Eagle River, AK

Here is a brief over view of the Eagle River Real Estate Market. In the last week we experienced some very nice weather, and the annual bear Paw festival was underway. What we saw was a slow down in sales as well as new listings on the market as people took time out to have fun.

The overall inventory levels fell slightly as fewer homes came on the market and nine homes closed successfully. there have been several pending properties this week and I see many Realtors out showing property.

The strongest sales activity has been under $350,000. However, I have seen several buyers looking at homes in the upper $400,000.

Interest rates continue to be steady, ranging from 4.75% for 15 year mortgage to 5.375% for a 30 year mortgage. Please contact Aaron Gray at Homestate Mortgage, (907) 689-6456, for more information on available rates and programs.

The Eagle River real estate market continues to hold steady. Please fill free to make comments, or call me at (907) 360-7471 with questions.

As we enter into the new construction season and saw dust starts to fly through the air, one wonders will we get back to the growth we saw just a few years ago.

I believe we will see steady growth in new construction side of real estate. In Eagle River we will see steady growth. Powder Ridge is seeing several new homes this year. Nolan homes, LLC is almost finished with a a home and there are open houses there each weekend.

Nolan Homes is currently marketing 22 new homes in the Powder Ridge subdivision. There is a myriad of styles and sizes. Nolan Homes is offering two levels of specifications, a standard level which is still a higher level of building specifications, and a Luxury build specification. The Luxury level includes upgrades such hardwood flooring, granite counter tops, and many other features withing he home.

New construction is moving forward and Eagle River is growing. Come to Powder Ridge and see the progress.

Life in Alaska is a blast when the weather cooperates, and this summer it is. Although this last week had a little rain, it was needed and by the middle of Sunday it had subsided. this was good news for myself and my family.

We took out the boat this weekend and visited the Deshka River. Fishing reports were pretty dismal, but we though we'd give it a try. The weather was rainy all morning so we didn't get started until about 10:30. We launched and headed down river. It looked pretty slow so we stayed near the mouth.

We did have a coiuple strikes, probably trout messing with our rigs. Weather was good so we just relaxed and let the lures do the work. At one point I decided to change lures and put a big Kenai Quicksilver on. My partners laughed and asked if I was going to try clubbing a fish.

I tossed the lure out a couple times, not really paying attention when I felt a tug, so I tugged back and this fish tried to pull me overboard. This fish was really nice, about 40 inches long. Not sure of the weight, 35-45 lbs.

What is happening out there? This is what I was asking myself yesterday. Interest rates did a little dance yesterday. They didn't just jump,they jumped twice. The good news is they stayed stable today.

Now is the building season for new construction. My second question was how is this going to effect the new homes we're going to build? Steady interest rates make everyone happy. Timing the market is not a good recipe for success.

I spoke with another business owner in town about the small jump, and he said that maybe he should have bought another home and used it for a rental. I realize there is a lot of uncertainty in the economy, but the housing market in Eagle River Alaska has remain steady.

If you are trying to time the market, don't. There are good deals out there and the interest rates are pretty low. Waiting for that better deal will only cause you to miss out on the good deal that is available now.

I think that if we worry to much about what we may lose, we will never get a chance to live. You have to make decisions, you have to make choices, you cannot live on the sidelines. How many people do you know that missed out on that great opportunity?

I am not saying take risk, just don't be paralyzed by the unknown. Life is all about the unknown, make good decisions and move on..I mean move in.

What makes a good Realtor? I think most of us would find it easier to answer the question what makes a bad Realtor. The reasons are numerous when it comes to the negative side of this equation, but the positive side is a little harder, or is it?

I believe that after my last two transactions I have a little better idea. These two transactions happened when I had a tremendous amount of stress in my work life that did not have anything to do with these transactions. I was distracted and my follow through was not up to par.

The Realtors on the other side were on top of things and at no time during the transaction did they criticize my performance. They were supportive and the transactions went very smoothly. I think this is the first sign that you have a good Realtor.

1. Good Realtors are not judgmental.

The next reason that a Realtor can be considered good or bad, is do they follow up on what they say their going to do.

2. Good Realtors follow through and Follow up.

Attitude is very important when it comes a good Realtor and sometimes it is easy to see.

3. Good Realtors have a positive attitude.

There are several other factors that will influence whether or not ones perception of a Realtor is good or bad. These perceptions can change from transaction to transaction. I believe that this is very important.

4. Good Realtors do not hold a grudge.

It goes without saying that their knowledge of an area, sales skills, communication, and good hygiene should be include, but these skills and habits do not make a Realtor great, or even good. I believe it is these 4 items. These are the traits we expect to find in our friends, and when a Realtor is considered a friend, I believe that is the greatest compliment.

What do you think?