Author Archives: Admin
August 2023 Real Estate Market Update from Dave and Travis!
Here we are in August with Summer such as it was almost over! It can be hard to understand what is happening with residential real estate these days! Mortgage interest rates going up (the highest in 20 years!) & sales volume down significantly combined with LOW supply (still can't find a home for many buyers), prices going up (about 5% so far this year) along with days on market! Its enough to give you whiplash! A little good news for homebuyers is that the days of many multiple offers seemingly is calming down. Read More
Homebuyers Are Getting Used to the New Normal
To better understand what’s been happening with mortgage rates lately, the graph below shows the trend for the 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac since last October. As you can see, rates have been between 6% and 7% pretty consistently for the past nine months: Read More
Why Homeownership Wins in the Long Run?
Today’s higher mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, and concerns about a potential recession have some people questioning: should I still buy a home this year? While it’s true this year has unique challenges for homebuyers, it’s important to think about the long-term benefits of homeownership when making your decision. Consider this: if you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. Why is that? The reason is tied to how home values grow with time and how, by extension, that grows your own wealth. That may be why, in a recent Fannie Mae survey, 70% of respondents say they believe buying a home is a safe investment. Read More
What Homebuyers Need To Know About Credit Scores
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you should know your credit score’s a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to qualifying for a home loan. Lenders review your credit to assess your ability to make payments on time, to pay back debts, and more. It’s also a factor that helps determine your mortgage rate. Read More
Here’s Why the Alaskan Real Estate Market Won’t Crash in 2023: Top 5 Insights from Inman and from Dave
So, what's the 2023 outlook for Alaska? With homeownership being more appealing & needed than ever, 2023 is shaping up to be a challenging year in Alaskan real estate for home buyers while home seller's are in a great position. It is still complicated navigating the whole process to closing! Whether it's leveraging home equity, investing in property, or even considering renovations to increase home value, there are numerous opportunities for those willing to be creative in this vibrant market. Read More
May 2023 Residential Market Overview
We are so happy for our 3 Anchorage clients who have become lovely friends as well! There are 2 more Anchorage listings coming soon as well:-) By the way, we support our clients from Girdwood to Healy and have connections throughout the state ready to help provide excellent service. We thank you for your continued trust and support. Now, let's take a moment to observe the current residential market trends in Anchorage and the core area of the valley. Just let Travis or I know if you want good information about the real estate market in your area. There is lots of BAD info out there! Read More
Alaska’s Employment Landscape: A Perspective from Dave’s Alaska Homes
I recently had the pleasure of attending a meeting with Neil Fried, our state of Alaska economist for many years. This annual gathering, organized by the Valley Board of Realtors, is always a fascinating exploration of the numbers shaping our economy here in the Valley and the state. As a realtor and a local, these numbers are my catnip - they give us a sense of the direction we're heading in as a community and as a state. Read More
How are the closing costs for a home determined (for buyers)?
Closing costs are an inevitable part of the home buying process, and understanding how they are determined is essential for buyers. While these costs can be substantial, being aware of the factors that influence them can help you budget accordingly and be better prepared for your Alaska real estate transaction. As a buyer, it's essential to work with an experienced real estate agent and lender who can guide you through the process and help you find ways to minimize your closing costs. Happy house hunting in the Last Frontier! Read More
How are the closing costs for a home determined (for sellers)?
Understanding closing costs is an essential part of navigating the home selling process in Alaska. By knowing which expenses to expect and how they are determined, you can better prepare for the financial aspect of selling your home. Be sure to consult with your real estate agent and other professionals involved in the transaction to ensure a smooth and successful closing. Read More
How much money should I actually have saved for a down payment on a home?
Purchasing a home in Alaska is an exciting investment, and saving for a down payment is an important step in the process. However, many potential homebuyers wonder how much they should actually have saved for a down payment. In this blog post, we'll discuss the factors you should consider when determining the right down payment amount for your situation. Read More