SOUTHEAST ALASKA
HOMEESTATE &REAL
a publication of the Juneau Empire
FREE
JULY 2021
Trend designs coming back Build an amazing wardrobe on a budget Tips to find the right nursing facility Tips for home buyers during a sellers market The benefits of organic foods Tips to booking a vacation rental How to use tech to your advantage Dinner done quickly with savory chops
This home is listed by Gwen place, Coldwell Banker see page 5 for more information
HOME TRENDS
This design trend is coming back
Table of Contents
ON THE COVER:
This home is listed by Coldwell Banker: 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
Advertising Director, Sound Publishing, Inc. Stephanie Spiess
sspiess@soundpublishing.com
Publication Design SPI Creative team
8800 Glacier Highway Ste: 219 Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907-586-3740
2 JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
Design trends come and go, but some have a funny way of resurfacing years after they first became popular. Homeowners who may have been considering renovating their home to remove a design element they believe to be passé might want to see if that feature has experienced a resurgence in popularity. In fact, one of the more derided home decor trends of yesteryear has slowly crept back into style, albeit in moderation. Wood paneling is back and better than ever, advise many design professionals. It’s the formerly ugly duckling that filled homes starting in the 1950s, creating drab dens and faux-wood family rooms. Paneling had long been an element
of choice because it is relatively easy to install and can camouflage problem walls in a home, like those covered in boisterous wallpaper prints. Wood paneling reach the peak of its popularity in the 1970s, and since then homeowners have been tearing down these faux offenders for years or masking them in paint to brighten up spaces. However, the experts at Apartment Therapy report that wood paneling in shades of brown are making a comeback in cozy spots such as dens or studies. The warm tones of wood paneling elicit a retro vibe. But unlike their fake predecessors, today’s paneled walls are being outfitted in real wood, making them more eco-friendly and stylish than ever before. Designers have flocked to reclaimed wood and veneer panelings to incorporate them into design elements.
And while wood paneling used to be hung vertically, designers now experiment with hanging paneling. Many people no longer use paneling to cover an entire space. Paneling is used sparingly as an accent wall or another feature for character. Wood walls can be stained in a rich mahogany to look upscale or be weathered and rustic. Homeowners ready to re-embrace wood paneling can choose to enhance one wall in a room. Think about the space above a fireplace or a strip of wall behind a sitting chair and side table. Paneling also can serve as a headboard behind a bed in a master suite. Painted horizonally, paneling can add dimension and texture to walls, even in a bathroom. Wood paneling is slowly making a comeback, proving that no design trend every truly goes away.
HOME PROJECTS
Build an amazing wardrobe on a budget BY METRO MEDIA REAL ESTATE FEATURES
B
ooks should not be judged by their covers, but appearances do make a difference in people’s perceptions of others. That is why job seekers wear professional attire to job interviews and why weddings are made even more special when they become black tie affairs. Wardrobe influencers model an ongoing rotation of designer looks. The latest designer looks may not be within everyone’s budget, even for those who routinely update their wardrobes. The average adult between the ages of 35 and 44 spends $209 per month on clothing, according to Credit Donkey, and the average family spends $1,800 per year on clothing. Style seekers can rest assured that it’s possible to build stylish wardrobes without going broke. • Make a list of essential pieces. Certain wardrobe items, particularly office essentials, are staples. A crisp white shirt, a well-fitted blazer, black trousers, a sheath dress, a tailored suit, and some classic jeans are all worthy of inclusion in your closet. When you know which items to update, you can shop sales until your list is checked off. • Shop discount retailers. Certain stores sell discounted, overstocked items from department stores or other retailers. Others fill the racks with last season’s finds. Even if these offerings are not completely current, many are still trendy. In addition, such stores frequently feature popular manufacturers and designer items. • Browse consignment shops. Consignment stores can be found in towns all over the country and online. For example, The Real is a luxury consignment sales outlet for preowned designer items that are authenticated by experts. Many of these items are very gently used and still have a lot of life in them. • Invest in tailoring. Any piece can be made to look more expensive when properly fitted. Moderately priced items can tailored to individuals’ bodies can look like designer clothes.
• Purchase one or two statement pieces. When indulging on a statement piece, choose items that will stand the test of time. A quality handbag or pair of shoes can be a splurge, provided they are well made and durable. • Consider “cost per wear.” The wardrobe resource What to Wear suggests asking yourself questions like: “Will I wear this multiple
times?” or “Is this item driven by a fleeting trend?” or “Will this go with items in my closet?” These considerations will make it easier to determine if a particular item is worthy of your hard-earned dollars. A great closet is not built overnight, but a budget-friendly wardrobe can be built by shopping the right stores and making a list of priorities. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
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FUTURE THINKING
Tips to find the right skilled nursing facility BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
H
4
umans’ desire to live independently begins in adolescence and continues into older adulthood. Though many seniors can handle the tasks of daily life on their own, others may need varying degrees of assistance. Seniors have various options at their disposal in regard to finding help to get through daily life. Those who need round-the-clock help typically look to skilled nursing facilities, or SNFs, which are staffed with licensed nurses and therapists who are capable of providing a more advanced level of medical care than home health aides or assisted living facilities can offer. Seniors who want to plan ahead can shop around for SNFs and make their preferences known in their estate planning. When looking for an SNF, seniors and their loved ones can utilize these tips to find the right facility. • Speak with your health care team. Seniors’ health care teams, including their general practitioners as well as any doctors who may have treated them for specific diseases or conditions, can be great resources. For example, an oncology team may recommend a local SNF that has a strong track record in working with cancer
JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
survivors. Many people who stay in SNFs do so as part of a rehabilitation program, and a health care team can provide valuable insight into which facilities may match up well with individual patients’ needs. • Give location ample consideration. When looking for an SNF, location should not be overlooked. The quality of care a facility can provide should be the utmost priority, but the value of choosing a facility that’s close to loved ones cannot be understated, especially for seniors who will be
moving in for a lengthy period of time. Routine visits from loved ones can lift the spirits of SNF residents. In addition, AARP® notes that regular visitors can scrutinize care and serve as residents’ advocates if they feel their concerns are not being satisfactorily addressed by staff members. • Visit facilities in person. Online ratings can provide some insight into a facility, but nothing can replace the value of an in-person visit. The American Health Care Association urges families to observe a facility in person so they
can gauge its overall environment and whether or not it seems like a peaceful or chaotic place. Pay close attention to residents and try to determine if they’re wellgroomed. These are things that can only be noticed in person, which underscores the importance of in person visits. Skilled nursing facilities are an option for seniors who require advanced medical care. Finding the right facility requires careful consideration of a host of factors.
Gwen Place Realtor®
Email: gwenzplace@yahoo.com Cell: 907-209-4445 Office: 907-789-0555
Associate Broker, Property Manager
www.yourjuneaualaska.com • www.gwenzplace.com
102003 _ RACE REALTY
HAINES BUSINESS
HAINES BUSINESS
MENDENHALL VALLEY MULTI FAMILY
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#21482 - $579,000 - 2 unique income producing homes on the property-currently taking back up offers - by Ashleigh & Gwen
DOUGLAS CONDO
HORSE ISLAND CABIN
DREDGE LAKES AREA
MLS #21597 - $172,000 - 2 bed 1 bath Crowhill Condo with beautiful filtered views of the mountains and water - by Gwen and Ashleigh
MLS#19147 - $369,000 - 2 bed 1 bath cabin on over an acre wooded lot. Waterfront with views. Accessed by water - by Errol Champion
MLS#21492 - $315,000 3 bed 2 ba single family home , large lot Valley fixer upper - by Gwen Place
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#15881 - $479,000 - Small home and studio apartment over the 2 plus car garage covered parking. 1/2 acre lot with views - by Glenda Gilbert
MLS#21084 - $165,000 - 1 bedroom 1 bath home, 1.56 acres, wooded lot, Gustuvas, AK - by Gwen Place
RENTALS
MORE LISTINGS
• Thunder Mountain View - 2 bedroom / 1 bath - PetsWelcome - $1500/mo Available July 1
• MLS#19214 - 1 acre - Wooded Remote Land- Trail Access - Angoon, AK $9,000
• Filtered Channel View - 1 bedroom / 1 bath - Furnished- $1100/mo - Available October 1
• MLS #18745 - 13 acre - Residential Land - Juneau, AK - $250,000
• Filtered View - Thane Road - 1 bedroom / 1 bath -$1250/mo - Available June 1
• MLS#18257 - .76 acre - Wooded Residential Land - Out the Road $159,000
• Filtered View - Thane Road - 2 bedroom / 1 bath -$1350/mo - Available June 1
• MLS #21544 - 4bd/2bth - Single Family Home - Juneau, AK - $465,500
COLDWELL BANKER RACE REALTY • RACEREALTY.COM • 2103 JORDAN AVE JUNEAU, AK EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
HOME BUYERS
Tips for home buyers during a seller’s market BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
6
A combination of factors, including low interest rates and a pandemic-driven decision by many city dwellers to look for houses in the suburbs, has created a housing boom for much of 2020 and 2021. That boom has created an undeniable seller’s market in real estate. Just what is a seller’s market? The financial resource Investopedia defines it as a marketplace in which there are fewer goods for sale than there are interested buyers, giving sellers the ability to dictate prices. Since mid-2020, there has been an extremely low inventory of homes for sale but a very high interest among purchasing parties. Data from the National Association of Realtors indicated that, by the end of February 2021, housing inventory fell to a record low of 1.02 million units. These factors have led to a surge in competition from buyers, including bidding wars on homes and all-cash offers to entice sellers. In December 2020, the median listing prices for single-family homes shot up 13.4 percent from the same time the previous year, according to Realtor. com, and it hasn’t slowed down much since. Jeffrey Mezger, a 40-year veteran of the real estate industry and CEO of KB Home, says it’s the best seller’s housing market he’s seen in JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
his career. So where does this leave buyers interested in relocating? Here are some tips. • Consider areas with slower overall price growth. Experts say the southern and midwestern United States offer the best value for home shoppers because of their meager price growth. ClearCapital, which tracks housing values, says San Antonio, St. Louis and the Dallas/Fort Worth areas experienced the least price appreciation from 2019 into 2020. • Get preapproval or have your funds ready. Speed is the way to go if a buyer is interested in a property and wants to make an offer. Real estate professionals say buyers should be “offer ready,” which means having a mortgage preapproval letter or proof of funds for a down payment ready to go. Failure to have funds in check can slow down the process or compel sellers to reject an offer. • Work with a real estate agent. These are complicated times and it pays for buyers to have a professional working in their corner. A real estate agent uses his or her knowledge to make a timely offer and negotiate on the buyer’s behalf. He or she also will provide insight into specific neighborhoods, amenities and school districts. • Eliminate certain contingencies from the equation. Contingencies are factors that
must be met before a sale can go through, according to the relocation site Moving.com. A common contingency is the need to sell one’s current home before closing on another. Asking for extended closing periods or certain home repairs are some additional contingencies that can make buyers less attractive to sellers.
• Make it personal. Buyers can offer a personalized note with the offer that may connect with the seller emotionally and set one them apart from others who have made similar offers. Buying in a seller’s market can be challenging. But some strategies can set buyers apart from the pack.
ESTATE HOME Business Directory
& REAL 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
Your local home loan expert! Mac Carandang NMLS #203501 Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator
907-796-1201 www.maccarandang.com
8390 Airport Blvd, Suite 102
Online all the time: racerealty.com | 907-789-0555 Each office indepenently owned and operated
License #AK157293; Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293
Call Stephanie Spiess 308-4893
HEALTHY THOUGHTS
BY METRO MEDIA REAL ESTATE FEATURES
Benefits of organic foods
M
odern grocery stores are unlike the ones many of today’s adults encountered when they were children. Grocery stores are not only bigger today than they were years ago, but they’re also stocked with items that weren’t available until relatively recently. One stroll through the produce section reveals just how different modern grocery stores are from those of yesteryear. Organic fruits and vegetables now take up ample real estate in grocery store produce sections. Many shoppers may wonder if they’re better off choosing organic versus traditional products, and research suggests they are. • Organic foods contain less pesticides and toxic materials. A 2014 meta-analysis published in
JANET ARGEVITCH ARGEVITCH JANET
321-3325
723-9333
Marty-lentz@gci.net MARTY LENTZ
Ja@alaskan.com
MIKE BAN
Associate Broker 209-6842 209-6842
conventional counterparts. The extra antioxidants in organic foods is nothing to scoff at, as the National Cancer Institute notes that antioxidants neutralize free radicals, excess levels of which can potentially lead to the formation of various types of cancer and other diseases. • Organic products cannot contain synthetic hormones. Conventionally raised animals are sometimes injected with synthetic growth hormones so they will gain weight more quickly and produce more milk. Residue from those substances, which cannot be used in the production of organic meat and dairy products, is believed to contribute to widespread antibiotic resistance, according to the Biodesign Center for Environmental Security at Arizona State University. In addition, some studies have suggested a strong connection between the hormones given to cattle and cancer in humans.
MARTY LENTZ
MIKE BAN
ASSOCIATE BROKER mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com mikebanre9728@gmail.com
the British Journal of Nutrition found that organically grown crops were less likely than conventionally grown crops to contain detectable levels of pesticides. The analysis also found that organically grown crops were 48 percent less likely to contain cadmium than conventionally grown crops. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the liver and kidneys, which the Global Healing Center says can affect blood pressure, induce bone damage and affect renal and dopamingeric systems in children. • Organic crops contain more antioxidants than conventional crops. The same analysis also found that organic crops had significantly higher levels of antioxidants, which promote strong immune systems, than conventionally grown crops. Organic crops were found to contain 69 percent higher levels of flavanones and 51 percent higher levels of anthocyanins than their
ASSOCIATE BROKER Associate Broker
72-9333
MICHELLE DOMINGO MICHELLE DOMINGO 957-5522
957-5522
Michelle.juneau80@yahoo.com
Michelle.juneau80@yahoo.com
ja@alaskan.com
321-3325 Marty-lentz@gci.net
ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293 ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293
Anavera.morato@gmail.com
Anavera.morato@gmail.com
SUNDANCE REALTY
FOR SALE
Airport Mini-Mall & Apartments 9310 Glacier Highway, Junenu, Alaska 99801 Asking Price $2,750,000 907-321-7120 Sundanceinjuneau@gmail.com 9109 Mendenhall Mall Road, Suite #10 Juneau, AK 99801
907-321-7120 JuneauHomeFinder.com
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. WE SERVE ALL OF SOUTHEAST
MOLLY BRINK
MOLLY BRINK 321-5400
mgallagherbrink@gmail.com
LUKE GUNKEL
321-5400
723-0759
Mgallagherbrink@gmail.com
ltgunkel@gmail.com
SCAN TO SEE ALL OUR PROPERTIES
VACATION TIPS
Tips to book a vacation rental in a unique summer BY METRO MEDIA REAL ESTATE FEATURES
A
fter a dismal 2020 when people’s movements were greatly restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel and tourism could increase significantly beginning in the summer of 2021. That’s great news for the businesses and workers who make their living in the tourism industry, and it’s music to the ears of people itching to get out of the house and head off for parts unknown. Vacation rentals figure to be hot commodities in the months to come. According to the shortterm rental property management platform Guesty, vacation rental reservations between June and August of 2021 increased by 110 percent compared to the same period a year earlier. Competition for vacation rentals could be steep this summer, and a few tips could help vacationers find a property to call their home away from home. • Act quickly. Travel and tourism industry professionals reported an uptick in demand for vacation rentals as early as February 2021. COVID-19 vaccinations had already been available to millions of people by then, so it’s no surprise rentals picked up around that time. Anyone still looking for a rental should be prepared to move quickly upon finding properties they like, as remaining rentals
may not stay on the market with more and more fully vaccinated people looking to travel. • Recognize that location might not be everything. Location is a top priority in a typical vacation season, but summer 2021 figures to be an atypical time to travel. Location typically bears such significance because travelers want to be close to attractions and amenities like shops and restaurants. But many areas, including some tourism hotspots, are only gradually reopening this summer. So proximity to amenities may not be as important this summer as it has been in the past. Recognizing that may expand travelers’ options as they scan vacation rental listings. • Focus on the rental. Though location might not be as important in the summer of 2021, the rental property itself might take on heightened importance. Restaurants may still be operating under capacity restrictions this summer, which might make it hard to book dinner reservations. Travelers also may not want to dine out three times per day if doing so requires adhering to various restrictions. That places extra importance on the amenities of the vacation rental. Rentals with fully functional kitchens, and even those with outdoor kitchens, may be especially valuable to travelers this summer. In addition, rentals with plenty of space to lounge around indoors
and outdoors could provide a comfortable respite for travelers without much to do. Many people are planning to go on vacation this summer. Would-
be travelers may have to reconsider their traditional approach to vacation rentals in response to what figures to be a unique time to travel. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
9
TECH TIPS
How small businesses can use tech to their advantage
BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
10
Small businesses are vital cogs in the economy. When taking a stroll down a typical Main Street in the United States and Canada, shoppers are likely to pass an array of eateries and shops offering everything from handcrafted furnishings and ornaments to floral arrangements and more. These small, privately owned businesses help make communities unique and desirable places to live. The impact small businesses have on their communities was perhaps never more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many business owners were forced to close their doors or limit their hours of operation in an effort to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus. When small JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
businesses struggle, the ripple effects are considerable and include higher rates of unemployment and less tax revenue for communities. A 2019 report from the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration found that small businesses accounted for 44 percent of economic activity in the United States. That figure underscores the important role these businesses play. Supporting locally owned businesses is a great way to accelerate the post-pandemic economic recovery. As important as community support is to the survival of a small business, the people who own those businesses must make a concerted effort to connect with consumers and inspire that support. Technology can help business owners do that in a variety of ways.
• Pay attention to mobile rankings. The SEO solutions experts at SEMrush report that roughly 72 percent of domains change rankings by one place on mobile compared to desktop, while 52 percent change by three places. That’s a significant dropoff as more and more consumers utilize mobile search engines when shopping. The popularity of mobile searching is something small business owners should take seriously and strongly consider when devising their optimization strategies. • Strengthen your social media presence. A 2020 study from the social media marketing firm Sprout Social found that nine in 10 consumers will buy products from a brand they follow on social media. Small businesses can use that to their advantage by
strengthening their social media presence, devoting some time each day to promote their offerings. Businesses also can encourage in-store customers to follow them on social media. • Prioritize customer service. Interactions with a real person will likely always remain consumers’ preference when they have questions or concerns about products and services. But that doesn’t mean small business owners cannot still expand their customer service offerings to include customer relationship management software (CRM) and chatbots, both of which can improve customer relations. Small businesses are ingrained in their communities, and can utilize various technologies to become even more so in the years ahead.
A RECIPE TO TRY
Dinner’s done quickly with savory chops BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES
More people are cooking at home in 2020, which makes this a great time to expand your culinary repertoire with delicious meals that can feed the whole family. Experimenting with different flavors is easy when such flavors are paired with familiar favorites. Pork chops are a staple in many households. This recipe for “Pork Chops With Mustard Sauce and Tarragon” from “Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done!” (Time Home Entertainment), edited by Allie Lewis Clapp and Lygela Grace, gets a twist from a tangy mustard sauce, white wine and fresh herbs. Paired with a refreshing frisée salad, this meal can go from kitchen to table in mere minutes. Pork Chops With Mustard Sauce and Tarragon Serves 4 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 boneless pork chops (1 inch thick; about 11⁄2 pounds total) Kosher salt and black pepper 2 shallots, finely chopped 3⁄4 cup dry white wine 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 small head frisée, torn into pieces (about 4 cups) 1 lemon cut into wedges 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
each salt and pepper and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and roast until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, add the shallots and 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the wine and Heat oven to 400 F. Heat 1 tablespoon of simmer until reduced by half, 1 to 2 the oil in a large skillet over medium-high minutes. Add the cream and simmer until heat. Season the pork with 1⁄2 teaspoon the sauce just thickens, about 1 minute
more. Whisk in the mustard. In a large bowl, toss the frisée with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Serve with the pork, sauce and lemon wedges. Sprinkle the pork with the tarragon. Tip: If you don’t have heavy cream, sour cream will work. After simmering the wine and shallots, remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the mustard and 2 tablespoons sour cream. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
11
1 FOR A REASON
#
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.®
Mac Carandang
Vincent Cheng
Laurie Gardner
NMLS #203501
NMLS #964649
NMLS #204060
907-796-1201
907-796-1213
907-796-1202
Make an appointment or apply online at alaskausamortgage.com Southeast Alaska 8390 Airport Blvd., Ste. 102, Juneau, AK 99801 License #AK157293 Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293
