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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