Ever since Margaret Shaffner visited Big Bear as a teen, and stayed at friends’ parents’ cabins, the thought of living and working in a resort town was a dream. She made that dream a reality, when with seven years of real estate experience, she moved from the ocean town of Huntington Beach, to live in the mountain resort of Big Bear. Arriving in December, 1978 to a six foot snow storm, she persevered, and opened Woodstock Real Estate just six months later, in June 1979. The building, located on Maple Lane in Sugarloaf, features beautiful wood interiors of natural pine cones and Big Bear nature, by husband Mark, former owner of Artistic Wood Interiors, as well as paintings by Margaret.

Named for the lovable yellow bird in the Peanuts cartoon series, Woodstock Real Estate is one of Big Bear’s most established Real Estate companies, and Margaret admits she has seen many, many changes over the years. Real Estate companies come and go, agents do the same, as well as change companies, owners of cabins and homes become landlords, sell, and perhaps purchase something else. Through all the changes, Margaret and her staff continue with the ability to help everyone with a home in the Valley – whether it is selling, buying, or managing the home through their property management division, with the utmost of professionalism.

Real Estate is often the largest investment people will make, and Margaret and her staff take the responsibility very seriously. “Renters are required to uphold nine addendums to protect the property owner’s interests.”

When asked how she continues in such a volatile industry, with its extreme highs and lows, Margaret says, “It’s just due to hard work, a lot of persistence and tenacity, and having the right people working for me in various areas of support. We’re more like a family here, and service is the key.” She attributes her strong religious beliefs and her positive attitude as very important aspects of her success.

Margaret was intricately involved in the 1988 Sugarloaf Road Commission that helped get the roads in the community paved, by getting the initiative on the ballot. She has also been active in the Big Bear Association of Realtors, where she has served as president.

Her long time staff – Eleanor Arnold has been with Woodstock 18 years, Chris McBride for 25 years and Cortnie Hurtado, for five years, are some of Margaret’s biggest fans. To keep her successful business thriving for 30 years, Woodstock has lots of satisfied customers as well!!
Woodstock Real Estate, www.woodstockre.com, 479 Maple Lane, Sugarloaf. 909.585.2591

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