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!Before the first white man, there were Paiute Indians who used the mountain as hunting grounds. First road up the mountain was built in 1852 (can you imagine that feat?) 1860: the logging industry 1891: Businessmen chose Little Bear Valley as a spot for a reservo... 04/21/2008

I am sitting here working out of our kiosk office in the Lake Arrowhead Village.  What can I say, it is a gorgeous day.  I am itching to float around on the lake, but it is a wee bit too chilly still.  I am watching the people come in and out of the Village and they all look so happy.  Many of the cars and people walking by I know, they are all familiar faces.  The mid week in Lake Arrowhead is fantastic, everything is open and the crowds have left... I love this place.  Shopping, dining, and gazing at the lake... now if it would warm up, I am all ready to add some water sports to the mix.Attractions Arrowhead Queen Tour BoatEnjoy a narrated tour of Lake Arrowhead aboard the Arrowhead Queen. Learn the history of the film industry's involvement with Lake Arrowhead. See the homes where ma... 04/21/2008

For a free audio recording on the 5 reasons a seller should list their mountain property with Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty dial toll free 888.694.2181 ext 2.Not all Real Estate Companies are created equal.  If you are interested in finding out what sets us apart from the competition, the recording will give you the facts.  04/21/2008

Forty seven new listings in our MLS this week (only one less last week), but only 6 sales (half of last week's sales).  There are, however, nearly a hundred listings currently in escrow from $39,900 to $1,900,000.  Still seeing an increased buyer presence in the market and new listings hitting the market everyday.  Good weather ahead will keep the buyers coming up to look around. ARROWHEAD WOODSNew Listings12Median Price$382,000Price Range$275,000 - $869,000  Active Listings361Median Price$529,000Price Range$229,000 - $5,995,000  Pending Listings27Median Price$479,900Price Range$199,900 - $1,900,000  Sold Listings3Median Price $450,000Price Range$320,000 - $485,000Average Days on Market148.7Average List To Sale Percentage92.8%LAKEFRONT HOMESNew Listings Median Price$Price Range$ - $  Ac... 04/21/2008

Saturday April 19, 2008 Maria Hardin put together a tour of available golf course frontage homes at Lake Arrowhead Country club.  I spoke to Maria Sunday and she said that there was a ton of traffic and that she had several very good prospects for her listings.  In the current environment programs like this are very effective in creating exposure for listings.  Congratulations Maria and the other agents who participated. 04/21/2008

Oldest Americans are the happiest!!  The Associated Press Article by  Lindsey TannerWas in my local paper This quote was therec"life gets better in one's perception as one ages" by author Yang Yang a University of Chicago sociologist. She says "in general the odds of being happy increased 5% with every 10 years of age""..older people generally have learned to be more content with what they have than younger adults, Yang said." I don't agree with this. I think lots of older Americans-including me (but I am not old) are the happiest I have ever been.Not that I am more content. Probably just the opposite.  There is so much I want to do, try, feel, see, taste, and not very much I need to have, own, keep, treasure or hoard. I have also had lots more and done lots more than lots of young peop... 04/21/2008

Market Statistics for Lake Arrowhead MLS Active Residential Listings: 1329 Active Residental Listings in Arrowhead Woods: 390 Pending Residential Sales: 128 Sold Residential Properites month to date: 48 MLS wide Median Residential Sold Month-do-date: $215,500 (#29) Arrowhead Woods & Lake Front Median Sold Month-do-date: $450,000 (#9) Source: MLS, Rim of the World Association of Realtors 04/20/2008

A meeting is planned tomorrow to present a "fuels reduction" and community protection plan in the Butler II and Slide Fire burn area. Ranger, Kurt Winchester, a ranger for Mountaintop District, says the dead trees left behind from the fires pose a future fire threat. He says "Further fuel reduction" is needed.There will be specialist at the meeting to answer public questions and maps and other documents will be handed out for those wanting more information.Meeting:  April 21, 2008  5-8PMPlace: BIG BEAR DISCOVER CENTER, 40971 Northshore Dr, Fawnskin.  DISCOVERY CENTER--MAP TO CENTERSAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST-US FOREST SERVICE   04/20/2008

Beauty can be found in some pretty unusual places.  I was shooting some pictures of a bank-owned property this afternoon.  It is a pretty run-down home, built in the '40's, but could be something very special with a pretty substantial investment of blood, sweat and tears (and money).  I represent the buyer and since they don't live in the area, I thought they'd like a CD of pictures of the property so they could talk about what changes, repairs, and upgrades they'll make.  Thought I'd share a couple with you....     This is a gazebo (with an amazing pitched ceiling) in the side yard of the property - wait until the trees are in full bloom....I think a couple are apple trees.   Look at this amazing tree that is in the yard.  There are tons of trees with mind-blowing colors that are comin... 04/19/2008

From Crestline, through the Lake Arrowhead communities and including the Running Springs areas, there are currently about 31 properties listed in the MLS as REO or bank-owned properties.  This week there were 9 price reductions!  Prices range from $99,900 to $514,900.  Additionally, there are now 21 (5 new this week) homes being advertised as short sales, ranging in price from $145,000 to $1,395,000. BANK-OWNED (REO) PRICEAREASTREET ADDRESSBRBAYR BLT $99,900Arrowbear2294 Deep Creek 211981 $129,000Arrowbear2315 Eagle Lane21.5 1977 $157,500Arrowbear 32918 Chipmunk Lane3 2 1960 Reduced $159,900Arrowbear2397 Independence 31.51964        $139,900Arrowhead Villas544 Arrowhead Villas 111952 $189,900Arrowhead Villas 826 Community 3 2 1963        Reduced$199,900Arrowhead Woods252 Burnt Mill 2219... 04/19/2008

Wish list This is a list I made to help buyers let me know what they really want to find in their home search.Best to give husband and wife each their own wish list. As we know buyers often change their mind. They start out with a 250,000 limit and buy a 875,000 home. The wife wants one style and husband another. Or one wants one feature and the other the other. I think and it is only my opinion that the wife usually wins but I try really hard to find a house that has all of their wish list items.  How many Bedrooms?How many Baths?Garage?Special needs, wishes, requirements?Views, location,or other desires?Price range?When you want to move?Do you want a fixer or a move in condition house?Do you want an older home or a newer home?Is there a style you most like?You can adapt to your area a... 04/19/2008

I woke up this morning to a gentle breeze and the song of my wind chimes, and heard a thump and pattering on my deck. The usual morning visit from squirrels was in full force as they raided the bird feeder, chased each other up and down and across the decking, and then scampered up one of my oak trees to chatter.This is what Lake Arrowhead is about: Waking up to nature instead of honking horns, people chatter, and city sounds.My guys are away this weekend at Boy Scout Camporee. This is a weekend competition in which troops from all over come together and show off their scouting skills. The actual site of this weekend scouting extravaganza is physically about 2 miles north of Lake Arrowhead, down the back side of the mountain heading towards Lake Silverwood. There are a lot of local boys... 04/19/2008

Buying Real Estate is a huge investment of money, time and your future.Making good choices and doing your homework is key.  When I meet clients, I take the time to go over the whole process of buying a home from start to finish.  I give my clients the tools they need to make the smart choices for them and their family.  I write up the contract for them to buy their home.  I put them in touch with a lender I have spent years getting to know and trust.  Everything after this point should be pretty smooth sailing...The twist in this is when a Buyer is trying to get a deal from a lender.  Now, I am not here to say you shouldn't get a deal.  We all want a deal.  But, is it the cost of the "Deal" that you might be losing.  I currently have a Buyer who is so excited about the home we put an of... 04/19/2008

   these photos taken by Denise Hornsby Lake Arrowhead--a talented photographerPhotos by Denise Hornsby   these photos were taken  by Grass Valley Lake which is located by the Lake Arrowhead Country Club. Homes in this area have lake rights. It is a wonderful place to hike, fish and relax. There is a volleyball court here.  keles favorite squirrel photo taken from her deck Kele Coloma Realtor Re/max Lake Arrowhead  took the photo above and photos below great trees pretty snow   Our mountain is so beautiful at so many times during the year. All of our seasons are wonderful.  Daisy the real estate lady!    http://arrowheadcabinsales.com   Re/max Lake Arrowhead 04/19/2008

Daisy is writing this page--- I can honestly tell you the best way to pick an agent to sell your home.  KELE & Daisy  Do List  HOMES AND DO A GREAT JObs!   THESE ARE DAISY'S THOUGHTS--and only my thoughts--kele has a lot of patience with me----Word of mouth is wonderful. Do you have a friend who sold or bought a home in the mountains recently? Interview a few agents. Ask them how they promote your home? Is it in local papers and magazines? (if it is only promoted this way you are only reaching visitors and locals)  Do they have web sites, (for at least 80% of buyers the INTERNET is how they start a home search) do they advertise down the hill (la times etc), do they have a busy office with lots of walk ins or a small one with no traffic,no parking and no foot traffic, do they network wi... 04/18/2008

       Down town Blue Jay                                                                        Our only mountain movie theaterShops, great places to eat, movie theater, starbucks, even Mcdonalds. Stop in at the Bakery of Jensens for great treats and pair them with starbucks located there. 3 min from Lake Arrowhead Blue Jay has lots of little cabins and lots of history. Make sure you explore this village when you visit our mountains. Blue Jay has lots of great shops to meet your needs while you are vacationing in the mountains. It has Radio Shack for electronic and a big drug store. One of my favorite places is the store that has everything to do with wildbirds. Birdfeeders, speciality birdfood, gifts really a great store. This store is very successful and is also online. Make sure you... 04/18/2008

Mark your calendar:   Lake Arrowhead Community Services District will be holding an important meeting on April 22, 2008. This is a meeting you may not want to miss. One of the topics of discussion is a proposal to adopt Ordinance 69,  "WATER USE EFFICIENCY MANAGEMENT."  Here's a brief list of what this Ordinance may include:No outdoor irrigation with Distract water between November 1st -- May 15th.If a residents annual water usage is greater than 0.46 ac/ft on any District account in two of the preceding three years to complete a water use efficiency audit performed by an independent water use affect professional.Escalating penalties for using District water in violation of the restrictions in this Ordinance. Such penalties could increase a customers's water consumption charge by 100% f... 04/18/2008

These are my thoughts on how to pick an agent to help you buy. There are great agents out there. Make sure you don't settle for an agent who doesn't meet your needs.Decide if you want to work with an individual or a team. When you are looking for a house to buy isn't it better to have 2 people to help you find it --especially when their services to you are free.Decide if you like the style and approach of the agent. Does this agent work in all areas of the mountains or just a few. Is the agent willing to show you the area, villages, features, recreation or do they just want to show you homes. Will the agent take you out to view or do they print up a group of homes, hand you a map and say good luck.Do you know that only a few villages have for sale signs in the mountains. We have a gentl... 04/17/2008

Many of the new listings on tour this week were, according to our tour re-cap group, overpriced.  This could be sellers positioning themselves high at the beginning of the sales season with the idea that they have some time to reduce later on.  There are, however, some properties that we thought were a good deal and at a fair price:988 Inspiration - Crest Forest area - 1 br 1 ba for $150,000392 Primrose - Arrowhead Woods - 4 br 3.75 ba for $879,000 (includes dock)29234 Lakeview - Cedar Glen - 1 br with 2 sleeping lofts 1ba for $199,900 (great lakeview)27367 North Bay - Arrowhead Woods - lakefront 4 br 3 ba for $1,795,0001377 Grass Valley - Deer Lodge Park - 3 br 2ba with one car garage & tons of parking for $279,00026385 Walnut Hills - Arrowhead Woods - the re-cap group's favorite - 4 b... 04/17/2008

CAROLYN FOX | COLDWELL BANKER SKYRIDGE | 909.336.7907 27048 HWY 189, Blue Jay, CA Romantic cabin in the mountains w/in walking distance to Blue Jay Village. Orig. stone f/p, level parking w/gar. Very large usable lot w/additional ow 2 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $179,000 Year Built 1940 Sq Footage 991 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 10,842 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION THIS HOME IS THE LOWEST PRICED HOME CLOSE TO THE LAKE'S EDGE. WALK TO TOWN, THEATER AND RESTAURANTS. THE DARLING CABIN IS MOVE IN READY AND FURNISHED PER INVENTORY. YOU CAN START MAKING MOUNTAIN MEMORIES WITH YOUR FAMILY FOR HARDLY ANY MONEY! THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY- OUR HOME PRICES ARE CLIMBING. BE A PART OF OUR YEAR ROUND RESORT! see additional photos bel... 04/17/2008