Be Wise And Work With Local Big Bear Real Estate Pros
When shopping for a home in any real estate market, it is important to work with an agent who has expertise in that particular market area. When shopping in Big Bear, it is critical!
The Big Bear real estate market is very unique
Unlike a typical suburban residential market, where most homes are owner-occupied primary residences, Big Bear has aspects that are distinctive to a tourist-driven second home vacation resort market. Though there are often many consistencies between real estate transactions from one area to another, every transaction is different, and Big Bear real estate dealings have their own set of peculiarities that a savvy buyer/investor will need to be made aware of. Only a local real estate pro who has an intimate knowledge of the characteristics and quirks of this market will be able to consult, educate and empower you to make a wise investment decision.
Can your agent pass the test?
We are occasionally contacted by potential homebuyers inquiring about properties in Big Bear who say they want to use an agent from out of the area to represent them: “…my friend is a Realtor”, or “my cousin will look out for us”, or “she sold our house in San Diego…”. While it is understandable why someone would want to use an agent they already know, if that agent does not know Big Bear, she is doing you a disservice. No matter how much that agent cares about you, she simply cannot offer the local market expertise and insight that a Big Bear real estate pro can.
If your real estate agent cannot answer the questions below (and myriad others), you are not in safe hands in Big Bear. This little test will tell you if your non-local agent is up to the task of aptly representing you in the purchase or sale of your Big Bear cabin:
- What key item should always be included in your home warranty plan and should it cost you more to include it?
- What is the legal occupancy limit for vacation rentals in Big Bear City and how does the county calculate legal occupancy?
- What specific pests are most commonly found on a wood destroying pest report and what type of damage do they create?
- What special use permits are required in Big Bear Lake and how do you efficiently obtain them?
- How do you prepare a residential purchase agreement for a Big Bear property to initiate a successful negotiation?
These are just 6 examples of a long list of questions and items that your real estate agent should be able to answer or help facilitate for you, without running to Google.
Good advice and a fiduciary obligation
The only advice that any prudent professional out-of-area agent should give you, if you ask about buying real estate in Big Bear, is this:
“Let me research the local real estate professionals in Big Bear and help identify one that would be a good fit for you.”
As your fiduciary, your agent who is not a Big Bear local has an ethical obligation to refer you to one that is. There are several excellent real estate agents in Big Bear whose expertise cannot be rivaled by any out-of-area agent. If you take your real estate investing seriously and endeavor to make the best investment decision for you and your family, set yourself up for the highest level of success (with the least possibility of risk) by working with a local professional.
To and through closing…
Your local Big Bear real estate pro will be in Big Bear to facilitate identifying the right property and to navigate the purchase process. She will be available to advise and support you on any needs that come up regarding your resort market investment long after the close of escrow. Don’t settle for under-representation. Be wise and work with a local Big Bear real estate pro.
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