We woke up Sunday morning and the temperature was 2 degrees, 2.  It was sunny and there was a lite breeze.  Chilly would be an understatement.  Today was the restart of the Iditarod in Willow.  The start was scheduled for 2 pm. and by then it had warmed up to 14 degrees.  It was nice and sunny as we made our way to Willow.

 We arrived in Willow with plenty of time to visit the staging area, this is were all the musher's were with their dogs before the race.  Have you ever heard hundreds of sled dogs howling at once, Wow!

We wandered around and saw the sites.  We saw Martin Buser and Lance Mackey being interviewed.  Lance Mackey had a huge crowd and looked like the celebrity he has become.  It helps to win three Iditarod races in a row.

We saw DeeDee Jonrow getting her dogs ready for the race, they each had pink harnesses.  Mitch Seavey was there and his team looked very relaxed. 

There was so much to see and there were thousands of peop[le there on the lake ready for the start. Yes being on the lake was safe.  Ice is over 3 feet thick.

 We made our way to the starting chute to watch the teams begin their 1000 mile journey to Nome.  Many people had been out there for several hours waiting to see the first mushers go.  Many people were from the lower 48 and you could tell they had no idea it would be so cold.  It really wasn't that bad if you dressed for it.  The lite wind made it a little cool.  After a couple of teams started people started heading for the warmth of the Willow school.

We watched as Newton Marshall came down the start chute, he is the first Jamaican to enter the Iditarod Sled Dog race.  Pretty brave young man.  Although what possessed him to leave the beach for the snow?

The crowd cheered and everyone had fun.  there were good eats, we ventured over to the vendors and found Reindeer hot dogs and Buffalo Bratwursts w/ grilled onions.  These were very good.

We had a great time, and then caught the bus back to Wasilla, to the original re-start.  In the 80's & 90's the race left Wasilla and travelled down my grandmothers driveway to the lake before heading to Knik and then up the Yhetna River.  Those were the good ole days sitting on the deck watching the teams go by.

We had just as much fun this year and will go back again next year. 

Hope to see you there! 

Peter?s Creek/Chugiak offered us an escape from the traditional city neighborhood. The Tablelands is a recently developed subdivision. All homes are built with modern designs. Large lots offer privacy, and there is room for our toys. Plenty of space and we don?t have to drive to the Valley...So much to offer, 9 ft ceilings, gas fire place and wood stove, deck is plumbed for natural gas.

Clean, up to date, modern, what else would you want? Great home very close to downtown Eagle River, and local bases. View the photos and video tour, and you will see a home that is perfect for you.

This is the first time this beautiful log home has been offered for sale. 600 feet of Kenai River frontage. The home was constructed with ceder logs from Washington under the supervision of a tribal elder master craftsman. Large decks offer outdoor living, great Pavilion and firepit, private dock. Tremendous property is a must see.

More information at www.AlaskaWildernessHomes.com

I had the opportunity to visit one of the truly magnificent places in Alaska.  Let me start with "I Love Cooper Landing"  I would move there if I could.  The area is known for its biking and hiking trails, and of course the Kenai River.

My family and I visit friends that are lucky enough to have found Kenai Lake front homes.  We try to spend several weekends each summer floating the Kenai River.  The fishing can be phenomenal.  Last summer it was.  The river was clear, and the water was low, which made for great fishing.

Fishing is Alaska, and Alaska is fishing.  We love it, which is why Cooper Landing, Alaska is one of my favorite destinations.  The fishing here is great year round.

So this last month I was really happy when Ed Galvez came to me to assist him in marketing a property on the Kenai River, right in the middle of Cooper Landing.  My favorite place. 

The home turned out to be my personal favorite.  If I could live anywhere in Alaska, this would be it.  This home is tremendous, and with 600 feet of Kenai River frontage the views are awesome.

We finished our video on Wednesday and the link is just below.  Let me know what you think, and be sure to pass it on if you know someone that would like this home.

This wonderful log home has 2624 square feet of living space, a fire pavilion, a 3 car garage and a 200 square foot wood working shop.  The Garage and shop are 1392 square feet.  The home is easy to get to, which is very important.  The home is easily seen from the Bridge and public boat launch.  However the log home face south west down the river, so the views are great. 

Cooper Landing is a great destination.  Princess Cruise Lines thought so, they bought an old lodge and built the Kenai Princess Lodge.  1000's of visitors come to Cooper Landing.  Imagine if this was your home.  Wow. 

We are excited to offer the 13^th annual Prudential sponsored Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute for students grades 8-12. The institute will be held March 8^th-12^th over Spring Break. This program is a 40 hour community leadership training program for teens who, want to learn leadership skills and improve themselves, their schools and make the community a better place to live.

 If you or someone you know, know a student who would be interested in applying, please contact Sabra at ext. 7295 for an application or click on the attached information packet & application. The deadline is February 26^th. Or for more information on PYLI visit www.spirit.prudential.com

Beginning Feb. 1, the Federal Housing Administration will provide mortgage insurance for some purchases in which the seller bought the property and held it for fewer than 90 days.

The agency is changing what is known as the “anti-flipping rule” to speed up sales of renovated homes in communities with too many bank-owned and foreclosed homes, says FHA Commissioner David H. Stevens.

Waiving the 90-day rule will encourage private investors to buy vacant properties, fix them up, and quickly sell them to buyers who will be eligible to buy them using FHA financing.

FHA's change "is going to be absolutely terrific" for first-time home buyers hoping to take advantage of the tax credit, says Bobby Taylor, an associate with Coldwell Banker Mountain West Real Estate in Salem, Ore.

Source: Washington Post (01/30/2010)

WEDNESDAY February 3,  2010

Downtown Eagle River Circulation Study

Are you frustrated by traffic congestion, access onto main collectors in the Eagle River business district?  The MOA has begun our downtown circulation study to identify problems and recommend solutions.  This is your chance to have input!!!  Doors open at 11:30am.

Menu:

Roast Chicken Burritto with carmelized onions, cilantro, refried beans, cheese, lettuce.  Topped with roast chicken tomatillo sauce & sour cream.

Salsa & chips

February Forums sponsored by 

Alaska Small Business Development Corporation

LOCATION: EAGLE RIVER ELKS LODGE Banquet Room

Doors open at 11:30 - luncheon begins promptly at noon.

17111 N Eagle River Loop Rd

(Banquet room doors are on the west end of the building)

Cost:  $14 members/$16 non-members.  Coffee tea only $3.00

You can reserve and pay online!

Go to http://www.cer.org/estore.html

The National association of Realtors came out with their latest number and the country saw a reduction in number of sales by 17% over last year at this same time.  They were anticipating the number to be closer to 10%.  This means that the housing recovery is going to take time.  I think everyone realizes this, they just wish it would happen sooner.

In Alaska, we're seeing the same steady market that we've seen in recent years.   I hear this quote just the other day "This market is an 'Opportunistic Market'; there are opportunities for buyer and sellers.  This is so true.  Values have remained steady on nice home, and homes that need work can be bought at a reduced price. 

Here are the numbers for Eagle River* Alaska residential sales:

• 15 New Homes on the market
• 5 Homes pended under new contracts
• 5 homes Closed

There are currently 96 homes being marketed in Eagle River.

• 73 existing homes
• 0 New Construction Complete
• 11 Homes under Construction
• 12 Homes To Be Built (not started)

The number of homes available offers some great opportunities to buyers and for sellers that have very nice homes.  The current homes range in price from $169,000 to $1,100,000. 

To find out what your home is worth visit www.ValueMyAlaskanHome.com.

To receive a list of the latest homes on the market in South Central Alaska visit www.EagleRiverHomesforSale.com!

*This representation is based in whole, or part, on data supplied by, and to, the Subscribers of Alaska MLS.  Alaska MLS does not guarantee, nor is it in any way responsible for, its accuracy.  Data maintained by Alaska MLS is for its own use and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. 

January 14th, 2010.  Eagle River Community Council Meeting; the meeting was held at the new Eagle River Town Center, just down the hall from the new Eagle River Library.  The Eagle River Community Council meets on the second Thursday of each month. 

Last night’s meeting was lightly attended, with a majority of the participants being from the local High Schools.  There were several persons visiting from other community councils; they were there to hear the gust spear from Land Design North, more about this later.

 Assembly women Debbie Ossiander was in attendance and gave a recap of recent developments.  Funding was restored for the Eagle River Library; they will open one more day during the week; although one full time position will be cut.  There maybe other budget concerns as the year progresses; they will be doing a quarterly review in April. 

Local roads are being plowed on a frequent basis; one concerned citizen spoke up asking that the plow trucks be a little more responsible about how much snow they dropped in his driveway (gating).  Michael Melielo is the council representative to the Road Board; he addresses this concern and provides the contact information to the homeowner so that the proper people we notified.  The discussion at this point was how our road board worked differently from Anchorages.  The end result was that Eagle River/Chugiak was more efficient and home owner’s property taxes were lower as a result; less mill rate for road maintenance.  

The next topic was the Master Plan for Beach Lake Park; guest speaker Mrs. S Doyle of Land Design North.  This discussion was very lively; there are many different uses for the park.  In the summer you have bikers as well as hikers, and there are several different areas within the park that are in use.  Beach Lake Park does see more traffic in the winter as there are miles of cross country ski trails; as well as several dog sledding trails.  For the most part these trails do not cross.  There have been several meetings to layout the master plan, and the next meeting is February 9th 2010, 6:00 - 8:30 pm at the Eagle River Town Center.  Click here for PDF Flyer of Event.

The meeting was concluded shortly after this lively discussion. The Eagle River Community Council meetings typically last between 1-2 hours.  There is always good information about the community.

If you are watching the market than you know that every talking head has an opinion and very few of them are the same.  Now I going to chime in.  Just what we need right? Another talking head.  I will try to keep to what I know and what I see happening in the local real estate market.

The number of homes bottomed out in recent weeks.  The lowest level of homes available for sale this decade.  That is beginning to change, the number of homes increase by 50% last week.  23 new listings, now some of these had been on the market before the holidays and were taken off the market.  Now their back and ready for sale, and that is good news because with the number of new pending transactions; the supply dropped to just 2.4 months.

There is a enthusiasm in the market, interest rates are low, prices have been steady.  This is a win-win for buyers and sellers.  Buyers there are more homes coming on the market, although they're selling quickly.  For Sellers, if you're ready to sell, there are buyers in the market looking for good homes.

Buyers can see receive e-mails updates by registering at www.eagleriverhomesforsale.com

Sellers can receive a free CMA and marketing plan by visiting www.valuemyalaskanhome.com

Christmas had come and the our kids had a great time opening presents.  They spent the entire day in the PJ's until we went out Christmas night to see a movie.  Yes. you should go see Avatar, but I am not writing about that, I am sure there will be plenty of write ups and you do not need my opinion.  No, I want to share with you the next day, the day after Christmas.

Our son was engrossed in Mario Kart on the Wii, and my teenage daughter was sleeping in.  My wife, Debbie, and I decided to go skiing (figured it would be a little more fun without the kids).  Just the two of us, jumped in the car and headed for Hatchers Pass.  This area is in the mountains above Wasilla and Palmer, and just 20 minutes from our house.  Very close and convenient.  We visit there are mainly during the summer months, as this is where my great grand father's gold mining claims are.  There is still a small cabin from 1936 on the site.

But today we were going cross country skiing. There are many trails in the area, local clubs keep them groomed.  There is the Arch Angel Valley trail, and the Independence mine trails that we would visit today.  There is also several sledding areas, including one that you drive and drop off the sledders.  They the sled down a run that is close to 3/4 of a mile in length.

There is also a great skiing/snow boarding area that may people frequent.  This are is similar to the sledding area.  Groups of skiers jump the car and one  lucky person chauffeurs them up to the top.  This is how I refined my back country skiing skills as a teen.

Today's trip was to the Independence Mine area.  The area has several trails that crisscross the mountain.  Our plan was to make it up to the Higrade Mine (The family mine), which is about a mile up the valley above the Indepence Mine.  We thought we'd check on the cabin and make sure everything was ok.  We started out the slow up hill slug from the parking lot to the Independence mine, this was about a mile.  We did good, and I only had to stop a couple of times.

Once we arrived at the half way point, halfway to the Higrade, we started the steeper climb. This became a bit of a challenge, as much of this was untouched snow.  Luckily it was only about 24 inches deep.  We made it another 300 yards and decided to call it quits.  Next time we will bring snowshoes for the final push to the cabin.  Cross Country skis were not going to get us there.

We headed back down, and yes this was a challenge.  Cross country skis do not work well on steep downhill runs.  S, after two backward flops, we made it back to the main trail system. (Picture to the right:Trail Closed).  We made it back to the groomed trails.  From here we made it across the valley.  The trail system is really nice, short uphills and gentle down hill runs. 

The trails guided us back towards the Hatchers pass Lodge.  We had a really great time, and made it back to the parking lot in about 45 minutes.  Then it was time to relax, so over to the Hatchers Pass Lodge for a nice Coffee nudge and Raspberry/Blackberry pie Ala mode.  This is a must do for anyone living in Alaska.  The trails are easy and the views are spectacular.

We've heard this many times.  Keep a steady but consistent pace.  Doesn't sound real sexy but it is the 'Cure for what ails you".  A steady real estate market is a wonderful thing.

Homes are selling each week.  We get few new listings.  The inventory does not go up, although we could use a little more to keep the buyers happy.  The nation housing news came out today and it was positive across the country.  There are some expectations that the next couple of months will be slower. 

Not here in Eagle River.  We are forecasting more people moving to the area.  As rentals become scarce many families will look at new homes.  This will fuel the construction industry and we should see new homes starts increase this year.

Here are the numbers for the week of December 14Th-20Th:

• 7 new homes were listed for sale
• 5 homes went into contract (pending)
• 3 homes closed

The current number of homes available in Eagle River:

• 56 single Family homes
• 12 homes under construction
• 11 homes scheduled to be built (not started)
• 25 Condo/Townhomes
• 6 Condo/Townhomes under construction

The real estate market in Eagle River continues to be steady.  Just the way we like it.

Construction under way. Framing just started and may be able to complete in 90 days depending on weather. Home will be stunning. 9 ft main floor ceiling will provide an open environment. Call for sample video's.

Here in Eagle River the market activity* was consistent for this time of year. 

• There were just 3 new homes listed
• 5 homes pended(accepted offers)
• 2 homes closed (completed escrow contract)

The current number of existing homes available in Eagle River is dwindling, and in now down to just 59.  there are several new homes under construction however the few under construction will probably not be available until the January/February time frame. 

Information received from The Chugiak/Eagle River Chamber of Commerce shows local military personnel currently deployed returning in January.  There is also word that a new Battalion is being formed at Fort Richardson.  This could increase the population by as many as 5500 persons (not including families).  Current base housing availability is about 1200 units.  Not enough to accommodate the expected growth.

Housing availability in Eagle River will continue to be tight for the next 4-6 months.  Potential buyers may find themselves competing with other buyers for the best homes.  For helpful tips you may want to read the following report, "Eight Insiders tips for Home Buyers". 

*Based on information from AK MLS, Inc. for the period (date) through (date) but not compiled or published by AK MLS, Inc. Data maintained by AK MLS, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. 

"Marketing to the Social Web" by Larry Weber.  Very good listening material for a drive like this morning.  It made me really think about my own business practices.  I also saw the relevance this book would have in many industries.  Larry Weber illustrates the use of blogs and website for business and client communication in a manner that is easy to understand.

So, now that I am here in the office I go online, take a quick look at some of the national blog sites and Wow.  I've only done limited blogging and it in no way resembles what I see out there in the mainstream of America.  These modern blog sites resemble the front page of Google and MSN.

Blog's have become a business and are gaining traction in business.  Well that is an understatement.  Blog's have a very prominent place in business today.  Whether its real estate, automotive, big oil, or the retail market place, there is a blog about the industry.  Not just one blog, probably 100's.

Blog's are a great way to get a message out, it's a great way to vent, and it's a great way to have fun.  Blog's are serious, funny, and very, very cool.  There are even video blogs. 

How do you jump in?

Quickly and with a passion.  I say this because if you are not passionate about something, you will not follow through.  What you blog about will not be very interesting.  So get some passion and have some fun. If you do not want to blog, then post comments on blogs.  There are some very interesting pieces out there.

Dear Eric:

Thank you for contacting me regarding first-time home buyer tax credits.  I appreciate hearing from you and having the opportunity to respond. 

I strongly supported the successful effort to extend this tax credit.  The extension became law on November 6, 2009.  Qualifying first-time home buyers are now eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000 through April 30, 2010.  The new law also provides an additional 60 days for home buyers to close the sale and take advantage of the tax credit. Under this new law, home buyers are eligible for tax credits if they have not owned a home for three years before the purchase of a new home.  Additionally, the law allows existing home owners to qualify for a new tax credit of up to $6,500 if they have lived in their current residence for five years or more and purchase a home by the end of April 2010.  

I believe that if we are serious about getting our economy back on track, we must work to stabilize the housing market.  The decline in housing prices has put downward pressure on household balance sheets as many families' greatest asset declines in value.  Though I did not vote for the economic stimulus bill that was signed into law in February 2009, I supported the inclusion of the $8,000 home buyer tax credit in that legislation.  The tax credit has benefited more than 1.4 million home buyers since its inception in February 2009, and I am pleased that Congress decided to extend the program as it is contributing to the recovery of the housing market and the overall economy.

            Again, thank you for contacting me.  

United States Senator

http://murkowski.senate.gov