(Written to help you save money, time, and reduce frustration)

1. What are the neighborhood restrictions? 

Make sure you ask your Big Bear Lake Real Estate Agent if there are CC&R's (Convenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) or a Homeowners Association in the neighborhood.  Some subdivisions in Big Bear will have architectural commitees which set minimum standards on what they would like to see built (square footage requirements, fence styles, mandatory garages, mandatory building pads for where the house must be placed, etc).  So make sure you read through the neighborhood guidelines before you commit to purchase in a particular area.  Not only may you disagree with what the Homeowners Association want, it's important to find out what the fees will be and whether or not you want to pay them every month.     

2. What are the local building restrictions?

I would recommend calling the local building and safety department to find out the zoning and current setback standards for the lot you are interested in (Big Bear Lake Building and Safety 909-866-5831, San Bernardino County Building and Safety 909-866-0170).  Different types of zoning in the Big Bear area include residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial and recreational.  Click here to read more about possible zoning restrictions. 

3. Should I be concerned about access during the Winter?

Most buyers looking for property up in Big Bear are from San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles or Las Vegas.  Typically they shop for homes in the Summer and forget about all of the snow they will encounter during the Winter.  Having a flat, level driveway will ensure easier access during the winter.  You may also consider having a south-facing driveway which will provide quicker snow melt and less snow shovelling.  Below is a photo which illustrates the difference of sun exposure.  The north side of the street is clear, while the south side of the street is still covered in snow due to the lack of sun exposure. 

4. Should I be Concerned about Utility Hook-ups?

Some areas are better equipt with utilities than others.  For instance, did you know that the Department of Water and Power has stopped issuing water connections in the Lake Williams area?  If you own property in the area you might be able to put in a well if the land is large enough, but that right isn't guaranteed.  Other properties in the area might be hooked up to propane as opposed to natural gas, holding tanks and septic systems instead of a public underground water/sewer connections.  Make sure you ask your local real estate agent if all the utilities are at the property and who provides those services.

5. Are there Timeframes of When I Need to Start Construction on a Vacant Lot?

Currently there are no timeframes on when someone must build in any part of Big Bear.  You can purchase a lot as an investment and let is sit undeveloped for decades.  If you submit building plans to Building and Safety, typically your permit is good for 1 year.  If you go beyond a year in the construction of your new Big Bear Mountain Home, you will have to formally submit an extension with the Building Department.  Also, if you apply for a construction loan, normally they will have a 1 year time limit to complete your construction.  Be sure to check with your contractor on these timeframes, but if your land is still undeveloped you can keep it that way as long as you want. 

6. What Costs are normally associated with buying a vacant lot?

You will have escrow, title, and possible lender fees (depending on how you plan on financing your purchase).  Make sure you consult with a Big Bear Lake Real Estate agent so you can get an estimated cost breakdown.  You should also consider speaking with a contractor to determine how much it will cost to build your dream home.  Fees such as utility connections, architectural plans, school fees, and construction costs add up quickly so having a good understanding of what you will be paying is important to stay on budget. 

7. How Do I Know If I Am Getting A Good Deal?

Being able to pull up comparable sales in the area is a good start.  Begin by taking a look at what's recently sold in the area, what's currently on the market and what's currently in escrow.  This will give you a rough idea if the seller is being realistic with his asking price.  Having a real estate agent who knows the area will help in negotiating the fair market value for you.  He/she should be able to inform you how well vacant land sales are in that particular area, and what the overall pulse of the market is. 

If you're considering investing in vacant land please contact me so I can help you find what you want, at the price you want, and help you through the buying process with the least amount of inconveniences.