Alaska Foreclosures - How to show an Igloo in Alaska What does an Alaska foreclosure have to do with an igloo? If you have looked at several foreclosures in the winter you may know what I mean. Being prepared to look at property in Alaska can have its challenges. Foreclosures are often winterized and many do not have heat. Normally when you get ready to look at property it is a quick trip from the warm vehicle to the inside of the home. It's not necessary to have your snow machine suit on with your ski cap and hand warmers like it is with a sled trip up the Yentna River in February. There have been several times that I have tromped through a foot of snow to get to the front door. Once I fumble for the key in the lock box and get the frozen door knob to respond, only to step into a frozen house. I've had situations where it is just above zero outside and below zero inside. All I can say is these showings are never fast enough. I consider myself an Alaskan after living here for nearly 20 years. You think I would have things figured out by now. That's why I'm writing this blog, because you don't need to follow my foot steps (unless through 2 feet of snow) when looking at foreclosures. Inevitably, I'm showing the home to someone that has a much higher cold tolerance than I do. The seconds turn into minutes as my toes curl up in my uninsulated shoes. My hands go numb, because my mittens are at home next to my snow boots and hat. Come on.. we are looking at homes not igloos right? Looking at homes shouldn't be this painful. Here are a few pointers so the next time you get ready to look at an Alaska foreclosure you will be prepared. With just a little preparation your experience looking at an Alaska Foreclosures will hopefully be a pleasant one. Larry & Jacque 
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD
Good post. Some of the Maryland foreclosures can be very cold as well. However I hope we never have the severe conditions that are faced in Alaska. Be careful out there!
The colors of winter in Maryland. Life is good!
Jan 24, 2011 03:01 AM
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital
Good grief! Reading this post makes me feel like a total whiner complaining about 20-ish degree temperatures around here! My toes are getting cold.
Jan 24, 2011 04:24 AM
Alaska Dream Makers - Wasilla, AK
Realtors - Wasilla Alaska
Roy, you do get some cold also. The pictures we have in the post were taken at Chena Hot Springs about a mile north of Fairbanks Alaska. That really is Larry in the first photo! Imagine going from 40something BELOW zero, into a bathing suit and then into a hot springs. It was a fun experience until they reminded us not to touch our hair. You see, it gets wet from the steam and freezes. If you touch it, it breaks and you have a goofy new hair cut.
Patricia, I was born on Elmendorf AFB and have lived in Alaska all but about 4 years of my life. You do get used to it (don't like it) but you get used to it. Sometimes the getting used to it is having a trunk or backseat full of gear (gloves, mittens, hats, boots, snow pants, coat, scarf, etc with some in twos for clients) but it is nice when we can go 'south' to thaw out a bit too. Vacations to warmer climates are very popular for Alaskans.
Jacque & Larry
Jan 24, 2011 05:24 AM
Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming - Laramie, WY
Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
I never would have thought of the flashlight! Even here in the daylight, some of the winterized homes could use the extra light ... great idea!
Jan 25, 2011 01:51 PM
Alaska Dream Makers - Wasilla, AK
Realtors - Wasilla Alaska
Thanks Brenda, The Alaska daylight hours are starting to increase which does help. LED lights are the best. Right now we are gainging about 5 minutes of light per day. We are starting to come out of the darkness! Even when it does get light here bulbs are often burned out in crawlspaces so we like to have a flash light handy for those occasions.
Larry & Jacque
Jan 25, 2011 02:11 PM
Boston, MA
Wix Websites for Real Estate Agents
I learned about the flashlight the hard way at my first foreclosure. It was also winter here in New England and I've never been so cold in my life. It seeps right into you and quickly, too. I couldn't stay in the house too long. We have about 4 1/2 feet of snow by now in Massachusetts. Only 1 or 2 days that get down to zero or below. Mostly we're in the 20's. Stay warm! Spring is coming whether the groundhog confirms it or not!
Jan 27, 2011 06:15 PM
Alaska Dream Makers - Wasilla, AK
Realtors - Wasilla Alaska
Hi Nina, we have our spring mantra going also. At least if it is snowing it usually means it is warmer but we have had uncharacteristically windy and cold this winter. We will definitely post more pictures as it warms up.
As far as that little groundhog critter goes, we are willing to bribe him with a meal at his/her favorite restaurant to make the spring come early! I wonder if he/she would like a heat lamp and a masseuse. Hmmm
Jacque & Larry
Jan 28, 2011 07:12 AM
Berkshire Hathaway / Prudential Ca Realty - El Cajon, CA
619-504-8999,#1 Resource SD Relo
Alaska Dream Makers - Wasilla, AK
Realtors - Wasilla Alaska
Hi there Paul, VERY cool right now! We should post some recent pics too as apparently we have made some national news with the snow. :)
Jacque & Larry
Jan 10, 2012 06:28 AM
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Larry & Jacque Ficek
Realtors - Wasilla Alaska
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