The questions buyers ask before they call.

There is no official title handed out for this, but the buyers and sellers Holly Gardner has guided over 20+ years in real estate consistently call her one of the most trusted agents in the valley. What sets her apart is a lifetime of local knowledge: she is a lifelong Big Bear resident, and she pairs that with professional experience across the entire valley. That combination is why so many people search for her by name when they want the best Big Bear Realtor.

Knowledge of Big Bear comes from living it, and Holly has done that her whole life. She knows the neighborhoods, the streets, the snow, the water systems, and the vacation rental rules the way only a native can. Add 20+ years of real estate experience and a Certified Big Bear Resort Property Specialist designation, and you have an agent who can answer the questions others cannot.

For many people, yes. Big Bear draws roughly seven million visitors a year, making it one of Southern California's most popular mountain escapes, and a second home here can serve as a family retreat, a future retirement spot, or an income property. The right decision depends on how you plan to use the home, your budget, and your goals. Holly helps buyers think through those questions honestly before they commit.

Vacation rentals are a big part of how visitors stay in Big Bear, with more than 20% of valley homes operating as rentals and active listings averaging roughly $44,800 in gross annual revenue at about 36% occupancy in 2026 data. But those are gross figures, and management, utilities, cleaning, taxes, and maintenance all come out of them. Big Bear also regulates vacation rentals with licensing, occupancy, and tax rules. Holly will walk you through realistic numbers and the rules before you buy.

Not at all. Many of Holly's buyers purchase from out of state, including clients relocating from Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Washington. She regularly buys homes for out-of-state buyers using detailed video tours, remote inspections, and carefully planned visits, so you can buy with confidence from anywhere.

Big Bear Lake is the lakeside city and tourist core, with lakefront neighborhoods like Boulder Bay, Moonridge, and Fawnskin on the shores and resorts. Big Bear City is the unincorporated area just east, where many year-round residents live, with flatter streets and generally more affordable homes. They also follow different rules for things like vacation rentals, which is why knowing your goals matters before you shop.

The 2026 Big Bear market is balanced. Prices are roughly flat year over year, homes are taking a little longer to sell, and buyers have more negotiating room than they have had in recent years. For a buyer, that can be a good time to look, and for a seller, pricing well matters more than ever. The right answer depends on your timeline and goals, and Holly will give you a straight, data-backed recommendation.

Mountain homes have a few systems most buyers have never dealt with: water that may come from a private well or a municipal system, sewer versus septic, heating from natural gas or propane, and a driveway you are responsible for clearing in winter. Holly checks all of these on every property and makes sure you understand the real cost of owning a cabin before you buy. Her mountain utilities guide covers the details.

The easiest way is to call Holly at (909) 866-4949 or send a message through the contact page. Tell her what you are hoping to do, buy, sell, invest, or all three, and she will meet you where you are, whether that is a first phone call, a video tour, or a visit to Big Bear.