BUILT BY OUR FAMILY FOR YOURS spinellhomes.com
(907) 344- 5678
Spinell Homes Inc, AK Contractor #220310, Res. #92 & 1572
Get Spoiled by Spinell
YOU CHOOSE THE FLOOR PLAN, WE KEEP YOU ON BUDGET.
CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE AND NEEDS.
OUR TRANSPARENT PROCESS SIMPLIFIES THE BUILDING EXPERIENCE.
RELAX, YOU HAVE A 10-YEAR STRUCTURAL WARRANTY!
WASILLA & PALMER
Powder View
Starting at $398,000
Stephanie Gamble (907) 354-0277 Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group
Hidden Ranch
Dove Tree
Starting at $240,300
Starting at $255,000
Eagles Nest
Starting at $328,500
EAGLE RIVER Questa Locke (907) 350-2322 Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group
Horizon Estates
Starting at $254,500
Eagle Heights at Settlers Bay Starting at $232,900
Settlers Bay
Starting at $218,700
Contact us to learn more about our process. 2
49th Estate | adn.com/homes
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
Built by our family for your family Spinell Homes Inc, AK Contractor #220310, Res. #92 & 1572
Northpointe Starting at $415,800 Kevin Sigafoos (907) 244-3212
ANCHORAGE Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group
Lauren Glenn Starting at $277,400 Kevin Sigafoos (907) 244-3212
Lois Townhomes Starting at $337,500 Nadine Park Questa Locke Starting at $318,000 (907) 350-2322 Questa Locke (907) 350-2322
OWN A LOT OR LOOKING AT VACANT LAND? We can build anywhere.
West Park Starting at $405,000 Kevin Sigafoos (907) 244-3212
Woodhaven Preserve The Terraces Starting at $412,700 Kevin Sigafoos (907) 244-3212
Starting at $600,000 Kevin Sigafoos (907) 244-3212
Colt Starting at $495,100 Kevin Sigafoos (907) 244-3212
spinellhomes.com An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
Prominence Pointe Starting at $740,000 Laura Halverson RE/MAX Dynamic Properties (907) 230-4891
(907) 344–5678 adn.com/homes | 49th Estate
3
When Experience Counts
892 E.USA Cir., #100, Wasilla, AK 99654
Over 28+ Years Selling Anchorage & Mat -Su Valley Associate Broker • REALTOR ® • Consistent Top Producer ( 9 0 7 ) 2 3 2 - 0 2 2 7 · S h a n n o n P a r b e r r y @ g c i . n e t · w w w. S h a n n o n P a r b e r r y. c o m
A lifestyle you can enjo enjoy oy y,
ANOTHER GORGEOUS HOME BY ELEGANT HOMES. Huge 3 car garage, Granite thru out, upgraded cabinets, custom tile work, upgraded lighting pkg., Gorgeous rock fireplace with built-ins, beautiful master suite with a lighted coffered ceiling, farm sink, jetted tub & a large walk-in closet. Large kitchen island with farm sink.
AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD IS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION NOW IN AN EXCELLENT COMMUTER NEIGHBORHOOD OFF TRUNK ROAD!
ROGERS PARK DUPLEX
ANCHORAGE
1,558 sqft living, 3BR, 2BA, 3CGar ... $295,000 Photos similar of home recently sold.
JUST COMPLETED, GORGEOUS & AFFORDABLE!
WASILLA
RARE 60 ACRE PARCEL OF LAND!
WASILLA
Perfect for investors or owner occupants just starting out in the real estate game. Units are spacious offering a lot of storage and each unit has a large private fenced yard. The detached garage can be used for tenants or just for the owner. Remodel in 2000 was extensive to consist of new roof, interior paint new flooring, new windows, new vinyl siding, appliances, etc... 1,360 sqft living, 3BR, 2BA, 2CGar ... $349,000
This 1,429 sqft ranch style home is 3BR, 2BA, with a beautiful master suite on the opposite side of the home, away from the other bedrooms. The home is loaded with extra finishes including an upgraded trim package, cabinets & FP, quartz counters, custom tile work & built-ins. Coffered lighted ceilings, etc...All located on a Private acre lot.. 1,429 sqft living, 3BR, 2BA, 3CGar ... $246,000
60 Acre parcel with views off of Fairview loop bluff... There is a private road to the property off of Bradley Cir. Plus, a section line that could possibly be utilized for a road off Fairview loop for a future subdivision. $598,000
READY AND WAITING FOR YOU!
GORGEOUS! LIKE NEW W/CUSTOM TOUCHES!
BIG BEAVER LAKE /APX 176FT GORGEOUS SHORELINE!
WASILLA
This is the builders own home its loaded with extras! Gourmet kitchen, gorgeous master suite, decked out master bath with separate stand alone soaking tub and marble floors. 4 bedrooms plus an office/guest room on main floor. Centrally located in the City of Wasilla, close to everything. Garage is a tandem 3 car with drive through access. 2,060 sqft living, 4BR, 2.5BA, 3CGar ... $369,900
WASILLA
Custom trim, tile work & ceilings. Granite counters thruout, kit w/pantry, family rm w/built-in entertainment center, 2 msuites, all bedrooms have WIC, laundry room upstairs. Located just outside Wasilla city limit, easy commute, close to shopping, schools, etc.. Chickens & other animals are welcome. Protective CCrs are not prohibitive. Excellent Home Business location. 3,148 sqft living, 4BR, 3.5BA, 3CGar ... $399,000
BIG BEAVER LAKE
Stunning mtn views, private boat dock, appx 2000 sqft of decking to enjoy the sun & views from. Enjoy all the lake has to offer in the summer & trail riding on your snow machine in the winter. An Additional 14.93 ACRES COULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE. Conveniently located to shopping, schools etc. Big Beaver lake is motorized, allowing float planes, boats, & jet skis. Many enjoy paddle boarding & kayaking as well. 2+AC, 3,472 sqft living, 5BR, 3BA, 5CGar ... $699,000
RESIDENTIAL • VAC ANT L AND • NEW CONS TRUCTION • MULTI-FAMILY • FSBO ASSIS TAN CE • FORECLOSURE
4
49th Estate | adn.com/homes
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
PUT YOUR LISTINGS IN THE SPOTLIGHT! Reserve your space today.
CONTACT
VICTORIA HANSEN
vhansen@adn.com 907.257.4237
6
49th Estate | adn.com/homes
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
15
907-441-9000 | 907-273-7247 | INFO@KATHYJFERNANDEZ.COM | KATHYJFERNANDEZ.COM | --- SOLD ---
TEXT R946725 TO 52187 $684,900 SECLUDED EXPERIENCE 4BR, 3BA, 3,640SF, 3 Car Gar on 2.27 Acres. Home Warranty 7050 E 99th AAve, ve, Anchorage
TEXT R48555 TO 52187 $424,900 TRI-PLEX GOOD PARKING Two 2BR, 1.5BA units & One 3BR, 1.5BA unit. 905 W 40th Ave
TEXT R934402 TO 52187 $414,900 CONTEMPORARY MULTI-USE 4BR, 3BA, 2,753SF, 3 Car Gar on .16 Acres Home Warranty 3305 Woodland Woodland Park Dr, Dr, Anchorage
--- SALE PENDING ---
--- SALE PENDING ---
TEXT R934407 TO 52187 $347,900 SPACIOUS 4BR, 2.5BA, 1,980SF, 2 Car Gar on .15 Acres Home Warranty 2011 Courage Cir, Anchorage
TEXT R796387 TO 52187 $339,900 FRESH IN & OUT 3BR, 2.5BA, 1,819SF, 2 Car Gar on .19 Acres. Home Warranty 4100 Scenic View Dr, Anchorage
TEXT R994266 TO 52187 $319,900 VAULTED CEILING 3BR, 2.5BA, 1,742SF, 3 Car Gar on .14 Acres. Home Warranty 6731 Howard Ave, Anchorage
TEXT R715223 TO 52187 $300,000 SPACIOUS RANCH 4BR, 3BA, 3,084SF, 2 Car Gar on .19 Acres 7640 Jason Pl, Anchorage
TEXT R841410 TO 52187 $299,900 FABULOUS! 4BR, 2BA, 1,928SF, Carport on .20 Acres. Home Warranty Dr, Anchorage 5701 Radcliff Dr,
TEXT R752702 TO 52187 $299,900 AMPLE LIVING SPACE 5BR, 2BA, 1,920SF, 1 Car Gar on .17 Acres. Home Warranty 2925 Campbell Airstrip Rd
--- SALE PENDING ---
--- PRICE REDUCED ---
TEXT R988185 TO 52187 $119,900 ADORABLE CONDO 2BR, 1BA, 738SF, Carport on Main lvl. Home Warranty 9221 Blackberry St, #A02, Anchorage
TEXT R600151 TO 52187 $99,900 GROUND FLOOR BR, 1BA, 791SF, 1 Carport Condo. Home Warranty 2830 Happy Ln #3, Anchorage
TEXT R653072 TO 52187 $199,900 ENERGY EFFICIENT 4BR, 1,5BA, 1,640SF, 1 Car Gar on .19 Acres. 6421 Bridget Dr, Anchorage
--- SOLD ---
Available Land: $210,000 BUILDERS, DEVELOPERS & DIY BUYERS! .76 Acres R2M L26 Grumman St, Anchorage An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
adn.com/homes | 49th Estate
7
BETTER LIVING BY DESIGN...DEBARR RD.&CREEKSIDE CENTER DR. ALASKA’S PREMIER BUILDER OF QUALITY TOWNHOME & CONDOMINIUM COMMUNITIES THOUGHTFUL DESIGN ~ SKILLFUL CONSTRUCTION ~ ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES DOW OWNT OWNTOWN NTOW OWNN SOPHISTICATION OPHIHISTSTICICAT OP ATIOIONN
A NENEWW VIVINT VINTAGE NTAG AGEE OF HO HOME HOMES MESS IN ANCHORAGE NCHO NC HORA RAGE GE
CONTEMPORARY VIBE WITH WALKABILITY & COMMUNITY
12TH AVE.&CORDOVA ST.
W.DIMOND BLVD &WESTPARK
DOWNTOWN EAGLE RIVER
Karen Glaser 907.317.2000 Karen@KarenGlaser.com
www.ThePetersenGroup.com General Contractor: 19716
8
49th Estate | adn.com/homes
UP TO $3000+ IN CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE SEE LICENSEE FOR DETAILS
Gordon Sloane 907.244.3381 Gordon@TheSDHomeGroup.com
907.562.1170
Residential Endorsement: 123
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
LOVETE AM .COM
It’s never too early to start looking for your new home.
W
e represent you • No hidden buyer fees • No buyer representation contract. Just straight talk and professional representation. Contact us today and schedule a complimentary private consultation. You’ll be glad you did! 907.727.4499
MIKE & DEBBIE LOVE 255 E FIREWEED LN #102, ANCHORAGE, AK 99503 907-727-4499 • MIKE@LOVETEAM.COM
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
adn.com/homes | 49th Estate
9
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
561 E 36th Ave, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99503 | 907.646.3600 | www.dwellrealtyak.com | Follow Us @dwellrealtyak
CONVENIENT EASTSIDE LOCATION
Well maintained home located across the street from Williwaw Elementary & walk to Russian Jack Springs Park North. Large living area with high vaulted ceilings & a fireplace, plus a fully finished 1,676 SF basement. Spacious lot with fenced backyard. 4* Energy rating. $359,000 MLS# 18-17614. 1145 San Antonio Street.Chris Constant 947-9438.
CONTEMPORARY UPDATES
Updated kitchen,new vinyl plank flooring,new carpet and fresh paint throughout.A private home that backs to a greenbelt and is situated in a incredible South Anchorage location.The vaulted ceilings and southern exposure provide natural light.Warm up this winter by the fireplace! $569,500 MLS# 18-17684.2230 Loren Circle.Brad Wilson 441-7178
WALK TO PARKS & TRAIL SYSTEMS
Nestled within an established neighborhood close to Baxter Bog Park,this corner unit has plentyof privacy! With updates throughout,you will enjoy tranquility in this 3 bedroom townhome that has a 520 sqft double car garage AND a newer on-demand boiler/hot water heater unit.$249,500 MLS# 18-17468.6917Gemini Drive #A1.Brad Wilson 441-7178
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49th Estate | adn.com/homes
CLOSE TO UAA & BASE
Well sought after neighborhood located close to hospitals, the university and base. 4 bedrooms - all with walk-in closets - with 3 baths and a spacious triple car garage. Great backyard with new fence and large deck for entertaining. $454,900 MLS# 18-8740. 7150 E Chester Heights Circle. Starr Marsett 240-1310
UPSCALE CONDO NEAR U-MED
Fantastic East Anchorage location in walking distance to UAA and Goose Lake. Fireplace in the two-story living area, 2 bedrooms with a huge loft area and a downstairs office.Tons of built in shelving throughout! Convenient location close to schools, shopping and more! $370,000 MLS# 18-18935. 3001 Widgeon Lane #3A.Starr Marsett 240-1310
FANTASTIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Incredible 3 bedroom end-unit townhouse style condo conveniently located in South Anchorage. Downstairs master suite with 2 bedrooms up! Gas fireplace and large windows throughout. Private, quaint backyard with gated access, bench and a new deck. $220,900 MLS# 18-16630. 1020 Lakewood Court #9. Tammy Stewart 360-1116
DESIRABLE HERITAGE ESTATES
NOW PRICED BELOW ASSESSED VALUE! A must see 3 large bedroom home in Eagle River with huge windows and high vaulted ceilings throughout.Large loft area serves as a bonus area for an office or den. Secluded feel from a prestigious neighborhood. $369,900 MLS# 18-17163. 20189 Constitution Drive,Eagle River.Carole Marvel 884-8912
MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS NOW!
Choose your finishes and paint colors and move into these newly designed townhomes by the spring of 2019! Open floor plan has vaulted ceilings, 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Convenient Southeast Anchorage location. PARKWAY TOWNHOMES. From $254,900. BUILT BY MATHIAS HOMES. Carole Marvel 884-8912
MULTI-USE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
Multi-use piece of property zoned ROResidential Office. Use as an office, investment property (duplex) or 5 bedroom home. Major updates since ownership include: new windows, roof, weatherization, ventilation system & more! $349,000 MLS# 18-14932. 17029 Easy Street, Eagle River. Tammy Stewart 360-1116
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
ALASKAREALESTATE.COM The The most accurate, accurate, complete complete and and trusted trusted source of Alaska Alaska Real Real Estate! Estate! source
• Alaska’s source of real estate listings! • The most accurate! • The most complete! • The Real Estate Professional’s resource!
ALASKA
MLS ALASKA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, INC.
Download AlaskaRealEstate.com’s Mobile Real Estate App to get Access to all local listings from your smartphone or tablet.
BuilD Equity HErE
www.valorfireplaces.com
417 Dailey Ave. #16 $
Over 100 Stoves, Fireplaces, Inserts, & Heaters on Display.
562-2249
HEARTH & HOME Locally Owned and Operated Since 1977
northeat.com
2000 E. Dowling Rd. Anchorage, 99507
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
140,000
Great floor plan in this townhouse with a fenced yard. Needs cosmetic work but 2 BR, 1.5 BA and low dues at $235/mo. Average Sales price is about $160 and probably $6,000 in repairs would make it sparkle. Have estimates. MLS 18-9811.
907.230.6446 28+ Years in Real Estate | 35 Years in Alaska pckelly@alaska.net • Search4AlaskaHomes.com
adn.com/homes | 49th Estate
11
Buy it for...
Your Retirement This is the only market you can rely on. Diversify your retirement plan with real estate.
Call
NOW!
Jordan Pennington Market Analyst, REALTORÂŽ
907-336-7653
brandypennington.com
MAKE YOUR DREAM
HOME A REALITY
The Hall Family has been building quality new homes in the Palmer, Wasilla and Eagle River areas with affordable pricing for over 40 years. With the reputation of standing by our product and making the customer a priority, not just a number. Let our family work with you to make your dream home a reality! VOTED BEST HOME BUILDER IN THE VALLEY FOR THE THIRD TIME!
THE ADAK - Stone Creek $428,000
4BR, 2.5 BA, 2,830 SF, 3-Car Garage, .92 Acre Lot This plan is brand new! It is a beautiful 4 bedroom home with a living, family room and den or office. It has a mud room and laundry across from each other for easy clean up. There are a lot of extras in this home, granite countertops, crown molding, fireplace, built-in shelving, tray ceiling, vinyl plank floors and a beautiful free standing soaker tub. This home also has the nest smart home package which includes nest thermostats, camera doorbell and smart deadbolt.
THE CHUGACH - Stone Creek $350,500
4BR, 2.5 BA, 2,048 SF, 3-Car Garage, .92 Acre Lot
The Chugach features a 3 car garage with 8’ tall doors. Features include 9’ ceilings on the first floor. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless appliances and pendant lights. A fireplace in the family room and a ceiling fan to help spread the warm air. Private master bedroom/bathroom with a tray ceiling in the bedroom and the bath includes a 4’ tiled shower, free standing soaker tub, double sinks and large walk-in closet. This is a must see!
THE PTARMIGAN - Stone Creek $351,500 4BR, 3 BA, 1,916 SF, 3-Car Garage, .92 Acre Lot
The Ptarmigan is a multi-functional tri-level plan. The bottom floor has a bedroom and bathroom as well as a family room for kids or private events. The main floor is open for entertaining with a kitchen, dining and living room. The upstairs floor has 3 bedrooms including the master suite and an extra bathroom. This home has been expanded for even more room to relax or invite over some friends.
Tyson Kroon Sales Manager 907-223-0404
Residential Endorsement No. 599
TYSON@ALASKABESTREALTY.COM WWW.HALLQUALITYHOMES.COM
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
adn.com/homes | 49th Estate
13
Nobody Sells More Real Estate
#R e m a x D y n a m i c P r o p e r t i e s @remaxdynamicproperties @remaxdynamicproperties
60 $6
Let’s Find a House You can Call Home!
K
A B OV E T H E C R O W D A N C H O R A G E ●9 0 7. 8 6 5 . 4 7 0 0 ● 3 3 5 0 M I D T O W N P L A C E
Pat Robinson, GRI REALTOR®
C: 907.782.4493 D: 907.257.0173 accesspat@msn.com 3350 Midtown Pl. | Anchorage, AK 99503
37.38 Acre Lot Awesome 37 Acres located on Glen Alps Road. Chugach State Park on North and East boundary. Paved Glen Alps Road wraps through the SW corner of the parcel. Monster views of Anchorage Inlet and the Mountains. Natural gas available in Glen Alps Road. 1/4 mile by 1/4 mile. Watch for moose & bear. Old timer cabin removed from site. Lots of maps available. TERRY BEAL / 440-7545
$4
0
5K
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.
VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS.
907.301.0090
UPDATED SOUTH-SIDE TRIPLEX
$3
19
29
K
K
5 BD / 3 BA / 2,428 SF / 11,135 SF Lot Pride of ownership shows in this well kept tri-plex. Great south location by Mr. Prime Beef. This investment property features a fenced yard, updated units with large kitchens, spacious bedrooms, laminate flooring with shared laundry. The condition of this tri-plex challenges comparison to others on the market at this price! JAN REDNALL / 230-6343
$3
$9
$3
49
78
.9
K
K
We are a small team consisting of two licensed REALTORS®, a professional photographer and a full-time transaction coordinator. We strive for excellence and will work hard for your business. Give us a call and find out what your home is worth in Today’s Market!
CUSTOM HOME
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE!
WONDERFUL LOCATION
6 BD / 5.5 BA / 4 CG / 1 CP / 5,512 SF / 20,614 SF Lot
3 BD / 1.5 BA / 2 CG / 1,872 SF / 8,320 SF Lot
3 BD / 2 BA / 2 CG / 1,986 SF / 10,997 SF Lot
LISA WRIGHT / 942-5435
VAL WHITMORE / 223-1125
K .9 32 $1
$1
$2
82
84
.5
.9
K
K
VAL WHITMORE / 223-1125
Wonderful location tucked on a quiet street close to downtown. Large sunny private yard with room to play and room for a party. Inside has lovely colors, with smart upgrades including gas fireplace insert, newer countertops, backsplash and stainless steel appliances, newer floors and interior doors, and large walk in master closet.
5 BD / 3 BA / 2 CP / 2,878 SF / 20,037 SF Lot
Beautifully updated home situated on a large lot in a great commute location. This home has been completely updated from top to bottom including a new roof, new windows, brand new kitchen, new bathrooms, all new flooring. Additional features include a sauna, large master bedroom with huge walk-in closet, large laundry room, utility room and a fire pit area in the back yard.
LISA WRIGHT / 942-5435
17 K
This bright and sunny home gets lots of natural sunlight and is situated in a great location close to shopping, schools and highway access. Vaulted ceilings, large kitchen, remodeled spa bathroom in 2018, large deck that looks out to the large fenced in back yard and quiet neighborhood. All new carpet/laminate flooring in 2018.
$1
Rare opportunity to buy almost half an acre w/ 5,512 SF home in West Anchorage. Built in 2001 with custom features, 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms a large family has ample room, an AirBNB business would flourish, an O’Pare can have the apartment, or the grandparents would be comfortable and have privacy.
COMPLETE UPGRADE IN WASILLA
IMMACULATE TOWNHOME
VERY CLEAN END UNIT
CONDO
CONDO
3 BD / 2.5 BA / 2 CG / 2,008 SF / 2,702 SF Lot Immaculate home with beautiful Solid Brazilian Tiger-wood floors down and new carpet up. Bonus spaces with room for everything. Roof and Skylights 5 years old. R.V. parking available too. Easy access to Baxter Bog Park adjacent. Popular insulated Eastside community without through traffic. New furnace, humidifier and garage unit heater. MLS# 18-15799
2 BD / 1.5 BA / 2 CG / 1,096 SF Very clean end unit, well maintained and all heating systems serviced and cleaned for new owner. Central location with trail access and HOA keeps it up really nice. Spacious garage. Seller states BBQ allowed in backyard and also may be fenced with HOA approval. MLS# 18-9930
1 BD / 1 BA / 1 CG / 634 SF South Anchorage one-bedroom ground-level condo located close to shopping, parks and trails, with easy access to the highway. Recent upgrades include laminate flooring in the hallway, new interior paint, new kitchen faucet and garbage disposal. Additional features: wood burning fireplace, private heated garage, plenty of additional parking close to the unit, HOA allows pets.
2 BD / 1 BA / 1 CG / 957 SF Top floor, clean and sunny condo with new flooring, new LED light fixtures.Gas fireplace with remote control and thermostat, balcony with storage, large master bedroom, double closets, kitchen with breakfast bar, and plenty of storage with a pantry, linen closet and coat closet.
DAVE WINDSOR / 727-3300
DAVE WINDSOR / 727-3300
ROSITA JOHNSON / 242-2585
VAL WHITMORE / 223-1125
14
49th Estate | adn.com/homes
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
Alaska By
Real estate
Dave WindsoR (907) 727-3300 | windsor@alaska.net
Winter Buying Benefits So the days are getting longer and, as long as you bundle up, Alaska is never short of outdoor activities. If, by chance, you have talked at home about purchasing a new place in 2019, I want to suggest that there are several benefits of winter shopping for real estate. By far the biggest benefit is the money you will save by shopping in January or February. Anyone who has a property for sale at this time of year has likely had it on the market since before Christmas. Most people know that the market does not accelerate until March or April when lots of homesellers finally get around to listing their property for sale. You can definitely negotiate aggressively in January and February. This can produce a savings (or immediate equity) of $20,000 to $30,000 over shopping for the same home in Spring. If the property is vacant you have even more leverage because an empty home is costing the seller money for utilities and for the existing mortgage. The early bird catches the worm. In fact, the only bird that doesn’t catch a worm is the bird that does not bother to look for one. Winter is an excellent time to obtain a great bargain. I would say that you should be able to save 5% on the price of your home and, quite possibly, even more.
The second benefit is that Alaskan houses are under the greatest stress at this time of year and will reveal their weaknesses which may not be discoverable in the summer. Alaska’s harsh 7 month winters place demands of roofs, attics, crawl spaces, walls, insulation and heating systems. When shopping this winter the first thing you may observe on a home is icicles or ice damming around the roof. Icicles typically, though not always, indicate an escape of heat from the house at the roof edges or a lack of adequate ventilation in the attic. This is invisible in the summer and may be a very serious maintenance issue. If heat tape is in use anywhere on the roof, this also is a red flag for your home inspector. Ice damming in a roof valley or near the edge of the roof-line is an alarm bell also. Ice can only form where water is produced and meets freezing air. The only ice sculptures you want to see are those on display downtown as art. The second critical life support system in an Alaskan home is the heating unit. This is generally a gas-fired furnace or gas-fired boiler (in the case of a hot water baseboard setup). A small number of homes have in-floor radiant heat. Even fewer still have electric heat (I would never allow my clients to purchase an electrically heated home). Since the 1990’s, builders favored forced-air furnace systems because they were cheaper to install, even though they can irritate folk who are allergy prone. Boiler systems are actually simpler and easier to maintain.
3350 Midtown Place Anchorage, AK 99503 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
The other issue associated with homes built after 1990 is that most of them have only one thermostat, usually on the second level. When viewing your prospective new home in January, be sure to note the variation in temperature upstairs versus downstairs. A lot of these homes will leave the downstairs bedrooms cold unless auxiliary heating units are added. If, when you are viewing, the upstairs is excessively hot, this may be because the seller has turned up the heat so you don’t notice how cold it is downstairs. When you are doing your winter shopping, always perform a careful review of the Seller’s Property Disclosure. Statutes now prosecute deliberate untruths with Triple Damages, so known functional problems must be disclosed. Any frozen pipes or any roof, foundation or heating deficiencies should be listed in the Seller’s Property Disclosure. It’s difficult to do downhill skiing at Alyeska in July, and the best time to look at the quality of a home is in winter. In my view, the winter buying benefits of shopping for your new home far exceed the hazards. So bundle up and get on with it!
Dave Windsor is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX Dynamic Properties with over 27 years of experience in the Anchorage real estate market. Dave’s services are available to both Buyers and Sellers of Residential or Income Properties.
The information presented in this column is intended for general informational purposes only and it is not a substitute for situation specific guidance by the appropriate licensed professionals. This column, its author, the magazine and publisher are not responsible for the outcome or results of relying upon the contents of this column in any given situation. Previous columns are archived on Dave’s website at www.davewindsor.com.
An Advertising Section of Anchorage Daily News, January 2019
adn.com/homes | 49th Estate
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That Listing Is On The Market MLS Alaska MLS is the Marketplace!
AlaskaRealEstate.com Making the Market Work!