alaska home Archives - Alaska Homes by Brooke

May 23, 2024July 11, 2024

Finding Your Alaska Dream Home: Navigating the House Hunting Process

Alaska is a land of unparalleled beauty and adventure. It invites people with promises of rustic cabins, cozy homesteads, and breathtaking views. Once you’ve set your sights on the perfect part of Alaska for your new home, the house hunting process begins. What are the steps you’ll take after discovering the house of your dreams in Alaska?

1. Inspect with Care:

While the initial allure of a property may capture your heart, it’s essential to approach the inspection process with a critical eye. Work closely with your realtor to schedule a comprehensive inspection. Make sure that you pay close attention to structural integrity, mechanical systems, and any potential red flags that may impact your decision.

Homeownership for Veterans in Alaska

With Veterans Day approaching many are taking time to appreciate our veterans. Military veterans are highly appreciated in Alaska not only for their service to the nation but also for the rich culture they bring along. If you are a retired veteran who wants to have a place that you can call home in Alaska, you are in for a treat! Alaskans have a lot of respect for former and current military personnel, and there are many programs and benefits that you can leverage to make your Alaska homeownership dreams come true.

Here are some things that military veterans need to know when buying a home in Alaska:

VA Home Loan Benefits

One of the most significant benefits that veterans can enjoy when buying a home in Alaska is the VA Home Loan. If you have served in any branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves, you are eligible for this loan program.

VA Home Loans have significant benefits:

No down payment requirements
No mortgage insurance premiums
Easier credit qualifications
Lower closing costs.

The VA Home Loan program makes Alaska homeownership accessible to veterans who may otherwise struggle to secure a traditional mortgage. Another benefit is that the loans have flexible terms, allowing you to save money by paying the mortgage off early without penalty. It’s an incredible benefit that has enabled tens of thousands of veterans to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Veteran Programs

The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is another program that veterans can leverage when considering homeownership in Alaska. The AHFC has a veteran-specific program known as the Veterans Mortgage Program (VMP). This program offers affordable mortgage options to veterans and their families. The VMP offers lower interest rates, no origination fees, and a 30-year fixed-rate loan.

This program has several advantages:

No down payment requirements
Lower credit score requirements
Limited fees

These benefits make it an ideal program for those who may be struggling with traditional mortgage applications but still want to invest in homeownership.

The Homestead Act

The Homestead Act of 1862 is another federal program that veterans can leverage in Alaska. Although it’s been around for over a century, this program grants eligible veterans and their families land grants in Alaska. The Homestead Act offers up to 160 acres of land, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including residential, farm, or commercial development.

How do veterans qualify?

They must complete and submit an application
Pay a nominal fee
Agree to reside on the land within six months of receiving approval.

The land can be sold after two years of occupancy, and the owner can retain the proceeds. It’s a fantastic opportunity for veterans to invest in land ownership and potentially build a home in Alaska.

Alaska is a beautiful state with a unique culture and magnificent scenery. If you’re a veteran, you’ll find the state welcoming and supportive of your homeownership goals. There are many programs and benefits that Alaska veterans can access to make homeownership a reality. Buying a home in Alaska is easier than you think! It’s an opportunity to invest in something they’ve worked tirelessly to defend: the American Dream. If you have any questions about homeownership in Alaska as a Veteran we are happy to help.

in Real Estate Tips

March 15, 2018April 23, 2018

Kitchen design ideas for homes in Alaska

Kitchens today are undergoing an interesting transformation. As Realtors in the Anchorage and Eagle River, Alaska area, we’ve seen a lot of kitchens. Years ago, kitchens were mostly used just for preparing daily meals and gathering around a table. Today, though, kitchens can also host everything from home office space and homework nooks to hobby corners and media centers. Much has changed, and it’s opened up a whole new world when it comes to kitchen design and function.

If you’re thinking about redesigning your kitchen, or searching for a new home with the kitchen of your dreams, we’ve gathered up a few of the best ideas we’ve seen for creating a beautiful, functional kitchen that is up to the task of meeting today’s modern needs.

Banquette seating: From breakfast nooks to awkward alcoves that you never quite knew what to do with, banquette seating is a great way to add seating, serving and storage to spaces that might have gone unused before. To keep it from looking like a booth at grandpa’s old-time soda shop, stick to light woods, put a bench on one side and chairs on the other, use pretty light fixtures, and add hidden storage (in the benches).

Got Alaska real estate questions? It’s time for coffee with your Realtor

Did you know that February is “meet your Realtor for coffee” month? It’s the perfect time to shrug off the winter blahs, give us a call, and set up a coffee date. If you’re curious about buying or selling a home in Alaska, we’ve got the answers.

There’s a lot of great information we can share about the current state of our real estate market here in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer and Wasilla area, as well as advice and tips for buying, selling or investing in real estate, no matter what stage of life you’re at. We’ve got decades of experience that we’re happy to share to help you make the best decisions for you and your future.