Fairbanks Ak Real Estate News & Info - Jesse & Kathy Clifton

I'm shocked...

Wed, 13 May 2009 18:25:57 -0500

Mr. Buyer... you're still on the fence about buying a home in Fairbanks, Alaska?

The Fairbanks Real Estate Market is still humming right along...

Uncle Sam will give first time homebuyers an $8,000 credit... and you can even use it as (part/all) of your down payment...

Fairbanks/North Pole Home Buyers can receive up to a $7,500 rebate on a new construction home...

Rates for a 30 year fixed loan are below 5% (4.625% as of 5/13/2009)

** Whatcha waiting for? **

Missing Dogs in Fairbanks - Farmers Loop / Shuros Drive

Fri, 08 May 2009 13:02:01 -0500

Alright, folks. We have two missing babies in need of locating. They have been missing for a couple of days from the Farmers Loop/Shuros Drive area north of town. The bulldog answers to Butch and has a leg injury on his front (left I think) leg from a break when he was a puppy. He's probably traveling with a Norwegian Elkhound named Yukon. The owners are desperate to see them returned. There is a reward and no questions will be asked. If you have seen them or have any information please call Dave Hite at 452-6252 or if you prefer, send Dave (or me) an email or leave an anonymous comment. They just want to see their babies returned safely home. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Climb that mountain....

Fri, 08 May 2009 04:22:36 -0500

I swore I would never, ever make that trip again. The last time I did, it cost a pretty penny to charter a helicopter to fly me off the mountain. For some reason I have an aversion to looking out the window of a bus (driven by an undoubtedly high college kid who looks like he's one toke away from driving us all to a certain death) and seeing terra firma... 1,500 feet straight down. Nope. Sorry. Just not gonna do it.

This past weekend the boss and I took some much needed R&R time and headed south to Denali Park. I know, I know... some say all we do in the summer is take time off. It's amazing how much business you can conduct via a satellite connection. :) Where there's a will, there's a way, right?

While we were fortunate to have gorgeous sunny skies and temps in the 70's I was dreading the mere mention of 'the trip' up the mountain. God help me, I don't think there's enough Valium in the western hemisphere to get me back on that bus.

Fortunately for me the buses aren't in operation yet. But, the Park road (the only one in Denali National Park) is open to milepost 30 at the Teklanika River. We took a leisurely drive over the mountains and through the woods watching for critters large and small. There were tons of ptarmigans, a lynx who was too quick for me to catch on film, a small herd of caribou, several moose, a black bear and on our return trip a pack of wolves we had a short standoff with in the middle of the road.

If you're thinking of making a trip to Denali, this is a great time. The terrorists tourists are not out yet and with less traffic on the Park road the odds of seeing wildlife is much greater. Riley Creek Campground, the first campground in the Park, is the only one open and doesn't offer any hookups but camping is free until the 14th.

The photo's below are a few from the trip... I hope you enjoy them!

Created with flickr slideshow.

It's an American thing...

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:20:54 -0500

5:35AM. The view from the bedroom window was bleak. Is that snow? It was a morning that, if not for promises made, I would have succumbed to the urge to drift back to sleep. Not today. Today we were going arm in arm with our fellow citizens to make our collective voices heard.

"It's not a Republican thing... It's not a Democrat thing. It's an American thing." Partisan attacks were nowhere to be seen on this day. We gathered... young, old, black, white, business owners, retirees and the recently unemployed... out of a growing anger that our representatives seem to have forgotten this great nation belongs to us all.

By noon more than 400 patriots gathered, armed only with homemade cardboard signs and flags to protest wasteful spending, government bailouts, and special interests winning out over folks on Main Street.

A young mother holding a flag and pushing a stroller with her youngest tucked inside asks, "When money is tight, I have to watch my pennies. Why won't they?"

Perched on a busy intersection near downtown Fairbanks, we watched as car after car drove past with horns blaring and drivers waving in support. More than a few stopped to offer boxes of tea. One not-so-clued-in fellow stopped ten feet or so behind me, spooled the passenger window down and yelled out to anyone within earshot, "What hell are you people celebrating?"

American citizenship, my friend. The right to not only question our government, but to demand accountability from it.

A short walk later found us at the steps of the Federal Building. Flags were unfurled as Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA was heard for at least six city blocks amid chants of "Enough is enough" and "Stop spending my money."

Toward the end of the event a group of folks collected the tea bags and carried them to the office of US Senator Mark Begich. No violence, no arrests... just a group of citizens exercising our right to be heard.

Give Me Liberty...

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:32:31 -0500

More later, but the Fairbanks Tax Day Tea Party turnout was... GREAT!

Fairbanks Ak Real Estate - Market Report

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:33:08 -0500

As much as it will surprise many buyers, and a few sellers, parts of the Fairbanks market are starting to strongly favor sellers. A limited inventory of homes for sale is causing buyers to scramble for, and in many cases, compete with other buyers for homes. I've talked to no less than 7 or 8 agents in the past couple of weeks who say their clients lost 'the house' because of multiple offers. It's true. Multiple offers are alive and well in Fairbanks.

North Pole, for example, has seen a marked decrease in the number of homes for sale. New(er) 3 and 4 bedroom homes under $250,000 in good condition are very much in demand. As of this writing, there are 13 homes for sale priced between $200,000 - $250,000 (the median market for North Pole). Of those, 11 have been on the market less than 60 days. 63% of the ($200-250K) homes sold in North Pole since March 1st spent less than 22 days on the market. The marketing time for Fairbanks homes trends somewhat higher, but is declining.

Overall, the trends for March are good news.

Average Sales Price - UP

Average Days on the Market - DOWN

Homes Sold - HOLDING STEADY

List to Sales Price Ratio - UP

Average Sales Price

Homes Sold

Days on Market

Discount from List Price

Is this a good time to buy a home? Absolutely. Prices have come down, seller concessions are available and as of this morning a 30 year fixed rate loan will cost you 4.625%. Call or contact us online today to start the search for your piece of the Last Frontier.

A Modern Revolution - Fairbanks, Alaska Tax Day Tea Party

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:38:37 -0500

It's time to send a message to our government... Stop Spending Our Money.

I have long been a small government fiscal conservative. The Federal Government was not designed to be nor did the Founding Fathers dream it would ever evolve into a bloated, inefficient, constituent ignoring, revenue inhaling entitlement distribution center.

It's time for a modern Declaration of Independence from those who serve only to further their own power. We need to return this nation to her people.

Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. -Declaration of Independence

I have no desire to see my children and grandchildren saddled with the debt from this seemingly endless stream of federal handouts. $12.7 trillion?! Where does it end? If we leave it up to the politicians in Washington it won't.

Attention Patriots! It's time for a Tea Party. The last one sent a clear message that our current 'representatives' would do well to heed.

WHEN: April 15, 2009

WHERE: 12:00PM - 1:00PM - Corner of Airport Way and Noble (Google Maps Link)

1:00PM - 2:00PM - Federal Building @ 101 12th Avenue (Google Maps Link)

For more information contact Larry Anderson @ alaskanteaparty@yahoo.com or vist the Tax Day Tea Party site or the Tea Party page on Facebook.

We'll see you there!

The place I call home...

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:57:30 -0500

The art of the deal...or not

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:22:34 -0500

Principles of negotiation. Books have been written about it. Speakers travel the world lecturing about it. Millions have been spent trying to uncover the secret. For some, it will remain an abstract principle they will sadly never master.

A few weeks ago I had the chance to speak with a fellow for whom negotiations had not been a kind mistress. This fellow, we'll call him Stanley, set out to buy a home for his family and ended up outmaneuvered by a more skilled negotiator into a contract he now wishes he had never signed.

Stanley and his family had been renting a small house in Fairbanks for the past couple of years. It was comfortable and the price was right but with the changes in the housing market, he hoped to make the transition from renter to owner. A yard for his children to play in... a place in which to make memories of opening presents on Christmas mornings and birthday BBQ's on the deck. Reasons which we can no doubt all relate to.

When Stanley found 'the house' he sat down with his lender and later the seller to hammer out the details of a purchase agreement. The seller was ready to sell... he and his wife had plans of moving to be closer to their grandchildren and were ready to take the house off the market.

"Let's get this done and get you moved in." Motivated seller. That's good, right?

Having watched HGTV's endless parade of real estate programming and read every real estate article he saw on MSN, he had a plan. Take the purchase price, slice 10% off the top and negotiate up from there, if necessary. Armed with his offer strategy, Stanley and the sellers put pen to paper and in short order had a mutually agreeable contract.

"10% off the asking price and the seller agreed to pay $5,500 toward our closing costs if we would waive any contingencies and close in three weeks." The anguish was palpable as he told me the story. He ddn't need to continue... I knew the house and where this conversaton was going.

"Earnest money was placed in escrow with the title company. An appraisal was ordered and we were planning furniture placement." Imagine Stanley's surprise when the lender calls to say the appraisal came in... well... a little low. Seems as though there's a near $37,000 difference between appraised value and the contract price.

A call to the seller turns the butterflies in Stanley's stomach to catapulting, trapeze-flying monkey's trying to claw their way through his belly button. No re-negotiations. "You agreed to remove the contingencies for the 10% price reduction and the $5,500 in closing costs I'm paying" replied the seller. Hmmm. Now what? This is where Stanley begins his search for answers and where he lands on this blog and calls us for answers... guidance... absolution... something.

Unfortunately the only truly helpful advice I could offer is a referral to a reputable real estate attorney. Where and how did the train heading to paradise go so far off the tracks?

Representation - Stanley had none. No buyer-agent representation. No legal representation. Nothing. Mano-a-mano as it were. Given the complexities of contract law, finance, discovery, disclosures, etc. representation is key. A buyers-agent is the buyers advocate in a transaction. What a concept, huh? Their primary responsibility is to protect and promote the buyers interests. Most of the time said representation comes at little to no cost to the buyer.

Research - If you don't know the local real estate market, you need to hire someone who does. A sellers asking price is simply a number. Unrepresented sellers are notorious for having an inflated opinion of their homes worth. What are comparable homes selling for? How long is it taking to sell those homes... and how does that compare to the subject property? You need detailed market information... and someone to interpret that data.

Last but not least, forget the hype. Not even HGTV, your Uncle Bob in Poughkeepsie or Donald 'Combover' Trump will be much help in crafting a negotiation strategy in Fairbanks, Alaska... or in any market they're not well versed in. When the time comes to buy a home for your family, and now is a pretty good time, rely on a local expert. As luck would have it, I happen to know a couple.

(gold man image courtesy of Guido Jansen)

Tell the world...

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 07:39:24 -0500

He's alive.... He's alive and we're forgiven! Our debts have been paid in full.

It was arguably the greatest gift man will ever know. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Nailed to a rough-hewn cross and left to die. But, it was a flame they could not extinguish. This day we celebrate the life that rose from the dead.

This day as every day, I Surrender All. May God Bless and Keep You.

Bullwinklette and Friends

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:32:08 -0500

One of the tidbits we always pass along to folks new to Alaska is to mind your pets and children when outside and never leave them unattended. Bears, wolves, and moose are routinely spotted in local neighborhoods. While we're a little bigger than the fictional town of Cicely on Northern Exposure, we still regularly see critters wandering around town oblivious to the urban sprawl.

This is still their country.

I snapped these photos this afternoon near the Airport Way/University Avenue intersection. Although there were lots of rubberneckers and a few people, including yours truly, snapping photo's, Mamma and Baby were too busy munching on willows to care.

click on the photo's to enlarge

Although I sometimes take chances getting close enough to get 'the shot' it's not something I would recommend. They may look slow and clumsy but when provoked or frightened moose can be quite agile... and aggressive.

Spring in the Interior...

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 03:27:43 -0500

It isn't exactly an Kincaid landscape, is it?. Like many of our northern neighbors we're still covered in snow. A lot of it. The good news is it is melting. The bad news is it's taking it's sweet time about it.

While I'll admit that I'm not overly fond of watching the mercury drop below negative sixty, I love winter. The beauty that comes with a drastically altered landscape, weekend trips to the mountains to sit in front of a roaring fire and drink hot toddies or picnicking on the back of the snowmachine in the middle of a frosted forest. That said, I'm ready for spring, darnit.

Although Fairbanks is still covered in a three-foot deep blanket of snow thoughts have turned from shoveling snow to planting gardens, tending flowerbeds, and lawn and tree care. One of the most respected gardening experts in Fairbanks is Michele Hebert (.PDF). As the Land Resources Agent for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and a Master Gardener in her own right, Michele knows first hand what works and doesn't with respect to growing anything in the Interior.

The Cooperative Extension Service has a library of more than 300 low or no cost publications such as a Flower Planting Schedule, A Key to Flower Growing in Alaska, Vegetable & Fruit Varieties for Interior Alaska and Raised Bed Gardening in Alaska. Looking to bring your lawn back to life or advice for putting in a new lawn? Establishing your Fairbanks Lawn, Controlling Lawn Moss, Alaska Lawn Maintenance and/or Managing Alaskan Lawns might help.

One of our favorite local greenhouses is Holm Town Nursery and Garden Center owned by Jim and Marcia Holm. The real treasure of Holm Town is the greenhouses full of bedding plants, vegetable starts, perennials, and trees and shrubs In addition to a large greenhouse inventory, Holm Town is staffed by great folks who I would wager could answer any gardening question you might have.

Even if you weren't born with a green thumb, with the help of the Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and the great folks at Holm Town, your yard and garden will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Witchin' Wednesday... Up, Up and Away

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:09:27 -0600

Sometimes there's nothing like a little time in the air to clear the cobwebs from your brain. Btw, Don, don't get any wild ideas. :)

Speechless Sunday...

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 04:43:55 -0600

... or not.

This seal is one of many adorning the vault doors in the old Courthouse. Originally built as a Federal Courthouse in 1932, the building is now office condo's in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. This is one of about a dozen vaults in the building, most of which have had the lock mechanism removed... but a select few still remain.

Wordy Wednesday

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:08:13 -0600

The worst is behind us... winter weather, that is. It seems as though we have passed through the dark days of winter and are emerging into spring mode.

It's a little early yet t break out the John Deere and although we'll have snow on the ground for a while longer we're earerly looking forward to summer.

Before we know it we'll be having backyard BBQ's, planning trips to the lake and digging out my 'Fear No Fish' cap to slay some salmon. There'll be trips to McKinley, wildlife to view and friends and family will start piling into Hotel Clifton.

Peace and tranquility are soon to be a thing of the past.

Our blog has been relatively quiet the past few weeks... we've been working on a project that has taken up more time than I thought possible. The good news is we're to the point of seeing a light at the of the tunnel... and I'm pretty sure it's not a train. :) Look for a post on this soon, but for now I'll just say it's a good thing to...

Take time to smell the roses

Last night my much better half and I sat ouside, in the snow no less, and watched the miracle of a fiery sunset. For the better part of an hour we sat under a blanket in 14 degree weather, sipping hot chocolate and watched God's canvas change in font of us.

Below are a few photo's I snapped between sips of hot cocoa. Hope you enjoy them... Click each photo to see an enlarged version.

First-time Buyers of Fairbanks, Alaska homes get up to an $8,000 Rebate!

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:16:08 -0600

First time buyers of Fairbanks, Alaska homes get up to an $8,000 Rebate!

The "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" recently signed into law improves the Federal tax credit to first-time Fairbanks homebuyers. This is a credit back to first time Fairbanks homebuyers or a credit against taxes currently owed to Uncle Sam.

How does this apply to Fairbanks homebuyers? To qualify for the tax credit...

You have to be a first time home buyer; meaning the borrower(s) can not have owned a home at anytime in the last three years;

Your income can't exceed $75,000 for a single borrower or $150,000 for a married couple;

The purchase must be for a principle residence. The credit doesn't apply to investment properties or second/vacation homes and;

The purchase dates must fall between January 01, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

Unlike the previous homebuyer tax credit, this one isn't a loan and you aren't required to repay the money, unless you sell the home within the first three years. This is a perfect solution for our military servicemembers. Folks PCSing into Eielson Air Force Base or Fort Wainwright Army Post who are first time homebuyers can and should take advantage of this opportunity.

How it works:

Folks buying a home in Fairbanks or the surrounding communities will receive a income tax credit equal to 10% of the purchase price with a maximum tax credit of $8,000. The average price of a single family home in Fairbanks is $242,000, meaning just about everyone will qualify for the maximum tax credit.

The $8,000 is a credit against your current tax obligations. If you owe $10,000 in taxes, after the tax credit is applied, you'll owe $2,000. Likewise if your tax bill is only $5,000 you can expect a $3,000 rebate.

When EXACTLY is enough, enough?

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:33:51 -0600

The news de jour today is that the US Senate is voting on yet another proposed economic stimulus package. Well, pardon me if I don't break out my pom-pom's and kazoo and shout hallelujah. I actually feel more like sitting on the curb, putting my head in my hands and saying a prayer the Capitol will suddenly fall into a giant sinkhole never to be seen again.

When do we say enough is enough?

"The stimulus package the U.S. Congress is completing would raise the government’s commitment to solving the financial crisis to $9.7 trillion, enough to pay off more than 90 percent of the nation’s home mortgages..." from Bloomberg this morning.

$9.7 trillion! Enough to pay off more than 90% of the nations home mortgages?! Give me a break! We've already thrown countless trillions down the drain and yet we're no better off than we were before the first nickle was spent... some would say we're in worse shape.

We're borrowing against my grandchildrens generation... and at this rate their grandchildrens generation, to pay for a bill that will do NOTHING to stem the financial crisis.

It all began with housing and any recovery efforts need to be laser focused on housing. We can not and will not fix the financial crisis until the HOUSING crisis is addressed...

In the meantime our fearless leaders are focused on growing the size of the federal government and spending money like drunken sailors on shore leave. Forget giving the money and incentives to small businesses... you know, those folks who are the actual economic engine of this country.

"I'm from the government and I'm here to help" Yea, that's should work.

Fairbanks AK Real Estate - December 2008 Market Review

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:10:18 -0600

Fairbanks Alaska Real Estate - December 2008 Market Review

Yes, the title says December. It's been a busy month for the Fairbanks estate market... or at least it has for our office. End of month stats will ultimately tell the tale if it's market wide.

We saw some surprising numbers in December. Although the number of Fairbanks homes sold was down 19% over December 2007, we saw a near 36% increase in sales over November 2008. Many folks I spoke to were expecting the December numbers to be quite bleak.

Homes in Fairbanks spent less time on the market in December than almost any other time in 2008. June and July had an average days on the market of 90 & 96, respectively. December came in third place with 100; a full 24% lower than in November.

Of the homes we sold in December, more than 50% were competing with at least one other offer. What does this all mean? It means if you're serious about buying a home in Fairbanks, you shouldn't stay on the fence. There are good values to be had and in some cases, generous seller concessions. You might get a better deal if you wait, but chances are good that you could end up with heartburn over the one that got away.

Attention: Eielson AFB Students - Scholarship Funds Available

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:06:06 -0600

Together, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Airmen Memorial Foundation and the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force Association offer annual scholarships to eligible, dependent children of Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command enlisted members and Air Force Sergeants Association Members in active, retired or veteran status.

More than $1.5 million has been awarded through the AFSA Scholarship programs. Dependents with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and a minimum combined SAT score of 1650 or a combined ACT score of 24 are encouraged to submit an application.

Applications for the upcoming academic year are available between November 1 and March 31. Completed application packages with all required documents can be sent to AFSA Headquarters between January 1 and March 31. Incomplete packages or packages received after March 31 won't be considered.

The Air Force Sergeants Association awarded $20,500 for the 2007/2008 school year to 10 applicants, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. Since 1968 AFSA has awarded more than $650,000 in scholarships.

The Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force Scholarship Program awarded $14,000 for the 2007/2008 school year to 11 applicants, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Since its inception in 1988 the CMSAF scholarship Fund has awarded more than $237,000 in financial aid.

The Airmen Memorial Foundation Scholarship program awarded $25,500 for the 2007/2008 school year to 22 students. Since inception the AMF has awarded $372,000 to eligible students.

Scholarships are awarded in each program based on the applicant's academic record, character, leadership skills, writing ability, versatility and potential for success, but not necessarily financial need.

The men and women who have worn and continue to wear the uniform of the United States of America make it possible to enjoy the freedoms so many take for granted. If you're so inclined, a tax deductible donation can be made to any of the three scholarship programs.

Download a AFSA/CMSAF/AMF scholarship application (application instructions here). Mail the completed application (or donations) to:

AFSA/CMSAF/AMF Scholarship Fund
5211 Auth Road
Suitland, Maryland 20746

If selected, recipients will be notified by mail with checks being disbursed to their respective school of choice on September 1st. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, meals, or transportation. Have additional questions? Contact the AFSA staff toll free at (800) 638-0594.

Photo of the US Air Force Memorial courtesy of our buddy George Brett in Falls Church. Thanks for your service, George. God bless all our men and women in uniform around the globe.

Mt. Redoubt....Where have all the virgins gone? (LOCALISM FEATURED)

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:54:31 -0600

Yesterday while standing in line at the grocery store I overheard two fellows talking about Mt. Redoubt. I was thumbing through the latest National Enquirer Alaska magazine while waiting on the cashier to figure out what the produce code for a yellow squash was when I overheard...

"All we need is to find a few good virgins and the volcano gods will be happy again."

After a round of hearty laughter the other fellow looks at him and says "yea right, do they even make them anymore."

The official news from the Alaska Volcano Observatory is that we're still experiencing significant seismic activity and runoff on the north side of the mountain, but no eruption yet. From the AVO website:

"A high intensity burst of volcanic tremor occurred from about 2:44 through 2:50 AST this morning at Redoubt. The tremor episode appears to have ended for now. There was no eruption associated with this tremor."

Today it's Mt. Redoubt, tomorrow it could be an earthquake or a power grid failure. Are you prepared for even a short term disaster?

Is your pantry stocked with enough food to feed your family for a week or even a few days? Did you know there are only a few days of food supplies on the shelves of the local grocery stores? What happens in the event of a disruption in the supply lines?

Do you have drinking water for everyone in the family? One gallon per person per day is recommended. Don't forget about our furry four legged friends. They'll need water and food as well.

How will you heat your home in the event of a power failure at 20 below? A backup generator system is relatively inexpensive to install. Even a small 2000 watt generator will run most boilers/furnaces, circulating pumps and well pumps (provided you're on a well) and a few lights. Larger 5000+ watt generators will run an entire house. Don't forget to stock fuel for them as well to the tune of 1/2 gallon per hour of use. (Figure 10-12 gallons per day x at least 5 days) 55 gallon drums are available at the Sourdough bulk fuel plant on Illinois Street. (907-452-0691 - $48 for reconditioned/$67 for new)

Do you know CPR and basic first aid? Do you have a stocked first aid kit? In a disaster you'll need to know how to treat minor and potentially life threatening injuries. Take a first aid course or better yet, enroll in an EMT course at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Hospitals and clinics will fill up fast and you could face an extended wait time for treatment.

Do you have enough essential medications if you couldn't get to a pharmacy for a week or longer? At best, running out of essential medications could make life uncomfortable but it could also become life threatening.

Do you have any cash on hand? What would happen if the ATM machine wasn't operable... or empty? Do you have enough cash on hand for basic needs? It doesn't have to be a lot, but having some good 'ol greenbacks handy is always a good idea.

Are you prepared to defend your home/family? While I don't expect the world to fall into an abyss moments after a natural disaster strikes, being armed could mean shooting dinner as well as an intruder. Some will cite this as proof I've been in Alaska too long but I'm a firm believer in being prepared.

The Alaska Department of Homeland Security has a great website dedicated to emergency preparedness. The site contains a guide that will show you how to build a seven days survival kit over the next twenty-four weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have voluminous information on disaster preparedness.

Wilderness Medicine by Paul Auerbach is a great medical reference for your home library. It's a no-nonsense guide to treating just about any medical issue you could possibly have. Dare to Prepare, Emergency Food Storage & Survival, and Crisis Preparedness, are all good reference books.

Fairbanks Condominium Directory - 2008 Market Review

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:31:13 -0600

Fairbanks Alaska Condominiums... All the benefits of home ownership without all the work. Sound good? If so, a Fairbanks condominium might be perfect. Fairbanks has a wide variety of condominium projects to choose from starting with a cozy 1 bedroom 1 bath flat for $88,000 to a stunning new condominium development on the Chena River for $350,000.

Most Fairbanks condominium fees include heating oil/natural gas, water/sewer, lawn care, snow removal, refuse service, structural insurance and building maintenance. There are a handful of condominiums that include everything listed above except heating oil/natural gas. For those select developments the condominium fees are generally considerably less.

Although 2008 brought an increase in the average cost of a Fairbanks Condo, it also brought a slightly longer marketing time and fewer condo's sold overall. Many buyers said the rising HOA dues were a significant factor in their looking at other housing options. Several area condo associations saw their monthly dues climb past the $600/month mark.

Search the Fairbanks MLS for available condominiums then call or email us with any questions or to arrange a personal tour.

Below you'll find a comprehensive list of the condominium developments in Fairbanks and North Pole as well as the reported sales, average price, days on the market and homeowners association dues.

Advanced Townhomes Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	2	$194,000	68	UNK
2006	22	$189,200	215	$328.11
2007	2	$206,000	77	$446
2000	1	$194,000	55	$458

Aurora Estates Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	2	$77,900	38	$250
2000	1	$78,000	10	$263
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	1	$84,900	6	$273
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	3	$106,800	6	$289
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	---	--	--	--
2007	---	--	--	--
2008	1	$150,000	270	$420

Beaver Springs Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	1	$95,500	15	UNK
2001	2	$95,075	7	$100
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	3	$119,433	57	$100
2006	1	$132,500	37	$100
2007	---	--	--	--
2008	1	$118,000	321	$0.00

Complex 825 Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	---	--	--	--
2007	2	$165,000	32	$295
2008	---	--	--	--

Blevins Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	0	--	--	--
2000	0	--	--	--
2001	1	$48,000	228	$250
2002	1	$50,000	N/A	$263
2003	0	--	--	--
2004	0	--	--	--
2005	1	$83,000	56	$263
2006	2	$85,250	223	$283
2007	1	$55,000	312	$220
2008	---	--	--	--

Bryn Mawr Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	3	$64,333	52	$227
2000	3	$65,800	48	$227
2001	3	$71,667	84	$235
2002	1	$69,600	4	$224
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	4	$95,225	16	$253
2005	6	$103,717	30	$306
2006	4	$116,350	39	$353
2007	5	$128,300	19	$384
2008	5	$113,200	66	$386

Castle Place Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	14	$60,236	97	$163
2000	13	58,712	335	$175
2001	27	$57,300	352	$173
2002	7	$60,539	20	$161
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	8	$81,350	9	$170
2005	3	$87,667	20	$191
2006	8	$91,862	80	$232
2007	2	$109,326	35	$207
2008	6	$105,000	57	$242

Cedar Plaza Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	1	$34,500	112	$150
2001	3	$48,167	334	154
2002	1	$45,500	1	$150
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	2	$49,900	5	$150
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	---	--	--	--
2007	1	$70,000	8	$200
2008	1	$85,000	38	$275

Dartmouth House Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	1	$26,000	7	$150
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	62,500	15	$170
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	1	$67,500	145	$200
2007	---	--	--	--
2008	---	--	--	--

Destinations North Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	---	--	--	--
2007	---	--	--	--
2008	---	--	--	--

Denali Estates Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	1	$117,500	1	$280
2000	3	$100,333	57	$231
2001	1	$87,500	80	$226
2002	2	$112,950	162	$263
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	$132,500	8	$284
2005	1	$140,000	53	$248
2006	4	$154,000	44	$302
2007	---	--	--	--
2008	---	--	--	--

Eagles Nest Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	7	$190,018	102	$363
2006	9	$205,190	224	$363
2007	2	$216,250	35	$362
2008	3	$205,000	262	$387

Eldorado Estates Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	2	$110,500	42	$249
2000	1	$125,000	205	$259
2001	4	128,500	278	274
2002	5	$112,500	189	262
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	$137,000	31	$270
2005	6	$160,500	21	$385
2006	2	$164,500	72	$385
2007	4	$162,500	42	$416
2008	3	$171,667	99	$344

Georgetown Commons Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	1	$45,000	55	$194
2000	8	$57,867	140	$203
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	$89,900	4	$UNK
2005	4	$82,475	22	$236
2006	2	$96,750	18	$255
2007	1	$92,500	3	$246
2008	1	$125,000	7	$296

Gold Crest Estates Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	1	$87,500	115	$100
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	4	$98,975	35	$100
2002	1	$127,890	4	$100
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	1	$155,000	7	$160
2007	---	--	--	--
2008	1	$152,250	94	$170

Hamilton Estates Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	2	$74,000	55	$237
2000	4	$95,833	81	$225
2001	1	$77,000	58	238
2002	2	$68,250	114	231
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	3	$91,333	26	$263
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	3	$109,750	19	$335
2007	3	$127,167	42	$328
2008	2	$130,750	47	$342

Linck Estates Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	1	$170,000	53	$362
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	$165,000	216	$350
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	1	$185,000	84	$350
2007	2	$187,500	66	$390
2008	1	$195,000	127	$448

Marika Royal Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	2	$91,200	35	$230
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	1	$160,000	111	$380
2006	---	--	--	--
2007	1	$169,000	27	$400
2008	---	--	--	--

Mayfair Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	$149,500	139	$325
2005	9	$142,111	68	$325
2006	4	$148,000		--
2007	--	--	--	--
2007	2	$153,500	48	385

Nantucket Square Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	12	$113,625	73	$280
2005	17	$121,393	57	$287
2006	8	122,158	49	$272
2007	7	$137,486	19	$294
2008	4	$143,000	35	$509

Park South Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	1	$46,500	59	90
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	$55,000	21	$165
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	1	$78,000	138	$125
2007	---	--	--	--
2008	1	$69,900	33	$275

Regency Park Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	2	$39,500	43	$220
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	3	$39,000	66	$220
2002	1	$45,000	22	$220
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	3	$67,467	53	$260
2007	1	$69,900	186	$250
2008	1	$90,000	20	$300

Ridgetop Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	2	$52,125	43	$195
2000	1	$60,000	41	$200
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	1	$68,500	3	$190
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	3	$87,333	30	$222
2006	5	$89,100	40	$266
2007	1	$105,000	N/A	$360
2008	---	--	--	--

River Bend Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	---	--	--	--
2007	1	$350,000	N/A	$185
2008	1	$350,000	164	$185

Riverside West Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	3	$88,800	77	$254
2000	2	$104,200	22	$266
2001	4	$110,875	19	$264
2002	4	$119,800	62	261
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	$149,900	52	$272
2005	2	$141,000	48	$290
2006	1	$186,000	45	$295
2007	---	--	--	--
2008	---	--	--	--

River View Villas Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	3	$72,833	71	$255
2000	1	$77,000	N/A	$250
2001	2	$78,250	27	$250
2002	1	$83,000	8	$250
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	1	$126,000	80	$305
2006	1	$130,500	45	$295
2007	2	$135,500	34	$370
2008	2	$144,500	26	$370

Sprucewood Court Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	1	$47,000	55	$175
2000	3	$46,500	92	-$178
2001	1	$53,000	2	$185
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	$70,000	71	$185
2005	1	$75,000	12	$205
2006	3	80,427	58	$218
2007	1	$88,000	N/A	UNK
2008	1	$79,500	124	250

Sun West Estates Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	3	$54,833	70	$192
2000	3	$67,167	21	$231
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	3	$63,300	16	$207
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	6	$90,583	44	$245
2005	4	93,960	41	$290
2006	2	$96,250	69	$304
2007	1	$106,000	7	304
2008	1	$103,000	N/A	311

Tanana Manor Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	1	$42,000	116	$185
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	1	$78,900	59	$303
1007	--	--	--	--
2008	--	--	--	--

The Villages Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	5	$105,000	61	$275
2005	9	$96,000	76	$262
2006	5	96,980	84	$332
2007	1	$131,000	58	$400
2008	1	$85,000	41	$370

Townsite Commons Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	1	$95,500	13	$145
2001	1	$95,500	N/A	$150
2002	1	$109,000	39	$157
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	1	$145,000	42	$175
2006	2	143,950	37	$175
2007	---	--	--	--
2008	---	--	--	--

University Estates Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	2	$55,500	285	$275
2002	6	$56,132	603	$275
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	4	$83,375	22	$275
2005	1	$96,000	66	$175
2006	---	--	--	--
2007	5	$104,380	68	$400
2008	---	--	--	--

University Manor Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	2	$88,125	256	$132
2000	---	--	--	--
2001	2	$85,250	28	$189
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	1	$124,900	30	$305
2005	1	$125,000	121	$289
2006	---	--	--	--
2007	1	$164,000	24	$312
2008	---	--	--	--

University Park Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	3	$47,000	109	$235
2001	3	$48,672	55	$248
2002	4	$46,875	57	$243
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	7	$65,928	134	$246
2005	4	$73,750	62	$273
2006	2	$81,375	30	$290
2007	4	$74,225	16	$315
2008	---	--	--	--

Village Green Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	---	--	--	--
2000	1	$83,000	28	$295
2001	---	--	--	--
2002	---	--	--	--
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	3	$136,633	20	$350
2006	3	$150,083	84	$417
2007	3	$160,833	41	$458
2008	1	$161,650	55	$385

Wickersham Place Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	-1	$75,000	167	$200
2000	1	$68,000	8	$200
2001	3	$70,167	100	$255
2002	1	$83,700	48	$261
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	---	--	--	--
2005	---	--	--	--
2006	1	$82,000	N/A	$255
2007	1	$130,000	23	346
2008	1	$99,900	72	$407

Williamsburg Commons Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	1	$75,000	135	$245
2000	5	$74,300	83	$259
2001	1	79,500	107	$UNK
2002	3	$80,000	60	$251
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	3	$99,333	6	$261
2005	4	$91,500	41	$301
2006	---	--	--	--
2007	1	$114,500	29	$380
2008	1	$135,000	50	$491

Woodridge Park Condominium
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	2	$30,950	204	$215
2000	2	$40,000	219	$180
2001	1	$47,000	87	$160
2002	1	$54,000	37	$160
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	2	$69,250	27	$203
2005	2	$60,000	32	$207
2006	2	$67,850	92	$250
2007	2	$81,500	34	$287.50
2008	---	--	--	--

Woodside North Condominiums
Year	Units Sold	Average Price	Average DOM	Average HoA Dues
1999	5	$124,300	68	$150
2000	2	$125,750	4	$150
2001	4	$134,125	20	$160
2002	5	$138,940	19	$160
2003	---	--	--	--
2004	3	$147,467	21	$162
2005	5	$184,300	34	202
2006	6	$202,833	76	$266
2007	4	$846,000	110	$269
2008	1	$189,250	91	$435

Mt. Redoubt Eruption Update...

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:21:04 -0600

News from the Alaska Volcano Observatory this morning suggest we're getting closer to a Mt. Redoubt eruption. Located approximately 95 miles southwest of Anchorage, Mt. Redoubt has been showing increased seismec activity for more than a week.

While an eruption hasn't ocurred yet, smoke plumes have been spotted on a number of ocassions and hole in the glacier has greatly enlarged since the last AVO overflight, suggesting the likelyhood of an eruption remains very high.

According to the latest measurements, the opening in the glacier is now the size of two football fields wide and increasing. The photo to the left is courtest of Chris Waythomas of the Alaska Volcano Observatory and the US Geological Service. Please take precautions for a possible eruption!

Alaskans brace for Redoubt Volcano eruption

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:48:11 -0600

It's not as though we haven't had our share of weather challenges this year. According to a meteorologist friend, the nice little cold snap we recently experienced is getting ready to pale in comparison to the cool temps heading our way. What was 60 below zero could very well turn into 80 below.

Now, of course we're hearing rumblings that Mt. Redoubt near Anchorage is getting ready to blow her top. The folks at the Alaska Volcano Observatory have observed significant seismic activity at Redoubt, signaling an eruption could be imminent. An AVO observation flight this afternoon reported no sign of ash emission, but observed significant steaming from a new melt depression at the mouth of the summit crater near the vent area of the 1989-90 eruption.

Unlike Hawaii's volcanoes, you won't see a red river of lava flowing from Alaska's volcanoes. What you will see is ash shooting up to 50,000 feet into the jet stream. The particulate matter is a very abrasive rock fragment that can injure skin and damage eyes and breathing passages. It can also cause serious damage to vehicles, buildings and aircraft flying into the cloud. Should there be an eruption, do not go outside unless it's absolutely necessary and remember to use a face mask to keep from breathing in the ash. The very young, the very old and those with respiratory problems are advised to stay indoors at all costs.

Always be prepared. It's worked for the boy scouts for almost 100 years. Both FEMA and the US Geological Survey websites have great information for preparing for and dealing with the aftermath of an eruption. Do you have plans to fly into or out of Alaska in the next few days? An eruption could ground flights around the state. Flight information can be found on the Anchorage International and Fairbanks International Airport websites. Current ash fallout trajectory maps (updated by NOAA every six hours) show the wind carrying the ash cloud away from Fairbanks... Let's hope that holds true.

Follow the Alaska Volcano Observatory and receive hourly updates on Twitter.

The best agent to use just might be the one who tells you the truth...

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:14:35 -0600

Tonight while reading Lane Bailey's blog "The best agent to use..." I was reminded of a conversation recently with a fellow broker about how many people are taken in with the 'buying the listing' scheme.

Last year we had a client who, in preparing to relocate out of Alaska, called us to put their home on the market. We sold the home to them and knew what improvements they had made, so giving them market value was a piece of cake.

As it turns out we were not on the same page with respect to value. When it was clear we were at an impasse they listed with a competing firm who told them what they wanted to hear rather than what they needed to hear. More than a year, seven or eight price reductions and two real estate firms later, the home remains unsold.

The truth is most homeowners don't have a clue what their home is really worth. Most know what their note is, what they owe and some even know their current property tax assessment. Unfortunately, those numbers rarely reflect current market value.

Preparing a comparative market analysis is not rocket science. As Realtors we look at predominately the same set of numbers appraisers look at to define value; recent sales of homes similar to yours. The best Realtor to sell your home may not be the one that gives you the highest price. Trust, but verify. Ok, but how?

It's pretty easy to see if a home is a comparable; it will be equal in size, age, condition, location, etc. The question becomes how it compares by price. Just like your arithmetic teacher used to say, so should you... show me the math. Look to see how the adjustments are calculated for the residential square footage, garage square footage, effective age, lot size, amenities (i.e. fireplace, Jacuzzi tub, hardwood floors), bathrooms, etc.

Ask to see not only the actual adjustments but also the source of the numbers used to make the adjustments. I take my cue on adjustment values from local appraisers and by closely reviewing appraisals. If an appraiser is using $40 to adjust the residential square footage and Agent Not-So-Genius is using $110, you're going to have a market analysis that's good for one thing... lining the birdcage.

If an agent can't or won't show you how they arrived at a price, take that as your cue that a) they might not know what they're doing or b) they're inflating the price to get you to sign a listing agreement. As Lane mentions, don't be too surprised to see this agent come armed with pre-authorized price reductions. They know in order to sell your home, it will need to be at market value.

While numbers can be made to say just about anything, asking the agent(s) sitting in front of you to 'do it long hand' should help you weed through the rhetoric and select an agent to represent you based on what they'll do rather than by the dollar amount they fill in on the listing contract.

Fairbanks Alaska Weather....

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:16:55 -0600

One thing we're constantly asked by folks relocating to Alaska is about our weather. What are the winters like? Do you have 24 hour sunlight in the summer? How do you survive when it's -40 (or colder)?

If you're headed to Alaska just to start a new chapter in life or relocating with Eielson Air Force Base or Fort Wainwright Army Post, this should give you an idea of what you're in for. Having called Alaska home for almost 30 years I can tell you there's no place quite like The Last Frontier.

The truth is we do have some cold winters, but the summers more than make up for them. Our summers are moderate, dry and generally not very windy. I don't know that we broke the record for coldest winter this year or not, but we came awful close. There were a couple of times it registered 65 below zero at our house in North Pole.

Fairbanks is often described as an arctic desert. Most of the precipitation in the Interior is from our annual snowfall. Summers are fairly dry although some years, like 2008, can bring record rains the the Interior. It's certainly not something we see often.

As a rule, winters in the Interior are dark. With the onset of the summer solstice, we begin losing daylight. Initially no more than a few seconds, but eventually we lose up to 6-8 minutes of daylight a day. In the depth of winter, the sun barely creeps above the horizon. On a cloudy day or a very cold day with heavy ice fog, you can expect to not even see the sun. Sounds bleak, I know, but December 21st marks the turning point where we start gaining sunlight. By May 15th the sun doesn't set until after 10PM, and even then there's plenty of light to enjoy any outdoor activity you can imagine.