November, 2023
Real Estate Guide
FEATURED HOME OFFERED BY: spinellhomes.com 907-344-5678
MARKETED BY:
STEPHANIE GAMBLE 907-354-0277
Advertiser Index
Alaska Multiple Listing Service...........8 Biff’s Professional Home Inspections.............................9 GarageExperts....................................10 Jack White Real Estate Reggie Belden....................................10
Jack White Real Estate (cont.) Margaret Billinger...............................12 Elise Ell Buchholz...............................14 Donna Cote..........................................9 Karen Ross.........................................13 Keller Williams Realty Cora Carleson......................................9
Keller Williams Realty (cont.) Stephanie Gamble............................7, 8 Kustom Kitchen & Design, Inc............9 Microcom............................................11 Spinell Homes...................................7, 8 Taylored Restoration..........................13
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Real Estate Guide
Anchorage • (907) 274-0611 • greatlander.com November 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u
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On The Cover
ALASKAREALESTATE.COM The most accurate, complete and trusted source of Alaska Real Estate!
• Alaska’s source of real estate listings! 1633 E HIDDEN RANCH LOOP • PALMER MLS# 23-7204 • $489,920
Welcome to Hidden Ranch in Palmer. Our model home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a living and family room and even a 3 car garage. Stainless steel appliances in the kitchen with a large island for entertaining. You have comfort and efficiency all in one with this open floor plan. Breaking ground now!
FEATURED HOME OFFERED BY:
SPINELL HOMES spinellhomes.com 907-344-5678
MARKETED BY:
STEPHANIE GAMBLE 907-354-0277
ALASKA
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BUILT BY OUR FAMILY FOR YOUR FAMILY Giving families the keys to their new home since 1987. We look forward to building your family the perfect place for life’s moments.
Spinell Homes Inc, AK Contractor #220310 Res. #1572
Call a New Construction Specialist Stephanie Gamble (907) 354-0277 Keller Williams Alaska Group
We Make It Easy To Join Our Family...
WASILLA & PALMER
Horizon Estates
Spinell Homes, Inc., AK Contractor #220310, Res. #92 & 1572
(907) 354-0277
Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group
Hidden Ranch
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G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u November 2023
CABINETS
BEAUTIFUL AND SERENE Sellers are offering $5,000 in Closing Cost credit to help you purchase this home! Welcome to this stunning home in Goodwin Estates! With 2,309 sq. ft. of luxury living sitting on .95 acre, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom gem is a true standout. Built in 2021, it has been immaculately kept and boasts a range of incredible updates. Step outside to find fully landscaped front and back yards. $629,500 • MLS# 23-11009
for Every Room In Your Home! Great Sale on Medallion Cabinets
FREE sink cabinet with 10 cabinet minimum order (must present ad)
Call Us Today for a FREE MEASURE
Kustom Kitchen & Design, Inc. • 357-5880
5817 E. Updraft Rd. Palmer, AK • www.kustomkitchendesigninc.com
s f f i B
PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTIONS
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. MLS# 23-6455
Immediate Appointments Available!
Hey Cora: I got a divorce years ago and there was a decree from the judge that when the house sells, I was supposed to get 50% of the proceeds from the sale. Years have gone by, and I just found out that the house was sold a year ago and I didn’t get anything... how could this happen? What do I do now? Signed Unhappy Ex Dear Unhappy, well that seems unfair doesn’t it? Let’s break this down and see what could have happened and how it can be resolved. 1) Realtor: If your ex-husband used a realtor, there are procedures that we would use to make sure this doesn’t happen. The first thing we do is to check the borough tax record to see who’s name the property is in. Is there more than one name on the title? If so, am I as a Realtor talking with both owners or just one? In other words, we want to make sure that ALL parties are willing to sell the property not just one. If the property was sold by quit claim deed, with no title insurance issued, Unhappy may be able to collect what is owed from the new owner, and the new owner could sue Unhappy’s ex to pay off the debt and clear the title. 2) Title insurance: chances are the home was sold using a title company. If it was sold by a Realtor, they would have used a title company and title insurance would have been issued on the home. There are some things here that you need to know. As we have talked about before, title insurance insures in arears or the PAST – Car insurance insures the future, homeowners insurance; the future, life insurance, the future. Title insurance; the past. This type of insurance insures the property for who previously owned the property and any debts or judgements against that property. It insures for heirs if there was death, it insures against lawsuits for faults claims of ownership. It ensures that lien holders (such as IRS tax liens) are paid BEFORE the new buyer comes into title. It protects the buyer from the past. Okay, done nagging now, moving on. Title Insurance is an important part of the sale process. IF this property was transferred using a quit claim deed, and no title insurance was issued, any liens on the property, IRS,
Email donnacoterealtor@gmail.com Web https://donnacoterealtor.com Jack White Real Estate Mat Su • 865 N Seward Meridian Pkwy#200 • Wasilla, AK 99654
Call now, or schedule on-line at: biffsproinspect.com
Ask Cora
Cell 907-242-6957
• Energy Ratings: PUR-101, 102, 103 • Professional Radon Testing • Mold Testing
227-3720 • biffsproinspec@gmail.com Biff Warner • License# 105545 • Wasilla, AK
PE
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Experience Matters! judgements, mortgages, may not been seen by the buyer, therefore, the new buyer could owe for the lien. Seems unfair? Yes, but this is why title insurance is critical. 3) Judgements, IRS, Mortgages Oh My! There are other things that title insurance protects against, but let’s just tackle these. Judgements; should we switch into “story time” mode? It might make it easier... okay, Joe Jenga owns a home on 123 Pine Street. Joe get’s into a car accident with Polly Peterman and the accident is Joe’s fault and he has no car insurance “oh no Joe! Joe get’s taken to court and he loses to Polly. Joe must pay Polly $25,000. Joe does not have $25,000 so a judgement is issued by the court. This means that any assets that Joe owns, he must sell to pay off Polly. When Joe sells his house at 123 Pine St. $25,000 will be paid to Polly upon closing. Polly’s attorney attaches a lien to Joe’s property and records it at the State of Alaska Reorders office. It is now on public record for everyone to see. Okay, so let’s take this a step further and say that Polly didn’t get paid for some reason when Joe’s house sold. Polly would be able to make a claim against the title insurance policy and get her money that way if she does this within 10 years of the sale of the property. Let’s take it one more step, Polly’s attorney didn’t record the lien with the State of Alaska. Either he forgot, or thought it was already done, or he was just negligent. She has documentation that there is a judgement, but it was not a recorded with the recorder’s office as a lien on 123 Pine St, it was not discoverable. Does Polly still have a claim of lien? She has a judgement, but how is she going to collect it? The only thing Polly can do is look for another property or asset
that she can attach this judgement to that is owned by Joe. First she needs to record the lien! 4) Recording Districts: There are several recording districts in the state. If a lien is recorded in the wrong district, the title insurance is not liable to pay. Using Joe and Polly again, let’s say that the car accident happened in Anchorage, and Polly lives in Anchorage. But Joe’s house is in Wasilla. Her judgement was filed in Anchorage... so what you say? Well, the title company is not liable if the judgement was filed in the wrong recording district. Her lien would have to be filed in the district where the property is located, Mat Su Recording District not Anchorage. I know, it can be complicated. This is why you need a realtor and a title company to help you with the sale of your property. Back to Unhappy Ex, If the title company DID issue title insurance and they did not see the lien but it was there, then the title insurance policy would kick in and pay off the judgment. If the title company DID issue title and they did not see the lien but it was there, but the sale of the property was more than 10 years ago, then the title insurance policy would NOT pay off the judgment. If the title company DID issue title and the lien was filed in the wrong recording district, then the title insurance policy would NOT pay off the judgment. If the sale was done through a quit claim deed and no title insurance policy was issued, but Unhappy DID file the judgement in right recording district, Unhappy may be able to require that the new owner be responsible for the payment of the judgement and/or could file a lien on any other property that the ex-husband owned. Whew, oh my that was a brain fryer for sure. So, Unhappy... you need to find out when that property sold, check the borough web site. You need to see if title insurance was issued and call the title company. You need to make sure that your judgement with filed in the right recording district. For everyone, you need to make sure that someone helps you do all this right so you are not stuck owning a property with lien on it! Let me help, that’s what I am here for.
Call Cora Today! Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group Of Wasilla 621 S Knik-Goose Bay Rd Wasilla, AK 99654
www.clcandassoc.com
907.982.5700
November 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u
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PROPERTY TO SELL? Call me, I answer my phone.
75 acres at mile 60 of the Parks Hwy. Well, septic and electric on location. Creek running through. Detached garage of no value. Legal driveway easement to the property. This can be commercial property. $595,000 • MLS# 23-6495
Lovely new subdivision in Wasilla Far enough out of the way that I couldn't hear any disturbing traffic noise. Very peaceful and quiet. Well treed and level. Perfect for building. $35,000 • MLS# 22-11940
TAKE BACK YOUR GARAGE! EPOXY FLOORING
CABINETS
STORAGE
A Professional Realtor with Proven Results!
Reggie Belden Jack White
Real Estate since 1953
Jack White Real Estate
865 Seward Meridian Pkwy. Wasilla, AK 99654
Cell: (907) 232-7588
reginabelden.jackwhite.com
907.341.3140│GarageExperts.com
Visit GarageExperts.com for additional warranty information. License #38943
Top 5 things to know about building By Stephanie Gamble, Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group Building a home will likely be the biggest and most expensive adventure of your lifetime. Like with any adventure, it’s important to be prepared. Here’s what you need to know to have a fun and successful build. Pick the Perfect Partner New construction requires a lot of decisions, but choosing a builder is arguably the most important one. This partnership will set the tone for the entire project. Be sure to do your homework. At Spinell Homes, we encourage you to look at the homes we’ve built, there are thousands out there. You can ask us for references and speak with happy homeowners. Don’t be shy about asking questions and getting answers. A reputable builder like us will be open, upfront and honest. Starting the relationship with good communication will make the entire process easier. Know the Numbers Sticking to a budget can be one of the most difficult tasks if you don’t pay
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attention to the numbers. At Spinell Homes, we’ll keep you on track. Once a budget is set, we’ll show you finishes and plans within your budget. Transparency and planning for every penny mean avoiding surprises. Trendy vs. Timeless New construction is your opportunity to design the house of your dreams. It should reflect your unique personality and passions. Add room for the mud room you’ve always wanted or set aside space for a wine cellar. Building is a chance to create something fitting for
G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u November 2023
your family. However, while you may intend for this to be your forever home, it’s never a bad idea to think about resale. Life and plans change. It’s important to balance making it your own now, with the potential for selling in the future. This balance should be applied to home design. Try to blend trendy with timeless. Think about the features that are easier to change. For example, flooring, wall colors and lighting fixtures could be swapped if they go out of style. While siding, floor plans and kitchen cabinets involve more time and money. Be Prepared for Setbacks Building a new construction home is a long process that involves a lot of moving pieces. Unfortunately, there will likely be some obstacles along the way. Understanding that it’s not all smooth sailing will make it easier to deal with difficulties when the time comes. With over 30 years in the building industry, we know how to navigate every possible problem. Whether it’s a weather delay or materials on backorder, try to
handle these setbacks with the knowledge that the problems will pass. Enjoy the Process Getting the keys to your home is an amazing feeling but if you race to the finish line you’ll miss enjoying the journey. Working with Spinell Homes ensures a stress-free and enjoyable process. While you walk through the framing, picture how the rooms will host your family during the holidays. As you pick out the finishes, think of the memories they’ll help make. From plans to final product, building a home with Spinell is the adventure of a lifetime.
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WASILLA
WASILLA
MLS # 23-9390 • $362,000
MLS # 23-3222 • $89,000
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!
WASILLA
WILLOW
MLS # 23-12632 • $35,000
MLS # 23-7170 • $75,000
Nice sloping treed lot with gas in street and overhead electric. Has partial lake views of Marion Lake with a public access down the road. Seller is a lic real estate agent in AK.
Nice level treed lot with dry cabin and gated driveway.
Margaret Billinger Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, E-Pro (907) 841-2188 maggiebillinger@ yahoo.com
Jack White
Real Estate since 1953
Navigating the world of new construction By Stephanie Gamble, Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group Picture opening the door to your perfect home. The finishes reflect your personality. The space suits your lifestyle. The location provides peace. If you’re a homebuyer, the ideal home can feel out of reach. Shopping for existing homes can mean making sacrifices. Perhaps the location is great but the home needs renovations. Or maybe the home feels just right but it’s located in the wrong part of town. New construction is your best shot at creating the home of your dreams. If you’ve never been through the building process, it can seem overwhelming. But at Spinell Homes, we’re here to make the process fun, easy and extremely rewarding. If you’re interested in building, give me a call. I’ll walk you through what you can afford and expect. You’ll need to come prepared with information about your budget, lifestyle, and home wants and needs. Bring any questions that you have and our team of experts will happily answer them. By setting these expectations upfront and having an open
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conversation, it kicks off a great relationship from the start. Next, it’s time to identify a location and floor plan. If you don’t own a lot, Spinell Homes has numerous available lots. We’ll identify one that works for your budget and family. You’ll then pick a floor plan that maximizes the lot, budget and lifestyle. Often Spinell experts will make adjustments to the plan to customize it for your needs. If you decide to build, it’s now time to secure the financing. Working with Spinell Homes, we’re able to connect you with preferred lenders who can walk you through the process of getting a
G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u November 2023
mortgage. Then a purchase agreement with a lot of other benefits. Today’s conis set in place. Working with Spinell struction materials are the safest and means you avoid getting a construction most energy-efficient materials on the loan, which is at a much higher interest market. Appliances and lighting fixtures are also energy efficient. This will save rate. With a loan and plans in place, the you energy and money on utilities. New real fun begins. From cabinetry to construction also comes with warrancountertops and siding to sliding glass ties. This means you don’t have to worry doors, new construction requires a lot about unexpected expenses. You can of design decisions. While something focus on settling in and making memolike doorknobs seems minor, these little ries with your family. details make a big difference. Luckily, Don’t let navigating the building proyou don’t have to make the selections cess sink your spirits. With the right parton your own. Spinell’s design team will ners, you can soar through the steps help you pick finishes that won’t break and find your forever home. the budget and work well in the home. Spinell will also be aware of the materials’ availability, ensuring to order on time and keep the project on track. Building a home is a big project. It comes with a lengthy timeline, a lot of decisions and a large budget. But at Spinell, we’re pros at this process. The company has been building homes for more than 30 years. We understand how to communicate when there’s an obstacle. In addition to getting the keys to your dream home, new construction comes
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!
“Quality, Not Quantity!”
Call or Text 907.694.2284 karensellsak@gmail.com
Realtor® & Assistant
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Restoring Alaskans Dreams Since 1972
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907-373-1239 907-455-1239
www.TayloredRestoration.com November 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u
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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
SPOIL YOURSELF!
$795,000 • MLS# 23-13059
UNBELIEVABLE INLET AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Extra large corner lot, owner added a shop & landscaped area to grow beautiful flowers & planted fruit trees to huge lawn. A privacy fence, & dog run also. 5 beds plus an office & family room, Beautiful kitchen with double-wide fridge, Fisher & Paykel range, granite counters. Main bedroom suite has towel warmer & steamer shower in bath. Forced air & in-floor heat utilizing gas.
SPECTACULAR HOME!
LAKE VIEW
CHARMING 5 BEDROOM
ED
C
DU
E ER
$1,000,000 • MLS# 23-13056
Imagine living in your own Alaskan dream red cedar log ranch style cabin home with modern amenities & craftsmanship. Unobstructed mountains & inlet views, watch whales & otters in the inlet and fox, moose, eagles & more! Huge 600 yr old logs, with carvings throughout, river rock fireplace, large front & back covered trex decking, Anaconda granite countertops, New marble epoxy floor, new fence.
IC
PR
$475,000 • MLS# 23-10938
Gorgeous home has huge mud room with double doors to living area, tv projector, main bedroom suit on entry level, with big laundry room, kitchen dining, deck off dining room has views of mountains and living room open, top level has bedrooms and office. Basement has another bedroom and storage area, with garage.
SKWENTNA ROADHOUSE
$895,000 • MLS# 23-15026 Established business for adventure seekers for nearly 40 years. Accessible by snow machine, fat tire bike, boat, or aircraft. Located next to runway.
TWO CABINS
$23,000 • MLS# 23-12354
Two cabins to be sold and moved at the buyers expense. One is 16 X 12, and the other is 12 X12, they both come with cribs. 16 X12 is 15K and is very nice with wood stove. 12 X 12 is 8K.
$399,999 • MLS# 23-6401
Cool two story home with basement. Great for entertaining, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, tons of storage. Lovely lot on a hill that overlooks Big Lake. Large pantry in kitchen.
“I had the pleasure of working with an outstanding realtor named Elise for the sale of my home, and the experience was nothing short of excellent. From the start, her knowledge and expertise were evident as she guided me through the entire selling process. Her keen understanding of the market helped set the right price, resulting in multiple attractive offers within a short time. Her marketing strategy showcased the property beautifully, attracting a wide range of potential buyers. Communication was consistent and transparent, with regular updates and prompt responses to my inquiries. Her negotiation skills ensured a favorable deal and a smooth closing process. What truly impressed me was Elise’s dedication and commitment to achieving the best outcome for me. I wholeheartedly recommend this remarkable realtor to anyone looking for a topnotch experience in selling their home.” Kerry A Mayle
$520,000 • MLS# 23-8639
5 bedroom, 4 bath home, with oversized 2 car garage & many upgrades. Covered front deck, large family room, living room and bonus room, large back deck, with fire pit.
SHOP AND GARAGE SPACE E RIC
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C DU
P
$1,400,000 • MLS# 23-9245
18 ft. ceilings, 3 large overhead doors (2-12 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.
GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY
$80,000 • MLS# 23-6214 This lot has well, septic, electric & gas. Although home may be salvaged, you may want to tear it down. The lot and home are being sold as-is and need to be cleared of trash.
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