For a limited time home buyers can claim a special tax credit worth up to $8,000. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act offers qualifying homebuyers a tax credit equal to 10 percent of a home's purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. The tax credit is offered to first time homebuyers, and those who have not owned a principle residence in the past three years. To be eligible for the tax credit, the home purchase must be recorded between January 1 through December 1, 2009.

The full tax credit is offered to buyers with reported income up to $75,000, or $150,000 for married couples filing a joint return. Partial tax credits are available to for those with income levels up to $95,000, or $170,000 for those filing jointly. Contact us today for more details on this exciting program!

Did you know the best chance for selling your property is within the first seven weeks?

It's true.

Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net upon the sale. It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the signing of your listing contract. The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell.

An Overpriced Home:
· Minimizes offers
· Lowers agents response
· Limits qualified buyers
· Lowers showings
· Lowers prospects
· Limits financing
· Wastes advertising dollars
· Nets less for the seller

When you are ready, contact me today for a personal market value analysis of your home. No hassles or obligation - just honest advice on how to get top dollar for your home!

We have also made a few recent improvements to our home page, which can be seen here.

There are many updates coming in the near future, so keep checking back!

Your Wasilla Real Estate Professional,

Steve Gilroy

Copeous amounts of shelves and cabinets in the craft area, as well as the garage. Unfinished storage area runs the full length & width of the home. Home also features a detached storage shed.

• 2 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Craft Area / Room
• Huge Kitchen
• Lake Frontage on Homestead Lake
• Air Exchange Unit
• Massive Unfinished Storage Area under Length & Width of Entire Home
• Maintenance-Free Siding
• Beautiful 637 Square Foot Trex Deck facing Homestead Lake
• Prow front facing Homestead Lake
• In-Floor Radiant Heat
• Built-In Speakers
• Wired for a Generator Backup.
• Abundance of Shelves & Cabinets
• Detached Storage Shed

FEELING STRESSED?

Oh - the frustration of it all. The first quote for today deals with the importance of having direction - goals - in your life. You know - we've all heard it for years - our life will be happier, more prosperous, more meaningful if we have a plan, know where we're going, and work systematically at getting there.

If you've tried to do that, you've undoubtedly met with a great deal of frustration along the way. It's like the expression "Life is what happens to you while you're planning other things." No matter how hard you work at your plan, there are those constant interruptions that get in the way, and make it seem so difficult. You are not alone.

As important as the first quote is, think about the second one. A modern paraphrase might go like this: "Before setting and achieving your goals, and having control over your life, your days are filled with trivia, interruptions, hassles, disappointments, family responsibilities, etc. After working your plan and achieving all your dreams and goals - your life is filled with trivia, interruptions, hassles, disappointments, family responsibilities, etc."

Taking control of your life can result in great personal satisfaction, provided you understand it does not bring you to perfection. Intertwined in our desire to achieve peace, success, and enlightenment, there is still plenty of wood to chop and water to carry. The day-to-day responsibilities of life do not disappear. We simply gain the strength to bear them more readily - and with a smile.

So - carry on with your plans and your dreams. They are vital to a great life. Yet remember the words of Jules Renard, who said, "There are moments when everything goes well; don't be frightened, it won't last."

Patagonia Horsemen

This photo was taken below the famous “Cuernos of Paine”, or Horns of the Paine Mountain Range, in the far south of Chile. I was guiding a group of photographers and ran into some “Gouchos” (Chilean Cowboys) who were more than happy to take the horses out for a run in front of this great mountains scenery.

Patagonia Horsemen 2

After getting the herd out to pasture these Gouchos went on their way to look things over elsewhere in the surrounding landscape.

Mt. Fitz Roy

Known by rock climbers the world over, Mt. Fitz Roy is located outside the hamlet town of Chalten in southern Argentine. Like the highly sought after “Towers of Paine” located in Chilean Patagonia, attempts to assault the granite of Fitz Roy can take weeks of waiting as high winds and harsh weather conditions often prevail.

Denali National Park

Bus & Mt. McKinley

When I was twenty years old I stumbled upon an image in a magazine showing Mt. McKinley towering over a small school bus meandering along the road through Denali National Park. Being 5,000 miles away in the New England state of Massachusetts my eyes popped out of my head with awe and excitement. Literally, within minutes, I destined in my heart to travel to Alaska to behold this beauty in real life.

Needless to say it took only about six months to make plans and arrangements to travel to Alaska. When I made it to Denali I it was love at first sight and so my life would be chart a new course. I ended up making many dozens of trips into Denali to see “the Great One” and managed to snap many stunning photos along the way.

Bold Mt. McKinley

This is a telephoto image using a 200mm lens from the western edge of Wonder Lake in Denali National Park.

Frosty Morning on Wonder Lake

It should be no wonder how this beautiful lake became named. Indeed if I were give but a few moments left to live I would likely choose to spend it along the shores of this lake during a moment of peace and tranquility.

Coastal Katmai National Park

Coastal Brown Bear Reflection

If “a picture was worth a thousand words” this image would do well to describe the beauty of coastal Katmai National Park. Although Timothy Treadwell was an odd character, and took foolish risks living amongst one of the earth’s grandest omnivores, it is easy to see how he became engrossed in the landscape and the animals who call it home.

Resting Cub

Aside from the sprawling and spectacular landscapes of Coastal Katmai I had many opportunities to witness brown bear in a very intimate setting.

God Rays

The best part of Alaska is everything! No matter where you look it is spectacular. That means if you get out in it often enough you’ll be there when the glory falls! This sunset shot was a byproduct of a brown bear photo excursion in Coastal Katmai.

South Georgia Island

South Georgia 1

Every time I look at this image I am staggered by the beauty and wildness of this place. Indeed during the morning scouting mission I was chastised repeated by the lead guide because I refused to put down my camera and prepare to receive the photo clients as their zodiac approached the shoreline!

South Georgia 2

There’s nothing like a greeting committee of King Penguins! What a thrill to be surrounded on all sides by these inquisitive creatures. Image was taken with a 20mmm wide angle lens!

King Penguins

This photo offers a look at yet another stunning landscape setting that well depicts the nature of this remote and wild place.

Self Portrait

I needed proof for my kids that I spent countless hours walking through a rookery containing in excess of 300,000 King Penguins!

Antarctica

Zodiac and Ice Berg

Humans in landscape always offer a great source of scale within a dramatic setting. Although tiny compared to many I saw, this ice bergs unique color and stratifications offered a pleasing backdrop.

East Africa

Serengeti

This image was taken while watching a lion pride waiting patiently for some of a wildebeest or zebra to stumble past their well hidden position. As the herd approached they caught the lion’s scent and turned to flee before getting close enough to warrant any attempts by the lions.

Lion Cub

This encounter is cherished to this day. While guiding a photo safari my lead driver spotted some mashed down grasses. We turned to the left, went back to the right, and found two lionesses and one lion cub on a gazelle kill in a small thicket of brush. We backed off and waited for them to emerge and after two hours or more we had some very intimate encounters including this one with the cub. The best part of it all; there were no other land rovers within miles and we enjoyed this experience in exclusive fashion!

Plains of Ngorongoro Crater

Although there is nothing exceptional about this image I have always enjoyed photographs that effectively place wildlife within a sprawling landscape. Perhaps the most unique attribute of this photo is the lush green grass. Normally the crater is a harsh color brown at this time of year but some unseasonal rains had transformed it into a lush paradise for picture taking.

Giraffe Abstract

This is a single original photograph, not a composite of two images! The surreal effect was created by combining a special photographic techniques with an equally special lighting condition.

The technique is described as a “telephoto compression”. I used a 500mm to compress the massive “kopje”, or boulder, into one plain with the giraffe. The lighting condition I describe as “Converging Light” when one is able to effective compose a bright subject against a dark subject or background.

African Boys

Travel wouldn’t be the same without some meaningful encounters with local people groups. This image was taken early one morning in 1990 as I strolled through a small village area. It is completely unstaged ; they simply couldn’t take their smiles off their faces!

Flamingos

Although many people flock to East Africa primarily to view large wildlife species the bird life is incredible.

The city of Wasilla intends to purchase three lots, formerly home to an import auto repair shop. The lot will be paved over and turned into a parking lot to help ease the parking constraints for locations such as the nearby Wasilla Public Library, the Dorothy Page Museum, Teeland's Café, and Meta Rose Square.

Landowner Vicky Palmer ran a Craigslist ad, listing the three lots at approximately $300,000. The City Council is considering purchasing the land for $234,477; $50,000 more than the Mat-Su Burough's assessed value of $184,300.

According to the director of Wasilla Public Works, Archie Giddings, "This is a bargain based on trying to buy other lots downtown over the years."

There are currently no future plans for the property, so for now, the land will likely be paved for parking this summer, should the City Council decide to purchase the downtown location.

Whether it’s a splash of salad dressing, a drop of barbeque sauce, or a full assault of coffee, stains happen. They happen to the cautious as well as the careless and usually when we least expect it.

These tips are for washable fabrics only. Always test for color-fastness in an inconspicuous spot first.

Here are a couple of quick tips I’ve gathered:

Red Wine
Salt is great for “holding” red wine at bay until the item can be washed. This has saved countless pairs of jeans and blouses.

Makeup
Shampoo is great for getting out cosmetic stains.

Grease
WD – 40 is great at getting out greasy stains (salad dressing, lipstick and butter). Spray on the stain, wait about ten minutes, and work in undiluted dishwashing soap – launder in the hottest water possible for the fabric.

Doing a backsplash in tile is a two day project simply because of the drying time required for the adhesive and the grout.  This is a perfect weekend project to add value to your kitchen and make it look great!

Materials Needed:

Wet saw
(Diamond-blade metal grinder if necessary)
Notched trowel
Grout float
Ceramic tiles
1/4" spacers
Mastic adhesive
Drill with mixing attachment
Grout
Level
Safety glasses

Note:  These instructions are supplied for use with ceramic, ceramic glazed or porcelain glazed tiles.  Some adjustments may need to be made for using stone tile, especially in the methods used to cut the tiles.

Step 1: Preparing the Area:

Make sure the backsplash on your countertop is level.  This is especially important when using smaller tiles.  If you're installing large tiles that will fill the space between the backsplash and the top cabinets, you don't need to worry about the backsplash being level.  You will want to mark a reference line to show how high the back splash will be applied.  This visible horizontal line should be level with the countertop.

Clean the surface of the wall with warm soapy water.  Ensure that all debris and dirt is removed from the surface that will be tiled.  Even the slightest bit of grease can affect the way the mastic adheres to the wall surface.  If the surface has wallpaper, remove it.  Ensure the backing of the wallpaper is removed as well.

Step 2: Lay Out the Design:

Locate and mark the center point of each area to be tiled. 

To determine the number of tiles needed for your project, do a dry run of the layout.  This is completed by starting with a tile at your starting point (the edge of the center point that you already marked out).  Then place a second tile next to it.  Now take the first tile and ‘leap frog’ it over the second tile and so forth all the way down to the edge of your project area. 

This will help you decide how to lay out the tiles to prevent awkward small pieces at the ends or any unfinished tile edges showing visibly.

If the end pieces will be very small, repeat the dry run, centering the first tile on the center mark. This will allow you to cut larger and more attractive corner pieces.  If one side of your tile work will have exposed edges, use whole tiles near the edge and cut only the tiles that will be close to the wall.

It is recommended to lay out the tiles for your backsplash on the counter top in the order they will be applied to the wall surface.  This ensures that you do not mix up the specific pieces and put them in the wrong place in the layout.

Tip!: Since you likely won’t be purchasing a wet saw for this project you can rent one from your home renovation store for a reasonable price, usually around $50 a day.  Even better, you can save money and time by marking your cut lines on the tiles and taking them to your home renovation store.  Most stores can cut the tiles for you based on a price per cut.  This can save you a great deal of money if you don’t have many cuts to make.

Step 3: Applying Adhesive:

Scoop out a large dollop of mastic adhesive with the notched trowel.  Spread the mastic adhesive on the wall starting from the center mark.  Spread the mastic towards the horizontal reference line.  Then continue to spread the mastic horizontally along the surface.  Spread only as much adhesive to the surface as you can work with in a 10 minute time frame.

To apply the mastic, hold your trowel at a 45 degree angle with the notched side of the trowel against the surface.  The notches in the adhesive allow for even distribution of the mastic to the tile.

Step 4: Placing Tiles:

Beginning at the center mark, set the tiles firmly in place in a straight row.  Make sure to use spacers to ensure that your grout lines will be even.  Do not set any corner pieces in place unless they are uncut.  (See below)

Important Info:  Trim any tiles to fit around electrical outlets using the diamond blade metal grinder or a wet saw.  To do this, first measure the size of the electrical outlet or fixture.  Transfer the measurement to the tile.  Using the wet saw or grinder cut out the opening by starting first on the front side of the tile but not cutting all the way to the corner.  Turn the tile over and complete cutting to the corners from the back side of the tile.  Always wear safety glasses when cutting tile!

After the first row is completed, begin on the second row.  Repeat the process until you have reached the top of the horizontal reference line.  It is important to check your work as you go to ensure that your lines are level.  Also check to ensure your spacers are firmly in place so tiles do not slip down.

Corner Tiles:  Cut corner tiles with a wet saw.  Place on the surface with the cut side facing the corner.  This will hide any unfinished edges from being noticeable with the end project.

Let tiles set in place for about 1/3 of the recommended time to dry on the mastic adhesive label.  At this time, remove the spacers gently so as not to jar the tiles.  Tiles should be set up enough to stay in place without the spacers for the remaining drying time.

Step 5: Applying Grout:

Tip!: Selecting the grout to use largely depends on the project at hand.  If you are using smaller tiles, likely your grout line will be smaller.  Using unsanded grout is recommended for smaller grout lines.  When selecting the color of your grout, keep in mind that a similar color to your tile will allow for a seamless look.  Choosing a contrasting color can provide a bold look, but may grow tiresome to the eyes. 

Mix the grout according to package directions, to the consistency of peanut butter.  It is helpful sometimes to use a drill with a mixing attachment set at a low speed.

Apply the grout with a rubber grout float.  If the space for the grout lines is a bit larger, you may need to work the grout into each line individually.

Allow the grout to sit for 10 minutes then wipe off the excess with a tile sponge.  Make sure to hold your sponge at a 45-degree angle to avoid ‘digging out’ the grout from the lines.  You just want to clean up the surfaces of the tile and make sure the grout lines are not thicker in one area more than any others.

Allow the grout to dry to the full drying time as indicated on the package label.

You can now replace the receptacle covers on the wall. 

Note: you will need to use longer screws to compensate for the thickness of the tile.

Wanting to learn how to do some outdoor or indoor grilling?  Here are some helpful tips to follow:

1. A hot grill is your best defense against sticky situations.  Be sure that the grates are piping hot before laying down your food.
2. Keep a spray bottle of water close by to tame any flare-ups.
3. To oil your grill without creating a wild fire:  fold up a cotton kitchen towel, lightly dip in vegetable oil, and use your tongs to glide a coat onto the grates.
4. Barbeque sauces contain sugar that caramelize and then quickly burn.  Try a dry rub in the beginning and then at the end of grilling baste with a thin coating of sauce.
5. When cooking anything skewered soak the wooden sticks in water first to prevent them from burning.

Links to check out:

• Barbecuen.com
• Food Network
• Fabulous Foods

Wow your guests with your service and etiquette by following these tips.  Of course, wowing them with the food is entirely up to you!

1. Invitations - they can be written, delivered by phone or in person, or emailed (only for the informal get-togethers!). Guests are expected to RSVP.
2. Greet your guests as they come to the door. Have a place for their personal items. Introduce people. Accept host/ess gifts graciously. 
3. Offer guests beverages and hors d'oeuvres. 
4. During hors d'oeuvres, slip out to the kitchen quickly to get the first course on the table before the guests are asked to take their seats (unless that first course is hot, in which case you should wait until the guests are seated). 
5. Call guests to the table and direct them to where you want them to sit, either with place cards or verbally. 
6. Follow an etiquette book as far as setting the table. Many things have changed in recent years.  Not all of the pieces that were once used are necessary now, and some utensils are placed in different locations. A guest should never have to move a utensil to get to his/her napkin.
7. After each course, remove the plate and utensils used.
8. After the entree, remove all plates, used utensils, salt and pepper, butter, dressing, and so on. The dessert fork and spoon are usually placed at the top of the plate. They would remain on the table until dessert is served.
9. Serve dessert and coffee cups. Place sugar and creamer on the table.
10. After dessert, you do not need to remove the dessert dishes, unless they will be seen from the living room or family room for the rest of the evening.
11. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktail glasses should have been cleared already.
12. Games and conversation are both acceptable during this time.
13. When guests leave, get their coat and belongings, walk them to the door, say a brief good-bye and return to the other guests. 

• Hints and Things
• Recipes
• Food Network
• Cooks.com

The first decision you should make is where you want to locate the pond. There are a few things to take into consideration.

The first is where the pond would get the most sunlight; when working with aquatic plants this is very important, as they require a lot of light. The plants help to create a habitat that will attract various birds, butterflies, frogs, and a great environment for fish.

You will also want to find a location that you can easily view from a sitting area, such as a deck or patio. There is no point in adding a pond to your yard if you never get to enjoy it!

The last two items to consider may be the most important ones.

If you are considering adding a pump to circulate the water, or lights to create a nice effect in the evenings, then you will need to make sure that the pond is located near an electrical source.

Also, pay close attention to where any excess water would overflow. Definitely make sure that drainage is flowing away from your home, or your foundation could be damaged.

Once you have looked around your yard and decided where the perfect spot for your pond is, you are ready to install it! For detailed instructions on how you would build the pond, please visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Golden Rule of Composting
Composting is a natural process that will pretty much happen no matter what. There is no need to obsess over creating a rapid, robust compost because even a failed compost heap will eventually succeed. That said, a very effectively created compost heap will proceed to finished compost much, much more quickly (and can be a strangely rewarding accomplishment).

The Requirements
For the composting process to occur, oxygen, water, some warmth, and a good ratio of carbon-based to nitrogen-based materials are necessary. Fortunately, every one of these materials is abundantly available and should be essentially free!

The Bin
Many different compost bins are available, for many different prices (naturally). In fact, many cities offer conservation incentives through which they offer bins at highly discounted rates. Which one should you get? Here’s the beautiful thing – it really doesn’t matter. You will run into trouble if your bin is too small, but otherwise, any old container will do. In fact, no container at all is just fine too! Some of the best compost heaps are just that – a heap in a corner of the yard with a small enclosure or picket fence to keep things looking tidy.

The Ingredients
The insects and microorganisms that do the work of composting will come no matter what you do. Fortunately, putting out the right combination of nitrogen- and carbon- based materials will be like offering them a free all-you-can-eat buffet. Carbon-based materials to add to your compost should be available in abundance. These are the brown materials such as dead grass clippings, leaves, and even shredded cardboard. Nitrogen-based, or green, materials, can take the form of fruit peels, green grass clippings, and food wastes (avoid adding dairy and meat wastes). The ideal ratio for your compost is about 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen, but anywhere in that neighborhood will work just fine.

The other two ingredients you will need to ensure a speedy process are water and air. Because the center of your heap will retain a great deal of water, the compost should not need to be wetted very often except during dry spells.

Oxygen is introduced by turning the compost (a pitchfork works best) about once a week, or when the compost slows down.

What (you hope!) Will Happen
If you have built a heap with a good carbon to nitrogen ratio, and one that’s sufficiently damp and oxygenated, the composting process should start immediately. After a while (approximately a day), when the process peaks, the center of your pile will be producing heat (sometimes a surprising amount of heat!). It is up to you whether you want to completely compost a batch of wastes and then start over, or simply add wastes as they become available. When the center of the pile cools, the process has slowed and it’s probably time to turn your pile. Repeat until you’ve got nothing left but black gold.

The Product
When your compost has been – well – composted – what will remain is a moist, black, sweet-smelling mulch approximately the consistency of soggy cardboard. Nature’s most potent fertilizer, compost can be spread on your flowers, in your garden, on your lawn, and anywhere else you want healthy, strong plants.

Skip the trash can for some of your waste – six weeks in your compost heap can break down more material than six years in a landfill – and the end result is free, natural fertilizer for your efforts!

Happy Composting!

Mistake #1 – Incorrect Pricing
Every seller naturally wants to get the most money for his or her product. The most common mistake that causes sellers to get less than they hope for, however, is listing too high.  Listings reach the greatest proportion of potential buyers shortly after they reach the market.  If a property is dismissed as being overpriced early on, it can result in later price reductions.  Overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price than they likely would have had they been priced properly in the first place.

Mistake #2 -- Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for Market Value
Re-finance appraisals can be very encouraging for homeowners, leading them to assume that the appraisal is the amount that they should expect to receive for their property. Lenders often estimate the value of your property higher than it actually is, however, in order to encourage re-financing. The market value of your home could actually be (and often is) lower. Your best bet is to ask your Realtor® for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.

Mistake #3 -- Failing to "Showcase"
In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable, and remove as many possessions as you can prior to showing. A poorly kept home, or one with too much clutter, will make it dramatically more difficult for buyers to become emotionally interested in your property.

Mistake #4 - Trying to "Hard Sell" While Showing
Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don't try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. Pointing out any unnoticed amenities and being receptive to questions is advisable, but this is not the time for negotiation and salesmanship.

Mistake #5 - Trying to Sell to Lookers
A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a For Sale sign or an open house ad may not really be interested in your property. Often, buyers who are not accompanied by a Realtor® are 6-9 months away from buying, and are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate.

Your Realtor® should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. Realtors® should usually find out a prospective buyer's savings, credit rating, and purchasing power in general. If your Realtor® fails to find out this pertinent information, you should do some investigating and questioning on your own. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing to the wrong people. If you have to do this work yourself, consider finding a new Realtor®.

Mistake #6 -- Being Ignorant of Your Rights & Responsibilities
It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details of your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what you are responsible for before signing any contract. Can the property be sold "as is"? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kinds of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Mistake #7 - Signing a Contract with No Escape
Hopefully you will have taken the time to choose the best Realtor® for you. But sometimes, as we all know, circumstances change. Perhaps you misjudged your Realtor®, or perhaps the Realtor® has other priorities on his or her mind. In any case, you should have the right to fire your agent. Also, you should have the right to select another agent of your choosing. Many real estate companies will simply replace an agent with another one, without consulting you. Be sure to have control over your situation before signing a real estate contract.

Mistake #8 - Limited Marketing
There are two obvious marketing tools that nearly every seller uses: open houses and classified ads. Unfortunately, these two tools are rather ineffective. Less than 1% of homes are sold at open houses, and less than 3% are sold because of classified ads. In fact, Realtors® often use open houses solely to attract future prospects, not to sell that particular house.  Does your Realtor® have a website?  There are very few successful real estate professionals who don’t, and for good reason.

Your Realtor® should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques and should be committed to selling your property; he or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Most calls are received, and open houses are scheduled, during business hours, so make sure that your Realtor® is working on selling your home during these hours (many Realtors® work part-time).

Mistake #9 - Choosing the Wrong Realtor®
Selling your home could be the most important financial transaction in your lifetime. As a result, it is extremely important that you select a Realtor® who is a good match for you. Experienced real estate agents often cost the same as brand new agents. Chances are that the experienced agent will be able to bring you a higher price in less time and with fewer hassles.

Take your time when selecting a real estate agent. Interview several; ask them key questions. If you want to make your selling experience the best it can be, it is crucial that you select the best agent for you.

It looks as if our legislators in Washington are finally making positive steps toward fixing the house mess by including housing legislation in the Economic Stimulus Bill.

Last week, the Lieberman/Isakson Amendment was included in the senate version of the Economic Stimulus Bill by a unanimous voice vote. This amendment would provide a Tax Credit to all home buyers at the rate of 10% of the sales price up to a limit of $15,000. The credit would be available for a one year period to all purchasers of primary residences.

Now, the senate expects to debate Amendment 353, a proposal by Senator John Ensign (R-NV) that would provide 30 year fixed financing at a rate of about 4%, for anyone purchasing a primary residence.

If these two provisions are included in the final passage of a stimulus bill they could have a positive impact on  real estate.

How the homebuyer tax credit would work:

The current version of the tax credit – which still must be approved by the House and signed by the president – would work under the following rules in the bill passed by the Senate:

• Up to a $15,000 tax credit (claimed as part of federal income tax) for any principle residence by any homebuyer
• Actual amount of credit would be based on 10 percent of the purchase price of a home or $15,000, whichever is less
• The tax credit does not have to be paid back, unless the buyer sells the home within two years or less
• Purchases must take place within one year of the legislation’s enactment
• The credit may be claimed on 2008 income tax form
• If enacted, this new tax credit would immediately negate the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit currently available.

I urge each of you to contact your senators and representatives to let them know that you believe these provisions are essential components of any stimulus bill. You can go to the official Senate http://www.senate.gov and House http://www.house.gov web sites to locate the email and phone number of your legislators.”

This has passed the Senate, but the entire bill does need to go back to the House, and be signed by the President. There could be many changes before this happens, or not pass at all.

The gloomy revelation concerns the economy in Lower 48 states;

• Back in March of 2008 only 5 states were officially listed as being in a state of recession; Florida, Arizona, California, Michigan & Nevada

• As of September 30^th there were 30 states officially listed as being in a recession.

• Nearly all of the remaining states are no longer demonstrating any expansion of their economy. As such they are all at risk of entering a recession as well.

Okay, now for the good news for those of us fortunate enough to call Alaska our home;

• Alaska is the only state currently showing an economy that is expanding.

What are your thoughts? Will Alaska stay sheltered for the most part or do you think the woeful economic conditions will make there way here as well?

#2 Lower Taxes

#3 Lower Cost of Home Owner Insurance

#4 Lower Utility Bills

#5 Less to Clean

#6 Less Maintenance

#7 Less Financial Stress

#8 Easier to Pay off Early Saves Tens of Thousands in Interest Payments

#9 Better for Resale

#10 Fosters Contentment

I first came to Alaska in 1985 for no other reason than to behold the beauty and awesome vertical rise of Mt. McKinley, known to the Alaska Native people as Denali, or, The High One.

That trip exceeded all imagination or expectation and launched what became a magnificent career photographing wildlife and landscape scenery throughout Alaska and the world.

#2 The People

Alaska is a very relaxed culture full of people who radiate the goodness they have found in the Great Land and willing and able to give some of it back to others.

#3 Opportunity

Alaska is a wonderful place to do business. If you’re good at anything and you show up for work you’ll succeed! If you’re a self starter who doesn’t need to be directed from A-Z you’ll succeed all the more!

#4 Wilderness

No where on earth has more acres of diversity of wilderness settings than Alaska. Bet of all a person can get to almost anyplace they desire due to the savvy locals willing and able to provide access by bush plan, river boat, float trip any other kind of adventure your mind can conceive.

#5 Wildlife

From grizzlies to coastal brown bear, sea otters, eagles, Dall sheep, wolves, fox, lynx, black bear, moose, caribou and numerous bird species Alaska has it all and accessing it for viewing or photographing is not too difficult or expensive for the average person to experience.

#6 No Traffic

Compared to the Lower Forty-Eight we don’t even know what the definition of a traffic jam is!

#7 Fishing

Name the species or the style of fishing you prefer and you’ll find it in Alaska along with plenty of willing fish to fill your freezer.

#8 Wild Game

Like going fishing there’s plenty of game to satisfy the yearnings of the savvy with plenty of meat for the freezer. Prefer not to shoot an animal? No problem, you can sign up for the Road Kill plan!

#9 Clean Air

Unlimited.

#10 Clean Water

Unlimited.