Local News

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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in Uncategorized

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

The 411 on Brokers, Lenders, and Loan Officers

When buying a new home for the first time there are many terms that are thrown at us and we aren’t sure what they mean or if they even matter. Having a real estate agent can help us to navigate the uncharted home buying waters. Buying a home can feel complicated enough without knowing who to talk to and when.

We wanted to take a minute to help you understand the difference between mortgage brokers, lenders, and loan officers and how they can help you. Once you learn what each one of them does, what they cost, and what it means for you, you’ll have information you need to be informed during the process.

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in Real Estate Tips

The Secret to Decluttering Items That You Love

We have all heard the value of decluttering and clearing our spaces. The term ‘sparks joy’ has become commonplace in many households when deciding what needs to go and when, but when it comes to sentimentality, we can find that many of us struggle to really let go of some items. If you’re looking to tidy your space and keep your home free of clutter, you must find a way to walk the emotional tightrope and let go.

What are some things that we struggle to let go of and what’s the answer? Here are just a few tips we’ve found that can help you on your decluttering journey.

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in Home Decoration / Moving Tips

7 Ways to Make the Best of Fall in Alaska

Many people when they think of Alaska focus on its incredible summers with long days, the bucket list cruises, and its beautiful winters. Fall in Alaska is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The leaves are starting to turn, fall festivals and events are in full swing and the wildlife is busy preparing for the long cold winter. Fall is the perfect time to plan a trip to Alaska or explore our beautiful backyard.

What can you do in the fall in Alaska?

Here are 7 activities:

Appreciate the Northern Lights
Even if you live in Alaska, the beauty of the aurora borealis never truly gets old! These are very active in the fall and captivate both natives and tourist with their natural wonder. Why not plan a family outing to truly enjoy this rare privilege? We must take time to view these in our Alaskan backyard.

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in Community News / Home Decoration / Uncategorized

Embracing Fall in Our Alaskan Backyard

Can you believe it? Summer has nearly flown the coop. Goodbye summer and hello fall! Each season in Alaska brings its own unique charm. There is always something that we can do to enjoy our Alaskan backyard no matter what time of year it is.

Fall is especially nice, because there is so much to take advantage of that we are unable to experience in other seasons. The ample opportunities can make it hard to decide what to do! Fall is the best time for wildlife viewing, morning hikes through changing fall foliage, and time for the snowbirds to pack up and head south.

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in Local Events

Deciding How to Decorate your New Home

FINALLY! You’ve purchased the Alaskan home of your dreams. You’ve been through the process, and you’ve crossed the finish line. The dotted lines are signed and initialed and the keys are yours. Now what? Now is the fun part….or is it? Time to decorate! If the thought of figuring out how to design, style and decorate your new home puts a lump in your throat, we have a few tips to help you unleash your creative dragon.

Our homes are the perfect blank canvas to show the world our unique personalities. We design our spaces to reflect our lifestyles while providing a level of comfort. Do you need some inspiration?

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in Uncategorized

Water Safety Tips to Keep you Safe During our Alaskan Summer

Summer is one of the most beautiful times in Alaska to enjoy our Alaskan backyard. With longer days and the sun still up at midnight we have plenty of time to explore and spend time outdoors. While our families are taking to the water it’s important to keep in mind safety tips that can save lives while in or around water. Preparation is key.

Over three quarters of Alaska’s population lives on waterways and many of us work or play around water. If we are boating or spending time by the shores of lakes, ponds, or rivers we need to remember that water temperatures stay cold even during the summer months. Cold water temperatures are dangerous for our bodies and twenty percent of people that fall in cold water often die quickly due to cold shock.

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in Uncategorized

How Do I Determine How Much House I Can Afford?

Are you looking to buy a house in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley? Many wonder what steps it takes to get into a house and how much house they can afford. How do we calculate what we can afford and keep ourselves financially safe?

It all starts with your mortgage rate

Your ability to afford a home starts with your mortgage rate. After they determine if you’re mortgage-worthy they price your loan. Your credit score is a huge factor in the rate you’ll get and the lower the rate the lower your payment will be.

Lenders determine if you are mortgage-worthy based on four major factors:

  1. Proof of steady income.
  2. Your payment history – Are you paying your bills on time?
  3. Your debt-to-income ratio
  4. Your financial cushion for closing costs and other expenses as well as the amount of down payment you’ve saved.

How much mortgage payment can you afford?

When you want to calculate how large of a mortgage payment you can afford you need to consider a few items:

  1. Your household income
  2. Monthly debts (car loan, student loan etc.)
  3. Available savings for down payment

A good rule of thumb is to have three months of payments in savings to plan for unexpected events. This will allow you to cover housing payments and monthly debts. It’s important to have a certain level of comfort in your understanding of your monthly mortgage payments. Even if your income and debts are stable, unexpected expenses and spending can impact your savings.

Understanding your debt-to-income ratio

This important ratio helps your bank to calculate how much money you can borrow. They compare your normal monthly debts such as mortgage payments and insurance to your monthly income. If you credit score is high, you can qualify for a higher ratio, but your expenses shouldn’t exceed 28% of your income. You can also determine what your housing budget should be by multiplying your income by 0.28.

How much house can you afford with an FHA or VA loan?

Loans backed by the FHA have more relaxed standards, which can be helpful if you have a lower credit score. FHA also helps if you’re considering a smaller down payment down to a minimum of 3.5%
A VA loan, when you have a military connection, doesn’t require that you have a down payment. This can be a major advantage when calculating your house affordability.

What is the 28%/36% rule?

When buying a house, you can determine how much house you can afford based on this rule. You shouldn’t spend more than 28% of your gross monthly income on home-related costs. You should spend 36% on total debts, which include your mortgage, credit cards and other loans.

How much house can I afford to spend on a house?

It’s important to take into account your monthly obligations and determine if a home is safely within your financial reach. You’ll want to consider your future goals and if you are planning to save for a baby or your retirement and need the cushion. You can figure out how much house you can afford on your salary by imputing your home price and the down payment as well as the assumed mortgage rate into a mortgage home calculator. This will help you see how much monthly or annual income you would need to purchase that home. This is a way to determine your present buying power now and plan to get where you want to be.

Buying a house can be an educational and fun process. If you have any questions about finding the right home for your family in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, and the Mat-Su Valley we are happy to help!

in Real Estate Tips

7 Mistakes Homebuyers Should Avoid to Prevent Buyer’s Remorse

When buying your Alaskan home, your goal is to make sure you find the perfect home for yourself and make the right choices. There can be a lot to consider, especially as a first-time homebuyer. The home buying process can be both overwhelming and exhilarating at the same time. In a buyer’s market the rising rates have made the process feel even more chaotic and can make buyers feel rushed and frenzied. If you’re in the market to buy a home, there are 7 things you might want to avoid in order to not experience buyers’ remorse.

Avoid the FOMO trap
FOMO or the Fear of missing out, can cause a buyer to act impulsively and end up with regrets. This trap can leave you spending more than you can afford and becoming “house poor”. When we are “house poor” it means we must spend the majority of our funds on mortgage payments and related expenses. Don’t feel pressure to act, rather focus on your priorities. Keep your eye firmly fixed in reality and pay attention to your bottom line.

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in Real Estate Tips

Home Inspections – Why Should You Get Them?

Buying a home in Alaska is an exciting adventure. We know that there is a lot involved in purchasing a new home. You want to make all the right decisions and find your Alaskan dream home. You likely have been shopping around for the perfect home and busy making a list of your dealbreakers, best locations, price ranges, getting pre-approved for your home loan, and dreaming of decorating your new place and making it your own. There are many steps in the home buying process, but with careful planning you can be successful.

After much searching, you think you have found the perfect home and you’re ready to put in an offer. Now is the time to decide …. Should you get a home inspection? Does it really matter?

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in Real Estate Tips

Checklist to Prepare your Home to Ace an Inspection – Part 2

Is your Alaska home inspection ready before listing? In our last article we listed some of the items you should inspect before the sale. The extra time you take to prepare your home and fix any issues will save you time and money as well as potential hiccups during the closing process.

Here are the final items on our checklist:

  1. Check your Bathroom for issues – Take a moment to inspect each of the bathrooms in your home and check for any potential issues. Inspect the area around the base of the bath or shower for any stains or signs of past leaking. Are you tub or shower tiles secure and the surfaces solid? Inspect the condition of your caulking inside and outside the tub and shower area. Test that your sink, tub and shower drain properly and there is adequate flow and pressure at all fixtures. Check that your exhaust fan is working as designed. Lastly, check that your toilet does not rock, is stable, and that there are no stains around the base.
  2. Inspect your Kitchen – Are your cabinets in good condition? Do the doors and drawers operate as designed? Check that your built-in appliances are all operational. Look for signs of leaks in pipes under sinks and check that the cabinet floor is solid without stains or decay. Is the water flow to your sink adequate? Check for rust or deterioration on garbage disposal or waste pipes. Is your dishwasher draining properly without any leaks? Do all parts operate? Check that the baskets and doors work as designed. Is there a working exhaust fan that vents to the exterior? Is there electrical outlet protection for outlets within 6 feet of your sink? These are known as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or GFCI.
  3. Check all rooms – Walk into each room and check that the floors, walls and ceilings are straight, plumb and level. The floor, ceilings and walls should be free of stains, in good condition and without cracks. The paint, wall covering, and paneling should be in good condition, and there should be adequate insulation in the walls. If there is a fireplace make sure it is not cracked, damaged or stained and should be maintained. The flue should be cleaned and lined and the damper operating efficiently. There should be a heating/cooling source in each room. Check all electrical outlets and make sure they are operational and that there are adequate numbers for each room. Lights and switches should be working. The doors should latch and operate easily without broken hardware or any decay/damage. Check that windows all have weather stripping, are free of decay, open and close easily and that there is no broken glass.
  4. Check your attic – Your attic shouldn’t have any open electrical splices, no plumbing, exhaust or appliance vents should terminate in the attic. There should be sufficient and properly installed insulation. Check that there is adequate ventilation with all ventilation operational. There should be no stains on underside of roofing.
  5. Roof – Check composition shingles, wood shingles or shakes, or flat roofs for any signs of damage or decay. Check the flashing around roof penetrations. Check the Soffits and fascia for decay or stains. There should not be any excess roofing cement, tar or caulk. Check that all vents are clean and unpainted. Your gutters should be free of decay, clean, not bending or sagging with all joints sealed and no sections missing. Chimneys should be straight, properly flashed and in good condition.
  6. Doors, windows and trim – Check wood frames and trim for signs of cracks, rot or decay. The joins around the frames should be caulked. Make sure that there is no broken glass or damaged screens on windows and no broken double-paned window seals. Drip caps should be installed over windows and storm windows, or thermal glass used. Muntin and Mullion glazing compounds should be in good condition.
  7. Check Exteriors – The exterior should be in good condition with proper clearance between ground and any wood siding materials. No vines on the surface of the structure, and no stains.
  8. Check Structure – The board lines should be straight and level. The sides of the house shouldn’t bow or sag. Window and door frames should appear square. The foundation should be in good condition without significant cracks.
  9. Check area around the house – There should be proper drainage away from house, no standing water, and no signs of leaks from septic or leech field. Check that the landscaping is in good condition and that there are no branches or brush touching the house or hanging over the roof. All structures should be in good conditions on property. Check that all railings, decks, driveways, sidewalks, patios and entrance landings are in good condition and secure.

These are just a few items that you can check to make sure that your home is in tip top shape and can save you thousands of dollars down the line. This list isn’t exhaustive but can give you a leg up in the selling process. If you have any questions at all, please contact us! We are happy to help you make the process as smooth as possible.

in Real Estate Tips

Checklist to Prepare your Home to Ace an Inspection – Part 1

Selling your home in Alaska is an exciting process. Now is the time to work with your real estate agent and prepare your home for sale. Together you can attract the best offer and put that toward your new dream home.

Taking the time to get ahead of any maintenance issues or repairs before listing will help you to find any potential issues and repair what you can before listing. It will also help you be aware of what a potential buyer could find and want to negotiate out of your sale price.

We’ve compiled a short checklist of things to look for to have a comprehensive view of your property.

  1.  Check your heating and cooling system – It’s important to check your heating and cooling system to be sure that it’s operating well. Check for good air flow on forced hot air systems. Check your flues for any open seams and the slopes up to chimney connection. Make sure there are separate flues for gas/oil/propane and wood/coal. Take the time to look for rust around your cooling unit and check that all your air filters are clean. There should be no combustion gas odor, no asbestos on heating pipes, water pipes or air ducts. The ductwork should be in good condition.
  2. Check your Electrical – Check the service panel and make sure you have adequate capacity; all your cables are attached to the panel with cable connectors and that no fuses or breakers are overheating. Check your visible wiring and make sure they are in good condition with no ‘knob-and-tube” wiring or exposed splices. Your cables should be secured and protected.
  3. Check your Plumbing – Check your visible pipes for evidence of leaks or damage as well as stains on materials near the pipes. Your drainpipes should slop slightly toward outlet to septic/sewage system. Check your water heater for signs of rust. Make sure that it is vented properly and is sized correctly to produce enough hot water for the number of bedrooms in the house. The water temperature should be between 118 and 125 Fahrenheit. Your water pump should not short cycle. Be sure that your galvanized pipes don’t restrict water flow. Test that your well water is acceptable.
  4. Check your Basement/Mechanical Room – Check your basement or mechanical room for evidence of moisture. Check your exposed foundation for stains or major cracks as well as flaking or efflorescence. Check the insulations at rim/band joists. Inspect your visible structural wood for signs of sagging, damage, decay or stains. Be sure that you don’t have any insect damage and your sills are attached to the foundation with anchor bolts.
  5. Check safety features – Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are where required by local ordinances. Check your stairway treads and make sure your risers are solid. The stair handrails should be in good condition and in all places needed. Check that your garage door opener operates efficiently and stops for obstacles.

These are just a few items on the inspection checklist. In our next article we will cover more items that you can go over to make sure that your home is in top listing ready condition. If you’re considering selling your home here in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, and the Mat-Su Valley we are happy to help you answer any questions that you might have.

in Real Estate Tips
Retiring in Alaska | How to make your home work for you | Alaska Homes for Sale by Brooke

Retiring in Alaska? How to Make your Home Work for You

You’ve spent years working hard and saving and planning for the time when you can finally retire. Think of all the amazing things you can use your time to do here when retiring in Alaska. You own your home and now you’re hoping that investment will pay off during your retirement. How do you make sure that your home works for you as an investment and not against you as a liability?

How do you know if your home is your greatest asset?

While you are working most of your adult life to pay off your home, you find yourself dreaming of the day when you will be mortgage-free and enjoying life to the fullest, possibly even retiring in Alaska! Home ownership is generally a smart investment, because of the equity that can build up over the years. Eventually you can pass your home on to your heirs, and they can reduce capital gains taxes if they sell it.

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in Anchorage News / Community News
7 decorating mistakes to avoid | Alaskan Winters can make you want to decorate

7 Decorating Mistakes on the Avoid List

During our Alaskan winters you might find yourself spending more time inside and then one thing leads to another and you’re once again redecorating your space. Our first tip is to get outside! Go outside and soak up that sunshine during the day and enjoy the Alaskan wilderness. Once you have spent some time outdoors and trek back indoors take a look at your redecorating skills and see if you’ve by chance made any of these 7 decorating mistakes.

Don’t block the flow

Sometimes we find ourselves arranging seating to face a window or fireplace, but this can be an unwelcoming move when guests enter to see the back of your couch and back of heads. So, what’s the fix? Use a large wall to ground your sofa. If you have accent chairs it’s ok for their less bulky backs to be to guests. If you’re short on space and must expose your sofas back, you can use a console table in front with some decorative items to soften the feel.

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in Home Decoration / Real Estate Tips
Secrets to Thriving During An Alaskan Winter | Homes for Sale in Alaska by Brooke

14 Secrets to Thriving during an Alaskan Winter – Part 2

Last month we started a discussion on how to thrive and not just survive an Alaskan winter. Winters in Alaska can be a beautiful experience, but they are also a life-changing one. SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder can be a real problem and we need to fight that battle head on. Here are the final 6 ways to keep the winter blues at bay and keep yourself thriving during an Alaskan winter in the gorgeous Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and Mat-Su Valley areas.

1. Be ready for spring shock

It’s surprising really, you’ve been waiting all winter for the longer, lighter days and now you’re starting to literally see the light. Why aren’t you happy? The sudden change in lighting can influence the mind. Do not try and face this change alone. Call up your friends that have been hibernating alongside you and enjoy the new light together.

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in Anchorage News / Community News / Local Events
14 Secrets to Thriving During an Alaskan Winter Part I | Alaska Homes for Sale by Brooke

14 Secrets to Thriving during an Alaskan Winter – Part 1

Did you notice we said secrets to thriving and not just surviving? Winters in Alaska are legendary and scare away many tourists and seasonal employees. If you’ve read any book or watched any movie about Alaska, you will note the common theme of the importance of preparation for winter in order to survive. Our beautiful state brings us joy, beautiful scenery and occasionally SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here are a few ways to keep the winter blues at bay and keep yourself warm all winter in the gorgeous Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and Mat-Su Valley areas.

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in Anchorage News / Community News / Local Events