All Forum Posts by: Jameson Shipp

Hi Sahara,

I am an agent and property manager specializing in STR's here in Big Bear Lake. As you know, we have been flooded with STR's up here in the last few years. Even five years ago, most properties on my street were either vacation homes or full time residents. Now all but myself and two neighbors are STR's. It is still possible to have a positive cash flowing property but you have to be smart, run the numbers and hunt for the right deal. With current interest rates and prices most homes on the market are not going to cash flow right out of the gate. Also keep in mind, when creating a new AirBNb/Vrbo listing you're starting fresh with reviews and ratings, so it will take some time to grow. In my experience, smaller cabins perform better than the larger ones. You will have more bookings and less chance of damage/code enforcement calls with the smaller properties.

As you know, Winter is definitely your money maker, with summer being a not so close second. Winter can account for 50-60% of your yearly income sometimes. I have had some luck with MTR's as well, either direct booking or FurnishFinder, for seasonal workers, traveling nurses and snow birds, so thats something you can look into as well. 

I hope this helps, it can be a great market and we live in a beautiful place, we just have a lot more competition now! Let me know if I can help in any way!

P.S. I can't tell you how excited I am to have Tractor Supply, not as excited for a Grocery Outlet lol

 Hi Gina, 

I know I'm a little late to the game, I am an agent and own a Property Management company up here in Big Bear Lake. The bed/bath according to the County Assessor is what is most important. BBL has very strict STR guidelines, if your Max Occ sign doesn't match what they have on record, according to the County Assessor, you may have code enforcement come calling. I have a property that is a 2/1 and can comfortably sleep 4, but because of city guidelines I can only advertise a 3 Max Occ. Hope this helps, and let me know if there's anything else I can do! good luck on your investing journey up!

HI there Jane, 

60 notice is required in La County if the tenant has been in the property over a year. Like the others said it may be beneficial to talk to you tenants about you desire to sell the property; that way they can start planning their exit or best-case scenario they could have an interest in purchasing it. You're well within your rights as the owner to list the property while the tenants are still living there but it will be a much easier process having the property vacant for showings and to get in there and do any necessary repairs prior to listing. My Team does a lot of business in the Glendora area so if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me directly.

Hey Carlos,

As always, the Bigger Pockets community has given some great advice. As an agent in the SoCal/Inland Empire area I can tell you one of the issues we're facing is an inventory shortage. There are still buyers but there's not enough properties to go around. If you do decide to sell a couple of your properties that could work to your advantage.  

Hi Gabe, STR Managing fees can vary. Typically anywhere between 6-12%. We were being charged 10% on our STR, they supplied all linen and cleaning.

Hi Shane, welcome to the community. I am an agent in your area. Let me know if I can help you in any way!

Hi there, I am an agent in the Big Bear area. Big Bear Lake is definitely the more popular of the two areas for vacationers. Prices tend to be a bit lower in the Big Bear City area because you're farther from the " attractions". In my opinion it is still a good market to get into despite the higher prices. Even with the amount of STR's we have here there are still people having trouble finding a place to stay. Finding a good agent and property manager who can run the numbers for you will help find a property that will cash flow. Let me know if I can help in any way!

Hi Rafael. I live and work as an agent up in Big Bear Lake. My family owns a vacation property here as well. You are correct that prices have gotten higher here. One of the benefits of being in a mountain community however is homes tend to sit on the market longer giving you more negotiation power. If you're looking for a STR your main focus is most likely cash flow. If the numbers work and the property will cash flow, purchase price shouldn't be much of a concern outside of your own affordability. BiggerPockets has a great tool in the AirBNB estimator and I have a good relationship with a property manager up here who has run numbers for properties in the past, vacancy rates, rent estimator, etc. All in all I think the BBL area is still a very promising STR area you just have to be dilligent in doing your homework and finding the right property for you. Let me know if there is any way I can help.

Good Luck! 

HI Alfonso, I'm an agent in the Inland Empire/ Riverside area. My company and I specialize in what you're looking for. We also have good relationships with Lenders and Contractors. Let me know if we can help you!