Big Bear Bummers

This $25,000 reduction makes their asking price just $10,000 below what they paid in 2021.

That’s what we call an “Only Fees” price.

To avoid the pain of having to sell for less than they paid (“I HAVE IT ON GOOD AUTHORITY THAT REAL ESTATE ONLY GOES UP!”), they stick with a price that allows them to cover their realtor’s commission and walk away unscathed. Although there are no profits, in their minds at least there’s not a “real” loss.

It’s a psychological trick to avoid feeling like a loser (commissions are easier to compartmentalize as “the costs of doing business,” whereas accepting significantly less than you paid is direct evidence you made a bad investment).

Anyhow, their total loss as it stands is about $38,000. While most 2021 buyers are getting out for around break even, apparently the market for dome-shaped domiciles is a bit tougher.

By the way, they added some new photos and this thing looks even weirder now.

Anyhow, hopefully they find a buyer soon before they have to take a “real” loss.

They’ve been listed since 2023, so I’m not holding my breath.

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Address: 160 Yosemite Dr, Big Bear City, CA 92314

Link: https://www.redfin.com/CA/Big-Bear-Lake/160-Yosemite-Dr-92315/home/3513841

Beds/Baths: 4 bed, 3.5 bath, 3,478 squares

Purchase Price (8/2021): $950,000

Asking Price: $965,000

Difference: +$15,000

Commission (3%): -$28,950

Total Gain/Loss: -$13,950

OK, I kind of love these dome cabins.  They’re so unique and weird.

And I do mean weird.

Unfortunately, not everybody is looking for a unique, dome-shaped relic that hasn’t been touched since the 1980s. And I know that because this thing just surpassed 365 days on the market.

Happy Anniversary?

Not that blinding greed should be celebrated, but hey, it’s a milestone nonetheless. 

So how did we get here?

These knuckleheads bought in August 2021 for $950,000 and just a year later tried to cash in for $1.1 million. Not a bad return! But after 184 days without a single price reduction (!) they took their ball and went home.

“THESE BUYERS JUST DON’T GET IT!”

But in August 2023 they got the itch again and threw it on the market for, you guessed it, $1.1 million. But this time they were actually willing to cut the price and after four reductions they are now asking $965,000. At that price a sale will cost them about $14,000 after commissions – basically a wash (hence why I call them “Washing Prices” instead of “Wishing Prices”).

So they got the price all figured out, now all they need to find is a qualified buyer! Easy peasy!

_{Oh, wait.}

Turns out that’s the hard part. And they’re not making it any easier on themselves because their last price cut was July 10.

Like, are you trying to sell it or not?

The flowery listing description is indicative of someone convinced they’re sitting on a goldmine, who simply cannot comprehend that buyers don’t feel the same way:

Rare opportunity to own this authentic Geodesic Dome Home in the Upper Moonridge area of Big Bear City. Once selected by the LA Times as Featured Property of the Week in the Dec 21, 2007 weekend issue. Features 2 Master Bedrooms- one with Sauna. Situated backing to the National Forest enjoy the privacy, hiking and beautiful views. The location offers unparalleled privacy and quietude even though it’s only a few minutes from Bear Mountain ski slopes as well as the bonus of being in Moonridge but in Big Bear City. A metal picket fence surrounds the entire property. Authentic Dome homes offer some advantages over traditional homes like energy efficiency, sound and music experience. This home will likely impress any owner/visitor or renter. A haven for entertaining especially with the restaurant size bar and soapstone standalone 2nd fireplace. No overhead utility wires in this neighborhood. You have direct access to entire forest from the backyard and/or other access points. A true gem!

I especially love this:

“Once selected by the LA Times as Featured Property of the Week in the Dec 21, 2007 weekend issue.”

Who gives a shit! Just lower the price you fools!