September 2023 Mat Su Great Lander and Real Estate Guide

In ThIs Issue

VALLEY CHARITIES ORGANIZATION HAS LONG HISTORY OF SERVICE

F ind the B enjamin

W in the B enjamin i n t he e njamin

Rules on page 19

September 2023

Deluxe Assortment Pack

20 lb. Lean Ground Beef

10 lb. Rib Steak

10 lb. Chuck Roast 10 lb. Round Steak

5 lb. Stew Meat

5 lb. Pork Sausage

5 lb. Bacon

10 lb. Pork Chops

10 lb. Pork Steak

20 lb. Whole Fryers

10 lb. Chicken Thighs

5 lb. Chicken Breasts

10 lb. Ham

Approx. 130 lb. $899

4

4

4

4

6

5

10

10 lb. Chicken Drumsticks

5 lb. Assorted Cold Cuts

Gourmet

3 lb. Shoulder Bacon

2 lb. Breakfast Sausage

8 lb. 93% Ground Beef

2 lb. Shrimp

5 lb. Beef Ribeye Steak

3 lb. Beef New York Steak

2 lb. Filet Mignon

3 lb. Pork Chops

7 lb. Boneless Chicken Breast

5 lb. Italian Sausage

Approx. 40 lb. $439

5

Poultry Pack

10 lb. Whole Fryer

8 lb. Game Hens

5 lb. Bnls Skinless Chicken Breast

5 lb. Chicken Thighs

5 lb. Chicken Drums

5 lb.

Pork Pack

Approx. 50 lb. $299

5 lb. Ground Beef

5 lb. Round Steak

5 lb. Pork Chops

5 lb. Pork Country Style Ribs

2 lb. Pork Sausage

3 lb. Bacon

5 lb. Chicken Breast

5 lb. Chicken Thighs

5 lb. Chicken Drumsticks

Approx. 45 lb. $289

3648

On The Cover

CIRCLE • WASILLA

MLS# 23-2374 • $500,500

JUST FINISHED & GORGEOUS! 4 bedrooms with one on the main floor, dining room with built-ins & beverage cooler, custom ceilings, custom wall texture, quartz counters, well designed kitchen with pantry, LVP, custom tile work, upgraded lighting, all the upgrades Elegant Homes is known for, plus a large tandem 3 car garage with 10x9 doors & paved RV spot. This is a large lot with plenty of room for a future shop.

Shannon Parberry (907) 232-0227

www.PropertiesAlaska.com

Sparberry@mtaonline.net

UNDER CONSTRUCTION! The lot backs to Crocker Creek for a beautiful backyard setting. Still time to pick items & personalize. 3BD, 2.5BA, 1,595sf, 2Car Garage. MLS#23-7450

ALMOST COMPLETE! 1.88 Acres w/ mtn views in a new subd. that allows Horses & Chickens. CCRS are protective but not too restrictive. 3BD, 1.5BA, 1,412sf, 4Car Garage. MLS#23-3592

COMPLETE AND GORGEOUS! 1BD on main floor, dining rm w/ built-ins & bev. cooler, custom ceilings, quartz counters, well designed kitchen w/ pantry, LVP, custom tile. 4BD, 2.75BA, 2,002sf, 3Car Garage. MLS#23-2374

3648 N MAGNOLIA CIRCLE

4500 N EDENFIELD ROAD

N. MAGNOLIA

Ask

Hey Cora, I am a physical therapist and I have to take continuing ed classes to renew my license. Do real estate agents have to do that too? Signed Physically Educated.

Dear Educated. Yes we do. The state requires 8 hours of required courses and 12 hours of elective courses every 2 years to renew our licenses. Each year the electives and the required change. But usually the “required” courses consist of contract law, ethics, verbiage, responsibility and representation. We do not have to be re-tested, just take classes and put what we learned into practice.

Hey Cora, I am thinking of getting my real estate license but someone told me that I would have to PAY the brokerage to work there... What? Signed Why-would-I-do-that?

Dear Why, well yes, that’s true, all real estate licenses pay their brokerage for services the brokerage provides. Like office space, front desk reception person, printing and scanning, processing paperwork to meet state law requirements and other services, plus the advice of a broker. Most brokerages provide “errors and omissions” insurance too. It’s like a general liability policy for real estate licensees (agents). If a licensee makes a mistake on a contract, sometimes the insurance will step in if there is a law suit that needs to be paid, but only if it was a mistake, if it was on purpose, the agent is on their own! Many brokerages charge their licensees a fee for writing them a commission check! If you think about it, someone has to do all the bookkeeping to

meet state requirements, so it helps pay for that bookkeeper. These fees run different with every brokerage, with some as low as $50 and some as high as $225, yup, just for writing a check.

But, understand, that real estate agents are selfemployed, we don’t get paid until a transaction closes. So, when we list your home, we are literally “investing” in the sale of your home. There are many up-front costs to selling, we gladly pay for these upfront costs because we know we will, most likely, get our investment back. No one likes to work for free, but we are morally and ethically obligated and most of us dedicated, to get as much money for your home as possibly can in the time frame that you require. Getting that listing price correct when listing, is very important for all of us.

Hey Cora, What happens to the earnest money that the buyer has put up if the home fails to close? Does the realtor get to keep it to offset their costs? Signed Earnest.

Dear Earnest, that would be a big-fat NO! The buyer’s realtor does not keep the money. The earnest money funds belong to the parties in the contract not to the realtor. Now, the realtor does deposit those funds in a Trust Account owned

by the brokerage. This is a separate account from the brokerage’s other accounts and cannot be mixed with any other of the brokerage’s money. These rules are very strict. These funds are not touched until the property closes and records. If the property fails to close, the contract will determine who will retain the earnest money; the buyer will get it back, or the seller will receive it to offset their expenses. If the buyer and seller disagree, the brokers try to work it out. If that doesn’t work, it’s off to mediation for everyone. Earnest money can be a sticky wicket, so make sure, if you are buyer, that you understand at what point your earnest money becomes nonrefundable.

This has been a rather dull article, learning about how realtors get paid and state requirements etc, who cares right? Well, the state has really worked hard to make sure that the people that represent you in the sale of this very important asset are ethical, caring, rule followers. This job is not for everyone. Each day, I decide that the wants and needs of other must come before my own. The practice of real estate is a huge responsibility and it must be entered with care, concern for others, and a desire to help. Not just to make a living. Caring is key, it’s always key. A real estate agent that cares about you, your family, your future, your investment is the best one for you.

I hope to always improve and be better at my job and remind myself that this career is more than getting paid, it’s a relationship.

COYOTE

The world renown Coyote Gardens is FOR SALE! Don’t miss this opportunity to own one of Alaska’s most well known gardens and a sweet Alaskan log home on almost 5 acres of serene living. The gardens have been featured in multiple magazines around the world showing off the multitudes of beautiful Alaskan plants as well as willow furniture, decor & a Tea House created by the homeowners. Two dwellings on the property. With no CCRs.

$349,000 • MLS# 23-5013

SOUTH NANCY LAKE

This custom built home only 30 min. from downtown Wasilla includes 2 primary ensuites one with handicap access including roll-in shower, a gorgeous kitchen, upgraded finishes throughout & all on 10 UNRESTRICTED level acres! PLUS a detached 30’ x 16’ studio easily converted to an ADU/MIL & a detached 1,260 sq. ft. garage with carport for plenty of storage. This home has many features.

$747,500 • MLS# 23-6455

$595,000

60% of the average homeowner’s wealth comes from their home’s equity.

It’s like a savings plan you didn’t know you had.

You might be wondering if buying a home right now is a smart fi nancial decision. The fact is, homeownership is key to building long-term wealth, no matter when someone buys. Studies show that, over time, most homeowners will steadily build equity. For example, during the past three decades, home values have increased an average of more than 6.0% per year.* Of course, owning a home is much more than a way to gain a fi nancial edge, it’s also where you raise a family and create life-long memories. Work with a REALTOR,® a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, they can show you options in your area that best fit your situation. To learn more, visit HousingMarketFacts.com.

Every market’s different, call a Realtor today. Valley Board of REALTORS®

Wasilla, AK • (907) 376-5080 • valleyboardofrealtors.org

Nice ranch style home with that off grid feel. There is another cabin that needs work, could use as Airbnb when fixed up. Lots of possibilities. No property taxes.

Great private house close to amenities. Amazing views of the northern lights. Circular driveway. Two barns for storage and a large shop for toys. No neighbors on the sides. Vitus one mile north offers gas, heating fuel and propane.

Margaret Billinger

Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, E-Pro (907) 841-2188

maggiebillinger@yahoo.com

Nice updated ranch style home on 1.5 acres with plenty of room to expand or park your toys! Great commute location yet tucked in a nice quiet area off the beaten path.

Nice bluff lot with 360° mountain views!

SLANA TRAPPER CREEK WASILLA WASILLA

MLS #23-8569 $169,000

MLS # 23-9842 $269,000

MLS # 23-9390 $367,000

MLS # 23-3222 $89,000

$450,000

1174 N LEATHERLEAF LOOP A, WASILLA, AK 99654

Charming South Anchorage residence, designed for entertaining, features a recently replaced roof deck above the garage - perfect for and soaking up the summer sunshine! Numerous upgrades enhance the home, including new windows installed just last month, a freshlypaved driveway, updated hardwood floors, new carpeting, and new fence gates - among other improvements. Nestled in a serene cul-de-sac.

Amy Neuharth 907.232.2807

23-6096

Unique, spacious home that includes an extra lot. This 4BR/3.5BA home has everything your looking for. Generously sized bedrooms, HUGE 1500sq.ft. garage, 2 living room with the downstairs plumbed for a kitchenette. All right in the heart of downtown Wasilla serviced by public utilities. Remarkable home in prestigious Bridgestone subdivision minutes from parks, shopping and schools.

Devon Doran 907.354.2685

Very seldom does a large parcel of land on a lake come up for sale and even less often does that property also have an airstrip, a creek & access to Cottonwood Lake but here is your opportunity! 5 acres of beautiful buildable land on Mud Lake with Cottonwood Creek running alongside the property. Here is your chance to build your forever home, or up to four AirB&B cabins!

Amy Neuharth 907.232.2807

Do you need a multi generational home? Parents living with you now or older child that can’t afford today’s rental market but would like their own space? Then this is the opportunity for you! This home has undergone a full-scale transformation, every aspect from windows and doors to bathrooms and floors has been completely updated! Towering vaulted ceilings.

Amy Neuharth 907.232.2807

Welcome to your dream home built by award-winning Precision Homes. This is a custom masterpiece nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Chugach Mountains. This abode captivates with its elegant, stone-wrapped fireplace and a kitchen sporting modern upgrades, a large pantry, and a stylish tiled backsplash.

Devon Doran 907.354.2685

Discover your slice of paradise in Goodwin Estates! This 2-acre lot boasts stunning mountain views that will take your breath away. Build your dream home and wake up to the majestic beauty of the mountains every day. Enjoy the perfect blend of privacy and community in this close-knit neighborhood. Conveniently located near Palmer, you’ll have easy access to amenities. Amy Neuharth 907.232.2807

23-10013

Everything you would want in an Alaska ranch home with a creek in back yard, large 1.53-acre lot, close to worldclass recreational opportunities and just a few minutes from downtown Palmer. Lot has loads of wild berries, watch the salmon spawn in your creek and moose wander in your back yard. Barn is easily modified to support horses. New hot water heater. Schedule your showing soon.

James Kelley 907.440.0220

Welcome to 4087 N Bugaboo Circle! This home has 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 3 bonus rooms/ offices and is the perfect place to raise your family. Recently renovated and boasting 4,971 square feet of living space, you’ll find plenty of room for everyone. With beautiful views inside and out, you’ll love the spacious kitchen with its huge island, concrete countertops, ample cupboard space.

Jessica Baker 907.232.9926

Amy Neuharth 907.232.2807

Charming starter home centrally located! This home boasts a newer roof (2018) and a renovated kitchen and bathroom in 2017. Benefit from a separate laundry area adjacent to the bathroom not the mention the two extra rooms that could be an office, art room, library you name it! The circular driveway offers ample parking and the two generously sized sheds give you plenty of storage space!

Amy Neuharth 907.232.2807

7 lots being sold together for a total of a little over 32 acres. The building on the listed property is 1200 sqft,16 ft ceiling, 2x6 construction with well and septic plus electric. Steel I-beam down center for added support. Home plans with a 2nd story and spectacular views of Big Lake are available. Well and septic in, electric on site and plumbing for in-floor radiant heat.

Katherine Dehoop 907.230.8522

9431 DUNDEE CIR • ANCHORAGE

MLS# 23-10364

8265 E WINDY WOODS LP • PALMER $155,000 MLS# 23-5416

136 & 148 E BRIDGE STONE DR • WASILLA $499,900 MLS#

3055 S MARTH RD • PALMER $425,000 MLS#

4281 E AMBERGER CIR • WASILLA $350,000 MLS# 23-4142

4087 BUGABOO CIR • WASILLA $1,200,000 MLS# 23-5264

3545 PHENIX AVE • WASILLA $434,000 MLS# 23-8967

2050 E CHICKALOON RD • WASILLA $240,000 MLS# 23-10362

1141 W BLUFF VIEW DR • WASILLA $625,000 MLS# 23-9979

3570 S CROZIER • BIG LAKE $1,100,000 MLS# 23-10572

The Ultimate Buyer’s & Seller’s Guide

by Karen Ross, your local Real Estate expert!

Karen Ross, your local Alaskan Realtor®, has lived in Alaska for over 35 years. She has a background as a real estate investor, property manager, & real property appraiser. For a fantastic selling or buying experience, put the decades of experience and unparalleled dedication of Karen & her team to work for you!

Discover a stunning 2062 sq.ft. 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in a serene new neighborhood on .92 acres. Elegant custom upgrades adorn this two-story masterpiece. The neutral palette creates a canvas of endless possibilities for making this home reflect your own style. Embrace genuine connections in this tranquil retreat from life’s demands, where timeless luxury is tailored for contemporary living and entertaining.

Elevated on a hill with Chugach Mountain views, this 2-bed + office, 2-bath home offers generous 1630 sqft of spacious comfort on over an acre. Enjoy a luxury owner’s bath with a deep soaking tub. Tastefully finished throughout with modern touches and neutral colors. Set in an established, quiet and serene neighborhood with mature trees, the pride of one owner since 2005 really shows. Fresh paint and new LVP floors.

Elegantly standing on 3.49 acres in the Prestigious Bridle Path Estates (horses welcome), this 2004-built grand mansion offers 3862 Sq.Ft., with four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. Perfect for entertaining, spacious rooms exude opulence, sophistication and elegance, though some cosmetic repairs are needed. Crafted with premium materials and design, this secluded gem offers oversized luxury at the end of the road.

Fires,

Jack White Real Estate

1711 E Colt Circle

1935 W Church Ridge Dr.

642 W Birdnest Dr. Built 2023

Buy, Sell with Elise Ell 907-242-0442

Elise Ell Buchholz

Jack White Real Estate Mat Su 865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy., #200 Wasilla, AK 99654

STUNNING CUSTOM LOG HOME

This 3224 sq. ft. home is in move-in condition with new interior paint. Main floor features an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, large kitchen w/ updated appliances, breakfast bar, dining, and living room w/ large windows & lots of light. 2 BR, 1 BA on the main floor.

$548,900

CHARMING 5 BEDROOM

5 BR, 4 BA home, w/ oversized 2 car garage & many upgrades. Covered front deck, lg. family room, living room and bonus room, large back deck, with fire pit.

$525,000

BAR AND HOTEL

This bar has familyfriendly atmosphere. Amazing price. Nice kitchen appliances. Some of the best food in the Valley. $650,000

WILLOW, 1.38 ACRES

This cabin is occupied by a tenant. Nice lot with views of mountain. Has Parks Hwy. frontage, Possibilities are endless. Electric is on property.

$69,900

WILLOW, 1.15 ACRES

Must-see. Creek frontage. Adjacent to boat launch and picnic area. A picturesque property. Plus tons of trails all around. Electric, well, and septic on property. $70,000

SHOP AND GARAGE SPACE

18 ft. ceilings, 3 large overhead doors (212 ft., 1-14 ft.) in-floor heat, office area, 1-1 bedroom apartment, w/ living room, kitchen, bath, dining. Great location, well kept building, large paved parking area, good floor plan for a variety of business options. Must-see to appreciate.

$1,600,000

Cool two story home with basement. Great for entertaining, 3 BR, 2.5 BA, tons of storage. Lovely lot on a hill that overlooks Big Lake. Large pantry in Kitchen.

$418,000

This lot has been cleared, has driveway, well, septic and ran to basement, electric, foundation, and trusses for the roof is included in the purchase.

$130,000

BEAUTIFUL LAND SKWENTNA

Established business for adventure seekers for nearly 40 years. Accessible by snow machine, fat tire bike, boat, or aircraft. Located next to runway.

$895,000

51 acre parcel of land with amazing 360 degree views! Inside Denali State Park. Lots of wildlife w/ two-story cabin that needs TLC. Well and septic. Come and see!

479,000

HAINES, 172.65 ACRES WILLOW, 20.69 ACRES

Spectacular property. Beautiful views, wildlife galore, and tons of sealife. Great area for glacier and wildlife tours. Includes airstrip and accreted land seaward!

$1,500,000

11.88 ACRES

This lot has 3,540 ft. of the Little Su River frontage. Great location for recreational cabin or get permit for canoe, kayak, rafting or floating business. 2-3 miles to post office, gas stations. $189,000

This Susitna river front 20.69 acre property has approx. 998 feet of river frontage. No covenant or conditions. Endless possibilities.Heavy treed lot. Great property.

$200,000

130.82 ACRES

A fishermans and hunters dream. Large platt includes, 4 salmon ponds, Tons of bear and other wildlife on beautifully breathtaking land. $2,900,000

R ecycling

Valley Charities organization has long history of service

By Randi Perlman

Many Valley residents are familiar with turn-A-leaf Thrift Store in Wasilla. It’s a warm and welcoming treasure trove of gently used wonders. From kitchen utensils to sporting goods, electronics to stylish jeans, artwork to furniture, or that one-of-a-kind collectible you haven’t seen anywhere else, you are likely to find whatever you’re looking for and then some at very reasonable prices. But did you know that Valley Charities, Inc., the umbrella organization under which turnA-leaf Thrift Store operates, has been “connecting those who need help with the help they need” for over 60 years now?!?

In the mid 1950’s, a group of compassionate Wasilla residents wanted to assist the impoverished sector of the community with clothing or small financial loans. They accomplished this by holding weekly garage sales. These sought-after garage sales began to happen several times a week. Soon, they became so popular the group decided to open a

thrift store, enabling them to sell items weekly and provide even more assistance to those experiencing temporary financial hardships.

That first store opened in 1969 and was called the White Elephant Thrift Store. White Elephant operated out of a Quonset hut in downtown Wasilla and was led by Christine Smith. Funds raised were used to support the Mat-Su community. Other distinguished Valley residents deeply involved in the evolution of Valley Charities in the early days include Pat Newcombe, Collen Cottle, Ellen Malone, and Olga Ward. Since then, the store has changed names and locations around Wasilla several times.

In 1983, it became known as the Treasure Loft, providing cherished treasures to many local residents. In June 2008, Treasure Loft moved to 400 N. Yenlo Street behind the Wasilla Carrs shopping center, and the following year, the name was changed to turnA-Leaf Thrift Store to identify with the assistance the organization has provided to the

community for decades. The name is taken from the phrase “turning over a new leaf”

The turn-A-leaf Thrift Store continues its tradition of assisting the impoverished population with clothing vouchers, and merchandise prices are kept quite competitive to help financially disadvantaged families afford clothing and household goods. In addition to operating the popular and well-known thrift store, Valley Charities has been providing housing assistance and reentry services for over twelve years, and recently enhanced its Medical Equipment Lending Program by moving it to its own location next to the Wasilla UPS Store near Lowes. This allows the program to better care for the equipment, maintain a larger inventory, and make pick-up and delivery of these items more easily available and convenient.

Valley Charities’ core values of Pioneering, Partnering, Serving, Community and Compassion provide a pathway for ‘con-

necting those who need help with the help they need’. Item donations are accepted and appreciated, and shopping at turn-Aleaf Thrift Store enables Valley Charities to continue fulfilling the large and growing resource needs in the Mat-Su. Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization providing lifechanging programs and opportunities to Mat-Su Valley residents. VCI has been quietly serving Mat-Su Borough residents for over 60 years. Through their Housing Assistance Partnership Program, Mat-Su Reentry Program, Medical Equipment Lending Program, and turn-A-leaf Thrift Store, alongside many strong community partnerships, VCI serves the needs of Valley residents and helps them thrive. These compassionate programs encompass and fulfill VCI’s vision to make the Mat-Su Valley a healthier and happier place to reside for everyone. For more information, visit www.valleycharities.org or contact them at 907-376-5740.

F un and games

COLD & FLU WORD SEARCH

The objective is to fill a 9×9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9 only one time each.

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards.

Mail in your coloring entry for a chance to win one of our

Kids! Send in your coloring contest entry for a chance to win an 8” cake from Dairy Queen! One winner from each age group 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12 will be announced in the October 2023 Greatlander.

Name: Age: Phone:

Parents - Please help your child legibly write their name. Use crayons or colored pencils. Please NO GLITTER. Submissions must be received by September 26th 2023. Mail entries to: GreatLander, 3110 Spenard Road,