July 2011 • Vol. 1 • No. 5
GARDEN TOUR
Southeast Master Gardeners get two green thumbs up – Pages 4-5
GOT CREDIT?
Establishing a credit history is essential in today’s world – Page 3
HOW TO AVOID WINDOWPAIN
Learn proper window care tips from a professional – Pages 12-13
Photo by ANNA HOKE
Let’s meet in person and talk about your real estate needs. SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 16 1
Visit our office at 2103 N. Jordan Ave., call us at (907) 789-0555 W W W.
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Mike Race, BROKER
Inside Letter from the Publisher
A Family that Labors Together Learns Together By Charles L. Westmoreland
G
rowing up I was never enthusiastic about performing work around the house. This attitude was applied toward labor-intensive yard work but also the simple, mundane tasks that parents ask of every child. Sometimes, my folks even had the nerve to ask that I help out with building projects during summer break. Crazy, right?
I didn’t complain much, at least openly, about what was asked of me. The few times I did whine about how life was so unfair I was quickly reminded of the food, clothes and car that they provided for me and of what little they asked in return. At the time I thought that having kids meant having free labor whenever it was necessary. OK, so that last part is somewhat true, but there is also a much deeper sense of family unity and mentoring when a family works together to accomplish a task. Children may not understand it now but once they have kids it will start to make some sense. As a parent myself I finally understand the importance of building a deck with my dad, landscaping with mom, and spending hours as a child working with my grandfather in his gardens. These are all things I now need to do, and I’m thankful someone showed me when I was younger. My fiancé and I have two boys, ages 11 and 16, and we are expecting another son any day now. We also purchased our first home to-
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gether earlier this year, and with summer here it’s time to start rehabbing our home inside and out. Among our bigger projects are building a new fence and deck. I intend to have our kids right next to me doing their share of the work when it’s time to start placing boards and hammering nails. We’re fortunate that we have great kids, and they’ll probably complain even less than I did. But I don’t expect either to be excited about being torn from their late nights in front of the TV and computer, or being woken up before noon. And I’m sure I will be able to hear my parents chuckling all the way from Kentucky. I’ve become them. Parents seem to take pleasure in watching their kids go through the same thing they were put through. I’ll be looking forward to it. Until recently I had been a life-long renter, and undergoing large-scale home improvement projects aren’t something you do when paying rent. Not long ago I was outside leveling the backyard as the boys hauled away rocks, explaining to them what we needed to do to make sure water drained away from the foundation. Later I explained how the old deck was rotting and chipping because it wasn’t sanded properly and sealant wasn’t applied. Then I told them about ways we could be extra efficient and build a new fence in just a weekend. This sudden explosion of knowledge surprised me, and then I remembered that I’d done all this before alongside
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FEATURE STORIES
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Letter from the Publisher .....2
Assist-2-Sell .........................15
Got Credit? ....................................3
Coldwell Banker / Race Realty Mike Race .................... 1, 16
U.S. Housing Finance Reform Gains NAR Support .................6 New Faces, New Places .........7
Prudential SEAK Real Estate Cheryl Holloway ..............15 Debbie White ...................15
Southeast Gardeners Show Off Green Thumbs ..............4-5
Real Estate Service, Inc. Julie Burns ............................6
Business Briefs .................10-11
RE/MAX of Juneau Julie Moe ..........................15 Marty McKeown ...........8-9 Mimi Rothchild ...............11 Scott Wagner ...................10
Workshop Calendar ...........11 How to Properly Clean Your Home’s Windows ...........12-13
MORTGAGE & LENDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DPI Alaska ...........................7 Hoke Designs....................13 Irwin Digital ......................15 Nail Jazz ..............................15 Southeast Living .............15
Alaska Pacific Mortgage Drake Peterson ...............12 Residential Mortgage .....15 Bethany Woods .................7 True North FCU .................15
Contact information:
Visit:
Southeast Living Magazine PO Box 20749 Juneau, Alaska 99802 info@seakliving.com
www.seakliving.com
my parents during those long, humid summer days when I was younger. Now that I’m the family foreman I have no preconceived notions that my kids will consider the work ahead of us to be more fun than hanging out with friends or lounging at the new pool. But having fun isn’t the point; it will be the learning experience that matters. As parents it is our responsibility to teach our children to be self-sufficient so they can live and thrive on their own. They learn from watching and doing all that what we do. I intend to make sure my kids learn the same way I did: plenty of hands-
Call:
907.723.4419
on experience and parental supervision. They also will learn what it means to take pride in their home inside and out, and what it is to have a strong work ethic and to do things right the first time through. Some day they too will need to perform the same tasks I’m showing them now, and when that time comes I’m sure our boys will look to their kids to lend a hand. That will be my cue to chuckle. I might even throw in an “I told you so.” • Charles L. Westmoreland is publisher of Southeast Living. He can be reached at Charles@seakliving.com.
By Charles L. Westmoreland Southeast Living
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ur world didn’t always revolve around credit. It used to be families could save their hard-earned dollars and pay cash for a new car, or sometimes even a house. Many of our parents and grandparents grew up learning that if you don’t have the cash to pay for something it means you shouldn’t buy it, period. But that was then. Today everything involves credit in one way or another. To rent an apartment, get hired for certain jobs, or even to get car insurance you are required to have a positive credit score. The lessons of frugality by purchasing everything with cash is still important to learn, but in order to buy a car, house, boat and many other larger purchases establishing positive credit is a must. “In a time when so many people struggle with their credit score, there are a lot who think closing out there accounts and paying cash is the way to go,” said Bethany Woods, a home mortgage consultant with Residential Mortgage in Juneau. “Ideally that sounds great, but our society is no longer set up that way. We built our society around a credit score and it’s essentially the only way to ensure your livelihood. Unless you want to walk to work and save money for 10 years to buy a new car you have to establish credit.” Establishing credit takes time, Woods said, and trying to rush the process will cause more harm than good. At least three trade lines are necessary to maintain a positive score, but only two of those lines should be revolving credit such as credit cards and the third should be an installment loan, she said. “If you don’t have three trade lines, usually one of the three major credit bureaus will inevitably say you don’t have enough credit to have
a credit score,” she said. Buyer beware: Part of what makes up a person’s credit score is the number of inquiries by lenders into their credit history. Lenders will be cautious if they see that a person has applied for a half dozen credit cards in a single month, fearing that person will quickly become burdened with debt and will be unable to make payments. “Everyone starts with a blank canvass and can paint that picture however they want,” Woods said. “If you make a bunch of credit inquiries at once it will decrease your credit score. The rule of thumb is to not apply for more than three trade lines within 90 days. That way you can build a payment history.” The four main components of a credit score are credit history, payment history, credit card balances and credit inquiries. Each item is assigned a value and the results are added up and configured into a number ranging from 300 to 850 (the higher the better). Once someone has established credit the challenge becomes maintaining a good standing. Credit cards should never be maxed out. Experts suggest charging half of the available limit. “I tell people that in the beginning they should use a credit card to pay for gas for one month,” Woods said. “It’s something they have already allotted money for. They should charge things that they would normally pay cash for, that way they can pay off the balance each month. It’s when people start charging for things they can’t afford that gets them in trouble.” You may be thinking, “What about the interest rate I have to pay each month?” “That’s one of the necessary evils,” Woods said.
Did You Know?
• The average credit score in the U.S. is 692. • The average credit score in Alaska is 691. • Minnesota has highest credit score at 721. • Nevada has the lowest credit score at 668. • 13% of Americans have a score around 800. • 15% of Americans have a score lower than 550. • 58% of Americans have a good credit score (700 or above). Source: Experian • Alaskans have the highest average credit card debt in the U.S. at $7,665 per holder. Iowa has the least with $4,247 per card holder • Americans own approximately 1.5 billion credit cards, an average of nearly nine per person. • Americans charged nearly $2 billion to their credit cards in 2006 ($11,300 per cardholder). • About 33% of all consumer debt is revolving credit. • 33% of all Americans don’t own a credit card. • 54% of credit card holders pay off their balance each month. • Total consumer debt in the United States is nearly $2.4 trillion. Source: Federal Reserve W W W.
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Home of Dick & Jan Mesdag, Simpson Ave. (Douglas)
The Mesdag home is proof that you can do a lot in a small space. The entire front yard is adorned with rock formations and paths winding around numerous plant varieties. A small pond with goldfish is centered in the front yard, and mulch beds featuring a trees, shrubs and flowers sit nestled in the backyard overlooking Gastineau Channel and surrounding mountains. One of the more noticeable flowers they showcased was a Himalayan Blue Poppy. “This is the first time I felt like the yard is complete,” Jan said of her 11 years working on the garden.
Photos by Charles L. Westmoreland
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SEAKLIVING
he Southeast Alaska Master Gardeners showed off their green thumbs June 1112 during the organization’s annual Garden Tour Scholarship Fundraiser. Some of Juneau’s most beautiful landscape projects were on display with ticket proceeds going toward two $1,000 scholarships awarded each year to support further education of Southeast Alaska high school graduates in agriculture, horticulture, botany and other related fields. The scholarships are supported through plant sales, garden tours, and donations. To learn more about the organization or how to become a member visit www.sealaskamastergardeners.org.
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Juneau Police Department, Alaway Ave. (Lemon Creek)
The landscape surrounding the Juneau Police Department marks the first time that a landscape project was included as the 1 percent for art component of a public building. It is also where Margaret Tharp established a new salvage and restoration program. Mats of land containing intact native plants were cut into squares using a chainsaw, lifted with an excavator for transport, and then reassembled. Dormant plant species then grew over time. “What was growing when we moved all this was different from what is growing now,” explained Dave Landrum of Landscape Alaska. A trail leads behind JPD to a running path that snakes around several ponds.
Home of Michelle & Robert Storer, 6th Street (Downtown)
The home of the Storers is essentially a botanical garden nestled in the middle of downtown Juneau. The backyard landscape is crafted around a pristine waterfall and a 75-year-old Rhododendron. Plant species range from ornamental plants like Japanese Maple trees, Sitka Spruce and Lady’s Mantle, to edible ones like rhubarb, strawberries, currants and herbs. Michelle counted 86 species in all, and has spent about a decade working on the garden. Some plants she even brought back during trips across the Atlantic. “I love getting up and seeing green,” she said.
Housing Finance Reform Act of 2011
Housing finance reform gains NAR support By Charles L. Westmoreland Southeast Living The National Association of Realtors (NAR) in June announced its support of a piece of bipartisan legislation that would reform the current U.S. housing finance market, a move the organization believes will better protect taxpayers and provide access to affordable mortgage loans in the long term. “… The NAR believes that a methodical, measured and comprehensive approach for reforming the secondary mortgage market is in the best interest of home buyers and taxpayers,” said NAR President Ron Phipps. “A comprehensive and effective mortgage reform strategy is critical to help keep a level of certainty in the marketplace and not further disrupting the still fragile housing market recovery.” The NAR is the nation’s largest trade association and represents 1.1 million members working in real estate and related industries. Specifically the NAR is supporting H.R. 1859, also called the “Housing
Finance Reform Act of 2011,” intro- of affordable residential mortgages to duced in May by Reps. John Campbell qualified borrowers; provide incentives (R-Calif.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). for private sector capital to support the The bill would phase out government- secondary market for mortgages; limit sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae the role of the Federal government in and Freddie Mac and the secondary marset up a system that ket; and phase out allows new entities, the Federal National called Housing FiMortgage Associanance Guaranty Astion and the Federal sociations (HFGAs), Home Loan Mortto replace them. The gage Corporation. HFGAs would be “While NAR has private firms that isconcerns with some sued federally guaraspects of the legisanteed mortgagelation, we strongly backed securities. support the bill’s “This is a reasoncomprehensive ap– Ron Phipps, President, able, bipartisan approach to reforming National Association of Realtors proach to achieving the secondary morttwo key goals: putgage market and ting an end to taxpayer-funded bailouts greatly appreciate the efforts of Reps. and ensuring that responsible, middle Campbell and Peters to protect the afclass families can still achieve the dream fordable 30-year fixed rate mortgage, of home ownership…” said Peters, one shield taxpayers from unnecessary adof bill’s cosponsors. ditional bailouts, and ensure the availThe bill would ensure the availability ability of mortgage capital to all mar-
“ ... Reforming the secondary mortgage market is in the best interest of home buyers and tax payers.”
kets under all economic conditions,” Phipps said. NAR is also opposing what it calls a “piecemeal approach” of other recent proposals that would “quickly constrain or shut down existing secondary mortgage market facilities” before identifying a viable replacement that would allow securitization to function under all market conditions. “We believe that a fully private system is not a viable or sustainable alternative to the existing housing finance system and will severely restrict mortgage capital, raise costs for qualified, credit-worthy home buyers, and place taxpayers at greater risk as too-big-tofail government-backed financial institutions dominate the market,” Phipps continued. “NAR looks forward to working closely with Congress; the time has come to have a serious discussion about comprehensive reform of our nation’s housing finance system.” Critics of the bill say it doesn’t do enough to prevent a future government bailout.
Mountain Meadow Estate 6260 Alaway, next to the Juneau Police Department
Brand new, quality, affordable, modular and manufactured homes in Juneau. Fully Customizable to fit your needs and budget.
REAL ESTATE SERVICE, INC JULIE BURNS / BROKER – OWNER
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• Centrally located in Lemon Creek Valley • On the bus line within easy walking distance to Walmart, Breeze-In and the new Subway restaurant • Quality manufactured and modular homes on large lots in a development with paved streets, sidewalks, street lighting and other upscale amenities
Cell: 907-723-8391 | Office: 907-790-4411
• Offering homes from 1100-1600 sq. ft. with 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and open floor plans
Please visit our web site for full details: www.alaska-realestateservice.com & www.mountain-meadow.net
• Convenience of a land lease that includes water, sewer, trash and general property upkeep
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New Faces, New Places Erin Smith joins RE/MAX of Juneau as office manager Erin Smith has joined RE/MAX of Juneau as its office manager. She previously worked as an administrative assistant for Glacier Valley Elementary School for four years. Erin is the sister of RE/MAX of Juneau owner and broker Mar- Erin Smith ty McKeown, and said she is “excited to come work for my brother. He was so excited about the possibility that it got me excited!” She will oversee the office’s bookkeeping, coordinate marketing and facilitate internal communication among other duties. Erin was born
and raised in Juneau, graduating from Juneau-Douglas High School and then attending St. Mary’s college in California to study business. Erin and her husband Mark have two sons, Dominic, 21, and Max, 18. She also is an avid runner and has completed several marathons including the Nike Women’s Marathon held in San Francisco.
Real Estate Service, Inc. moves to a new location
Real Estate Service, Inc., is now located at 1900 Crest Ave., Suite 104, in the Mendenhall Valley near the Juneau International Airport. It was previously located in the Jordan Creek Center. The company is owned by Julie Burns and serves Juneau and Douglas. It specializes in home sales, rentals and property management. Learn more by calling (907)
790-4411 or go online to www. alaska-realestateservice.com.
Carl Uchtyll named Juneau Docks and Harbors manager Carl Uchytil has been selected as the new Docks and Harbors manager for the City and Borough of Juneau. He previously served as a captain in the U.S. Coast Guard and will replace John Stone, who vacated the position June 17 to embark on a two-year sailing voyage with his wife. Carl will move into the position full-time in August. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marine science and a master’s degree in engineering
Kathleen Yanamura to lead Gastineau Elementary Kathleen Yanamura was selected to become the new prin-
cipal for Gastineau Elementary. She worked for the district for 25 years before retiring from her position as principal of Harborview Elementary, according to the district. Kathleen received her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii and master’s degrees in education technology and education leadership from the University of Alaska Southeast and University of Alaska Anchorage, respectively.
Dr. Kathy Stepien joins staff at Glacier Pediatrics Dr. Kathy Stepien has joined Glacier Pediatrics in Juneau. She attended the University of Washington Medical School and completed her residency at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisc.
Recognize your new employees or business by E-mailing us at info@seakliving.com dpi Alaska is an independent, Alaskan-owned multimedia company offering a wide range of services. T H E B E S T P E O P L E M A K E T H E B E S T CO M PA N Y
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ANNA HOKE
Owner, and Lead Designer anna@dpialaska.com 907-321-3590 PO Box 20749 Juneau, Alaska 99802
Locally owned and operated.
Bethany Woods Your Home Mortgage Consultant Lic #AK279796
THE KEY
TO YOUR HOME
STARTS HERE www.bethany-woods.com
907-523-7102 Toll Free 877-570-2329
8800 Glacier Hwy, Ste 232 • Juneau, AK 99801 W W W.
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Call me today and let’s discu
SINGLE FAMILY
120 Behrends
14321 Glacier Hwy
View, View, View From Every Room In This Spacious 3,072 Sq. Ft. Home. Built In 2005 This Cedar Beauty Sits On A 27,542 Sq. Ft. Lot Overlooking Indian Cove. Skylights Make This 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath Single Family With Apartment Even Lighter And Brighter. Wall Of Windows Looks Out On To A Expansive Deck In This Private Setting. Open Floor Plan, In Floor Radiant Heat, Granite Counter Tops, Hardwood Floors And 962 Sq. Ft. Of Garage. MLS: 9992 $789,900
Charming 1940’s downtown single family. 2 bedroom, 2 bath with views from the deck. Great corner lot with a grassy back yard. MLS:10701 $329,900
12590 Glacier Highway
Beautiful Single Family Home w/Apartment in Auke Bay! Newer home built in 1997, main house has 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, large living room plus two family rooms! Lots of deck for grilling and catching the sun! Big 2 car garage with over-sized doors, high ceiling, paved parking with plenty of room for a boat. 550 Sq. ft. Apartment has 1 Bed and 1 bath, with separate entrance. Asking price: $512,900
503 St Ann’s
Douglas with a VIEW! You won’t want to miss this 3 bed, 2 bath beauty on St. Ann ‘s! This impeccably maintained home boasts seperate Living room and family room, bright sunny kitchen, hardwood floors, newer metal roof and more. Amazing yard, loaded with beautiful perinneals, perfect for BBQ’s or just catching some sun. MLS:10712 $349,000
411 F Street
Douglas single family on a corner lot. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1800+ sq ft. Beautiful hardwood floors, fireplace, family room, lots of storage and a 1 car garage. $309,000
3181 Douglas Hwy
Large living in Douglas ! Big and beautiful, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has it all...including a VIEW! Amazing kitchen, dining area, living room, family room, decks, boat/RV parking, 2 car garage, large fabulous yard, patio, 2 storage sheds and more! MLS:10713 $519,900
9070 N Douglas Hwy
9162 Jerry Dr
4 bedroom, 2 bath 2 story single family home located conveniently within walking distance to stores, schools, library etc. 1969 sq ft of living space at the end of a cul-de-sac, fenced in back yard with attached shed and other out building, 1 car garage. 4133 Dogwood Lane New interior paint on the main level in 2011 and Single Family Home In A Good Neighborhood. 4 exterior paint in 2009. MLS # 10627 $305,000 Bedroom, 2 Bath With An Extra Room That Could Be Used For A 5th Or An Office. Large Fenced In Yard. E 1824 Sq Ft Of Living Space And A 528 Sq Ft Garage. IC ED PR UC Vinyl Siding And A Metal Roof. $319,900 D
Enjoy privacy in Alaska setting on this 2 acre wooded lot. 2,201 sq ft A Frame with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath custom quality single family home. Metal lifetime roof, spacious & open kitchen with T&G Cathedral ceiling. Large kitchen features quality cabinets. Bathroom remodeled 2008. Master Bath has walk-in closet and private bath with Jacuzzi tub. 888 sq ft attached, heated garage. Lighted driveway. MLS: 10744 $449,900 E IC ED PR UC D RE
RE
17065 Glacier Hwy
WOW FACTOR!!! Amazing home on the water in Lena Cove! This 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths home has had extensive remodeling done between 20092011. Incredible kitchen, dining, tile entry way, sheet rock, newer roof, new boiler,propane on demand hot water, carpet, master bath etc. Too many upgrades to list, this home is a MUST SEE! Large 20037 sqr ft lot, plus an 840 sqr ft garage with lots of off street parking. MLS:10707 $769,900
9001 Ninnis Drive
Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home in Montana Creek Subdivision! Grand entry way, living room, family room, open kitchen, hardwood and tile floors, large garage and huge bonus storage room are just some of the many great features of this home! Huge driveway with boat/RV parking and wonderful yard to enjoy the sunshine! Call Marty McKeown for a showing today! Price: $489,900
3630 McGinnis Dr
Single family in the Valley. Move in ready. 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath built in 2007. Five Star energy rating when built. Custom kitchen with glass face cabinets, Corian counter tops, tile floor and stainless steel appliances. Master has vaulted ceilings, double door entry, walk in closet and private bath. 1474 sq ft of living space with a 540 sq ft garage on a large 12,265 sq ft lot. MLS #10526 $329,900
9016 Ninnis Drive
Great house, great price in Montana Creek Subdivision! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on a large 17,644 sq. ft. lot on Ninnis. One owner home, built in 1998 by Lowpete Construction features 2 levels, open kitchen and a huge great room. Master bedroom up and with other bedrooms down. Beautiful cedar siding, 2 car garage and an arctic entry. MLS: 9807. Price @ $359,900
Nobody Sells more Real Estate than RE/MAX TM
907-789-4794
Toll Free 888-777-6543
www.homesinjuneau.com 8800 Glacier Hwy, Suite 219 • Juneau, AK 99801
Marty McKeown BROKER - OWNER
martymckeown@yahoo.com Phone: 907-957-2313
scuss your Real Estate needs.
As a life long, 3rd generation Alaskan raising a family here in Juneau, I appreciate knowing who I am working with especially when making a large investment such as a home. With over 20 years of Sales and Service in Juneau and Southeast I have what it takes to make buying or selling your home an enjoyable experience with results you can take to the bank. I am honest and hard working with quality Customer Service as my number one goal!
SINGLE FAMILY
3005 Goodwin
SPECTACULAR VIEWS from Quiet BLUEBERRY HILL Cul De Sac. Built in 2002 this 5 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath Home has 2224 sq ft Living Area & large 2 Car Garage. Sit out on the deck and be captivated by the Water, Town, Mountain & Tram VIEWS or view from the large picture windows . Vaulted Ceiling over the Great Room, Island Bar, Under-counter Lighting and more. Master Suite has walk-in Closet and Private Bathroom. Large 24,122 sq ft Lot gives feeling of privacy. MLS #10732 $465,000
ATTACHED
4354 Taku Blvd
4025 Deborah Dr
Valley attached. 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath. Lots of new: carpet, deck, interior & exterior paint, new 50 year roof, exterior doors, downstairs remodeled to add bedroom and family room and 1/2 bath. New dishwasher, hot water heater. 1298 sq ft of living space with a 1 car garage. MLS# 10630 $239,900
Immaculate Attached home in the Valley! This beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath home is South facing and lots of windows to bring in the sunshine! Fenced yard, covered back porch, private front porch and more. Many upgrades including newer roof and paint, new kitchen appliances, new kitchen flooring, new carpet upstairs and more. Seperate laundry room and a nice one car garage. MLS 10636. Asking price: $269,900.
CONDO
5931 Montgomery St
MULTI FAMILY
LOTS Gladstone Lots
Build your a Single Family Home, Duplex or Attached Homes on these 2 Gladstone Lots! 2 flat, sunny building lots in the Valley, last right before the Glacier...ready to build, all the site prep is done! Almost 3/4 of an acre each (30,750 sq. ft.) with utilites to each site. Zoned D-5. Call for more info. MLS: 10101 & MLS:10102 $131,900.00 Each.
Waterfront North Douglas Lot
On channel with water and mountain views! Property located south of 5360 and opposite 5323. MLS: 8721 $89,900
Hoonah Lot
Beautiful building lot in Hoonah! this large 13,755 sq. ft. cleared lot already has a building pad and is ready for a home! Dalton Creek Subdivision is just outside of town and is one of Hoonahs newest neighborhoods. Water, Sewer and electric are at site. Building pad is approximately 50x60. MLS: 9915 Asking $64,900
Glacier Highway Lot
5975 Sunset St
Single Family home on large sunny lot! This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is 1650 sqr ft with 2 carports and a single car garage. Hot tub, seperate laundry room, open kitchen and more. Call Marty McKeown for a showing today! Price: $269,900
Y ONLFT 1 LE
Single family home on huge lot with large garage. Two story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath in 1619 sq ft of living space. 2571-1 Douglas Hwy Great decks surround side and back of home. 12,000 Watch the cruise ships from your own deck in this sq. ft. lot with a 556 sq ft garage. Priced at $309,900 Forestedge Condo. 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath in 850 sq ft of living space. 2 heat sources with electric baseboard and a monitor. End unit, 2 parking spots and a VIEW makes this condo a must see. MLS# 10748 $158,000 Call Marty McKeown
STORAGE CONDO
3/4 of an acre to build the home of your dreams. This piece of land is located on the corner of Andreanoff and Glacier Hwy. MLS: # 10621 A Great Price at $125,000
Thane Road Waterfront Lot!
Waterfront Lot on Thane Road! Almost one acre on the water at the very end of Thane. Nice building spot on the road side with wonderful view of Gastineau Channel. MLS 9256 $199,900
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
Industrial Zoned Lot
Parkshore Unit H-5
Two Storage Condos
419 2nd Street
Downtown Investment Opportunity. Apartment building with 7 units, 2 efficiency and five 1 bedroom units. Stellar rental history, built in 1937 and has been extremely well maintained. $469,000
Rare find...Two Heated Storage Condo’s side by side without the seperation wall! 20’ wide X 30’ deep...600 sqr ft total. One side has a mezzanine giving it two levels. Toyo Stove for heat. Units have two seperate doors but could be changed to one large door. Located at P&J Business Condos off Industrial Blvd Units 3&4. Call Marty McKeown for a showing today! Price: $67,900.00
LOWPETE CONSTRUCTION 8114 Easy Street
Location & convenience in this Top Floor Unit at the highly desired Parkshore Condominiums. Excellent Condition with captivating views of the water and mountains. 2 bedroom, 2 bath with an open deck off of the living and master bedroom. Updated flooring and newer appliances, washer/ dryer in unit. The complex has an updated roof, carport and guest parking! $249,900
Industrial zoned lot in the heart of Lemon Creek. Lot is 11,395 sq feet and has a condemned structure on it that needs removed. Priced at $79,900
REMOTE Waterfront on Shelter Island
Directly across from NOAA Facility on Lena. Nice flat beach with decent moorage. Tool shed, water tanks, heating fuel tanks, skiffs, wired for generator power .. power connected to both cabins it all there! MLS: 7247 Asking $139,000
LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS 1 OF 30 PLANS - 50-YEAR ROOFS, FIVE STAR ENERGY RATED HOMES
8118 East Street
8122 Easy Street
• Lot 3 Erin Manor III Subdivision • 3 bedroom/2 bath TO BE BUILT • 1864 sq. ft. • 616 sq. ft. garage NOW... • MLS 9300 $339,900
• Lot 4, Erin Manor III Subdivision • 4 bedrooms, 2 bath TO BE BUILT • 2044 sq. ft. • 480 sq. ft. garage NOW... • MLS 10024 $359,900
8126 Easy Street
READY SOON
• Lot 2, Erin Manor III Subdivision • UNDER CONSTRUCTION with July Completion • 4 bedrooms, 2 bath • 1,928 sq.ft. 528 sq. ft. garage NOW... • Many upgrades $374,900 • MLS 10023
Lot 5 Erin Manor III Subdivision 4 bedrooms 2 bath TO BE BUILT 1832 sq. ft. 392 sq. ft. garage NOW... MLS 10070 $339,900
Select one of LOWPETE’S lots or provide your own lot. Interest rate reduction for AHFC financing.
Business Briefs AHFC increases loan limits, streamlines 2nd mortgage programs for Alaskans The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) has approved the consolidation of various second mortgage programs into a single program, the AHFC board announced June 2. The change now allows for property values to be determined by a method other than a new appraisal for loans up to $100,000 and which do not exceed a combined loan-to-value of 75 percent. The organization says this now allows Alaskans to have a streamlined option to get a second mortgage for home improvements. “Loans need to be available with a high enough limit to help Alaskans finance their improvements, such as bathrooms, kitchens and major structural repairs,” said board vice chair Clai Porter. “These changes will streamline
the process for Alaska’s homeowners and maintain their property values.” The Small Building Material Loan Program, which focuses on the needs of rural Alaskans and the Second Mortgage for Energy Conservation will remain in place and will include the increased loan limit of $100,000. Alaskans can contact an AHFC’s approved lender to apply for any of these loan programs. AHFC is a self-supporting public corporation with offices in 16 communities statewide. It provides statewide financing for multi-family complexes, congregate facilities, and single-family homes, with special loan options for low- to moderate-income borrowers, veterans, teachers, health care professionals, and those living in rural areas of the state. AHFC also provides energy and weatherization programs, low-income rental assistance and special
1108 5th Street, DouglaS
3051 glacierwooD Drive
Cute Douglas Bungalow! This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home has 1,500 sq. ft. plus an unfinished basement and 1 car garage. Many updates including vinyl windows, metal roof, and a recently installed propane on-demand hot water system. There is also an arctic entry, view deck for your bbq, and a small fenced area just outside the front door for your pets. MLS: 10695. . . . . . . . . .$249,900
Well maintained home in desirable Riverwood Subdivision! This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has 1,984 sq. ft. of living space and a large fenced back yard. Features include updated laminate flooring, a covered deck off the kitchen, upstairs living room with fireplace, and downstairs family room with woodstove. Enjoy the custom built sauna in the large remodeled bathroom. Attached garage, boat parking, and plenty of extra paved parking for all your toys! MLS#: 10527. Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$344,900
programs for the homeless. To date AHFC has reported contributing more than $1.9 billion to Alaska’s state budget revenues through cash transfers, capital projects and debt-service payments.
Alaska Pacific Bank to host ‘Appreciation Day’ July 1 Alaska Pacific Bank’s branches in Southeast Alaska are celebrating Customer Appreciation Day on July 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. APB will serve hotdogs at its Nugget Mall office in Juneau and its Tongass office in Ketchikan, with all other branches serving apple pie. The food is free. “It’s our way of letting our customers know that we appreciate their business,” the company said on its website. “Come by for a free lunch or apple pie and let us say thank you to our loyal customers.” Alaska Pacific Bank has branches in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka.
of Juneau Home for the Cure sm
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Mortgage rates continue to decline nationwide in June
June saw average mortgage rates for 30-year and 15-year loans drop to their lowest this year to 4.49 percent and 3.68 percent, respectively, according to Freddie Mac. Not everyone has been able to take advantage of the low rates, representatives for Freddie Mac Continued on Page 11
42 gorDon Street
Valley Ranch! This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home with 1,170 sq. ft. sets on a quiet cul-de-sac and backs to CBJ land. Updates include a remodeled kitchen, flooring, paint, and windows! There is an oversized carport and an extra storage room. There is an oversized carport, an extra storage room for outdoor gear and lawn equipment, and a covered porch off the living room for your bbq. MLS: #10300. Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . $249,900
Stunning Downtown Condo! This Craftsman Style condo has 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and is just a block from the State Office Building. Amazing woodwork and finishes throughout including a custom wood staircase, Fir hardwood floors upstairs, wood beam ceilings and in-unit laundry. The kitchen has granite counters, custom hickory cabinets, and beautiful pendant lighting. The unit has an energy efficient Toyo stove, off street parking for 2 cars, and very low HOA dues. You will love living at Patagonia Condos! MLS#: 10537. Price. . . . . . . . . .$239,900
107 5th Street, DouglaS
907 723-7424 Cell 907-789-4794 Office 888-777-6543 Toll Free
Scott wagner, aBr, cDPe
RE/MAX of Juneau unveiled its new website in May. The site now features a more robust search in the Juneau area by allowing users to search for homes by keywords as well as MLS number. Upcoming open houses are also displayed on the site’s home page, as well as featured listings. It can be found online at www.homesinjuneau.com.
9160 Jerry Drive
8800 Glacier Hwy, Suite 219 Juneau, AK 99801
www.ScottWagnerHomes.com ScottWagnerHomes@hotmail.com
RE/MAX of Juneau launches new website
It’s time to sell! Call me today about listing your home.
View home in Douglas! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has an updated roof, many new windows, an updated and serviced boiler, and off street parking for vehicles or boats. In addition to the 1,311 sq. ft. (per appraisal) there is an additional 931 sq. ft. basement that has been partially finished. The basement has a large finished bedroom and an equally large partially finished room for hobbies or storage. MLS:# 10391. Price $255,000
Continued from Page 10
said, because lending requirements have become more strict in recent years. Freddie Mac calculates the rates by obtaining information from lenders across the country and said rates can sometimes fluctuate significantly in a single day. It also reported that the average five-year adjustable-rate mortgage dropped to 3.28 percent. The average one-year adjustable-rate loan dropped to 2.95 percent, its lowest since 1986.
THRHA weatherization training continues July 11 The Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority will commence with its second round of weatherization training July 11-15. The training is geared toward individuals wanting to enhance their skills in the construction and remodel industry using techniques on
weatherizing homes and retrofitting standards. This five-day course is designed as an introduction to weatherization job readiness and material installation techniques by the use of both classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experience. The training will be conducted by Marquam George and will be held at 1321 Brittany Place in Juneau. There is no cost for Alaska Native residents. The training costs $1,120 for those who do not qualify for the reimbursement program. Southeast Alaska tribal members also may apply for travel assistance. For more information including travel assistance contact Steve Bennett at (907) 780-6868. Application packets can be downloaded online at www.thrha.org.
Alaska not listed among 10 highest real estate markets Statistics released recently by the National Association of Realtors re-
vealed the 10 most expensive U.S. cities to buy a house through the first quarter of 2011. No Alaska communities made the list, which may come as a surprise to some after comparing prices. The most expensive housing market in the nation is Honolulu, where the median price of homes sold was at $580,000. California holds the second through fourth most expensive markets with San Jose ($545,000), Anaheim ($511,800), and San Francisco ($465,900). New York came in fifth at $439,300. At the bottom of the list are San Diego ($374,800), Boulder, Colo. ($353,400), Bridgeport, Conn. ($342,100), Boston ($322,100), and Barnstable, Mass. ($299,000). The cost of a home in Juneau during the last three years averaged $305,000, according to data compiled by the Juneau Economic Development Council. Data for 2011 is not yet available.
Share your business news with all of Southeast Alaska by E-mailing Southeast Living at info@seakliving.com
Workshop Calendar The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is offering seminars to help prospective home buyers. Home Choice is a free eighthour, pre-purchase home buyer seminar held over two days. The seminars are open to all buyers regardless of if they are buying their first home or fifth. Juneau Home Choice July 11-12 from 6-10 p.m. Riverbend Apts. Community Room, 2800 Postal Way (Behind Mendenhall Post Office) Wrangell Home Choice July 11-12 from 6-10 p.m. Nolan Center meeting room, 296 Campbell Dr. Ketchikan Home Choice July 13-14 from 6-10 p.m. The Landings board room, 3434 Tongass Petersburg Home Choice July 13-14 from 6-10 p.m. Scandia House conference room, 110 Nordic Drive
– 2916 Jackson Road – Juneau, AK –
EXECUTIVE HOME AND ENTERTAINER’S DREAM – Beautiful Views of Downtown Juneau, Surrounding Mountains and Gastineau Channel from almost every room in this Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home. A sweeping entry staircase and floor to ceiling Great Room windows make this 3458 sq. ft. house even more grand. Complete with expansive balconies, a large kitchen, and open floor plan, this house was built with the entertainer in mind. Plenty of paved parking in front of heated, over-height 3-car garage completes this hillside wonder. Asking $695,000. Call today for your Private Showing!
Mimi Rothchild
RE/MAX of Juneau Associate Broker, Realtor Office: (907) 789-4794 • Cell: (907) 209-7459 • mrothchild@gci.net • www.Juneau-AK-Homes.com 8800 Glacier Hwy., Ste. 219 Juneau, AK 99801 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
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How To: Window Cleaning
Useful Tips to Avoid Windowpain W
By Andy Engstrom
indows are one of the most valuable pieces of our homes. They can also be one of the most expensive to replace, but with proper care the longevity of your windows can increase dramatically. Here are just a few tips and techniques used by professionals like myself on how to properly care for your windows. Just Say ‘No’ to Nylon Pads Abrasive nylon scrubbing pads, like the ones found on many household dish wash-
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ing sponges, will scratch window glass. Window glass is in fact even softer than the glass manufactured for beverage containers. Specialized nylon, fine grade steel wool and glass scrapers are what professional window cleaners use to remove stickers, decals and other “hard to remove” debris from window glass. Never Use Blades on Dry Glass A common (and costly) mistake I often see is window glass scratches caused from the use of razor blades on dry glass. Windows must
be lubricated BEFORE attempting to use a razor to scrape debris. Instead use soap and water to lubricate the glass first. This will minimize scratching. But remember not to use razor blades on treated glass surfaces such as tinted windows, mirrored window glass or tempered glass (heat strengthened glass that is common in doors and other high-impact areas). Use Plastic When Painting Instead of needlessly using a razor blade to remove dried paint from windows cover
your interior and exterior glass in plastic. Paints and stains are corrosive to glass, and if left long enough can cause permanent staining. Also, hard water stains can occur right after your building’s exterior is painted or stained. These stains are caused by rain water running over top a prefabricated surface, leaching hard minerals and acids from that surface and depositing it on windows. This can occur after just one rainfall. Because of this a complete exterior window cleaning is needed. Proper cleaning will neutralize the pH. of the glass
and prevent corrosion. Routine Cleaning is Important Hard water isn’t the only thing that can permanently stain windows. Staining can also be caused by: acid rain, salt water spray, oxidation, airborne pollutants, over spray, rust and calcium salts. Window glass is porous. Think of its surface as having “peaks and valleys.” These “valleys” capture and trap airborne debris that diminishes glass integrity. To protect your glass I recommend no less than two window cleanings per year.
Don’t Clean with a Garden Hose This technique may remove some dirt and grime from exterior windows, but in the end it will cause more harm than good. Using a hose allows tap water to dry and remain on your glass, and in time minerals in the water will degrade your windows’ transparent look. • Andy Engstrom is owner of Capital City Windows in Juneau, Alaska. You can learn more about window and glass care at his website www.gotdirtywindows.com.
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Life isn’t black and white. . .
and neither are we.
Southeast Living Magazine SOUTHEAST ALASKA REAL ESTATE AND HOME BUYERS GUIDE
Southeast Living offers readers a free, full color list of available real estate properties, related services and local content every month in both print and online editions.
CALL 907-723-4419 OR VISIT US
ONLINE AT WWW.SEAKLIVING.COM L O C A L LY
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Business Directory Buyers & Sellers Realty
Nail Jazz Manicures • Pedicures • Massage Reflexology Foot Massage
AllJuneauHomes.com
3075 Vintage Blvd. Ste. 201 • Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: (907) 523-8158 • Fax: (907) 523-8159 Full Service Results With Savings
127 South Franklin Street Juneau, AK 99801
ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE CLOCK
(907) 463-5862
Julie Moe, Realtor
RE/MAX of Juneau
Cell: (907) 321-2629
Office: (907) 789-4794 juliemoe.realtor@gmail.com www.alaskanhomesforyou.com 8800 Glacier Hwy, Ste. 219 Juneau, AK 99801 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
Southeast Alaska Real Estate 8465 Old Dairy Road, Suite #101 • Juneau, AK 99801 Office - (907) 789-5533 • Fax: (907) 789-5504 Toll Free - 1-877-573-2573 • www.isellalaska.com
T H E B E S T P E O P L E M A K E T H E B E S T CO M PA N Y
Serving All Southeast Alaska
Toll Free 877-570-2329
8800 Glacier Hwy, Ste 232 • Juneau, AK 99801
www.residentialmtg.com/juneau
Bullwinkles Pizza Parlor SERVING UP FOOD AND FUN SINCE 1973. Come visit us downtown or in the valley 318 Willoughby Ave • (Downtown) 9105 Mendenhall Mall Road • (In the Mendenhall Mall) For delivery call 586-8988. Delivery Hours 11am - 11pm every day.
MAGAZINE
Charles Westmoreland Publisher
Southeast Living Magazine 907.723.4419 PO Box 20749 • Juneau, Alaska 99802 charles@seakliving.com • www.seakliving.com
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Let’s meet in person and talk about your real estate needs. Visit our office at 2103 N. Jordan Ave., call us at (907) 789-0555 Mike Race, BROKER
– Elfin Cove –
The Hobbit Hole
$2,000,000
This property is as beautiful as it looks, featuring 3 houses on 4.6 acres of private land. The homes are nestled against a natural harbour and has a creek that flows through this elegant property. And wait until you hear about the extras! This property also includes a shop, 90’ float and a floatplane dock. #10060
– Juneau – Papa Murphy’s
9108 Mendenhall Mall Road $295,000 Here’s your chance to become part of a well-established franchise and household name in Juneau, Papa Murphy’s! The space for this popular “Take & Bake” pizzeria, which also serves up pasta and cold non-alcoholic drinks, is now available for lease. But please do not disturb the operating business, and because this is a franchise opportunity it is subject to certain regulations (which are available). Records and financial information will require an offer and a signed confidentiality agreement. Call us to learn more about this business opportunity. #10388
– Juneau –
Lucky Lady
$980,000
Don’t pass on a great business opportunity. This popular bar in the heart of downtown Juneau near the waterfront contains the rich history of the Lucky Lady, Mary Joyce. The Lucky Lady is an Irish pub and is one of the most popular downtown hangouts among the cruise ship staff members who visit Alaska’s capital city every year. #10115
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