Homes & Real Estate - Fall 2010

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Look In side . . .

Homes & Real Estate Fall 2010

new s m i ner . c o m

for articles from LOCAL Realtors, Mortgage Lenders, Your Service Industry & More!

PLUS Real Estate Crossword Puzzle!

Issue lasts September 2010 through March 2011!

Hillside Property with Mountain Views!

Only $329,900!

2635 Borealis Drive Crown Real Estate AK, Inc. MLS #114507

Enjoy Mountain and wilderness views from every level! Located on a private 2.86 Acres!

Just 20 minutes to UAF or Ft.WW! Built in 1995 by 321 Construction!

New Burnham furnace installed in 2004 with Tekmar Control System. Spacious Master Suite, Family Room, Beautiful wrap around deck.

Watch the Northern Lights from your living room through the oversized windows. Located in a full service area for fire and ambulance.

When You’re Ready to Buy or Sell, CALL GINGER 907-452-8000 www.GingerOrem.com

1167 Park Drive

1236 Still Valley Road

$259,900 Beautiful Log Home in Family Neighborhood!

Kelli Powers Heather Lambert 322-1998 460-6470 www.kellipowers.com heatherlambert@gci.net

• Extremely Energy Efficient • 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath, 2 Car Garage • Kitchen Remodeled With Hickory Cabinets & Flooring • 18,700 sq. ft. Lot

Grace Minder Realty, Inc. Your Hometown Realtor

office: 479-8000

fax: (888) 863-5851 • grace.minder@acsalaska.net

Right on the Runway!

• Custom Built Home • Tile, Radiant Heat • Tongue & Groove • Over 900 sq. ft. Garage/Shop!

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• Beautiful ranch on 1.13 acres in country setting • Paved roads and paved driveway • 3 car garage for all your toys • Open floor plan with 9 ft. ceilings breakfast nook • Formal dining area, great master suite, 3/2/3

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Double sinks and huge closet • Super-efficient LED light bulbs throughout (made to last 15 years) • Beautiful and a must-see! Priced to sell!

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Grace Minder, Broker cell: 378-8934

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2

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

QUICK REFERENCE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ALASKA GREAT LAND REALTY Gerrie Duffy, Broker www.AKGLR.com page 23 CHRIS CALHOON REAL ESTATE 456-3401 www.buyers-brokerage.com page 22

CROWN REAL ESTATE AK., INC. Ginger Orem, Broker 452-8000 www.GingerOrem.com page 1, 23 EMC REALTY Eileen Cummings, Broker 374-6856 www.emcrealtyinc.com page 11 FORTUNE PROPERTIES Janet Shafer, Broker 456-4725 fortune@polarnet.com page 17

CENTURY 21 452-2100 www.Century21GoldRush.com page 36 GREATER FAIRBANKS BOARD OF REALTORS COLDWELL BANKER GOLD 452-7743 COUNTRY www.gfbr.org 456-4653 page 11 www.cbgoldcountry.com page 18-19 INTERIOR ALASKA REALTY COLDWELL BANKER GOLD Bruce Wammack, Broker COUNTRY 455-9550 Butch Currier, Realtor www.interiorrealty.com 590-2853 page 23 www.ButchSellsAlaskaHomes. com JOYCE SPENCER REALTY page 13, 18-19 388-4412 www.joycespencer.com page 9

LOOK WITH LORI, INC. Lori Price, Broker 455-7244 www.LookwithLori.com page 23 MADDEN REAL ESTATE 452-3000 www.wesmadden.com page 3 MONICA DALLAS REALTY 388-4987 MonicaDallas@msn.com www.MonicaDallas.com page 7 ROBERT FOX REALTY Christina Ashton, Broker 456-8000 www.alaska-land.com page 15 SOMERS AND ASSOCIATES 456-7653 www.somersandassociates.net page 2 STEPOVICH REALTY 378-4646 www.stepovichrealty.com page 23

BUILDERS SUMMIT ALASKA CONSTRUCTION General Contracting 457-1970 page 32

BUILDING SUPPLY DONNYBROOK Kitchens, Cabinets, Countertops 479-2202 page 12 KLONDIKE DOOR SERVICE Commercial and Residential 457-7221 page 4

Karen Conver

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS SPIRIT OF ALASKA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 459-5974 page 27

INSURANCE ALLSTATE Terri Wolters 456-1264 page 4 STATE FARM page 33

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REALTORS & BROKERS

E ATRD T ES O L SW 33 A S e RE RO pag C

Put your most valued Possession in the Hands of The Proven Real Estate Professionals.

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www.somersandassociates.net

Make moving an easier experience

By KAREN CONOVER Selling and/or buying a home can be a stressful time in one’s life. The difficult task of moving everything you own often adds to that stress. As you guide your clients through the sale and purchase of their house, here are a few reminders you can share with them to aid that process.

Professional estimates are highly recommended. They are free of charge, we recommend having an estimate done as early in your relocation process as possible. This service is designed to give the shipper an idea of the possible financial costs of having an experienced team of movers pack and transport their belongings, as well as insuring that things go as smoothly as possible on moving day.

Most people build up quite a collection of unwanted junk over the years. Why pay to have something shipped that you don’t plan on keeping or have any use for? Now is a good time to eliminate unnecessary expense and inconvenience by having a garage sale in an attempt to rid yourself of surplus items.

If you don’t want or need professional packing services and intend to do it yourself, Please see MOVING, Page 4

3

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Alaska’s #1 Real Estate Team working together to achieve your Real Estate Goals!

Wes Madden Owner/Broker

Jewel Addison Buyer Specialist

Jenn Shipman Director of First Impressions

Stacy Risner

Charles “Chick” Wallace

Director of Operations/ Associate Broker

Associate Broker

Christina Barron

Elizabeth Found

Buyer Specialist

Buyer Specialist

Ashlee Whitworth

Randi Britschgi

Director of First Impressions

Transaction Coordinator

Cullen Wallace Joel Johnson

Cindy Shore

Desiree Caywood

Commercial Specialist/ Associate Broker

Listing Specialist/ Associate Broker

Buyer Specialist/ Associate Broker

Mike Maynard

Brandon Phillips

Charlie Rogers

Buyer Specialist

Listing Specialist

Buyer Specialist

Buyer Specialist

Casandra Courtillet Transaction Coordinator

View thousands of listings at www.WesMadden.com!

Jeri Snyder

Listing Coordinator/ Property Manager

Harry Schikora Buyer Specialist

Terri Vincent

Thurston Gray

Marketing Manager

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4

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Signs of the times in the housing market MOVING

By HEATHER LAMBERT

our housing market, and also says a lot about how we arrived at this crisis to begin These days, most Realtors with. are accustomed to a myriad of America likes everything sales that used to be somewhat as big, shiny and fast as it can unusual. be. Where else in the universe “Fixer-upper” seems to could you buy an inflatable have slipped its way into the barbecue, you know, so that descriptions that used to read you can grill while you swim. “like-new” or “totally renoAnd hey, why not, right? vated.” We see a lot of foreI have to admit that I really closures, unfinished homes, don’t have a fundamental flooded homes, moldy homes, problem with that. If you want sinking homes, abandoned to go to work, make some homes and the like these days. money, purchase an inflatBut even after wading my way able grill, and cook up a few through a few years of listings T-bones while you perfect your in less-than-ideal condition, Heather Lambert breaststroke, have at it. This I was still impressed to learn profession and construction is, after all, the home of the that the largest home for sale free. But perhaps the time has in America has almost 100,000 project were all hit particucome to exercise our freedom square feet, a baseball field, 23 larly hard by the economic bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, three downturn. Timeshare sales fell in a more reasonable way. sharply in 2008 and have yet The pursuit of happiness has pools, 10 kitchens, a wine celto make much progress toward become for many citizens the lar, more than a mile of prisrecovery. pursuit for things they do not tine private shoreline and the As a consequence, someneed and cannot afford; a purarchitecture was modeled after where on a lake in Florida is suit of luxury in a dangerous the grand 17th-Century resian enormous abandoned man- extreme. Maybe the average dence of King Louis XIV. Oh sion available at an incredible middle American family can’t — and it’s unfinished. As-is, afford to own a little slice of where-is. A, ahem, fixer-upper. discount. And in my estimaThe home is the brainchild tion, it is more than just a good heaven in the form of a timedeal. It is a perfect symbol for share. Maybe they can just call of a Florida-based timeshare the current dark underbelly of tycoon whose homes state,

“The Door Store” RS VE RA T KE MI

Heather Lambert is a Realtor for Somers and Associates and has been heard on KIAK FM. Contact Heather at 456-7653 for more information.

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Call

DR. DOOR

457-7221 Fax: 457-7211 2626 Phillips Field Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99709 Bonded & Insured Lic #23550

www.Klondikedoor.com

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R O K O D LO

Continued from Page 2

it good at the inflatable barbecue and try to find the vacation of their dreams in their own back yards. And maybe 90,000 square feet homes in the style of 17th century kings are only appropriate quarters for, well, 17th century kings.

I believe that the economy will recover — that it is recovering as we speak. I think that the $75 million fixer-upper will sell and go on to be finished. But I also think that it would do most folks a lot of good to take the lessons from this recession and hold on to them, and so I will return to the premise with some buyer advice: Buy a home you can afford. Finance your dreams on hard work, not debt. Recognize that quality differs from quantity, and that there is a lot more time to enjoy life when you get to stop stressing out about how to pay the impossible bills.

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• Maytag • Speed Queen • Amana NEW & • Crosley USED • Estate Sales • Service • Parts

new and used boxes are available that are specifically made for moving various household items. Please use quality moving boxes, we do not recommend grocery or liquor store boxes.

If you opt to have a professional estimate done, feel free to request referrals during the assessment. There is no obligation, and the assurance that the company you choose will give you exceptional service is important. An experienced and conscientious team of professionals will provide you with the peace of mind that your possessions are in good hands.

Be sure to request a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” This is a publication intended to assist the consumer in fully understanding what is required of them and afford them an awareness of their rights, as well. Being informed is always an advantage.

It is essential that you are fully aware of the extent of your moving company’s liability for loss and damage.

Although the movers may do everything in their power to take the utmost care with your items, occasionally mishaps occur. Once again, being informed and protected in the unlikely event you will need to repair or replace something is your best bet.

Know that each time your shipment is weighed you have the right to be present. You are also authorized to request a reweigh of your shipment.

This is of significance in view of the fact that most charges are based on weight.

A moving consultant will review all of these tips and further instruct the customer at the time of the estimate. If you would like additional printed material is available at Sourdough Transfer.

Karen Conover is a fourth generation Alaskan and part owner of Sourdough Express. She began working at Sourdough Express in 1993 as a sales person. Karen is vice president of sales and marketing and in addition to those responsibilities she assists in managing the daily household moving operations in their Fairbanks and Anchorage offices as well as providing moving consultations to clients.

5

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Paid Advertising Content

WOOD HEAT ... bringing the Alaskan lifestyle home.

The Woodway would like to thank the Fairbanks, North Pole and surrounding communities for their continued loyalty over the last 32 years. The community has continued to grow and change over the past few decades, and The Woodway has striven to adapt, improve and diversify to meet our customer’s needs.

In the last few years there have been all sorts of stores opening and closing that have sold different types of heating appliances. The Woodway welcomes competition as it helps us to assess what we do more critically and enables us to offer the community even more.

This last year has offered us the opportunity to help people take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit which enables a homeowner the ability to save up to $1500.00 on a qualifying wood or pellet stove. On top of this, the Borough is spearheading a Woodstove Changeout Program by incentivizing eligible residents to upgrade their older woodstoves to cleaner burning appliances. These newer stoves not only assist in cleaning up our air, these units also help people to burn up to a third less firewood than their older stoves did. (For more information on the Borough program, please call 459-1312).

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Another exciting opportunity that has made its way to Fairbanks is the opening of a local pellet mill. The mill enables The Woodway to offer appliances that use a locally made, renewable fuel as an economical alternative way to heat their homes. We are excited to introduce the Enviro pellet stoves that are not only extremely quiet, but they have the ability to burn lower grade pellets which cost less, allowing people to save even more money on their heating bills.

The Woodway small engine shop has expanded to cover everything from lawn mowers and chainsaws to ice augers and snow blowers, and with an average turn around time of 3 days, we service what we sell!

Don’t forget The Woodway also has local pottery and art that is displayed throughout the year and new artists are featured along with refreshments throughout the winter months on First Fridays. We also offer our “Light the Fire” classes free of charge on Saturday mornings where folks can come in and ask questions and learn how to start a fire properly and operate their stove as efficiently as they can.

The Woodway would again like to thank the community for its trust over the years and look forward to keeping interior Alaska warm for many winters to come.

6

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Work with a pro to sell you home now Creators.com

By SHARON NAYLOR Creators.com You’ve seen home staging done to artistic brilliance on various HGTV programs, and if you’re putting your home on the market, you could boost your home’s sale odds and profits by working with a professional home stager. What is home staging? It’s a home “makeover” that presents your home in an improved light, making it more attractive to potential buyers. An expert stager reviews each room of your house and organizes some “tweaks” to create a more professional look, a softer feel and sometimes a redesign of your furniture placement and a paring-down of your home’s décor in a manner that allows buyers to envision themselves living there.

Home staging is now considered a must. According to the real estate guide HomeGain, professional staging priced at $300 to $400 can increase your home’s value and price by $1,500 to $2,000, a whopping 586 percent return on your investment.

“Making the investment of staging in your home is far

Home staging is “makeover” that presents your home in an improved light, making it more attractive to potential buyers. An expert stager reviews each room of your house and organizes some “tweaks” to create a more professional look.

an ASP stager designation.

ASP stagers have the utmost training and experience and, most importantly, associationrequired insurance coverage and legal contracts to make sure the job gets done correctly and in your best interest. A friend who fancies herself a good interior decorator will not Finding a home stager deliver the same expertise as a It’s essential to locate, inter- stager, so be sure to find a cerview and hire a certified home tified expert through a repustaging professional who bears table home stagers association, such as IAHSP. “Be sure to interview at Crane Services and Consulting least two different staging professionals,” Schwarz suggests, “because it’s important to find one with the right kind of Oilfield-Industrial-Maritime Consulting experience and the right personality to work closely with Pre job planning • On site crane & rigging management you. A stager’s communication Certified crane inspection • Crane maintenance Programs style is going to factor greatly Post accident investigation into the success of your goals.”

For instance, a stager with Certified Crane Operators & Riggers a too-direct personality may 907-590-0052 • 907-299-4969 insult you inadvertently with a kodiak1@acsalaska.net less expensive than a price reduction on your home that would happen without staging,” says Barb Schwarz, the creator of Home Staging and the president and founder of StagedHomes.com and the International Association of Home Staging Professionals.

Alaska Special Crane Services Inc.

blunt mention that your house smells like cats. Selling your home is a deeply emotional process, and a professional with the right kind of sensitivity is going to lead you better through the process.

Your potential stagers will come in and meet with you, look through your home and leave portfolios of their work.

Schwarz says each portfolio is the true measure of what the stager could accomplish for you, so judge also by the “before and after” proof of talent.

The next stage is getting referrals. When choosing your expert stager, consider the feedback, but ultimately trust your gut.

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Working well with your stager Schwarz says: “To work well with your stager, you

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News-Miner Classifieds

have to be able to cut your emotional ties to your home.

Mentally, you need to accept that your home is now becoming a product through the adjustments the stager will make and recommend.” The changes suggested are not meant to injure you; they’re essential steps to improving the marketability and asking price for your home. “You’re earning yourself money by putting away your collectibles and photos and earning yourself money by keeping it that way.”

By removing personal effects, clearing away the kids’ artwork and keeping your home clean during the entire time it’s on the market, you’re improving your odds of a stronger sale. You never know when a potential buyer will arrive, so your best strategy is to keep up with the changes suggested and enacted by your stager. And keep your kids motivated to do the same, with stricter chores and room-cleaning schedules.

“You’re setting a stage,” says Schwarz, who is also theater-trained. “So set your lights on a timer; have soothing music loaded and ready to play; and consider each act of transforming your home into a setting to be an investment in your home sale profits.”

What does this cost?

Prices for home staging services vary depending upon where you live, but Schwarz says you could arrange for a $250 to $800 professional staging assessment and a 35to 55-page report of changes you could make to your home.

Or you could spend several hundred dollars (some spend $1,800), including the prices of some furniture and décor rentals, for the stager to be fully involved.

Think about that 586 percent return on investment as you consider your options, and talk to your accountant about whether the cost of home staging ultimately would become a sanctioned tax write-off.

7

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Fragrances can awaken a home

By KIM COOK For The Associated Press You may have sensed, pardon the pun, that there are hundreds of new home fragrance products in stores.

The industry has sniffed out a trend: We’re spending more time at home, and we want our rooms to smell good.

“Good” might mean clean, or exotic, or even yummy. Always wanted to visit a Moroccan bazaar? Craving a spa day?

Comforted by the waft of a fresh-baked cookie? Whatever your preference, chances are there’s a spray for that. Or a luminary, plug-in or diffuser.

Among the newest products are scent “stories” that cycle through a timed series of fragrances; wooden wicks that evoke crackling fires; flameless candles; and no-spill diffusers.

According to Barbara Miller, spokeswoman for the National Candle Association, “The most notable trend is toward fragrances that transport you; that have a dreamlike or escapist quality.”

Holly Bohn, founder of online retailer See Jane Work, agrees.

“I want my house to smell like the great outdoors even if all the windows are shut and the a/c is on,” she says.

Her go-to product is Good Home Co.’s Beach Days. It’s part of a category known as the “ozones” — scents that are considered refreshing and evocative of fresh air and water. There are half a dozen versions of crisp, clean linen alone. Citrus-based scents are similar; many find them a finishing touch to a newly cleaned house. And they’ll provide a temporary freshening-up for closets or bathrooms without laying on heavy fragrance.

“Over the past couple of years, in a colder economic climate, gourmand fragrances

ry names such as Gathering Apples and Burning Leaves.

Others capture his interpretation of Russian caravans (smoky black tea and bergamot) and gardens (hyacinth, green shoots, moss).

Marie Gartshore, spokeswoman for New Jersey’s Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, says the industry is always looking at what scent chemicals might cause problems, and a fiveyear study into potential irritants is under way. So far, she said, “no fragrance material has been shown to be a definitive” allergen.

For those who prefer to go

completely natural, essential oils such as citrus, rose, lavender and others can work well as air fresheners. Mix 4 ounces of distilled water, 2 ounces of rubbing alcohol and 30 drops of essential oil (or blend fragrances such as 15 drops of orange and 15 drops of clove for a winter holiday air freshener) and put in a carefully labeled spray bottle.

Brosius once found inspiration in a favorite first-edition novel in a London bookstore, which he noted “had a marvelous warm woody smell.” Long hours of experimenting finally yielded In the Library, now part of his collection.

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and Cashmere Woods.

To avoid fragrance overload, Xe recommends “staying within the same category, whether it’s florals, fruity notes, woodsy fragrances, whatever. Don’t mix fragrances that are too different from each other.”

Not sure what you like?

Take the fragrance profile quiz on the Chesapeake Bay Candle website.

Christopher Brosius was the first artist to have fragrances showcased by the Cooper Hewitt Museum.

His 1999 concoction, “Snow,” won two Fragrance Foundation awards. His perfumes and home sprays car-

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— like vanilla and pumpkin — have become very popular,” says Mei Xe, founder of Chesapeake Bay Candles. “Generally speaking, these scents help bring back happy memories.

They make you feel safe and warm, and in these times people are longing for a sense of security.”

Pier 1 has also focused on “cozy,” with scents such as Spiced Cake and Fall Fireside.

Glade and Febreze, mass market leaders in home fragrances, recently launched an array of products in attractive containers to accent home decor; scents for fall include Cranberry Pear, Pumpkin Pie

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You may have sensed, pardon the pun, that there are hundreds of new home fragrance products in stores. The industry has sniffed out a trend: We’re spending more time at home, and we want our rooms to smell good.

8

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Military personnel eligible for special debt help

BY DAVID W. MYERS King Features DEAR MR. MYERS: My husband is in the National Guard and is on active duty in Iraq. He’s been overseas for four months, and our family’s finances are really hurting. Is it true that National Guard members qualify for special debtreduction help?

ANSWER: Yes, if certain conditions are met.

The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 caps the interest rate on home loans, credit cards and most other types of debt at 6 percent for nearly all servicemen and -women while they are on active duty.

This includes members of the National Guard and

r es e O v om H 0 10

National Reserve, as well as career military personnel.

To be eligible, the debt must have been incurred before the solider or sailor began active duty, and the military stint must affect the borrower’s ability to repay. Those aren’t difficult requirements for most guardsmen and reservists to meet, because they typically must leave a higher-paying civilian job when they are called up by Uncle Sam. Mortgages, credit cards and other debt that was taken out jointly with a non-military spouse are eligible for the interestrate cap.

For more information, visit the Defense Depart-

ment’s Armed Forces Legal Assistance Internet site at legalassistance.law. af.mil. The site even has sample letters that service personnel can send to their creditors in order to request an interestrate reduction.

Another good source of information is the site operated by the nonprofit Reserve Officers Association, www.roa.org.

DEAR MR. MYERS: What does it mean when a mortgage loan is advertised “at par”?

ANSWER: A par rate is the rate on a loan to a borrower who does not want to pay any upfront points. A point is prepaid interest, with each point being equal to 1 percent

!

of the total loan amount.

For example, one nationwide lender recently was offering 30-year loans at 4.4 percent to borrowers who were willing to pay one point in advance. The par rate for a loan that involved no points was a bit higher, at 4.72 percent.

buyers who are willing to consider a fixer upper will demand an unusually steep discount -- probably much larger than the $13,000 you would need to put the house back into mint condition.

It’s also worth noting that many homeowners mistakenly believe that selling their property as DEAR MR. MYERS: We is prevents them from are planning to put our home being sued if a buyer up for sale, but it needs moves in but then discovabout $13,000 in repairs. ers problems. In reality, Would it make sense to simit simply means that the ply sell the home at a disproperty is being sold in counted “as is” price rather its current condition and than spending the time and the seller will not vouch money to fix it up? for its soundness.

ANSWER: It probably Sellers and their agents would be better to fix up must always disclose any the place before listing it known defects, even if the for sale. home is offered on an asThere are so many is basis. You’ll be courting homes on the market now a lawsuit if you sell the that buyers can afford home without telling proto be finicky, and many spective buyers about its won’t even bother lookphysical shortcomings. ing at a property if it’s Please see MILITARY, Page 9 not in tip-top shape. Even

Thinking of Building, Buying or Remodeling ?

Homes & Real Estate

Find all the professional help you need in the Home Construction Directory

Fall 2010 newsminer.com

for articles from LOCAL Realtors, Mortgage Lenders, Your Service Industry & More!

PLUS over 100 homes for sale are showcased!

Check it out!

Northern Neighborhood newstands or

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Issue lasts September 2010 through March 2011!

find your copy on

view it online @ www.InteriorABA.com IABA

938 Aspen Street Fairbanks Alaska 99709

9

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

How to limit house emergency costs

By PHIL RINGSTAD However careful we may be around our homes, there still may be times when you face a home emergency- frozen pipes, burst pipes, furnace puff back or fire. Regardless of the cause and regardless of how the emergency may be caused- by water or smoke damage it is not only annoying, possibly life threatening but it can also cost a great deal of money.

Take some time to consider what could happen in your house. Then go through the following checklist to make sure you are prepared to prevent an emergency and to react promptly and appropriately in an emergency.

• Make sure you know where the main water valve to your home is located and that you know how to turn it off.

This will allow you to minimize the effects of any water leakage from a burst pipe.

• Periodically check for

Phil Ringstad leaks and connections for appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, icemakers and under the sink. If you notice any bulging, cracking, fraying or leaks around the hose have it replaced.

• Sinks and toilets that are slow draining may indicate a partially blocked drain that

needs cleaning, if you are on a septic system it may be an indication of frozen septic lines and should be investigated immediately. Sewage back ups are frequently the most expensive of all water restoration due to the category of water type.

• If you are leaving your house unoccupied for any length of time, find a reliable neighbor or company that can check the house regularly.

Leave the numbers of the preferred contractors you use if there are any problems.

• Have your chimney cleaned by a professional annually to prevent fires.

• Regular maintanance of you heating system by a reputable company not only reduces your heating costs but can prevent costly damages.

• Keep your house heated to a minimum of 60 degrees in winter; the temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls

themselves.

There are also sensors that you can have installed in your home which will warn you if your temperatures are too low or too high, some systems have moisture sensors as well.

These systems are fairly inexpensive and easy to install.

These are especially beneficial to people who are away from their homes frequently.

However sometimes no matter what extra precautions that have been taken, we still have customers who will have an unavoidable emergency situation.

If there is a fire exit your place immediately and call 911.

For water damages, turn off your water supply and call a plumber for plumbing repairs and a water restoration company for repairs to the affected water damage.

Most plumbing and restoration companies offer 24hr emergency service, so regardless of when you have found

the damage call for immediate response. It is important to lessen damages by beginning the drying as quickly as possible. A knowledgeable, trained company can save you thousands on secondary damages and give you the peace of mind that your home and furnishings will be restored to its “pre-damage” condition.

Fortunately most home owner insurance policies will cover these damages, so call your insurance company as soon as possible to report your loss and open a claim.

For additional recourses on preventing damages your insurance company will often have checklists on their websites of additional ways that you can prevent a disaster in your home.

Phil Ringstad, is owner of Ringstad Carpet & Restoration and a preferred Water & Smoke Loss Contractor. He’s been providing services in Fairbanks for 18 years. For more information, you may contact hime at 458-8304.

MILITARY: Tax lien might hamper attempt to refinance you home Continued from Page 8

DEAR MR. MYERS: I would like to refinance my home.

I have a lot of equity in the property, but there is also an $8,900 lien on it that was placed by the Internal Revenue Service for back taxes.

I plan to appeal the IRS ruling, but it will take a long time. Can I refinance the mortgage without paying off the lien?

ANSWER: Probably not.

Tax liens usually take priority over any other type of lien on a home, including a first mortgage.

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Essentially, the lender would earmark $8,900 of the proceeds for a check that would be sent to the IRS automatically and add the amount to the balance of your new mortgage.

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If you don’t have the cash needed to pay off the lien, you can tap your equity to have the bill paid as part of the refinancing process.

10

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Learning to use wood’s contemporary side

BY DEBBIE TRAVIS King Features Syndicate When I started talking at home shows many years ago, one of the most common questions I was asked was how to disguise the wood paneling in basements and family rooms.

Not being familiar with the thin wood or paper veneer panels they were talking about, I was quite shocked.

I was picturing solid wood paneled libraries and dining rooms, and couldn’t understand why this elegant and expensive wallcovering had fallen out of favor.

Since that time, I have brightened up miles of recroom walls with paint, and the results have been astonishingly good. I also have painted over real wood panels, if the dark wood tones were not what the homeowners wanted.

For a decade or so, wood walls were not very popular. They were felt to be rather dark and heavy, when an open, lightweight approach to decorating had become the fashion.

Today, wood is being applied to contemporary interiors in a manner that is fresh and exciting. Simplicity in style is the watchword, with the wood’s natural colors and

King Features photo

Today, wood is being applied to contemporary interiors in a manner that is fresh and exciting. Simplicity in style is the watchword, with the wood’s natural colors and distinctive graining the decorative detail. Walnut, cherry, teak and bamboo are popular choices for floors, cabinets and furnishings. distinctive graining the decorative detail. Walnut, cherry, teak and bamboo are popular choices for floors, cabinets and furnishings.

While investigating the subject of wood in today’s homes,

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welcoming family room.

Maple built-in cabinets stretch along one side of the 70-foot-long space, facing a wall of glass (windows and door). With so much wood, you might not consider utilizing any more in the furnishings, but here, wood is brought into the room on the coffee table and Eames chairs.

To balance all the hard edges on the walls, the chairs and the leather sofa have curved features and soft, inviting upholstery. A white shag carpet makes a tactile contrast to the gray slate, and the eye is drawn to other white patches — the wall above the cabinets, the throw pillow and the mat for the watercolor. Simple, white gauze drapes diffuse the light without dominating the room. To add sparkle, the pillow has tiny reflective mirror dots, and a circular mirror hangs amid the artwork on the focal wall. Water shimmers from a clear crystal vase on the table.

The mid-tone gray on the ceiling counterbalances the richness of the walls and makes a gentler contrast than the customary white ceiling. And also, any wood with amber tones, such as cherry wood, looks beautiful beside gray. The presence of black in the upholstery and furniture frames lightens the wood and makes the honey tones glow.

These are some clever ways to make the most of a room that has been enriched with wood panels.

The idea is to embrace such a predominant element and enhance the details of the wood with a simple selection of furnishings that hold equal but not opposing interest.

omes/land/commercial pro h e r o m perty see o t Check out... ? t n http://newsminerextra.com/homes/ or http://homes.newsminer.com for many more a W Realtors can contact Shawna Murray @ 459-7508 to advertise or for more information.

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listings in full color from your local Realtors & FSBOs. Also, search the Classifieds at http://classifieds.newsminer.com/. The Marketplace on the News-miner homepage features local Realtors.

Last, but not least, pick up a Sunday News-Miner to see hundreds of homes featured.

11

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Real estate terms: Know the lingo

By VICKY KATZ WHITAKER Creators.com

maintained through monthly fees.

• Co-op (cooperative): housing in which residents own shares in a housing corporation that owns the real estate. Like condo owners, co-op owners must pay monthly maintenance fees, but in addition, they must pay interest and principal on share loans.

• Deposit (or earnest money deposit): a token amount of money a potential buyer gives to the seller to show he or she is committed to buying the home.

• Listing agent: a real estate agent who represents the interests of the seller.

• PITI: an acronym (pro-

nounced like the word “pity”) for the four primary components of a monthly mortgage payment: principal, interest, taxes and insurance.

Of course, in the great house hunt, you also will find that not every term accurately describes what you find, at least according to some anonymous pundits whose tongue-in-cheek real estate classified ad descriptions can be found online. Here are a few of our own: • Country living: Five hours from absolutely everything.

• Cozy: Forget about a sofa or king-size bed.

• Executive home: Oversize, overpriced.

• Efficient kitchen: Room for you, one pot and one pan.

• Close to all amenities: Overlooks shopping center loading dock.

• Must see inside: Because the outside is a turnoff.

• Motivated sellers: Offer 20 percent less than the asking price.

• Close to transportation: Across from busy interstate; commuter rail line abuts backyard.

• Well below market: Well below sea level.

• Sunny lot: No trees, no shrubs, no landscaping.

• Priced for quick sale: Nobody else wants it.

Thank you . . . for your continued support of real estate in Fairbanks.

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or other financing as an annual rate.

• ARM (adjustable-rate Buying your first home mortgage): a mortgage can be a challenge, especially with a floating interest rate if you’re unfamiliar with real — usually adjusted annuestate and finance industry ally — based on and tied to a jargon. financial index.

Fortunately, it’s relatively • “As is”: “What you see easy to learn the meaning of is what you get.” The seller an APR, ARM, PITI or any makes no guarantees on the of the other terms your real physical condition of the estate agent may casually property and will not make drop into the conversation repairs. as you hunt for the home of • Assumable mortgage: your dreams. a seller’s mortgage loan that Aware that buying that can be taken over by the first home can be somewhat homebuyer with no change in daunting, the Federal Trade terms.

Commission has issued a • Buyer broker (or “Real Estate Marketplace buyer’s agency): a real Glossary,” an 18-page A-to-Z estate agent or agency that “talk-the-talk” guide (also represents the interest of the available online), which buyer. can take the mystery out of • Clear title: property terms commonly used in the that is free of liens, defects real estate and mortgage and other legal encumbrancmarketplace. es.

There are also a host of • Closing costs: fees online and print guides, that you will have to pay including http://www.RealEs- upfront at the “closing,” the tateWords.com, http://www. date on which the sale of the RealEstateABC.com and property is finalized and a Barron’s Dictionary of Real mortgage loan transaction is Estate Terms, which includes completed. Bring your checkdefinitions of 3,000 items in book. They may include fees great detail. for a loan origination, a title Stephanie Singer, who search, an insurance survey, keeps tabs on consumer an attorney or other things. trends and runs the National • Condo (condominiAssociation of Realtors’ Pub- um): an individually owned lic Awareness Campaign, unit in a multi-housing combelieves the terms “buyer plex in which common areas agency,” “listing agent,” — such as sidewalks, stairs, “ARM,” “as is” and “PITI” clubhouses or greenbelts are among the more common — are jointly owned and terms that confuse first-time homebuyers. “Understanding the difference between the Buying or selling a home is a BIG deal! Let me provide you terms ‘condo’ and ‘co-op’ is with my quality service and another,” she says. support. Call today! If you have Also, not every real estate questions, I'll have answers!" agent is a Realtor, she notes.

“Realtor” is a trademarked designation that only can be used by members of the National Association of Realtors, the nation’s largest trade association, represent2008 Eileen ing 1.2 million brokers, real Affiliate Cummings estate sales representatives Realtor of the Year. Real Estate Broker and others engaged in the President 1718 Kennedy St. industry. of the Fairbanks, AK 99701 Here are some terms to Greater 374-6856 Fairbanks get you started: Board of www.emcrealtyinc.com • APR (annual percenteileencummings@gci.net Realtors age rate): the cost of a loan 2010.

12

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Turning your news house into a home Establishing roots in unfamiliar soil

moved, as well as people in the moving industry.”

After interviewing more than 120 individuals — reloBy VALERIE LEMKE cation specialists, pediatriCreators.com cians, real estate agents, school counselors and transWhen Leslie Levine, her planted families — she wrote husband and their two young “Will This Place Ever Feel children were slated to move Like Home? Simple Advice from upstate New York to for Settling In After Your Illinois several years ago, Move,” a primer for the milher concerns led her to seek lions of Americans annually advice on how to ease the who find themselves transtress that often befalls an sitioning from one area to uprooted family. another.

“I discovered the logistics Moving begins with saying of moving were out there, goodbye, as well as working but not how to adjust to the out ways to maintain contact move,” she says. “As a writer with friends and family left and journalist, I needed behind, according to Levine. to talk to people who had “It’s hard work to keep in

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touch, but you don’t feel so unconnected if you do,” she says.

Share something — a photograph of the new house, a telephone call, a note; it bonds you, she says. “It’s a scary world. Staying connected gives us an anchor.”

It’s also a lot easier these days because of such innovations as e-mail, Skype and Facebook.

Children also need this feeling of connection, and in her book, Levine — who, at the time of their move, had a daughter, 8, and son, 3 — provides lots of suggestions to ease the transition for youngsters.

She had a party for her daughter just before moving. “All the children got notecards and envelopes addressed to her,” Levine says. “She had mail waiting when she arrived in her new home.”

Arrival at a strange, empty house can be especially unsettling to young children.

To start out on a positive note, Levine says, “I sent a check to our Chicago Realtor requesting she purchase a special toy dump truck and an American Girl doll and put them in the children’s respective new closets. They opened their closet doors — something kids do first in a new house — and were really excited.”

For transplanted adults, Levine advocates creating a “comfort box.” “Fill it with some of your favorite things — a beautiful mug, a framed family portrait, for example,” she says. “Bring the box with you, and open it up when you

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arrive. Put these things out on display right away. They say, ‘This is our home now.’”

Settling in and establishing new roots are also part of this difficult change.

In many cases, people who are moving are unhappy and lonesome, Levine says. “But don’t expect neighbors to come over with cookies; that time has passed. The onus is on the person who’s moved.

It’s essential for you to do your own outreach.

“One of the best places to go for information is the local library,” she says. “It’s a clearinghouse for your new community.” Talk to the librarian. Ask about groups for parents. Are there book clubs? Where should you go for groceries? How about concerts? If you volunteered at a local art gallery in your old neighborhood, ask about similar opportunities in your new town. “To reference librarians, answering such

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After interviewing more than 120 individuals — relocation specialists, pediatricians, real estate agents, school counselors and transplanted families — Leslie Levine wrote “Will This Place Ever Feel Like Home? Simple Advice for Settling In After Your Move,” a primer for the millions of Americans annually who find themselves transitioning from one area to another. questions is their oxygen,” she says.

And give yourself time.

“Connections have schedules of their own,” Levine says.

“You never know when you’ll connect. Take friendliness where you can get it. Make the effort; you won’t be lonely forever.”

The transition problems can be compounded when children are involved. Keep in mind that lots of kids don’t care about the bigger house or the better job, according to Levine. A school counselor once told her, “All they want to know is, ‘Who will sit next to me at lunch?’”

“As a parent, you need to be an advocate for your child,” Levine says. “Understand it will take a while for kids to find a group, and a parent has to be very hopeful and positive. ‘This isn’t easy,’ you might say. ‘Tell me how you’re feeling.’” Then you can add, “I wonder where the best place to get ice cream around here is. Let’s go find it.”

“Will This Place Ever Feel Like Home?” also explores the ramifications of moving late in life, moving after the death of a spouse and moving to be closer to grown children. It can be purchased on Amazon.com for $15.94 or ordered from Barnes & Noble or most independent bookstores.

13

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

The lowdown on home energy projects

By JOHN ELLISON

lation is expensive but can be more cost effective in the long run. Why add more wall Considering some energy thickness just because the improvements for your foam board is less expensive? home?

There are many options to Decreasing your energy be considered that may not use and making your home add as much thickness to the more efficient is worthwhile wall, such as Polyisocyanconsidering today’s rising urate foam. R-value (or insuenergy costs. It will also lative value) is key to saving make your home a more comenergy costs. The higher the fortable place to be, summer R-value, the higher the insuand winter. lative value of your wall. Be There are many improvecareful when comparing rigid ments to consider, such as foam products, as oftentimes adding wall and attic insulathe quoted R-value is includtion, new windows and doors, ing an air space between the foundation insulation. Do John Ellison rigid foam and the existing remember your home is a wall. In our climate an air system and energy improvespace on a exterior wall surments can have a negations, such as lights, electriface adds very little if any tive impact if not properly cal outlets, garden hose fauR-value. There are other planned out and done sensicets, vents and the electric methods of adding insulably. service. Windows and doors tion, however for the most Two important things to will need to be extended, keep in mind when consider- moved out or replaced, doors part rigid foam is the most ing an energy retrofit, are that are close to a inside cor- cost effective method than what are the most cost effec- ner will also become a issue. we know of.

Often, homeowners will tive improvements for the As will fences, decks and opt for a thicker rigid foam home’s needs and what is handrails. board to save on the product the payback on the varying Typically, we will not costs, but this is a example improvement options. install siding over foam of just how much of an In recent years we have thicker than 1-1/2 inches had requests from customwithout adding some type of improvement you get from as little as 3/4-inch of Polyers who want to add 4 to 6 furring or new wall sheathisocyanurate foam on a older inches of insulation to the ing. Long term durability is home with a 2-by-2 wall. outside of their home. While compromised when installA older home with a 2-bythis may seem like a great ing siding such as vinyl or idea at first, there is a lot to steel on a 3-inch long nail or 4 wall insulated with fiberglass would typically be conconsider. screw. sidered a R-11 wall. If that The new insulation has to There are many other wall is framed with 16-inch be covered with some type of great options for exterior on-center studs, then the siding and a secure attachwall coverings, but that is ment for that new siding is not the subject of this article, overall R-value is reduced by 20 percent as a result of the important. It is not simple however the new insulation amount of solid wood in the to attach through 6 inches does need to be protected of foam without adding some with some type of atheistitype furring or another layer cally pleasing exterior finish. of sheathing. Also this added Choosing the correct wall thickness can make for insulation for the job is very some interesting challenges important. A good quality around any wall penetrahigh R-value rigid foam insu-

wall.

Furthermore, 3 percent voids in the fiberglass insulation can reduce the system R-value by another 30 percent. This 2-by-4 R-11 wall could be as low as R-5.6.

Almost the same R-value as today’s higher quality windows. No wonder there is ice on the inside of that closet wall.

If we take this same 2by-4 wall and add some 3/4inch Polyisocyanurate rigid insulation (R-5), we have improved this wall system by almost 100 percent. The rigid foam really helps stop the conduction through all the wall framing. Be careful when comparing rigid foam products, as oftentimes the quoted R-value is including a air space between the rigid foam and the existing wall.

In our climate a air space on a exterior wall surface adds very little if any R-value.

I am not advocating that 3/4 inch is all you need, the point is to show what the potential gain is from a small improvement done correctly.

We have found that 1-1/2 inch to 2 inches of rigid foam is very manageable on most homes and is generally a cost-effective improvement.

This theoretical 100 percent improvement might lead some to thinking they would cut their fuel cost in. Sure seems logical, but remember the house is a system.

You still have all those old

windows and doors, possibly inadequate attic and foundation insulation, and if you are heating your hot water from your boiler, as much as 30 percent could be used for heating domestic water.

Every house is different and most often a multitude of improvements are done simultaneously, so the exact savings for a particular improvement can be difficult to pin down.

Increasing the foundation insulation is another area than a homeowner can benefit by adding rigid foam.

Below grade applications do require a different product and we would typically recommend some type of a extruded Polystyrene for this application. There are other options such as sprayed in place polyurethane foam, this work is generally done by a specialty contractor.

Commonly referred to as Urethane foam, it has a very high R-value and can really seal every joint and crack.

Because it has a uneven surface it can be more difficult to cover with a flashing than rigid sheet foam.

Every home is different in this regard, in many cases it is impractical to dig up around the foundation to add insulation.

In some situations this can be done on the inside of the basement or crawlspace.

Please see ENERGY, Page 15

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14

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

There is no real estate crystal ball to study

By AMY WINTER Creators.com Although the housing market has suffered from a downturn with an increase in foreclosures, there is hope for a recovery in the next several years. Robert Denk, assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis at the National Association of Home Builders, says, “2009 will go into the books as the bottom of the worst housing downturn since consistent records began being kept in 1959.” Denk doesn’t see the recovery happening at a fast pace; it will be more of a

“multiyear process.”

Paul Bishop, the vice president of research for the National Association of Realtors, says the housing market could return to normal in the next five to eight years.

However, with the recent decrease in home prices, it is difficult to distinguish the new normal when it comes to home sales. Mike Colpitts, editor of Housing Predictor, forecasts the housing markets across the country on a daily basis. He believes it will take many years for the housing bubble to recover from reduced prices.

When it comes to baby

boomers, some prefer to head to the Sun Belt for retirement housing options, but the majority of them want to live near family members and health care facilities.

“Retirees tend to stay put or relocate to where they have children or other relatives,” Denk says. “Some retirees certainly head south, but it is not the majority.

This means housing demand from boomers will be reasonably geographically distributed rather than overwhelmingly Sun Belt-bound.”

Second homes still will be part of the baby boomer generation, but it could be a

narrower section of buyers.

Boomers who aren’t financially secure may have to wait a year or two to move into retirement communities or buy second homes, according to Bishop. If boomers have lost equity in their homes and money in stocks, they most likely will need to hold on to their primary residences. Colpitts says the housing market has made it more difficult for boomers to sell their homes; therefore, retirement communities are moving at a slower growth pace.

Please see MARKET, Page 17

Doug Welton

Changing times in the market

By DOUG WELTON The good news is interest rates remain very low and sales are going pretty good in our little town.

But if you are used to an easy 30-day closing, those days seem to be gone. Unlike years in the past, closings are taking more like 45 days instead of 30 and the process has become more difficult. Engineers, appraisers and banks seem to be running scared. They are all going overboard on the things they are requiring and making the process more stressful than ever before. The Realtors are doing their job, but often get blamed for everything, even when it’s out of their control.

If you’re buying or selling these days, expect it to take longer and have to jump through more hoops than ever before. And as always, pricing is crucial to a sale, the comparisons don’t lie and so you have to position yourself ahead of the competition to attract a good, solid offer.

We are very fortunate here in the Interior compared to just about anywhere else. We have and hopefully always will continue to enjoy a good, steady market. We have our ups and downs, but in all things are good.

Doug Welton is Owner/Broker of Absolutely Alaskan Real Estate Services. Please contact him at 4561713, office, or 978-4965, cell, for more information.

15

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

ENERGY: The right way to go about your home projects working its way into the wall or ceiling insulation.

One of the biggest misThere are some other takes we see is inattention options for dealing with IAQ, to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), we have been using some once all the energy improve- moisture sensing fans to ments are done and the replace old bathroom fans, house has been “tightened they have several advanup,” IAQ can suffer. Often tages, they come on as the times these conditions are moisture rises in the room not recognized until all the where the moisture is most other work is done and going often created. back to make IAQ improveIf your kids are like mine ments can be costly. they frequently forget to Once you tighten up your turn on the fan. Any time home you may experience an you can deal with the moisincrease in moisture probture at its source you are lems in the house, moisture better off. Range fans? Absothat can turn into ice and lutely, and make sure they create mold. are vented properly to the Remember we are talking outside, get rid of that moisabout older homes and unless ture at its source. you plan on replacing the All exhaust ducting should vapor barrier you will most be metal (with the exception likely have some breaches of a HRV), the joints need into the insulated space that to be sealed and the ducting you can not see. installed in such a way that Moisture in the insulation condensation and moisture will turn to ice and at that can drain to the outside, also point the insulation is no make sure it is insulated if it longer doing its job. is a cold attic or other unconThis is where a Heat ditioned (heated) space.

Recovery Ventilator (HRV) Try to eliminate moisture can make a huge difference. from coming into the house, A HRV can control the a poor ground cover in the moisture in the house and crawlspace can be a pathway recover some of the energy for moisture laden air into (heat) when it exhausts the your house. stale moist air to the outside.

Make sure there are no While a HRV is the Merleaks in the plumbing and cedes when dealing with IAQ, that groundwater from outthere are other choices. A side is not running into the good quality continuous duty crawlspace. exhaust fan will help a lot, Now that you have the This can also create a slight house tightened, another negative pressure on the consideration is providing inside of the home, a very some make-up air for your important benefit as it will boiler or wood stove, any fuel help prevent the moisture burner for that matter. that is in the home from As you tighten up your Continued from Page 15

house, there will be less air moving through the walls, and you can create a situation when you could backdraft your boiler of wood burner and bring fumes into your home. Continuous running bath fans are relatively low volume and generally do not create a problem by themselves.

Think about what can happen when the dryer is on, the range fan is on and now the boiler comes on, this volume of air that is being exhausted has to come from somewhere?

It’s always best to provide a path, preferably one that has a “cold air trap” so it doesn’t dump cold air continuously into the house.

No one can live in a plastic bag, at least not for very long, our houses are just like us, they need air, the idea is to control its coming and going as best as possible.

Windows, there are many choices, currently a triple pane window is the best choice for the Interior, the cost between double pane and triple pane is minimal as triple panes windows have become the standard for our climate. A good triple pane window will typically have much warmer surfaces on the inside, so are much less susceptible to “growing” condensation. Warm surfaces also help to prevent drafts.

When the surface of the glass is cold it can generate air movement and cause drafts, which can be uncomfortable to the occupants.

Quality windows will have

properly designed air spaces with sturdy hardware to support the weight of three pieces of glass.

Gaskets (weatherstripping) needs to be soft and compliant so they seal when its -40 outside, they should be continuous with out any gaps at the corners and they need to be impervious to moisture, I have seen some windows that use a soft foam gasket, seems like a good idea until moisture develops and soaks into the ends of the weatherstripping, at freezing temperatures the moisture in the gasket will freeze and actually push the window open.

Quality windows are also NFRC tested and AMMA certified, this testing is a expensive procedure, but one that guarantees the consumer that they get a quality and consistent product.

Windows that have undergone testing will have a sticker to identify this procedure.

Also ask the manufacturer or your supplier about warranties and how issues are resolved.

Air sealing can save energy by preventing air movement through the wall. Finding these leaks can be done with the use of a blower door, the blower door will exhaust air and create a vacuum in the home.

With the blower door operating it is quite simple to walk around the inside of the house and identify the location of the leaks. Typical air leaks are at electrical

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boxes, check wall outlets, switch boxes and ceiling light boxes. Any penetrations through the framing at the top wall plate where holes have been drilled for wiring.

Also most of the older ceiling mounted bath fans were not sealed to form a continuous vapor barrier. Any penetration through the outside wall or ceiling can be a potential source of air flow. Air sealing can be tedious but it is generally inexpensive and a worthwhile procedure.

If you hire a contractor to do this work, check their reputation, make sure they are licensed, qualified and do this type of work routinely, make a overall game plan before you start so you will be satisfied with the outcome.

Ultimately you should be asking yourself how long will you be staying in this house?

And will these improvements increase the value of your home? The payoff will be long term, it may take ten to fifteen years to recover your initial investment, however your home will be more comfortable, have a better resell value and make less impact on the environment.

Good luck with your projects!

16

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

When to invest in the real estate market

By GINNY FRIZZI Creators.com

investment strategy already,” Scarfo says. “Good real estate investors never invest because No matter what the state of they think a local market is America’s economy might be going to rise. That’s too danon any given day, one question gerous a guess. Good investors is sure to be asked. act when they’re able to buy “Is this a good time to a specific property with an invest in real estate?” excellent secure rate of return Though the answer from rental income.” depends upon the individual Individuals looking to asking the questions — as well invest in real estate must as his or her personal circumrealize that they have a lot stances — according to varito learn, according to Jim ous experts, it might be “yes.”

McClelland of Mack Indus“In 2010, the housing martries. He has been investing ket will experience one last in real estate for more than gasp before its turnaround 35 years. “Some newbies have begins in earnest. One milbeen in the business a few lion foreclosed homes will years and think they know be dumped on the market as it all,” says McClelland, who banks clean out their invenowns 400 rental properties tories,” says Gregory Rand, worth a total of $50 million. managing partner of Better “You can’t read a book about Homes and Gardens Rand it and get rich.”

Realty and author of the blog Investing in real estate “House Rich.” “This will crecan make a person financially ate the last opportunity in independent, but it doesn’t this wild and woolly housing happen overnight. “Real cycle for buyers to invest at estate can be phenomenal for a historical low point. The long-term appreciation. You way I view it, a million people need to have a long view and will have the chance to buy hold it for 10 to 15 years,” the homes of their dreams at he says, adding that equity is overcorrected prices as banks built as the mortgage decreasunload properties and finally es. write down their losses.”

Quite simply, there is a lot Billie Redmond, CEO of to learn, he says. “A buyer will Coldwell Banker Commercial need cash or to be able to borCreators.com TradeMark Properties, agrees. row the money from a lender.

If you’re looking to buy a house you can rent out, you must determine not only how much If you are looking for rental “Our experience is that there it’s worth but also how much work it needs. has never been a better time property, you have to see not to buy for yourself or as rental only how much the house lowing categories applies to estate prices will go, but that that now is a good time to property,” she says. “It’s is worth but also how much you. “One, you’re going to live could be a mistake, according buy. Searching and waiting the best pricing we’ve had work it needs.” there. Two, you are buying an to Jeffrey Rogers, president for the “best time” to invest in 30 years. The choices are A real estate investor needs investment property and know and chief operating officer in real estate is a false consid- to do a market analysis that unimaginable.” your margin of return right of Integra Realty Resources. eration, says Gunny Scarfo, Brandon Green, founder includes what comparable “Most property values are on creative director of a custom of Brandon Green Companies down to the dollar. Or three, houses in the neighborhood you have cash for great deals a recovery, and buyers should real estate firm. “Most people are selling for. He or she and a broker with Keller Wilsuited to cash,” he says. act now as prices are continu- want to know if ‘now is a good also must figure out what it liams, believes that now is Some buyers will continue ing to rise,” he says. time to invest in real estate.’ a fantastic time to invest in would take to generate a posito wait to see how low real Yet not everyone agrees This kind of thinking is a bad tive cash flow, including the real estate if one of the folmonthly cost of the mortgage, repair costs, insurance costs, tax amounts and, if the owner chooses, the cost of hiring a property manager or manageExperience Makes A Difference ment firm.

McClelland advises the Bryan F. Borjesson, PE average person work with a Residential & Commercial New Construction real estate agent he or she trusts. “This is especially Inspection Services Planning & Design important if someone is deal347-1929 ing with bank-owned propBorjesson Consulting Engineers, Inc. Free Preliminary Meeting erty,” he says. “The average Have your landscape design ready for next spring!

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17

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

A look at the market in Fairbanks and North Pole

CLEAN DOESN’T MEAN COMPROMISE.

from the echo boomers, the children of the baby boomThe first-time homeers. Kimmons says these buyer tax credit is helping buyers most likely will be the housing market move cautious and hesitant to forward. James Kimmons, a believe the “don’t worry, it real estate writer for About. will go up in value” idea. com, describes the tax credit Factors that could affect as “a Band-Aid that has the future housing market increased purchases, helping include: mortgage rates, to slow the growth of inven- the long-term health of the tory from foreclosures.” The economy, tax rates and lendtax credit provides more ing markets. buyers, which can aid the “Excess inventory in baby boomers who are trysome markets, exacerbated ing to sell their homes. by foreclosures and fear of The tax credit immedifurther declines in house ately enabled the sale of prices, has undermined more homes, and an increase homebuyer confidence and in home sales leads to more represents significant obstahealthy activity in the marcles to recovery,” Denk says. ket, according to Bishop.

“On the other hand, historiIntended to re-establish cally low interest rates, the normal housing demand, the stabilization of house prices tax credit encouraged about and the temporary tax credit 200,000 sales in 2009 and is are features of the current estimated to bring another landscape that should sup180,000 sales in 2010, port recovery. according to the National “How these opposing forcAssociation of Home Buildes play out will determine ers. the pace of return to more More demand in the hous- normal long-term housing ing market will be coming demand conditions.”

Continued from Page 14

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Properties should be priced right from the beginning; you should not list high and One of the most often slowly work your way down asked questions I get is, in price. This approach nor“How is our market doing?” mally will net you less than if The answer is simple, but you had priced it properly to easily misinterpreted. start with.

Best value properties are North Pole homes and Sufselling well and often bring alane contaminated ground in multiple, competing offers. water.

With mortgage interest rates During the past months hovering at around 4 perI have received several calls centr per annum, there are from property owners in the plenty of buyers, but there North Pole area asking how are also lots of properties for much the refinery ground sale. water contamination affects As of Sept. 14, there are their property value. Does 575 active residential (single Gene Duvall this contamination affect family and duplex) properties listed in the Greater overcrowded house is to rent value? At this time there is not enough sales history of Fairbanks Board of Realtors a storage unit to move the affected properties to quanMultiple Listing Service. excess stuff to. tify value damage. If you live Compare this with previous Sometimes an owner may in, or near areas affected by years. decide to completely move the contaminated ground What makes a property for out prior to any showings, water, please have your well sale a best value? There are or an owner may choose to several factors that affect a ask a sloppy tenant to vacate water tested right away. Mitiproperty’s saleability, such the unit prior to listing. Rely gation of drinking water contamination is being achieved as price, condition, location on the advice of your experiand specific features (such as enced Realtor for guidance on in many instances by connecting to public utilities or a mountain view or watergetting your property ready by installing a water holding front). Property quality and to show. tank. Check out the Alaska condition are important but Buyers in today’s FairDepartment of Environment price is often the overriding banks market tend to have Conservation website at factor. With very few exceplooked at several, if not tions, at the right price there many, properties before they http://dec.alaska.gov/spar/ csp/sites/north-pole-refinery/ is a buyer for everything. make an offer to purchase. index.htm for further inforDe-cluttering a cluttered Overpriced homes linger on mation. house is one of the most com- the market and are used by the Buyers to compare with mon corrections that need Gene DuVal is an experienced others in determining what to be done by a home owner Realtor of Re/Max Associates of prior to a house going on the a good value is and which Fairbanks & can be reached at property to make an offer for. 452-4363 for more information. market. One quick fix to an

By GENE DuVAL

MARKET: What to expect

18

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Kirk Maynard 388-3560

Traci Schachle 322-0228

Cameron Harter 590-3612

Elizabeth Schok 322-9188

Butch Currier 590-2853

Nikki Whiting 978-2297

Audra M 590-4

Owner/Broker

traci@alaska.com View all my listings: www.tracischachle.com

www.cameronharter.com cameronharter@alaska.com

Search for homes at www.ElizabethSchok.com

Butch&Terri@ButchCurrier.net ButchSellsAlaskaHomes.com

www.nikkiwhiting.com nikkiwhiting@gci.net

www.fairbank amcghee@

www.FairbanksProperty.com kirk.maynard@coldwellbanker.com

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MLS# 114821 4 Bed/3 Bath/2 Car Spacious and Sunny Stainless Steel $299,000

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MLS #114205 3 Bed/3.5 Ba Rural Fairbanks $425,000

MLS# 114876 Custom Built Home in Vue Crest 4 Bd/2 Ba/2 Car $319,900

MLS #114905 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths + Bonus Room $425,000

MLS #114953 4/3/2 on Almost 2 Acres in North Pole $324,900 Koch@ButchCurrier.net

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MLS #114671 3 Bed/2.5 Bath/2 Car Gated Community Vaulted Ceilings $329,900

MLS #114766 4 Bed/2.5 Bath/2 Car $0 Money Down! $0 Closing Costs! $239,900

MLS# 114825 3 Story Home on Private Lot. 3 Bed/2 Bath/ 2 Car Garage $254,900

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MLS #114417 1 Bed/1 Bath Located in Fox Full Water System $139,900

MLS #115017 2 Bed/1.5 Bath Beautiful Log Home Great Community $165,000

MLS #114648 Beautiful Home Just Minutes From Town Off CHSR 3 Bd/2 Ba/4 Car $249,900

MLS #114824 Big Waterfront Home Airstrip Access 4 Bed/3 Bath/2 Car $284,900 Flight@ButchCurrier.net

MLS #115105 3 Bed/2 Bath/3 Car New Carpet/Laminate With a Gigantic Shop $245,000

MLS #113464 3 Bed/3 Full Ba Master Suite w/Sauna Loft & LR/FR–2680 SF $289,000

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MLS #114043 2 Bed/1 Bath/1 Acre 5 Star Energy Rating Newer Construction $178,450

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MLS #1 Custom Ho Hills, Many A Must Se $395 Justisted!

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19

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

McGhee 4816

kshouses.com @alaska.net

Toni Brewer 322-7210

Michelle Evans 978-0995

Jim Arend 378-5447

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www.fairbanksdeltahomes.com Michelle.Evans1@coldwellbanker.com

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MLS# 114742 3 Bed/2.5 Ba/2 Car Conveniently Located Great Yard! Must See! $298,000

MLS #114041 Fabulous View Lot 1.85 Acres on Chena Ridge $90,000

MLS# 113801 4 Bed/2 Bath/2 Car Great Deck, Lge Garage Conv North Pole Loca $219,900

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20

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Short sales explained: Know your options

By WES MADDEN

Wes Madden part of a qualified Realtor.

How does a short sale help?

A short sale may allow a homeowner avoid a foreclosure sale. The mortgage lender or servicer may consider allowing a short sale even if the foreclosure process has already

• Severe illness • Divorce • Mandatory job relocation • Medical bills • Mortgage adjustment

Why would a lender accept a short sale?

One of the most common misconceptions homeowners have is that their lender is lying in wait ready to jump out and take their house. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In reality, lenders and financial institutions are in the finance business, not the real estate business. The last thing the lender wants is to take the borrower’s home into inventory. Most often than not, a lender is actually better off with a below-market value offer even if the lender is able to sell a property in 6 months for full market value. The financial situation could get drastically worse for the lender if the property declines in value, a tenant needs evicted, or if there are costly repairs

REMODELERS

During difficult economic and financial times, homeowners may find themselves on a self-perceived path towards an inevitable foreclosure. While there are many unfortunate reasons for financial hardship, it is important to know your options. One of those options is a short sale. A homeowner is considered “short” when the borrower owes an amount on their property that when combined with closing costs and commission is higher than the current market value of the property. A short sale may allow eligible borrowers to sell their home for less than the amount owed on the first mortgage. In doing so, the borrower may be released from their obligation to pay back the first mortgage under its original terms. Now, this sounds easy enough, however, a short sale is an involved process that takes time, patience, good communication skills, organization, and professionalism on the

begun. It must be clear, however, that a short sale is a way to avoid a foreclosure, not a “get out of my mortgage free card.” In order to qualify for a short sale, the seller must have a valid financial hardship for why they can’t pay their mortgage. A seller without a financial hardship who is upside down on their mortgage and wants to sell is not a potential short sale.

A common financial hardship in our market is the military service member who is forced to leave the area due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. When military orders require the service member to move, the service member most likely will lose their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or receive a considerably less BAH at the receiving installation, thus giving the military homeowner a valid financial hardship. Other examples of acceptable financial hardships include: • Loss of a job • Death of a spouse

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Short sale, foreclosure consequences The biggest difference in short sales and foreclosures is the consequences related to each. Foreclosures have drastic affects on borrower’s eligibility for future mortgages, credit scores, credit history, security clearances, current or future employment and may cause deficiency judgments against you.

Short sales are not reported on credit history reports and therefore do not affect current or future employment and have a drastically reduced impact on credit scores and the future ability to qualify for another mortgage. Quite often it is possible to convince the lender to give up the right to pursue a deficiency judgment against the homeowner on a successful short sale. It is important to also note that while negative credit items fall off of an individual’s credit report after 7 years, the one question that is asked on every mortgage application is “Have you ever had a foreclosure?”

This event has staying power and will follow a person around indefinitely. Be sure to consult your Realtor, tax adviser and/or legal advisor about the implications of a foreclosure or short sale.

How do I get started?

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that need to be made such as freeze-ups or septic system repairs. Fairbanks is a dangerous market for lenders to take homes into inventory and lenders tend to be agreeable to short sale terms in order to keep the property off their books.

Contact a Realtor who specializes in short sales. He/she will help you determine if your situation and your mortgage may be approved for a short sale. A Realtor who specializes in short sales will help you obtain the necessary documents and paperwork needed for you to complete a successful short sale.

Wes Madden is the owner/broker of Madden Real Estate and retired U.S. Army Captain.

21

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

, r e k a t i h Jim W

former North Star Borough Mayor, chose the Energy Kinetics System 2000 for his home heating system in 2007. It was not an accident that Jim chose Energy Kinetics to lower his fuel bill. Jim Whitaker has been heavily involved in energy concerns for Fairbanks and Alaska in general. He has been one of the principals in the move to get a natural gas pipeline to Fairbanks. He researches his options before making a decision.

Here are the facts from his fuel records before and after the installation of his EK-2 New Frontier boiler.

As you can see below, he saved more than 37 percent on his heating fuel from 2007 to 2008.

After researching Energy Kinetics installers, he concluded that Joshua Industries, Inc., was the best for efficiency and price.

Fuel delivery charges BEFORE ENERGY KINETICS boiler installed,2,810 Gallons

Fuel delivery charges AFTER ENERGY KINETICS Boiler installed, 1,759.3 Gallons

Gallons Date Gallons Date 11/17/07................164.0 10/02/06................384.4 12/11/07................147.0 11/22/06................351.8 01/05/08................232.5 12/20/06................350.4 01/30/08................254.5 01/14/07................330.0 gallons the first year 02/21/08................244.2 02/10/07................263.0 Energy Kinetics system 03/21/08................185.30 03/10/07................362.30 was installed!

05/06/08................208.8 04/10/07................271.60 08/07/08................166.2 07/10/07................297.60 10/20/08 ................156.8 10/18/07................199.9 If a smart man like Jim Whitaker chose the System 2000 boiler system from Joshua Industries, then maybe you should follow his lead and give us a call. Jim saved enough fuel in 3 years to pay for his installation.

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22

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Do you trust the stock market?

By GINGER OREM

witnessed many who made well over $100,000! This is In this day and age of ecotruly living their American nomic uncertainty, where can dream. Currently, when you a person safely invest? make a profit on the sale of The Bernie Madoffs of your personal residence, you the world still exist and even do not have to pay capital for the honest advisers can’t gains tax on the first $250,000 guarantee what stock is going per person. to do well. The non collateral Thus this profit is essenWall Street derivatives were tially tax free. Consider as much to blame for this this, all they did was live in financial crisis as the morttheir own home, maintain it, gage market was. upgrade as necessary then So what is a person to when time to sell pocket do outside of stashing your a nice “tax-free” profit for cash in the mattress? First, their effort. This investment let it be said that no one can which has bestowed such guarantee any investment. financial wealth on so many Ginger Orem Investing is about taking people over the years is the risks. Some risks are higher their investment. Again, it’s a one material item that every than others; some returns are risk factor.

American desires, needs and higher and lower than others.

I am not a financial expert strives to obtain, a place to While we don’t know what the or advisor but I am a real live. future holds one idea would Whether you are buying estate expert. I have been be to watch the actions of the selling real estate in the Fair- or renting, everyone needs a successful investors. What are banks North Pole area since home. Talk about purchasing they buying? a product that maintains a 1994 and I have personally Many investors across the market demand! People may witnessed many fortunate country are scooping up the home owners “cash-in” when change computers or brands deals where real estate prices selling their properties. I’m of soap but no one wants to have fallen. Do they know give up a safe place to live. always excited when able to something we don’t? Obvious- assist a client with selling a It’s inevitable to have a ly, they are purchasing these home you must pay cash or property then see how happy properties with the expectathey are when they leave clos- pay a monthly stipend. Either tion that prices will eventuto a landlord and never see ing knowing that they just ally go back up and when they deposited thousands of dollars that money again or to a do, provide a nice return on mortgage lender in the form into their bank account. I’ve

of a mortgage payment. Taking the tax deduction at the end of the year is a bonus.

It is possible to buy a house and lose value. If you overpay for a property in the beginning or if you neglect your investment by lack of maintenance and repair, if the market changes and values decline, these are all ways to lose value in a property. With that said, there is also an opportunity to increase your value. Ways to do that are to keep the home in good repair and update outdated or worn elements such as floorings, kitchen appliances and the list goes on. A well maintained home will always sell faster and attract higher offers than a neglected property will.

If you are one of the lucky ones whose employer provides a housing allowance then you are what I call the “double dipper.”

You make the payment on your investment using your housing allowance, then take the deduction at tax time for mortgage interest paid and local property taxes, again, paid using employer funds but you get the deduction!

In the first 3 to 5 years of a new mortgage the majority

of the payment is mortgage interest which is currently a tax deductible item. So do the math, your employer funds most if not all of the payment, a majority of that payment becoming a tax deduction to you. Then, if you’ve invested wisely and hold the property long enough, when you’re ready sell the house, hopefully you will make a profit or keep it as an avenue of retirement income by converting it to a rental property. How great is that?

You can of course lose money on real estate transactions. There are ways to minimize your risks. First, do your homework. Second, obtain the advice of a real estate professional that is familiar with the market and the area you are considering. Finally, when you do purchase real estate, keep it in good condition, remodel or update as necessary then sit back and enjoy living in your best investment ever, your home!

Ginger Orem is broker/owner of Crown Real Estate AK, Inc. She was nominated as one of Fairbanks’ Favorite Realtors in the 2008 DNM People’s Choice Awards. You can contact Ginger for more information at 452-8000.

Buyers: Search current MLS listings on www.buyers-brokerage.com

CHRIS CALHOON REAL ESTATE Broker/Owner Colonel, US Army (Retired) “Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®)”

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13370674-9-24-10H&RE

57371465-9-24-10RE

Fairbanks’ Most Experienced Brokerage Specializing in Buyer Assistance Commissions Generally Paid by the Seller 456-3401 Bus. • 457-1167 hm • 460-7905 Cell • 456-1352 Fax chris@buyers-brokerage.com • www.buyers-brokerage.com

Call Karen Conover

23

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Family Delight 4 bdr, 2.5 ba, 2 car gar, lots of extras. $299,000

Pilot’s Envy 3 bdr, 2 ba on Chena Marina Float Pond. $376,500

Interior Alaska Realty

Tenant Pays 2 bdr downstairs, upstairs tenant pays. Garage/ Storage. $175,000

Bruce Wammack, Broker

Hillside Home 3 bdr, 2 bath, currently a duplex. $280,000 455-9550

2635 Borealis Drive 1610 Hans Way Beautiful View Property! 3bdrm, 2bth Vaulted ceiling, 4bdrm, 3bth, Fam Rm &Gar Gar, Fam rm on 2.86 Acres! Only $329,900 MIL Apt on 2 Acres! Only $274,900!

1816 Carr Avenue 3bdrm, 2.5 bth, Sauna, Park like Setting! Oversized Gar! Only $249,900!

3881 Cresent Drive Privately located 2bdrm, 1bth & Gar! Near Lakes, Only $154,900!

G DIN PEN View ALL Crown & MLS Listings @

www.GingerOrem.com

1855 Osborn Court 3710 Regius Avenue Crown Real Estate 5 Star+ 4bdrm, 2.5bth, Den, Mstr Ste 5*Star Plus Construction! 3bdrm, 3bth AK. Inc. w/Jetted tub! Deck w/Arctic Spa Hot tub! $384,900 Mstr Ste, Fam.Rm & Garage! Only $259,900!

907-452-8000

N EW L ISTING !

tured Home Fea 3 bdrm, 2.5 ba,

THE MARKET HAS CHANGED. Having the right realtor on your side is more important now than ever.

mstr suite, gar, custom tile work, stunning kitchen, and recent gas heat.

SHOWS LIKE NEW!!!

Gerrie Duffy

$190,000

ABR, CRS

V i e w a l l M L S p r o p e r t i e s a t w w w .A K G L R . c o m o r c a l l 3 2 2 - 6 6 1 2 .

1615 SOUTHERN AVE. ONLY $207,000!

1225 27th Avenue

ALASKA GREAT LAND REALTY

2560 WAUGSTROE DR.

1880 KITTIWAKE

$195,000

$217,000

209 BRIDGET AVE. TRIPLEX $232,000

ING! LIST NEW

Drastically reduced under assessed value!

Energy Efficient Ranch built in 2008 off Chena Pump.

2/1 Bath on 1.2 acres.

Features Laminate, granite & Marble Finishes.

Affordable, remodeled kitchen and bath, new boiler, new roof, new artic entry in Aurora w/ 3/1/1 and detached studio rents for $650! Ready for quick closing!

STEPOVICH REALTY

977 Eldorado Road 431 Carlton Drive 2bdrm, 1bth w/Gar on 2.77 Wooded Acres! 3bdrm, Den, 1.5 bath, Huge Gar! Fenced Yd Near UAF! fenced yard! $209,900 Also has a 1bdrm/1bth Apt!! Only $284,900!

“Personal service GUARANTEED, from listing to closing!”

2631 Horsetail Trail

$179,900

Single Bedroom Delight on 5 Acres. Super insulated, Wood floors & ceilings – Scandinavian design influence. $395/mo income from rental cabin, too!

Nestled in the Woods on 1.09 acres. PRIVATE 2/2.5/2 garage w/ fenced in yard, cedar siding, large deck and double wall construction.

and List with Meyour e ag St ill Iw EE! Home for FR

2789 Waldheim

$212,900 Artistic WoodAccented Haven on 5 acres. 2BR/ 1BA + ofc/ workshop. Major systems are very new, locally handcrafted kitchen remodel.

Exceptional Rental Property!

Three 2 BDRM Apts. PLUS a one BDRM HOUSE! Rental income @ $3,500 monthly.

Off College Road.

CALL JOAN AT 378-4646 WWW.STEPOVICHREALTY.COM

1250 Vixon

$209,900 Absolutely immaculate condition 1500+ SF remodeled home on 2 separate acre+ lots set in a forest glade. Includes heated workshop.

PENDING

110 Hickory

$158,900 Easy Living in this remodeled & movein ready 3BR/1.5Ba *plus* heated attached garage townhome. West side, short drive to everything. Enjoy this winter with no exterior maintenance hassles!

791 Goldfinch

$2195/mo Executive 3BR log home on almost 5 acres, but <5 min from UAF. 2 wheel drive accessible.

Tenant pays utilities.

rented 57372790 9-24-10HRE

Ginger Orem, Broker

www.interiorrealty.com

24

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Some of the services we provide: • • • • • • • • •

4x4 fuel delivery trucks Competitive pricing Friendly staff Budget Payment Plans Auto-service available Prompt payment discounts Call-in delivery service Environmentally conscious 24-hour Emergency Service

Aviation: • • • • •

Off Airport Deliveries Full into-plane service at Fairbanks International Airport 24-hour self-serve Avgas Cardlock "Fairbanks International Airport/Chena Marina Airport" Full service FBO on West Ramp of Fairbanks International Airport Pilots' lounge on the East Ramp of Fairbanks International Airport

Products we deliver: • • • • •

Heating Oil Diesel Fuel Unleaded Fuel Jet-A Fuel Avgas

HOME HEATING OIL Locally Owned and Operated Since 1982

Servicing Nenana, Salcha, Fox, North Pole and Fairbanks

18372351-9-24-10H&RE

P.O. Box 60669, Fairbanks, Alaska 99706 www.alaskaaerofuel.com • email: admin@alaskaaerofuel.com

25

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Insuring buildings already under construction

By KRISTINA JOHNSON kristina@kenmurray.com Many people in Fairbanks choose, and possibly enjoy, building their dream homes, rental units or businesses from the ground up.

And why not? In most cases it proves to be easier on the pocket book and they get from it what they put into it. The biggest mistake most people make is not considering insurance to protect what they’re about to put into the building or, in most cases, what they’ve already put into it.

The most common misconception is that insurance isn’t needed until there’s a substantial amount of materials put into a building project.

Why would you insure a piece of land that has nothing on it yet? This couldn’t be more

wrong. Insurance companies prefer to see that no construction has begun yet and that they’re starting with a clean slate. This means that before anyone decides to lay a finger on a shovel, they had better think about placing insurance on the property first.

Placing insurance on your soon-to-be property is easier than most people may think.

All that’s really needed is an idea of how much the owner plans on putting into the project and some basic information about themselves. The sooner a person insures the property, the better the coverage, and premium, could be.

In some cases, premiums are as low as $375 per year.

If you have already started construction on the property — that’s OK too. This phase of construction would

Homesteads, rich in Alaska history, are still part of today’s market

By APRIL FRICK Homestead is defined as a home and surrounding land occupied by a family. Yet that one word has so much to do with the character and history of Alaska that the two are irrevocably linked, and for Alaskans the word is infinitely more meaningful.

The true beginning of homesteading in Alaska began with the first tribes that occupied the land now known as the Last Frontier.

For many thousands of years before any of the indigenous peoples of Alaska would hear the word homestead, they truly were the first persons to make this land their home.

The inception of American homesteading in Alaska began with the Homestead Act of 1862. The brainchild of Abraham Lincoln’s administration, the Homestead Act was designed to encourage Americans to settle on the

April Frick vast expanses of federal land and create new vibrant agricultural communities. The original act laid the groundwork for homesteading in theLast Frontier, and 1898 the act was extended to include the territory of Alaska.

Please see HOMESTEAD, Page 25

qualify for a Course of Construction or Dwelling Fire policy. These policies require the same basic information that would be needed at the pre-construction phase. One should note that these policies run the risk of having higher premiums and usually do not include coverage for liability, medical, theft of building materials, freezing of pipes, etc. So if these coverages are of big concern, make sure to place a policy before construction.

Coverage can be purchased on residential, commercial or model homes. Some policies include coverage for building materials, trees, shrubs, lawns and even property owned by subcontractors.

Most of these policies also cover theft of materials, materials in transit, fire, vandal-

ism, and debris removal. The only coverage not available on any building under construction is liability — so please be careful.

No matter where the project lies there is usually a market that the building can be placed in. The best thing a property owner should do is first place insurance during the course of construction phase to keep premiums low and then again after construction is complete. One of the first things insurance companies ask on applications is “where is the premises currently insured?” Having current insurance in place continuously proves to be more cost efficient than waiting until something comes up and placing insurance later. Insuring your home during the construction phase will help you

secure a homeowners insurance policy when the time comes. Some insurance companies prefer not taking on the risk of a prior uninsured building and will only offer a dwelling fire policy, if offering any policy at all, thus possibly resulting in inadequate coverage for the building owner.

It doesn’t take much to get these policies in force so that you can soon be on your way to building your dreams.

If anything, insuring a building from the get-go can be more cost efficient and less of a headache in the long run. In the end, you’ll be glad you did — because we all know how fun construction can be all on its own.

Kristina Johnson is a personal lines agent at Kenneth A. Murray Insurance.

26

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Helpful hints for those around-the-house duties

BY AL CARRELL and KELLY CARRELL King Features There are times when you really ought to use a funnel.

Hopefully you can have one ready before you need one. If not, you can make one in a hurry from a sheet of paper or an empty envelope. For shop liquids, a piece of cardboard or

vinyl works best. Just fold it into a square, and then, with the open ends facing upward, open up one side of the square.

Now cut the tip end off so that the liquid will filter through the inside of the square as you pour it. When you are finished, you can throw the “funnel” away.

Dear Carrells: I’ve been

ALTROL’S “ENERGY SAVINGS CLUB” MEMBERSHIP SAVES YOU $$ MONEY $$ What You Benefit By Becoming An Altrol Energy Savings Club Member: • As an ESC member you will receive a 20% discount off the Standard Rate in the Customer Approved Pricing Book, on all tune-ups and service calls.

• ESC members are entitled to a 10% discount on a boiler of furnace replacement.

• Altrol will call all ESC members once per year to schedule their yearly tune-up, at the ESC member’s convenience.

• ESC members receive a 32 point service checklist, at each yearly visit, showing that a thorough inspection has been done. Efficiency of heating unit will be listed also.

• ESC members pay no overtime charges for afterhours, weekend, or holiday service calls.

• ESC members receive priority service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Scheduled maintenance keeps your equipment running at its highest efficiency, thereby reducing breakdowns during extreme temperatures. Gives you peace of mind, knowing that your equipment is being maintained property, by a quality company.

CALL TODAY 452-8680 “THE COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST”

trying to do it. My son suggested that I use a flexible straw on the oil bottle to get it into the right spot. It worked great.

I can bend the straw into the right position and give the oil a squirt. It goes just where it’s supposed to go. No more drips.

— C.S.

extra one in my kitchen, so I tried it on a thick paint I had to stir. It worked really well, and I felt like it did a better job than the old paint stir stick. You should try it, if you haven’t. — L.R.

SHOPTALK — Loctite Threadlocker Blue Q: My air conditioner is is a great addition to the still working, but I’m glad I workshop. It’s designed don’t have to use it anymore to seal and lock a variety this season. It was starting of threaded fasteners. It to squeal a lot. Do I need to protects the threads from replace it, or is there somerusting and corroding thing I can do to fix it? — N.R. so they can be removed A: That depends on what when needed. But it also A SUPER HINT — Batt the squealing is coming prevents loosening from insulation is easy to install, from. If it’s just the fan shock or vibration, so and it does a great job. To motor, which is common, they won’t come undone cut it, just set a two-bythen you might be able until you are ready. Use on four over your cutting line to oil the motor. If that metal fasteners from 1/4 and press it down. Run a doesn’t work, or if the inch to 3/4 inch in diamutility knife along the edge problem isn’t the fan, then eter. Great for all sorts of of the two-by-four to cut you probably need to have tools, bikes, automobiles, through the layers. it serviced by a profession- boats and tons of other al. If you do this in the off things around the house.

Dear Al: I have trouble get- season, you will be ready You can find Threadlocker ting oil into my ceiling fans to go next summer. at hardware and auto-supwhen I need to lubricate them. ply stores, as well as many I have to do this a couple of Dear Kelly: Here’s my crazy home centers. For more times a year, and I have made idea for stirring paint: I use a information, visit www.locsome really bad messes while wire whisk. I actually had an titeproducts.com.

HOMESTEAD: Building a life in Alaska Many of them walked or flew into some of the harshest geography on the planet and By 1900, more than 1.3 not only lived to tell their million homestead applitale, but helped to make the cations had been filed in image of a singular homethe Lower 48 under the steader’s log cabin alone in a tremendously popular prosea of snow, northern lights gram. Alaska, conversely, over head, as representative had seen only a measly 200 of our great state as our very applications by 1914. Yet Alaska would ultimately see flag.

The last of the American a significant surge in applihomestead land was granted cations following both the in the late eighties in InteWorld Wars and then again rior Alaska. Today there are after Vietnam. Perhaps the not nearly as many homeresidents of a no longer innocent America recaptured steads left, and those that remain have changed a great the concept of true pursuit deal. Many have private if of happiness being only to have a mule, 50 acres, and crude airstrips, satellite telea dream alone to subsist on. vision, and Internet access.

Others have transformed Whatever the case may be, by the time Alaska achieved into remote tourist destinations. But the impression of statehood in 1956 the number of active homesteads had the homestead days remain fresh in Alaska’s memory. surged to more than 3,000.

Today, we see the tradiHomesteaders in Alaska were of a uniquely tough ilk. tional homestead accessible Continued from Page 26

18372365-9-24-10HRE

E SINC!!!

1982

hesitant to throw away the garden hoses and reel that I have been using for years, even though we now have a sprinkler system in the yard.

But I have, at last, put the hoses away, since I rarely need them. I have converted the hose reel to a cord reel, and use it to store and carry my extra-long extension cord that I use for my mower, edger and weed whacker. It’s so much easier to bring outside to use, and even easier to wind back up when I’m finished using it.

— R.S.

by only plane, river, dog team or foot on the market in small numbers in the more rural areas of our state. Once in a great while a property that recalls that simpler way of Alaska life becomes available on the market right here in Fairbanks.

There are “homesteads” nowadays that are still a reminder of simpler days, but have all the modern amenities. These are like hitting upon gold with your shovel while digging your garden. Just keep your eyes open and pick up the phone quickly when you find out about an Alaskan Homestead advertised that you’re interested in.

April Frick is a Realtor with Somers & Associates and can be contacted at 460-2310 for more information.

27

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Don’t forget the flood insurance, even in Alaska in connection to a mortgage loan.

Flood insurance is mandatory if the lender is federally regulated and your property is located in a special hazard area.

By MICHELINE PATTERSON Your business or home has a 26 percent chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30year loan, compared to a 9 percent chance of damage or loss due to fire.

Floods can occur almost anywhere at anytime — not just near water. Flooding is the No. 1 natural disaster in the United States, and has caused nearly $1.6 million in damages in Alaska and $23.8 billion in the U.S. over the last 10 years.

Flood coverage is sold separately from all other types of insurance coverage.

Protection from flood damage is available for protection from loss for commercial buildings, residential buildings/homes, and renters’ personal belongings.

Coverage is available up to $250,000 for single-family, multi-family and other residential buildings and up to $100,000 for contents coverage.

Non-residential buildings, including small businesses, can acquire coverage up to $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for contents.

Coverage for damage from flood is not covered in any other type of policy except a flood insurance policy.

Lender placed vs. owner/buyer placed insurance If you are applying for a building or home loan, the lender may take the initiative to place insurance coverage for you in order for you to meet the loan requirements.

This is known as “lender placed” insurance coverage, and it often may be more geared to protecting the lender’s interests rather than your interests.

Additionally, lender placed coverage could cost you up to three to four times more than if you placed the insurance yourself through an insurance agency/agent.

Lenders will notify borrowers if flood insurance

What is a special hazard area?

Micheline Patterson is required as a condition of the loan (National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994). Additionally, there is no 30 day waiting period for flood insurance purchased

flood insurance, and are selling your business or home, you can assign your current flood insurance policy to the buyer at the time of closing.

How are premiums calculated?

Flood insurance premiums are based upon the This is a designated area elevation level of the buildwith the highest risk of ing or home. A flood elevaflooding. tion certificate is necessary Flood insurance rate before flood premiums can maps show high risk areas be determined. as Zones A, AE or V. HowThis certificate must be ever, nearly 25 percent of completed by a licensed land all flood claims come from surveyor or professional medium or low-risk flood engineer who is authorized areas which are listed as by law to certify elevation Zones B, C and X. information.

Anyone can purchase Flood elevation certififlood insurance whether or cates should be kept on file not they are in a special haz- with your local community ard area. If you already have planning department as

required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulation 44 CFR 60.3b1, FEMA 480 Publication, and the local flood reduction ordinance for the community.

Remember, if you sell your home you can transfer this policy to the new owners.

Paying too much for flood insurance?

This is because the home has a basement or crawlspace that is below the base flood elevation. Installing flood vents or filling in this space could reduce your flood insurance premiums.

A LOMA or LOMA-F can be filed with FEMA to have a structure removed from the Please see INSURANCE, Page 31

28

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Fairbanks Realtors Get the Job Done!

RICK EMERSON

SUSAN RAINEY

RE/MAX Associates of Fairbanks

Riverview Realty

Rick has lived in Alaska since 1975 and became a realtor in 1997.

Rick works with all land types as well as homes - he has a little something for everyone. He was Third in closed transactions for all of Alaska with RE/MAX for 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, first in closed transactions (Individual) 2005, 2006. 2007 & 2009 and in the 100% Club.

www.alaskaland4u.com emerson@alaska.net Call Rick at 452-6387

Susan has successfully been helping her clients meet their real estate goals for more than 25 years!

Put her indepth experience to work for you! www.suerainey.com • srainey@mosquitonet.com Call Sue at 479-4410

JO ANNE WEAVER

PATTY STATES

Pruhs Real Estate

Riverview Realty/States Real Estate

Jo Anne has roots in Fairbanks stretching back 100 years and is committed to her town.

Let her help you find the right place to call home.

Associate Broker, ABR and UAF Alumni. “Let me lead you home!”

Call Jo Anne at 460-2525 www.fairbanksakrealty.com househunter@gci.net

GRACE MINDER Grace Minder Realty, Inc. Honesty, Integrity, Enthusiasm!

Grace is amazing! Mother of 3, active in the community. Top producing Agent & Broker.

Born & raised in Fairbanks!

2007 Affiliate Realtor of the Year!“ 1st Class Service every time,Your Home Town Realtor”

Specializing in residential sales, Patty has lived in the Fairbanks area for over 40 years. She is very familiar with Fairbanks and North Pole real estate market trends and construction techniques. Patty will be happy to assist both buyers and sellers with all their real estate needs.

For dedicated and professional service, call Patty today at 750-0606!

GRACE MOORE

Call Grace at 590-0306 email: gracemoore@alaska.net

JANET SHAFER

MORGAN MACCHIONE Coldwell Banker Gold Country Buying and Selling property is one of the biggest financial decisions one will make. Choosing the right Realtor to represent your needs makes a BIG difference. That’s why I say “Experience & Integrity are #1!”

458-0055 • 978-5985 CELL www.morganmacchione.com

Call Janet at 456-4725 fortune@polarnet.com

CAMERON HARTER Coldwell Banker Gold Country

Call Cameron at 456-4653 www.cameronharter.com

JUDY SOMERS

DAVE SOMERS

Somers & Associates, Inc.

Somers & Associates, Inc.

40 year Alaskan and graduate of University of Alaska. Holds Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) Designation & Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). Judy stresses attention to detail and communication to ensure smooth transactions.

Call Judy at 456-7653 ext. 105 www.somersandassociates.net

RICH KELLEY Rich Kelley Realty Realtor Since 1985; Residential & Commercial; Buyer’s & Seller’s Representation; Certified Residential Specialist; Member Local MLS.

www.richkelleyrealty.com, rich@richkelleyrealty.com.

Call Rich at 452-7424

Committed to excellence in both residential and commercial real estate. Dave is a consistent top producer and believes in satisfied and fullyinformed clients.

Call Dave at 456-7653 ext. 101 www.somersandassociates.net

Eileen has lived in Fairbanks for over 30 years. Graduated from UAF, raised children in Fairbanks schools and has volunteered on many local boards. Eileen received the 2008 Affiliate Realtor of the Year award and serves on the Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors as President for 2010.

eileencummings@gci.net or call her at 378-1864

MONICA DALLAS Monica Dallas Realty Monica is a knowledgeable, down-to-earth Realtor who offers outstanding customer service. She will work hard to make the buying/selling process an easy one for you. Monica has lived in the Fairbanks area for 28 years and has raised her children here.

Call 388-4987 MonicaDallas@msn.com MonicaDallas.com

ANDREA BARKER Alaska Land & Residential Properties Specializing first in quality of service for Buyers and Sellers, not quantity of sales for me.

Put my 35 year Alaskan residency and 27 year Real Estate experience to work for you. With me you are always the Boss.

Call Andrea at 378-0336 andrea@realtyalaska.com

57372859-9-24-10H&RE

Cameron Harter, Associate Broker and Top Producer, was born and raised in Fairbanks, and earned his BBA in marketing at Washington State University.

Cameron has extensive knowledge, skills and experience in marketing and real estate, and will work hard with you to accomplish your real estate goals.

When you’re read to buy or sell Real Estate, call Ginger! at 452-8000 www.GingerOrem.com

EMC Realty, Inc.

A 32-year Alaskan, Grace Moore knows the community well and enjoys helping people buy or sell their homes. She is an Accredited Buyers Representative and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. Grace has worked with first-time homebuyers, military clients, Seniors, and seasoned homeowners. She’ll give you her best whether buying or selling a home.

Fortune Properties of Fairbanks Broker/Owner of Fortune Properties of Fairbanks calling Alaska home for over 35 years and assisting the Fairbanks community and surrounding area with their real estate needs for over 25 years.

Ginger is a local real estate expert, licensed in Alaska since 1994 and nominated as one of Fairbanks’ Favorite Realtors in the 2008 DNM People’s Choice Awards.

EILEEN CUMMINGS

Century 21 Gold Rush

Call Grace 479-8000 grace.minder@acsalaska.net www.graceminder.com

GINGER OREM CROWN Real Estate AK, Inc.

29

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

GENE DUVAL

AUDREY J. FOLDOE

RE/MAX Associates of Fairbanks

Meyeres Real Estate

Gene is the #1 Listing and Selling Realtor at RE/MAX of Fairbanks & one of the Top Realtors in Alaska. For experience, integrity and results, put Gene and his team to work for YOU!

Call Gene at 452-4363 www.geneduval.com • gene@geneduval.com

HEATHER LAMBERT Somers & Associates, Inc. As heard on KIAK FM! I have been a REALTOR for nearly ten years and I work for the top local real estate company in town. I am pleased to serve you and to provide you with excellence in Real Estate!!

Call Heather at 456-7653 ext. 102 or 460-6470 heatherf@gci.net

GERRIE DUFFY

Alaska Great Land Realty Broker/Owner – ABR,CRS, Accredited Buyers Representative, Certified Residential Specialist, Past Fairbanks Realtor of the Year, Past President of Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors, Alaska State CRS Board Director.

Whether you are buying or selling, let me put my years of extensive real estate experience to work for you. I work one on one with my clients to provide the very best service with proven results!

www.GerrieDuffy.com, Gerrie@GerrieDuffy.com Call Gerrie at 322-6612

TRACI SCHACHLE Coldwell Banker Gold Country Selling Real Estate is one of my all time loves. Having extensive knowledge with customer relations, being reliable, tenacious and listening to your needs are qualities that make me stand out as a full time, top producing agent. With that I have developed a full complement of skills that it takes to get families into the HOMES of their dreams!!

Call Traci at 322-0228 or 456-4653 traci@alaska.com www.tracischachle.com

ZEB MABIE Coldwell Banker Gold Country

Call Zeb at 388-6348 www.ZebMabie.com email: Zeb@gci.net

Alaskan Sales

Specializing in friendly & professional service for residential, commercial and investment properties.

Experienced in mortgage lending, military family life, military relocation services, and listings/sales from Fairbanks to Cantwell.

Quality Service Award, Certified Residential Specialist and Broker. 2006 Fairbanks Realtor of the Year.

907-456-6000 www.meyeres.com audrey@meyeres.com

JOYCE SPENCER Joyce Spencer Realty Joyce Spencer, Broker Professionalism, Dedication & Results! Committed to each buyer and seller, works hard to make your real estate experience enjoyable.

JOAN STEPOVICH

Wagner Realty

Stepovich Realty

I’ve lived in Fairbanks 39 years. I have 18 years experience in land development, new residential construction, remodeling, interior decorating and property management. My first priority is to meet the needs of my clients.

Remember....You Always Come First!

Broker/Owner. Success = Mother of 4, married 25 years, college degree, 28 years experience in interior design, 13 years as a Realtor. Owner of “White Palms” Furniture and Design. This lifelong Alaskan is helping make dreams a reality. I look forward to serving you in all your interior design or real estate needs.

Call Jerrie @ 460-2381 www.JerrieWagner.com

joan@gci.net 374-2825 or 378-4646 www.whitepalms.net www.stepovichrealty.com

SALLY ATWOOD

BRUCE WAMMACK

Advantage Alaska Realty Sally Atwood

Interior Alaska Realty A 58 year resident of Alaska, Bruce has sold residential, commercial, and land real estate in Fairbanks as a 40 year member of the Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors.

Broker/Owner, CRS, ABR, Military, 1st Time Homebuyer, National Referrals, Clients say, “Friendly, honest, trustworthy, reliable, professional, personable, dedicated, experienced, knowledgeable, no pressure, considerate, genuine caring.”

Call Joyce at 388-4412 jspencer@acsalaska.net www.JoyceSpencer.com

atwood@gci.net www.HomesForFairbanks.com Call Sally at 347-8486

www.interiorrealty.com brucewammack@realtor.com Call Bruce at 455-9550

ELIZABETH SCHOK

WHITNEY BOESE

MELISSA BIDWELL

RICHARD HARTER

Coldwell Banker Gold Country

Somers & Associates, Inc.

MVI Realty

beckistauber@mosquitonet.com Call Becki at 378-1766

You will find honesty and integrity while I work hard to help you meet your real estate goals.

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

-Winston Churchill.

Call Elizabeth at 322-9188 www.elizabethschok.com schok@acsalaska.net

KIRK MAYNARD Coldwell Banker Gold Country • Specializing in Military Relocation • Member of Coldwell Bankers Elite President’s Circle • President of Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors 2009 • Member of Board of Directors for Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors Since 2005 • 2009 Affliate Realtor of the Year • Born and Raised in Alaska • Expert Knowledge of Fairbanks, AK • Owner/Broker Coldwell Banker Gold Country

kmaynard@alaska.com www.FairbanksProperty.com Call Kirk at 456-4653 or 388-3560

MIKE VANSICKLE Century 21 Gold Rush As a Top Producer in the North Pole/Fairbanks area, I work hard to make the home buying and selling experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Specializing in single family sales, first time home buyers and new construction.

Call Mike at 347-4484 or 488-2100 www.mikevansickle.com

ABR, GRI Whether buying or selling real estate, Whitney works hard to provide a smooth transaction with honesty, integrity, and good communication. Call today to get started!

Call Whitney at 750-1704 whitneyboese@yahoo.com

CHRIS CALHOON Chris Calhoon Real Estate Chris is a decorated Vietnam Veteran who retired as Colonel in the U.S. Army after 23 years service. In 1998, he started Fairbanks’ first exclusive buyers’ brokerage. He will take care of your most important investment and negotiate the best deal for you.

www.buyers-brokerage.com chris@buyers-brokerage.com Call Chris at 456-3401

JONI SCHNEIDER Heartland Realty I have over 30 years experience and have owned and operated Heartland since 1990. I was voted REALTOR of the year in 2003 and was president of GFBR in 2006. I represent buyers or sellers with great success! If it is experience you’re looking for, I’ll look forward to helping you!

Call Joni at 456-1221 heartland@gci.net

An established high standard of quality client service. I am ready to meet the unique challenges and problems families sometimes encounter while selling their home or selecting their new home. My customers are my #1 priority.

Call Melissa at 322-8873 melissa@mvirealty.com

KRISTEN COUTURE Somers & Associates, Inc. Dedicated to clients and committed to excellence. I am a 20 year resident of Fairbanks and I love my community.

I have discovered my passion in helping buyers and sellers realize their dreams in home ownership. Having a knowledgeable Realtor working for you is a sure advantage! I will develop a successful plan of action based on YOUR wants and needs. I pledge myself to work diligently in making your dreams a reality. Clients appreciate my knowledge of the local market, non-pushy sales approach and dedication to making sure that your real estate transaction is a stress free as possible.

Call Kristen at 978-3593 kristencouture@yahoo.com

Centure 21 Gold Rush I am a long time Resident of North pole, A business owner, Avid hunter & Fisherman And best of all a Realtor. I love what I do, So For quality service you can Trust contact Rich Harter.

Call Rich at 322-5888 rdharter@live.com www.harterrealty.com

KELLI POWERS Somers & Associates, Inc. Kelli was born and raised in Fairbanks and has extensive knowledge of the area.

Kelli is reliable, courteous, dependable & available to help you with your real estate needs. Kelli enjoys living in this wonderful town and all it has to offer.

Call Kelli at 456-7653 www.kellipowers.com

BUTCH & TERRI CURRIER Coldwell Banker Gold Country Specializing in Military Relocation & 1st Time Home Buyers.

Our goal is to make every aspect of your Real Estate transaction as stress free as possible for you!

Call us at any time at 590-2853 or 488-5875 www.ButchSellsAlaskaHomes.com Butch&Terri@ButchCurrier.net HONESTY • TENACITY • EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION

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Zeb is a lifelong resident of the Fairbanks and North Pole areas, and is Director at Large for the Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors.

Whether buying or selling you can expect full service professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Zeb is ready to assist you!

BECKI STAUBER

As broker/owner, Audrey has been helping Fairbanksans buy and sell real estate for over 30 years. Meyeres Real Estate, named for the founder Bud Meyeres in 1950, is now a small family business.

JERRIE WAGNER

30

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Curb appeal: The view from outside that curb and you see that the windows are dirty, the trees are overgrown and the shutters are faded or peelWhen potential buyers ing, that’s a turnoff,” says drive up to your home, the decision of “to buy or not to Jennie Norris, president of the International Associabuy” might be made before tion of Home Staging Prothey even step foot in your carefully cleaned and staged fessionals, which is a source of professional home stagers house. who also work on staging It’s the outside view the outdoor sections of your — that all-important curb property for best effect. appeal — that can close the “Buyers will likely spend deal for you or, if you don’t spruce up your home’s outer several minutes at your front door while their real appearance, send buyers estate agent unlocks it, so looking for the next listing. invest time in setting the According to real stage for a grand entrance,” estate industry Web site says Marcia Layton Turner, HomeGain, if you invest co-author of “The Complete $300 to $400 on landscapIdiot’s Guide to Staging ing, your home price could increase by $1,500 to $2,000, Your Home to Sell.”

“Make sure the door is a return on your investment clean and freshly painted, of about 500 percent. if needed. Polish any brass, Think about how your such as a door knocker, house looks from the front curb, which is where poten- hinges or doorknob. Clean any glass sidelights or glass tial buyers get their first windows on the door or Creators.com look and form that allSpending a little money to transform your current outdoor space into something fantastic important first impression.

Please see CURB, Page 32 “If you’re standing at goes a long way.

By SHARON NAYLOR Creators.com

31

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

INSURANCE: Flood evaluation certificate required by the agent Continued from Page 27

high risk flood zone and the mandatory flood insurance requirement.

In order to file a LOMA the lowest adjacent grade has to be at or above the base flood elevation.

This information can be found on the flood elevation certificate.

What is the payout for flood insurance?

How flood insurance policies are paid out vary depending on the type of building covered.

Building coverage on a primary residential home is paid on a replacement cost (RC) basis while on a rental and/or secondary residential home it is paid on an actual cash value (ACV) basis.

Buildings considered commercial are also paid out on an ACV. Contents coverage, no matter what type of building, is always paid out on an ACV basis.

The amount of coverage available on residential policies is no more than $250,000 for the dwelling and up to $100,000 for its contents.

On commercial buildings, the coverage amount goes up to $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for its contents.

New construction information The community that you intend to building in requires a flood hazard permit.

This permit is issued by the community planning office and requires property owners to build above the base flood elevation.

If your building site is located in a special hazard area, it is be wise to have a licensed land surveyor, professional engineer, or registered architect come and set a temporary benchmark before construction begins.

This will allow the builder to refer to the benchmark and build above the base flood

Flood insurance is available through about 90 insurance companies in more than 20,300 participating communities nationwide. Your insurance agent will require a flood elevation certificate which will have the necessary information to rate the policy. elevation (BFE).

Additionally, it will help you determine how much fill material is needed to raise your structure above the BFE which will result in lower flood insurance costs.

Remember: building above the BFE results in

lower flood insurance premiums; building below the BFE results in higher premiums.

Lower flood premiums are available Buildings with a crawl-

space can install flood openings, as long as the inside grade and exterior grade has no more than 2 feet difference and there is no more than 5 feet between the crawlspace floor and the top of the next higher floor. This is FEMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preferred method. The openings are on all sides and allow flood waters to flow freely through the space without building up hydrostatic pressure.

How do I get flood insurance?

the necessary information to rate the policy.

The premium charged for an accurately rated NFIP policy will be the same, regardless of from whom you purchase the policy.

For more information on rates, premiums or maps contact your local independent insurance agent.

Flood elevation certificates can be turn into your local city or borough office for safe keeping!

All information provided in this article was obtained from the folApplying for flood insur- lowing websites www.fema.gov or ance is easy! Flood insurance www.floodsmart.gov.

For more information call is available through about Taunnie Boothby with the Alaska 90 insurance companies in State Division of Community and more than 20,300 participat- Regional Affairs 907-269-4583 or ing communities nationwide. Micheline Patterson with Kenneth Your insurance agent will Murray Insurance at 907-4566646 micheline@kenmurray.com. require a flood elevation

certificate which will have

32

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

CURB: Spruce up the outside to make a good impression ponds and waterfalls or a clean and well-manicured storm door. Sweep the stoop.

Color is a very big issue when it comes to backyard pool, and a clean Put down a new welcome copper or modern-looking mat. And add a couple of your home’s outer appearance. It may be a birdbath is fine, too.” potted plants on both sides As far as additional outof the front door to add color wise investment to have your home profesdoor décor goes, the experts Light effects and make it feel like a more say to put everything away. potential buyers inviting space.” sionally painted. Norris says a house looks willMany schedule visits for after Remove plaques with your Norris agrees, suggesting family name on them. Get work hours. topiaries on both sides of the best when the main color and the trim are rid of the creepy little garTo make your home door, large colorful planting den gnomes and plastic pink shine after dark, consider bowls from the nursery, and within the same color family and there’s flamingos, even those cute a lighting strategy.

Pretty annuals on a plant stand to fabric flags themed to the lanterns and modern fixadd a touch of color. just one contrasting color for a “pop” season or the holiday or to a tures can be found in most favorite sports team or alma home improvement stores Hued up accent, such as on the shutters. But it may and installed in less than an mater.

Color is a very big issue The goal is to depersonalwhen it comes to your work just fine to have your home’s siding hour. ize the outside, as well as Turner advises making home’s outer appearance. the inside, of your home so that all of your outdoor It may be a wise investpower washed, which can make it look as sure that buyers see the house as lights — from your solars ment to have your home a house, not your house. by your steps to your front professionally painted. Nor- if you had new siding put on.

And Turner says to make porch light — are clean and sure that all lawn equipment ris says a house looks best in good working order. when the main color and the is put away. trim are within the same “You don’t want any hint Lawn décor color family and there’s just landscaping, so for annuals Norris advises, “Use the that you had to work hard A fabulous backyard will one contrasting color for a that you’ll plant in front outdoor home staging wisto make the yard look that “pop” accent, such as on the and along walkways, stick dom of making sure that you feature a new, clean patio good,” she says. “Buyers furniture grouping so that shutters. with just one color of flower have high, medium and low want the illusion that your But it may work just fine rather than mix six different plantings, such as a few tall potential buyers can imagine home will require very little to have your home’s siding the entertaining they could shades, and plant in clusters trees, some medium-height in the way of maintenance power washed, which can rather than rows for the bushes and then some flow- do on that back deck, and and upkeep.” make it look as if you had a clean grill is also a must, best effect.” ers or ground cover close to With just a few simple new siding put on. even if it’s a portable unit the ground.”

Turner says to trim any outdoor “spruce-ups,” your Color also applies to and not a built-in part of an house will impress those bushes or shrubs to neat and This style of planting is your landscaping. Norris controlled shapes, put down the nicest aesthetically, and outdoor kitchen. potential buyers, perhaps says, “Buyers are impressed new mulch and cut down it also serves to direct the “Water features are terright into saying, “We’d like with pops of color in your any dead tree branches. eye toward your home’s best rific,” Norris says, “such as to make an offer.” features. For instance, a taller tree will bring the eye upward to show off the top frame of your front door or the new windows.

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33

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Help your agent do his or her best “A Realtor can come in and help with everything, but a well-prepared client, Your real estate agent is both financially and with a busy. That’s not to say he home ready for the market, is isn’t amazing, but when he’s ahead of the game,” says real juggling a full client roster, estate expert Michele Lerner, multi-tasking is the name of author of “Homebuying the game.

— Tough Times, First Time, From drafting listings and Any Time: Smart Ways to touring homes to open houses Make a Sound Investment.” and closings, he has a lot of Figure out responsibilities. Help him help you by doing your part. your finances “Brokers and clients need Before you start shopto work together as a team. ping, know where you stand Making things easier for financially.

Get a copy of your the broker will benefit the credit report. Determine how customer,” says Drew Glick, much you can afford to spend a senior vice president at on a monthly house payment, Brown Harris Stevens Resiand meet with a mortgage dential Sales. broker.

Whether you’re buying “Get preapproved, and or selling, there are plenty have a relationship with a of things you can do to help local bank or mortgage bromake the experience a success. At the top of the list? Be ker,” says Realtor Brendon DeSimone with the Paragon prepared. Get your finances Real Estate Group. “Having in shape; have your home a solid understanding of your ready to show; and know finances before you engage what you want before you with a Realtor will be a tresign on with an agent.

By CHANDRA ORR Creators.com

mendous help and timesaver.”

Have your down payment set aside and easily accessible. If you need to borrow from your 401(k) or cash out long-term investments, start the process early so the funds are available when you need them.

“Nothing wastes more time than not having a deposit ready and down payment money easily accessible,” Lerner says.

As you navigate the buying and borrowing process, collect all pertinent paperwork in a central file — and take it with you when meeting with your agent.

of preferred neighborhoods and school districts, your desired bedroom count and square footage, your musthaves and a realistic budget.

“Even if inventory is tight, there are thousands of properties on the market at any Please see HELP, Page 34

Know what you want “As a buyer, you can help your agent most by knowing what you want before you sign on,” Lerner says.

“Carefully weigh your needs and desires so that you know which features are musthaves and which are want-tohaves.”

Come prepared with a list

ACROSS 3. Married Realtors on Pg. 13.

5. Who is advertising 1374 Joyce Drive, $239,900. Pg. 18 –19.

6. Cover Pg. Your Hometown Realtor 7. On which avenue is the house for $207,000 located? Pg. 23.

10. The "H" in FHA. 11. Part of a stair 12. Pg. 29. Which Realtor offers "…no pressure, considerate, genuine caring."?

14. Sometimes, it's a walk-in 15. Zeb ______ Maybe? Pg. 29.

16. A roof overhang 20. A home loan 22. Typical roof covering…or a medical condition.

23. She's got the ______ (plural). Pg. 1.

DOWN

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Presented by Participating Realtors and the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

1. The abbr. for bedroom.

2. Wants you to enjoy the mountain view…also a spice. Pg. 1.

4. The 2 in 3/2/1.

5. In vinyl or aluminum for exterior covering.

6. Pg. 28. An accredited Buyers Rep and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist.

8. Pg. 28. Which Realtor says: "Experience & Integrity are #1."?

9. Pg. 29. She's a 20 yr. resident and dedicated to clients.

10. She and Kelli sell homes. Pg. 1 13. Who is the right Realtor now that "The Market Has Changed." Pg. 23.

17. She has Tenderfoot property for sale…with a cabin. Pg. 18–19.

18. Pg. 28. Received his BBA in Marketing at Washington State.

19. Realtor selling "Walden Estates." Pg. 3 21. 5 Star ______ rated.

34

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

HELP: Have your affairs in order for a smooth, easy purchase Continued from Page 33

given time. If buyers give me all their criteria and a wish list, I might know the right property for them immediately,” Glick says.

Paint a picture of your dream home, and be flexible.

“Being open to properties that do not fit into the initial criteria can be important.

I advise buyers to focus on what they are looking for in an ideal world. If it is not available, then expanding horizons is the way to go,” Glick says.

Be ready to show Before your home hits the listings, be sure it’s in tiptop shape. Fix minor problems;

freshen up the landscaping; organize the closets; clear the clutter; stash nonessentials in storage.

“Chances are you know that you plan on selling your home months in advance,” DeSimone says. “Start planning for it. Get a storage unit. Get stuff out of your house, and start organizing now. The faster the Realtor can get in and do his thing the faster you can get your house sold.”

While your home is on the market, stay on top of household chores and yardwork so the property looks showroomready at a moment’s notice.

“Homes take longer to sell nowadays. That means regular upkeep,” DeSimone

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explains. “If I could just show up and know that the place shows impeccably, that would be a lifesaver.”

Let your agent know upfront the best times for showing your home — but be prepared for impromptu visits.

“Flexibility in allowing the broker to show a property at various times is key,” Glick says. “Requests for showings are often made last minute with relatively short notice.

Turning buyers down for a showing may lead them to just move on.”

The same holds true for buyers; not all sellers are going to be flexible, so you might need to adjust your schedule if you want to see the hot new listings as they hit the market.

Before you start shopping, know where you stand financially. Get a copy of your credit report. Determine how much you can afford to spend on a monthly house payment, and meet with a mortgage broker. Have your down payment set aside and easily accessible. If you need to borrow from your 401(k) or cash out long-term investments, start the process early so the funds are available when you need them.

35

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

Adding lifestyle attractions to your listing

By SHARON NAYLOR Creators.com

garden, a roof deck, a tennis court, water features, a home theater and any other on-propA well-written listing is the erty attractions. Descriptive best marketing tool to get your wording enables potential house looked at, loved and buyers to imagine themselves sold. Real estate agents devote enjoying these very elements extra effort to include the best as the home’s new owners. selling points of houses on the Illustrating lifestyle elemarket in order to attract the ments may catch potential attention of potential buyers. buyers’ attention, but don’t “In this slower market, we forget the basics. “People are off-peak of our usual annumay appreciate the wrapping al sales of 6 million homes, so paper,” Rogers says, “but they it’s important for any house on need the present, too. It’s far the market to stand out from better to provide the essential the crowd,” says Alison Rogdetails that are truly going to ers, author of “Diary of a Real attract the ideal buyer, such Estate Rookie.” as the number and sizes of To make your home’s listrooms.” ing stand out from the many What buyers really want other listings out there, shine to know is whether the house a spotlight on elements that or condo is large enough for bring to mind what the buythem, how many bedrooms er’s lifestyle would be if he or there are, how many bathshe were to buy your home. rooms there are, whether the That means mentioning that heat is electric or gas, when Creators.com the roof was redone, whether your house is located close to To make your home’s listing stand out from the many other listings out there, shine a spot- there is a security system, etc. a park with biking trails so light on elements that bring to mind what the buyer’s lifestyle would be if he or she were to the buyer registers that your These may not be fun topbuy your home. home location supports an ics, but they’re the ones that active lifestyle. Homebuyers carry the most weight when looking for a serene place to it comes to selling your home. mentioning that it’s close to home is near an ‘ample law by unintentionally diswalk their dogs or have family schools or to religious centers. playground,’” says Rogers, So be sure that your house’s criminating. picnics will flock to your open Doing so is simply against the illustrating that your listing inner details are illustrated So, to avoid any brush house. If your home is located law because these elements fully and that photos of your cannot give the appearance against the Fair Housing Act, close to a train station leadrooms are high-quality and apply only to certain demoof favoring any demographic. it’s far better to illustrate ing into a major city, it may plentiful for showing on online graphics.

You’re not being a good marlifestyle elements by listing attract a buyer who loves the media players.

“You can’t say that the keter, and you’re breaking the that your house has a pool, a energy and culture available in a metropolitan area. Revealing that it would be easy to hop in Arctic Technical and out of the city could add Services Offers a checkmark in that buyer’s Quality Products mental “plus column.” & Services: When attempting to load your listing with attractive Energy Ratings lifestyle elements, you have to Radon Testing be careful not to violate the Thermal (Infrared) Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of 25% Imaging through the Civil Rights Act of 1968), the roof Building Consulting which the U.S. Department of 10% Training & Education Housing and Urban Developthrough ment summarizes as prohibToyo Repair the iting “discrimination in the windows Energy Kinetics sale, rental, and financing of 35% High-Efficiency Boilers dwellings, and in other housthrough Toyotomi Products 15% in the walls ing-related transactions, based droughts Quadrafire Stoves on race, color, national origin, Nordic Oil Drip 15% into the religion, sex, familial status & Much More! ground (including children under the age of 18 living with parents Minnie St or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing Well St custody of children under the ENERGY EFFICIENT COMFORT Phillips Field Rd age of 18), and handicap (dis1318 Well Street Located in the Railroad Industrial ability).” This means you canarctictechcm@gmail.com area, off East Phillips Field Rd. not try to sell your home by

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36

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, September 24, 2010

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