January 2017 Southeast Alaska Home & Real Estate Guide

A PUBLICATION OF CAPITAL CITY WEEKLY | JUNEAU EMPIRE

SOUTHEAST ALASKA

JANUARY 2017

ON THE COVER

4423 TEEL COURT OFFERED BY POWELL REALTY SEE INSIDE FRONT COVER

TABLE OF CONTENTS On the cover: Photo by Hadassah Nelson 2 Powell Realty 3 Southeast Alaska Real Estate 4 Ricker Real Estate Consulting AlaskaUSA Mortgage: Minerva Carandang RE/MAX: JoAnn Birt 6 Residential Mortgage 8 True North Federal Credit Union 9 Southeast Alaska Real Estate: Karen Wright 10 Coldwell Banker: Gwendolyn Place Valley Auto Parts 13 First Bank Mortgage 15 Exit Realty AlaskaUSA Mortgage 16 Southeast Alaska Real Estate

The Southeast Alaska Home & Real Estate Guide is a publication of Capital City Weekly and Juneau Empire, divisions of Morris Communications www.capitalcityweekly.com www.juneauempire.com 3100 Channel Drive Juneau, AK 99801 Capital City Weekly: 907-523-2250 Fax 907-789-9097 Juneau Empire: 907-586-3740

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TRY THIS ON THE GRILL

SCORE BIG WITH GUESTS AT YOUR SUPER BOWL PARTY Try these chicken wings during the big game, or any other time. Broilkingbbq.com offers a wide variety of recipes, tips, and tricks for everyone from the novice griller to the die-hard outdoor chef. The barbecue chefs at Broil King have developed this recipe for delicious grilled wings.

Grilled Chicken Wings with Roquefort Dip Serves 6-8 people 3 lbs. chicken wings, cleaned and trimmed. Select wings of roughly equal size for evenness of cooking.

Ingredients Marinade: 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, minced 6

January 2017

TRENDING

RETIRE AN OWNER QUESTION:

My parents will be retiring in a few years. They currently have jobs so monthly mortgage payments are easy to handle, however once they retire that income will go away. Do many people at retirement age still have mortgages? What are the pros and cons of paying off such debt before retiring?

ANSWER:

According to a 2014 study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), among those “age 65 and older, the percentage carrying mortgage debt increased from 22 percent to 30 percent from 2001 to 2011.

Among those aged 75 and older, the rate more than doubled during that same time period, from 8.4 percent to 21.2 percent.”

Not only do more people over the age of 65 have outstanding mortgage balances, they owe more than in the past. “From 2001 to 2011, said the study, “the median amount older homeowners owed on mortgages increased 82 percent, from approximately $43,400 to $79,000.”

The typical Social Security payment was $1,238 in August and, according to the Social Security Administration, “most financial advisors say you’ll need about 70 percent of your pre-retirement earnings to comfortably maintain your pre-retirement standard of living. If you have average earnings, your Social Security retirement benefits will replace only about 40 percent.”

1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Blue Cheese Dip 1/2 cup Mayonnaise 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon onion, grated 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled Directions Preheat the barbecue on high.

Cut each wing at the joint to make two pieces, and discard wing tip if still attached. In a large re-sealable bag, whisk together vegetable oil, garlic, spices and vinegar. Add chicken wings and toss to coat.

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In other words, there’s a 30-percent gap between Social Security payments and what you need to comfortably retire. Of course, if you don’t have a monthly mortgage payment, then monthly retirement income needs can decline significantly.

The traditional idea has been to own a home debt-free by retirement age.

For most, income declines in retirement and it’s best to have lower monthly costs. With the mortgage paid off, monthly costs include only insurance and property taxes. In some jurisdictions there are additional property tax reductions for qualified owners age 65 and older.

If you can get financing at today’s low rates, it might seem best to have a mortgage. The money that would have gone to paying off the debt can – it is claimed – be used instead to earn a higher return elsewhere or to pay off expensive debt such as credit cards. However, with less income keeping a mortgage is not comfortable for many seniors, getting a better return elsewhere is not a sure bet, and paying off credit cards does not mean they will stay paid off.

The result is that a debt-free house is a cherished goal for many homeowners. For details and specifics speak with a fee-only financial planner, visit the Pension Rights Center or contact the free Pension Counseling and Information Projects available in many states. © CTW Features

If using rotisserie basket, spray or brush lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place chicken wings on bottom of basket, cover with the top part, and fasten on tightest setting to secure the wings in place. Cooking grids will need to be removed, and a drip pan placed beneath. If using rear rotisserie burner, set to high. If using lower burners, set to medium. Place the basket on spit and in the rotisserie and start the motor. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 45 minutes to an hour.

If cooking directly on well oiled cooking grids, turn heat to low, and cook, turning frequently until golden brown and crisp, 30 - 45 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that all wings are cooked through and ready to eat.

Stir together all the dip ingredients. May be made ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve with chicken wings, celery and carrots.

More information on grilling and great recipe ideas is available at www.broilkingbbq.com.

7

What to Consider Before Buying a Vacation Home

Americans purchased 1.13 million vacation homes last year–resulting in 21% of all U.S. home sales, according to a National Association of Realtors® study.

Whether your dream is to build a cottage in the woods or purchase a condo on the golf course, True North Federal Credit Union can help with a second mortgage.

Going into the venture involves a balance or personal and financial decisions.

Here’s what to consider according to More Within Reach Magazine: Think ahead – Ask yourself some questions.

Will you have visitors and if so, will you have the room to accommodate them?

Is this a retirement home

or an investment? If you’ll be staying at your second home for several months at a time, how will you handle health care and other essentials?

One thing you won’t have to worry about is conducting business with True North Federal Credit Union. Our online banking system and shared branching opportunities can make being miles away from your regular home invisible.

Consider more than purchase price and monthly payments – When you’re purchasing a second home, it’s important that you factor in other considerations in addition to purchase price and monthly payment. Maintenance costs can add up quickly. Ask yourself if you want a fixer-upper or if you want something that will take less time and money to maintain. Also take into account other costs such as electricity and transportation costs going between your two homes.

Conventional, FHA, VA and 3/3 ARM Loans AHFC First-time Homebuyer and other programs Native American Home Loans – HUD 184 Easy To Apply Online! TrueNorthFCU.org Mortgage Department: 2777 Postal Way, Juneau AK Brenda Heimbuch NMLS# 716653 523-4702 • bheimbuch@truenorthfcu.org Federally Insured

by NCUA

8

Sheri Vidic Mtg Mgr NMLS# 487739 523-4705 • svidic@truenorthfcu.org True North FCU NMLS# 440100

January 2017

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93.8 Percentage of the list price for which the average residence sold in 2016, a decrease from 94.4 percent in 2015 Source: Redfin

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WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SOUTHEAST ALASKA? Send us your photos of Alaska for a chance to be published in the Southeast Alaska Real Estate Guide.

Send images to matthew.wilkinson@morris.com and include “Real Estate Guide” in the subject line.

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January 2017

THE HOUSING MARKET

BY JESSE DARLAND The real estate market will see a huge increase in first-time homebuyers in 2017, according to Realtor.com’s Active Home Shopper Report.

Based on a survey of users of the website in September 2016, the new report took a look at the responses of shoppers that plan to purchase a home in spring or summer 2017. The survey found a higher demand for suburban homes and growing concern among homebuyers regarding affordability and mortgage qualification.

More than half (52 percent) of prospective homebuyers are expected to be first-time shoppers in 2017, according to the survey. For comparison, in 2016 only 33 percent were first-time homebuyers.

Millennials are the largest growing age group, with 33 percent of potential buyers under age 35. For many millennials, life changes such as getting married, moving in with a partner or planning to increase family size are deciding factors.

“This represents an ‘oh shift’ moment in

housing,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for Realtor.com. “With so many first time buyers in the market, competition will be even fiercer next year for affordable starter homes in the suburbs. Those looking to buy may want to consider a winter home purchase in order to avoid bidding wars and higher prices spurred by a potential increase in millennial buyers.”

The younger demographic shift in the age of homebuyers brings with it a change in the largest barrier to home ownership.

The report expects that affordability will replace low inventory as the biggest concern holding back the real estate market. While 2016’s survey showed that 40 percent of shoppers believed low housing

inventory was their biggest barrier, this new survey shows, instead, that 37 percent reported gathering funds for a down payment is their biggest obstacle. In addition, 30 percent stated their problem was finding homes within their budget.

As first-timers are looking to address the needs of their families, it’s no wonder safety, more living space and large yards were top features desired in a new home.

Privacy is another desire. About 2 in 5 millennial shoppers (39 percent) showed a strong preference for single-family homes, while 34 percent listed townhomes as their top choice. Half of all respondents stated that they prefer suburban homes. © CTW Features

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RISE OF THE

REAL ESTATE ROOKIE FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS ARE PURCHASING IN GREATER NUMBERS — HERE’S WHY

BY ERIK J. MARTIN There’s a first time for everything in life: your first day at school, first kiss, first car, first job and – eventually – first home. Now, more Americans are choosing to take that initial step into homeownership in a rising trend that’s got the real estate pros sitting up and taking notice.

Per the results of the National Association of Realtors recently published annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers survey, the share of sales to first-time home purchasers increased to 35 percent in 2016, up from 32 percent observed last year (marking a 30-year low) and the highest since 2013 (38 percent); 67 percent of first-time buyer respondents indicated that the main reason for their purchase was a desire to own a residence of their own.

Mike Pappas, CEO/president of The Keyes Company in Miami, isn’t necessarily surprised by these findings.

“The economy continues to improve with more jobs and low interest rates. First-time home buyers are realizing the benefits of homeownership, and we believe the share of sales to these first-time home purchasers will continue to rise over the coming years,” says Pappas, who notes that 61 percent of first-time purchaser transactions involved consumers younger than 35 years old, according to the aforementioned report. “Consider that there are now 80 million millennials who are in their prime homebuying years, and marriage rates are rising, which is a strong impetus for homeownership.”

Additionally, rental rates are proving unaffordable in many markets.

“It is more affordable to buy in certain areas than it is to rent, and for many, buying offers an opportunity to move up into something physically nicer than their rental and with a lower monthly payment,” says Justin Udy, lead 12

agent with Justin Udy & Team Real Estate in Salt Lake City.

Amber Dolle, realtor with Sherman Oaks, Calif.-based John Aaroe Group, expects the rookie buyer purchasing trend will continue until market factors change the equation.

“The increase of first-time buyers will be directly influenced by job stability, economic growth in the market, and mortgage rate staying low. If those things continue, then so will the rise of first-time buyers,” says Dolle.

Sean Zweifel, broker in Denver with Modus Real Estate, forecasts a slowdown in this trend if and when interest rates creep up.

“I’m thinking they will go up a little bit just based on the fact that the Fed at some point will have to raise rates,” Zweifel says. “The newly elected president made his money in real estate, however, so maybe that can play a factor in helping the market for first-time buyers in the next few years.”

Meanwhile, if you are considering a firsttime purchase, there are several steps you can take now to better position yourself on the path to ownership.

“Monitor your credit closely, work to

increase your credit score, pay your bills on time, save for a sufficient down payment, avoid any major financial purchases when you’re in the process of buying, and talk to a good mortgage professional who can really guide you,” Zweifel says.

That last tip is especially important, Pappas says.

“A loan officer can get you prequalified and give you confidence to move forward,” Pappas says. “Also, see if you qualify for conventional loans that only require a 3 percent down payment, or an FHA loan that only requires 3.5 percent down, or even a VA loan that requires no down payment.”

Lastly, remember that the early bird gets the worm.

“The market and interest rates will change.

Take advantage of the trends and get into something that provides you an opportunity,” Udy says. “Keep in mind that this is a longterm play, not a short-term one. You need to live somewhere – why not make it your own?” © CTW Features

January 2017

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CAPITAL CITY WEEKLY IS IN MORE SOUTHEAST ALASKA COMMUNITIES THAN ANY OTHER PAPER ANGOON Angoon Trading Angoon Health Center CRAIG A C Thompson House Annie Betty’s Bakery Cafe JS True Value NAPA Automotive Papa’s Pizza Shaub Ellison The Bread Box The Craig Public Library The Waffle House Tyler Rentals Whale Tale Pharmacy Zat’s Pizza DOUGLAS Breeze In Douglas Café Douglas Library ERA Helicopter Island Pub Mike Hatch Jeep SERRC (Cedar Park) Tanner Marine Service Center EDNA BAY Delivered to 27 Residents ELFIN COVE Delivered to 25 Residents GUSTAVUS Delivered to 240 Residents HAINES AK Sport Alaska Seaplanes Alaskan Liquor Alaska Marine Highway American Legion Big Foot Auto Canal Marine Captains Choice Chilkat Restaurant E & D / Radio Shack Eagles Nest Ferry Terminal Fogcutter Bar Haines Assisted Living Haines Quick Shop Haisler Hardware Halsingland Hotel

Harbor Bar Home Builders Howsers Moose Laundry Pioneer Bar Tesoro Gas The Hair Shop Visitors Center Wings of Alaska HOONAH Alaska Seaplanes Colette’s Cupboard Harbor Master Hoonah Cold Storage Hoonah Liquor Store Hoonah Medical Center Hoonah Senior Center Hoonah Trading Co. Huna Outfitters Icy Straight Lodge Misty Bar Lounge Office Bar Salvation Army Thrift Store Tideland Tackle HAWK INLET Delivered to 25 Residents HYDER Delivered to 145 Residents JUNEAU 1st Bank - 2 locations Action Appliance Airport Mall Alaska Cache Liquor Alaskan Hotel Alaska Job Service Alaska Marine Highway ANB Hall Arctic Chiropractic Asianna Gardens Aspen Hotel Auke Bay Harbor Master Bartlett Regional Hospital Bergman Hotel Best Western - 2 locations Bill Ray Center Blue Jeans Café Breakwater Hotel Breeze In - 3 locations

Bridge Adult Day Care Bullwinkle’s Pizza - 2 locations Cancer Center Care-A-Van CBJ Info Chamber of Commerce Chan’s Thai Kitchen Coldwell Banker Custom Cuts DeHart’s Denali Credit Union Don Abel Building Supplies Donna’s Restaurant Dragon Inn Driftwood Duck Creek Market El Zarape Emporium Mall Exit Realty Extended Stay Hotel Family Health & Birth Center Family Health Care Family Practice Physicians Fireweed Senior Center Foodland IGA Foreign Auto Fred Meyer Frontier Suites Gas-N-Go Gastineau Humane Society GCI - 2 locations Glacier Pediatrics GonZo Gruening Park Admin. Off. Harri Plumbing & Heating Heritage Coffee - 6 locations Home Liquor & Deli Honda Hut Hot Bite J&J Deli Jordan Creek Center Juneau Assembly Building Juneau Arts & Humanities Juneau Bowling Center Juneau Courier Service Juneau Foot & Ankle Juneau Hotel Juneau Airport - in 4 locations Juneau Library

Juneau Pizza Juneau Senior Center Juneau Urgent Care K-Plaza Canton House Kenny’s Liquor Lemon Creek Liquor Les Schaub Tires Little Hong Kong Marine View Bldg.

McDonalds McDowell Group Mendenhall Apartments Mendenhall Mall - in 3 locations Merchant’s Wharf Mi Casa Miner’s Mercantile Moose Lodge Nugget Mall Papa Murphy’s Petco Pioneer Home Powell Realty Prospector Hotel Rainbow Foods Rainy Day Books Rayco Sales Re/Max Rejuvinations Reliable Transfer Safeway - in 2 locations Sandbar Grill Sandpiper Restaurant SEARCH Clinic Senate Building SERRC Shattuck and Grummet Silverbow Bagel Southeast Foot and Ankle Southeast Furniture Southeast Mining Supply St. Vincent de Paul State Farm - 3 locations Super Bear Swampy Acres Temsco Tesoro The Canvas The Rookery Cafe

The Viking Tlingit Haida Bldg.

Tram Travelodge True North FCU - 3 locations Tyler Rental UAS Library UAS Mourant Building University Book Store Valley Lumber Valley Medical Valley Paint Valley Restaurant Washboard Laundry Western Auto Wildflower Court Wingnut Auto Salon Wings of Alaska World Wide Movers KAKE Delivered to 220 Residents KETCHIKAN 1st Bank - 3 locations Alaska Job Service Alaska Public Assistance Office Alaska & Proud Ketchikan Alaska Marine Highway Cape Fox Lodge Cape Fox Mall Community Connections Highliner Laundromat Ketchikan Indian Community Madison Lumber Newtown Liquor Pacific Airways Peacehealth Ketchikan Clinic Pioneer Home Plaza Mall Promech Air Red Anchor Café Safeway Food & Drug Taquan Air Tatsudas Grocery The Landing Tongass Federal Credit Union Tongass Substance Screening UAS - in 2 locations

KLAWOCK Black Bear Klawock Market Klawock Liquor Store Island Air METLAKATLA Annette Island School District Metlakatla Community Council PELICAN Delivered to 125 Residents PETERSBURG Alaska Airlines Alaska Marine Highway Coastal Cold Storage Glacier Laundry Hammer & Wikan Hammers Hardware Hammers Marine Joan-Mei Petersburg Motors Rexall Drug Rockys Marine Scandia House SE Island Fuel Tides Inn Trading Union USFS Office Wings of Alaska POINT BAKER Delivered to 40 Residents SITKA Agave Restaurant CFC City Building Ernie’s Old Time Saloon Gary’s Outboard Repair Hair Loft Harrigan Centennial Hall Lakeside Mall Lyles Market Center McDonald’s Murry’s Pacific NAPA Petro Marine Pioneer Bar Ready Mix Rentals SEARHC

Sea Mart Sitka Airport Sitka Pioneer Home SMC Contractors Spenard Builders Subway Super 8 The Back Door Cafe Tongass Threads Totem Square Westmark SKAGWAY AB Hall Alaska Liquor Alaska Marine Highway Dahl Memorial Clinic Fairway Market Ferry Terminal Garden City Glacier Smoothies Library Mile Zero National Parks Service Petro Marine Sergeant Preston’s Lodge Services Unlimited Skagway Pizza Station Skagway Rec Center Sweet Tooth Westmark Whitehouse Wings of Alaska You Say Tomato SNETTISHAM Delivered to 10 Residents TENAKEE Don Pegues THORNE BAY Thorne Bay Market WRANGELL Bob’s IGA City Market Raymes Stikine Inn Zak’s Café YAKUTAT Delivered to 400 Residents

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