Archives for 2017

Effective January 1, 2018 Alaskans will have new maximum mortgage amounts for single family, duplex, triplex and four-plex owner occupied loans. This is good news for buyers who are struggling, in particular, with the increased costs of new home construction. Alaska is one Continue Reading

It’s always hard to predict the future in residential real estate. I have probably been wrong more times than right when it comes to figuring out the market for the next year. This coming year is a particular challenge with the proposed changes in the tax code which may, or Continue Reading

Despite job losses and Alaska’s mild recession, the Anchorage housing market has held steady in 2017. The number of residential sales has declined only three percent compared to 2016 sales. However, the average sales price has remained constant at $365,000+. Days on the Continue Reading

Still awaiting a hearing before the local Planning and Zoning Commission is an amendment to the Anchorage Municipal Code, Title 21, modifying Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations. Originally scheduled for Oct. 2 and rescheduled for Nov. 13th, it was postponed again due Continue Reading

As can be expected top destinations for foreign buyers are the sunshine states of Florida, California, Texas and Arizona. However, in a little heralded survey in 2015, published by the National Association of Realtors, Alaska ranked number #6 as a destination for foreign Continue Reading

The Anchorage real estate market will take a hit if changes to the beloved mortgage interest deduction includes a reduction from $1,000,000 to $500,000, as currently being proposed by Congress. Although still up for debate in the U.S. House and Senate, there’s probably at Continue Reading

You have probably heard from me on Facebook that we’re moving our offices to the Tatitlek building on Dec. 1st. Negotiating the lease terms, planning the TI’s has been quite a challenge and I have learned a lot about commercial real estate in the process. Selecting the space Continue Reading

Mark Twain said it best, “Buy land because they don’ t make any more of it.” That still rings true to this day except for Dubai where they are creating islands in the ocean for high rise development. But, back here in Anchorage, Alaska, buyers are frustrated even trying to Continue Reading

Despite the generational differences, all home buyers prefer to live in a single family detached home. Boomers and millennials, Gen X and even seniors, prefer a single family detached home. But still the myth exists that boomers want to live in an apartment style condo and Continue Reading

The Anchorage housing market continues its flat line stability into fall. Single family homes values have averaged $366,000, plus or minus the cost of an airline ticket to Hawaii, since 2014. September closed sales were 271 compared to 277 in 2016. Condos remain at their Continue Reading