Thinking of Buying Property in Mammoth Lakes?

Here Are Several Things to Keep in Mind

By REBECCA GARRETT | Special to the Palisadian-Post

The real estate market in the Eastern Sierra has been very active this year.

The lockdown due to coronavirus was just the catalyst people needed to decide this was “the year” they were going to buy that vacation home in the Mammoth Lakes area. Being on “lock down” in the beautiful pristine mountains and deserts was more appealing than being stuck in the city.

Mammoth has always been synonymous with winter sports but in the past 10 years or so, Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding area have increasingly been recognized as a four-season resort.

The world-class ski and snowboard mountain is well known, and we get visitors from all over the world coming to enjoy the snow. What our guests are discovering is that we have stunning wildflowers in the spring, possibly some of the best hiking in the world, gorgeous fall colors, two golf courses, fly fishing, lake fishing, the Pacific Crest and John Muir Trails, easy access to Yosemite and Tuolumne, hundreds of miles of beautiful road and mountain biking, and the list goes on.

It is likely that the coronavirus restrictions and recognition of how much the area has to offer has resulted in real estate inventory being at a historic low. New listings that are priced well are selling quickly, often with multiple offers. If you plan on getting a loan, it is wise to have it lined up before beginning to look at property.

Do you plan on renting the property when you aren’t using it? If yes, be aware that in Mammoth most houses cannot be rented for less than 30 days. Condos, for the most part, can be short-term rentals. So, if you want to rent your property short term, a condo is the best solution.

All condo complexes have HOA fees and these can seem high. However, the peace of mind from having maintenance and snow removal covered can be priceless, especially in heavy snow years.

In addition, I recommend looking for the following when choosing a house or condo—southern exposure for best passive solar gain, easy access to the free shuttle, two heat sources, reliable parking, proximity to the slopes and/or bike path, and views.

One of my favorite things about being a Realtor is the lifelong relationships we build. Over the years I often hear from clients that they regret not having a second home here sooner, when their children were younger. There is something magical about spending time with family in the mountains.

Contact Rebecca Garrett at 310-795-9161 with any questions. To see all current listings, visit rebeccagarrett.com.