Homes August-September 2017 by Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2017

Homes.NewsMiner.com

How building permits protect homeowners Make a home offer they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t refuse Host a successful open house See interior photos of this lovely home listed exclusively by Lana Hebert of Somers & Associates, Inc. on page 2.

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on the cover

2275 Elliott Highway • $550,000

This custom built home is highly unique in design, features, and amenities.

ing

It sits on almost 13 acres of manicured land, has a barley field and an active creek that flows through the property. A water wheel and pond give this property a tranquil and serene feeling of pure nature. Walk into the main house through an African mahogany double entrance door and see the marble flooring throughout. Open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, living and kitchen area adorned with the most current features. Doors in each room to step out onto a deck and enjoy the morning sunrise or relax at sunset. Downstairs is a pool room or can be used as a bedroom with a full bath. There is an entryway into the 2 plus car garage and laundry area. The guest house is a studio-style space that contains a 3/4 bath, wood burning cook stove and custom tile/glass work. The 40x82 airplane/garage hangar is heated with its own source of fuel and is great for storage or working in all year long. GE Thermal heat is just one of the wonderful features of this truly one-of-a-kind properties. If you’re looking for a place to sit, relax and enjoy nature at its best, this is the home for you!

LANA HEBERT

Somers & Associates REALTORS® Inc. (907) 590-3330 LanaHebert.com akrealtorlhebert@gci.net

Hundreds of Listings Open Houses • Loan Calculators Industry Information • Featured REALTORS® Homes.NewsMiner.com 2 homes.newsminer.com

contents

August-September 2017

Products

Country Kitchen

Florcraft Carpet One Floor & Home

The Pampered Chef; Robyn Neilko

Featured

4&5

Services

AlaskaUSA Mortgage Company

Country Financial/Laura Brugger

Department of Environment

Duszynski & Associates/Inspection & Energy Rating

Golden Valley Electric Association

LaBrenz Landscaping

11 9

Mt. McKinley Bank

Nessbuilt Remodelers

Sourdough Transfer

Sway Array

Make a home offer they can’t refuse

Real Estate

Agent Directory

Alaska Life Realty; Rich Harter

Chris Calhoon Real Estate

14 18

Coldwell Banker: Melissa Richardson

Crown Real Estate Inc.; Ginger Orem

Fortune Properties; Janet Shafer

Fox Realty

Grace Minder Realty, Inc.

Greater Fairbanks Board of REALTORS ®.

Moose Creek Apartments

RE/MAX Associates of Fairbanks; Ray Brasier

RE/MAX Associates of Fairbanks; Gene Duval

Somers & Associates, REALTORS ® Inc

Somers & Associates; Lana Hebert

Somers & Associates; Angie Tallant

Somers & Associates; Property Management

Stepovich Realty/Stage & Design Fairbanks

How building permits protect homeowners

Mongold Insurance Agency

Host a successful open house

Address air leaks to save energy and money

Maximize your farmer’s market trip

Newspapers make for an ideal educational tool

Explore the many facets of potatoes

Explore the amazing health benefits of reading Agent directory

22 23

To advertise, call Janessa Vinson at (907) 459-7547 jvinson@newsminer.com Homes.NewsMiner.com

Homes.newsminer.com

Homes is published and distributed free by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Advertising Department

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When hosting an open house, sellers can take several steps to make their homes more appealing to buyers.

Melissa Richardson

REALTOR ®

(907) 388-2175 456-4653

Melissa@worryfreealaska.com

F57520957

www.cbgoldcountry.com

Land for Sale

Associate Broker

452-4363

gene@geneduval.com Associates of Fairbanks

2806 #3 WILSON STREET

$109,000 2 bd, 2 ba, 1 car garage. Pets on approval. Close to schools, hospital, and shopping. 4 homes.newsminer.com

• Greer Sd., by Nordale Rd and Peede, 6 lots from $14,500. • Lucille Ave., near Brock, 5 lots from $18,000. • Beaver Pond Sd., 19 mile CHSR, 7 lots from $18,000. • 1850 Cirrus Court, N. Pole 2.77 acres, $23,900. • Roland Acres Sd., by Chena Pump and Roland, 14 lots from $25,000. • Anders Sd., 22.5 mile CHSR, 9 lots from $28,500. • Polkadot Drive, near Goldmine Trail, 6 lots from $33,500. • Near Ridgepoint on Chena Ridge, 1 lot 1.84 acres $ 32,000. • Clarkson Drive, by Chena Pump, 3 lots from $29,500. • Hopper Creek Sd., 5.6 mile CHSR, 2 lots from $75,000. • Illinois St., by Denali Bank, .49 acres, $75,000. • Metro Industrial, off Van Horn Rd., 4 lots from $ 75,000. • City Lights Blvd, by Birch Hill, 4 lots from $96,000. • Joliet Drive, by Auburn, 1.8 acres, $105,000. • Sky Summit Sd., by Summit Dr., 2 lots from $99,500. • Deere St., near Aurora Dr., 1.7 acres, $118,500. • Chena Pump & Nebula, 2.28 acres, $225,000. • North Pole Plaza, 5 lots from $302,000.

F57520947

Gene DuVal

open house

Host a

successful open house When selling their homes, homeowners can employ several strategies in an effort to drum up interest among potential buyers. One such strategy is to host an open house, which invites prospective buyers to tour the property. Realtors have long used open houses to introduce properties to the market, and a wellplanned open house can help sellers generate numerous offers in a single day. Whether working with a realtor or listing homes on their own, homeowners can follow a few simple tips to ensure their open house is a success.

Generate publicity online. Nowadays many

desirable neighborhoods looking for their next homes. While the Internet is a valuable resource to promote your open house, the sheer volume of online listings can make it hard to reach potential buyers. A traditional lawn sign and a listing in your local newspaper are budget-friendly promotional opportunities that can generate interest in your open house.

prospective home buyers do the bulk of their research via their computers and devices. By advertising their open houses online, sellers have the potential to reach a wide array of buyers. Many real estate agents employ sites such as Zillow.com and Trulia.com to promote open houses and showcase properties, so sellers can make sure their agents Invite your neighbors. are taking advantage of these wildly Neighbors can be great salesmen for popular sites. Some even allow sellers to your home and the community where list their homes on apps that buyers can you live. Invite friendly neighbors to peruse on their smartphones. your open house and encourage them to chat with prospective buyers. Buyers Generate publicity in will appreciate neighbors’ firsthand traditional ways as knowledge about the community, and well. Traditional publicity should not their friendliness can help to create a be overlooked when promoting an open strong first impression that increases buyer interest in your home. house. A $5 “Open House” lawn sign is an effective and inexpensive way to attract buyers who are driving through

Consider some changes to your home decor.

When hosting an open house, you might not need to go so far as to stage your home, but you may want to make some changes to the decor to make your home more neutral and appealing to buyers from all walks of life. Remove any potentially controversial artwork or decorative items, replacing them with more neutral items that won’t offend or distract any potential buyers.

Leave the hosting to the professionals. Unless you’re

selling the home on your own, resist the temptation to attend your open house. Let your realtor do the work. Your absence can make it easier for potential buyers to see themselves in your home, while your presence may make them uncomfortable or hesitant to explore the property and ask any questions.

homes.newsminer.com 5

building permits

How

building permits protect homeowners Obtain the proper permits before beginning construction.

You are thinking of making a major renovation to your home. Perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to create that master bedroom suite you long have admired or install that wrap-around porch? What is the first thing that should be done before getting down to business? The correct way to begin a home remodeling project is to obtain the necessary permits for the job. Many municipalities request individuals obtain permits for a range of work on homes or other structures, such as office buildings. Permits are generally required for all new construction as well as specific modifications that will affect structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to check with the local building office prior to beginning work to see which permits you will need before the project can begin. Permits are necessary whether a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside contractor. Due to the cost and time involved with securing permits, some homeowners skip this step so they can begin a project promptly. However, this can end up being a costly mistake. Permits might seem like a nuisance, but they actually protect homeowners in various ways. 6 homes.newsminer.com

Permits ensure safe workmanship

Permits provide a blueprint by which contractors and do-it-yourselfers must complete renovations. Because inspections will take place, there is no wiggle room. Shortcuts often translate into subpar work that may lead to malfunction and injury in the long run. Safeguarding against poor workmanship means homeowners can feel confident in the work being done.

Permits reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes

As inspectors go through their checklists, they may notice things that were done incorrectly and will offer advice about how to mend the problem before it becomes a larger headache. If left unchecked, an electrical error could lead to a fire or another dangerous situation. Repairs that are not structurally sound may pose problems or deteriorate

more quickly than structures that are constructed correctly. Furthermore, catching improper technique early on eliminates having to tear down and redo work, which can be a costly and timeconsuming endeavor.

Permits protect against fines

Sometimes work goes as planned even for homeowners who did not obtain the necessary permits. However, years later, when other work needs to be done, inspectors may discover homeowners never secured proper permits and inspections years earlier, leading to fines. Furthermore, if work is done without a permit and an accident occurs, any damages or injuries may not be covered by a homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insurance policy. Permits are an important part of the home improvement process. Homeowners should not skirt the responsibility because the permit and inspection process is in place to provide protection to occupants.

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home buying tips

Make a

home offer they can’t refuse! Buying a home can be very competitive. A well-maintained property with all of the bells and whistles that today’s buyers demand figures to attract many offers, and buyers who have found their dream homes must be prepared to make an offer that sellers can’t refuse. Standing out in a sea of other potential home buyers is not always so easy, but there are steps buyers can take to ensure their offer is the one sellers ultimately accept:

sellers. It’s not

uncommon for homeowners to develop emotional attachments to their homes, and buyers should keep that in mind when viewing a home and negotiating their purchase. Sellers won’t want to hear about how ugly a • Get preapproved home is or how much money for a mortgage. buyers will have to spend to Sellers’ patience may wear thin with buyers who are not bring the home up to their standards. While buyers must preapproved for a mortgage weigh such variables when when making their offers. making their offers, keep it as Preapproval can speed cordial as possible and avoid up the selling process, as any inflammatory remarks buyers won’t need to secure during the negotiation financing afterward. When sellers receive multiple offers process. Sellers may be more on their homes, they are more likely to accept a lower offer from a buyer they like than likely to sell their homes to a higher offer from someone buyers whose financing is they don’t like. already lined up as opposed to buyers who have to • Don’t delay an scramble to secure loans.

• Establish a strong rapport with the 8 homes.newsminer.com

inspection. When a property is drawing significant interest, buyers

can set their offers apart from the rest by arranging for a near-immediate inspection. Some buyers may want sellers to give them a couple of weeks to arrange for an inspection, and that may irritate sellers who want to sell their homes as quickly as possible. Have an inspector ready to perform an inspection within days of making your offer.

amount to exceed any bids that are higher than that initial offer. When sellers trigger such clauses, they are often required to show the other offers they received that triggered the escalation clause. Escalation clauses show the sellers you really want the house while keeping potential buyers’ hopes of buying the home alive when the bids are competitive.

• Include an escalation clause.

Prospective home buyers may find themselves in some stiff competition upon finding their dream homes. But a few simple strategies can make their offers stand out and increase their chances of buying their ideal homes.

When making an offer on a home, prospective buyers can include an escalation clause. Such a clause acknowledges that a potential buyer is willing to increase his or her initial offer by a predetermined

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(907) 452-8000 Crown Real Estate AK, Inc.

Ginger@AskForGinger.com LD

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Visit www.AskForGinger.com to view all CROWN & MLS Listings! homes.newsminer.com 9

air leaks

Address

air leaks to save energy and money Rising energy costs coupled with the continued adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles are two factors driving homeowners to seek ways to reduce energy consumption in their homes. Reducing energy consumption is reason enough for many homeowners to make changes around the house, but saving energy sometimes means saving substantial amounts of money as well. Air leaks around doorways can waste energy and cost homeowners substantial amounts of money. costs. Properly installed gaskets can Energy-efficient appliances and Look for leaks cut back on air infiltration, providing eco-friendly building materials can elsewhere around the an inexpensive way to save energy and help homeowners reduce energy While windows and doorways house. money. consumption. But homeowners looking are where many leaks are found, leaks for additional ways to cut cooling and Cover the kitchen also may be found around plumbing, heating costs can address air leaks exhaust fans when you electrical fixtures and dryer vents. around the house to make their homes Inspect such areas by feeling for drafts are not cooking. Kitchen more energy efficient. or looking for signs that insects and exhaust fans can help prevent fires Identify air leaks around critters might be entering. and unfavorable indoor air conditions windows and doorways. Look up and down. Evidence when preparing meals at home. But Autumn is a great time of year to identify such fans provide opportunities for air of air leaks may be noticeable on air leaks. Fall, and particularly late fall, to enter a home, so make sure they are both the floor and the ceiling. Dirty tends to be characterized by cold air that tightly closed or covered when no one is spots on carpeting and the ceiling may makes it easy to detect air leaks. Feel for cooking in the kitchen. be indicative of air leaks at interior leaks around windows and doorways, Air leaks around a house can waste wall/ceiling joints and wall/floor joists. ideally conducting such tests on cold, energy and contribute to high energy Fixing such leaks may be as simple as windy days when you can quickly detect bills, particularly during the winter and applying some caulk. if air is flowing in from the outside. summer when temperatures outside Go with gaskets. The Leaks around windows and doors waste tend to be at their most extreme. United States Department of Energy energy because the interior of the home Homeowners looking to reduce their is either colder (in the winter) or warmer recommends installing foam gaskets energy consumption and save money behind outlet and switch plates on walls. (in the summer) than it needs to be, can inspect various areas of their homes Outlets and switch boxes on exterior prompting homeowners to turn up their for air leaks and immediately address walls provide another place for air to thermostats or rely more heavily on air any they discover. leak into a home and drive up energy conditioning units.

10 homes.newsminer.com

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F57519085

Rich Harter Broker/Owner Alaska Life Realty (907) 322-5888 Cell (907) 385-3004 Office richharter@outlook.com

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1344 sq/ft 3 bedroom 2 bath home on city utilities with 1 car garage, newly remodeled with large back yard. 200 Slater Dr Fairbanks $239,900

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ST AT EO

F ALA

Replace it with an EPA-certified woodstove – it is more efficient, so youʼll burn up to 33% less wood and it produces less smoke, which is great for our health. So buyers and sellers, donʼt get caught unaware – go to WoodStoveHelp.com and see if old rusty needs to be upgraded to an EPA-certified woodstove today!

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F40520664

In the Fairbanks nonattainment area, non-EPA certiﬁed woodstoves are required to be removed or replaced prior to sale or renting.

ONMEN TA VIR L EN ERVATION ê NS CO

EPARTMENT O êD

BEFORE YOU BUY, SELL OR RENT YOUR HOME FIND OUT IF YOUR WOODSTOVE IS A

CHATANIKA LODGE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $850,000

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Own a piece of History. Ten rooms, guest lounge, restaurant and cocktail lounge. Owners unit plus 2 rentals and 2080 Sq. ft grg. Gorgeous setting on over 11 acres. Northern Lights Viewing in the winter. Activities all through the summer. Offered at $850,000

Rare find. 714 sq ft natural log cabin on 7.8 acres. Vaulted ceiling, loft, bay window and unfinished basement/shop area. Ideal for parking snowmachines and 4 wheelers. Deck with bbq. Furniture included.

711 Gaffney Rd. #100 Fairbanks, AK 99701

Janet Shafer Owner/Broker

somersandassociates.net

456-SOLD (7653)

In town delight. 3 bed 2 bath with major remodel. 9 inch walls. 800 sq. ft shop/grg. Gorgeous corner double lot. Excellent location. Close to schools. Just offered.

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40 acres, GU zoned, Off Grange Hall

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F57520953

PROPERTIES

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107 KANTISHNA WAY - $269,900

F57520961

527 IDITAROD AVE - $260,000 Like new duplex. Each side has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath with garage. Washer/dryer included in each unit. Extra insulation on roof, 2 furnaces, 2 fuel tanks, 2 hot water heaters. Rent on each side is $1,350.

homes.newsminer.com 13

farmers’ market

Maximize

your farmer’s market trip Community-based farmer’s markets can introduce shoppers to an array of foods they may otherwise never experience. Farmer’s markets are great places to find fresh, locally grown foods, and many market customers are happy to know they’re benefitting both the environment and local businessess with every dime they spend. Farmer’s markets can range from the very large to the relatively small, and first-time visitors may not know where to begin. The following are a handful of ways to maximize your visit to farmer’s markets of all sizes.

• Take time to explore.

Farmer’s markets tend to have many of the same fruits and vegetables you can find at the local chain grocery store, but farmer’s markets also are known for offering more than what you may find in the produce aisle. Take time to explore the market and you may just find foods you typically only find at your favorite restaurant. Exploring also may introduce you to new foods you may otherwise never have tried.

• Consider the timing of your visit.

The popularity of farmer’s markets has increased dramatically as more and more people embrace the concept of buying locally grown foods. While that’s great news for the planet and local farmers, shoppers should keep that in mind when planning their visits. If you

14 homes.newsminer.com

love trying new foods, arrive early to the farmer’s market before the more unique offerings have been snapped up. Foods that have small yet devoted followings may not be available in abundance, and you may end up leaving empty-handed if you arrive late. If it’s a bargain you want, then visit later in the day when farmers with substantial remaining inventory may be more inclined to lower their prices.

• Know your seasons.

Some fruits and vegetables are better at certain times of the year than others. Freshness draws many people to farmer’s markets, and foods that are in-season are more likely to have that unforgettable freshness than those that are out of season or nearing the end of their season. Knowing the seasons is important for budget-conscious shoppers as well. If you’re shopping on a budget, purchasing foods while

they’re in-season may save you some money, and you can always stock up on your other favorites later on when it’s their turn to be in-season.

• Speak with the sellers.

First-time farmer’s market shoppers may feel like they’re lost in the woods while everyone else seems to know exactly what they want and where to get it. If you find the farmer’s market somewhat intimidating, speak with the sellers. Shopping at the local farmer’s market tends to be more intimate than shopping at the chain grocery store, and many sellers would be happy to offer you some tips and make some suggestions based on the meals you like. Farmer’s markets are great places to support local businesses and find fresh foods.

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potatoes

Explore

the many facets of potatoes Potatoes are one the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular foods. Agriculturists in 17th century Europe found potatoes were easier to grow and sustain than many other crops and, when coupled with their nutritional value, potatoes gained popularity, particularly among the working class in Ireland. Potatoes may be indelibly linked to Irish culture because of the widespread potato famine that forced many people to emigrate from Ireland. But there is more to the modest potato than many people may know.

Potato history

Potatoes are an important addition to any diet, as they are a starchy root food that contains plenty of carbohydrates, which makes them closer to grains than other vegetables. Potatoes were first cultivated by the Incas in Peru around 8,000 B.C. The word â&#x20AC;&#x153;potatoâ&#x20AC;? comes from the Spanish patata. When Spanish conquistadors traveled to Peru, they discovered potatoes and brought them back to Europe. Potatoes did not reach North America until 1621, when the governor of Bermuda included potatoes in a care package sent to Governor Wyatt of Virginia

16 homes.newsminer.com

in Jamestown. By the 1700s, permanent potato patches had been established.

Nutritional value

Potatoes were once consumed in abundance on ships during long voyages because they are high in vitamin C and can prevent scurvy. Potatoes also have more potassium than bananas, offering 18 percent of the recommended daily value per serving. One mediumsize potato is free of cholesterol, sodium and fat and comes in at about 110 calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

Miscellaneous facts about potatoes

While there are thousands of varieties of potatoes, most of them are not commercially produced. Potatoes have been served hot, cold, sliced, pickled, and even as a dessert. Benjamin Franklin

once attended a banquet where the food was nothing but potatoes served in 20 different ways. Potato chips and French fries are favorite snack foods. Thomas Jefferson is credited for introducing Americans to French fries. The popularity of fries has skyrocketed, and millions are consumed each and every year. Some believe that potatoes are an aphrodisiac, while others feel they have medicinal properties, including curing warts. The Incas used to place slices of potatoes on broken bones to promote healing. Some people believe you can ease a sore throat and alleviate aches and pains with potatoes. Potatoes have been enjoyed for thousands of years and provide a wealth of nutrition. While potatoes may be most associated with the Irish, these beloved starchy plants are truly a worldwide crop.

FOR RESULTS CALL GRACE Grace Minder - BROKER

3741 CHRISTIE DRIVE

SOLD

1201 SINCLAIR AVE

GRACE MINDER REALTY, INC.

(907) 378-8934 graceminder@yahoo.com

$120,000

www.graceminder.com

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 3 Car Garage. Sits at the end of a cul-de-sac with a private setting on 1.13 acres. Large back yard and plenty of room to park your RV and toys. Great open layout w/ wood stove, and new laminate flooring.

$190,000

$430,000

PENDING

2160 Armorica Dr • $297,000

SOLD

3995 LUCY COURT

BRADLEY SKY RANCH AIRPORT, NORTH POLE 2BD/2BA Apartment and hanger. Own a piece of the sky!

1932 ROSEWOOD

Lovely home Near Chena lakes with 3bed/2.5 bath and a 2 bed/1 bath apartment downstairs. on a little over 2 acres!!

3 bed/ 2 bath at the end of cul de sac in private setting

$1,500,000

$220,000

$349,900 REDUCED

TOK CABIN

2827 Chief William Dr • $345,000 3 Bedroom, 2.5 bath executive condominium in a gated community. With river access, custom kitchen made for that chef, with double ovens and granite counter tops, trek deck in the back for barbecuing and more, you don’t want to miss out!

1366 Gilmore Trail • $294,000

2 Bedroom, 3 bath custom built Victorian style home on 2.22 acres with view of the Alaskan range. Double Wall construction, stainless appliances, granite counter tops, laminate flooring and a wonderful sunroom to enjoy the view all year round.

1024 VERNAL STREET

6053 Duffy Loop • $154,900 Haystack Mountain - Great property with lots of out buildings, including guest cabin. Log home has an open floor plan with loft above, and separate bedroom and bathroom. Guest Cabin has washer & dryer, bathroom and loft. This property has a well and sits on 5 acres with nice territorial view.

Spacious home with a hanger, shop and a mother-in-law apartment all on the Bradley Airstrip!! Live in one and let the other rental pay your mortgage.

REDUCED

SOLD

$249,000

1514 HENRY STREET

$82,000

Looking for a place to hunt, fish and trap or just plain relax...this is the cabin for you!! Outside Tok, Alaska on almost 5 acres of land.

2350 GRUMMAN STREET

Beautiful home in the hills!! This spacious 3 bedroom/ 2.5 bath/2 garage with a warming brick walled fireplace is a perfect place to call home.

$80,000

$325,000

My 3 Steps as your Realtor: 1.) FOR SALE 2.) PENDING 3.) SOLD

416 FAREWELL

Cozy 2 bedroom/1 bath/2 car garage nestled in behind some beautiful trees in a private setting!!

Charming gem of a home! This 3 bed/3 bath home has been remodeled throughout with atmosphere to take your breath away. It’s set up for separate living with a 2 bed/2 bath in upper floors and a full size apartment 1 bed/1 bath in the basement with a full kitchen.

$227,000

3 Tok Lots with each 5 Acres

3593 Rosie Creek Rd. 2 lots on a total of 6.8 acres, Park like setting, zoned GU with no Covenants It has a pond in the middle that local neighborhood like to play at. $59,000 for .4.2 acres and $45,000 for 2.6 acres.

Lana Hebert, Realtor

Cell: 907-590-3330 | LanaHebert.com | akrealtorlhebert@gci.net

~ S er ved in the Militar y for over 20 years...time to ser ve you ~ F57520956

Sway Array D E S I G N S 3D Photography

Creating affordable, quality photography and 3D Virtual Space design for your Website or Private use Realtors ®

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for Real Estate listin

PROPERTY

• Construction Sites • Aircraft/Vessel Motor Home

MANAGEMENT With two decades of experience in both Residential and Commercial Property Management, we are your trusted Fairbanks resource.

swayarray@gmail.com • (907) 251-6648

F57519339

Rich Chandler F57520963

456-SOLD (7653)

• Retail Stores • Museums • Government Public Areas • Police/Fire

View Demo Videos here: www.swayarray.com F57520962

F57520952

1507 Evergreen St. $229,000

This log home sits on a corner lot with 3 beds, 2 bath, 2 car garage, privacy fence. Huge kitchen with lots of cabinets and counter tops, Master suite has double walk-in closets and jetted tub with separate shower. Downstairs has 2 beds, 1 bath, laundry and storage. Lots of square footage for your money. Excellent school districts.

2196 FRANK AVE. Commercial Building, airplane hanger plus a 2BD/2BA living quarters

Beautiful Home in the Woods! 4bed/4bath/2 garage and shop on almost 4 acres.

Unfinished 2 story home looking for a completion date!

Your Hometown Realtor

REDUCED

homes.newsminer.com 17

18 homes.newsminer.com

New Listing

Host a cooking show and learn new recipes!

FOR SALE

Shop my website and have your order(s) shipped anywhere you wish!

(907) 378-4646 REALTOR/ BROKER/ INTERIOR DESIGNER

joanstepovichrealtor.com

2275 Redstone Rd, NP 3BD/2BA • $219,000

236 Ina St,Fairbanks 3BD/2BA/1 Car Garage $206,000 Priced to sell fast. Super

1404sqft ranch style home that has been remodeled and clean! Let the tennant pay your would make a great family mortgage or use as MIL. home. Don’t miss out! Take advantage of my experience and staging services. The combination of a proven success!

I LIST IT, I STAGE IT,

Robyn Neilko Independent Sales Director for the Pampered Chef (#375559)

I SELL IT!!

907-978-9630 F18520652

www.pamperedchef.biz/RNeilko

MooseCreek

F57520954

BUYERS:

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

Apartments

CHRIS CALHOON REAL ESTATE

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom • $775-$850 • 850 sq. ft.

The Buyer’s Brokerage

F57520958

(907) 488-6663 3397 Bellwood Street • North Pole, Alaska 99705

www.stageanddesignfairbanks.com

NO ONE sells more land than Fox Realty, NO ONE! They also sell commercial and homes. If you’re looking to buy or sell, call the company that has over 40 years experience today!

BUYERS! We are Fairbanks’ most experienced real estate office dedicated to helping buyers. We will fill out your pre-qualification financing forms, get you the right financing, find your dream home, negotiate the best deal & hand you the keys to your new home after closing. We’ll even be there to manage your property if you decide to leave or travel. Best of all, we serve as your buyer’s agent for free — all sales commissions are generally paid by the seller.

www.alaska-land.com

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

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Office: 456-1713 Doug: 978-4965 Robert Sr.: 388-1222 Robert Jr.: 456-8000 Forest: 888-7344

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Fairbanks’ Most Experienced Brokerage

homes.newsminer.com 19

reading tool

Newspapers make for an ideal educational tool

Students may be inundated with technological resources both at school and home. But perhaps no classroom resource can match the array of benefits provided by newspapers. Many of today’s classrooms are filled with all types of emerging technologies, which educators use to enhance their students’ educational experiences. However, the humble newspaper has long been a staple in the classroom and at home and remains one of the best tools for learning. Newspapers can be used to further children’s academic abilities in a variety of ways.

One valuable educational resource may be delivered to your doorstep each and every day.

another page. They’re also bound to be exposed to a number of new words and phrases as they read newspaper articles, which helps improve their vocabulary.

Strengthen writing skills

Newspaper articles are written differently than books. Exposing children to a journalistic style of writing can help them with their own writing assignments. Teachers often stress that Improve reading fluency narratives and other writing assignments Fluency, comprehension and inference should follow a certain format so of text are lessons that begin as soon students learn to express themselves as a child begins learning how to read. clearly. Students are urged to validate Children need access to a variety of statements with proof and to have a reading materials so they can expand logical flow to their work. their knowledge and vocabulary base, By reading articles in newspapers, and it’s never too early to introduce students can gain an understanding of youngsters to the newspaper as not how to introduce a subject, expand on only a source of local and national facts and summarize a point. Students information, but also as a reading tool. who tend to be more pragmatic writers Parents can go through the newspaper may connect with the journalistic style with their children and select articles of writing more so than students who that may be of interest. A section excel at creative prose. devoted to local events or a particular Children can practice reporting on theme, such as sports or fitness, may be different events in and around their good starting points. communities, emulating the style of Children can have fun matching writing presented in newspapers. They headlines with photos and following the also can learn the differences between sequence of the stories that continue on editorial and opinion pieces. 20 homes.newsminer.com

Make current events accessible

Newspapers are an inexpensive connection to culture and information from around the world. Through newspaper articles, students can better understand political, financial and entertainment issues spanning the globe. Staying abreast of the latest news from around the world can help students become more well-rounded and learned. Students who may have read about events in a history book can compare those accounts to current information on what is happening in the world today.

Develop an Eye for Photography

Stunning, award-winning photographs are published in newspapers nearly every day. A picture is worth a thousand words, and newspaper photography helps readers interpret stories and bring the words to life through imagery. Access to newspaper photography can open up an entirely new world for children. It also may inspire their own creative works.

7 Tips for Staging Your Home Make your home warm and inviting to boost your home’s value and speed up the sale process. Article From HouseLogic.com • By: G. M. Filisko The first step to getting buyers to make an offer on your home is to impress them with its appearance so they begin to envision themselves living there. Here are seven tips for making your home look bigger, brighter, and more desirable. Start with a Clean Slate Before you can 1which worry about where to place furniture and wall hanging should go where, each

room in your home must be spotless. Do a thorough cleaning right down to the nitpicky details like wiping down light switch covers. Deep clean and deodorize carpets and window coverings.

Away Your Clutter It’s harder for 2whenStow buyers to picture themselves in your home they’re looking at your family photos,

collectibles, and knickknacks. Pack up all your personal decorations. However, don’t make spaces like mantles and coffee and end tables barren. Leave three items of varying heights on each surface, suggests Barb Schwarz of Staged Homes in Concord, Pa. For example, place a lamp, a small plant, and a book on an end table.

Scale Back on Your Furniture When a room 3which is packed with furniture, it looks smaller, will make buyers think your home is

less valuable than it is. Make sure buyers appreciate the size of each room by removing

one or two pieces of furniture. If you have an eat-in dining area, using a small table and chair set makes the area seem bigger.

Rethink Your Furniture Placement Highlight the flow of your rooms by arranging the furniture to guide buyers from one room to another. In each room, create a focal point on the farthest wall from the doorway and arrange the other pieces of furniture in a triangle around the focal point, advises Schwarz. In the bedroom, the bed should be the focal point. In the living room, it may be the fireplace, and your couch and sofa can form the triangle in front of it.

Set the Scene Lay logs in the fireplace, and 6a centerpiece set your dining room table with dishes and of fresh fruit or flowers. Create

other vignettes throughout the home -- such as a chess game in progress -- to help buyers envision living there. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Make your bathrooms feel luxurious by adding a new shower curtain, towels, and fancy guest soaps (after you put all your personal toiletry items are out of sight). Judiciously add subtle potpourri, scented candles, or boil water with a bit of vanilla mixed in. If you have pets, clean bedding frequently and spray an odor remover before each showing.

Color to Brighten Your Rooms Brush Make the Entrance Grand Mow your lawn 5paintAdd on a fresh coat of warm, neutral-color 7 and trim your hedges, and turn on the in each room. Ask your real estate agent sprinklers for 30 minutes before showings to for help choosing the right shade. Then accessorize. Adding a vibrant afghan, throw, or accent pillows for the couch will jazz up a muted living room, as will a healthy plant or a bright vase on your mantle. High-wattage bulbs in your light fixtures will also brighten up rooms and basements.

make your lawn sparkle. If flowers or plants don’t surround your home’s entrance, add a pot of bright flowers. Top it all off by buying a new doormat and adding a seasonal wreath to your front door.

Related: • Spring Cleaning Guide • 11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100 • Fragrant Plants that Will Keep Your Home Smelling Good G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who occasionally rearranges her furniture to find the best placement--and keep her dog on his toes. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR? Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

homes.newsminer.com 21

healthy reading

Exploring the amazing health benefits of reading

The educational benefits of reading are widely known. But reading also provides a host of other benefits.

t can be hard for some people to pick up a book when there are so many distractions at the ready. But while books might not be as flashy as the latest must-have gadget, they can provide benefits that might surprise even the most avid readers.

n addition to the intellectual benefits of reading, indulging in a good book can also boost physical health. According to Ken Pugh, PhD, president and director of research at Haskins Laboratories, which is devoted to the science of language, when a person is reading “parts of the brain that have evolved for other functions connect in a specific neural circuit for reading, which is very challenging.” Just like muscles in the body, the brain benefits when it is pushed beyond its normal abilities, and reading is a great way to push those limits.

ut the benefits of reading do not stop there. Reading can help reduce stress, benefitting the body in numerous ways. A 2009 University of Sussex study found that turning to a good book can be an effective relaxation strategy when things become too stressful. Reading fiction can stimulate the imagination

22 homes.newsminer.com

and distract a person from the stressors in everyday life. Choosing a humorous or uplifting story can boost mood and help people relax, particularly when reading before bedtime.

eading also can help men and women get a better night’s rest. People who are accustomed to reading books before going to bed actually train their mind and body for relaxation. Picking up a book can send signals that it is time to settle down and get ready for sleep. Health experts often recommend developing a sleep routine to people who struggle to fall asleep at night, and reading for 30 minutes before bed each night can be an integral part of such routines.

esearch has shown that reading and engaging the brain in other ways, such as through intellectual games and puzzles, can stave off dementia. These activities stimulate the cells in the brain to grow and connect, increasing the power of brain tissue. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, keeping the mind active through reading can strengthen connections between brain cells and build up brain cell reserves. Mental activity might even generate

new brain cells. All of these factors can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

ccording to a paper from researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, reading can stimulate the brain to produce more white matter. White matter works together with gray matter and is responsible for sending sensory and motor stimuli to the central nervous system to stimulate a response. Healthy white matter keeps the central nervous system working effectively and may reduce risk of learning disabilities as well as impaired motor functions.

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