Understanding the Mountain Top Addendum for Lake Arrowhead and Crestline, Part 1

Understanding the Mountain Top Addendum for Lake Arrowhead and Crestline, Part 1

(AKA Supplement to Residential Purchase Agreement)

When purchasing a mountain property here in Lake Arrowhead and Crestline areas, you get the best of what Southern California has to offer as far as natural beauty, relaxation, and convenience. You will be signing A LOT of paperwork. That’s the reality of purchasing any home in California, and hopefully you have hired yourself a wonderful agent that will walk you through each addendum and supplement and notice(READ: hire Amy Steele).

The Mountain Top Addendum was created to help you understand what living in the Southern California mountains REALLY means. Hopefully you hired a local agent (who lives and works solely in the mountain communities of Lake Arrowhead and Crestline) because as you’re driving around looking at homes to find the right one you are getting an in-depth tour so to speak of the different areas, interesting features of the forests, historical things that happened on this spot sort of information that you won’t get from an agent who’s business and home is down the hill. By hiring a local agent you are going to learn more from them about the homes period, but that is a different blog.

The Mountain Addendum has 38 sections and was written by local Realtors with many years of experience in selling real estate here. In several parts I will go through the document to help you understand more about this important disclosure.

Section 1: Arrowhead Lake Association and Lake Rights

This section explains that Lake Arrowhead is a man-made lake and is private property for the use of the homeowners in the Arrowhead Woods property boundary. You and your guests are allowed to use the lake with your Arrowhead Lake Association membership (see www.TheLakeArrowheadWoods.com for more information). There are access maps that show the ALA trails and access points along the border of the lake for property owners that do not have lakefront property.

Reserve strips of land around the lake are available for use by all property owners in the ALA and you must carry proof of membership with you at all times on such strips. These strips are above the high water mark and are for park and recreational purposes. There may be restrictions for each property for the use of these strips in old deeds and CC&Rs that date back all the way to 1932. You should read these documents when provided to you by your Realtor from the title company. Bicycles are not allowed on the reserve strips or trails.

WHAT IF I AM NEAR THE LAKE: You are advised that should you choose to NOT purchase Arrowhead Woods property, you are not entitled to use the lake. Period. No fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, putting a toe into the water. I have had people ask if they can fish from the village. I’m sorry but that’s not allowed! This lake is a private club and gives much enjoyment should you choose to purchase here. There are several membership types available to homeowners as well to choose from in case you don’t own a boat and just want to use the beach clubs and hiking trails. Properties in the Arrowhead Villas do not have lake rights.

LAUNCHING A BOAT: The rules for launching a boat can be found at http://www.thelakearrowheadwoods.com/LAKE_RIGHTSUSAGE/page_2101860.html . There is no personal watercraft allowed, which includes jet skis, waverunners, or windsurfing.

LAKEFRONT LOTS: This section also addresses the definition of a Lake Arrowhead lakefront lot. You do not actually own the land down to the water should you purchase a lakefront. The reserve strips are owned by the ALA and should your lot border the reserve strip by a minimum of 10%, then you are considered a lakefront lot.

TENANTS OF ARROWHEAD WOODS OWNERS: Tenants do not have lake rights, only the owners of the property and their guests. Perhaps you will become close to your tenants and you want them as your guests on the lake someday when you come up to use it. That is up to you entirely of course, but remember, you are responsible for your guests when they are on any ALA property!

I hope that you do not see this comprehensive section or document as limiting. It merely explains the rules to you in a black and white manner so you can fully understand what it means to have or not to have lake rights. Owning a home in the Arrowhead Woods is still extremely rewarding because of how gorgeous each area of the lake is and to be able to fully take advantage of Lake Arrowhead is what you want when you are up here. Imagine listening to the birds as they call and fly across the lake and trees in the still morning or evening from your deck or dock. Hanging out on your dock all day, swimming, sunbathing, barbequing with friends and family. Skiing on the lake and breathing in the lake air and pine scent of the warmth of the day. Walking on trails that wind through custom mountain homes, some million dollar properties, others charmers of a smaller price tag and spying a family of raccoons.

No matter your price point there is certainly going to be your dream home to be found amongst the trees. I hope that you allow me to assist you in finding your place here above the clouds but down to earth!

Take care, and there will be more to come with this series. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please email me or call me at the information below.

Amy Steele