crest Circle, Lake Arrowhead, CA

BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMAN STYLE REMODEL

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $559,000

Year Built	1958
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful Craftsman style remodel, recently completed. This lovely home is close to Lake Arrowhead Village and Lake.

You'll enjoy the living area with fireplace that adjoins the large kitchen with oak cabinets and built in china hutch.

3 Spacious bedrooms, one with bath and walk in closet and one with a peek of the lake.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	Walk-in closet
Hardwood floor	Living room	Office/Den
Dishwasher	Laundry area - garage	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Almost Like New

Spacious Rooms

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Nancy Wright

Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty

909-336-7924

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 19, 2008, 1:23pm PDT

CONGRATULATIONS - COLDWELL BANKER SKY RIDGE REALTY

2008-03-30T21:22:27Z

Broker/Owner, Steve Keefe and his team of real estate professionals has done it again.

Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty in February has placed 9th in the nation for offices with 51 to 100 agents. Also in February we placed 28th in the top 100 in the nation for adjusted gross commission. Not bad for a small office in a small community.

CBSRR, Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty, has also been the number one brokerage in Lake Arrowhead for 25 years. These success don't just happen. CBSRR is a first class operation with up to date training and office technology. Most important, we are constantly encouraged to do our best and given the opportunity and tools to succeed. 70 agents, plus inhouse escrow and lender and support staff at the front desk and behind the scenes make it all happen, from the girls that answer the phone to Steve himself who is always there is answer questions, solve problems or give a smile as we walk by.

Thanks Steve.

Nancy.

LAKE ARROWHEAD - DON'T PLANT UNTIL AFTER MOTHERS DAY

2008-03-30T20:52:33Z

When my husband and I moved to Lake Arrowhead 10 years ago, we brought with us a lifetime of down the hill (DTH) perceptions. "Down the Hill". That's what we call anywhere off the mountain, be it San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, well you get the idea.

We truly love it on the mountain, but it is different up here, different in a good way.

We wave to people on the road, know half the shoppers at the grocery store. Sometimes a trip to get milk takes more than just a few minutes because we are greeting our friends and getting updated on what's going on in their lives. Since we all pick up our mail at the post office, that too is a place to say "hi, how have you been". By the way, Our postal workers are great and go out of their to meet our needs.

Anyway, back to Mother's Day and planting. Since we have 4 seasons, and weather has it's own mind, we can never be sure if there will be a cold snap with snow and freezing temps in April or May, hence "Don't plant before Mother's Day". This weekend is a good example, with low temps and threat of snow.

When I drive past a nursery or garden shop I yearn to buys flats of flowers, especially pansies, I love those little pansy faces. Waiting makes me appreciate flowers even more. Soon, soon, it will be time to plant.

In general the mountain thinks it Spring. Yellow daffodils are coming up and the trees are forming the first small buds of leaves. This week there were streams of hundreds, maybe thousands of butterflies going through the Lake Arrowhead Village on their annual spring fly away. What a sight. The frogs are back too, croaking at night in the small ponds that have formed during the spring thaw.

There are many micro climates on the mountain. The North side tends to be a little warmer, and has less snow and rain. The South side, a little cooler and has more trees. The West side, particularly near Twin Peaks, where I live, is at a ligher elevation about 5700 feet, the lake is at 5106. The West side tends to get more snow and Spring comes a little later than the rest of the mountain. My friend who lives on the east side, near the Marina, says she is in the banana belt. I don't know, I haven't seen any bananas falling off the trees over there.

Have a great week. Give me a call or email if I can be of help with any of your real estate needs or you want some information about the Lake Arrowhead area.

You can reach me at 909-336-7924 or nancyatlkarhd@hotmail.com

Thanks, Nancy Wright

LAKE ARROWHEAD - AGENT TOUR REPORT FOR MARCH 27

2008-03-29T13:08:46Z

What can I say? Another great day to tour homes on the market. There are some good buys out there.

A cutie in Arrowhead Villas, with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, good parking also, priced at $229,000. If you are looking for a condo VERY close to the lake, , look no further, an upgraded unit with a dock, is available for $619,000. I particularly liked the redo on Nadelhorn, cute as can be with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. If you are looking for a lot of house, the bank owned at Cedarwood and North Bay Rd would be worth looking at. In Crestline I saw a great house, close to Lake Gregory, in super condition and decorated perfectly.

Tour is a good time to network with fellow agents, comparing listings, and encouraging showings and feedback for my own listings on the market. The word this week is that business is picking up. The weather is just about perfect, Spring is here, tax time is almost here and gone and we are ready for some positive things to happen.

For information about the properties mentioned in this blog or others for sale in the Lake Arrowhead area, give me a call. Thanks

Nancy Wright, Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty at 909-336-7924.

LAKE ARROWHEAD - AGENT TOUR REPORT

2008-03-13T19:40:52Z

ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO SEE NEW LISTINGS.

We have such a great variety of homes and properties to look, today was exceptionally interesting.

There were 2 condos at the lake and one is overlooking the yacht club with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, priced at $750,000. The other does not have a lakeview is 2 bedrooms and 1 bath and is priced at $415,000.

A Golf Course frontage beauty that has a view of the golf course lake is available for 1,550,000. This is an exceptional home built in 2001 with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths.

A little cutie in Rim Forest is a good deal at $239,000. A home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, build by the Wildhabers on a good lot is also a good buy at $469,000. We also have a 1.8 acre lot for sale in Twin Peaks for $239,000. A great lot for your estate or if you just want some space.

Of course touring was a joy, blue skies, mild temps and good food being offered by the tour hosts. Another good day at the office.

LAKE ARROWHEAD - WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND.

2008-03-13T19:02:35Z

Things are a little quiet this weekend. We are enjoying some Spring like weather, but are anticipating some rain and snow by Saturday. If you want to kick back and enjoy the snow, a nice fire and a cup of hot chocolate, this might be the time to take advantage of the calm before the storm. You can even catch a movie at our local theatre located in Blue Jay.

With Easter just a little over a week away the resort is preparing to host the annual Sunrise Services. We usually have the event at the resort beach, but due to some lingering snow, we will probably be watching the sun come up through the ballroom windows. Of course Easter activites will be planned complete with a visit by the Easter bunny.

There will be a lot of music in the air this year. The Village Center Stage already has a full venue of free summer concerts lined up. Of course we'll have the Idol Campers 2 or 3 times a week to show us their stuff.

Weather permitting, this weekend some of the Coldwell Banker agents will be holding Open Houses. Call our office at 909-336-2131 to get a list of locations that will be open on Friday through Sunday, March 14-16.

When you are in the area, stop by Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty in Blue Jay. Ask for Nancy Wright

LAKE ARROWHEAD - ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY IN PARADISE

2008-03-06T19:43:21Z

Another beautiful day in paradise, You might think I'm bragging. But, I'm not.

Thursday is tour day for the Arrowhead area agents. That's the day we go to see homes that are new on the market or occassionally homes that need to be seen again, to jog the agents memories. It started out a little on the cool side, about 35 sunny degrees with a light breeze. By the afternoon we had warmed up into the 50's and the sun was still shining with a light cloud cover. By the way, the clouds up here are fabulous.

It has been a great day to go touring. Lots of nice properties to look at, from a large newer custom home built from lumber that was cut and milled right on the property. The house is full of creativity from copper and metal cutouts on the range hood to handmade conter tops and railings to delightful bedroom decor for two sweet little girls. We also saw a nice home with a WOW! lake view, and another little cutie perfect for a vacation home or rental. All the while we are touring we have the forest and blue sky and lake to look at. Not a bad day at the office.

To view the homes I described or any others that are on the market in the Lake Arrowhead area, give me a call at Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty at 909-336-7924. Ask for Nancy.

LAKE ARROWHEAD - IDOL CAMP

2008-03-06T16:16:38Z

Exciting news for the mountain area and American Idol Fans. "Idol Camp" is coming to the Lake Arrowhead Mountain area. Pali Camp in Running Springs will be hosting the campers from Jun15 to August 29. The camp is offering 2 week classes to 10 to 15 year olds. Classes will be offered in voice,music, and other performing arts. Weekly concerts will be held in Lake Arrowhead Village at Center Stage. Previous Idol runner ups will be at the camps and also performing at the weekly concerts.

Pali Camp has a 10 year contract with Idol Entertainment, so we can look forward to many years of fun and excitment.

LAKE ARROWHEAD ACTIVITIES

2008-02-29T13:43:15Z

LAKE ARROWHEAD

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY IN PARADISE. The sun is shining, the sky is blue and there is a hint of Spring in the air. We love the snow and rain as it helps our forest stay healthy and fills our beautiful lake. After many weeks of the fluffy white stuff and very welcome rain we are out and about enjoying our mountain community.

Our local Lake Arrowhead Village merchants are having a "Pot O Gold Sweepstakes". The contest runs from March 1 to March 15, Winners will be drawn at Center Stage at 4:00 PM on March 15.

The Lake Arrowhead Village features over 50 lakefront stores and restaurants. You will find a sprinkling of unique stores along with your favorites such as "Coach", "Bass", "Harry and David" and more. Dining is a unique experience as some of the restaurants are dockside, affording the diner a view of the lake and mountains.

As summer approaches the Village will be offering free weekend concerts. More info on that later.

Give me a call at Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty, at 909-336-7924, for any additional information about the mountain area and what it has to offer.

LAKE ARROWHEAD - LIFE IS GOOD

2008-02-17T11:39:20Z

If you currently live in Southern California you probably know about the San Bernardino Mountain area. Lake Arrowhead is situated at about the 5200 foot level, freeway close to Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, West Valley and Orange County.

We boast about our quality of life. We have 4 seasons, yes we get snow. This years winter has given us an abundance of the white stuff providing lots of fun and envigorating exercise for all ages. The fall gives us beautiful red, and gold fall foilage, spring is welcome with the beautiful blooms and trees budding out with a canopy of green leaves. Summer is spectacular, whether you are boating on the private lake or hiking one of the many forest trails, you will delight in the mild temps and laid back mountain feeling. During the summer mnths we also have free entertainment at the Village Center Stage.

It's not all about nature, we have several retail areas, the Lake Arrowhead Village has over 50 stores for you to browse. Restaurants feature from Thai to Mexican to good old American food. The Lake Arrowhead resort has just completed a $20,000,00.00 remodel. It is beautiful and offers firstclass accomadiations as well as a restaurant and a spa for pampering.

We are more than just a place to visit, we have a full time residient population who wouldn't want to live anywhere else. To support our full time families we provide, schools, a hospital, medical offices, and several libraries. To safeguard the community we have excellent fire protection and also the San Bernardino Co. Sherriff and California Hghway patrol on duty.

The air is clear. Not a traffic signal in our area. The biggest traffic jam is findng a parking place at Stater Bros. market on Friday night. People are nice, we know our neighbors.

Life is good up here. Come up and visit, stay a while. You'll be glad you did.

To contact me call my direct line at Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty: 909-336-7924