Monthly Archives: April 2023
What should I do to prepare to sell my home?
Are you thinking of selling your home in Alaska? Preparing your property before putting it on the market can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers and getting the best price for your property. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready for sale. Declutter and DepersonalizeOne of the first things... Read More
How can I make my offer to buy a home the most attractive against other buyers’ offers?
Alaska is known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine wilderness, and unique way of life. It’s no wonder that many people are interested in buying a home in this remarkable state. However, with a limited housing market and high demand, it can be challenging to make an attractive offer that stands out from other buyers’... Read More
What does a professional appraiser actually do and how do they affect the home buying and selling process?
Alaska is a unique state with a vast and diverse landscape. From the icy shores of the Arctic Ocean to the rugged peaks of the Alaska Range, the state offers a wide range of opportunities for those seeking a new home. If you’re considering buying or selling a property in Alaska, it’s essential to understand... Read More
What is title insurance and why do I need it for my home?
If you’re looking to purchase a home in Alaska, you may have heard of something called title insurance. While it may not be the most exciting topic, understanding what it is and why it’s important can save you from potential headaches down the road.Title insurance is a type of insurance that protects you, the buyer,... Read More
What is the Difference Between a Pre-Approval and a Pre-Qualification in the Mortgage Process
If you’re looking to purchase a home in Alaska, understanding the mortgage process is essential. Two key terms you’ll encounter early on are pre-qualification and pre-approval. Both terms describe different steps in the mortgage application process, and understanding their differences can help you navigate the home buying journey with more confidence. What is a Pre-Qualification?A... Read More
How the Generational Shift is Impacting Homebuyers from Dave & Travis
As you can see below, there are some interesting shifts in homebuyer trends between 2021 and 2022. For instance, there’s been a significant decrease in the percentage of millennial homebuyers from 43% in 2021 to 28% in 2022 (which highlights the effect doubling mortgage interest rates had in 2022). Meanwhile, the percentage of boomer homebuyers has increased from 29% in... Read More
What’s happening in Residential Real Estate 1st Quarter 2023 from Dave & Travis
Old man winter just won't let and frankly I'm sick of it! Oh well.. Mortgage interest rates are trending down! The Alaska Housing Finance Corp is currently offering a 30 year VA/FHA rate of 5.75% as of 4/5/23. However, there's a catch. The biggest problem we're facing is the stunning lack of available homes, both locally and nationwide. AND home prices and values are not going down! In fact, the last three homes we listed were priced 10-15% more than what we thought the value was last year. So, it's still a great time to sell your home, and it can make good sense to buy the right home for your lifestyle & needs. Read More
How Changing Mortgage Rates Can Affect You
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects your purchasing power. The chart below helps show the general relationship between mortgage rates and a typical monthly mortgage payment: Read More