April 2023 Mat Su Real Estate Guide

Hidden Ranch features large, 1/2-acre lots, breathtaking mountain scenery and beautiful trees. Hidden Ranch is within Palmer City Limits and features both city water and sewer. This small-town living is only a 35-minute commute to Anchorage, which makes it an ideal location for families and homeowners looking to escape the city and enjoy some peace and quiet. Spinell Homes has two move-in ready models available today, or call

Hey Cora, my mom is ailing and probably needs to move in with me. I have a nice 3-bedroom 2-bath, but I know she will want her own space. Can I just create another unit in my house to accommodate my mom? Signed Needing More Room

Dear Needing,

I understand… my mother lived with me for many years, and having her close by was both fun and convenient. But we should break this down a bit, because there is a lot to think about here.

Are you going to build an addition onto your home?

Adding on to your home does bring in some good things and some challenging things. Being able to plan out what the two of you need is really fun and may be just what your mom needs to give up her current home and want to come live with you. The challenging part is, of course, keeping it in budget and how are you going to pay for it. If your mother has a home she can sell, using the proceeds could help you be able to build something that would work for her and you. If this is an option you want to look at, give me a call and we will go over this together. Do you plan on using the other two bedrooms for her space?

If you plan on using your two other bedrooms and bathroom for your mom, this can work. It makes things a bit tight, but you can make it work. Use one of the bedrooms has her bedroom, the other room, as her own little “parlor”. Both these rooms would be hers for her things. This means you would have to move your things out. Be sensitive to the fact that she will be significantly downsizing and the few things that she brings with her will be very special to her. Give her space. She would then also have full use of the bathroom; this is probably also the guest bathroom. Again, be sensitive, rather than make your mom uncomfortable for living there, apologize to friends that they will have to share with your mom! Another option, if your master bedroom is large enough, allow her to take the master and you move into one of the other bedrooms. Just make sure that she would have room for her bed, a couch or recliner, her own TV and perhaps a mini fridge. Do you need to create a kitchen for her, or will you be sharing?

If you don’t need to create a kitchen and you plan on sharing the kitchen, this will be significantly cheaper. When we built the unit for my parents, we did put a kitchen in for them, but I knew that for my mom, she would have trouble sharing a kitchen. So, for us, it was the best thing to do. Another option is a “warming” kitchen. This just means that a microwave, toaster oven and a mini fridge would be all you would need on a simple countertop. She may be very happy with this. But ask, the last thing you want is to make your mom mad and have her ground you for a week.

Will you be sharing the washer and dryer?

Unless you are putting an addition on your home, I would share laundry facilities. It’s just a real pain to get all this plumbed in the drain etc. She’s only going to have one load a week anyway.

Do you have Covenants in your neighborhood?

This could put the proverbial “kibosh” on your whole plan. If you plan on adding an ADU or Alternative Dwelling Unit onto your home, you may run into problems with your HOA (Home Owners Association). Your covenants or CCRs will be able to tell you if you can do this. If you don’t have access to your CCRs let me know and I can probably get you a copy. If you are going to keep things within the current walls that you already have, I doubt there will be a problem. Unless your mom goes blabbing to neighbors that you are the best daughter in the world, and she has her own deluxe apartment inside!

Do you live in the City Limits?

Different cities, different rules! If you live within the city limits, I would check with them to see if you can have a ADU either connected or a separate unit in your backyard. Some city limits allow for ADUs and some don’t, but a mother-in-law apartment, is USUALLY okay. Check first.

Do you need an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) bathroom?

This is an important one for sure. Although your mom may be getting around fine right now, life changes quickly and being able to have a bathroom that she can access and be safe, that’s the most important thing. A typical bathroom won’t have the space for it to be ADA accessible. Now is where you start to hear the “Ca-Ching Ca-Ching!” Chances are you will have to add more space to the bathroom. Either by taking it out of another room or adding onto the bathroom, thus changing the footprint of the home, possibly creating the need for a building permit. Will your mother pay you rent?

So, this is legitimate question. If your mom is going to pay you rent, then you have to claim it on your taxes. You may just want your mom to pay the electric bill or the gas bill to help out, but ask a tax professional. The last thing you would want to do is create a problem with capital gains. Do you have enough storage?

Storage can be an issue. Mom is going to need storage and so are you! It’s important that she have space for her things too. You may have to rent a small storage unit, and if you do, keep it close to home so either of you can get into it, because you never know when mom’s going to need her Hallmark 1959 Barbie Christmas Ornament!

Okay, Last one, do you get along well enough to be able to live together?

Now, this is really important… My mom and I get along well. We love each other and respect each other. But we each had our own space. We shared cats, we played cards, we sewed together and went shopping together. My husband got along really well with her too. If there any issues with you and your mom or your husband and your mom, you may want to consider having your mom just live close by. You would not want to do some major remodel or spend a lot of money fixing it up only to have the arraignment doomed from the start because mom’s dog is a bully to your cats or because your mom is a bully to your husband!

Okay, so there you have it. Now, you can make a decision about mom, and if you need help, give me a call and we can talk about it. Really, I am here to help.

space on main level.

5 acre private lot! Spacious home. Family room & office nook. Lg gar w/10ft door. Animals welcome! 3BR, 2BA, 3CarG, 2,240sf living area. MLS#23-771

Move in ready! Stunning contemporary w/ high end appliances, soaring entry, CUSTOM features throughout, butler’s pantry, etc. 4BR, 2BA, Large 3CarG, 2,060sf living area. MLS#23-683

Under construction now. Fully loaded w/ all the finishes Alliance is known for. New subdivision w/ large lots & reasonable CCRS, horses & chickens are allowed. 3BR, 2BA, 3CarG, 1,453sf living area.

Almost complete! Duplex, perfect for buyers who want help w/ the mortgage w/o sacrificing style! 3BR, 2.5BA, 2CarG, 1,750sf living area on each side. 1.06 acres. MLS#22-12243

2805 N GREEN FOREST DRIVE

4601 N AUTUMN LANE

1814 S BERLIN ROSE STREET

COUNTRY ESTATES 4514 N EDENFIELD ROAD 6231 W KAREN STREET

MLS#23-2421

3648 N MAGNOLIA CIRCLE

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced an increase in conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, effective January 1, 2023. These increases could provide more buying power to borrowers across the nation. The graphic example to the right is in reference to Alaska Conforming loan limits.

$2,300,000

WILLOW,

Elise

WASILLA,

$2,900,000

AK

$189,000

AK

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

These 10 Acres are surrounded by other properties closing it in so buyer may want to apply for an easement by necessity. There are four different lakes surrounding this property. $35,000

The largest parcel of land with lake frontage on Big Lake. Includes dock, rock retaining wall, cleared land beautiful lawn, and road access. Electric and a well is already on site. You don’t want to miss this one!

MLS# 23-1790

MLS# 23-582

WASILLA, 10 ACRES

WASILLA, 10.91 ACRES

Looking for River access? Creek frontage plus water channel to Susitna River. Directly adjacent to boat launch and picnic area. Plus tons of trails all around. Electric, Well, and Septic on Property. $70,000

MLS# 23-2516

WILLOW, 1.15 ACRES

These 4 lots are Parks frontage approx. at mile 81. Subdivided and ready for recreational use or new construction. Lot(s) boast terrific natural building material, easy access and utilities in the area. $59,000

These 4 lots are Parks frontage approx. at mile 81. Subdivided and ready for recreational use or new construction. Lot(s) boast terrific natural building material, easy access and utilities in the area. $49,000

These 4 lots are Parks frontage approx. at mile 81. Subdivided and ready for recreational use or new construction. Lot(s) boast terrific natural building material, easy access and utilities in the area. $58,000

Enjoy spectacular views as you sit and observe the raw beauty of an Alaskan sunset. Adjacent lot also available. Purchase both for the perfect building site. Circular driveway already on this cleared lot. $100,000

AK MLS# 22-774

AK MLS# 22-775

AK MLS# 22-776

AK MLS# 23-1571

4.6 ACRES WILLOW, 5.31 ACRES WILLOW, 6.29 ACRES

1.56 ACRES

A fishermans and hunters dream. Conveyed by the U.S. to remove Native restrictions for purchase. Large platt includes, 4 salmon ponds, tons of bear and other wildlife on beautifully breathtaking land.

MLS# 23-466

ILIAMNA, 130.82 ACRES

This lot has 3,540 feet of the Little Su River frontage. With 2 areas of higher elevation for building. Great location for recreational cabin or get permit for canoe, kayak, rafting or floating business. 2-3 miles to post office, gas stations.

MLS# 22-14679

HOUSTON, 11.88 ACRES

Vacation Rental Management

Our goal is to provide the highest quality accommodations to travelers and exceptional local property management services to vacation rental owners in Alaska!

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Short Term Rental

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We offer limited and full service management, tailored specifically to meet your individual needs.

Absolutely adorable cabin on five peaceful and private acres. Property consists of main cabin, a huge woodshed with storage, and a large workshop that includes a loft and RV parking. Conveniently located near great summer and winter trails & several lakes for enjoying all that Alaska has to offer! Estate Sale, being sold

IS”.Cash or recreational loan only. MLS # 23-2030 3

& 24449 W HONEYBEE LAKE DRIVE • WILLOW

3071 N Edgewater Drive, Wasilla • $499,000

Custom crafted home on 1.26 private acres w/ direct lake access. This captivating home features 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a gorgeous kitchen with handcrafted wood countertops, farmhouse sink, custom-built cabinets along with an Electrolux gas range with creative cabinetry.You’ll find stunning and rare trim and tile work throughout. The homeowner/ builder took no shortcuts while building this beautiful home. MLS# 23-2672

Donna Cote REALTOR®

Cell 907-242-6957

Email donnacoterealtor@gmail.com

Web https://donnacoterealtor.com

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

Proud supporter of the Wasilla Senior Center and their Meals on Wheels program

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Kirsten Forbess NMLS #203706 907-841-5951

Rebecca Scott NMLS #1216459 907-232-0173

Tammy Hull NMLS #203533 907-841-2354

Mandi Stone-Mercer NMLS #1676665 907-715-9579

VALDEZ

CHITINA

Own your own private estate! Property features beautiful views, lots of wildlife, your own lake, over-sized garage, spa building complete with pool, jacuzzi, and steam room. Close to great fishing and hunting. Gourmet kitchen, rock fireplace, and covered decks.

Finish your way! This log home features awesome views of the mountains, river, Trout Lake, and of downtown Chitina! Home has a DEC approved well and septic, for a possible 3 bedroom, 2 bath house. Has a full usable basement.

PRICE REDUCED!

4 bedrooms + 1 additional room that is an office but could be a legal bedroom if a larger window were installed. 3-1/2 Bathrooms! New carpet, porcelain tile and laminate flooring throughout, brand new kitchen with quartz & butcher block counter tops. Very open floor plan. New Anderson clad exterior doors & upgraded windows, fresh paint, 2 wood stoves that can heat the entire house, a fabulous attic for storage/ hobby room. It could be opened up with a staircase!

Beautiful custom home with private runway on 84.89 acres! Features new stainless appliances, custom redwood countertops, outdoor sauna house, dog kennels, kennel work shop, shooting range, several ponds. Space for gardens. Owner finance available at low rate. Updated plumbing and furnace.

PALMER

WASILLA

MLS # 22-13400 • $1,650,000

MLS # 23-857 • $1,600,000

MLS #22-10104 • $640,000

MLS #22-5670 • $175,000