Wasilla Alaska Real Estate & Community News

Working Moms Can Win a $10,000 Scholarship
With a full-time job (or several part-time jobs) and children to raise, working mothers often have very little time to pursue an education. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 80 percent of single working moms lack the education they need to get ahead. More

Three Tips to Jump-start Your Early Childhood Education Career
A career in early childhood education can be very rewarding. More

The 411 on Health Insurance
You've heard it before; accidents happen. There's a great deal of truth in this oft-quoted statement. It's one reason why you should always have good health insurance, because without it, you may be putting yourself in serious financial straights. More

Easy Cash by Recycling Gold Jewelry
High demand for gold causes need for recycled jewelry. More

Beat the High Cost of Health Insurance
Thanks to the Internet, finding affordable health insurance for you and your family takes just a few minutes. More

How to View Your Credit Report and Scores for Free
We all know the importance of having an accurate credit report and a good credit score. Still, many of us have no idea what our credit score is, nor do many people know what is on their credit report. Here's an easy way to find out. More

Are You Prepared for Your Child's Dental Emergency?
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. You encourage your child to brush, floss and drink their milk to keep their teeth strong. But what do you do in the event of a dental emergency like a toothache or if your child's tooth gets knocked out? Emergencies happen when you least expect them so one of the most important things you can do to protect your child's dental health is to learn how to prepare for one. More

Get Peace of Mind, Get Life Insurance
Life can be unpredictable. As you plan for the future, it's a good idea to have all your financial bases covered. One thing that can provide some peace of mind: a life insurance policy. More

Life Changes Fast -- Get the Right Life Insurance
How much life insurance do you need and what is the rate you should pay? Doing your research and gathering your personal information is the best way to assess your unique circumstances and life insurance needs. More

How Health Savings Accounts Work
A month ago, Jenny Thomas checked into her local hospital to deliver her first child. Unanticipated complications necessitated an emergency surgery. Fortunately both she and the baby were fine. But if it hadn't been for her family's health savings account (HSA), she could have ended up owing the hospital tens of thousands of dollars. More

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

Planning the backyard of your new home can be a very exciting adventure for the whole family.  If you have ever thought that you would like to add a pond to your yard, but did not because you thought that it was too much work or too complicated, it is a lot easier than you thought!

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 Basics
The microbiological process that creates compost is the natural process through which plants and other organic wastes are broken down. Doing the work of creating compost are worms, insects, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms that help to process dead materials.

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.

Some updated news about the Economic Stimulus Bill.

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.

#1 Lower mortgage payments

#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

An article published by ABC News on November 3^rd, 2008 made both gloomy and encouraging revelations about the economy of United States and that of Alaska.

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?

#1 Denali

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.