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November 2020 Home Buying During Covid Laundry Room Renovation Remove Mildew from Exterior Replacing Windows When To Stop Mowing Front Door Designs that pop Exterior Renovation Improve Storage
This home is listed by Coldwell Banker Race Realty, see page 3 for more information.
SAVVY BUYER
Table of Contents
ON THE COVER:
This home is listed by Gwen Place, Coldwell Banker Race Realty
3 Coldwell Banker: Gwen Place 9 Business Directory • Ricker Real Estate Consulting • Alaska USA Mortgage • Coldwell Banker: Race Realty
11 Exit Realty 12 Alaska USA Mortgage
Advertising Dirctor, Sound Publishing, Inc. Stephanie Spiess
sspiess@soundpublishing.com
Publication Design SPI Design team
3100 Channel Drive Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907-586-3740
2 JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
Home buying during the COVID-19 outbreak
BY METRO SERVICES
H
tomeowners know that the process of buying a home can be both exciting and nervewracking. The anxiety associated with buying a home has hit new heights during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
Historically low interest rates and limited inventory has made 2020 an especially unique time to buy a home. It’s also a competitive and potentially expensive time to buy a home. While the economic consequences of COVID-19 have been severe, the Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as Fannie Mae, forecasted a significant increase in median home prices in March 2020. City dwellers have scrambled to buy homes outside of cities, where social distancing is more difficult and the risk of getting COVID-19 appears greater than it is in suburban or rural settings. That’s led to a lot of competition among prospective buyers. Prospective home buyers willing to enter the hectic fray and shop for a home during the COVID-19 outbreak may benefit from knowing what to expect as they search for their next home. • Get ready for virtual tours. Buyers might once have scoffed at the notion of buying a home they’d only seen in videos, but virtual tours have become the new normal in the wake of the pandemic. An April survey from the National Association of Realtors® found that home tours had declined sharply. While 98 percent of realtors reported taking clients on home tours as recently as February, that number had declined to 63 percent by April. As many regions pause their re-
opening plans, prospective home buyers should ready themselves for virtual tours as Buying a home opduring the COVIDposed to 19 outbreak in-perpresents some son home unique challenges tours. to prospective • Expect buyers. limited inventory. While home prices are up, many people are holding onto their homes. The NAR reports that total housing inventory at the end of May 2020 was down nearly 19 percent from the end of May 2019. Buyers will have less inventory to choose from, so those intent on buying may need to prioritize what they need in a home and
focus on finding properties that can fulfill those needs. • Expect to move quickly. Realtors have seen homes sell within days of being listed, and that has put pressure on buyers to move quickly. It also highlights the importance of finding a home inspector before your search begins as well as a lender who can handle quick closings. Ask around for recommendations, but make sure you have these two important professionals lined up before beginning your search. Doing so will give you a better chance of buying in an unusual time. • Make the best down payment you can afford. A high down payment makes buyers look better no matter the state of the economy. An offer with a high down payment looks like a stronger offer, and that can make the difference between winning and losing a potential bidding war.
HAINES BUSINESS
HAINES BUSINESS
JUNEAU LAND
MLS#19663 - $1.6 million - 150 Acre Golf Course, Haines AK, Golf Carts, Mowers and a Golf Shop - by Pam Race
MLS#20873 - $1.5 million - 3.2 Acre Riverfront Jet Boat Tours, Haines AK, boats, busses and the dock - by Glenda Gilbert
MLS#12457 - $415,000 - 4.79 Acres Residential Land, Juneau AK, access road built, tide flat views - by Errol Champion
JUNEAU LAND
JUNEAU HOME
JUNEAU LAND
MLS#18745 - $250,000 - 13 Acres Residential land, Juneau AK, partly wooded, waterfront, access by easement- by Gwen Place
MLS#21000 - $206,000 - 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, centrally located, Lemon Creek, fenced yard, metal roof - by Gwen Place
MLS#20298 - $174,900 - .6 acre residential lot, Lena Loop, near recreation, wooded, level building lot - by Sue Nix
HAINES HOME
HAINES HOME
HAINES HOME
MLS#20324 - $875,000 - Fort William Seward - National Landmark, 5 bedroom 5 bath home, Haines AK - by Glenda Gilbert
MLS#18258 - $499,000 - 4 bedroom 3 bath home, views, 2.73 acres, detached garage, Haines AK - by Glenda Gilbert
MLS#15881 - $479,000 - 1 bedroom 2 bath home, views, detached garage with apartment, Haines AK - by Glenda Gilbert
MORE LAND
RENTALS
• • • •
MLS#19214 - 1 Acre - Wooded lot - Platted Access - Angoon AK - $9,000 MLS#13094 - .35 Acre - Wooded building lot - Glacier Hwy - $89,000 MLS#18257 - .76 Acre - Wooded building lot - Out the Road - $159,000 MLS#13954 - 3.34 Acre - Wooded building lot - Blueberry Hill - $250,000
• Thane Road Cabin - 2 bedroom, 1 bath - wilderness views - no pets - $1375/mo • Mendenhall Valley Apartment - 2 bedroom 1 bath - pets welcome - $1500/mo • -N Franklin Street Apartment - 1 bedroom 1 bath - pets welcome/partly furnished - $900/mo
Gwen Place
Associate Broker, Property Manager, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker Race Realty 2103 N. Jordan Avenue Juneau, Alaska 99801
www.RaceRealty.com Office: 907-789-0555 Cell: 907-209-4445 Call or Text
Each office is independently owned and operated. 102003 _ RACE REALTY
HOME REMODEL
5 tips to prepare for window replacement
BY METRO SERVICES
W
winter is coming, and for millions of people who reside in areas of the country that see the mercury drop considerably between December and March, that means prioritizing staying warm. Inefficient or aging housing materials may compromise your ability to do just that. Drafts from doors, poorly protected attics and basements and aging windows may force heating systems to work extra hard to maintain interior temperatures.
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Replacing old windows can make a home quieter by blocking out exterior noises. Consumer Reports also notes that new windows are often easier to clean and maintain than older varieties.
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Many homeowners are interested in replacing their windows, but may not know where to start. These guidelines can help the process along. 1. Get several estimates. Ask for recommendations from neighbors or other people in your area on which companies they used to install their replacement windows. When you interview the prospects, ask several questions about how they go about installing the windows. Questions can include: • How long will the project take? • Will I need to remain home during the process? • Do you discard of old debris? • What is the protocol for installation during inclement weather?
2. Research permits. Most home renovation projects need to be approved by the local municipality. Go to the permit office and find out the requirements. Some window contractors will include securing permits in the cost of the project. After the project is completed, an inspector will come by and ensure the work was done according to code. 3. Change up the appearance. Look at the type of hardware you have around the home and other fixtures. Choose windows that have locks or latches that can match those features for continuity of style. Think about choosing a different style or frame color of the window, or a different type of window to improve efficiency and function. 4. Research top window manufacturers. It’s tempting to purchase windows based
on price alone, but replacement windows are often a decision that only has to be made once or twice for the life of the home. Invest in durable windows that will have staying power. Consumer Reports offers unbiased reviews on various window brands and can help homeowners make sound decisions. 5. Prepare for installation. Clear pathways, remove window treatments and disconnect window alarm systems. Plan for one to two days of installation, advises Andersen Windows and Doors. Keep pets and children away from work areas. Replacement windows can be a smart investment. New windows can improve the look of a home, reduce heating costs and can keep interior spaces comfortable.
SMART STEPS
How to remove mildew from your home’s exterior BY METRO SERVICES
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omeowners want their residences to look inviting inside and out. Part of keeping an attractive property involves addressing issues that can compromise not only the appearance of a home, but even its integrity. People who live in regions with high humidity may find their homes are vulnerable to exterior mildew growth. Mildew is a kind of mold. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of hyphae, which are multicellular filaments, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Mold thrives on any organic matter and surfaces with moisture management problems. Mildew, in particular, lives on shower walls, windowsills and other places where moisture levels are high. Mildew also can grow on home siding as well as fences and other exterior structures. While typically gray or white, mildew can be various colors.
Experts recommend various cleansers to help combat the issue of mildew on a home. One of the first products that homeowners tend to reach for is sodium hypochlorite, which is a standard bleach used in laundry and pool sanitation. While sodium hypochlorite seems to make mildew vanish, those at This Old House say that chlorine evaporates too quickly to get to mildew’s roots on porous surfaces, such as wood or vinyl siding. Bleach also can stain clothing and damage foliage around the house. Hydrogen peroxide, or oxygen bleach, is less volatile, will not affect foliage and can clean mildew, algae and dirt on and below the surface.
Trisodium phosphate is another effective cleanser. Commonly known as TSP, it often succeeds where other solutions fail in regard to stubborn stains and mildew. TSP also works well on various exterior surfaces. TSP needs to be used with extreme caution. When using TSP, wear long sleeves, gloves, goggles, and a respiratory mask, says Today’s Homeowner. The product also requires adequate ventilation. There also are some environmental concerns, as TSP can damage foliage. In addition, if the product ends up in lakes and streams, it can trigger an overgrowth of algae that results in the depletion of oxygen levels in the water. Eco-conscious homeowners may want to try oxy cleansers before TSP. Mildew shies away from bright sunlight, so it tends to grow on the north side of homes. Removing trees or other foliage that can further block sunlight to areas of the house can help eradicate mildew growth and stop it before it starts. Another tactic is to clean out gutters regularly and thoroughly to reduce moisture and to prevent decomposing debris from running over the edge of the gutters. This runoff can drip down the home’s siding and spread the mildew to other areas. Mildew can be problematic any time of year. Clean up mildew when the weather cools down to spruce up the look of a home. FH208159
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HOME CARE
How to recognize when you can stop mowing BY METRO SERVICES
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ach weekend in spring, summer and fall, millions of homeowners fire up their mowers and cut the grass in their yards. A few hours spent mowing the lawn can be a great time to get some sun and some exercise in the great outdoors.
As fall gradually transitions to winter, homeowners may wonder when to stop mowing their lawns. Each lawn is different, and when to stop mowing may depend on a host of factors, including local climate and the type of turf. In addition to climate and turf, homeowners can keep an eye on these conditions to determine when the time is right to put their mowers away for the winter. • Frost: Warm-season grasses typically go dormant after a couple of significant frosts. Homeowners can jot down each frost during fall. Frosts are most noticeable in the early morning hours, so be sure to check lawn conditions each morning as the weather begins to grow cold.
Homeowners can keep an eye on these conditions to determine when the time is right to put their mowers away for the winter.
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Frost may be noticeable without even going outside, but homeowners may need to go outside to check on chilly mornings or on days when the previous night was especially cold. If you must go outside, stay off the grass to protect it. Two or three frosts might be enough to make warm-season grasses go dormant for the winter. Cool-season grasses may keep growing and require moving even after a few frosts, so it’s imperative that homeowners determine which type of grass is in their yards. • Soil temperature: If it’s hard to deter-
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mine if frosts have occurred, homeowners can try checking the temperature of their soil to decide if they need to keep mowing. The lawn care experts at Pennington recommend homeowners continue mowing warm-season grasses so long as they keep growing. Lawns may not grow as quickly in fall as they do in spring or summer, and growth may not be as visible to the naked eye during this time of year as it is in other times. Homeowners can routinely check soil temperature to determine if their grasses have stopped growing. Warm-
season grasses tend to stop growing once the soil temperature is consistently at 55 F or below, while cool-season grasses tend to stop when temperatures are 45 F or lower. Falling leaves have long been a barometer used by homeowners to determine if they need to keep mowing their lawns. That’s not necessarily a reliable metric, as grass can still keep growing even if leaves have been falling for weeks. In addition, using a mulching mower when leaves
begin falling is a great way to provide the lawn with nutrients it can use throughout the winter. Some trees shed their leaves more quickly than others, but it’s a good rule of thumb that lawns will need to keep being mowed if trees are still retaining more than half their leaves. A host of factors can help homeowners determine when it’s safe to put their mowers away for the winter.
HOME REMODEL
Laundry room renovations you’ll love BY METRO SERVICES
designs.
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Add some natural light If possible, include a window in your laundry room. Natural light can help make the room more enjoyable. It also can help you identify stains on clothes that need to be addressed and make it easier to fold matching items like socks.
oes it seem like your hamper is always full and the washing machine is running constantly? You may not be imagining it. Laundry Butler for You, a wash, dry and fold service, says the average household washes 50 pounds of laundry a week and 6,000 articles of clothing every year. Families with children at home are doing laundry most often, and those with pets may find there is ample laundry to wash as well. With so much laundry being generated, homeowners may want to consider paying extra attention to the space in the house where their clothing is being cleansed. Laundry room renovations may not top homeowners’ priority lists, but it may be time to give these rooms another look. Assess your equipment If your appliances are aging, a laundry room renovation can start with an investment in new appliances. New models have large capacity loads, tend to be energy-efficient and could have innovative features that help fit with your laundry lifestyle. Purchasing front-loading models also can free up design space, as you can install a counter directly above the units, saving room for other items like drying racks. Figure out your room needs A laundry room need not be limited to laundry only. Many homeowners make large laundry rooms catch-all spaces that can serve as utility or mud rooms, pantry overflows, or off-season storage areas. Consider the functions you want the room to serve and include those ideas in your
Laundry room renovations may not top homeowners’ priority lists, but it may be time to give these rooms another look. Think about a utility sink Many washing machines drain out directly to waste pipes in the floor or wall, but you also can opt to have them empty into a utility sink. This sink also provides a convenient place to handwash items, clean tools or paintbrushes, or store items that perhaps you do not want to bring into a bathroom or kitchen sink. Include some flair This utilitarian space need not be boring or bereft of design elements. Mirror your home’s style in the laundry room, and include wall hangings, plants, accent items, and even task lighting. Play up certain features with a bold floor tile or brightly colored walls. Updating laundry rooms can be a great way to make doing laundry more enjoyable and efficient.
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HOME TIPS
Quick and simple ways to make a front door pop
BY METRO SERVICES
V
isitors’ impressions of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway. Must as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create, regardless of how accurate that impression is.
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Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal. Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior. Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM
• Bold front door color: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway. Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick. The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim. • Custom walkway: Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway. Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway.
• Contain plants. Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and well-tended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura.
add a feeling of luxury. These can include
• Highlight the address. Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers. Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door.
which architectural elements will meld
• Utilize high-end materials. The relatively small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really
colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures. • Add architectural details. Find out with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider. The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention. Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entryways that really make a statement.
ESTATE HOME Business Directory
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Online all the time: racerealty.com | 907-789-0555 2103 Jordan Ave. Each office indepenently owned and operated
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Tracey Ricker, CPM Broker/General Manager Sales • Leasing • Management 1410 4th Street • Douglas, Alaska 99824 tracey@rrec-llc.com • www.rickerrealestateak.com
907-540-2990
NMLS #203501 Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator
907-796-1201 www.maccarandang.com
8390 Airport Blvd, Suite 102 License #AK157293; Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293
Call Stephanie Spiess 308-4893
HOME TIPS
Exterior renovations that can improve home value
BY METRO SERVICES
R
enovating a home to improve its value can be a smart investment. Interior improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths, offer good return on investment, but there are plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted “wow” factor.
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Landscaping Abundant and well-planned landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal. According to the landscaping company Lawn Starter, 71 percent of prospective home buyers say a home’s curb appeal is an important factor in their buying decisions. As buyers use the internet to look for their dream homes, there’s no denying a beauti-
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fully landscaped, nicely photographed property can entice buyers to click and read more about a house. Address insects and minor repairs Improving home value may come down to fixing areas of the home that can negatively affect its appeal to buyers. Hire an inspector to look at key components of the house and recommend what needs to be fixed. This way it is discovered before home buyers come in and do their own inspections. Termite infestations, deteriorating roofs and hidden water leaks are some things that might need fixing. Improve the entr yway The front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior. Invest in a new door or paint it a striking color to
add appeal. Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2019” indicates changing an entry door to a steel replacement can offer 74.9 percent ROI. Such a door provides visual appeal and added security — things buyers look for. In addition to the front door, make sure that the entryway has a level walkway, steps that are in good repair, accents that are free from rust or tarnish, and decorative plants. Outdoor lighting Outdoor lighting can add to the ambiance of a property and serve as a security feature. Utilize different lights, such as a bright light by the entry, uplighting in trees and shrubs for drama, a light-lined path to the door to improve visibility, and motion-detection lights to improve the security of the property.
Repaint (or reside) the exterior A fresh coat of paint or new (or cleaned) siding can instantly give homes a facelift. Neutral, warm and inviting colors tend to have the widest appeal. Adding manufactured stone veneer to the home can offer a 94.9 percent ROI, says Remodeling. And after doing the front door and siding, investing in a garage door replacement offers the highest ROI of all exterior projects listed on the “Cost vs. Value Report 2019.” This improvement returns 97.5 percent when selling. Knowing which improvements add value to a home can help homeowners tailor their efforts to those that are most financially beneficial.
SMART STEPS
Improve storage at home owners can maximize space immediately.
BY METRO SERVICES
H
omes are getting bigger, but it seems like people are still lamenting a lack of storage space.
National Public Radio says the average American home has nearly tripled in size during the last 50 years. Despite that, 10 percent of Americans still need to rent offsite storage, according to a report in the New York Times Magazine. Self-storage facilities are one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate segments, and the Self Storage Association says there are more than 50,000 storage facilities in the U.S. alone. The commercial real estate company CBRE, Ltd., says there are roughly 3,000 self-storage facilities across Canada, and 65 to 85 percent of self-storage tenants are residential users. Improving storage at home can be a cost-effective alternative to renting storage space. With these easy tips, home-
Think vertically Maximize spaces by looking up and down for storage possibilities. Items that are not used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or travel suitcases, can be stored in high spaces. Shelving on walls can go as high as necessary and be put to
Recess drawers or shelves Gain more storage by recessing a chest of drawers into what is called the “knee wall” of homes that have sloped ceilings in attics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize these short walls in an efficient manner by sinking drawers or shelves into them, without taking up floor space.
JANET ARGEVITCH ARGEVITCH JANET
321-3325
723-9333
Marty-lentz@gci.net MARTY LENTZ
Ja@alaskan.com
MIKE BAN
Associate Broker 209-6842 209-6842
Invest in storage beds Storage beds typically feature cubbies or drawers within a platform-style bed frame. It’s a practical home storage solution, and does not require any building.
Invest in storage benches/ottomans A stopping area inside the front door replete with a storage bench can house shoes, umbrellas, hats, backpacks, and other items, keeping them tidy and out of sight. In living rooms, look for chests or ottomans that are decorative and functional. Store throw blankets or board games inside.
MARTY LENTZ
MIKE BAN
ASSOCIATE BROKER mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com
Utilize track storage systems Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized, space may still seem lacking. Track closet storage systems often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf and hanging rod systems. Customizing closets using track systems or other modifications can improve utility of all closets in the house.
use in awkward wall areas, such as in corners or under eaves.
MICHELLE DOMINGO MICHELLE DOMINGO
ASSOCIATE BROKER Associate Broker
957-5522
957-5522
Michelle.juneau80@yahoo.com
72-9333
Michelle.juneau80@yahoo.com
ja@alaskan.com
321-3325 Marty-lentz@gci.net 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths • Asking $367,000 907-321-7120 Sundanceinjuneau@gmail.com
ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293 ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293
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9109 Mendenhall Mall Road, Suite #10 Juneau, AK 99801
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RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. WE SERVE ALL OF SOUTHEAST
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