Frequently Asked Questions

Best Locations

There are many good locations in Mammoth. It's really a matter of personal preference. Lift base locations within walking distance are always desired by skiers. Many summer visitors prefer to be closer to Mammoth Meadow, and Mammoth Creek for fishing or just for strolling. Easy access to the many shops and restaurants is also a consideration.

Best Time to Buy

We've been asked this question so many times, and there is no simple answer. Mammoth enjoys four distinct seasons, each with it's out of doors followers. Spring brings high mountain corn snow conditions extending the ski season well into June, and overlapping the opening of fishing season which begins with the last weekend in April. Summer tends to attract a more casual visitor including backpackers, day hikers, fishermen (and fisherwomen), and those that visit the many out of doors concerts and art events. Fall brings out the "leaf peepers" anxious to catch site of the aspen trees in their spectacular late season display of color. Winter - well winter put Mammoth on the map.

Each of the four seasons has its true followers, but none cause the value of real estate to fluctuate to any measurable degree. There are however, likely to be more choices in condominiums offered for sale in the spring, as what ever triggered an interest in selling during the winter culminates at the end of ski season. It can also be difficult to judge the topography of an un-built lot in winter due to drifting snow, so more lot sales do tend to take place during the summer months. There are definitely periods of more interest, and consequently more sales activity based on the numbers of visitors at any given time. The summer months tends to see the most activity as Mammoth typically experiences more visitors during the warmer months.

Condo or Single Family Home

Condominiums in Mammoth are zoned for nightly rental, providing the potential for rental income to help offset the cost of ownership. They also typically enjoy common area facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and spas. Twenty four hour on premises management is also a plus. Snow removal, landscaping and maintenance is provided as well, but these services come at a monthly cost, known as the common area fee.

Single Family Homes are not zoned for nightly rental. They do however, usually provide more privacy, and the opportunity to exercise ones own taste and individuality. While many second home owners simply "button up" their homes while away, there are absentee home management firms that will provide for your every need.

Financing

There are branches of commonly known banks and Mortgage Brokers in Mammoth that are geared toward serving your individual needs. Most borrowers find the personal attention provided by a professional Mortgage Broker, and the many different options available a definite plus when seeking a loan on their real estate investment. Regardless of whether you choose a bank or a Mortgage Broker, using a local service is always in your best interest. These representative are well known in the community and work seamlessly with your real estate appraiser and escrow officer as well as your Realtor.

MLS

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. The MLS is a compilation of all property listings in a given area All real estate licensees from all real estate offices that maintain their paid membership in the MLS have equal access to the listing information such as asking price, time on market and specific details of the properties. This in effect creates a level playing field for all real estate licensees, and guarantees an equal share of the commission to both listing and selling agents.
Sellers benefit by having his or her property exposed to all buyers working with a Realtor in a particular market. Buyers benefit by having access to all properties listed for sale while working with only one Realtor. Once a professional and mutually beneficial relationship has been formed with a licensee, there is no need for a buyer to worry about missing out on the best properties, or for a seller to worry about having their property introduced to as many potential buyers as possible.

Utilities

All newer homes and condominiums are heated primarily by forced air units powered by propane gas. Some newer properties still have EPA approved wood burning appliances, but primarily rely on the gas furnace. Older properties constructed in the 70's and 80's tend to still use an EPA approved wood-stove or fireplace, as the primary heat source, since their other source is electrical.

Where is Mammoth Lake?

There is no actual Mammoth lake. The name supposedly comes from a time when Mammoth Lakes first applied for U.S. Postal service. It seems that there was already another Mammoth California at the time. The Town of Mammoth Lakes does however, enjoy close proximity to many spectacular alpine lakes such as Lake Mary, Lake George, Lake Mamie, and Horseshoe Lake in the Lakes Basin just above the town.