The Big Bear MLS defines a lakefront property as having a property line that runs along the defined border of Big Bear Lake. Although this sounds simple enough, there are some exceptions to that rule as well as homes that should be an exception to that rule.

For instance, my listing at 39006 Willow Landing is directly across the street from the lake and has its own dock. But because you have to cross sparsely traveled Willow Landing road to access one's dock, the property line never meets the lake and thus this property is not technically considered a lakefront in the Big Bear MLS. It has the dock, the views, and proximity to the lake. But because of a 15 foot road between the home and the water, it cannot be listed in our MLS as a Big Bear lakefront home.

This presents a challenge for the sellers. Many people would define this home as a lakefront, yet because our MLS does not allow us to give it the lakefront label, it rarely reaches buyers looking for such homes. For buyers, especialy buyers with savvy real estate agents, homes like these can present opportunities. Having less buyer demand due to rules prohibiting it from being listed as a lakefront, yet being a lakefront in most people's opinion allows a buyer to potentially offer on a property that delivers everything they want in a lakefront home but without a premium lakefront price.

Take a look at this visual tour of 39006 Willow Landing:

View the Tour

Another Almost-Lakefront that you won't find listed as a lakefront in the MLS is 38840 Waterview Drive. This home is located on a serene, vintage, Big Bear peninsula, has beautiful lake views and has a private easement to a shared dock just steps away. Again, here is a home with the main characteristics one looks for in a lakefront home: it has a great lakeview and has lake access via a boat dock that is easily accessed and a short walk away. But because this home is technically not on the lake, you can purchase the home for a fraction of what it would have been had it have been a true lakefront. Yet it still provides the most important features that Big Bear lakefront home buyers are looking for.

Take a look at 38840 Waterview:

View the Tour

 

For some people, being right on the lake is the only option they will consider. But for others, I think finding properties such as the two mentioned above may provide a more inexpensive way to get most of that lakefront experience you're looking for. To keep current on these Almost-Lakefronts, it helps to have a Big Bear realtor working for you that will be diligent in following listings and make you aware of when new opportunities come on the market. Please contact me if you are interested in being kept up to date on new home listings such as the ones mentioned above. Or simply visit my blog regularly for infomation on these new Almost-Lakefront listings.