Although Rahill Realty specializes in neighborhoods such as Castle Glen Estates, Ironwood Estates, and Meadowbrook Estates, Eagle Point Estates remains one of our favorites. Most of the immense homes and lots were constructed in the late 1990s through the early 2000s, so this tree lined neighborhood is quiet and established.

Residents can enjoy the sun sparkling like diamonds on the lake surface during the day and the gentle lap of the water on the shoreline at night. If you are a nature lover, you won’t have to go far to enjoy bird watching, fishing, and might just catch a glimpse of local bunnies and squirrels out your windows.

Eagle Point Estates sits just east of Eagle Point and features underground utilities, a private park, a residents only marina, and tennis courts that sit near the shoreline of Big Bear Lake. The level terrain makes it perfect for morning or evening strolls where the solitude and breathtaking shoreline views tend to soothe even the most restless.

Marina dock rights are enjoyed by all the neighbors but lakefront estates also have their own private boat docks. Many enjoy the fact that this neighborhood is close to the wildlife preserve, shopping, fine dining, as well as to the ski resorts and the golf course. Plus, it is only a short distance to the public Meadow Park, Swim Beach and other Bear Valley Park District sports areas.

The namesake of the area, the bald eagles, visit the area from November through April and can be seen perched in a few of the local snags or trees. As of 2012, Big Bear became the distinguished host of these majestic birds and home to the first successful breeding of bald eagles in the history of the San Bernardino forest.

If you are seeking a majestic home on a larger than normal lot in a quiet neighborhood or a lakefront dream home, we think this might be the neighborhood for you. Take some time to search our Big Bear MLS online.

Don’t hesitate to call Rahill Realty to schedule a home tour of Eagle Point Estates or any other Big Bear Real Estate. We are here to help–and to answer any questions you might have about these houses or properties for sale.

On July 1, 2012, any homeowners in Big Bear Lake will have to remove any wood shake or wood shingle roofs from their Big Bear properties and houses to comply with the city ordinance 2007-373. However, they are not alone!

Mountain lake property owners who live outside of Big Bear Lake will need to take action since fire safety regulations require homeowners to replace their shake or shingle roofs as well. The good news is that grant funds exist to help get this done for the safety of everyone in the mountain area.

Wood roofs are an obvious challenge but it is also important to also point out that the roofs of Big Bear properties and houses should be of special interest to home buyers for a few reasons. A roof in bad condition can be an indication of poor maintenance or lack of care for the property in general. It can also indicate other issues such as structural damage, water damage and complications such as mold or mildew.

Mountain living has different risks than those faced in most urban environments. Dwelling in a forested area poses a variety of challenges due to natural hazards such as inclement weather and fire dangers. Not too long ago, after raging forest fires destroyed surrounding areas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) awarded the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District with a grant to help create a safer community.

Fire dangers peaked due to draught conditions were further complicated by the bark beetle infestation of the local forest. This resulted in dying and dead trees which posed additional dangers. Efforts to create a better defensible space between the forest and the residential areas were prioritized, trees were removed and educational efforts targeting the community along with a variety of help in creating safer neighborhoods began and continue today.

So, if you are a new or existing homeowner, this is a good time to remind you that it should be a priority to create and maintain defensible space around your home and the surrounding property. Doing so will help you protect not only your property and neighborhood but may also earn you approval for cost share reimbursement.

If your wood roofing needs replacement and you are interested in learning if any funding or other assistance is available to you, call (909) 866-4668.

Rahill Realty specializes in Big Bear Real Estate and invites you to search for real estate using our Big Bear MLS online. Please don’t hesitate to call to schedule a home tour or to contact us with any questions!

Custom home with lots of wood and stone work. An absolute must-see! 39105 Waterview Drive in Big Bear Lake is one of our most popular listings. A beautiful home located in the Boulder Bay area.

Contact Rahill Real Estate Group for more information
Phone Number 909-547-4402 | Address 42149 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 | Visit Our Website SearchBigBearRealEstate.com

On quiet nights you might hear the chortle of the water fowl, hoot of an owl, or the howl of a coyote. Most residents loved the natural ambiance and the enchanted evenings filled with this symphony by nature. However, a few species of critters can actually turn into trashy neighbors if you are not careful.

Since wild animals tend to live where there is food, water and shelter, taking steps to adjust your lifestyle patterns so your mountain property doesn’t tempt the wildlife is a good first start.

Bears, raccoons and other critters live in the area all year but are seldom an issue. However, without proper precautions they can become a problem. This is why we thought it would be important to mention that a few behavior patterns to help keep the trash contained, your garden intact and critters out in the forest.

As a general rule of thumb, avoid putting garbage out the night before pick-up. Instead, take the trash receptacles out the same morning and make sure to use sturdy containers that can be securely sealed.

Frame trash cans within small fence so they cannot be knocked over, or consider enclosing them in a garage or shed until trash service day.

If you do have a problem with neighborhood pets or bears, consider purchasing animal proof containers.

Feeding birds attracts other animals but using deterrents on feeders, such as baffles or weight-activated treadles, helps to keep squirrels out of the feeders.

However, if seed accumulates on the ground, you’ll soon find rodents and raccoons.

Using thistle seed and safflower, instead of sunflower seed and corn, will attract song birds but can help reduce attracting mammals.

Avoid leaving any pet food or water outside, be sure to clean up spills and bring everything in overnight.

Also use caution if you decide to try and compost your food scraps and be sure to keep any outdoor grills clean.

Gardens are wonderful, but if fruits and vegetables will attract critters. Harvest all ripening fruit and take steps to animal proof any growing areas.

For instance, constructing barriers above, around and below your garden or landscaping is one way to animal proof. Use fencing, enclosures, or wire netting to help keep rabbits, gophers, voles and deer from nibbling.

Common sense will do a lot to ensure that you maintain a peaceable kingdom and keep wildlife where they belong–in the wild.

Rahill Realty specializes in Big Bear Real Estate and invites you to search for real estate using our Big Bear MLS online. Please don’t hesitate to call to schedule a home tour or to contact us with any questions!

Our last discussion concerned utilities but another related challenge faced by new home owners in the Big Bear Valley involves trash disposal. Most areas of southern California take their trash services for granted. However, depending on the high altitude neighborhood you choose, arrangements have to be made for disposal services.

Owners of mountain lake properties and houses will need to make arrangements for street pick-up service. Some locations might have to dispose of household trash, yard debris, and other garbage at one of the local disposal yards, known as Clean Bear Sites, while others may need to haul things over to the landfill area.

Of course, your Big Bear Realtor can help you avoid any confusion over such services. In the meantime, we thought it would be useful for you to learn about the different options throughout the Big Bear Real Estate area.

Download the Big Bear Guide to Solid Waste – Trash – Recyclables by Rahill Realty

Solid waste in Big Bear Lake neighborhoods is handled by the City of Big Bear Lake’s Public Works Waste Management Division. Big Bear Disposal, partner to the city, handles trash pick-up, manages the trash drop off sites, and also facilitates hazardous waste disposal and recycling.

Hazardous waste such as batteries, propane tanks, mercury filled thermometers can be disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility located at 42040 Garstin Drive in
Big Bear Lake. (Hours are Saturdays from 9 am until 2 pm.)

The San Bernardino County Fire Department also manages the hazardous waste disposal for the entire valley but for those who want to get rid of a number of items all at once, a free valley wide clean up is held twice a year (spring and fall) and is announced in the local media.

The Big Bear City Community Services District’s (CSD) service area covers communities outside the City of Big Bear Lake.

When it comes to appliance disposal, most will need to be taken to the county dump (aka transfer station) but if you have trash service, you can call to see what other options available. For instance, Big Bear Disposal will pick up an appliance with 24 hours notice while the CSD will help disabled and elderly with appliance disposal.

All residents in the Big Bear Valley who think they might need to toss a large number of items can also obtain a transfer station card that is valid for up to 52 visits to the local landfill site. The transfer station charges a nominal fee for disposal and is open Monday through Saturday (8am to 4:30pm). Those property owners who are assessed a tax each year to pay for the disposal site are issued an annual access card.

Rahill Realty invites you to take some time to search real estate in Big Bear, CA and to give us a call if you need to schedule a home or property tour.

Ironwood is a nicely treed mountain neighborhood with features such as underground utilities and CC&Rs (Covenant Condition Restrictions) that protect and preserve both the view and ambiance.

Pines, cedars, oaks and ironwoods frame many of the homes of this enchanting community. Known for both the majestic homes and spectacular vistas, these estates include panoramic observation points that tower over the valley and lake.

The mountain top views are also unsurpassed but what attracts many to the amazing houses of Ironwood Estates is that they are not only adjacent to the forest, but they are also in close proximity to the Village of Big Bear Lake–the premiere area for entertainment, shopping and dining.

This means that it is only a short drive to the local ski resorts in the winter, or to the golf course and marinas in the summer. For those who crave a selection of upscale teas and crepes, or coffee beverages and pastries, two of the valley’s best locations are just a short stroll away.

But another nice quality about this neighborhood is that although it is close to just about everything you might need, it is secluded enough to avoid the hustle and bustle found in other communities.

Being in the tree tops means that the birds and morning sun will be your alarm clock. At night, it is a stargazers dream. However, estate owners can also gaze over the twinkling lights of the valley to enjoy a quiet serenity not found in too many other places.

Another great aspect of the houses in Ironwood Estates is that they are built with many extras. One of the more attractive features is that many include custom wood trim and log treatments. In others, it is the unique exteriors and interiors that give each home that “personality plus.”

Estate homes in Ironwood come with many different perks such as artistic masonry and tile work. Other amenities include pro appliances, forced air fireplaces, zone controlled heating, as well as custom kitchens and great rooms. Many contain rooms designed for crafts, hobbies, or exercise.

Rahill Realty specializes in Big Bear Real Estate and invites you to search for real estate using our Big Bear MLS online. Please don’t hesitate to call to schedule an Ironwood Estates home tour or to contact us with any questions!

Utility Guide Big Bear Real Estate – Rahill Realty

Utilities in Big Bear CA

This can vary greatly depending on the season. Making sure your home is as heat efficient as possible can help reduce any winter bills. For instance, using a wood stove, fireplace or forced air makes a difference during the winter. Dual paned windows and quality insulation also can help reduce utility costs.

Other influencing factors? Believe it or not, your daily conservation habits and your mailing address! Being a good conservationist by turning off lights and scheduling a specific temperature range, or times of operation for your heater, can save you money.

In addition, part-time residents that have become full-time residents have reported that they see a reduction with the address change. Some residents run their heat at night and reduce the thermostat temperature during the day or during times they are not inside the home.

Another unique difference in this mountain area resort is that not all locations have neighborhood trash service. This means that in some areas, trash and recyclables must be taken to the nearby disposal yards or the Big Bear dump.

Consider asking your Big Bear Realtor to have the seller transfer the utilities to your name at the close of escrow since any interruption in utility service usually costs more than transferring directly from the seller’s name to that of the buyer’s name.

Some Big Bear Realtors will assist in the transfer of utilities as part of their services–so don’t hesitate to ask if that is an option when you enter into escrow.

For your convenience, Rahill Realty has compiled a list of the utility companies serving real estate in Big Bear, CA. Keep in mind that the mailing address is usually different from the street address so before attempting any correspondence, or sending in an address change, it is a good idea to always confirm you have the correct address.

Big Bear Utilities | Real Estate Resource Guide (PDF)

Rahill Realty hopes this resource listing helps your transition to being a Big Bear property owner easier. If you are seeking Big Bear Real Estate, take a minute to search our Big Bear MLS online while you are here. Our Big Bear Realtors would love to help you with a home tour or any questions so don’t hesitate to call 909.547-4402.

One of the most common hiccups concerns the mail. Unlike other areas of southern California, many mountain lake properties and houses do not have the street delivery found in urban areas. In fact, it is a rare situation to receive mail directly. Knowing how to deal with this before submitting any change of address forms is important.

There are a few different variations available throughout the Big Bear Real Estate area:

1. Neighborhoods Delivery Units are called NBUs by the US Postal Service. These units are a collection of boxes placed in strategic locations in a neighborhood. Home owners get a key to an assigned box in the unit so they can receive and retrieve mail.
2. Postal Boxes are obtained from the United States Postal Service or one of the private mail box service centers in the area. There are five different US Postal Service buildings serving the valley. (Big Bear Lake, Moonridge Substation, Big Bear City, Sugarloaf and Fawnskin.)
3. Neighborhood Box Delivery to is done by private contractors usually to those placed in assigned areas such as a row of mailboxes within a neighborhood. (The US Post Office serving the area assigns the locations where mountain lake property owners can place their boxes.)
4. Property Mailbox Delivery is available in a few rare locations. In this case, the mailbox is placed at the front of the property for the mail contractor. As with all such deliveries, the location is designated by the Postmaster. Check to make sure any mailbox on newly purchased real estate is actually approved–or you won’t be getting any mail.

Some of the most frustrating problems arise when Financial Institutions and a few other businesses refuse to let you use a PO Box. But the good news is that this headache can be avoided. In order to avoid confusion and failed delivery, add the PO Box number to the zip code–this is the plus four digits used by the mail service.

For instance, if the PO Box is 5098 in Big Bear Lake, using 92315-5098 as the zip code might help get the mail delivered since taking this simple action alerts the mail carriers and postal employees to the correct box number if your street address is used in error.

Another temporary option is to consider renting a private box so that you have an address and a box number for both postal delivery and other private package delivery services. Use the street address with a PMB (Private Mailbox) designation and avoid any hassles entirely.

Rahill Realty invites you to take some time to search real estate in Big Bear, CA and to give us a call if you need to schedule a home or property tour.

Mountain property is a specialty of Rahill Realty and when it comes to Big Bear Real Estate, we want you to have information to help you make the transition successfully.

If you have never lived in a four season area there are some nuances to seeking the right mountain property or house in Big Bear, California.

The recent snow fall is a good reminder of what you might consider when looking for the perfect place for your family and friends.

Adjustments can be made, but if you know what to look for, you can prepare or make an informed decision about purchasing a specific home or another property that might be a better selection.

When it comes to winter access there are a few things to ponder. Heavily shaded areas mean that a property will have snow and ice longer than those that have more sun exposure. Homes that face south tend to get more sun which means that there will be faster melt.

Steep driveways can pose access problems if they ice up during the winter season. Making seasonal contracts with snow plow operators can keep things clear but be aware that any melt will ice up over night and installing heating elements to avoid problems might be considered.

If the mountain property you like doesn’t have a parking garage or car port but instead has a pull out area, be aware that this might pose some challenges during heavy snow load times. Plows will clear the street and berm in vehicles. This barrier will have to be removed in order for you to drive. Also, your vehicle cannot interfere with snow plow operations because if it does, you may get fined.

Garages or car ports can protect vehicles against the intense sun or snow. Since many older Big Bear properties were built as vacation homes, such amenities were not considered essential and so might not be a feature of older homes.

One of the best unknown secrets is that after most storms, the main highways and roads are usually clear and fairly dry within 24-48 hours. With the exception of melt off areas and some side streets, access and driving returns to normal. However, there are a few roads that are not maintained by the city, county or state. Don’t forget to ask your Big Bear Realtor if this is the case for the neighborhood you are considering.

Another tip for homes with a large number of stairs is that they are likely to be icy and could pose safety problems if not cleared. Today there are specially designed stairs that allow the snow to drop through rather than accumulate. Otherwise, plan on clearing the stairs and making sure that the house gutters funnel the melt away from the stairs where it could create ice hazards.

The Big Bear four season resort is a beautiful place to live but it does require some preparation if you are not familiar with the challenges that different seasons pose. Rahill Realty hopes to help you buy or sell your dream home and invites you to search Big Bear Real Estate now– and don’t hesitate to call the Rahill Real Estate Group to schedule a home tour or for further information.