Big Bear Vacation Rental....Thoughts?

Question

Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying an rental property in Big Bear, California to be used as an Airbnb rental. I've lived in Big Bear as a kid and loved the area. Does anyone have experience with Big Bear rentals that wouldn't mind giving me advice/tips?

What are the vacancy rates for the area? What are some hurdles you've come up against? Do they cash flow well? Utility prices? Has the Covids hurt your rental at all? Would totally appreciate some help, thanks everyone!

Linz

Melissa Bovee · Answer

I would recommend purchasing some data.  The two companies I used in my market were AirDNA and Mashvisor. You can get a sense for rents, month-by-month revenues, etc. and then plug that into your investment model.

As for Big Bear, my grandmother was an original owner at Snow Summit. I have fond memories of winter and summer vacations there as a kid. I love the area and I imagine it is great for STR with the entire LA metro as your drive-to market. My family in San Diego goes to Big Bear all the time... so maybe all of So-Cal is your drive-to market.

Jennifer Sireika · Answer

Hi Ryan, Neither RS or AB requires face to face check ins. I manage 4 homes in RS and they are all doing above average post-COVID. Small town but easy access to Lk Arrowhead and Big Bear.

Ryan Looney · Answer

Does anyone know if Arrowbear (Running Springs) requires face to face rental? I'm looking at a place out there, but concerned about that and also the vacancy. All the data I'm seeing right now is showing better occupancy rates than Arrowhead, but I think it's skewed from COVID. Any thoughts?

Jennifer Sireika · Answer

Hi Lindsi, I am wondering if you ever found a home to buy in Big Bear. If so, I have lots of experience in the mountain market and can answer your questions and guide you through the permit process. Thanks.

Khanh Nguyen · Answer

covid shut down STR for a few months, but we're back open for business.

BBL is pricey, but rents well. your peak is winter, but it really is year round.

Lots of good cleaning crews, as pretty much all the cabins are STR.

face to face rental key turnover can kill your profits, especially if you manage remotely.

Denise H. · Answer

One more thing, a huge hurdle for us has been insurance. We are only able to be covered under California Fair Plan and it's pretty limited what they will cover and very expensive.

Denise H. · Answer

We have a STR in Lake Arrowhead, we've owned it about a year and a half and have been very pleasantly surprised with the occupancy. I would guess we are at about 90% with almost 100% of weekends booked. Covid has slowed us down considerably but we are seeing bookings pick back up. The only thing to keep in mind in Big Bear is I do believe you need face to face check in. Good luck!

Big Bear Vacation Rental....Thoughts?

Most Popular Reply