1. I predict that the lake will rise to full capacity in June. This will increase Big Bear lakefront home values and the number of Lakefront homes that will sell in 2008. This is not only a prediction, it is what I hope and pray will occur. I enjoy the lake and there is nothing more beautiful than Big Bear Lake full of water glistening off of the sun. I love to get to the dock at 7am and jump in one of the Master Craft boats that we ski behind and get out on the lake and make a few turns, especially when we have a full lake.

2. I predict that the Big Bear Residential Real Estate inventory will grow to 1350 units or more in July. Inventory in Big Bear usually increases between May and July and this year should not be any different. My only hope is that these are quality listings that are priced correctly. Lets not list property based upon how much someone paid or owes. Lets not price property based on any criteria other than the market conditions and recent comparable properties in the neighborhood.

3. I predict that the number of active Big Bear Real Estate agents will decrease by 20% in 2008 vs 2007. This will be a spring cleaning that is overdue. These agents can and will come back when the Big Bear Real Estate market is strong again. Everyone wants to be an agent when the fish are jumping in the boat.

4. I predict that buyers of Big Bear Real Estate will continue to find values that create opportunities for equity growth over the next 5 years. I see foreclosure and REO sales continuing to drive pricing in many Big Bear neighborhoods.

5. I predict that sellers of Big Bear Real Estate will need to spend more time preparing their homes. Things like landscaping, exterior and interior painting, roofing and plumbing issues will all affect buyers decisions more than ever. Building quality and age of property will be bigger factors in property selection.  Sellers will need to work with high profile full time Big Bear Real Estate agents that provide pricing, marketing, and exposure that exceeds levels of 2007.

6. I predict that reduced prices on properties in the Moonridge, Fox Farm, and Big Bear Lake areas will affect the pricing of Big Bear City, Sugarloaf and Erwin Lake areas. This will drive the pricing in the East end of Big Bear Valley down. We will continue to see very few homes selling over $400,000 in the areas East of Division Road.

7.I predict that Big Bear Real Estate Agents that are not involved in Blogging with sites such as Active Rain, Real Estate Tomato, Copy Blogger, Inman, Rain City Guide, Technorati and (and so many others that it would be impossible to mention them) will find themselves wondering how the rest of us are continuing to grow our business and capture the confidence of buyers and sellers during this exciting time.