Fairbanks Ak Real Estate News & Info

And so it begins...

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:39:18 -0600

Although some were hoping we would see a kindler, gentler Old Man Winter this year, it seems the old boy has other plans. According to a weather genius friend, and confirmed by NOAA, we're going to see record cold temperatures sweep across the Tanana Valley.

Bring it old man.

I could probably live without seeing the mercury slide down to negative 40 and colder. Doing anything outside at those temperatures is just not fun, and can be life threatening if you're not prepared for it. Note: Always be prepared for it.

But, I well remember winters in the 80's where temps in the 40 below range were not a once or twice a year occurrence, but an event that set in around the middle of December and lifted sometime early to mid February... sometimes as late as March. In (late) May 1985, we celebrated my birthday with four and a half feet of snow on the ground. I think it finally melted the second week of June. January of '87 saw us grounded for a week while we waited out a 70 below cold snap at our cabin on the Yukon.

Right now the forecast is calling for lows of 20-30 below through the rest of the week, but if the clouds clear out it's possible we'll see 40 or 50 below. Welcome to life in the Last Frontier.

Now, where did I put that hot buttered rum recipe?

Photo Friday ~ Be vewy vewy quiet

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:33:36 -0600

...or not. Truth be told these guys are a little on the slow side. If you're careful and let them adjust to your presence, it's not uncommon for them to come right up to you. Ptarmigan are very common in Denali and throughout Interior Alaska. The Willow Ptarmigan also holds the distinction of being the state bird of Alaska.

This little darling is dressed in her winter whites and it won't be long before she will be virtually undetectable on the solid white canvas that is Alaska in winter. There will be no wintering in Palm Beach as these guys (and gals - can't leave them out, can we?) will remain in Alaska throughout the winter.

Although the official state bird of Alaska, they are often hunted (and are quite delicious). While I have shot my fair share over the years, these days I prefer to shoot them with a Canon.

American Hero's

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:52:29 -0600

This day is a day of remembrance. A day to remember the men and women who have valiantly served this great nation since our Founding Fathers broke the bonds of a tyrannical King and declared that these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.

On this day we remember those who have fallen. We remember those who have and continue to stand guard. We remember and we honor those young men and women who unselfishly pledged their lives to defend this grand experiment in democracy.

Our nation and indeed the world would be unrecognizable if not for them. Throughout history our American hero's have been liberators and defenders of freedom where tyranny and oppression reign.

They are our wives and husbands. Our sons and daughters. Our fathers and mothers. Our bothers and sisters. On this day we stand united to say thank you to all who have worn the uniform of the United States. A grateful nation thanks you for your service. God bless you... and may God continue to bless these United States.

In Fairbanks, join us at the Westmark Hotel from 11:00 - 12:30 for a Veterans Day event to honor our American Military including those imprisoned or missing in action. The U.S. Army Denali Brass Quintet will be on hand to perform at 10:30 and the Arctic Groove Orchestra will perform a Veterans Day Concert at West Valley High School at 7:00PM. Everyone is welcome!

Fairbanks Alaska Relocation - Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright & Eielson Air Force Base

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:33:57 -0600

Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska! We are happy to provide this Fairbanks Alaska Relocation Guide as a resource to help you discover the best of our fair city. We have been privileged to call Fairbanks and Interior Alaska home for almost 30 years and are proud to welcome you to The Golden Heart City.

Fairbanks has come a long way since the day entrepreneur E.T. Barnette ran aground on the Chena River and established a trading post in the remote wilderness. In the more than 100 years since, Fairbanks has developed into a thriving community with some of the friendliest folks around. Despite being the economic and transportation hub for Interior and Northern Alaska, Fairbanks has, thankfully, maintained an idyllic small town feel where folks still wave at each other and lend a hand to neighbors in need.

We're also thankful for the natural beauty which surrounds us in every direction. Where else can you claim millions of acres of scarcely touched wilderness as your backyard playground? From snow capped peaks to arctic tundra to the oceans shore, we have it all. Come discover the magic of Alaska. Welcome to the Last Frontier. Please use this relocation package an online guide to discover Fairbanks and Interior Alaska. We think you'll agree there is no other place quite like the Golden Heart of Alaska.

Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and let us introduce you to our Alaska. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions or comments. We would love to hear from you.

Welcome to The Golden Heart City

Winter Preparedness

Weather in the Interior

Fairbanks Health Care

Fairbanks Schools K-12

The University of Alaska Fairbanks

Financial Services Directory

Nurturing Your Faith

Spaulding Interiors - Premier Design Firm

2008 BAH Rates for Interior Alaska

Welcome to Eielson Air Force Base

Welcome to Fort Wainwright

Air Force Sergeants Association Scholarships

Military: Fish & Game Regs

Arts In The Golden Heart

Ice Alaska Events

Ridin' the Rails AKRR Style

Aurora Watching

Sullivan Roadhouse

Homes in University West

Homes in Riverview

Homes in Doyon Estates

Denali Estates Condo's

Lakewood S/D:An Aviation Community

Condominium Directory

Heating your Fairbanks home

1st Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Thinking New Construction? A few questions to ask

Running the Iditarod

Camping in the Interior

Chena River Recreation Area

Exploring Pioneer Park

Winter Activities in the Interior

Jesse & Kathy Clifton, better known as 'The Spouses' are full time Realtors serving Fairbanks Alaska buyers and sellers. We specialize in residential real estate; new and existing construction as well as undeveloped land in Fairbanks, North Pole, Ft. Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base and Interior Alaska. Visit our website to review the fee market reports designed to keep you updated on the local Fairbanks Alaska real estate market. Have specific questions? Feel free to contact us anytime. We would love to hear from you.

Tour Alaska on The-Spouses.com - Search Fairbanks MLS

Speechless Sunday - Ghost Riders

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:11:20 -0600

It's not a common sight in Fairbanks. While there are quite a few small-scale horse ranches in the Interior, watching a dozen or so go galloping by is rare enough to stop you in your tracks. A couple of days ago I was taking some progress photo's of a new construction project for a client. I was just about to put my camera back in it's case when out of the corner of my eye I spotted these beauties running across the field behind the house.

It was late afternoon and as happens in Interior Alaska as we creep into the depths of winter, daylight was dropping fast. I managed to get a dozen or so shots as they raced out of range. At first I wasn't all that happy with them, but now I kind of like the ghostly feel.

I haven't been on horseback in more years than I care to remember (these days it would take the Budweiser Clydesdale's to carry me around) but I do love to watch them run. Here's hoping you have a blessed Sunday!

Denali Estates - Fairbanks Condominium

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:56:26 -0600

Denali Estates - Fairbanks Condominiums

Built in 1982 by Jerry Sadler, Denali Estates is one of the most sought after condo addresses in Fairbanks. Many owners have resided in their condominium since it was built and take a great deal of pride in the building. Denali Estates encompasses forty units over three floors. 75% of the units have assigned indoor parking and separate indoor storage areas. The remainder of the units have off-street assigned parking.

While not a new development Denali Estates has been very well cared for with most units showing very well. We lived in Denali for two years during the design/plan/build stages of our new home. We both loved the building and our great neighbors. The only drawback for me is that I did miss having a workshop to tinker in and not being able to keep our RV on site. Although several owners do keep their RV's on site, we didn't have the room for our coach plus two vehicles. If that's a major bone of contention, a Fairbanks condo might not be the ideal home.

Why Denali Estates?

* Convenient Location: No store is more than 5 minutes away and you can be anywhere in Fairbanks in 10 minutes or less, including Fairbanks Memorial and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Fort Wainwright Army Post is roughly 10 blocks to the south making it very convenient for servicemembers who want or need to be close to Post.

* Near Maintenance-Free: The association maintains the exterior of the building, including lawn care and snow removal [photo] (that I did appreciate). Interior maintenance/upgrades are the responsibility of the individual unit owners.

* Peace & Quiet: Some called it "tomb like" and in fact is is a very quiet building with little internal noise.

* Security: Denali Estates is a secured building with intercom/unlock panels in each unit. Lock and Go. If you travel like we do, it's nice to know you can lock your unit door and leave knowing that should the boiler go down, someone will be there to make sure it's brought online before (hopefully) major damage could occur.

* Financial Health: One of the most important considerations when buying a Fairbanks condo, at least in my opinion, is the financial health of the association. Denali Estates has a long history of financial solvency. Most, if not all, owners are current on their HOA does (as of the last resale cert I reviewed) and the board is very proactive when budgeting for repairs, regular maintenance items and future upgrades. For owners, that means surprise assessments are rare.

All units feature two-bedrooms with two full bathrooms, including a generous master ensuite and a 7' x 19' private balcony. View floorplans for the first, second and third floor (large .jpg files). Find Denali Estates on a map.

Market Stats for Denali Estates Condominiums

If you're in the market for a comfortable, centrally located, well maintained Fairbanks condominium, Denali Estates should be on your short list. Have questions? Call us at 907-699-6024 or contact us online.

Hope Alaska: Camping & Recreation

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:07:45 -0500

Hope Alaska: A Jewel in Alaska's Recreational Crown
Camping & Outdoor Recreation

Literally at the end of the road on the beautiful southern shore of Turnagain Arm lies Hope, Alaska. Founded in the late 1890's after gold was discovered on nearby Resurrection Creek, Hope is a charming window to the past and a favorite playground for Alaskans.

There are no WalMart's, no 7-11's and no Golden Arches. What they do have an abundance of, however, is natural beauty. The 17 mile Hope Highway winds through towering spruce and stands of birch and aspen giving visitors spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains and the blueish gray waters of Turnagain Arm.

Pull-outs are plentiful and believe me you'll want to stop at every one. It took us more than an hour and a half to make the drive to Hope from the Seward Highway cutoff.

Although a large portion of the nearby community of Sunrise was destroyed by the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, several buildings original to Hope City remain. Built in 1902, the Social Hall remains the heart of the community. The first day we arrived a town potluck was in full swing with locals and visitors alike joining in the festivities. The original 1938 school house is now the town museum and should be one of your first stops.

Where to stay

No hotels means you're probably staying in an RV or tent. A small campground (parking lot) can be found at the end of Main Street. For those looking for full hookups this is your only option. If you're in a tent or don't need hookups, Porcupine State Campground can be found a mile past Hope proper. While Porcupine is a primitive campground (i.e. no hookups) it is a breathtaking slice of paradise. Sites 1 through 11 offer unobstructed views of Turnagain Arm. Porcupine is even big rig friendly with most spaces able to accommodate up to a 40' coach and several allowing room for a 45' coach plus your toad. Site #2 is our favorite (140' pull through with amazing views) Advance reservations are highly recommended as it fills up fast in the summer.

What to see and do

Fishing: The Hope Pink Salmon Derby runs from mid July to Mid August. Sixmile and Resurrection creeks are both great spots for trying your hand at landing pink, silver and chum salmon.

Hiking/Mountain Biking: Gull Rock and Hope Point trails both begin at Porcupine Campground. Gull Rock is a relatively easy 5 mile trail that follows Turnagain Arm. Hope Point, at 2.5 miles, is a serious workout. It's been said you'll need to be part mountain goat to make it to the top of Mt. Hope (3,900') and I wholeheartedly agree with that. For those looking for a multiple day hike, Resurrection Creek Trail is a 38 mile hike through forested hills and alpine meadows over the mountain to Cooper Landing on the Sterling Highway.

Whitewater Rafting: Billed as one of the best whitewater rafting trips in the North America, NOVA River Runners offers 3 hour Class IV and a 4.5 hour Class V rafting trips. There are three steep canyons with narrow routes, steep drops, beautiful pools, and hang-onto-your-shorts rapids all in a gorgeous semi-rain forest. Operating under a permit from the US Forest Service, NOVA has been running these rapids for more than 25 years.

Gold Mining: It put Hope on the map, and as they say, there's gold in them thar hills. Records indicate that between the late 1880's and 1906 more than $1,000,000 in gold was mined from the area. Bring your gold pans or suction dredges (up to 4" with a permit from AK Fish & Game) and try your hand at mining.

Wildlife Viewing: In the few days we were there this year, we saw a handful of moose, several black bears, fox, ptarmigan and loads of ground squirrels. Just a reminder: Moose look slow and dumb, but they are agile and can run faster than you can. Porcupine Campground has been home to several black bears who are not the least bit afraid of you. Please use caution.

Photography: Granted, I consider all of Alaska a photographers paradise but it's hard to take a bad picture here (and yet thanks to a sensor that needed cleaning I managed to do just that).

Hope Alaska in Photo's

Downtown Hope, Alaska

Views of Turnagain Arm from Porcupine Campground

Discovery Cafe & Turnagain Arm @ Low Tide

The next time you're looking for a gorgeous area to explore or just somwhere peaceful to rejuvenate mind, body and soul, consider a trip to Hope, Alaska. It's certainly on our 'favorite places' list.

Chena River Flood Declaration - Fairbanks Alaska

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:19:04 -0500

Chena River Flood Declaration - Fairbanks Alaska

Houston, we've got a problem.

It's official. We're a disaster area. The Fairbanks North Star Borough issued a disaster deceleration this morning. Citing damage to more than 500 homes, the Borough Assembly has requested emergency assistance from Governor Palin. The last time the Tanana River was this high was during the disastrous 1967 flood that devastated Fairbanks.

The resolution says "substantial damage is occurring due to high water and river current on the Tanana River, the Salcha River and the Chena River, resulting in damage to over 500 private residences with an estimated 1,000 inhabitants and to the road networks" maintained by the borough and the state.

They ain't just whistling Dixie folks. The creek is still rising. There are reports of heavy flooding in Salcha, some areas of North Pole, as well as Chena Pump Road and the lower Rosie Creek area. Although forecasters are saying the Chena and Tanana Rivers have crested, many folks who live along the river are saying just the opposite.

Several area roads remain impassable due to the flooding and it was announced this morning that the Alaska Railroad has canceled it's passenger service into and out of Fairbanks for the second straight day. Various areas were reported without power although Golden Valley is hard at work getting those folks back online.

The Red Cross is running evacuation shelters in elementary schools in Salcha and southwest Fairbanks. If you need assistance or would like to volunteer time, money, food or supplies, please call (907) 451-8267. Your help is greatly appreciated! Click the Red Cross logo to see how you can help.

Fairbanks, Alaska; An inauspicious beginning

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:52:40 -0500

Fairbanks, Alaska - The city that almost wasn't

The late fall sun offered little warmth to the riverboat passengers standing on the well worn wooden decks. For most, there was little to do on the ardous journey up the Yukon and Tanana Rivers except watch the river slowly roll by. That the landscape was changing from the verdant greens of summer to the brilliant golds of fall was a fact lost on precious few on board. With an abundance of caution, Captain Charles Adams navigated the ship up the muddy Tanana River toward a destination some were sure they would never reach.

For one passenger in particular, expectations and indeed frustrations were high. A sizable fortune had been gambled on a dream almost as big as the territory of Alaska. Fueled by gold fever, and despite several failed attempts to reach his destination, 37 year old Elbridge Truman (E.T.) Barnette was not going to be easily discouraged. That mettle would come to serve him well in the coming years.

Then, as now, the Tanana River was a fickle mistress. With an ever changing channel, even experienced skippers found it difficult to navigate. Deckhands would have been sounding the river so as to help the Captain keep the low riding ship from running aground. Around midday the captain of the 150' steamer Lavelle Young announced that the water had become too shallow for the heavy laden vessel to continue.

This was not welcome news as Barnette was still hundreds of miles from his intended destination of Tanacross. Barnette convinced the skeptical Captain to turn back and try navigating the Chena River in hopes of bypassing the shallow rapids of the Tanana. Barnette was optimistic as the Lavelle Young labored up the Chena River approximately 20 miles until Captain Adams realized the shallow water would make continuing impossible.

Barnette was undeterred. He instructed the Captain to take him back to the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers. From there he surmised he could continue his journey by a shallow-draft barge when the river ice melted the following May. Captain Adams was unwilling to risk grounding the loaded ship going downriver. Doing so would have made dislodging the ship against the current a herculean task.

Despite protests from Barnette and his sobbing wife, the Captain reminded him their contract stated Barnette, his wife, crew and 130 tons of supplies were to be unloaded at the farthest point the Lavelle Young could reach... and they were there.

At 4PM on August 26, 1901, on a heavily wooded cut bank of a narrow river deep in Alaska's Interior, Fairbanks was born.

Barnette's dream of continuing to Tanacross was permanently shelved the following summer when Felix Pedro discovered gold on a small unnamed creek just 13 miles north of Barnette's trading post. In 1903, US District Judge James Wickersham moved his judicial seat to Fairbanks from Eagle, further cementing the future of the fledgling community.

Few would have imagined that Barnette's Landing would eventually grow into one of the largest cities in Alaska.

Fairbanks Alaska Homebuyers: Do You Have A CLUE?

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:11:06 -0600

Fairbanks Alaska Homebuyers: Do You Have A CLUE?

Ever heard of CLUE? No, I don't mean the board game or the thing friends ask if you have. I'm talking about the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Database. CLUE is a national repository of insurance claim information.

Insurers use CLUE reports to determine how likely you are to file a claim against your homeowners or auto insurance policy. CLUE reports are generally reviewed prior to issuing a new insurance policy and before renewing an existing policy.

The CLUE database is maintained by ChoiceTrust, an information clearinghouse that has been providing "decision-making technology" since 1977 to insurance companies, as well as local, state and federal government agencies.

What does this mean to you? Each time you file a claim, or report a potential claim to your insurance company, that information is recorded in the CLUE database, even if no money was ever paid by your insurance company. Too many claims can result in a policy being cancelled.

For real property, claims and damage reports are tied to the property, not the owner. Any claim or damage reports remain on the CLUE report for 5-7 years. This means any claims filed by a previous owner may negatively affect your ability to obtain insurance as well as what you pay for the policy.

If you're buying a homein Fairbanks Alaska, make sure to ask the seller if they have filed any claims against the property during their tenure. If so, make sure to shop insurance rates during your discovery period. Finding out at the 11th hour, just before settlement, that your insurance policy has an astronomical premium due to claims filed could have serious consequences.

Curious as to what CLUE says about the Fairbanks home you're conidering? Download instructions and a CLUE report order form (.pdf). ChoiceTrust can also be reached at 866-312-8076.

Fairbanks Alaska New Construction Homes - A Few Questions

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 05:24:46 -0600

Fairbanks Alaska New Construction Homes - A few questions to as your builder or representative.

For some it’s the crisp white walls or new carpet while for others it’s that theirs is the first family to call a particular property “home.” I started building homes in 2003, acting more as the bank than general contractor, because buyer clients were finding it difficult to accept some of our more retro properties as the palate for which they were going pain the picture of their new lives.

In the past several years the sale of new construction homes has skyrocketed. Seeing a demand for quality housing, contractors began building in earnest in mid to late 2000. As the market began what some thought was an endless real estate bull market, more and more builders began ‘getting in on the action.’ For a while it seemed as though everyone that could swing a hammer was suddenly being reinvented as a homebuilder. Men and women who had been or were plumbers, teachers, pilots or office workers caught real estate fever and jumped on the building bandwagon. While the capitalist in me says that’s a good thing, the Realtor in me is singing a somewhat different story.

A few questions to ask your Realtor when looking at new construction properties in Fairbanks:

• How long has the builder been building homes? It’s important to know whether the person you’re thinking of buying a house from will be around next month or next year when something goes wrong or you have questions about your new home.

• Is he/she licensed by the State of Alaska as a General Contractor?

• Does he/she have a Residential Endorsement? Licensed building contractors are required to carry one. Without one, financing a home built after 1992 can be an issue if you (and future buyers) want to take advantage of lower interest rates offered by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.

• How many homes does he/she build a year, on average? As with most professions, experience is a good thing. This could also alert you to a scheduling issue if he/she has a dozen properties all vying for time and resources.

• Does the builder provide a written warranty? A warranty is only as good as the person standing behind it. With that said a written warranty will outline exactly what the builder is responsible for and what you, as the new homeowner, are responsible for.

• Will the builder provide references? If so, contact them. What do they have to say about the builder and his product? Would they buy another home from him/her again?

• Can you see other properties the builder has completed? Tour properties under construction as well as finished homes to get a feel for the level of quality and attention to detail. A lot can be hidden by drywall.

• Will the builder provide the PUR 101 (Energy Rating Certificate) and PUR 102 (Building Inspections)? There are no building codes in force for the majority of the Fairbanks North Star Borough so it’s important that the property was inspected during construction. PUR 101’s are now always supplied by the builder; you’ll need one to finance your property through Alaska Housing.

• Who was/is the building inspector/energy rater? There are good and bad apples in every bunch.

• Does/will the house have a passive or active air exchange system? A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) is much more efficient in capturing heat expelled during air exchanges whereas a passive system doesn’t recapture any.

• If a spec home (built to sell without a specific buyer in mind), what are the options/upgrades?

• How long will it take to complete construction and what are the penalties for failing to meet that deadline? Reputable builders do their very best to meet contract deadlines but there are times when events out of their control happen, such as delays in materials or trade issues.

• What type of foundation is under the home? Stacked concrete block on top of a poured concrete footer is fairly standard in Fairbanks. Insulfoam-type foundations are becoming more popular but ‘all weather wood’ and post-on-pad foundations are still widely used.

• Did the builder have the lot drilled for permafrost or ice lenses?

• Is the property serviced by a well or a water holding tank? Wells are expensive to install, especially in the hills where the cost can easily hit $30,000.

• Is the builder going to do any landscaping? Builders in Fairbanks generally grade the area around the property but will provide landscaping services for an additional charge.

• Does the property have rain gutters? If so, are they seamless?

• What is the wall thickness? 2x6 is standard in our area but some builders prefer 2x8 or even double wall construction. Thicker walls mean more insulation which reduces your utilities cost.

• How many heat zones are in the house? What rooms do they control?

• Is the builder offering any incentives and if so, what are they? Remember, there is no such thing as a free lunch. What are you giving up to gain that incentive?

• What appliances and mechanical equipment is included? Refrigerators are often considered personal property. Some builders opt for a simple range vent hood rather than a microwave/vent hood combination.

We are fortunate to have more than a few home builders with excellent reputations in Fairbanks that not only build quality homes but stand behind their product after the sale.

If you’re shopping for a new construction property in Fairbanks Alaska, it’s important to know what to look for and what to avoid. A small amount of diligence up front will pay immense rewards in the long run. With the average cost of a new construction home hovering just above $240,000 it’s important to do your homework to protect your investment and to know exactly what you’ll receive at close of escrow.

AHFC to Issue $53 Million in Bonds for Veterans Loans

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:44:59 -0500

The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation has announced it will be issuing three separate bonds designed to reduce the interest rate veterans will pay on borrowed funds. See the press releae here.

The AHFC Veterans Mortgage program was initiated in 1983 to provide qualified veterans a mortgage interest rate reduction through voter approved revenue bonds. Qualified veterans are eligible for an interest rate reduction from 1/2 to 1% lower than a conventional mortgage.

As with all things, however, there is a catch. While the VA doesn't require a borrower to have a down payment, they do charge (and roll into the loan) a VA funding fee. If you have the credit scores and/or cash reserves a conventional loan might be a better alternative. I've seen many short term buyers with VA loans come to the closing table with money they otherwise might not have had to.

I highly encourage VA buyers to weigh ALL their mortgage options to determine what is truly best for them. Need help navigating the mortgage process? Give us a call - we're happy to help.

AHFC Veterans Mortgage Program

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation - Heping to provide Alaskans access to safe, quality, affordable housing

Fairbanks, Alaska Market Statistics Nov 16th

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 02:57:29 -0600

Market Statistics for Fairbanks Alaska 11/16/2007

The number of homes sold in Fairbanks dropped for the second straight week to a low of sixteen. The average sales price rose almost 10% to $214,253 while the days on the market increased 37.5% to an average of 66. The number of active listings is also up to a total of 552, putting the absorption rate this week at 4.8 months. 81% of the sales occurred in Fairbanks with only 1 new construction property closing out of almost 140 on the market.

Homes Sold Week Ending November 16, 2007

Average Sales Price Week Ending November 16, 2007

Average Days On Market Week Ending November 16, 2007

Fairbanks Alaska Market Statistics - Knowledge is power!

Fall Homeowner To-Do List - Fairbanks Alaska Winter Preperation

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:26:05 -0500

Winter Preparedness for your Fairbanks Alaska home - A fall homeowners checklist

Although it's been a glorious fall, that lovely white stuff will soon start falling. If you're like me, you've been out enjoying the great weather and not paying all that much attention to your winter preparedness to-do list. I finished the last of my list today and thought I would share what I do to get us ready for the long winter.

Have a licensed technician clean and service your boiler or furnace. This should be done once a year and now is a great time as the tech will need to take the system offline for a couple of hours. Doing it at -40 can leave you with a cold house. An added benefit is you'll ensure your boiler is operating at peak efficiency.

Hire a chimney sweep (or buy a brush) and clean your boiler/wood-stove/fireplace chimney. I have our boiler stack cleaned once a year. If you're burning wood as a source of heat, make sure to only burn seasoned wood to reduce the amount of creosote building in the stack. No one wants a chimney fire in the dead of winter (or ever).

Change your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Many homes have hardwired systems, but will have a battery backup. This is a great time to vacuum each detector to eliminate any dust bunnies or dirt that might interfere with the operation. And, while you're at it, review (or create) an emergency escape plan.

Clean out your septic tank. Admittedly, this is one job I leave to the professionals. I have ours pumped every year even though we could probably get by with doing it every other year. Regular cleaning will also prolong the life of your system.

If so equipped, check and clean the filter on your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) unit. Don't forget to check the exhaust and intake vents to make sure no little critters have moved in.

Clean out your gutters and downspouts. You would be surprised to see how much stuff can accumulate in one season. You'll thank yourself in the spring the water is running down, and not over, your gutters.

Turn off all exterior spigots, blow (or drain) the lines and cover them with a frost proof cover. Roll up your garden hoses and store them with your sprinklers and hose nozzles.

Cover and/or store patio furniture, grill and outdoor accessories. Unless, of course, you plan to have a cookout at -20.

Pick up, clean, sharpen and store your garden and other tools. I'm kind of an 'a place for everything and everything in its place' guy, but this will also keep you from tripping over the rake that got left out or running over an extension cord with the snowblower. Trust me, that just makes a mess. I usually sharpen the blades on the Deere as well as give it a wash and wax before putting it up for the winter. Don't forget to put some fuel stabilizer in as well.

Prepare for snow removal. Fire up the snowblower and make sure it's running and the blades engage. Don't forget to put your snow shovel(s) and ice spade where you can easily find them.

Weatherproof your home. Now is the time to seal up those areas around entry and garage doors and windows, add additional insulation in your attic and crawlspace. Homes with less efficient windows would benefit from a window film application.

If you park your vehicles outside, consider investing in a timer for your car(s). According to Golden Valley Electric, it costs between $30 - $75 per car to leave a car plugged in overnight. A well maintained car should only need 2-5 hours of heating to start (more for diesels). Over a 6-7 month winter the savings could easily be in the hundreds of dollars. If it's not already, don't forget to winterize your vehicle as well.

That's pretty much it. Preparing your Fairbanks home for the rigors of old man winter will help ensure you have a comfortable, hopefully trouble-free winter.

Lakewood Subdivision - Homes w/ Airstrip Access Fairbanks Alaska

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:45:51 -0500

Lakewood Subdivision - Homes w/ Airstrip Access Fairbanks Alaska

With barely 14,000 miles of road in a state covering 570,000 square miles (more than twice the size of Texas), it's easy to see why Alaskans rely so heavily on air travel. And, with 1 in 53 Alaskans holding a pilots license, we do a lot of flying. While many folks opt to keep their planes at Fairbanks International or Metro Field, there's something to be said for stepping out your front door and into your plane. Whether for convenience or security it's a feature most neighborhoods don't offer.

Lakewood Subdivision in North Pole is an aviation friendly community. Comprised of 54 one-acre (+/-) home sites surrounding a 150' by 1,500' gravel and grass airstrip. At 1,500' the field is large enough for a super cub, 180 or 185 to get in and out of with little effort, if not fully loaded. As of this writing there are still a few undeveloped home sites available. View the Lakewood Subdivision plat or follow the link for directions.

Most are single family homes, but there are a couple of multi-family properties. Several have incorporated a large hanger into the home design while others simply keep their plane parked behind/beside the house, ready to go wheels up at a moments notice. As an added bonus the home sites on the eastern subdivision boundary border Chena Lakes Recreation Area.

Below are a few of the homes in Lakewood Subdivision.
Click the photo for an enlarged view.

If you're a pilot (or aspiring pilot) looking for a place to call home, consider Lakewood Subdivision. It's a short 15 minute drive to Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright or Eielson Air Force Base and minutes from the city of North Pole. Lakewood Subdivision - Homes for pilots and their families!