Lake Arrowhead's "Kat" DeLong

I am not, nor have I everr been, a party person. Oh, I love to have dinner with friends and family, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and I love a nice, slushy Margarita once in a while. But, as for going to a "party" to party-hardy...well, it's just not for me. I think I was born old.

However, I don't have anything against people partying! And that is why I am posting this; because I know a lot of partying will take place on December 31 to welcome in the New Year, and I want everyone to make it a "safe and sane" party so I'll see you all here on January 1, 2009 (maybe with a headache, but here all the same).

So for those of you going out to celebrate, or maybe having the party, here are a few tips (from the non-party person) in hopes of making your NEW YEARS EVE  a great safe one.

1. If you're going to a party, alone, make arrangements ahead of time (if you plan to drink) to have someone take you home.
2. If you're going to a party with others, make sure some-ONE of you will be the designated driver.
3. If you're having the party, when your guest show up, ASK THEM if they have a designated driver. If they don't, go to PLAN B (see tips below)
4. If you have a local taxi company, call them and ask if they'll be available to take folks home, and what they charge.
5. Collect car keys at the door if your guest have NO driver.
6. If you THINK you may have unexpected guests spending the night; have extra pillows, blankets and linens ready. Inflatable mattresses are always good to have on hand.
7. Lastly....be safe & have fun!!!

• Statistics on Drinking Related Accidents 
• National Drunk & Drugged Driving Month 
• New Drunk Driving Law  

HAPPY NEW YEAR... ACTIVE/RAIN MEMBERS AND FRIENDS!!!

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT

Listing by WINDERMERE Fine Properties/Lake Arrowhead 

  

 

 HEAR YE-HEAR YE, all you CALIFORNIA Texting (while driving) experts folks. You only have a couple of days left to "press your luck." Soon it'll be a BIG NO NO.  Since this past July, we've been required to have a hands-free device  while talking on a cell phone when we're cruising down the road behind the wheel. Now, starting January 1, 2009, TEXTING while driving will be AGAINST THE LAW, with the same penalties as talking on a cell without a hands-free divice; $20 for the first offense and $50 for following offenses.

To check out other new laws taking affect in 2009, go to CALIFORNIA CHAMBER. And CHP Laws 2009 

Since I can barely text while sitting in my recliner, I'm pretty sure I won't turn into a law breaker anytime soon.

 

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT

Listing by WINDERMERE Fine Properties/Lake Arrowhead 

  

 

  The following market statistics show a month-by-month (Cross porperties) comparision to 2007 solds. We have had many more sales this year but, as we all know, prices are down. There are still some great bargains out there, waiting for buyers to take advantage of. (I know we have a few more days in the year and, on 12/31, I will make any changes of December solds).

Cross Properties include: Arrowbear, Arrowhead Villas, Arrowhead Woods, Cedar Glen, Crestline, Deer Lodge Park, Green Valley Lake, Lakefronts, Running Springs, Sky Forest, Crest Estates, Twin Peaks, Rim Forest, Blue Jay, Crest Estates

Arrowhead Woods: With Lake Arrowhead w/rights to the lake

MTH	NEW LISTINGS	SOLDS	PRICE RANGE		2007 SOLDS	PRICE RANGE
January	13	33	$79,000-1,635,000		50	$95,000-6,500,000
February	16	35	$129,000-1,797,000		54	$109,000-1,500,000
March	33	38	$91,675-2,950,000		77	$125,000-1,995,000
April	49	46	$69,750-1,900,000		90	$142,770-6,250,000
May	43	58	$99,999-1,550,000		67	$99,000-3,850,000
June	60	79	$39,900-5,950,000		84	$98,000-4,500,000
July	76	63	$81,370-2,222,222		53	$110,000-6,495,000
August	90	63	$34,900-1,825,000		75	$89,000-2,425,000
September	104	67	$59,900-2,499,000		56	$65,000-6,195,000
October	91	73	$44,900-3,950,000		47	$109,500-10,000,000
November	93	46	$39,900-3,200,000		54	$154,000-1,599,900
December	53	35	$49,900-1,999,000		39	$119,000-2,500,000

Cross Properties Currently Listed: 845     $49,900 - 9,995,000

Arrowhead Woods: 360      $180,000 - 5,995,000

Lakefronts: 35       $799,000 - 9,950,000

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT

Listing by WINDERMERE Fine Properties/Lake Arrowhead 

FIGURES TAKEN FROM RIM OF THE WORLD MLS & ARE DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT NOT GUARANTEED

 

Market Statistics for Lake Arrowhead MLS

Active Residential Listings: 862

Active Residental Listings in Arrowhead Woods: 368

Pending Residential Sales: 88

Sold Residential Properites month to date: 18

MLS wide Median Residential Sold Month-do-date: $219,653 (#18)

Arrowhead Woods & Lake Front Median Sold Month-do-date: $291,200 (#5)

Source: MLS, Rim of the World Association of Realtors

******

 Merry Christmas ActiveRain Friends!

                                                                                                                                  

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT 

CALL 909-273-4542 OR see my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

 

                 

  

 

This is such a wonderful time of the year! It's a time to reflect on our life during 2008.  It's a time to ponder what we would like to have happen in 2009.  It's a time to be thankful and grateful for what we have. And... I am. 

Now I'm not usually a mushy-type person. I AM, however, very sentimental. Over the years I've saved ALL my children's baby clothes(and my oldest is 41) from their raggedy old blankies, to the spit-up-on stocking that my youngest came home from the hospital in 31 years ago....   I've saved ALL their "finger paintings" from their very artistic days in Kindergarden... I crafted a "this is your life" album for each of them.... I've snapped zillions of pictures during their lives, from our trips to The Grand Canyon, the zoo, and even the camping trips in the rain....and I continue to take pictures every chance I get.

I am not a good photographer, by any means, but I LOVE taking pictures....of MY three Blessings, Dwayne, Craig and Jason. 

I've always filled my walls with family photos, regardless what home I was living in at the time. Since our recent move in August, into the smallest house we've ever owned, I've just about run out of wall space to display "our life" together. Still, if you take a stroll around my tiny house, you may spot photos of the family pets we've had.. David standing next to his '52 Harley Panhead.. snapshots of all our baby pictures. NOW those are cute!

Two of my sons are married and the wall includes my daughter-in-laws. Then, this past May, Kaden, my sweet Grandson, made his arrival and he now has a spot on the wall. 

So go ahead, take a peek into my life. Enjoy "My Wall of Blessings..." as I do, each and every day.

 

 

 

 Merry Christmas ActiveRain Friends!

                                                                                                                                  

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT 

CALL 909-273-4542 OR see my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

 

                 

The storm/s have passed (for now) and the sun is out and glistening...so come on up for air and enjoy Lake Arrowhead and The San Bernardino Mountains. Here's a list of what's going on or other fun things to enjoy:

• LAKE ARROWHEAD VILLAGE continues to have its Winter Wonderland Celebration, where you can shop for Christmas gifts, while enjoying The Dickens Carolers and the Holiday Stew Jazz Band, as they stroll their way around the Village. Let the kids meet Santa and, if you wish, have their picture taken with old Saint Nick.  The kiddies will love seeing Blizzard the "real" Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman.
• THE BLUE JAY VILLAGE  for more shopping and restaurants. It's an easy walk around Blue Jay, and especially now with all the snow.... it's like a little Normal Rockwell picture.
• Always check in with the LAKE ARROWHEAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and see their "Calendar of Events" for a list of exciting things going on around the area.
• December 20, 2008 WILDHAVEN is  having a beautiful program, Follow The Star. You've got to check this out!!
• You can always go see the most recent movies playing at THE BLUE JAY CINEMA   
•  
• Skiers, go to Southern California Ski Resorts and Slopes, as they ALL have tons of fresh powder.  

 

But before you head up, please check the weather and driving conditions.  

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT 

CALL 909-273-4542 OR see my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

 

Thought I would share a few pictures....from my home & around the area, after I finally got out of my snow covered driveway. Enjoy! (TURN DOWN YOUR SPEAKERS)!

 

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT 

CALL 909-273-4542 OR see my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

 

                 

I WILL REPEAT MYSELF DURING WINTER MONTHS--for Safety reasons.

It's winter (well, in a few days it will be) and the weather outside is frightful. Mother Nature could care less about dates, as you can see by the following pic's. SO, IF you're thinking of coming to the San Bernardino Mountains now, or ANYTIME during next winter months, ALWAYS CHECK  our local weather. 

Also, make sure you look into the following links to be prepared:

 

 

 

WINTER DRIVING TIPS (provided by California Highway Patrol)  

WEB CAM AT LAKE ARROWHEAD VILLAGE  (up to the minute view at The Village)

 HIGHWAY CONDITIONS (insert Hwy number (18 for Lake Arrowhead) 

 

12 15 08

 12 15 08

 12 16 08

12 16 08

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT 

CALL 909-273-4542 OR see my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

  This is the latest report in our local mountains, Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding little towns, for the month of December 2008.

LAKE ARROWHEAD (The Woods w/lake rights)  Current listings: 374   Pendings: 26   Solds: 5

ARROWHEAD VILLAS   Current Listings: 42   Pendings: 6  Solds: 0

CEDAR GLEN  Current Listings:  11  Pendings: 0  Solds: 0

CRESTLINE  Current Listings:  145   Pendings: 23  Solds: 5

DEER LODGE PARK  Current Listings: 12  Pendings: 1  Solds: 2

GREEN VALLEY LAKE  Current Listings: 49  Pendings: 2  Solds: 1

LAKEFRONTS   Current Listings: 36   Pendings: 2  Solds: 0

RUNNING SPRINGS   Current Listings: 112  Pendings: 9  Solds: 4

SKY FOREST/CREST ESTATES  Current Listings: 21  Pendings:  4  Solds: 1

RIM FOREST/TWIN PEAKS/BLUE JAY  Current Listings: 53  Pendings: 10  Solds: 0

******** 

CURRENT LISTING PRICES (including ALL the above areas):  $49,900  --  $9,950,000

PENDINGS (including ALL the above areas) :  $49,900  --  $2,100,000

SOLDS (including ALL the above areas)  :  $65,000  --  $439,000

 

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT 

CALL 909-273-4542 OR see my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

CABIN IN THE FOREST!!!! THIS BEAUTIFUL, NEWER HOME HAS IT ALL: 3 BEDRMS, 1.5 BATHS, SECLUSION, LEVEL ENTRY,TWO NICE DECKS, OPEN FLOOR-PLAN & VERY CLEAN...just bring your toothbrush. PRICED RIGHT AT $265,000     MLS# 282578

Make a Smilebox slideshow

 

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit  LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

  

 

What's healthier than getting out in the fresh mountain air and taking a "hike?" Not much.  And there are so many wonderful places to explore in our local mountains, and other nearby areas, that you could never run out of locations to TAKE A HIKE.

This weekend, MOUNTAIN TOP HIKING CLUB will be meeting for another one of their adventures. See time and meeting spot below. Check out their entire site to find out how to JOIN the club, schedules, requirements and MUCH more.  Keep in mind, this is a serious group/club, so read their "survey."

DATE: December 13th 2008

TIME: 8 A.M.

THIS WEEKS CHALLENGE: Odessa Canyon - near Calico Ghost Town (Sierra Club - Mojave Group).

WHERE TO MEET: Meet at the Bureau of Land Management parking lot on Barstow Road in Barstow

WHAT TO BRING: 2-3 qts. water, snacks, lunch, layered clothing, comfortable hiking boots.

Your leader will be Terrance McCorkle, so feel free to call him at  (760) 252-2194 or oldhikerdude@verizon.net 

NOW CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WEBSITE AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED NEXT....

OTHER SITES ABOUT HIKING AND THE SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAINS/FOREST

• BIG BEAR DISCOVERY CENTER
• RECREATION 
• CHILDREN'S FOREST

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit  LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

  

 

 

 

I'm sure every state has an Association for their Realtors where, not only they can obtain information and help about the market, buying, selling or legal help with Real Estate concerns, but also where consumers can find loads of information with a click of their mouse. That's what this post is about. 

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS  is a wonderful site for my clients and clients-to-be. Even if they're not thinking of purchasing or selling a home, now, they can still keep up on local statistics regarding their community.

I believe the more info WE (Realtors and Consumers) have, the better off we all are. That said, check out some of C.A.R.'s useful links:

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD (where a consumer can click on THEIR area of choice and learn more about it)

FOR CONSUMERS LOOKING TO BUY   (great advice for buyers on how and, what, to expect when purchasing property)

FOR CONSUMERS LOOKING TO SELL (easy to understand info for the home seller)

CREDIT INFORMATION FOR BUYERS  (to help buyers understand the credit/loan process)

FORECLOSURE INFORMATION & PREVENTION (articles to help folks who may be facing foreclosure)

REAL ESTATE TERMS & EXPLANATIONS (ah...the Real Estate terms--Great link)

...and that is just a sampling of what is available for YOU (Realtors) and your CLIENTS, or clients-to-be at C.A.R.'s site.

 Then there's the FREE monthly newsletter, Client Direct, that C.A.R. offers to Realtors. Check out mine: Kat's Newsletter .   It's easy (for Realtors) to set up their account, profile, choose a design, pick from the  "already" written-by-experts articles, which will automatically go to your "client list" every month.

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit  LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

  

 

 

 

THE 29TH ANNUAL-BLUE JAY CHRISTMAS-PARADE was so much fun! The weather was beautiful (just a tad nippy) and it was a pleasure being outdoors enjoying the community flavor here in our mountain town of Blue Jay (Lake Arrowhead). MANY, MANY fine folks came out for the parade, as you will see by the packed "STREET," from one end to the other. After I walked through the PARADE, I parked myself at the end in order to snap these photos. I was in the shade, hence some of these may be little dark. ENJOY!

 

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate needs.

  

 

Well, the most important and most exciting thing going on this weekend, on our local mountain, is the 29th-ANNUAL-BLUE-JAY-CHRISTMAS-PARADE-DECEMBER-6-2008! Be there or be square!

...but there are also other happenings during this beautiful holiday month that you won't want to miss. Below is a list of places to visit, either alone or with the kids or friends and family.

• SANTA-CLAUS at THE LAKE ARROWHEAD VILLAGE
• WILD-HAVEN  
• LAKE ARROWHEAD REPERTORY THEATRE
• MOUNTAIN SKIES 
• MOUNTAIN ARTS NETWORK   
• CLASSICAL BALLET, THE NUTCRACKER 
• TIME-TO-DUST-OFF-THE-SNOW-SKIS -- area resorts are making snow!
• ICE CASTLE, LAKE ARROWHEAD        

and much, much more....

  

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate need.

Listing by WINDERMERE Fine Properties/Lake Arrowhead 

 

LAKE ARROWHEAD (The Woods w/lake rights)  Current listings: 385   Pendings: 24

ARROWHEAD VILLAS   Current Listings: 46   Pendings: 6

CEDAR GLEN  Current Listings: 13  Pendings: 0

CRESTLINE  Current Listings:  146   Pendings: 23

DEER LODGE PARK  Current Listings: 11  Pendings: 3

GREEN VALLEY LAKE  Current Listings: 51  Pendings: 3

LAKEFRONTS   Current Listings: 37   Pendings: 2

RUNNING SPRINGS   Current Listings: 117  Pendings: 8

SKY FOREST/CREST ESTATES  Current Listings: 20  Pendings:  4

RIM FOREST/TWIN PEAKS/BLUE JAY  Current Listings: 59  Pendings: 6

******** 

CURRENT LISTING PRICES (including ALL the above areas):  $49,900  --  $9,950,000

PENDINGS (including ALL the above areas) :  $54,900  --  $2,100,000

 

To view Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate need.

Listing by WINDERMERE Fine Properties/Lake Arrowhead 

 

Lake Arrowhead Village always has something going on regardless of the season. Now, my favorite holiday of the year is upon us, and THE VILLAGE is the perfect place to bring the family,  do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, and even get the kids pictures with Santa (every weekend)!

Stores are staying open until 8:00 PM through the holidays to help you find that perfect gift for a loved one. AND many shops have sales up to 70% off! So stay on the mountain, or if you're up visiting, check out The Village.

December 6th & 7th: WINTER WONDERLAND CELEBRATION

• Photos with Santa, 12:00pm to 4:00 pm  (Center Stage).
• The Dickens Carolers & Holiday Stew Jazz Band
• Blizzard the "real" Reindeer (at the grassy area by Bass)
• Frosty the Snowman and his friends.
• Mr Twister & his Balloon Creations

Check my WEATHER IN THE SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAINS before heading out.

  LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS, click here

*** and don't forget about our 26th-ANNUAL-BLUE-JAY-CHRISTMAS-PARADE-DECEMBER-6-2008. You can come see the parade, then head over to The Village for more fun and lots of shopping. 

To view ALL Active Listings in Lake Arrowhead, go to LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT (click on properties on the dashboard and choose your price range)

CALL 909-273-4542 OR visit my website @ LAKE ARROWHEAD KAT for ALL your Real Estate need.

Listing by WINDERMERE Fine Properties/Lake Arrowhead