New Year’s Eve 2012 Anchorage Style…Ringing in the New Year 2013

New Year’s Eve 2012 Anchorage Style…Ringing in the New Year 2013

The year 2012 flew by and we are once again entering a new year.

The Anchorage area will have multiple celebrations ringing in the New Year. What will you be doing New Year’s Eve?

Things To Do on New Year’s Eve 2013 in Anchorage

NECA/IBEWFire & Ice New Year's Eve Celebration in Town Square always draws a great crowd. True to the name you’ll find hot entertainment and icy fun, with fire jugglers, silk acrobats, a light show, live music and more! Town Square’s ice skating pond is open for the festivities, and intricate frozen sculptures dot the park as well. The fireworks spectacular lights up the night at 8 p.m

NewYear's Eve Masquerade Ball at Dena'ina Center is billed as "Alaska's largest and classiest New Year's Eve Party," this bash is open only to those 21 and older and runs until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

NewYear's Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display is a sight to behold. Local skiers and snowboarders descend the mountain with torches in hand, creating a parade of lights from top to bottom. The Torchlight Parade takes over the mountain at 9 p.m., and fireworks cap the festivities. Stake out a spot near the resort’s day lodge for the best view of both the procession and the fireworks.

For more ideas head on over to the events page at anchorage.net

We wish you and yours a safe and happy New Year! – Christina Gamez & Associates

Happy New Year

What's your New Year's resolution? Is it to exercise more? Maybe spend more time with those you love? What about selling your home? Or buying your first place? Whatever your goals, we sincerely wish you blessings on this new year. Your friends at Christina Gamez & Associates.

Home Prices in Anchorage 99502 for December 2012

Real Estate Market data provided by Christina Gamez of Christina Gamez & Associates at Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group.

Anchorage 99502 Home Prices

Inventory for the Anchorage 99502 zip code is fairly limited and sellers are enjoying a high median sold price. Buyers are willing to pay more than the listing price and they are willing to buy now. Homes in this area are on the market for an average of 85 days, slightly lower than other areas in Anchorage. If you are a seller in this zip code, now might be the time to consider selling. Buyers want to find homes in the Anchorage 99502 zip code and are willing to pay more than top dollar for them.

 Anchorage 99502 Real Estate Report Summary

The median list price in December for single family homes in Anchorage is $384,000. The list prices increased by 8.96% from the previous month.

The price per square foot for listings in this area is $175.

The median sale price in August for single family homes is $372,656. The sale prices increased by 15.62% from the previous month.

The price per square foot for sales in this area is $169.

Find Homes for Sale in Anchorage 99502

Visit my website to search for homes in Anchorage 995082 or to be notified when Anchorage 99502 homes come on the market.

To find out what your home is worth in the current market, visit my website or call 907-952-1496 for a free, no obligation consultation.

Home Prices in Anchorage 99508 for December 2012

Real Estate Market data provided by Christina Gamez of Christina Gamez & Associates at Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group.

Anchorage 99508 Home Prices

There are currently less than 80 homes for sale in Anchorage 99508. This means buyers looking in this area have very few options. People looking to sell their home in the 99508 zip code will automatically draw the attention of every buyer looking in this specific area code. This translates into fewer days on the market, and oftentimes, a very competitive offer on your property.

Anchorage 99508 Real Estate Report Summary

The median list price in December for single family homes in Anchorage is $232,000. The list prices dropped by -0.64% from the previous month.

The price per square foot for listings in this area is $161.

The median sale price in August for single family homes is $266,450. The sale prices increased by 3.93% from the previous month.

The price per square foot for sales in this area is $130.

 

Find Homes for Sale in Anchorage 99508

Visit my website to search for homes in Anchorage 99508 or to be notified when Anchorage 99508 homes come on the market.

To find out what your home is worth in the current market, visit my website or call 907-952-1496 for a free, no obligation consultation.

Merry Christmas

May your Christmas sparkle with moments of love, laughter and goodwill, And may the year ahead be full of contentment and joy. Have a Merry Christmas! Your friends at Christina Gamez & Associates.

Home Prices in Eagle River AK for December 2012

Real Estate Market data provided by Christina Gamez of Christina Gamez & Associates at Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group.

Eagle River Home Prices

Although the median list price dropped slightly from November, the median sold price remains higher than the median listing price. In fact, the median sold price increased over the past month. What this means is if you’re considering selling your home in Eagle River, you may find yourself in a multiple offer scenario. This will allow you to get top dollar for your home.

Eagle River Real Estate Report Summary

The median list price in December for single family homes in Eagle River is $356,950. The list prices dropped by -2.2% from the previous month.

The price per square foot for listings in this area is $173.

The median sale price in August for single family homes is $460,841. The sale prices increased by 49.24% from the previous month.

The price per square foot for sales in this area is $146.

 Find Homes for sale in Eagle River AK

Visit my website to search for homes in Eagle River or to be notified when Eagle River homes come on the market.

To find out what your home is worth in the current market, visit my website or call 907-952-1496 for a free, no obligation consultation.

Home Prices in Anchorage 99504 for November 2012

Home Prices in Anchorage, Alaska 99504 for November 2012

If you are considering buying a home you can still find deal in Anchorage, but having a good real estate agent who understands the market is a must. Don’t wait too long; many listings sell within a few days of being on the market, and even more end up with multiple offers. Given the price trend in the 99504 zip code, houses are not selling at the asking price. Make sure you don’t overpay for your new home- hire an agent who does a thorough market analysis of the home you are making an offer on.

Real Estate Market Data for Anchorage, Alaska 99504 provided by Christina Gamez of Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group.

Anchorage, Alaska 99504 Real Estate Report Summary

The median list price in November for single family homes in Anchorage was $260,000. 

The price per square foot for listings in this area is $160. 

The median sale price in August for single family homes was $210,602. The sale prices dropped by -24.32% from the previous month.

The price per square foot for sales in this area is $110.

Find Homes for Sale in Anchorage, Alaska

Visit my website to search for homes in Anchorage or to be notified when Anchorage homes come on the market.

Visit my website to find out what your home is worth in the current market or call 907-952-1496 today.

Reducing Risk of Wintertime Fires

This week we are happy to introduce guest blogger Stacey Allen, Agency Intern at State Farm. Stacey and State Farm have generously agreed to share with us eight great tips for reducing the risk of wintertime fires in our homes.

8 Ways to Help Reduce the Risk

of Wintertime Fire

Oct 25, 2012

BySFLCAuthor

During the holidays and throughout winter, the use of fireplaces, candles, furnaces and decorative lights goes up. So does the risk of a home fire, says Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Residential fires during the winter are responsible for more than 900 deaths and 3,800 injuries each year.¹

Keep your home safe with these precautions:

• Only burn seasoned hardwood in your fireplace. Never toss trash, gift wrap or branches from your old Christmas tree into the flames.
• Extinguish candles if you’re feeling drowsy. According to the NFPA, 36 percent of residential candle fires start in the bedroom. Blow out candles before you fall asleep to prevent curtains or bedding from catching on fire.
• Keep your Christmas tree watered. Water it daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. When needles begin to fall off or break rather than bend, it’s time to dispose of the tree.
• Check electric cords for damage. Frayed cords and exposed wires are a major fire hazard, especially when they rest on Christmas tree branches and other flammable materials. When decorating outdoors, prevent cord damage by using clips to hang lights—don’t use nails or staples.
• Have your fireplace professionally cleaned. According to the NFPA, creosote buildup is responsible for 22 percent of home heating fires. Avoid the danger with an annual chimney inspection and cleaning.
• Opt for smoke alarms with battery backup. Winter storms can knock out the power and prevent electric smoke alarms from functioning. Make sure your alarms have a battery in place to keep them functioning no matter what.
• Get the right extension cord. If you need an extension cord for items such as space heaters, make sure the cord is the same size or larger than the cord being plugged into it and that it can handle the amp load.
• Keep walkways clear. Keep Christmas trees, decorations, furniture and other items from blocking from your home’s exits. If a fire breaks out, this will help everyone get out safely. “Make sure that there are two ways out of every room,” Carli says. As an extra safety precaution, Carli recommends that families practice their fire escape plans in the winter as well as in the summer to account for seasonal changes such as ice and snow.

¹ U.S. Fire Administration,Winter Residential Building Fires, February 2010

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

 

The information found in the article is found in the State Farm learning center at:http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/

 

We have provided Stacey's contact information if you would like more information, and we offer our sincerest thanks to Stacey and State Farm for providing  this information.

 

Providing insurance and Financial Services

Stacey Allen, Agency Intern

907-350-1730

stacey.allen.uuwr@statefarm.com

 

Common Homebuyer Missteps: Part 5

 

Home buyer Misstep #5: Not knowing what is truly important to you

While most home buyers have a list of items that could be considered deal breakers (i.e.: square footage or neighborhood preference), many buyers do not stop to consider “consequences” of their deal breaker items, or even of their wish list items. For example, you might insist on a quiet neighborhood. Quiet neighborhoods are good. But if you have children, a quiet neighborhood might mean there are no neighborhood kids for your children to play with. Or if you want a property with views, you may want to consider the fact that most available properties with views are in more rural settings (i.e. away from the nearest grocery store and hospital). For me, being close to the Air Force Base was absolutely necessary. Yes, it's convenient. But the "consequence" is hearing the jets on a regular basis. Luckily, I happen to enjoy not only seeing them, but hearing them as well. Ultimately, only you can answer the question of what is truly important to you, but make sure to take into account both the positives and the negatives of each “deal breaker” item you list.

Common Homebuyer Missteps: Part 4

Home Buyer Misstep #4: Lack of Due Diligence

The concept of due diligence is quite possible the most important tool in a buyer's toolkit. This does not simply mean attending all inspections and asking questions during those inspections- although this is a very important step. Due diligence means going the extra mile to confirm information from sources such as the municipality or even by Googling the property address. While the seller does have the legal responsibility to disclose information on a property, simply trusting the seller is not enough. As a buyer, you want to have as much information as possible before you are fully committed to a particular property. So take some extra time in your home search to understand all the ins and outs of a prospective property. It could save you major headaches down the road.

2012 Christmas Coloring Contest

2012 Christmas Coloring Contest

 
Today starts our annual Christmas Coloring Contest for kids ages 4-13! Each year we take the entries submitted and display them in our office. At the end of the contest, winners are chosen and will receive the specified prize. Below is a copy of the rules for entry as well as the coloring pages for each age group. Remember, the parent MUST sign the back of the coloring page indicated permission for their kids' participation in this contest. Visit our facebook page or email us for larger pictures.
 
So what are you waiting for? Print the coloring page and have your kids start coloring today!!

 

 

Christmas Angel: Ages 4-7

 

 

 

 

Wise Men: Ages 8-10

 

 

 

 

Christmas Nativity: Ages 11-13

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on those things we hold most dear. It's a time to tell our loved ones how much we appreciate them and to spend a little extra time enjoying our families. We each have our traditions which we look forward to every year. For some it's football; others, it's the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; still others, it's the hunting channel (yes, this is my family's time-honored tradition for all family gatherings). Most traditions include some kind of food. My family's menu typically includes Alaskan meats such as moose or ptarmigin, and has even included a marmot on occasion. But no matter what your traditions may be, love is what is important.

This week we are breaking from our mini-series to say Thank You to our clients and vendors who make our job so rewarding each and every day. We sincerely wish these clients and vendors, as well as our friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving. May you be richly blessed this Holiday Season.
-Christina Gamez & Associates

Common Homebuyer Concerns: Part 3

Common Misstep Number 3: Failing to Choose an Agent You Can Trust

This week we are covering the importance of finding an agent you know you can trust. What’s more, actually trusting the agent you chose and giving them the freedom to show you homes outside your perception of what a home should look like. A good agent knows the potential of homes and may see that potential before you do. A good agent will know your likes and dislikes and also your personality. He or she will find homes to show you based upon more than simply your likes and dislikes. When your agent shows you a home you wouldn’t have chosen yourself, ask questions. Ask what your agent sees in the home and expect them to make a case for why you should even consider the property. Keep an open mind while listening to the explanations. You never know: just maybe this out-of-the-box home will be your next dream home! And remember, there are plenty of agents you can trust; so if you’re working with one that you find yourself not trusting, you may want to think about looking for a new agent. This is all part of the due diligence you as a home buyer must exercise during the entire home buying process. More on this next week!

Common Homebuyer Missteps: Part 2

Misstep #2: Failing to maintain a fine emotional balance throughout the home-buying process

Last week we discussed deciding upon your true price range. This week, we are discussing that emotional line we all walk as home buyers. We want “our” place to sweep us off our feet and be 100% perfect. Sometimes, this may indeed happen; however, oftentimes we are confronted with the reality that our perfect home isn’t out there yet. Those homes which do seem perfect are typically thought of as perfect by other buyers as well, and you may find yourself in a multiple offer scenario. Conversely, there are many flawed homes that could become your perfect home. You don’t want to discount these homes, but you still want to look at homes that seem to be perfect. A good rule of thumb is to visualize homes through the lens of what it could be once you’ve added your personality into the mix. This applies no matter what state the home is in when you visit. If you can see the potential of a flawed home and can be excited about that potential, then that flawed home might very well be the home to sweep you off your feet. Ultimately, you don’t want to make an offer on a home you aren’t excited about- either as it is or as you envision it to be. Also, don’t get too excited until after you have the home inspection and the appraisal report, as these two documents can make or break the purchase of a home. Next week we will discuss the importance of trusting the agent you have chosen for your home search.

Common Homebuyer Missteps

We love first time home buyers. The energy and excitement they bring is easily matched by our own energy and excitement as we search for their first home. We understand that first time home buyers often have limited understanding of what the process actually looks like, and we make sure to walk through the process step-by-step with our buyers. However, we always like to provide first time home buyers (and home buyers in general) with as many resources as we possibly can, even prior to beginning the home search. Over the next several weeks we will be discussing several common missteps made by first time buyers (and buyers in general). We believe this information is valuable to all potential buyers, and we know this information is a good reminder for our team as we work with our buyers. It is our goal that none of our buyers make these mistakes but instead find the home of their dreams and love it for years to come.

Misstep #1: Not knowing what your true price range really is.

Many buyers limit their search strictly to what their lenders have approved them for or within a “comfortable” price range. Looking at homes in higher price ranges is not a bad thing nor is it our agent’s attempt to get a higher commission. The advantage of this higher price range is a buyer might find a very nice home and negotiate the price down into their price range.  The risk, in today’s market we have a limited number of homes for sale. This means often homes have multiple offers. If a buyer cannot afford the asking price, it is not likely they will have their offer accepted. However, a buyer might miss out on the perfect home by narrowing the price range too extensively.

In contrast, expanding your price range to include homes in a lower price range may enable you to find a true diamond. While some homes may require work, there are a lot of solid, move-in-ready homes waiting for a buyer to come along and fall in love with. Some sellers are extremely motivated to sell, and will sell a quality home at a lower price simply to unload it. This is a buyer’s perfect opportunity to snag a real deal on their dream home.

The moral of the lesson is to feel free to expand your search to price ranges above and below your actual price range. You may say, “But what if I fall in love with a high priced home and then my offer is not accepted?” Well, our next blog covers Misstep #2: Walking the fine emotional line. Stay tuned.