Southeast Living March 2011

March 2011 • Vol. 1 • No. 1

Photo by ANNA HOKE

Call me today and let’s discuss your Real Estate needs.

Marty McKeown

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Cell: 907-957-2313 • Office: 907-789-4794 • Toll Free 888-777-6543 martymckeown@yahoo.com • www.homesinjuneau.com

BROKER | OWNER

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Nobody Sells more Real Estate than RE/MAX TM

Letter from the Publisher

The journey home

ing to buying insurance and making home improvements. Inside you will find dozens of listings for Southeast Alaska homes, contact information for realtors and lenders, and local editorial content intended to inform and educate about the home buying and selling process.

By Charles L. Westmoreland Purchasing a home is a journey. For most of us it starts with a simple picture in the back of our minds of the perfect home, something that is both a reflection and expression of who you are. Perhaps it includes a living room view of ice-capped mountains, or perhaps it’s nestled along the waterfront overlooking an endless ocean.

Everyone’s perfect home is different, but one thing we share in common is the process we all must go through when buying or selling a home. This journey is often an emotional one, but the reward at the end when you receive the keys to your very own castle make it all worthwhile.

Southeast Living was created to assist you in finding your perfect home, and we also want to lend a hand in everything the process entails, from selecting a Realtor and securing financ-

In the coming months we will expand on the content inside by adding “how to” columns on the topics of home improvement, advice on interior design, and home profiles on occasion.

If you have a background in these fields and would enjoy the opportunity to write please contact us. We also welcome submissions and story ideas from the Southeast Alaska business community. We hope you will share your knowledge and professional expertise.

Table of Contents What is Southeast Living?

Learn all about Southeast Living, the region’s premiere Home & Real Estate magazine, and its staff.

Page 2-3

RE/MAX - JoAnn Birt Page 9

Presenting Your Home to Buyers

Alaska Pacific Bank Drake Peterson & Ela Wehrmann

Follow these quick and easy tips to ensure that when potential buyers come knocking your home will feel like their home.

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Thank you for reading our inaugural issue of Southeast Living, the region’s premiere Home & Real Estate magazine. And a special thanks to the businesses featured within for their support during our launch. We look forward to celebrating life in Southeast Alaska with you for many issues to come.

RE/MAX Marty McKeown

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Coldwell Banker / Race Realty

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SEAKLIVING

Call:

Southeast Living Business Directory Page 11 Debbie Lewis, RE/MAX • Bullwinkle’s Pizza • Residential Mortgage • Alaska Pacific Bank • Marty McKeown, RE/ MAX, Prudential Real Estate • Charles Westmoreland, Southeast Living

Southeast Living Marketing Info Page 12

GOT A STORY IDEA? EMAIL CHARLES WESTMORELAND AT CHARLES@SEAKLIVING.COM

Advertising, Public Relations & Editorial 907.723.4419 . Graphics 907.321.3590 Art, Design &

.COM

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Southeast Living Information Southeast Living Magazine dpi Alaska PO Box 20749 Juneau, Alaska 99802 info@seakliving.com

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Prudential Real Estate

Contact information:

Residential Mortgage Bethany Woods

SEAK Living Website

For more home listings, open houses, or to view Southeast Living on the web, visit us at www.seakliving.com.

Charles L. Westmoreland is Publisher of Southeast Living and has worked in print media for 11 years, the last three being in Juneau. He can be reached at (907) 723-4419 or charles@seakliving.com.

Q&A Paperwork Prep A Q&A segment on financial preparations for obtaining a loan.

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Visit:

www.seakliving.com www.dpialaska.com

A bout S outheast L iving Southeast Living offers readers a comprehensive list of available real estate properties and related services every month in both print and online editions. Our mission is to help those working in real estate and home improvement and repair to stay informed of industry news and trends, while also helping consumers become smarter and better informed home owners.

Southeast Living is printed in full color and is distributed for FREE with 4,000 copies reaching more than 100 locations throughout Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg, Haines, Skagway, Ketchikan, Hoonah, Wrangell, Anchorage and Seattle. Southeast Living is owned and operated out of Juneau, Alaska, by dpi Alaska, a full-service multimedia company formed by veteran journalist Charles L. Westmoreland.

Southeast Living offers Realtors, insurance agents, mortgage lenders, home builders, contractors, tradesmen

and many other professionals a new and exciting advertising medium to reach potential clients by offering full color on every page and a single cost for both print and online advertising.

About the Staff Charles L. Westmoreland, Publisher Charles has worked in journalism for more than 11 years, beginning with his time as a photojournalist with the U.S. Army and eventually leading him to Juneau in early 2008, where he worked as managing editor for both the Juneau Empire and Capital City Weekly. He studied English at the University of Louisville and would later return as a guest lecturer on journalism-related topics. He spent time managing several large weekly newspapers in the Louisville area before moving to Alaska. His individual journalism awards include news, features, sports, photography, editorial

writing and page design. He lives in the Mendenhall Valley with his fiance, their two children (with a third arriving in June), a stubborn Malamute, hyperactive Golden Retriever and a possessive cat.

Technician. Her background also includes extensive experience designing marketing and promotional materials, banners and logos, and websites. She lives in the Mendenhall Valley with her husband, Hayden.

Anna Hoke, Graphic Designer Anna has been an artist all her life in both graphic design and traditional art forms. She is a fifth generation Alaskan and was born and raised in Juneau.

Anna graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School in 2003 and then attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks for several years before returning to Juneau in 2005 to study English at the University of Alaska Southeast. In 2007 Anna began working as a graphic designer for the Capital City Weekly and in 2009 she was promoted to Assistant Production Manager of both the CCW and Juneau Empire. In June 2010 she accepted a position with the State of Alaska as a Publication

About dpi Alaska dpi Alaska is an independent, Alaskanowned multimedia company offering a wide range of services in the fields of graphic design, website development, marketing, photography, public relations and trade publications. dpi Alaska was formed with the purpose of offering creativity, efficiency, reliability and affordability to Southeast Alaska businesses through print- and web-based products. dpi Alaska strives to distinguish itself through quality, creativity and customer service.

• All content in Southeast Living Magazine will appear on our website.

• Our website will have feature stories, business news, blogs and more.

• FREE ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS for advertising Real Estate Agents.

THIS COULD BE YOU! THIS COULD BE YOU!

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12 34 56 78 91 0 Ten most important things when getting ready to list your home…

– ONE –

By Debbie White When selling your home, the quicker the better. But before putting your house on the market there are a few simple things you can do to ensure it makes a positive first impression when potential buyers come looking. These 10 tips won’t take you much time or cost much money but they will give your home a more welcoming appeal.

Look at your house from the outside in.

How does your house look from the street? Start by putting away all the extra stuff in the yard (lawn equipment, toys, junk, etc). Next, make sure the lawn is mowed, gutters are clean, and in the summer put out a few containers of plants to welcome guests into your home. Pay attention to little things, like if your mailbox is rusty replace it with a new one. A new mailbox isn’t very expensive but it can make a huge difference!

– TWO –

Walk into your home and look at the entryway.

First impressions are very important.

Is your front closet crowded? If so,

pack away out of season clothes, or perhaps move some of those shoes to the bedroom closets. If it’s summer, pack up those winter boots and coats.

Buyers want to see that there is room for their stuff! People in Southeast Alaska often take off their shoes indoors. If you have room for a chair for would-be buyers to sit in while

“Show how bright and cheery your home can look.” they do it your home will be more convenient to show. To go a step further, consider a bench that can also be used for storage!

– THREE –

Shed some light on things.

Still using compact fluorescent bulbs?

Southeast Alaska Real Estate O: (907) 789-5533 | F: 907-789-5504 www.isellalaska.com

Elfin Cove

$1,495,000

Business Oppovrtunity ... This 3,000 square property is one of the original and most successful fishing lodges in world-famous Elfin Cove. Monster salmon and halibut are caught routinely by those fishing the rich, cold waters. Adjacent properties are also for sale.

Serious and qualified buyers only, please. MLS# 8897

Prince of Wales

$4,950,000

Business Opportunity, 421 Misty Marie Lane #29 ... This well-established (21 years), high-end sport fishing lodge was often featured on national TV. Staff members are ready to great you, and the current owner is willing to stay for one more operating season if the buyer desires. Located 25 minutes west of Ketchikan. MLS # 9950

Juneau - Windham Bay

$1,800,000

Single Family / Recreational ...This unique property consists of 4.6 acres that lies at the head of Windham Bay, nestled against 650 feet of waterfront. The lodge and cabins were built in the early 1990’s and for a period the property operated as a commercial fishing lodge. MLS# 9789

Haines

$365,000

Single Family, 1146 Mud Bay Road ... Relax in this 3-story 4 bedroom, 3 bath custom home that features a carport and shop, along with sweeping views of Mud Bay. This property is spacious! The lot is 42,253 square feet, with 1,927 square feet of living space and a 1,668 square foot garage that will fit 3 cars. MLS#9854

While that’s admirable, this is the time to show how bright and cheery your home can look. Start by bumping up the wattage, and while you are at it clean those light fixtures and wipe the fingerprints off the switch plates too.

– FOUR –

We all have way too much stuff.

You are getting ready to move, so why not get a head start on packing? If you don’t know where to start, go through and pack away everything you could live without for six months. You are getting ready to move anyway, so get started early! You will have more time to carefully label your boxes this way.

What if your house is still too crowded? Then think six weeks instead of six months.

Gustavus

Continued on PAGE 10 $425,000

211 Sockeye ... If a home could be classified as a work of art, this 2,400 square foot home would be a shining example! Craftsmanship definitely meshed with the artist who built on this flat, dry 2-acres parcel. The main house is stunning, and the guest house is just as nice. MLS# 9169

Juneau

$375,000

Yakutat

$895,000

Hoonah

$600,000

10620 Horizon Drive ... This like new home in exclusive Bay View subdivision has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and was built as a 5-star home. Custom cabinets, a heated garage, granite countertops and 1,758 square feet of space are just a few of its features.

MLS# 9284

USS 3590 Lot 0 ... This business opportunity sits at the crossroads of the town of Yakutat. The business includes a 3-bay shop, inventory, office equipment, truck with plow, jeep, and all the tools. A 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is waiting next door for the new owner. Total square footage is approximately 4,900 square feet. MLS# 9824

Known as “Hillman’s Ranch,” these two parcels of land stretch across 670 feet of waterfront property and expand through approximately 29 acres. A clearing in the center creates space for a new home, lodge or cabin. Surrounding mountains offer protection from the wind, and hunting opportunities abound. No property or real estate tax required.

MLS# 10216

We also have listings in Haines, Chilkat Lake, Gustavus, Elfin Cove, Hoonah, Yakutat, Angoon, Kake, Petersburg, Prince of Wales Island, and more remote areas of Southeast Alaska. View our listings online at www.isellalaska.com.

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Debbie White

Broker & owner / realtor®, GrI Phone: 907-789-5533 • Cell: 907-723-9886 Fax: 907-789-5504 debbie@isellalaska.com • www.isellalaska.com 8465 Old Dairy Road #101, Juneau, AK 99801 Debbie White been selling real estate throughout Southeast Alaska since 1999 and has been in Juneau most of her life. Her family first came to Alaska in 1941 and returned to stay in 1970. While most of her business is in Juneau, she is very active in the more rural and remote areas of Southeast Alaska. Her hobbies include gardening, fishing, wood turning, traveling, and scuba diving. She volunteers extensively in her community.

Shawn C. Paul

assocIate Broker & realtor® Cell: 907- 723-4010 Email: shawn@alaska.com Shawn Paul is in his 13th year of practicing real estate in Juneau. He has served the local market as a residential specialist and also has worked on commercial projects, new construction, land sales and several “out of town” properties as well as commercial leasing. He’s held the designation of Associate Broker for more than 10 years and has been the senior mentor at Juneau’s top two firms. A graduate of Juneau-Douglas High School, Shawn has been proud to call Juneau home for the last 30 years. Put his unique combination of experience, negotiating skills and local knowledge to work for you.

Karinda Perdon

realtor® Cell: 907-209-3572 Email: karinda.perdon@gmail.com Karinda Perdon is from the Cedar house of the Chookaneidi clan. Her moiety (lineage) is Ch’aak’ (Eagle) of the Xunaa Kaawu (Hoonah, Alaska) Tlingit tribe, whose ancestral land is located in Glacier Bay. Karinda spent her childhood in Hoonah and has lived in Juneau since 1983. Karinda looks forward to assisting you in achieving your goal of becoming a homeowner.

Cheryl Holloway

realtor® Cell: 907-209-6602 E-mail: cherylh@acsalaska.net Website: cherylholloway.point2.com; cherylholloway.topseller.net Cheryl is a lifelong Juneau resident and has worked in the Real Estate industry since 2005 after retirement from the State of Alaska. She has a thorough historical perspective of the Juneau area. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, spending time with family, and playing with her dogs. She is very active in her church and the community. She also jumps at the chance to go out in a boat for whale watching or fishing, or just enjoying beautiful Southeast Alaska.

David Franz

realtor® Cell: 907-209-6136 Email: dave@alaska-remote-properties.com Website: www.alaska-remote-properties.com Specializing in remote property, David is also owner of Alaska Boat Brokers. David has Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Business Administration. His love of boating and fishing leads him to many remote areas of Alaska.

Amber Starbard

realtor® Cell: (907) 957-3989 Email: astarbard@yahoo.com Website: www.cherishyourhome.com

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Amber Starbard has been in the Real Estate industry since May 2009. She is a life-long Alaskan, originally from Hoonah, and graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Amber prides herself on being extremely dedicated and detail orientated. “I have always thought that I was great with customers and I love working with people,” she says. “I would love the opportunity to work with you!”

SEAKLIVING

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Your Photo Here We are a dynamic company, seeking talented and dedicated licensees to join our family. Call Debbie White at (907) 789-5533 to schedule a discreet meeting to discuss the opportunities waiting for you at Prudential.

Call me today and let’s disc

SINGLe FAMILy

2552 engineer’s Cutoff

12590 Glacier Highway

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 $869,000

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

New Construction almost complete. 70-80% finished 4 bedroom, 3 bath home atop of one of the most unique lots in Juneau. Beautiful views of the valley. Many high end features with a beautiful kitchen. Bamboo flooring, jetted tub, coffee bar closet, tile flooring. Many featured complete and a few to go. Over an acre, borders public land. MLS# 9321 Asking $329,000

9019 Gee St

Sweet Ranch Home in the Valley! This remodeled 4 bedroom 1 bath sits on a huge lot (11,142 sq. ft.) close to everything the Valley as to offer!

Many upgrades since 2004 include: new kitchen, boiler, roof, vinyl siding/windows, carpet, laminate floors, doors, bath fixtures, lighting and more! MLS# 10230. Asking price: $249,900

9016 Ninnis Drive

5975 Sunset St

Single family home on huge lot with large garage.

Two story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath in 1619 sq ft of living space. Great decks surround side and back of home. 12,000 sq. ft. lot with a 556 sq ft garage.

Priced at $309,900

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 $399,900

8272 Garnet Street

Valley Ranch. 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath with 1 car attached garage. Large 11,850 sq. ft lot with fenced in back yard. “As Is – Where Is” sale.

MLS: 10311 Great Price @ $226,500

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

uss 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!

CoNDoS

LoTS 2 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.

NHN Pioneer Lot

2400 Douglas Hwy Condo #10

Beautiful View From A Beautiful Saebroc Condo! This 2 Bed, 1.5 Bath Condo Sits Above Lawson Creek And Above Gastineau Channel, Enjoy Both From The Wonderful Deck. Updated Flooring, Hardwood Floors, Lighting, Baths And Kitchen. Separate Laundry Room. Carport.

MLS: 10275 $264,900.

1.79 Acres on Horse Island!

Build your own island getaway on this huge Build Your New home on this 8,250 sq. ft. lot. lot...just one lot up from the water. Lot 1 Downhill side of Pioneer Ave. in West Juneau! Block H approximately in the middle of the isGreat Views of Downtown Juneau and Gastin- land on the East side. Great price for large lot only 15 minutes from N. Douglas boat launch. eau Channel. MLS: 9646 $87,500.

MLS:8014 $29,000.

2723 David Street

Own your own home cheaper than rent. This Admirality Condo has 2 bedrooms, 1 ½ baths in 879 sq. ft. Great views of the Gastineau ChanIndustrial Zoned Lot nel, mountains and downtown. Newer Stainless steel appliances, new upper kitchen cabi- Industrial zoned lot in the heart of Lemon nets and light fixtures. Washer/Dryer in unit. Creek. Lot is 11,395 sq feet and has a condemned structure on it that needs removed.

MLS:10194. Priced to sell @ $135,000 Priced at $79,900

NeW

NeIGHBorING CoMMuNITIeS

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

Thane road Waterfront Lot!

Tenakee Hot Springs

Crest Condo B201

Condo living at its finest in the much sought after Crest Condos at Lawson Creek. Incredible views of Gastineau Channel and surrounding mountains. This is a level walk in unit with no stairs. Immaculate with 2 bedrooms and a possible 3rd that is now being used as a den.

2 bathrooms, Large master suite with walk in closet in 1328 sq ft. , covered balcony. Enjoy a garage and Washer/ Dryer in unit. MLS: 10164 Price to sell @ $289,900

507 Tenakee Ave Tenakee Springs

Family home, one and a half story with a view of the inlet. 3 bedroom, 1/2 bath in 1,035 sq ft of living space. Wraparound porch, deck, shed, metal roof, wood stove and monitor are just a few of the many amenities. MLS: 10340 $179,900

Lowpete ConstruCtion

Beautiful Custom Home in Tenakee Hot Springs! This Single Family home sits on a huge 9375 sq. ft lot, rare for this town. Two building cedar home connected with a coverer wrap around deck. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with nice open kitchen. Hardwood flooring, large woodstove for cooking plus another for heat. Monitor type stove in 2nd building. Home is approx 80% finished with materials on site to help with completion. Beautiful water views, lot in front is vacant. MLS:10202 Asking Price $299,000.

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

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

8139 east Street

8143 easy St

8147 easy Street

8151 easy Street

• Lot 8 Erin Manor III Subdivision • 3 bedroom/2 bath • 1864 sq. ft.

• 616 sq. ft. garage NoW...

• MLS 9300 $339,900

• Lot 9, Erin Manor III Subdivision • 4 bedrooms, 2 bath • 2044 sq. ft.

• 480 sq. ft. garage NoW...

• MLS 10024 $359,900

• Lot 10, Erin Manor III Subdivision • 3 bedrooms, 2 bath w/option of 4th bedroom • Larger garage • 1736 sq. ft.

NoW...

• 330 sq. ft. garage $339,900 • MLS 10023

Lot 11 Erin Manor III Subdivision 4 bedrooms 2 bath 1832 sq. ft.

392 sq. ft. garage NoW...

MLS 10070 $339,900

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lots or provide your own lot. Interest rate reduction for AHFC financing.

S E A K L I VSelect I N one G .ofC LOWPETE’S OM

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

– 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 –

Alaska Wolf Lodge 1900 Wickersham $779,000 This Cedar log home sits on 4,300 square feet overlooking Gastineau channel and the mountains of Douglas Island. The Alaska Wolf Lodge operates as a Bed and Breakfast with seven bedrooms and five baths. Relax by the Zen Falls and watch the Koi swim, or simply enjoy the comfortable kitchen and open living area. This opportunity could be converted to a multi-generational home.

Watch a video about this property on our website at www.racerealty.com. #9749

– 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

visit us online at

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Q&A: Paperwork Preparation SL: How far in advance should a potential home buyer begin collecting these documents?

Southeast Living Staff So, you’ve found the right home for your family and now it’s time to secure financing. Depending on the type of loan you apply for, the financial documents and other information required by lenders can vary greatly. Your home financing process can be sped up, however, but first you must know what potential lenders will expect of you, and how your financial history will come into play. Bethany Woods of Residential Mortgage (License# AK279796) answers some of routine questions asked by many homebuyers.

Southeast Living: What kind of documents are required when someone is looking to purchase a home, and is it different for a second or third-time home buyer?

Bethany Woods: The documentation required by investors has certainly grown over the last few years. The minimum required is as follows: Paystubs to cover a 1 month period (must

Bethany Woods be date consecutive), 2 years worth the W-2’s, 2 years of tax returns, and 2 months of bank statements and/or investment accounts. If you are a first time home buyer you will need 3 years of W-2’s, tax returns and 3 months of bank statements. Here are some tips: All pages are required for any financial documents. If your statements say page 1 of 5 and page 5 is blank, we still need it. Secondly, supporting documentation for all large deposits that are not listed from your employer will be required. Be prepared with a copy of the deposit slip and check(s).

BW: I suggest that you start gathering these items prior to your prequalification appointment with your lender. In most cases lenders do not require all of it to issue a prequalification letter. You can directly impact your loan process and timeline by being prepared by having these available to your lender when you sign your initial loan documents.

SL: How long does the loan process take from start to finish, and what should I expect from my lender?

BW: The standard loan purchase takes 30 days, whereas some programs require more steps and can take up to 45 days. Lenders are there to help guide you through the loan process and answer any lending questions you might have. I suggest setting a time to call or see your lender to discuss things. If you are a first time home

buyer I would take the Alaska Housing class that comes to Juneau once a month. Purchasing a home is a big investment and information is key to making good financial decisions.d SL: How would you compare current home loan interest rates to recent years? Basically, is now a good time to buy?

BW: There are many that would say that you have to time the market. If you are an investor looking to turn property this might be true, but for those looking to purchase a home it is simple - is the time right for you? Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments people will make. As for interest rates, if you look at rates over the last 25 years we are still experiencing historical lows. * Next month we will talk to Vickie Perry of Residential Mortgage (License# AK195996) about the importance of having good credit and how to improve your score.

Welcome Home

Auke Bay | 3184 Indian Cove Dr. Located in Juneau’s coveted Indian Cove, this beautifully-detailed home has the feeling of a deluxe beach house with breath-taking views of the ocean.

This two-story 5 bedroom, 4 bath was completely remodeled in 2005 and features 2,728 square feet of living space on a 9,713 square foot lot. The possibilities with this property are endless, whether it be used as your waterfront dream home, a vacation rental, or converted into a luxurious bed and breakfast. $885,000. MLS# 9705

Welcome Home...

Two words I will never get tired of saying. Call me today and let me help you realize your dream of home ownership (or something like that). It’s a great time to buy!

JoAnn Birt, Realtor®

Cell: (907) 723-0545 • joannbirt@gci.net www.joannbirt.remax.com www.homesinjuneau.com

o f Ju n e a u 8800 Glacier Hwy, Ste. 219 • Juneau, AK 99801

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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

Bethany Woods Your Home Mortgage Consultant Lic #AK279796

907-523-7102

www.bethany-woods.com Conventional • FHA/VA Construction • Alaska Housing HUD-184 • Streamline Refinances Down Payment Assistance

Toll Free 877-570-2329

8800 Glacier Hwy, Ste 232 • Juneau, AK 99801

12 34 56 78 91 0 Continued from PAGE 10

– FIVE –

“Windows and mirrors should sparkle and walls should be smudge-free. Repaint if you must, but use neutral colors.”

Rearrange your furniture.

Would moving the couch to another wall make a room look larger? Should your furniture showcase a view rather than the television? If you do not feel comfortable with these decisions, ask your realtor for advice on staging your home. You want to show clear passage from room to room without obstacles.

And be sure to pay special attention to stairs and hallways.

– SIX –

Time to clean.

Now that you’ve made some room it is time to get your home clean. Windows and mirrors should sparkle and walls should be smudge-free. Repaint if you must, but use neutral colors when doing so. Next have your carpets professionally cleaned, wash all bedding and clean the trim and baseboards.

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– SEVEN –

Kitchens: The “Heart of the Home.”

Pay special attention to the kitchen, the “heart of the home.” Your counters and sink need to be spotless. Put away small appliances you rarely use, wipe down your cabinets and appliances, and consider packing away items here as well.

While your home is being marketed, avoid cooking foods with strong odors that linger. Buyers WILL look in the refrigerator, oven, and inside cabinets, so these things must be ready for inspection.

– EIGHT –

Up close and “personal” Bathrooms are very personal but even still are open to scrutiny by buyers.

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Cleanliness is of the utmost importance in this personal space. The hard surfaces will sparkle when clean. Soft items like shower curtains, towels and rugs should be freshly laundered. If the rug is worn, replace it! You can take it to your new place.

– NINE –

Don’t forget the garage!

Your garage should have good lighting, a freshly swept floor and should be organized. If you are storing boxes in the garage, stack them neatly but don’t block passage for inspection.

– TEN –

Make a list, check it twice.

Once you have done all these things,

you can make a short checklist to prepare for showings! Getting your home to this point will take a great deal of effort, and keeping it ready for showings requires a team effort by everyone living in the home. It will all be worth it in the end, because if you follow these tips your home will sell faster and for more money. Good luck!

Debbie White is a Broker and owner of Prudential Southeast Alaska Real Estate and has been working in Southeast Alaska since 1999.

Business Directory Marty McKeown

907-789-4794 Toll Free: 888-777-6543 Cell: 907-957-2313 www.homesinjuneau.com Office:

of Juneau

Debbie Lewis

ReaLtoR® 8800 Glacier Hwy., Suite 219 • Juneau, Alaska 99801 Office: (907) 789-4794 • Toll Free (888) 777-6543 Cell: (907) 321-3076 • debbielewis@gci.net www.alaskajuneauhomes.com 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

MAGAZINE

Charles Westmoreland Publisher

Southeast Living Magazine 907.723.4419 PO Box 20749 • Juneau, Alaska 99802 charles@seakliving.com • www.seakliving.com

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.

check us out on the web WWW.

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Call Charles Westmoreland 907.723.4419 or visit us online at SEAKLIVING.com to learn more about what Southeast Living can do for you.

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Get Noticed With Full Color on Every Page Color ads attract about 40% more attention than black and white ads (Hagen Research, Inc.) Southeast Living is the only Real Estate Publication in the region that offers full color on every page!

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