Local News

Preparing your Alaskan Home for Winter

As the summer months come to an end and the colder days approach, it’s important to start preparing your Alaskan home for winter. The harsh conditions of winter can be tough on any home, but especially in Alaska where temperatures can drop well below zero. Below are some tips to get your Alaskan home ready for winter.

Inspect your home’s heating system
One of the most important things to check is that your heating system is in good working order. Contact a licensed professional to perform a thorough inspection of your heating system and any necessary repairs or maintenance. You don’t want to be caught with a broken heating system during the winter months. Brrrr…

Check your insulation
Our Alaskan winters are notoriously cold, so it’s important to make sure your insulation is up to par. Take a moment to check your attic, walls, and crawl spaces for any damage or areas that need to be filled. Taking this important step to ensure that your home is properly insulated can help reduce heating costs and keep your home cozy during the winter months.

Seal up drafts
Even the smallest of drafts can prevent your home from being heated efficiently. Check any doors, windows, and electrical outlets for drafts. Simple solutions such as caulking, weather stripping, and foam insulation can help seal them up.

Prepare your pipes
Here in Alaska our winters get so cold that it can cause pipes to freeze and burst. To prevent this, make sure to insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas such as attics or garages. Don’t forget to remove any garden hoses and shut off the outdoor water supply to prevent freezing.

Clean your gutters and downspouts
We don’t want to allow dangerous ice dams to form in winter. Before winter arrives, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of any debris. This will help prevent ice dams from forming on your roof, which can cause damage to your home’s interior and exterior.

Stock up on supplies
It’s important to always be prepared. Alaska can be hit hard by winter storms, making it important to stock up on essential supplies such as food, water, and emergency supplies. It’s also a good idea to have a backup generator in case of a power outage.

Consider adding a backup heat source
If some areas of Alaska we experience extreme temperatures, consider adding a backup heat source such as a wood stove or propane heater. This will provide warmth in case your primary heating system fails.

Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help reduce heating costs by adjusting the temperature when you are not home or at night when you are sleeping. This can save you money on your heating bills and reduce energy waste.

Preparing your Alaskan home ready for winter involves taking a few steps to ensure your home is warm, safe, and prepared for any extreme weather conditions. By taking these simple steps you can be well on your way to a cozy and comfortable winter season in your Alaskan home.

in winter in Alaska

October Adventures: Exploring Alaska with Your Kids

October in Alaska presents us with breathtaking landscapes that transform into a vibrant tapestry of fall colors. The weather is cooling down, but the opportunities for family fun are endless! Alaska offers an array of exciting activities for kids of all ages. It’s time for us to get out there and explore our backyard. We’ve compiled a few ideas of things you can enjoy this fall. It’s time to bundle up and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Last Frontier with your little ones.

Wildlife Encounters:
October is an excellent time to witness Alaska’s diverse wildlife:

    • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Anchorage – Your children can observe bears, moose, musk oxen, and other native animals up close.
    • Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward – Kids can marvel at sea lions, puffins, and playful otters.
    • Kenai Fjords National Park guided whale-watching tour – For the little adventures take a shot at spotting humpback whales, orca whales, and porpoises on his guided tour.

Fall Foliage Exploration:
Alaska’s vast forests burst into a kaleidoscope of colors during October.

    • Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage – Take your kids on a scenic hike where they will be surrounded by vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage.
    • Denali National Park – Visit this national park for breathtaking fall vistas. You can take a family-friendly hike along the Savage River Loop or enjoy a drive along the Denali Park Road. Have your camera ready and be prepared to capture some beautiful families memories amidst the stunning fall scenery.

Cultural Experiences:
Immerse your children in Alaska’s rich cultural heritage by visiting historical sites and museums.

    • Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage – An interactive experience, offering traditional dance performances, storytelling, and craft demonstrations.
    • The Anchorage Museum – Features exhibits that showcase Alaska’s history, art, and science.
    • Pioneer Park in Fairbanks – Give your kids a taste of Alaska’s Gold Rush era. Your little ones can pan for gold, ride a historic train, and enjoy amusement park rides.

Dog Sledding Adventures:
Alaska is famous for our dog sledding tradition. October marks the start of the mushing season, and several kennels offer family-friendly dog sledding tours. In places like Anchorage and Fairbanks, your children can meet adorable sled dogs, ride on a sled, and learn about the fascinating world of dog mushing!

October is a magical time for families to explore the wonders of our Alaskan backyard. There are amazing adventures waiting for us to enjoy with our kids. So, grab your jackets and embark on an unforgettable journey through this beautiful state with your little ones!

in Local Events

Essential Projects to Complete Before Selling Your Home

When selling your home, you no doubt want to ensure that you get the best price possible. It’s important to know what to do in advance to boost your home’s selling price and help your home to sell quickly and above asking price. Which projects should you tackle prior to putting your house on the market?

  1. Create rooms that suit needs
    Rooms that are multipurpose can steer buyers away when they don’t see how it can suit their needs. It’s important to make sure that each rooms serves a single purpose. If a room appears to have more than one purpose take the time to remove any object that sends the wrong message. You don’t need that desk in your bedroom.
  2. Fresh paint is a must
    A home that is well loved and lived in will always benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Walls can often become dingy from wear and tear. Taking the time to add a fresh coat of paint with your prospective buyer in mind can help your home to stand apart from the rest. Leave accent walls for the new owners to add.
  3. Clean those floors
    Fresh and clean floors are attractive to everyone. No one wants to walk on old, dirty carpet. Take the time to clean or replace the carpet if you can’t remove it. Wood floors can use a good polish and refresh.
  4. Yes, you do windows
    A clean window will allow potential buyers to clearly see the natural light and truly appreciate all the property’s views. If you don’t want to take on the task yourself, a professional window cleaner can do wonders for the exterior of your home.
  5. Backsplash can update a dated kitchen
    If your kitchen needs an aesthetic upgrade, a backsplash can create the needed impact. A backsplash protects your walls, but also can add some personality to a dated space. This inexpensive upgrade can bring large gains.
  6. Check on your cabinets
    Is it time for your cabinets to have a refresh? Replacing or refreshing your cabinets can have a huge impact on the overall appearance of your kitchen. The cabinets are often the largest items in your kitchen and can draw a lot of attention. Take the time to repaint the cabinet fronts or upgrade the hardware. Even a minor adjustment can be helpful.
  7. Clean your home well
    Take the time to clean those often-overlooked places. Remove the dust from the ceiling fan blades, old picture frames and often avoided baseboards. Your oven and refrigerator should sparkle. Nobody wants to buy or spend time in a dirty home.
  8. Remove any pests
    It’s time to evict those unwanted houseguests. If there are any signs of pests within your home, take the imitative to call a professional pest control company and get rid of the problem and the evidence. Show potential buyers that you’re on top of any issues.
  9. Take the time to declutter
    Take the time to do a room-by-room decluttering. Take the time to clear countertops, thin out some furniture, reduce extra pictures and decors, and minimize children’s toys and pet accessories. People love to walk into a staged model home, you can do your part to make yours fit that bill.
  10. Boost the curb appeal
    Take the time to boost your curb appeal. Landscaping is one of the first things that a buyer will see when viewing your home. Take the time to start the ‘wow’ factor with the outdoor space and continue that feeling into the house.

These are just a few things that you can do to help you sell your home quickly and at the highest price possible. If you would like some help selling your home, we are happy to provide answers to your questions.

in Uncategorized

How to Succeed When Buying a Home Solo

Buying your first Alaskan home is one of the biggest financial decisions that you can make! Traditionally people think of buying a home as a newly married couple sharing the financial and emotion burden of their new forever home. These days financial independence or life circumstances are leading more people to buy homes as individuals. This can feel like a daunting task but there are ways to be successful.

Do your research to find the right mortgage
Take the time to shop around for the right mortgage. You don’t need to settle for the first pre-approval that you receive. Solo buyers may receive different maximum loan amounts, rates, and terms from different lenders. Exploring your options can help you find the best option for your circumstance and increase your changes of preparing for a purchase with a strong plan.

You do you
As a solo buyer you don’t have to think about the preferences of others. You can choose how much house you want and how much you’re willing to spend on it. This control will allow you more flexibility when making your choice.

Be flexible with your location
Location is important, but as a solo buyer you may be limited to certain cities and markets. Your income bracket and credit history alone will determine the location you will be able to acquire. Just be ready to be flexible with where you’re willing to live in a competitive market.

Invest in your future with an income producing property
As a solo buyer you could use your homeownership as a financial payoff rather than for a lifestyle change. You could purchase a multi-family home that has other rentable areas. Your mortgage could easily be paid or a good portion of it paid by renters or roommates. An income producing home that you can either live in or rent out can help you continue down the path of financial independence.

Remember your budget
It’s important to plan and think beyond the immediate purchase price. Homeownership comes at a cost. You will need to be prepared to pay all the bills, expenses, insurance, maintenance, warranties, housing fees and of course the mortgage. Make sure you have some money set aside to prepare for these expenses.

Keep tabs on your needs versus your wants
Society places a lot of ‘shoulds’ on us. As a solo buyer it’s important to keep things in perspective and not be distracted by bells and whistles. Make sure that the price tags are worth it in the long run. If you’re offered incentives and gifts by developers, you’ll often end up paying for them in the purchase price anyway. Analyze the costs of perks, upgrades, and upsells and determine if it’s worth it to you in the end.

It’s alright to ask for help
Independence doesn’t mean that you must go it alone. Successful people often have help. Homebuying is an emotionally taxing process and having friends or family nearby can really help you and provide resources and experience. Even better having a reliable agent can help you through the process and provide an opinion when you need one.

If you’re looking to purchase your first home here in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, and the Mat-Su Valley we are here and ready to help you through your homebuying experience.

in Real Estate Tips

Small Changes That Can Make Your Home Look Bigger

Even if our homes are small, we can make them feel bigger with a few small changes or smart renovations. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel because the many people that have come before us have helped us to find creative ways to make our homes feel more spacious. What small changes can you implement to make your home feel and look larger?

  1. Create a finished basement or attic
    One of the easiest ways to expand your space is to make full use of all your usable space. Finishing an attic or basement can do wonders for the feel of your home. How can you imagine using these new spaces? You could create guest bedrooms, office space, home gyms, a playroom, a theater, and more. You can be creative with this extra space and personalize them to suit your needs.
  2. Use paint to transform your spaces
    A simple and affordable way to transform a space is using color. Even shades of white used in strategic ways can add character and space to your room. Selecting different shades for walls, ceiling and trims are a creative way to add height and depth to your home.
  3. Enclose spaces to add space
    One way to add more space is to take existing spaces and enclose them to create more interior living spaces. If you have an existing porch or terrace you can enclose it and add more value to your home. Now you have a new sunroom! If you don’t feel like adding more walls you can simply add some sliding doors to promote a better flow between indoors and outdoors.
  4. Scale matters
    It’s important when choosing furniture for your space to select furniture that is both comfortable and appropriately sized. It’s important that you choose the right seat depth and height. If your furniture is lower to the ground, it will leave more vertical space that will make your room feel bigger. You also need to be careful not to add too much furniture and make the space look crowded and small.
  5. Consistency with décor is important
    If you have a smaller home, it’s important to use the same design flow throughout your spaces. An inconsistent décor could fragment your spaces and make the entire space feel smaller. Using color palettes, flooring and furniture that is consistent will help the home flow like a connected space and help it to feel larger.
  6. Drapery can create drama and space
    Window treatments and drapes that are hung from ceiling to floor will help create the illusion of higher ceilings and elongate your space.
  7. Windows are fantastic
    Windows are a beautiful way to make your home feel larger. Windows create natural light and increase the value of your exterior. If you are able to you can add some glass doors that lead to the exterior. Tall glass doors add light and space.
  8. Adjust your layout
    Transforming your layout can allow you to not only tailor your home to your lifestyle, but also have your home feel larger. Playing with the layout of your home is a creative way to adjust your space and make it feel even bigger.

Your home and lifestyle should be your guideline when transforming your space. If you’d like your home to look larger and feel larger a few upgrades can make your home work for you and increase its value.

in Uncategorized

Backyard Upgrades to Enhance Your Space

Our outdoor spaces, especially in Alaska during the summer, are the places where we want to spend most of our free time. Our backyard spaces are worth the time and investment since they are our secret oasis in a busy world. As a sanctuary, our backyards deserve to be turned into functional spaces. How can we enhance our space in new and unique ways? Here are a few ways we can share with you.

Add a slide
Integrating a slide into the backyard landscape is a unique way to create a fun environment for kids and adults alike. This unique upgrade can add personality to your landscape without taking up too much space.

Add a tree house or play structure
Kids need sanctuaries too! Play structures and tree houses are a great way to encourage outdoor play. Spending time outdoors promotes happiness and wellness.

Add a plunge pool
Just because you have a small yard, doesn’t mean you can’t have a pool! Small is trending. Adding a plunge pool to your yard is easier on the environment as well as your wallet. Plunge pools provide a quick place to relax without using too much water or taking up too much space.

Add a firepit
Outdoor fires are a great place to relax and enjoy our beautiful Alaskan nights. Including a firepit in your outdoor design or even upgrading to an outdoor fireplace can create a more formal outdoor living space out of your patio.

Add a sauna
Adding a sauna to your backyard can help you to create your own wellness zone. Sauna’s have a smaller footprint and when paired with a plunge pool you could create your own backyard spa.

Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit
Adding an ADU to your yard, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a great way to carve out a special space in a unique way. Some people call them “man caves” or “she sheds.” They are a way to add offices, fitness rooms, yoga spaces, creative spaces, studios and more to your outdoor space.

Add a pizza oven
Who doesn’t love pizza? Outdoor pizza ovens are a great way to cook outdoors and fully enjoy your outdoor space. Outdoor kitchens are a great way to create a functional outdoor space. Even if you don’t want a full kitchen, a pizza oven alone can be very inviting.

Add an outdoor bar
Who needs a bar cart when you can have a full bar? Adding a bar structure to your backyard can upgrade your outdoor entertaining overnight.

Add a hot tub
Hot tubs aren’t a new thought, but who wouldn’t want one? Hot tubs are now available in more styles than ever and can provide relaxation as well as style to your outdoor space.

Our backyard sanctuaries are a great way to enjoy our Alaskan outdoors from the privacy of our personal spaces. They are an amazing way to enhance our living spaces and create a beautiful place to entertain.

in Uncategorized

The 411 on Creating a Budget for a New Home

Are you finally ready for the next step? Buying your first home is one of the biggest purchases we make in our life. We spend our life dreaming of our future home and then one day we can finally make it a reality. Before you jump into this huge financial decision, it’s best to step back and evaluate you circumstances. Taking the time to determine how much you can afford is a big first step. You will want to calculate the costs before you even go to your first open house. We want to help set you up for success, so we’ve gathered a few tips to help you to review and adjust your finances prior to taking the leap into being a first-time homebuyer.

Focus on your income
Budgets are important for everyone to have. Sometimes it can feel intimidating to look at your finances, but it’s an important first step. The first step is to calculate your income sources after tax for the month and this will be your starting point.

Be aware of your current expenses
Every dollar should have a home. Take a moment to list all your monthly expenses so you can see where your money goes each month. It’s important to include any debt such as car payments, credit card payments, student and personal loan payments, etc. Once you have these basic expenses calculated you will have the dollar amount you have remaining for housing costs.

Get an idea of your new regular expenses
Homeownership comes with some additional costs that you weren’t responsible for previously. You will need to factor this into your usual household expenses such as mortgage and utilities.

Some things that are important to take note of:

  • Home Maintenance – A used, or existing home, will always have a certain level of maintenance that should be factored in. If you can afford to buy a brand-new home, you won’t have to worry about typical home maintenance for some time. There’s also the option of homeowner warranty programs offered to help you with expenses that do come up. If you can’t afford a new home, it’s a good rule of thumb to set aside 1 to 2% of the value of your home for upkeep.
  • Property taxes and homeowner’s insurance – When budgeting your monthly mortgage payment, you will want to be aware if your homeownership and property taxes are included or if you’ll need to make a separate payment. If they are included, you should take note that they costs can fluctuate each year based on changes in taxes and insurance premiums. If you are paying separately, it’s important to set aside money in your budget for these expenses so you aren’t caught off guard when the bill arrives.
  • Homeowners association fees – If you end up purchasing within an HOA community you’ll need to set aside money each month toward the yearly fees. These fees are used to maintain common areas in a neighborhood and are collected either monthly or yearly.

Strengthen your finances
After you are aware of where your money is going, it’s time to take charge and make it go where you want. Take a moment to review any areas where you can adjust your spending. Evaluate if you can save money in any areas or pay down debt in order to increase the amount of money available for housing costs.

Start building your down payment
Take a moment to get pre-qualified for a mortgage and then create a savings plan. Once you know how much money you’ll need for a down payment you will be able to plan accordingly and avoid one of the biggest challenges to overcome.

Budgeting for a new home is one of the smartest moves you can make as you move toward homeownership. You may occasionally have to revisit and adjust over time as your financial situation changes. One more thing to remember is to try and build an emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses. If you have any other questions or concerns about budgeting for a new home, we are happy to help!

in Real Estate Tips

How to Prepare Your Guests for Their Alaskan Experience

Living in Alaska, we might take for granted that our out of state visitors will know how to experience Alaska safely. During the summer months we may have guests come stay with us from the lower 48. Our guests might need to have a slight heads up about how to stay safe and show consideration for our beautiful state.

Here are a few things you can share with them:

They may need to visit more than once
If this is the first time your guests are experiencing Alaska, you may need to remind them that it’s more than double the size of the state of Texas. There is no way that they can see everything there is to see in one week. On the plus side, they will have enough more reasons to come back, aside from seeing you of course!

Remind them to respect native culture
Alaska contains over 229 state and federally recognized tribes. You can learn more about them in the Alaska Native Heritage center in Anchorage. We are all guests in their homeland, even those of us born and raised in Alaska that aren’t natives.

Help them expand their culinary exploration
Yes, Alaska is well known for our delicious seafood. There are no shortages of places that show off we are seafood royalty. It’s important to share with your guests that Alaska is full of diverse options. What kind of options?

  • Homegrown vegetables
  • Locally raised yak and pork
  • BBQ
  • Filipino-Hawaiian fusion
  • German Food
  • Danish Food
  • Guatemalan-American food
  • Yummy steaks
  • Food trucks with reindeer dogs, crepes, Mexican food, and more
  • Breweries, distilleries, and cider houses

Be prepared to spend some time on the road
The summer months are known for construction in Alaska. This means you’ll have longer drives. Prepare to add a cushion time to your drive time.

Respect the wildlife
Our guests come here hoping to see moose, bears, and eagles in their native habitat. It’s not unusual to see them in traffic or near trash cans as well. It’s important to stay safe and admire them at a distance. There are places to go to view native wildlife safely too.

Make sure they pack for all weather conditions
Yes, it’s summer, but Alaskan weather can be unpredictable. You may experience all seasons in just one day. It’s important to wear layers to stay dry and warm. You can wear moisture wicking clothing and add an insulating layer. A waterproof jacket can prove invaluable as well as activity appropriate shoes. Don’t forget bear spray, bells, or whistles if you’re heading into the woods.

Share some glaciers with them
We have over 100,000 glaciers here in Alaska, which is more than any US state. There are many ways to view them. It’s possible that you’ll experience a glacier calving or see wildlife nearby. Explore safely, but please explore!

Your guests will love to come visit Alaska and check out our beautiful state. You can help them to explore it safely and be respectful of our native land. Who knows, they may even love it enough to want to come live near you! We are happy to help you with all your Alaska home needs and enjoy hearing about your experiences sharing Alaska with your loved ones. Please reach out with any questions you might have. We are happy to help!

in Community News

5 Tips for First-Time Alaskan Home Buyers

Are you ready to buy your first Alaskan home? There are many pivotal points in life that we consider part of ‘adulting’ and one of the main big purchases in our lives is our first home. There’s a lot that we aren’t taught growing up about buying our first home. This major milestone is full of benefits, but it’s important to get the facts and do your research first. Before you post your “First home” announcement on social media take the time to learn from those who came before you with a few tips.

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in Moving Tips / Real Estate Tips

How to Boat Safely in the Alaskan Summer

Summer is officially here, at least that’s what the calendar says. It’s now peak boating season here in Alaska. Recreational boating is a fun way to explore our Alaskan waterways and chill together as a family. Yes, these adventures are full of fun and leisure, but the number one priority for all boaters should be safety. It’s important to take the necessary steps to make sure everyone on board stays safe. The number one way to avoid trouble on the water is to be prepared. What precautions can you follow for worry-free boating?

Plan Ahead
There are a few things that you can do before you hit the water that will prevent potential hazards or boat issues before the trip begins.

  • Take the boating safety course – Boater education saves lives. Most states have mandatory education requirements to operate a boat. This helps you to prepare for safety.
  • Check your boat safety – Many organizations will provide a free vessel safety check. These only take 15-30 minutes and can save you a lot of time and trouble.
  • Check off the checklist – The free vessel check is great, but you should still run through a boater pre-departure checklist. Checking for documents, lifejackets, nav tools, compass, cell phones, fire extinguishers, etc.
  • How’s the weather? It’s important to know before you go. If there’s a potential storm warning it would be better to avoid the water. Once on the water use your VHF radio to keep updated on conditions.
  • Float plan – Let someone on shore know where you’re going, so they would know where to find you.
  • Bring a skipper – It’s important that you have a second person that is acquainted with your boat that can help you to operate the boat safely should something happen to you.
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in Uncategorized

What to Expect When Moving to Alaska

There is nothing quite like living in Alaska. If you’ve decided to make Alaska your home, or you’re considering a move you’re in for a treat. Everyone’s experience is different, but you won’t really know until you go. There are many things people have already heard about Alaska, or think they know, and some things that might surprise you. These are a few things we thought we would share.

You really can become a bush person
If it’s always been your dream to live off the grid, you can make it a reality. There are plenty of people that have moved to Alaska with the same ambitions, and they’ve made it work. It’s important to remember that Alaskan winters are unforgiving, and you will need to be prepared. It can get expensive to live off the grid. Be prepared to spend some money investing in a power system such as a wind turbine or solar panels and battery backup systems. You will also be forced to adjust to a short growing season.

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in Moving Tips

Simple Upgrades to Make a Rental Feel Like Home

Living in a rental has its ups and downs. We all want to make our house feel like a home and personalize it to our tastes and needs. The only problem with renting, is that you must consider your security deposit and keep the home in the condition in which you received it. Changes and upgrades that you make, will most likely need to be reversed when it’s time to move on. How can you create simple reversible changes that won’t break the bank?

Increase storage with freestanding shelves
Freestanding shelves can complement your home, no matter which style you choose to decorate with. These shelves are a good investment since they are easy to move and take with you when you go to your next place. Storage can be a challenge, and installing wall shelves can violate your lease, so freestanding shelves are the way to go.

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in Home Decoration

Increase Your Alaskan Home Value While Respecting the Earth

Earth day is on everyone’s mind this month. We are always looking for ways to protect the environment and improve the earth for our children and future generations. On Earth Day we all take a moment and reflect on the changes that we can make personally. Costs of owning a home are increasing and we are always looking for ways to cut cost and increase eco-friendly features and home value at the same time.

Eco-Friendly things homebuyers are seeking
Homeowners that are looking for eco-friendly features often focus on sustainable materials and efficient use. Sustainable material often looks as good or better than other materials and require little to no maintenance. Reducing our fossil fuels in a well-known way to help the planet. One way is that homeowners can opt to use induction cooktops in the kitchen. Adding retrofits or including green upgrades in the design of your home are the best way to create a positive return on your investment.

Features that will save you money on utility and maintenance bills

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in Home Decoration

Mistakes to Avoid When Changing up Your Alaskan Home Design – Part 2

In our last article we started sharing some tips about mistakes to avoid when changing up your Alaskan home design. If you end up having to sell your home making the wrong choices when it comes to renovations could affect potential buyer offers. Removing a bathtub, carpeting the wrong areas, signing a contract for a design move (such as solar), adding a hot tub or pool, or installing built-ins are 5 of the design moves we warned against already. Here are a few more to avoid.

Mistake #6 – Closing up your floor plan
Even though we sometimes would like more privacy, especially when forced to be around people for an extended period, closing a floor plan can deter buyer offers. Families often want to keep an eye on small children while cooking or spending time in another room. It’s also important to allow natural light to spread easily throughout the space.

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in Home Decoration / Real Estate Tips

Mistakes to Avoid When Changing up Your Alaskan Home Design – Part 1

One of the best things about owning your own home is the ability to change it up whenever you’d like and make it your own. There are many renovations we can make to personalize our space. If it’s your forever home, this isn’t a big deal, but if you think that things could change, it might be a good idea to think carefully about your design updates. Divorce, job relocation, and other factors can force a move that will require a home sale and the wrong choices could affect potential buyers offers. How do you know which changes to avoid?

Mistake #1 – Signing a contract for a design move that your buyers may not want
Adding something such as solar may seem like a money saving choice, but it can lead to complications if you get locked into a long-term contract after installation. Buyers may like the house, but not want to take over a contract that you locked them into. If this is something you still want to do, plan to pay it off prior to the closing table.

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in Home Decoration

Décor in Your Alaskan Home Can Protect Your Mental Health- Part Two

Spring is quickly approaching, but winter hasn’t had its last word. Our spaces are a haven for us mentally, emotionally, and physically. You can make your Alaskan home feel emotionally safe just by adjusting your décor. Here are a few more tips for increasing the healing vibes in your home.

Bring the outside in
Nature is well known to increase mental health and well-being. Bringing nature inside is an inexpensive way to make your space feel warm and cozy. Plant life helps us to feel more creative and relaxed. Add potted herbs to your kitchen, live plants in baskets, planters, decorative pots to add life to your space.

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in Uncategorized

Décor in Your Alaskan Home Can Protect Your Mental Health- Part One

Did you know that your space can evoke emotional responses based upon its color, texture, lighting, and room layout? During the winter months here in Alaska, many of us experience Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD and we can use all the help we can get to keep our mood and overall mental health in check. Our homes interior design and décor can influence our mood and well-being, so we’ve compiled some tips to help you make your space work for your body and your mind.

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in Home Decoration

How to Lower your Alaskan Heating Bill this Winter – Part 2

As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to improve your home, save money on utilities and prevent costly repairs. In the first part of this article, we discussed 5 ways to reduce your heating bill. We realize our Alaskan winters can get very cold, and we want to keep our families warm and comfortable without breaking the bank. Here are a few more ways you can keep your home cozy while lowering your heating bill.

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in Uncategorized

How to Incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year into your Style

Each year color experts at Pantone select a color of the year that they think reflects a feeling evoked by the world events around us. These past few years have been transformative for many people. This color is inspired by the red hue of cochineal, which is derived from the cochineal bug.

The Pantone Color of the Year is Viva Magenta 18-1750. This bold and exuberant shade of crimson imbues the spirit of our time, reflecting inner strength and courage. You will see this color all around you this year in art exhibits, TikTok videos, fashion shows and more. How can you bring this color into your style and Alaskan home décor and embrace this spirited hue?

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in Home Decoration

How to Lower Your Alaskan Heating Bill this Winter – Part 1

Here in Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley, we are no strangers to cold Alaskan winters. Our homes are safe havens from the winter cold, and where we spend time with our loved ones and enjoy the cozy comforts of life.

During the winter it can sometimes feel difficult to keep costs down when we are watching energy prices surge across the U.S. There are many households that are behind in their utility bills. We know that we can’t control prices, but we can improve how our home maintains heat and how we use it. Below are some ways you can lower your Alaskan heating bill this winter.

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in Uncategorized

Our Favorite Alaska Homes Blogs of 2022

Wow! Another year has come and gone. 2022 has been a year of adjustment after nearly 2 years of pandemic shutdowns we are finally finding our ‘new normal’ and adapting like pros. This past year has brought many changes throughout the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley. We are happy that we’ve been able to share the ride with all of you. Over the past year we’ve shared some tips and home-buying advice with you and we’d love to review some of our favorite articles from 2022.

Winning the Bidding War for your Alaskan Dream Home – Tips to Success

This February article helped us to know the tips and tricks to winning a bidding war for your dream home. We learned the importance of connecting with the owner personally, if appropriate via a handwritten letter, how to get pre-approved, the importance of limiting contingencies and controlling our emotions.

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How to Make the Best Decisions When Buying a Horse Property

Horse ownership is a joy no matter where you live. Each area has its own unique horse community and vibe. Here in Alaska, we have wonderful horse communities. Each area in Alaska has its own horse keeping challenges. Throughout Alaska we have great trainers with varying disciplines. In Anchorage and Palmer, there are beautiful equestrian centers that have much to offer the horse community. Alaskans are provided tons of opportunities for rodeos, dressage, breed shows, hunter/jumpers, and trails to explore.

Despite being more remote, Alaska is able to provide access to the national brands for supplements, gear, and feed. There are some challenges to horse ownership in Alaska. It can be more expensive, and there are limited options when it comes to feed stores, horse shows and vets. These challenges bring the horse community closer together and they are willing to help each other and the horses. One way to keep your horses close and have options is to purchase your own horse property. How do you choose the right one?

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in Uncategorized

Home Improvement Projects to Do Together as a Family

Families that work and play together stay together! Home improvement projects are a way for the whole family to develop new skills and gain a sense of accomplishment. It’s important to find projects that are age-appropriate and are within their skill level. There are many possibilities for growth and learning. One important thing is that parents remember to be patient and remember that the kids are new at this, and projects will take longer than you expect, so set aside adequate time.

Maintenance tasks to do together around the house

Every house needs basic maintenance, and this is a great opportunity to teach children basic maintenance skills so they can help take of the house and develop skills for their future homes. Tasks should be assigned according to age and can be garnered toward the interests of the child. If you notice that they are interested in mechanical things you can have them help with unclogging drains, tightening hardware, replacing caulk, or oiling hinges.

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in Home Decoration

How to Help Family Buy a House Without the Drama

As we approach the holiday season many of us are thinking about giving and about our families. We are always looking for ways that we can give and support our loved ones. Every year the cost of homeownership and home prices continue to increase and make it difficult for the younger generations to find ways to purchase a home. These and other hidden costs beyond the price of the home and down payment have made homeownership more and more out of reach.

Society has seen an increase in people purchasing a home with the help of co-buyers such as parents, grandparents, or adult children. It’s difficult for first time homebuyers to compete in this market and many rely on loans from family, or cosigners, or even multigenerational living to make owning a home attainable. How do we weigh the factors and decide which route to take to help our families in these situations without causing drama or hardship? What are the options and the pros and cons?

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in Real Estate Tips

Buying a House with Cash – Should you do it?

When the market is incredibly competitive prospective buyers will employ whatever tactics are needed to close the bid on a new home. Some buyers have the option of utilizing the winning tactic of a cash offer. Buyers that can put in all-cash offers are four times more likely to win a bidding war as it is more attractive to sellers. Some buyers will even leverage their retirement or securities funds to pay cash for a home. Other buyers have taken out home equity line of credits or short-term friends and family loans to secure an all-cash offer. Just because you have the cash does that make it a wise decision to purchase a home with cash?

This is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Paying cash for a home as opposed to financing is a choice that should be carefully weighed with the help of an accountant or financial advisor. What factors need to be taken into consideration when determining I f paying cash is the right route to take?

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in Real Estate Tips / Uncategorized