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?