Alaskans used to be known for their contrary ways. “We don’t care how they do it in the lower ‘48’. Now, it seems all that has changed with technology and we’re bombarded with internet articles, emails, blogs, TV segments about the demise of the residential real Continue Reading
To Build or Not to Build
To build or not to build? That is the question facing a lot of new home buyers in today’s market. With Anchorage’s aging housing inventory, home buyers are frustrated with the lack of aesthetically up to date homes and ones that are built to current code standards, Continue Reading
Anchorage Need More Housing
The 2010 census data is out and Anchorage grew 12.1 percent to a total population of 291,826. That’s about 60,000 more residents than ten years ago, creating another small city in our midst! The Mat-Su Borough grew by 50% to a population of 88,995. If population is the Continue Reading
Housing in 2012
So the question on everyone’s mind is whether or not 2012 is going to be a turnaround year for residential real estate. The answer is maybe. All signs are pointing in that direction BUT Anchorage’s recovery will depend upon the willingness of local lenders to allow Continue Reading
Condominiums Have Changed
Condominiums aren’t what they used to be. The two-story duplex condo development where every condo looks the same, is a thing of the past except in the resale market. Ever since one major condo builder got into financial trouble about four years ago and was forced to stop Continue Reading
Deciphering Condo Dues. Why Some Cost More than Others.
During the past couple of weeks, I’ve had two clients looking to purchase a home under $250,000. One important factor, other than the number of bedrooms/bathrooms/size of the garage/age and location, is the amount of the condo dues versus none that are required for a Continue Reading
Is Small the New Big?
After years of single family homes increasing in size, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the new single family home decreased from 2,438 square feet to 2,377 in 2010. Here in Anchorage that doesn’t come as much of a surprise as builders have struggled to stay afloat Continue Reading
Anchorage Housing Costs
It’s no secret that housing nationwide represents the largest share of consumer spending and Anchorage residents are no different. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Anchorage residents spend a whopping 41.3% of their income on housing, making it the most Continue Reading
Lack of New Construction Frustrates Home Buyers
Last night a buyer said to me, “We were about to make an offer on a home built in l983 but then realized we’d be buying a home that’s almost thirty years old! We’re concerned about maintenance and repairs. Can you show us something new?â€Â Just a few days before Continue Reading
Low Interest Rates Create More Buying Power
Our current low interest rates are a bright spot in a flat housing market. Low interest rates allow buyers to qualify for a much higher valued home. The current rate on a thirty year fixed rate loan is 4.5%. When that interest rate bumps up just one percent which it surely Continue Reading
Connie Yoshimura is the Owner and Broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alaska Realty. With over 40 years of residential real estate experience, she continues to be a leader in Alaska’s housing market. Most recently, she sold the highest-priced home ever recorded in the Alaska MLS.