Southeast Living September 2011

September 2011 • Vol. 1 • No. 7

THE GOOD FIGHT

Group fights to preserve tax benefit for homeowners.

– Page 4

HOME INFLUENCE

Your home environment may be impacting your mood.

– Page 8 Anna Hoke / Southeast Living

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Want your home on the cover? go to www.seakliving.com to find out more!

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Inside This Issue FEATURE STORIES Letter from the Publisher . . . 2 Homeowner ship Tax Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Letter from the Publisher

When Childproofing, no Time is Better than the Present

New Faces, New Places. . . . . 5

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y fiancé and I bought our first home together in March. Since then we’ve stayed busy painting the interior, arranging all our knick-knacks, and all the other little things that one does to make their home feel familiar and lived in.

Residential Mortgage Bethany Woods. . . . . . . . 5 True North FCU. . . . . . . 11

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES See Page 8

On June 24 we welcomed the newest addition to our family, William. Since before he was born I knew our home would need childproofing, eventually. The last few months have flown by, however, and in just a few months our little one will be crawling all over the place. And everywhere I look I can see potential hazards. Things like loose cords by the entertainment center, uncovered wall outlets, and unsecured kitchen cabinets with cleaning supplies inside all pose a risk when William becomes mobile.

But instead of waiting for William to start crawling as a reminder we need to childproof the house my fiancé and I are going on the of-

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Business Briefs/News. . . . 9-10 fensive. One website I visited recommended looking through your home from a child’s perspective by crawling through the house on all fours (and don’t forget to inspect your yard as well). It wasn’t until I went over a safety checklist that I realized all the little things that could be done to make our home safer.

There’s plenty of safety info available online. Two sites I found particularly useful were safetyfromhome.com and babycenter.com. Here you can print out a checklist and conduct your own home inspection. It’s definitely worth a few minutes when the tradeoff is avoiding a potential, and preventable, injury.

Home safety is especially important when babies are involved, but all family members benefit from living in a safe environment.

• Charles L. Westmoreland is publisher of Southeast Living and a Do-It-Yourself enthusiast. He can be reached at Charles@seakliving.com.

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RE/MAX of Juneau Julie Moe . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Marty McKeown . . . . . 6-7 Mimi Rothchild. . . . . . . 4 Scott Wagner . . . . . . . . . 3

MORTGAGE & LENDING

Home Influences. . . . . . . . . . 8

By Charles L. Westmoreland

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

DPI Alaska. . . . . . . . . .

Irwin Digital. . . . . . . . .

Nail Jazz. . . . . . . . . . . .

Southeast Living. . . . . .

Vacation Getaway. . . . .

12 10 11 10 10

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Assist-2-Sell. . . . . . . . . . . 10 Bauer & Associates Anita Bauer. . . . . . . . . . 10 Prudential SEAK Real Estate Debbie White. . . . . . . . 10

Got an idea for a story?

email us at info@seakliving.com

Real Estate Service, Inc. Julie Burns. . . . . . . . . . . 9

Anna Hoke / Southeast Living

Interior photo of house on September cover.

Not for sale.

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

Visit: www.seakliving.com

Call: 907.321.3590

y o u r P ro f e S S i o n a l j u n e au a r e a a g e n t , c a l l 2204-D raven rD

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his 2 bedroom 2 bath condo is updated and move-in ready. Newer carpet, interior paint, appliances, and kitchen counters. There is in-unit laundry, a large covered deck to enjoy the outdoors, storage unit, and 1 car attached garage. Beautiful mountain views! Evergreen Condos is a solid, well run association and is on the FHA approved condo list! MLS: 10901. Price . . . . . . . . . . .$199,900

8678 DuDley Street

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his 3 bed 3 bath Valley home in 1,743 sq. ft. has updates throughout! The home has updated flooring, interior paint, decks, oil tank, garage doors, and much more. Enjoy the large 14,255 sq. ft. corner lot with a fenced back yard. There is a large downstairs family room that could potentially be used for a 4th bedroom if needed.

Plenty of parking with an attached 2 car garage plus boat parking next to the house.

MLS: 10854. Price . . . . . . . . . . . . .$325,000

3332 Park Place

1108 5th Street, DouglaS

his 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has recently been updated with new laminate floors and interior paint throughout.

There is a spacious kitchen with plentiful cabinets and counter space, 2 story entrance with skylight, and a master suite with double vanity and walk-in closet.

There is a fenced back yard with concrete patio and flower beds. 2 car attached garage! MLS: 10900. Price . . . . .$273,000

ute 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. Price $238,000

his 3 bed, 1.5 bath Valley condo is move-in ready! The association has recently installed a new shingle roof and there is a 1 vehicle carport for this unit. The home has laminate floors downstairs and carpet in the bedrooms. All kitchen appliances were updated in 2008. Enjoy the outdoors with a deck in your own private fenced back yard!

The homeowners dues include your heat!

MLS: 10885. Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . $162,000

6743 Marguerite Street

42 gorDon Street

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it’S tiMe to Sell!

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B aDvertiSe your hoMe here Call me today about listing your home.

5160 north DouglaS

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M e to D ay !

tunning Waterfront Home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and gorgeous water & mountain views. Beautiful remodel has just been completed including updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, bathrooms with custom tile work and fixtures, and updated flooring. The master suite is the entire upper level and features vaulted ceilings, a sitting area, private deck, and huge master closet. Enjoy the outdoors with decks on all 3 levels. The lower level has a kitchenette, large family room, and exercise room. Parking for 4+ cars & boats! MLS: 10826. Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$536,000

eautiful remodel has just been completed on this 2 bed, 1 bath log home in Bonnie Brae! Updated bathroom with custom tile work, updated flooring, trim, doors, & even an updated roof! A cozy Monitor stove provides efficient heat. Large master bedroom & plenty of closet space.

The log exterior was just re-stained & new gravel has been put down for the driveway.

No lack of parking here! The garage has been converted to a 288 sq. ft. shop but you could convert it back to a garage if desired. MLS# 10785. Price . . . $224,000

1323 glacier hWy

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his charming 3 bed, 1 bath downtown house has just undergone a major renovation including siding, roof, most windows, bathroom, exterior paint, decks, walkways and landscaping. There is a spacious kitchen with large pantry, remodeled bath with classic tile floor, an arctic entry, and extra rooms for storage, library or office. There is a 2 car parking structure and re-built stairs to the house. Basement area for shop & storage! Enjoy the outdoors with gorgeous landscaping, stream, and enclosed porch. MLS: 10884. Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$287,000

Scott Wagner, aBr, cDPe

3593 MenDenhall looP unit j

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tunning 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 . . . . .$229,000

3051 glacierWooD Drive

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ell 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 . . . $324,000

RE/MAX of Juneau

8800 Glacier Hwy, Suite 219 • Juneau, AK 99801 907 723-7424 Cell 907-789-4794 Office 888-777-6543 Toll Free

www.ScottWagnerHomes.com ScottWagnerHomes@hotmail.com

Home for the Cure sm

Economist: Homeownership Tax Benefits Must Be Preserved Southeast Living The chief economist of the nation’s largest trade association is warning that any changes to the mortgage interest deduction now or in the future could threaten recent progress toward stabilizing the housing market, critically erode home prices and values, destroy middle-class wealth accumulation and hurt economic growth.

That was the message delivered

by National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun during a “Rethinking the Mortgage Interest Deduction” forum, where he joined a panel of experts to debate the future of the MID. The event was hosted by the Tax Policy Center, a joint venture of the Urban Institute and Brookings Institute, and the Reason Foundation.

“As the leading advocate for housing and homeownership, NAR firmly believes that the mortgage interest deduction is vital to the stability of

the American housing market and economy,” Yun said. “The MID facilitates home ownership by reducing the carrying costs of owning a home, and it makes a real difference to hardworking middle-class families.”

Yun argued that now is the worst possible time to discuss changing the tax laws, which could further impair the housing market’s fragile recovery and a broader job market recovery.

ership, which has been shown to provide myriad social benefits for families and communities.”

During the debate, Yun challenged recent proposals calling for changes to the tax code, stating that it’s a misplaced argument to say the MID was a cause of the housing market bubble and is suddenly part of the deficit problem, when it’s been part of the federal tax code for more than 100 years.

“ The MID facilitates home ownership by reducing the carrying costs of owning a home ... to hard-working middle-class families.”

“One thing that Reducing or ­– Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, is indisputable eliminating the National Association of Realtors is that eliminatMID is a de facto ing the MID will tax increase on lower the homeownership rate in the homeowners, who already pay 80 to U.S.,” he said. “While we must en- 90 percent of U.S. federal income sure that the conditions that led to tax. Yun said the share could rise to the artificially inflated home owner- 95 percent if the MID is eliminated. ship rate of the bubble years do not “Doing away with the MID resurface, we also need to create the shouldn’t be thought of as removing a conditions for sustainable home owntax break for homeowners, but rather

increasing taxes on the middle class,” he said. “Furthermore, housing equity has been a major source of funds for small businesses, and any change to the MID will greatly hamper their ability to create jobs.”

Yun also said that it’s a misconception that only the wealthy benefit from the MID, when in reality it benefits primarily middle- and lower income families. Almost two-thirds of those who claim the MID are middle-income earners and 91 percent of people who claim the MID earn less than $200,000 per year.

Other panelists at the Rethinking the Mortgage Interest Deduction forum were Seth Hanton, director of fiscal policy, Center for American Progress; Dean Stansel, adjunct fellow, Reason Foundation; and Eric Toder, institute fellow, Urban Institute, and co-director of the Tax Policy Center. The event was moderated by Edmund Andrews, managing editor for economics, taxes and budget at the National Journal.

8113 Poplar Ave.

Lovely 3 bdrm, 2 bath ranch style home in the heart of the Mendenhall valley. 2 Car garage, all new bamboo flooring, new kitchen appliances & countertops, new lighting and much more! The lot behind is also for sale, which makes a lovely back yard. This lot is available for an additional $45,000 and can be seller financed with 25% down. MLS# 10858. $265,000

4465 Julep Street

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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1228 Square feet of well designed living space.

This attached home has 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a family room that steps out onto a large fenced backyard. Affordable and Move-in ready! MLS# 10830 . $229,000

8437 Valley Blvd.

3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, Townhouse style home!

Amenities include granite kitchen countertops, laminate flooring, HRV, one car garage and fenced back yard. MLS# 10907. $225,000

New Faces, New Places and Petco are likely to open stores in Juneau’s Nugget Mall by 2012.

Mall manager Ted Tollefson told the Juneau Empire that he is confident negotiations will be completed soon. The paper also reported a building permit had been issued for Petco and OfficeMax had submitted plans.

Raven’s Cafe reopens

On the floor at Figment, a new shop located in the Senate Building, which features a number of local contemporary art and unique gifts.

Figment contemporary art gallery, gift store opens Figment, which features local contemporary art and unique and welldesigned gifts for all occasions, has opened on the first floor of the Senate Building at 175 S. Franklin St. The shop is owned and operated by Alana Ballam-Schwan and Chad Medel.

With rotating monthly art shows and a constantly updated product selection, Figment will be open year round and expects to be a key destination for First Friday events.

OfficeMax, Petco prepare to open stores in Juneau Mega retail chains OfficeMax

Raven’s Cafe has reopened inside the Imperial at 241 Front Street.

The café is run by Zephyr owner Haydar Suyon, who previously operated the Raven Café in the same location. The location has hosted several restaurants since. The Imperial was built in 1891 and is one of Juneau’s oldest bars.

Clothing, novelty store Trove opens in Downtown Juneau Trove, a clothing, jewelry and novelty shop, opened at 406 S. Franklin St. Darren Booten opened the shop, which offers items and

apparel targeting Southeast locals.

Stevens to head Southeast Alaska United Way Wayne Stevens was named CEO of the United Way of Southeast Alaska. He replaces Brenda Hewitt, who will head communications for the state of Alaska’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Stevens previously served as director of the Alaska Chamber of Commerce. In his new role Stevens will work with the United Way’s 34 partner agencies and civic and private partners.

Kent named DEC deputy commissioner Lynn Kent has been named the new deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Kent has more than 25 years of experience in federal and state environmental and natural resource law and policy.

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

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

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

2211 Fritz Cove Rd

1/2 bath home has filtered water views, gardens, lawn, boat parking, family room, living room and a huge deck for grilling and catching the SUN! Hardwood floors and vaulted ceiling with this open kitchen floor plan! Built in 2000. 1904 sq ft living space. A great Price at $399,900

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 2009- 2011. 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 E D IC CE PR DU RE

EW E N RIC P

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. MLS: 10677 Asking price: $479,900

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 $499,900

9158 Skywood

4386 Julep St

Affordable Valley Ranch! This 2 bed, 1 bath home sits on a nice lot on Julep. 1 car garage, covered back porch, shed, Laminate flooring, new carpet and paint in bedrooms, clean and ready to go! $224,900

Beautiful MUST SEE Ranch in the Valley. This 3 bed, 2 bath home’s interior completely remodeled in 2008 including: Amazing kitchen, heated Cork flooring, granite counters, custom cabinets, vaulted ceiling, new carpet, rock hearth/gas fireplace and more. Bathrooms beautifully done with heated tile floors. Great patio and flower gardens in a large fenced yard. MLS: 10787. Price: $365,000

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

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

4043 Delta Dr

10656 Misty Lane

Living Large on the Water! Amazing views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Wetlands from this beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath home in Bayview, North Douglas! Vaulted ceilings, decks on both levels, living room and family room, boat parking and more just steps from the water. Great beachfront and Man...what a View! MLS#10916. $649,000 E IC ED PR UC D E R

LOTS

DUPLEX

ATTACHED

DUPLEX with a view of Thunder Mountain! This up and down duplex works great as on owners unit upstairs and a rental downstairs, with tenants helping ($1600 mos plus utilities) with your mortgage!

3 bed, 2 bath and 4 bed, 2 bath downstairs! 1683 sqr ft each floor, total 3366 sqr ft. Lots of parking.

MLS 10788. $399,900

2 View Lots

2 View Lots being sold together, uphill side of North Douglas Highway. Upper lot is 78,107 sq ft (almost 2 acres) Lower lot is 12,497 sq ft. Access road to both lots and views of the channel from both building sites. MLS 10843 $199,000

Hoonah Lot

CONDO

5931 Montgomery St

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

MULTI FAMILY

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

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. MLS: 10650 Price: $249,900

Glacier Highway Lot

4354 Taku Blvd

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.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

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

Sherwood Lane

REMOTE

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. New windows, roof, and siding in 1998. MLS: 10628 $469,000

5 Acres of Industrial Zoned Land at the end of Sherwood Lane! 3 plus acres have been filled and are ready for use. Plat available upon reWaterfront on Shelter Island Directly across from NOAA Facility on Lena. Nice flat beach with decent moorage. Tool shed, quest as well as list of permittable usage. Sherwater tanks, heating fuel tanks, skiffs, wired for generator power .. power connected to both cabins wood Lane is road that DMV is located on.

Call Vickie Gartley $1,500,000 it all there! MLS: 7247 Asking $139,000

LOWPETE CONSTRUCTION 8147 East Street

• Lot 10 Erin Manor III Subdivision • 3 bedroom/2 bath • 1864 sq. ft.

• 616 sq. ft. garage • MLS 9300

2571-1 Douglas Hwy

Watch the cruise ships from your own deck in this 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

TO BE BUILT

NOW... $339,900

LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS 1 OF 30 PLANS - 50-YEAR ROOFS, FIVE STAR ENERGY RATED HOMES

8143 Easy Street

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

• 480 sq. ft. garage • MLS 10024

TO BE BUILT

NOW... $359,900

8155 Easy Street

Lot 12 Erin Manor III Subdivision 4 bedrooms 2 bath 1832 sq. ft.

392 sq. ft. garage MLS 10070

Select one of LOWPETE’S lots or provide your own lot. Interest rate reduction for AHFC financing.

TO BE BUILT

NOW... $339,900

HOW YOUR HOME Influences YOUR LIFE

By Shrinivas Vaidya

It is pretty much common sense that people react to the environment they are in. If you are in a room with all fours walls painted bright red, then you’re going to get a little agitated.

Take the same room and paint it sage green, with earth-toned home décor items, and suddenly things are much calmer. When you spend a lot of time in one place, such as in your home, the characteristics of the environment can start to merge with your own personality.

One example of this comes from clutter. If you’ve ever been in a space that is cluttered and messy,

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with way too much going on, you know that it is difficult to think in a clear and coherent manner in such an environment.

When you live with clutter every single day, however, it can start to infect your mind. You will find your thoughts coming in a jumble even when you aren’t in that particular place.

Colors, as mentioned earlier, can also influence your psychology. In general, brighter colors will make you more energetic, while darker tones will make you calmer. Further, the individual colors each have their own symbolic meaning and can evoke very different effects in different people.

SEAKLIVING

Green and blue tones will be the .COM

most peaceful, as they often evoke thoughts of nature, either of the ocean, or of lush vegetation. By contrast red and orange are violent colors that make people excited, energetic, and even a little angry.

Earth tones are comforting, and can evoke feelings of familial love and warmth.

Another thing to consider is the style of your home. There are a wide variety of decorating styles, based loosely on time periods or artistic movements. Pieces which are purchased can imitate the style of a certain period of time, or they can emulate the style of a particular artist or movement.

A formal decorative style in the home will have the obvious result

of making you feel more restricted and proper. On the other hand, a casual style will make you feel more comfortable but also a lot less disciplined.

The important thing to understand is that your home environment can have a relatively large impact on both your psychology, and the way you interact with the world. Once you are aware of this, you can strive to create an environment which fosters your positive aspects and makes you feel comfortable and strong.

• Shrinivas Vaidya is a professional designer and decorator and operates bedroom-design-and decoratingideas.com.

Proposal could raise refinance costs for 25 million homeowners Southeast Living Nearly 25 million homeowners across the country would face more expensive mortgages if a proposal by federal regulators goes unchanged, says the National Association of Realtors.

A proposal released by six federal agencies to implement credit risk retention provisions included in the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act would require homeowners to have at least 25 percent equity in their homes in order to qualify for a lower-rate “Qualified Residential Mortgage” (QRM) for refinancing. An analysis of the CoreLogic data shows 24.8 million U.S. homeowners – more than half of all U.S. homeowners with a mortgage – have less than 25 percent equity in their homes.

Homeowners looking to refinance but fail to qualify for a QRM will be subject to additional costs associated with lenders’ risk retention requirements included in the Dodd-Frank bill. According to the NAR, consumers in a non-QRM loan could pay between 0.80 and 1.85 percentage

points more in interest rate simply because they could not meet the down payment or equity requirements.

“In short, the proposed rule moves creditworthy, responsible homeowners into the higher cost non-QRM market,” stated an executive summary of the analysis by the Coalition for Sensible Housing Policy, a group of more than 40 consumer organizations, civil rights groups, lenders, real estate professionals and insurers, in a recent White Paper on the proposed QRM rule.

The proposed QRM definition is part of the risk retention regulations required by the DoddFrank Act, which Congress enacted last year. The risk retention provisions require the issuers of mortgage-backed securities to retain a portion of the risk of potential loss on those assets. Recognizing that risk retention would impose increased costs even on creditworthy borrowers, Congress sought to incentivize more responsible borrowing and lending by exempting some mortgages – QRMs – from risk retention requirements if they met thorough underwriting standards.

Home Builders Association seeking entries for sales, marketing awards New home sales and marketing professionals are encouraged to submit entries for the 2012 National Sales and Marketing Awards, sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Sales and Marketing Council. The awards pay tribute to superior sales and marketing achievements by individual sales and marketing professionals, home builders and associates.

Now in its 31st year, the awards are considered the nation’s largest and most prestigious competition for sales and marketing professionals and communities.

Entries can be submitted in nearly 50 awards categories and include recognition for professional excellence in design, architecture, advertising, marketing, merchandising and sales achievement.

“I am constantly amazed at the quality sales and marketing work produced despite the current market,” said Doris Pearlman, MIRM, president at Possibilities for Design, Inc. and chair of the 2012 awards. “This awards program gives new home sales and marketing professionals the rare chance to connect and celebrate the talent that still permeates the building industry.”

To submit an award entry, or to learn more about the awards, go to www.thenationals.com. Entrants have until Oct. 8 to submit their applications and until Oct. 14, 2011 to submit their projects for consideration.

Mountain Meadow Estate 6260 Alaway, next to the Juneau Police Department

• Centrally located in Lemon Creek Valley • On the bus line within easy walking distance to Walmart, BreezeIn 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 • Offering homes from 1100-1600 sq. ft. with 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and open floor plans • Convenience of a land lease that includes water, sewer, trash and general property upkeep

2 bedroom, 2 ba th Unit • $156,90

- FOR SALE -

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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

Cell: 907-723-8391 | Office: 907-790-4411

Please visit our web site for full details: www.alaska-realestateservice.com & www.mountain-meadow.net

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Business Directory Business Briefs Buyers & Sellers Realty

AllJuneauHomes.com

3075 Vintage Blvd. Ste. 201 • Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: (907) 523-8158 • Fax: (907) 523-8159 Full Service Results With Savings

Anita Bauer Sales Associate

9105 Mendenhall Mall Rd. Suite 170-A • Juneau, Alaska 99801 Cell: 907-321-6061 Office: 907-586-4990 Fax: 907-586-4992

No sign of E. Coli in Juneau water system JUNEAU – The City and Borough of Juneau announced Aug. 19 that its water system currently meets all Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) requirements. The inspection comes after a news report concerning E. Coli, which Juneau officials said is specific to the Churchill Park trailer court in Lemon Creek, which uses a private water system.

The CBJ water system is not experiencing any E. Coli issues.

Juneau officials are saying that residents of the Churchill Park trailer court should follow the directions provided to them by their park manager and by DEC. For more information call 780-5454.

Marine Highway now offers real-time vessel tracking

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

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

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KETCHIKAN – The Alaska Marine Highway System has launched a redesigned and updated website featuring real-time vessel tracking.

Nine of the 11 ferries in the AMHS fleet have been outfitted with satellite tracking hardware making it possible to view and track the location of each vessel in real time from the Alaska Marine Highway website at FerryAlaska.com. The two fast ferries, Chenega and Fairweather, are expected to be equipped with satellite communication equipment in the coming year.

“This tool will be very useful for people who want to know when a ship will arrive at a particular terminal” said Capt. Michael Neussl, DOT&PF Deputy Commissioner for Marine Operations. “They will be able to see it actually approach the dock in real time with this tool.”

Available information includes navigation status, location, course, speed, destination, estimated time of arrival, and time of last update

Association is returning to Juneau to present the “All-Hazards Homeland Security Initiative Community Partnership and Awareness Training,” announced the City and Borough of Juneau, thanks to a large number of requests by residents.

This training is designed to educate the community on how to prepare and respond to a disaster when emergency responders are overwhelmed. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters may leave residents to cope with a crisis on their own during the first hours, days, or even longer.

This Training includes: How to create a family disaster plan; developing a community resource database; crisis response; and terrorism awareness.

A complementary continental breakfast and lunch will be provided with the course, which is a free one-day seminar that will be held at the Westmark Baranof Hotel on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Treadwell Room will be open at 8:30 a.m. for check-in. All interested members of the community are encouraged to participate. Space is limited to the first 75 people to register by Friday, Sept. 9, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. To attend you must register by contacting CBJ Emergency Programs at 586-0371 or E-mail michelle_brown@ci.juneau.ak.us.

This event is being sponsored by the City and Borough of Juneau, the Juneau Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), the Juneau Police Department (JPD), and the National Sheriffs’ Association.

Sitka to discuss potential Sea Walk

Free community all-hazards training offered in Juneau

SITKA – The City and Borough of Sitka has grant funding to construct a Sea Walk from the Crescent Harbor Tennis Courts to Sitka National Historical Park. Prior to starting the project there will be two public meetings to present the project scope and schedule and to meet the project team.

JUNEAU – The National Sheriffs’

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Business Directory The informational meetings will be held at Harrigan Hall on Aug. 31 at noon and again at 7 p.m. A design workshop where the public will be invited to participate in the design process is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 12. For more information call the Public Works Department at 747-1804.

velopment Administration to help expand workforce training in Alaska.

Labor Commissioner Click Bishop said the grant will “focus on Alaska’s hospitality, tourism and trucking industries.”

The investment will fund construction and installation of equipment at AVTEC’s Alaska Culinary Academy and help purchase truck training equipment.

Loan officer indicted for fraud, embezzlement

Existing-home sales down from July, up from a year ago

JUNEAU – A former Juneau loan officer has been indicted for money laundering and fraud while working in Reno, Nevada. Marcilin Benvin, 51, was employed with Alaska Pacific Bank and was relieved of her position as a mortgage loan officer on Aug. 19 once the indictment was made public.

Benvin is facing charges ranging from mail and wire fraud to identity theft, embezzlement and money laundering, according to the indictment.

Alaska Pacific Bank officials were quoted as saying that Benvin had different responsibilities while working at the bank than when she was in Nevada, saying she had no management authority and the bank’s internal review process ensured the underwriting by Benvin was in compliance.

Her court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 1 in Nevada.

Existing-home sales declined in July from June but sales remain notably higher than a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors. Monthly gains in the Northeast and Midwest were offset by declines in the West and South.

Total existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, fell 3.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.67 million in July from 4.84 million in June, but are 21 percent above the 3.86 million unit pace in July 2010, which immediately followed the expiration of the home buyer tax credit.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said there is a tug and pull on the market.

“Affordability conditions this year have been the most favorable on record dating back to 1970, but many buyers are being held back because banks are offering financing to only the most highly qualified borrowers, ignoring a large share of otherwise creditworthy buyers,” he said. “Those potential buyers represent the difference between an uneven recovery and a much more robust housing market that could stimulate additional economic activity and create jobs.”

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage was 4.55 percent in July, up from 4.51 percent in June; the rate was 4.56 percent in July 2010.

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Petersburg requesting borough status The City of Petersburg, population 3,000, has requested borough status with Alaska’s Local Boundary Commission. The borough would be more than 4,000 square miles encompassing the city of Petersburg and areas south of Juneau, north of Wrangell, and part of Kupreanof Island

AVTEC receives $1M grant AVTEC received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic De-

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