“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Amy Steele

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

12-06-11
Amy Steele

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

(AKA Supplement to Residential Purchase Agreement)

copyright Amy Steele. All rights reserved.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. Copyright Amy Steele. All rights reserved. To purchase a print, visit www.amysteeleartistry.com

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

Crestline Village's Best Antique Store!

09-29-11
Amy Steele

Crestline Village's Best Antique Store up here in gorgeous Crestline is by far Remember Me. The shop is located at 23805 Lake Drive int he downtown portion of Crestline Village. Now, I may be more than an objective blogger on this Crestline business, being that I have obtained most of my coolest furniture from this antique store. Every time I drive down Lake Drive into town I slow down to see what they have out in the parking lot today!

The inventory outside of Remember Me is in a constant state of flux and they get new pieces in and sell off others. They always have a treasure out there, as well as inside the store, and you can get some great pieces of furniture and other goodies. I have seen everything from an antique mannequin carved like an old soldier's uniform to an old movie theater popcon maker. They sell some great chairs and tables, as well as beautiful armoires and cabinets.

On the inside of this fun store, you can literally spend hours browsing(and buying) all of the unique things the have in stock as well as discovering items you might not ever have seen before. One time when I went in there with some friends, I found a nice ceramic dish with a steel or aluminum bottom and a nozzle with a cap. The tag called it a child's warming dish. Oh! I hadn't ever seen anything like that before, since after doing some research, learned that these were used to keep children's oatmeal and other cereals warm by putting hot water in the bottom of them. I liked it so much that I bought it then went on Ebay and bought another one to hang on the walls of my kitchen!

They have unique pre-war glass that glows green when you put it under a black light. They have swords and pipes, old tin toys and jewelry, dolls and dishes, and so much more. So when you make a beautiful fall trip to our mountains to enjoy the cooler air and changing leaves, make sure you stop in this treasure trove of a store and remember things of the past!

Take care,

Amy Steele

Crestline and Lake Arrowhead Vacation Homes are a Bargain right now!

07-25-11
Amy Steele

Crestline and Lake Arrowhead Vacation Homes are a Bargain right now!

Good evening all,

I was reading through my daily Realtor.com magazine and thought that I would share the news! Apparently the Wall Street Journal is saying that it is a great time to buy a second home in vacation spots. I think they are about a year behind on our Crestline and Lake Arrowhead market, which didn’t make the list from what I can see. Prices are down all over the country of course, we see that in the doom-and-gloom news on a daily basis but if you’re a buyer looking for a second home in a beautiful locale then this is great news.

Crestline and Lake Arrowhead are lake resort communities. Crestline has Lake Gregory, which is a county park and open to all for swimming, fishing, boating(rental boats only) kayaking and sailing. They have waterslides for all ages(yes I’ve been on them many times!) and a new water feature with water fountains and large sculptural flowers that pour and dump water on those waiting below. It truly is a lot of fun. Our one year old son loves the lake and especially loves the new water park. He enjoys watching the other kids and playing with the water. Crestline is a quaint small town community that has restaurants and shops as well as hiking along trails and around Lake Gregory. There is also a dog park and ball fields.

Lake Arrowhead is a private lake and should you have a boat that you want to launch you will have to have a vacation home within the Arrowhead Woods. This private community has several beaches and clubs around the lake to lay out and soak in the sun and trails that run around the lake to take a walk on. Waterskiing, kneeboarding, kayaking and boating are the big draw to Lake Arrowhead. We also have a lot of great high class restaurants, lots of cute mountain shops as well as some outlet shops. There are free concerts at the Village in the summertime and tons of events year round.

Lake Gregory at sunsetThese communities have had much activity this year so far with people coming up to purchase a second home since prices are down about 50% from where they were in 2005. There are lake view homes for a steal(Crestline lake view properties), (Lake Arrowhead lake view properties up to $500k)(Lake Arrowhead Luxury lake view over $500k), Lake Arrowhead lake front properties that are just to die for with all of their richness and amenities, and properties that are close to both lakes that you can walk down to enjoy.

We are seeing multiple offers on our homes up here. If the house is priced really great and is in good condition, it’s going to sell within days of coming on the market. I have some buyers who have been outbid now on 5 different homes so we are having a sizzling hot summer! Not in temperature though, our temps are always at least 20 degrees cooler than those down the hill! It’s bee gorgeous up here!

Crestline and Lake Arrowhead are just a stone’s throw away for many regions of southern California so if you have been putting it off, you may want to make your appointments now before prices start to go back up! Come up for the fresh air and relaxation, and to be a part of a community again.

Take care and hope you all have a wonderful evening,

Amy Steele

Private Lake Arrowhead Retreat in the Arrowhead Woods!

06-05-11
Amy Steele

Good afternoon all! I wanted to share my newest listing.

This gorgeous home is located in the Arrowhead Woods in Lake Arrowhead. This property has lake rights for all of you who want to enjoy the Lake Arrowhead lifestyle to the fullest with boating, hiking, and relaxing on the beaches. Walking up to this private retreat notice the Southern style porch where you can sit sipping on your Sweet Tea and hors d'oeuvres. Once inside relax by the rustic brick fireplace or snuggle in a chair with a good book in the loft.

Beautiful breathtaking views from every single window, but enjoy to their fullest on the spacious deck. Feel like you are in the eagle's nest at the tops of the trees with panoramic views of the forest, Lake Arrowhead golf course, and distant ridgelines. Enjoy sunrises and sunsets! Open main floor living room, loft and kitchen. Downstairs master bedroom is wonderful with a private deck that leads to the yard. This master bathroom is truly spa-like in color and atmosphere. Begin your morning or end your nights in this beautiful spa shower with glass doors and multiple shower sprays. Private water closet and walk-in closet complete this dual sinked bathroom. Guest bedrooms are large and appointed with furniture that comes with the sale.

The yard is slightly terraced and full of natural mountain landscaping. Manzanita, oak, spruce, aspen and vinca cover the ground along with natural rock features. Enjoy the green and gold of the mountains in this yard that still has so many possibilities! Street to street lot and a single car garage with plenty of parking round out this perfect Lake Arrowhead retreat!

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this home or if you'd love to come up for a visit!

Have a blessed week and take care!
Amy Steele

Details Photo Gallery View Rooms
-Lake Arrowhead (Arrowhead Woods) FOR SALE
$349,000


Just Look at this Breathtaking View! Feel as like you are in an eagle's aerie!
Amy Steele
Email Amy

Cell: 951-378-4570
Fax: 909-338-9422
More Photos(15)

Quick Links
Virtual Tour Request More Info Email Listing More Photos(15)

Details
Address: 26331 Spyglass, Lake Arrowhead, ca Type: Residential Style: Single Story Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Suite: No Living Area: 2,058 square feet Year Built: 1992
More Details

Description
Gorgeous turnkey home located in the Arrowhead Woods w/ absolutely breathtaking views! Super quiet area, home feels secluded. Awesome Southern style porch entry feels like summertime while drinking Sweet tea and munching on hors d'oeuvres. Home sold furnished & has cathedral ceiling, brick fireplace in the spacious living room, large kitchen, many windows makes this home bright. Feel like you're perched at the tops of trees from your deck,or private master deck. Spa-like bathroom,dual sinks,step-in shower,walk-in closet. Beautiful views from all bedrooms,large carpetedcloset/storage in guest bedroom. Open loft with distant views to sit and contemplate while playing a game or reading a book. Single car garage w/level entry and tons of parking.
More Description

Brokered and Advertised by Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty LID 38563655
Information is deemed to be correct but not guaranteed.

Part 2: Close and personal with a skunk

05-20-11
Amy Steele

Good day all. This is part 2 in my saga of being a homeowner in Crestline and Lake Arrowhead. You can read part 1 at http://activerain.com/blogsview/2177947/my-butt-is-freezing-and-other-mountain-home-ownership-stories.

...After noticing the hole going under the house right by the front door, I get mad. How can I not have ever noticed this hole here before? How could that skunk have dug himself a hole by my main front door without me noticing? We have smelled skunk over the last couple of months but figured he was walking through the yard. And now he was under my house.

How was I supposed to come and go when this smelly new unwelcome tenant could surprise me while carrying my son at any time? I had visions of us getting sprayed and worried about leaving the house. My husband was surprised when I called him. He also hadn’t noticed the hole.

At this point I really wanted to shoot the little sucker but then what if I didn’t just scare him but hurt him enough so that he sprayed me or died under there? I go back inside and start stomping on the floor, rattling the cover on the furnace to see if I could scare him enough to leave. That only scared him further into his hidey hole and he sprayed to protect himself anyways. I got a good whiff of skunk after I did that right by the front door under the kitchen floor. Just the place where you’d want to smell skunk huh?

Having one of the best handymen up here on the mountain as a friend, I called him and begged for help! Fortunately he had just picked up a trap from another home where he relocated that unwelcome tenant.

My husband got home and went under the house where I thought the skunk was. He crawls all over and finally I hear a pop. He doesn’t say a word, then backs out slowly on his stomach. Then pop, pop. I ask what was going on. He doesn’t say anything, then one more pop and he yells “go cover the hole!!! Quick!!!” I begin running back to the front of the house, then stop as I realize it could be coming into the back yard right at me and I am stupidly running towards it. I pick up a large branch. It’s dusk by this time and I got that branch not a moment too soon as I see the shadow of the skunk moving around the corner of the house! I start shouting and waving the branch and beating it on the ground. Thank the good Lord that he turns around and runs out into the front yard. I round the corner slowly and he’s running down the steps towards the front of the house. I throw that branch towards him with all my strength and quickly cover the hole with whatever I can find and then shovel some snow and dirt on top.

In the morning our handyman brings the trap over and sets it up. Guess who we got in there that same night? Mr. Skunk trying to get back into the den.

Lesson learned for all of us that own mountain property in Lake Arrowhead and Crestline. Walk around your home every few days and make sure that there aren’t any dens being created by the local wildlife. Keep your basements closed off to intruders.

It’s mating season for skunks. Can you imagine if we’d had another one plus babies???