From Ashes to Escrow: A Big Bear Success Story

Every home tells a story, but this one carries a special kind of hope. 

Earlier this year, a dear friend and client reached out to me after losing her home in the devastating Eaton Fire. Like so many others, she and her family were forced to start over, and she hoped to find a mountain cabin in Sugarloaf, Big Bear — a place where they could create new memories. 

I began a dedicated search, but despite our best efforts, nothing matched her vision. Life took another turn when she decided to purchase a retiring insurance agent’s book of business, putting her cabin dream on hold. 

Then, in late July, she called me with excitement in her voice: her husband had stumbled upon a home in Sugarloaf that looked perfect. They were ready to move forward. As expected, the listing agent wouldn’t consider a blind offer, so I arranged for my clients to see the home on their way back from vacation. In the meantime, we submitted an offer contingent upon their preview. 

The moment they walked through the door, they knew — this was it. The home exceeded their expectations, and our offer was quickly accepted for consideration. 

Because this was a vacation home, and my clients had lost all of their belongings in the fire, we included a special request: all the furniture, kitchenware, TVs, and even the pool table. To everyone’s credit, negotiations moved swiftly. In less than a week, we had a deal and a 21-day escrow — a necessity since my client was scheduled to leave the country. 

From there, we kicked into high gear. Inspections were scheduled immediately, our mortgage partner accelerated the loan approval process, and everything moved forward smoothly. As in every transaction, last-minute hurdles appeared, but with strong collaboration on both sides, solutions were quickly found. 

On a Monday afternoon, my client signed loan documents and that same evening boarded a plane to Cambodia. By Thursday, escrow had officially closed — right on time. 

This closing was more than just the purchase of a home. It was the start of a new chapter after profound loss, made possible by resilience, teamwork, and trust. I’m deeply grateful to have played a part in helping my friends take this step forward. 

Client Testimonial 

*"Doug was absolutely amazing from the very first day we decided to purchase a home. He was fast, efficient, and incredibly professional throughout the entire process. One of the things that stood out most was how quickly he built a strong working relationship with the seller’s agent — a key factor that helped us secure an incredible deal. 

Thanks to Doug’s expertise and coordination, all parties worked together, and we were able to close on the home in just 21 days — truly impressive! 

Doug was with us every step of the way. He consistently offered valuable advice, guided us through every detail, and ensured the process was smooth from start to finish. His communication, dedication, and knowledge made all the difference. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. 

If you're looking for a Realtor who is committed, knowledgeable, and truly on your side, Doug Colliflower is the one to call!"*