Seward, Alaska Rocks

Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

     Aaaahhhhh Seward. Last weekend my wife and I had an opportunity to visit Seward AND help a charitable cause- that's like getting a bonus round!
     I was there to sponsor the Military YMCA Combat Fishing Tournament. An event where active duty enlisted military personnel are taken out on charter fishing boats- at no cost to them.
As a prior serviceman (go Army!) I enjoyed being around fellow service members. Right off the bat I knew if nothing else, we had that in common. Turns out our skipper was prior service. He was a Coastie. Perfect! So then you'd assume that there was a love of fishing too, but as it turns out, one of our "guys" had never fished before. And ya know what? He was slayin' them. He caught several fish, and even though he had every right to keep them, he used his head, admitting that he lived in the barracks and couldn't use the fish, so he released everything he caught, how cool.
Our plan was that I'd be there by myself for two days until she could join me (she had to work).

     If you have never been to Seward, YOU MUST GO. It is a great town that has a lot to offer.
     A visit to the Sea Life Center is a must. It's always fun to see wildlife, but to learn about the eco system in Alaska is an amazing experience. A boat ride in Resurrection Bay will almost always yield a chance to view Sea Otters, Sea Lions, Dahl's Porpoises, and more. And on my day trip, I did get to.
     We camped out on the Beach in our camper at the Marathon Camp Ground. The view is spectacular, and I have said many times that there is never anything better than sitting on a beach and relaxing. A lot of people would take that to mean a beach in Hawaii. While there is nothing wrong at all with that, sitting on the beach in Seward is probably just as good. The weather was perfect. The view was spectacular.
     Friday afternoon I ventured downtown to find lunch. I selected a local watering hole that had a good crowd and much to my delight, a few of the tourists from the cruise ship parked at the dock bought me not just one drink, but TWO!
     Seward is the kind of place where you kind of expect that when you order seafood, it's gonna be fresh caught. When you visit a local establishment, you will be met with a genuine smile  and it's almost guaranteed that a good time will be had by all.
     After our spectacular weekend was over, my wife and I agreed, Seward may very well be one of our favorite places to visit, and you should too.We have many more adventures planed for this summer, to include Prince William Sound, fishing on the Kenai, and more. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to enjoy Alaska.

Arctic man 2014

WOW! What an event! My wife and I attended Arctic Man last year for the first time and it was somewhat life altering. It made us look hard at what we want out of life. What we enjoy. And how far we are willing to go to get it. And this year was even better.

As a result, we bought a bigger trailer, more snowmachines, and a camper. Our friends let us stay in their RV that first year, but we quickly realized we wanted our own space. The upside would be that we can use it year round, if we found the right camper. The downside? Stuff costs money.

So this year, we planned ahead and we did it right. We reserved 3 spots instead of 1. We invited more people. We planned meals to be shared amongst all. We took more time off from work. This is a special event. This is what ushers us into spring in a BIG way, so damnit, here we go!

 

The first night was a little chilly, we hit -1 at our camper. But boy, oh boy! the daytime temps were in the 40's. the sun was shining, and the powder was phenomenal.

Race day is Friday, and unfortunately there was a casualty early on that delayed the race. But after that it was on! Watching the handicap skiers was so amazing. They have life changing disabilities and they were out there tearing it up better than I ever could. To say they have guts is an understatement.

As we rode down the mountain, I caught a glimpse of the campground, and the sight was amazing. Out in the middle of nowhere Alaska, there are approximately 15,000 people gathered to watch a race. The economic impact is incredible. I sat there atop the berm at our camp and stared at all of the Rv's, snowmachines, and various other toys and equipment parked around us for this event. The organizers claim there are about 10,000 Rv's. There are probably just as many snowmachines too. The economic impact is darn near mind boggling. If you figure the dollar amount of vehicles, fuel, food, advertising, and number of people etc that goes into this week long event, all of a sudden you have the fourth largest city in Alaska.

It is a good time to be had by all, and as long as this event goes on, we will be there. The scenery is stunning, the people are awesome, the riding is the best.

Arctic Man- save the date. You'll be sorry if you don't!

The Big One

Recently I attended an Anchorage Chamber of Commerce luncheon, and Anchorage fire chief Chris Bushue brought up a really good point while discussing disaster preparedness. Anchorage sits on an earthquake fault. We are bordered on 3 sides by water. He stated that it's not a matter of "if" Anchorage is going to have another major disaster, it's "when". Last week was the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Good Friday earthquake and after all these years, it's still chilling to think about the death and destruction it caused. We Alaskans take this stuff seriously (at least I hope we all do). It is such a real possibility, that last week first responders ranging from the Coast Guard to volunteer groups to the national guard participated in a multi organization training event in Valdez. Earthquake, Tsunami Training with Alaska Shield in Valdez Having grown up in Alaska, it's something I have always had bouncing around in the back of my mind, but I sat down and REALLY thought about how my family and I would react in a natural disaster. Here is what I came up with:

1. We have a camper and always keep propane in it, along with a change of clothes, linens, etc. If need be, we have alternate shelter. Bonus- it is mobile.
2. We have 2 generators. One generator is run on natural gas and is set up so that it can be plugged into our home's heating system. The assumption is that we will be able to access the nat. gas. At least we'll have heat. The other generator is a Honda portable that runs on gas. We use it for the camper, but of course it can be used for anything.
3. Our camper also has a solar charger hooked up to it's battery, so we have some electrical back up there too.
4. We keep gasoline on hand year round. Whether it's for the snow blower, the lawn mower, or in the snowmachines and cars. If we need it, we have it. is it enough? I hope we never have to find out.
5. Food- We have a freezer that I always try to keep over full and a pantry that is the same. As a kid, we had all kinds of food on hand simply because if my mom felt like cooking something, she would rather open the pantry and start cooking instead of waiting until she could visit the grocery store. I am pretty sure I get that habit from her. However, my wife and I have decided we want to try our hand at canning. Not just because it'll insure more food "just in case", but also because we want to enjoy the experience of catching our own fish, picking our own berries, etc.
6. Batteries- need I say more?
7. Radios- I have a few radios that operate via cranking them up. This charges the built in battery so that then we can listen. They also incorporate short wave bands, weather band, emergency channels, etc. A good way to monitor what is happening in a emergency as TV channels and regular radio stations may be out of service. 8.Bullets- I'm not arming for the zombie apocalypse, but the possibility of having to subsistence hunt or protect my family during civil unrest could happen. I believe we are all too civilized, but I am also realistic. Look at the looting that occurred in New Orleans after the hurricane.
9. Possibly the most important thing- A plan. My family has discussed what to do if there is an emergency. They know where they need to be and what to do. Will everyone remain calm? probably not. Will it all work out? Hopefully so.
Something else to consider- your pets. It's easy for people to prepare, but I am willing to bet we (as a whole) forget about our pets. We have two cats, and after listening to Chief Bushue, I have decided I will have our pet carriers easily accessible so we can make sure they are safe and go with us if we need to go. We always have cat food on hand, but we don't keep water necessarily, so now I know I need to stock up on water for us AND the cats. Not something I would have thought of otherwise....shame on me. Municipality of Anchorage Animal Care and Control Disaster Preparation.
This is just a blog, it's not gospel, and I am NOT an expert, although I used to be heavy into disaster relief as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. I would recommend that anyone and everyone think about this. Visit the Municipality's website there's a ton of info on there about how to prepare your family. There are also links to DHS and other agencies that I thought were helpful too. Stay safe, be prepared.

The Facts

A recent Anchorage Daily News article about housing in Anchorage had some information I will just call "bad" in it. One of the points in the story talks about how housing in Anchorage isn't affordable, and that's a relative term. Unfortunately, the article states income levels that the author represents as needing to be met in order to buy specific types of home, and the second half of that equation is totally left out. qualifying for a home takes income AND debt. If a person makes $100K a year and has $90K in debt, they won't qualify for much of a home. If they make $50K and have no debt, they will more than likely qualify for more home than the $100K buyer does. The article also mentions the housing stock is deteriorating, and so that means what? Homes are crumbling? Falling down? Caving in? Home Depot and Lowes make sure that just isn't the case. We are seeing older homes being renovated and being given a new effective year built and that means that their "lifespans" are renewed. And with that modern construction materials and techniques, their useful remaining life is being extended another 60 or more years. And the last point I'll mention is the nationally branded App that the homebuyer they interviewed is using. Unless a person is going to the local MLS or any of its subscribing brokers, the data is almost guaranteed to be inaccurate and possibly out of date too. I cannot stress enough the importance of using a local and knowledgeable product. Whether it is a Realtor, a local MLS, etc.

We are a lucky city.

My wife and I attended an Alaska Aces game last week and boy was it awesome! Not only did the Alaska Aces beat Stockton, but they did it in front of a crowd of 5800 people. 5800 folks who endured a full parking lot. Folks who had to park way too far away and walk in the frigid temperatures to get to the game. But that's what we do. Because nobody in their right (or not so right) mind misses a game. The Aces are a great organization. The players, owners, and staff are all community minded. They know how to play good hockey and give the fans what they want.

We invited some friends of ours who had never been to a hockey game, and they were thrilled with the experience. The Aces fans are the best and last night they showed their spirit. The announcer had the crowd going and everyone was doing exactly what you'd expect- having a great time! 

Summer time is no different either, with two minor league baseball teams, it's easy to get out for a night at the ballgame too. 

Recently, I was speaking with a client who is moving here from Texas, and I asked him what he likes to do. He rattled off a list of things and it was a short list, but his interests are pretty cool none-the less. I asked him if he likes hockey, and he said that he'd never really watched it, being from Texas and all. I mentioned The Aces to him, and he said he had heard about them from coworkers and had also read about them online. When I told him some hockey stories (like triple overtime!) He said he thinks he's gonna have to give hockey a try. I'm hoping when he gets here, I get to be the one who goes to a game with him, because I KNOW IT WILL BE FUN!

Sometimes it happens

So there we were, two days before closing and that call no one likes was made. The buyer can't close. The bank won't give them the loan.

 In today's marketplace, lending regulations are tighter than ever, so when a licensee is working with a buyer or seller, it's important to communicate. Talk about the loan program guidelines. Talk about the importance of contract dates. Talk about what happens if one side or the other doesn't perform. It's easy to discuss what the client wants. Or how the home will look with a fresh coat of paint. But what happens when the bank decides the buyer isn't going to live in the home enough days out of the year to satisfy the loan program guidelines? Huh? That's right! Because the buyer works in another town and will not be home 181 days out of the year, they are considered a non occupying owner (for this program). The buyer begged, she said she was told as long as her "stuff" is there, she lives there. But it doesn't work that way. It's a conversation the buyer should have had with the lender and the licensee before the offer was written. And because the lender is part of the buyer's home buying team, the buyer will lose a substantial amount of earnest money. Don't be afraid to ask. It's free.

But here’s the rub…the buyer can always ask for their money back. The buyer and seller usually try to negotiate how this all will work out, but if they don’t agree, the broker holding the earnest money can decide where the money is disbursed. It can all get real messy, just from not having a very basic conversation.

What are you waiting for?

Alaska is full of endless opportunities. When I was growing up, my dad used to say people move to Alaska for one of two reasons. To start a new life full of adventure, or to get away from an old one. And I think it holds true. I have met many folks who came to chase a dream, and many who are getting away from a nightmare.

 I personally have left three times and have returned just as many. I have also learned the grass is not necessarily greener. Having traveled far and wide, I often wondered what it would be like to actually live in some of those places, and when I tried it, well, here I am.

Alaska has a robust economy. Perhaps it should be called unique, or maybe excellent, or odd, or challenged. But I have no doubt that there is opportunities abound.

Let's talk about having fun. Like to be outdoors? Alaska offers just as many outdoor recreational activities, if not more, than anywhere else. Snowmachining, mountain climbing, fishing. Ever heard of Ice Bowling? It's a big deal during our annual Fur Rondy event. Photography, flying, skiing, waterskiing, boating, hunting, and on and on and on. 

In the summer we have so much daylight you just never want to stop. And here's no reason to let winter slow you down either. Bicyclists put fat tires on their bikes and wear head lamps. Boaters and jet skiers put them away and get out snowmachines. Fishermen dress a little warmer, and so do the runners.

Year after year, Alaska, and Anchorage in particular, sees more and more indoor events too. From Cirque shows to rock concerts to operas and ballet. Beer tasting festivals (from our many local microbreweries) to home remodeling shows, we have it all.

Maybe I am jaded. I don’t know. What I do know is that there is no reason to not get out and experience life in the 49th state. 

It's your Alaska, enjoy!

Maintaining a house in the Arctic

Often times  as I look at homes with clients, be it walking through a new listing I am taking, or with a buyer, I can't help but notice that many of the homes have deferred maintenance that often times is a result of our climate.

Our harsh Arctic environment takes it's toll, there's no doubt about it. A fresh exterior paint job will last perhaps 5 years if done properly. And if left unmaintained, exposed wood surfaces deteriorate quickly.

Another (and perhaps much more expensive) item is the roof. 30 years ago the state was just coming off an oil boom that allowed us to enjoy growth. The advertised life of a roof back then was only 20-30 years, and again, our harsh climate diminishes that expectancy. Granule wear on the typical asphalt composition shingles is high, and code back then didn't require "ice shield". Add to that the typically lower R value found in the attics (allowing for greater heat loss), and older homes have a greater propensity for ice damning- that is- the snow in direct contact with the shingles is heated from heat rising out of the home, only to be cooled from the snow sitting atop that layer. The result is a freeze thaw cycle with no avenue of escape for the water before it freezes. Well, except one route- to creep under the shingles and into the wood decking underneath. Creating rotten wood and possibly leaks.

Many times a homeowner will say something like"my roof doesn't leak, it's OK"! My experience has been that a 30 year old roof may not be in trouble now, but if left to mother nature, it's only a matter of time before things will go down hill quickly and at a greater expense.

These are just a few examples of items to think about.

My recommendation always has been and always will be, don't cut corners when it comes to your real estate. It easier and more affordable to maintain a home than it is to repair a damaged one.

For most people, their real property is the largest investment they will financially ever make. So why not protect it?