SOUTHEAST ALASKA
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HOMEESTATE a publication of the Juneau Empire
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January 2020
How to save up for your fiirst home Prepare for the financial impact of natural disasters Get the financial facts about timeshares The choice for staying put or moving on Preparing your home for the next natural disaster Storage solutions for pet supplies Benefits to open concept floor plans How to manage relocating for a new job
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This home is listed by Gwen Place, see page 5 for more information
BUYER TIPS
Buyers: How to save up for your first home
Table of Contents ON THE COVER: This home is listed by Gwen Place
5 Coldwell Banker: Gwen Place 7 Business Directory • Ricker Real Estate • Alaska USA Mortgage: Mac Carandang • Coldwell Banker: Race Realty
8 Sundance Realy 12 Alaska USA Mortgage
BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
ome ownership is a dream for people across the globe. Many people save for years before buying their first homes, squirreling away every dollar they can with the hopes they can one day become homeowners.
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Advertising Director, Sound Publishing, Inc. Stephanie Spiess sspiess@soundpublishing.com
Publication Design SPI Creative team
3100 Channel Drive Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907-586-3740
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But thanks to factors beyond their control, even the most devoted savers can sometimes feel like their dream of home ownership may never come true. According to the Pew Research Center, American workers’ paychecks are larger than they were 40 years ago, but their purchasing power is essentially the same. Things aren’t much different in Canada, where analysis from Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada has shown that, since 2015, wage growth in Canada has been weaker than in the United States. Various challenges can make it difficult to buy a home. However, some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.” • Determine where your money is going. If you’re finding it hard to grow your savings, audit your monthly expenses to determine
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If these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home. Saving enough money to purchase your first home is a worthy effort that can be made easier by employing a few budget-friendly strategies. where your money is going. Using exclusively debit or credit cards can simplify this process, as all you need to do is log into your accounts and see how your money was spent over a given period. If you routinely use cash to pay for items, even just to buy coffee on the way to work, keep a notepad handy so you can jot down each expense. Do this for
a month and then examine how you spent your money. Chances are you will see various ways to save, and you can then redirect that money into your savings account. • Become a more savvy grocery shopper. Another great way to save more money is to alter something you already do each month: grocery shopping. If you haven’t already, sign up for discount clubs at your local grocer. This is a largely effortless way for shoppers, especially those buying food for families, to save considerable amounts of money. Shopping sales at competing grocery stores also can save money. • Dine in more often. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that Americans spend, on average, 6 percent of their household budgets on food. However, the USDA also notes that Americans spend 5 percent of their disposable income on dining out. If these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home. Saving enough money to purchase your first home is a worthy effort that can be made easier by employing a few budget-friendly strategies
SMART STEPS
Prepare for the financial impact of natural disasters BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
he fury of Mother Nature’s wrath is displayed in vivid color during stormy times of year, including hurricane season. And it seems no area of the planet is safe from such furor. In September 2018, Hurricane Florence battered the southeastern coast of the United States while Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong. Just a few months earlier, California saw devastating wild fires, and in August torrential rain flooded many areas of Taiwan.
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After the flood waters recede and the rain or smoke has passed, people affected by storms must face the financial ramifications. Whether storms touch down nearby or overseas, the globalized economy means the financial fallout from natural disasters can be felt near and wide. The National Centers for Environmental Information estimates that hurricanes cost an average of $21.8 billion per event in damages for the United States. Since 1980, when data started to be collected, NCEI indicates hurricanes (tropical cyclones), drought, flooding, wildfires, freezes, and winter storms tend to be the most costly events. It’s easy to underestimate the scope of the financial burdens caused by natural disasters. Here are a few ways to protect one’s financial interests in advance of natural disasters. • Experts at Property Casualty Insurers Association of America advise consumers to review and update their insurance policies regularly. Many homeowners are underinsured for natural disasters, particularly for flooding or earthquakes, which are not included in most policies. • Adjust insurance shortfalls based on what insurers provide and the type of weather that tends to affect the area in which you live.
It’s easy to underestimate the scope of the financial burdens caused by natural disasters. Here are a few ways to protect one’s financial interests in advance of natural disasters. • Policies should reimburse for hotel rooms or meals out if a home is uninhabitable after a disaster. In a Consumer Reports survey of people who experienced property damage after a hurricane, 5 percent said they had to stay elsewhere, while 42 percent needed to relocate temporarily after damages from wildfires.
• Remove valuables and store them in a bank safety deposit box or another location that’s outside the path of the storm. Theft, vandalism and looting can occur after storms. • Have a backup employment plan and savings strategy if storms come through regularly. It is not uncommon for local businesses to shut down for some time
to recover. This can mean temporary or permanent loss of employment. • Recognize your portfolio may suffer as commodity prices and stocks take a hit if regions are decimated by natural disasters. Think ahead in regard to how your investments may be affected and make changes accordingly to mitigate the financial damage. Storms cause structural and economic damage when they roll through. Be prepared to protect your financial interests.
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HOME BUYERS
Get the financial facts about timeshares
BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
any people turn to timeshares as a way to enjoy annual vacations. But is investing in a timeshare a financially sound decision? That depends on who you ask.
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place. This is great for people who value familiarity. Timeshares also make it possible to afford a vacation in an expensive resort. Sometimes a person can trade times or locations with other timeshare owners, enabling more versatility and new destination experiences. For those who have to skip a year, it may be possible to sublet the timeshare or let family
Getting the facts about how timeshares work and learning a few tricks can help anyone make an educated deciGetting the facts about how timeshares sion about timeshares.
work and learning a few tricks can help
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In a timeshare, individanyone make an educated decision about uals purchase a place to timeshares. stay in vacation property. They typically can then use this room and the surrounding amenities once per year, and and friends use it if the agreement allows. often must travel to the same location Timeshares have some notable time and again. Timeshares long have drawbacks as well. Cost-efficiency is held appeal because they are marketed toward people who may not be able to buy one notable drawback of timeshares. a vacation home, but still want to vacation The American Resort Development Association, a trade group for timeshare each year. companies, offers that the average cost There are some advantages to timeof a timeshare is around $20,000, with an shares. They provide a guaranteed vacaannual maintenance fee of $660. Those tion destination each year in a familiar
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fees are paid even if the resort isn’t used that year. Chances are a person can get a comparable vacation elsewhere for a lower cost — especially with the abundance of vacation property rentals available from traditional hotels as well as sites such as Airbnb. A timeshare is not like a traditional real estate investment. According to Investopedia, it is an illiquid asset that is likely to lose value over time. Those who decide to sell their timeshares often find they must do so at a deep discount. Furthermore, those who sell a timeshare at a loss may find the Internal Revenue Service doesn’t let them claim a capital loss, which is often the case with other investments and property. To make timeshares work, individuals can opt to buy used, which is often at a fraction of the cost offered new by resort developers. Also, realize that a timeshare is a lifestyle purchase, not exactly a real estate investment. Timeshares are not a way to turn a profit. Try to purchase in desirable locations as well. Doing so increases the likelihood of resale in the future.
Hit Your Target Audience
When you’re ready to sell your home, advertise in the local publication that reaches thousands of buyers throughout the greater Juneau area List Your Home Today!
Call Stephanie Spiess 308-4893 or visit us online to place your real estate listing.
Real Estate Section In Print & Online juneauempire.com
HAINES BUSINESS
HAINES BUSINESS
JUNEAU LAND
MLS#19663 - $1.6 million - 150 Acre Golf Course, Haines AK, Golf Carts, Mowers and a Golf Shop - by Pam Race
MLS#20873 - $1.5 million - 3.2 Acre Riverfront Jet Boat Tours, Haines AK, boats, busses and the dock - by Glenda Gilbert
MLS#12457 - $415,000 - 4.79 Acres Residential Land, Juneau AK, access road built, tide flat views - by Errol Champion
JUNEAU LAND
JUNEAU HOME
JUNEAU LAND
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SA MLS#18745 - $250,000 - 13 Acres Residential land, Juneau AK, partly wooded, waterfront, access by easement- by Gwen Place
MLS#21000 - $206,000 - 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, centrally located, Lemon Creek, fenced yard, metal roof - by Gwen Place
MLS#20298 - $174,900 - .6 acre residential lot, Lena Loop, near recreation, wooded, level building lot - by Sue Nix
HAINES HOME
HAINES HOME
GUSTUVAS HOME
MLS#20324 - $875,000 - Fort William Seward - National Landmark, 5 bedroom 5 bath home, Haines AK - by Glenda Gilbert
MLS#18258 - $499,000 - 4 bedroom 3 bath home, views, 2.73 acres, detached garage, Haines AK - by Glenda Gilbert
MLS#21084 - $185,000 - 1 bedroom 1 bath home, 1.56 acres, wooded lot, Gustuvas, AK - by Gwen Place
MORE LAND
• • • •
MLS#19214 - 1 Acre - Wooded lot - Platted Access - Angoon AK - $9,000 MLS#13094 - .35 Acre - Wooded building lot - Glacier Hwy - $89,000 MLS#18257 - .76 Acre - Wooded building lot - Out the Road - $159,000 MLS#13954 - 3.34 Acre - Wooded building lot - Blueberry Hill - $250,000
RENTALS
• • • •
Lakeside Condos - 2 bedroom 1 bath, Carport - $1600/mo Lemon Creek Rd - 4 bedroom 2 bath, fenced yard - pets welcome - $1400/mo Gastineau Ave. - 2 bedroom 1 bath - Street parking - $1250/mo Room for Rent w/private bath - South Douglas - $995/mo
Gwen Place Associate Broker, Property Manager, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker Race Realty gwenzplace@yahoo.com yourjuneaualaska.com
www.RaceRealty.com Office: 907-789-0555 Cell: 907-209-4445 Call or Text
Each office is independently owned and operated.
HOME BUYERS
The choice for staying put or moving on BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
any home improvement television series showcase people deciding whether to improve upon their current homes to make them into the houses of their dreams or to put “for sale” signs in their lawns and move on to something new.
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The question of whether to move or stay put depends on various factors. Such factors may include emotional attachment to a home, the current economic climate and
Many people now opt to stay in their homes and improve their properties rather than move out.
the cost of real estate. Current data points to a greater propensity for people to invest and improve upon their current properties rather than trading up for something new. According to information collected by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, the percentage of homeowners moving up to their next home is the lowest in 25 years. Many are opting to make starter homes permanent by expanding them and repairing homes for the long haul. The National Association of Realtors said that, between 1987 and 2008, home buyers stayed in their homes an average of six years before selling. Since 2010, however, NAR says the average expected length of time people will stay in their homes before selling is now 15 years. Part of what’s fueling this permanency is that many home buyers were able to acquire rock-bottom mortgage interest rates shortly after the 2008 recession. As a result, they’re not inclined to walk away from those rates, even if doing so means getting more house. Also, a low inventory of available houses has stymied repeat buying for many people.
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Those factors and others have led many homeowners to invest in renovations instead. The experts at Bankrate say realistic budgeting and comparing renovation project costs against mortgages and interests rates can further help individuals decide whether to remain in their current homes or move out. Very often a smarter layout and more efficient floor plan can make meaningful differences in spaces. Renovations and redesigns can make sense and often are less expensive and disruptive than moving.
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ESTATE HOME Business Directory
Serving Southeast Alaska
Online all the time: racerealty.com | 907-789-0555 2103 Jordan Ave. Each office indepenently owned and operated
Your local home loan expert! Mac Carandang
Tracey Ricker, CPM Broker/General Manager Sales • Leasing • Management 1410 4th Street • Douglas, Alaska 99824 tracey@rrec-llc.com • www.rickerrealestateak.com
907-540-2990
NMLS #203501 Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator
907-796-1201 www.maccarandang.com
8390 Airport Blvd, Suite 102 License #AK157293; Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293
Call Stephanie Spiess 308-4893
HOME TIPS
Small kitchen improvements that maximize functionality BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
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any homeowners wish for expansive kitchens. Modernized kitchens that include sought after features and showcase the latest trends go a long way to improving the overall value of a home. As desirable as such kitchens may be, some homes simply don’t have enough space for a centerfold-worthy kitchen featuring an island, wine refrigerator and walkin pantry. However, homeowners with small kitchens can still improve the form and function of their existing spaces. Reconfigure and revamp cabinetry Homeowners whose kitchens are small often lament their lack of storage. Redesigning the layout of cabinets, and possibly adding some more cabinetry, may take care of certain storage issues. The experts at Merit Kitchens suggest utilizing corner space with LeMans units, lazy susans and other gadgets to make access to these areas easier. Work with the walls
Small kitchens require clever usage of vertical space. Vertical storage units, hooks, shelving, and more
can move items out of drawers and off of counters. Consider an under-the-cabinet toaster oven and microwave to create more counter space. Use scaled-down appliances Shop with size in mind when looking at new appliances if you have a small kitchen. Compact versions won’t take up as much space as larger alternatives. Homeowners should consider the ultimate function of the kitchen and then think about which appliances will serve them well. Add some glass The DIY Network recommends incorporating glass to improve the perception of space in small kitchens. Glass lets you see through the objects, thereby enhancing the feeling of spaciousness or what designers call “negative space.” Embrace high-end materials It costs less to renovate small spaces than bigger areas, so homeowners may be able to afford high-end materials that really add personality to a kitchen. Small kitchens can be culinary havens with the right improvements to maximize the space.
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JANET ARGEVITCH ARGEVITCH JANET
321-3325
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MIKE BAN Associate Broker 209-6842 209-6842 mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com
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MICHELLE DOMINGO MICHELLE DOMINGO 957-5522
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957-5522
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321-3325 Marty-lentz@gci.net Alaska Seafood Company • Asking $2,200,000 5731 Concrete Way Juneau, AK 99801 907-321-7120 Sundanceinjuneau@gmail.com 9109 Mendenhall Mall Road, Suite #10 Juneau, AK 99801
ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293 ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293
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RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. WE SERVE ALL OF SOUTHEAST
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321-5400
723-0759
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PET SAVVY
Storage solutions for pet supplies
BY METRO SERVICES
value and prevents spoilage. It also can keep pets from getting et owners soon learn that having into their food and eating too a pet means carving out a portion much. Purchase a food grade and of home real estate for all of the supplies necessary for keeping compan- BPA-free plastic storage container ion animals healthy and comfortable. that can accommodate the volFrom food to toys to bedding, many ume of food and has an airtight pets require a laundry list of items. lid to maintain freshness. If you Developing a storage strategy means keeping items within reach are pouring the food directly into but potentially out of sight. These the container, save the product UPC code, brand name, lot numsuggestions can help individuals ber, and “best by” date from the calm pet-related clutter. packaging in case you need to file a complaint about the food. Food storage Small containers can be used for Many dry pet foods are sold in bulk, which can be convenient for treats or other edible items. Store all food in a cool, dry place. pet parents. Buying in quantity Toys and more not only reduces the number of Investing in some similarly sized shopping trips, it also can help clear storage containers makes it keep per-unit costs down. easy to wrangle all of the accesThe U.S. Food & Drug Adminsories that come with pet ownstration notes that proper storership. Label the containers and age of pet food and treats helps maintain the products’ nutritional fill them with the items you need,
REAL ESTATE FEATURES
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such as rubber balls, pet waste bags, coiled leashes or collars, squeaking toys, grooming brushes and combs, extra bird cuttlebones, fish nets, warming stones, or whatever other supplies are needed for pets large and small. Devote a shelf or shelves in a storage closet for these items so they’re always readily available. Medications Store medications separately from products used for children and adults in the house. Keep medications in the original packages so labels can be referred to as needed. Place them in a sealed container so they’re not easily opened by children or pets. Toys in use Many dogs and cats (or other small animals allowed to roam
the house) will want access to their favorite toys. An easy solution is a ground-level basket that is slipped under a side table in the living room or den. It’s easily accessible but kept out of sight. Clean-up means a quick sweep of toys that quickly can be tossed in the basket. Bedding Depending on the animal, bedding may mean a cozy stuffed fabric bed or a pile of shaved cedar. Both can be bulky. A designated spot for storage helps keep the home organized, and dog and cat beds can be coordinated to the color scheme of the house so they blend in. Pets require many different supplies that, when properly stored, will not seem like they’re intruding on pet owners’ space. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
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RENTAL TIPS
Benefits to open concept floor plans
BY METRO MEDIA REAL ESTATE FEATURES
creating the illusion that a home is bigger than it really is.
feel less cramped than in homes with more traditional floor plans.
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Home buyers who have never before enjoyed open concept floor plans can consider these benefits to these wildly popular layouts.
Safety
he way a home is designed can say a lot of things about it. In fact, many real estate professionals and contractors can determine when a home was built based on the design of its interior. For example, homes with sunken living rooms were likely built sometime in the 1960s and 1970s.
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Open concept living rooms are one trend that might one day make people nostalgic for the early 21st century. Many of today’s home buyers want homes with open concept floor plans, which can give homes a more spacious feel, perhaps even JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
Entertainment Many people who live in homes with open concept floor plans cite their convenience when entertaining as one of their biggest assets. In an open concept home, guests don’t have to be corralled into a single room in the home. Instead, hosts and their guests can roam freely from room to room because there are no walls dividing common areas. This can make gatherings
The safety of open concept floor plans may be most applicable to parents of young children. Open concept floor plans allow parents to keep an eye on their children while cooking dinner, working from home or tending to other chores around the house. Since there are no walls to divide rooms in open concept homes, parents don’t have to wonder what their curious kids are up to because they can see them at all times. Flexibility Open concept floor plans give home-
owners more flexibility. For example, homes with more traditional floor plans may have designated spaces for dining areas. These spaces don’t leave much room to work with and may not be valued by homeowners who don’t often host dinners at home. As a result, such rooms may just be wasted square footage. With an open concept floor plan, homeowners have the flexibility to make dining areas as big or small as they see fit and can even adjust the rooms on the fly on those occasions when people are coming over. Open concept floor plans continue to be popular among home buyers and might prove to be the most lasting home design trend of the early 21st century
HOME BUYERS
How to manage relocating for a new job
BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
oving can be a considerable undertaking. While working professionals who are single or married with no children may find it easier to move than men and women with families, it’s fair to say that anyone who is moving in the near future has some significant work ahead of them.
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In its Job Relocation Survey, the moving company Allied Van Lines found that people move for a variety of reasons. Fifty percent of the 3,500 respondents indicated they relocated for career advancement or money, and many more indicated they relocated because of a job transfer (12 percent), their companies moved (9 percent) and to be closer to family/relationships (8 percent). Regardless of what’s motivating men
and women to relocate, and whether or not they’re relocating on their own or uprooting their families, various strategies can make a forthcoming move go more smoothly. • Inquire about relocation assistance. The Allied survey found that 63 percent of companies offered relocation packages. That’s a considerable perk, as moving can be expensive, especially for adults moving to different parts of the country. Asking about relocation expenses before being offered a job can be tricky, but some companies may mention such packages in their job ads or in their initial meetings with out-of-town candidates. • Ask what relocation packages cover. Relocation packages vary from company to company. The Allied Survey found that 54 percent of companies that offered such packages covered moving expenses, while
21 percent gave new hires a lump sum of money to use as they deemed necessary. One in five companies even sponsored trips to search for homes. Adults who are offered relocation packages should get the specifics so they can start creating moving budgets. • Emphasize organization. Much of the stress associated with relocating can be traced to the logistics of uprooting oneself and one’s family. Men and women who are unaccustomed to making lists may want to start, as doing so can help keep track of all the tasks that need to be completed before hitting the road. Various unique tasks, from canceling utilities to changing insurance policies, must be completed before moving, and it’s easy to lose track of what’s been done and what hasn’t. Maintaining a to-do list and checking off tasks as they’re completed can simplify the relocation process.
• Rent your first home. The Allied survey found that 31 percent of respondents indicated the most challenging part of relocating for a job was finding a home, while 29 percent felt acclimating to their new community was the most challenging aspect of their relocation. Adults who rent their first homes upon relocating can remove some of the pressure to find the perfect home, knowing full well their first home in their new community will be temporary. If possible, rent in a location that makes it easy to immerse yourself in your new community, which should make the adjustment easier. In addition, place items that are unnecessary for day-to-day life in storage. Having some of your possessions already packed should make your next move less stressful. Relocating for a job can be exciting and stressful. But there are ways to make moving go smoothly.
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1 FOR A REASON
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What does it take to be the #1 home lender in Alaska? A commitment to the unique needs of the individual. That means having professionals that specialize in helping military families, first time buyers, rural development, and a whole lot more.
Why choose Alaska USA Mortgage Company? Pay less up-front In-house processing, underwriting, and servicing Clear communication, reliable updates, and flexible availability A commitment to providing the best home buying experience in Alaska
People you know. A name you trust.ÂŽ
Laurie Gardner Vincent Cheng Mac Carandang NMLS #203501
NMLS #964649
pply o a r o t n e m t appoin
Southeast Alaska 8390 Airport Blvd., Ste. 102, Juneau, AK 99801
907-796-1202
907-796-1213
907-796-1201
M a ke a n
NMLS #204060
nline
tgage r o m a s u a k s at ala
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License #AK157293 Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293
