CJ VanDerMeulen

California home sales rise in December, posting 11-month sales high!!

CJ VanDerMeulen — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:22:00 GMT

California home sales rose for the third consecutive month in December, marking the highest level since January 2011, according to data from the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).
Sales also were up from a year ago, marking the sixth consecutive annual increase. “With the economy slowly improving, home buyers – investors and first-time buyers alike – took advantage of affordable interest rates and made a push to close escrow by the end of year,” said C.A.R. President LeFrancis Arnold. “Robust sales over the past few months signal the housing market is treading above water on its own in the first full year without the government stimulus that has helped housing in the last couple of years.”
Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 520,940 in December, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. December’s sales were up 3.3 percent from November’s revised pace of 504,420 and were up 0.1 percent from the revised 520,330 sales pace recorded in December 2010.
The statewide sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2011 if sales maintained the December pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales. The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home posted its second consecutive monthly gain, increasing 1.8 percent to $285,920 in December, up from a revised $280,960 in November.

*courtesy of car.org

Lake Arrowhead- Polar Bear Plunge Tomorrow!!!

CJ VanDerMeulen — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:19:00 GMT

Annual Polar Bear Plunge!

February 4th 10:00AM – 11:00 AM

The Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead is looking for participants, sponsors, and donors for their annual Polar Bear Plunge. Especially desired are one or two judges to select the best costumed “jumper” and provide an appropriate prize. This fun community event supports youth programs on our mountain.

CJ's Pick of the Week! February 3, 2012.

CJ VanDerMeulen — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:14:00 GMT

1404 Regina $189,000

Standard Sale! Popular Prow with Wood covered vaulted ceilings, Wall of glass, open floor plan, level entry, decks and apartment below. Located on a cul-de-sac and close to Tavern Bay!

"Love is in the Air" Dance at San Moritz Lodge 2/11

CJ VanDerMeulen — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:04:00 GMT

San Bernardino County Regiona Parks & C.C.D.A. Presents

"Love is in the Air" Lodge Dance

Saturday, February 11 from 6pm to 10pm

San Moritz Lodge

24640 San Moritz Drive in Crestline

Price: $15 (pre-sale) or $20 (at the door)

Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at:

www.sbcountyparks.com by Feb. 9 or at

the Regional Parks Administration Office

777 East Rialto Avenue in San Bernardino

Lake Arrowhead's Polar Bear Plunge Next Week!

CJ VanDerMeulen — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:50:00 GMT

Annual Polar Bear Plunge!

February 4th 10:00AM – 11:00 AM

Home Builders See More Sales, Confidence is Soaring!!

CJ VanDerMeulen — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:24:00 GMT

Homebuilder confidence is soaring.

For the fourth straight month, the National Association of Homebuilders reports an increase in its Housing Market Index. The index climbed 4 points to 25 this month – its second four-point gain since October.

With home sales activity increasing across all four regions, the monthly HMI has now nearly doubled in value since June 2011.

The HMI is now at a 55-month high.

The Housing Market Index itself is a composite reading; the result of three home builder surveys sent by the National Association of Homebuilders to its members monthly. Home builders report back on current single-family home sales volume; projected single-family home sales volume for the next 6 months; and current buyer “foot traffic”.

The NAHB then results compiles the surveys into a single reading.

In January, home builders reported improving sales conditions across all three categories

Current Single-Family Sales : 25 (+3 from December)
Projected Single-Family Sales : 29 (+3 from December)
Buyer Foot Traffic : 21 (+3 from December)

The Housing Market Index corroborates recent U.S. government data that suggests housing is mending. Both Housing Starts and New Home Sales have out-performed expectations of late, it’s been shown, and the stock of new homes for sale nationwide is dwindling.

All of this, of course, is happening as demand from buyers heats up. Foot traffic through builder homes is higher than it’s been in more than 3 years, say the builders — a time period that includes the duration of the 2010 home buyer tax credit.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that builders expect a strong 2012.

Jobs data is improving, mortgage rates remain low, and housing momentum is building. For home buyers , however, it may spell higher home prices ahead. Big demand and small supply creates scarcity and scarcity correlates to rising prices.

If you’re shopping new homes, the best “deal” may be the one you find today.

CJ's Pick of the Week 27271 Bernina Dr.

CJ VanDerMeulen — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:16:00 GMT

27271 Bernina $399,990

WANT PANORAMIC LAKE VIEWS? LOOK NO FURTHER, EVERYTHING YOU WANT IS HERE. LEVEL ENTRY, WOOD PANELED LIVING ROOM W/VAULTED CEILINGS, FIREPLACE & WINDOWS TO TAKE IN THE LAKE VIEWS...OFF THE LIVING ROOM IS AN OFFICE/DEN. LARGE EAT-IN KITCHEN, PLUS A FORMAL DINING ROOM, THE MASTER BEDROOM HAS A DECK ACCESS, A FIREPLACE & A NICELY APPOINTED BATHROOM. THERE IS AN ENTERTAINMENT ROOM IDEAL FOR POOL TABLE,EXERCISE OR MEDIA AREA, A ROOM FOR HOBBIES OR COULD BE USED AS A BEDROOM. LAKE RIGHTS INCLUDED!

CJ's Pick of the Week

CJ VanDerMeulen — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:44:00 GMT

1391 Calgary Ct. $349,000

Beautiful Family or Corporate Home within walking distance to Lake, National Forest & Elementary School!5 Bedrooms,3.5 Baths,Gameroom,Office,Family Room & separate Laundry.Large Custom Kitchen with Island,Breakfast Bar,walk-in pantry & hardwood floors.Formal Dining!3 Beautiful Fireplaces & 3 car Garage w/Hobby Room/Workshop easily converted back to RV Garage!Spacious Master Suite with Spa Tub.Cul de Sac privacy w/landscaped & fenced yard with landscape stairs, stream & pond. Outstanding Value!

Pending Home Sales Rise Again in November, Highest in a Year-and-a-Half

CJ VanDerMeulen — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:08:00 GMT

Pending home sales continued to gain in November and reached the highest level in 19 months, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, increased 7.3 percent to 100.1 in November from an upwardly revised 93.3 in October and is 5.9 percent above November 2010 when it stood at 94.5. The October upward revision resulted in a 10.4 percent monthly gain.

The last time the index was higher was in April 2010 when it reached 111.5 as buyers rushed to beat the deadline for the home buyer tax credit. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun NAR chief economist, said the gains may result partially from delayed transactions. “Housing affordability conditions are at a record high and there is a pent-up demand from buyers who’ve been on the sidelines, but contract failures have been running unusually high. Some of the increase in pending home sales appears to be from buyers recommitting after an initial contract ran into problems, often with the mortgage,” he said.

“November is doing reasonably well in comparison with the past year. The sustained rise in contract activity suggests that closed existing-home sales, which are the important final economic impact figures, should continue to improve in the months ahead,” Yun added.

Pending home sales are not affected by the recently published rebenchmarking of existing-home sales because the index uses a different methodology based directly on contract signings, and is adjusted for seasonality.

The PHSI in the Northeast rose 8.1 percent to 77.1 in November but is 0.3 percent below November 2010. In the Midwest the index increased 3.3 percent to 91.6 in November and is 9.5 percent above a year ago. Pending home sales in the South rose 4.3 percent in November to an index of 103.8 and remain 8.7 percent above November 2010. In the West the index surged 14.9 percent to 121.2 in November and is 2.9 percent higher than a year ago.

Lake Arrowhead- Annual Polar Bear Plunge 2/4/12

CJ VanDerMeulen — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:21:00 GMT

Annual Polar Bear Plunge!

February 4th 10:00AM – 11:00 AM

Lake Arrowhead Monday Morning Update 11/21/11

CJ VanDerMeulen — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:07:00 GMT

Monday Morning Update
November 21, 2011

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

November 25, 2011

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join us at the Holiday Festivities in Lake Arrowhead Village! Come to the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting where you can get your photo taken with Santa Claus and listen to holiday music. For more information please call (909) 337-2533

Blue Jay Village Fall Festival & Bon Fire

Saturday, November 26, 2011

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join us for hot cider & refreshments. Bring canned goods and new toys to help support Operation Provider. Sponsored by the Crest Forest Fire Department and the Blue Jay Merchants

The Blue Jay Christmas Parade

December 3, 2011

2:00 PM

A Patriotic Christmas! Main Street is "the" place for families and friends alike to join in celebrating the Holiday Season by marching together in the 31st Annual Parade. Arrive early for the best parking and viewing locations. Applications are available at Health Habitat, Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce, and at www.BlueJayVillage.com For more information please call Molly at (909) 337-8463

*Highway 189 will be closed from 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Social Media Meetup

December 8, 2011
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

The Chamber will be hosting this Meetup and definitely has an ulterior motive to starting the group. For 2012 the Chamber would like to put together, by month, a list of events and things to promote via social media. This list would be distributed to everyone who wishes to use it and help get the word out about all of the different things going on within our mountain communities. Many times we are at a loss as to what to post on our social media sites and by being involved with the Meetup group and participating in this program, you will always have something to share online. By promoting a variety of things you will increase your own social media reach and will be helping community members market their businesses and events. Please RSVP to leslie@lakearrowhead.net or call the Chamber at (909) 337-3715 to be added to the list. This meeting is open to all community members.

Monday Night Football

Every Monday Night

6:00 PM

Come out and cheer for your team at the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa for Monday Night Football. For just $19.95 per person you get an all you can eat buffet. This includes a pitcher of domestic beer, hot wings, bratwurst, and a nacho station. Call for reservation (909) 337-4189.

Wine Flight

Every Thursday Night

5:00 PM

Come to Bin 189 every Thursday and enjoy wine tasting by the fireplace. For more information please call (909) 336-1511

Go check out our new website!

Have you seen the Road Conditions page on our new website? Check it out at http://lakearrowhead.net/travel-planning/road-conditions

Committee Meetings

Governmental Affairs: Tuesday, December 6, 2011. 8:00 am. Located at Blue Jay Meeting Room 27236 HWY 189 Blue Jay, Ca 92317 (Next to Alpine Escrow)
Board of Directors:
Tuesday, January 10, 2012. 5:30. Fire station 91, located across the street from 7-11.

Calendar of Events

We will place your event on our Calendar of Events for free. Just email your information to:
Calendar@Lakearrowhead.net

January Lake Arrowhead Life

The deadline for Lake Arrowhead Life for any articles you would like to submit is December 15, 2011. Please e-mail to:

leslie@lakearrowhead.net

Your Chamber Staff

Lewis Murray
President, CEO

Leslie Saint McLellan
Director of Marketing and Tourism

Paula Arthur
Visitor Information Specialist

Chelsea Campbell-Bennett
Visitor Information Specialist

Margie Smith
Welcome Program Coordinator

Sandra Koos
Marketing Associate

Elizabeth Gann
Membership Coordinator

International Thanksgiving Feast

November 24, 2011
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Come and enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner at The Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa as they host their "International Thanksgiving Feast." Seating times are at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm. Gourmet buffet to include: Salad Station, Seafood Station, Pasta Station, Carving Station, International Display, Side Dishes, & Dessert Station! Price: $47 for adults & $24 for children (age 4-11). Reservations required pre-payment. Credit cards will be charged Monday, November 21, 2011

**72 hr cancellation policy: guests canceling within 72 hours will be charge $25 per person. Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa is located at 27984 Hwy. 189 Lake Arrowhead , Ca 92352. For reservation please call (909) 744-3061 or 800-800-6793 or visit www.lakearrowheadresort.com

Shop 4 Charity Craft Boutique

November 25, 2011 until November 26, 2011
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Come to the Annual Operation Provider Thanksgiving Fundraiser! Crafts, gifts, food & more! Thanksgiving Weekend at the Twin Peaks Senior Center located at 675 Grandview Ave, off Hwy. 189 in Twin Peaks. Stop in for a free cup of warm cider. Also join us for Breakfast & Lunch. There will be pumpkin bread pancakes with homemade apple syrup, mac 'n' cheese & soup! 100% of food sales are for Operation Provider! We welcome non-perishable food donations. Opportunity Drawing tickets available November 25 & 26. Drawing to be at 1pm on Saturday, November 26.

*You do not need to be present to win but you do need to pick up your winning items by 4pm. If you have any questions please call Michele (909) 223-2333 or www.operationprovider.org

Tours at Wildhaven Ranch

November 25, 2011 until November 26, 2011

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Wildhaven Ranch a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center & Sanctuary will be hosting their wildlife tours this Thanksgiving weekend. Located in Cedar Glen. Please call for details: (909) 337-7389

Annual San Moritz Craft Fair

November 25, 2011 until November 27, 2011
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Join us at the Annual San Moritz Holiday Craft Fair! Friday, November 25 & Saturday, November 26 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday, November 27 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Located at 24640 San Moritz Drive in Crestline (near Lake Gregory). For more information please call the Lake Gregory Boat House (909) 338-2233

Photos with Santa Claus

November 26, 2011 until December 23, 2011

Santa Claus is coming to Lake Arrowhead Village, visit with Santa and have your photo taken at Center Stage! November 26 & 27, December 3, 10, & 17 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. December 4, 11, & 18 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. For more information please call (909) 337-2533

Taste of Lake Arrowhead

December 1, 2011

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The Annual Taste of Lake Arrowhead returns to the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. Attendees can stroll the main level of the Resort tasting samplings from a variety of our local restaurants.The Taste of Lake Arrowhead kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the Resort Christmas Tree. Besides the wonderful food provided by our local restaurants, there will also be desserts, wine and beer tastings and entertainment. This is one of the premier events of the year so mark your calendars now!

The cost is $25 per person along with either a toy or gift card for Operation Provider as this event is held not only to "eat, drink and be merry" but to also help this wonderful organization that is helping our less fortunate mountain neighbors.

As per tradition, there will be 3 awards presented at the annual "Taste." The categories include:

1. Best of the Taste of Lake Arrowhead 2011

2. Critic's Choice

3. Most Creative Display 2011

To make reservations, please contact the Chamber at (909) 337-3715 or purchase tickets online at http://tasteoflakearrowhead.eventbrite.com

The Nutcracker

December 2-4, 2011

The Nutcracker Presented by the Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company located at the Rim of the World Performing Arts Center. All seats reserved at $18 each, tickets are available on line www.arrowheadballet.org or at the Lake Arrowhead School of Dance located in the Lake Arrowhead Village, lower waterfront level, below the Jockey and Van Heusen stores. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, subject to availability. For more information please call (909) 336-9206 or (909) 336-1359. All proceeds benefit the Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company, a nonprofit organization.

Greetings! Luncheon

Thursday, December 8, 2011

12:00 Noon

Lake Arrowhead Country Club

The Annual Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce Holiday Luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2011 12:00 noon at the Lake Arrowhead Country Club. We will once again be recognizing our out going Chairperson of the Board, awarding trophies for the Blue Jay Parade, and enjoying some fellowship. Price for lunch is $25 per person. To make your reservation, please call the Chamber at 909-337-3715

Polar Bear Plunge

February 4, 2012

10:00AM - 11:00 AM

The Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead is looking for participants, sponsors, and donors for their annual Polar Bear Plunge. Especially desired are one or two judges to select the best costumed "jumper" and provide an appropriate prize. This fun community event supports youth programs on our mountain. For more information contact DR. Patrick Rains at arhdvet@hotmail.com

or call him at (909) 337-4541

More information can be found on The Lake Arrowhead Rotary website:

http://lakearrowheadrotary.net/members.html

Thanksgiving Buffet at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa

CJ VanDerMeulen — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:39:00 GMT

Enjoy your Thanksgiving at The Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa as they host their “InternationalThanksgiving Feast”. Seating Times: 12pm, 2pm 4pm & 6pm. Gourmet Buffet Station to include:Salad Station, Seafood Station, Pasta Station, Carving Station, International Display, Side Dishes,& Dessert Station! Price: $47 for Adults & $24 for Children (age 4-11). Reservations required pre-payment. Thanksgiving day 12:00pm - 6:00pm.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Lake Arrowhead Village 11/25

CJ VanDerMeulen — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:29:00 GMT

Instead of braving the malls on black friday Join us at the Annual Holiday Festivitiesin Lake Arrowhead Village! Holiday Tree Lighting! Santa Claus! Holiday Music! Friday November 25, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Come one come all!!!

CJ's Pick of The Week 11/18/11

CJ VanDerMeulen — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:07:00 GMT

27350 North Bay Rd. $269,000

NEWER LAKE APPROWHEAD ESTATE HOME. THIS PROPERTY NEEDS SOME FINISH WORK. LEVEL ENTRY FROM ACCESS ROAD WITH DUAL ACCESS FROM N. BAY ACROSS OF THE LAKE AND IS AN EASY WALK TO BLUE JAY. PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD "AS IS".

California Housing Affordability Improves in 3rd Quarter

CJ VanDerMeulen — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:13:00 GMT

The percentage of home buyers who could afford to purchase a median-priced, existing single-family home in California rose to 52 percent in the third quarter of 2011, up from 51 percent in second-quarter 2011 and was up from 46 percent in the third quarter of 2010, according to C.A.R.’s Traditional Housing Affordability Index (HAI).

Home buyers needed to earn a minimum annual income of $61,530 to qualify for the purchase of a $292,120 statewide median-priced, existing single-family home in the third quarter of 2011. The monthly payment, including taxes and insurance, would be $1,540, assuming a 20 percent down payment and an effective composite interest rate of 4.63 percent. The effective composite interest rate in second-quarter 2011 was 4.85 percent and 4.78 percent in the third quarter of 2010.

Regionally, housing affordability rose in most counties in the San Francisco Bay Area but was down in Los Angeles County and Fresno County. At 77 percent, San Bernardino County was the most affordable, while San Mateo County was the least affordable, with only 25 percent of households able to purchase the county’s median-priced home

courtesy of C.A.R.