Both the overall Big Bear real estate market as well as the lakefront market experience predictable annual increases and decreases in home inventory. Almost without exception, each year we will see the number of Big Bear lakefront homes for sale decrease through late fall and winter followed by a steady increase in spring and heading into the summer months. The peak for lakefront listings is usually seen around late July into August while the lowest point is usually in late April into May. Take a look at the steady decrease in lakefront home inventory since last July.

Big Bear Lakefront Home Inventory

As for the typical volume of the annual rise and fall of inventory, seeing a 20-25% seasonal decrease in the number of Big Bear lakefront homes for sale is not unusual. Within the next few months, we will likely see the lakefront inventory climb back up to the usual 35 to 40 homes for sale during the summer months.

There are many speculative reasons for this ebb and flow in home inventory.

It is usually around tax time when many people evaluate their finances. It is not unusual for second home owners to decide due to financial planning reasons to sell their home. Thus, they list their home for sale heading into the summer months.

Some homeowners who use their homes as a vacation rental will wait until after they have profitted from the busy winter rental season before listing their home for sale.

Others feel that listing in the summer when the benefits and attractions of lakefront living are more visible and prominent increases their chance of getting a reasonable buyer.

If you are looking to sell a lakefront home, May is perhaps the best month to do so. There is little competition as the inventory is low. You are on the front end of what will be an increase of buyers looking to buy a lakefront home and you will be able to take advantage of time sensitive marketing strategies as well.

If you are looking to buy a Big Bear lakefront home, late spring is also a good time to start your search. It usually takes a few months of looking at listings on-line and perhaps some properties in person to familiarize yourself with the market and decide what you truly are looking for in a lakefront property. Then when new listings come on market through May and June, you'll have a more educated idea of which homes truly work for you and if they are priced competitively.

The best case scenario is that you find the right property at the right price early enough in the summer to be able to use your lakefront home before summer's end! But although that is certainly possibly, it is always best to take one's time to really make sure you find the right property for your individual wants and needs.