I Believe: Why the Dream of Homeownership Still Feels Like Christmas in the Mountains

By Theresa Grant, Real Estate Broker | Team Owner | Theresa Grant & Associates Real Estate Partners

 Every December, the San Bernardino mountains feel a little more magical. Lights glow through the pines in Lake Arrowhead and Crestline, chimneys in Running Springs and Big Bear send up quiet curls of smoke, and “home” suddenly feels more emotional than practical. It’s also the time of year when many people quietly ask themselves, “Will I ever have a home of my own like this?”

"Even in a tougher housing market, the dream of homeownership in our mountain communities is still alive. It may take more planning, patience, and strategy than it did a decade ago, but with a clear plan and local guidance, that “I believe” moment can still become your reality here in the San Bernardino mountains." - Theresa Grant, Broker

Why Home Still Feels Like a Christmas Miracle

Holiday stories and classic films have shaped the way we think about home. In Miracle on 34th Street, young Susan races into an empty house for sale, declaring it as her home before the adults can catch their breath. That scene still resonates because it taps into a basic truth:

A home isn’t just walls and a roof. It’s security, memory, and belonging.
Whether it’s a cabin in Twin Peaks, a family home in Rimforest, or a lakeview retreat in Lake Arrowhead, that emotional pull is why the dream of owning a home feels so much like Christmas morning—hopeful, vulnerable, and exciting all at once.

Why the Dream Can Feel Harder Today  

It’s no secret: buying a home—especially a first home—can feel more challenging than it used to. Buyers in our area are navigating: 

• Higher prices in desirable vacation and second-home markets like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear

• Interest rate fluctuations that impact monthly payments

• Limited inventory in niche areas such as Crestline, Blue Jay, and Running Springs

But “harder” does not mean “impossible.” It simply means the process has become more strategic. Instead of wishing and waiting, buyers today need a clear plan, realistic timelines, and honest conversations about budget, location, and lifestyle.

Turning “I Believe” Into a Plan in the Mountains

If you’ve been whispering “I believe” about owning a home here, this is the part where we turn that feeling into action. Together, we can:

1. Clarify your dream – Full-time home, second home, or eventual retirement retreat?

2. Match it to the right area – Maybe Crestline or Rimforest are better first-step options than Lake Arrowhead Village frontage.

3. Create a timeline and strategy – From improving your financing position to watching specific neighborhoods and price ranges.

4. Stay ready for the right opportunity – In fast-moving markets, preparation is everything.

 Your Mountain Home May Not Come Wrapped in a Bow—But It Can Still Be a Gift

Your future home in the San Bernardino mountain communities may not show up under the tree, but it can absolutely show up on a closing statement in the months or years ahead. If you’re holding that quiet hope for a place of your own in Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, Big Bear, or our surrounding communities, I’d be honored to sit down with you, map out your options, and build a path from “I believe” to house keys in your hand.