Home and Real Estate June 2021 by Sound Publishing

SOUTHEAST ALASKA

HOMEESTATE &REAL

a publication of the Juneau Empire

FREE

JUNE 2021

Outdoor improvement that boosts home value Funding your next home improvement project Planned communities designed with lifestyle in mind 5 Outdoor projects that add value Why its smart to have a smart home What to know about outdoor living spaces A guide to buying and setting up a bird bath 3 Simple ways to eat healthier every day

This Airport mini-mall & Apartments is listed by Sundance Realty, see page 8 for more information

HOME VALUE

Outdoor improvements that boost home value

Table of Contents

ON THE COVER:

This home is listed by Sundance Realty

5 Coldwell Banker: Gwen Place 7 Business Directory • Ricker Real Estate • Alaska USA Mortgage: Mac Carandang • Coldwell Banker: Race Realty

8 Sundance Realy 12 Alaska USA Mortgage

Advertising Director, Sound Publishing, Inc. Stephanie Spiess

sspiess@soundpublishing.com

Publication Design SPI Creative team

8800 Glacier Highway Ste: 219 Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907-586-3740

2 JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

hether home improvement projects are design to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run. The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes. So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community. While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects. The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value. • Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to

gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI. • Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas. Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular. Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available. • Patio: Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value. Patios help a home look neat, add useable space and may help a home to sell quickly. The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI. • Deck: Deck can be as valuable as patios. A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertain-

ing, dining and more. Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs. • Door update: Improve curb appeal with a new, high-end front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new. These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly. • New landscaping: The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes wellthought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching, and planting shrubs are ideas to consider. Many different outdoor projects can add value to a home.

HOME PROJECTS

6 options for funding your next home improvement project BY METRO MEDIA REAL ESTATE FEATURES

efore starting a home improvement project, either on one’s own or with the assistance of a professional contractor, homeowners must first consider the costs involved. According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, more than one-third of homeowners do not understand what hiring a professional will cost, and then cannot successfully budget and secure financing once they have set their sights on a renovation project. HomeAdvisor says that some of the more popular projects, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a deck, can cost, on average, $19,920, $9,274 and $6,919, respectively. Homeowners may find that the more expensive renovations require them to secure some type of financing. Those who have never before sought such financing may want to consider these options. 1. Cash-out refinancing: With cash-out refinancing, a person will begin the mortgage process anew with the intention of paying off the current mortgage balance, and then taking out additional funds for other purposes. Cash-out refinancing is a way to tap into a home’s existing equity for use on improvements or other expenses, such as college tuition. 2. Home equity line of credit: The financial experts at Bankrate indicate that a HELOC works like a credit card, with the house as collateral. There is a credit limit, and borrowers can spend up to that limit. The interest rate may or may not be fixed. However, the interest may be tax-deductible if the financing is used to improve, buy or build a home. 3. Home equity loan: Individuals also can borrow against equity in their homes with a fixed interest rate through a home equity loan. Most lenders will calculate 80 percent of the home value and subtract a homeowner’s mortgage balance to figure out how much can be borrowed, according to the financial advisory site The Simple Dollar.

4. Personal loan: Homeowners can shop around at various financial institutions for competitive personal loans to be used for home improvement purposes. Funds may be approved within one business day, which can be ideal for those who want to begin their improvements soon. 5. Personal line of credit: A personal line of credit allows borrowers to borrow only the money needed at the time, and offers a variable interest rate that is generally lower than fixed loan rates. Again, like a credit card, PLOC gives a person a maximum borrowing amount and is ideal for ongoing purchases. 6. Credit cards: In a pinch, credit cards can be used to finance improvements, but they do come with the cost of very high interest rates if the balance is not paid in full by the time the bill comes due. However, for funding smaller projects

and maximizing rewards points through home improvement retailers or specific credit card company promotions, credit cards can be a way to earn various perks in addition to the benefit of improving a home. Homeowners looking to finance their next improvements should speak to a financial advisor and shop around for the best types of funding for them.ons marked by good soil, regular sunlight and routine watering. • Perennial ryegrass: This flourishes in full sun, but tolerates light shade. It forms a lush, finely textured, deep green lawn. During periods of drought, it will need additional watering or go dormant. Homeowners can increase their chances of establishing beautiful lawns by selecting the right type of grasses for their climate and landscape. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

HOME BUYER TIPS

Planned communities designed with lifestyle in mind

eople move for many reasons, including a desire to be closer to family or after accepting a job offer. Last year many were spurred by a “you only live once” mentality as life and the world as we knew it suddenly changed. As people consider where to move, master planned communities are garnering more and more attention. The National Association of Realtors reported that, starting in March 2020, one in three adults substituted some or all of their typical work for telework, compared to one in 20 who worked remotely before the pandemic. The uptick of remote work made many people consider moving. North American Moving Services indicated that Illinois, New York, California, New Jersey, and Maryland are the top states people have been leaving, while Idaho, Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina have welcomed the most new residents. While master planned communities once were considered realms for retirees, such areas also can be great for families, and not all MPCs are age-restricted. Many buyers are attracted to these homes because of the sense of community fostered by living in close proximity to neighbors and sharing a number of exclusive amenities. According to Ideal Living magazine, many people flock to MPCs for social outreach. MPCs often have events for resi-

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dents, including farmer’s markets, food truck nights, concerts, and other community gatherings within the communities. Furthermore, MPCs often are built around golf courses, water parks, nature paths, and other features that physically connect the residents to one another in unique ways. According to the financial information resource The Motley Fool, MPCs have more in common with small cities than traditional subdivisions. These communities have extensive educational, recreational and commercial features. They often have their own school

systems, shopping areas, fitness centers, and business districts. Some are gated; most require an entry pass to use facilities. MPCs can be convenient for anyone who doesn’t want to travel far away from home for most of their daily needs. Furthermore, thanks to exceptional conceptualizing and design, these communities continue to evolve to offer residents in demand services. For example, many builders in MPCs are now including homes that feature designated spaces for home learning and remote working in their floor plans.

RCLCO Real Estate Advisors says home sales among their top-selling MPCs in 2020 in the United States were 20 percent higher than in 2019. Communities that top the list are located in Florida, Nevada, Utah, Texas, and North Carolina. Building a sense of community takes on new meaning when people relocate to master planned communities. These developments push lifestyle and active living to the forefront.

Gwen Place Realtor®

Email: gwenzplace@yahoo.com Cell: 907-209-4445 Office: 907-789-0555

Associate Broker, Property Manager

www.yourjuneaualaska.com • www.gwenzplace.com

102003 _ RACE REALTY

HAINES BUSINESS

MENDENHALL VALLEY MULTI FAMILY

MLS#19663 - $1.6 million - 150 Acre Golf Course, Haines AK, Golf Carts, Mowers and a Golf Shop - by Pam Race

MLS#21482 - $579,000 - 2 unique income producing homes on the property-currently taking back up offers - by Ashleigh & Gwen

JUNEAU LAND

HORSE ISLAND CABIN

DREDGE LAKES AREA

MLS#18745 - $250,000 - 13 Acres Residential land, Juneau AK, partly wooded, waterfront, access by easement- by Gwen Place

MLS#19147 - $369,000 - 2 bed 1 bath cabin on over an acre wooded lot. Waterfront with views. Accessed by water - by Errol Champion

MLS#21492 - $315,000 3 bed 2 ba single family home , large lot Valley fixer upper - by Gwen Place

HAINES HOME

GUSTUVAS HOME

MLS#20324 - $875,000 - Fort William Seward - National Landmark, 5 bedroom 5 bath home, Haines AK - by Glenda Gilbert

MLS#15881 - $479,000 - Small home and studio apartment over the 2 plus car garage covered parking. 1/2 acre lot with views - by Glenda Gilbert

MLS#21084 - $185,000 - 1 bedroom 1 bath home, 1.56 acres, wooded lot, Gustuvas, AK - by Gwen Place

RENTALS • Thunder Mountain View - 2 bedroom / 1 bath - PetsWelcome - $1500/mo Available July 1

MORE LISTINGS • MLS#19214 - 1 acre - Wooded Remote Land- Trail Access - Angoon, AK $9,000

• Filtered Channel View - 1 bedroom / 1 bath - Furnished- $1100/mo - Available October 1

• MLS#13094 - .35 acre - Wooded Residential Land -Glacier Hwy $89,000

• Filtered View - Thane Road - 1 bedroom / 1 bath -$1250/mo - Available June 1

• MLS#13954 - 3.34 acre - Wooded Residential Land -Blueberry Hill - $250,000

• MLS#18257 - .76 acre - Wooded Residential Land - Out the Road $159,000

• Filtered View - Thane Road - 2 bedroom / 1 bath -$1350/mo - Available June 1 COLDWELL BANKER RACE REALTY • RACEREALTY.COM • 2103 JORDAN AVE JUNEAU, AK EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

OUTDOOR DECOR

5 outdoor projects that add value BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

xterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which one have the largest return on investment can help homeowners select features that will have the most positive impact. Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers. Landscaping and external features can do much to influence such impressions. . • Lawn care program: Investing in a lawn care program that consists of fertilizer and weed control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent home owner is an attractive feature. NAR says such a care program can recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average cost, or a 303 percent ROI. • Low-maintenance lifestyle: When choosing materials for projects, those that offer low-maintenance benefits can be preferential. These include low-maintenance patio materials, composite decking, vinyl fencing, and inorganic mulched beds.

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Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers. • Fire pit: A fire pit can be used for much of the year. In the spring and summer, the firepit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall, the fire pit can make for a cozy retreat. A fire pit that has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals says

that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag. • Softscaping: Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edging, and rock elements can do wonders toward improving

the look and value of a home. • Pool or water feature: In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a must-have. However, in other areas where outdoor time is limited, a pool or water feature can actually lower the value of a home. Speaking with a real estate professional can give homeowners an idea of how a pool will fare in a given neighborhood. Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function.

ESTATE HOME Business Directory

& REAL 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

Your local home loan expert! Mac Carandang NMLS #203501 Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator

907-796-1201 www.maccarandang.com

8390 Airport Blvd, Suite 102

Online all the time: racerealty.com | 907-789-0555 Each office indepenently owned and operated

License #AK157293; Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293

Call Stephanie Spiess 308-4893

HOME IDEAS

Why it’s smart to have a smart home BY METRO MEDIA REAL ESTATE FEATURES

evices are everywhere. According to a recent visual networking index forecast from Cisco, by 2021, there will be four networked devices and connections per person across the globe. Those figures are even greater in North America, where Cisco estimates each person will have 13 networked devices and connections by 2021. With all those devices, it’s no surprise that a greater number of people are embracing the smart home movement. Those who have yet to jump on the bandwagon can benefit from learning more

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

to run their HVAC systems all day while no one was home. In fact, the CNET/Coldwell Banker survey found 45 percent of Americans say that smart home products save them an average of $98.30 each month. • Investment: Whether you’re a developer or a single-family homeowner, real estate is an investment. Making a home as appealing to prospective buyers as possible is a great way to get a better return on your real estate investment. Homeowners who want to make their homes more livable today and more marketable tomorrow should consider investing in smart home products

devices. • Time: A recent joint survey from CNET and Coldwell Banker found that 57 percent of Americans say that smart home technology saves them an average of 30 minutes per day. That’s an especially beneficial advantage for busy parents and/or professionals who find it difficult to juggle all of their daily responsibilities. • Money: Another benefit to smart homes is their cost savings. Because devices can be controlled remotely, smart home owners can adjust the temperatures on their heating and cooling units while away from home. That means they can arrive home each night to a comfortable home without having

MARTY LENTZ

MIKE BAN

ASSOCIATE BROKER mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com mikebanre9728@gmail.com

about smart homes and why it’s intelligent to have a smart home. What is a smart home? According to SmartHomeUSA. com, the term “smart home” is commonly used to define residences in which appliances, lighting, heating and cooling units, televisions, computers, entertainment systems, and security systems are capable of communicating with one another. Each of these components can be controlled remotely, typically via a smartphone. Why is it smart to have a smart home? The benefits of a smart home are numerous, and will likely only multiply as people utilize more

ASSOCIATE BROKER Associate Broker

72-9333

MICHELLE DOMINGO MICHELLE DOMINGO 957-5522

957-5522

Michelle.juneau80@yahoo.com

ja@alaskan.com

321-3325 Marty-lentz@gci.net

ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293 ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293

Anavera.morato@gmail.com

SUNDANCE REALTY

FOR SALE

Airport Mini-Mall & Apartments 9310 Glacier Highway, Junenu, Alaska 99801 Asking Price $2,750,000 907-321-7120 Sundanceinjuneau@gmail.com 9109 Mendenhall Mall Road, Suite #10 Juneau, AK 99801

907-321-7120 JuneauHomeFinder.com

RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. WE SERVE ALL OF SOUTHEAST

MOLLY BRINK

LUKE GUNKEL

321-5400

723-0759

Mgallagherbrink@gmail.com

ltgunkel@gmail.com

321-5400

mgallagherbrink@gmail.com

SCAN TO SEE ALL OUR PROPERTIES

HOME TIPS

What to know about outdoor living spaces BY METRO MEDIA REAL ESTATE FEATURES

ome trends come and go. What was popular as recently as a decade ago may have lost some luster in the eyes of today’s home buyers. Though that’s historically been the case in regard to real estate, outdoor living rooms are one relatively recent home trend that figures to have a longer shelf life, especially in the aftermath of a global pandemic during which people were encouraged to stay home as much as possible. Real estate professionals and organizations like the National Association of Home Builders note the popularity of outdoor living spaces among prospective home buyers, and how that popularity has grown in recent years. Outdoor living rooms not only appeal to potential buyers, they also serve as a means for current homeowners to get more out of their properties. Homeowners mulling outdoor living space projects should consider various factors before deciding to go ahead with a project. • Cost: The home renovation resource HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost of an outdoor living space is around $7,600. That cost can easily go up depending on where homeowners live and the features they want to have in their outdoor living spaces. For example, including a built-in fire pit in an outdoor living space will cost more than

purchasing a stand-alone fire pit that can be picked up and moved. But many homeowners feel a built-in fire pit makes an outdoor living space even more special. • Return on investment: Return on investment is another factor for homeowners to consider as they try to decide if they should install outdoor living spaces and how to design those areas. Much conflicting data about the ROI on outdoor kitchens can be found online, but many trusted real estate organizations report that such additions do not mesmerize prospective buyers. Data from the

American Institute of Architects indicates that outdoor kitchens are routinely ranked among the least desirable home features, which means homeowners should not expect substantial ROI when selling their homes. But that built-in fire pit? Estimates from the National Association of Realtors suggest fire features recover around 67 percent of homeowners’ initial investment. In addition, 83 percent of homeowners surveyed by the NAR who had installed fire features said they had a greater desire to be home after completing the project.

• Space: An outdoor living space may only be as relaxing as the space allows. The proximity of neighbors may affect privacy levels, which can make it hard to enjoy movie night outdoors or curl up to quietly read a good book. In addition, landscaping also may need to be addressed if drainage is an issue in the backyard. That can add to the cost, and drainage concerns may limit the materials homeowners can work with. Outdoor living spaces are popular. Homeowners must consider various factors before deciding if such spaces are for them. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

OUTDOOR DECOR

A guide to buying and setting up a bird bath BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

arm weather means more opportunities to spend time outdoors while at home. Whether your favorite form of outdoor recreation includes sitting on the patio reading or digging in the garden, there’s a good chance that you will be sharing the space with local wildlife. Optimizing opportunities to view and interact with backyard wildlife can make the great outdoors even more enjoyable. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology indicates that there are around 2,059 bird species on the continent of North America. Red-winged blackbirds, yellow-rumped warblers, American robins, and chipping sparrows are among the most commonly seen birds in North America. Making a backyard hospitable to birds can increase the chances for sightings and hearing their sweet songs. Installing a bird bath can be a step in the right direction. Bird baths can make yards more attractive to birds. Birds require a supply of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing. By setting up a bath, homeowners can attract not only seed-loving birds, but those that don’t eat seeds and wouldn’t normally congregate

10 JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

around feeders, indicates All About Birds. Experts surmise that birds may bathe to maintain their feathers. Not all bird baths are constructed the in the same fashion. Many bird baths sold in stores are better suited for decoration than for serving as functional baths. There are four general types of bird bath: standing pedestal, hanging bath, deck-mounted, and ground-level. In general, the lower a bird bath is to the ground, the more likely birds are to use it. Most natural sources of water birds use are on or near the ground. Therefore, ground-level bird baths may be the best investments. It is important to keep the water in a bird bath shallow (around two inches of water or less). This enables birds to splash around safely and wade in. Birds do not want to slide around, so a material that is coated and slippery, like glazed ceramic or glass, may not be too popular. Rough stone or a bird bath modified with pea gravel or rocks can give birds steady footing. Place the bird bath in the shade if possible to ensure the water is cool and fresh. Locate it by a tree so the birds can hop up to a branch and preen afterwards. All About Birds also says that a bird bath is more attractive if it has a

dripping or moving water feature, as this is often irresistible to birds. Another way to ensure the bath will be used is to keep it clean and maintained. Change the water every day or two. Rinse off the bath

to remove droppings, bugs and other debris. Once birds learn there is a comfortable bath nearby, they may be more apt to visit a yard and may even become frequent guests.

TIPS

3 simple ways to eat healthier every day BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

iets can be difficult to navigate. Since no two people are the same, a healthy diet that satisfies one person won’t necessarily satisfy another. Vegetarians might be perfectly happy without chicken or steak, while some people might shudder at the notion of never indulging in the occasional filet mignon. While the most effective diets tend to be those that emphasize nutrition while still allowing individuals to indulge in some of their favorite dishes in moderation, the following are three ways that everyone, regardless of their personal preference, can eat healthy every day. 1. Eat lots carbohydrates.

whole-grain

Fad diets tend to paint carbs as the enemy, but various studies have shown just how integral carbohydrates, particularly whole-grain varieties, are to a healthy diet. One such study published in 2018 in the medical journal The Lancet Public Health found that diets that got between 50 and 55 percent of their calories from plant-based carbohydrates like whole grains were associated with a lower risk of mortality than low-carb diets that favored animal-derived protein sources. When buying carbs at the grocery store, shoppers can opt for whole-grain varieties, including whole-grain pastas, brown rice and cereals. That won’t require sacrificing flavor and makes for a simple way to eat healthier every day. 2. Make a concerted effort to eat

more fruits and vegetables. The United Kingdom-based National Health Service, which is the largest singlepayer healthcare system in the world, recommends eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. That may sound like a lot, but it’s pretty easy to incorporate all those healthy fruits and veggies into a diet. For example, add a serving of antioxidant-rich blueberries to your cereal bowl each morning. At dinner time, allow vegetables to take up the most real estate on your plate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that diets rich in fruits and veggies can help people control their weight and may even reduce their risk for certain diseases, including cancer. 3. Kick added sugars to the curb. Avoiding added sugars is another way anyone, regardless of their food preferences, can eat healthier every day. Healthy foods such as fruit contain natural sugars, and these don’t pose a

threat to overall health. However, added sugars, which the Harvard Medical School notes are found in many foods and can include honey, molasses and corn syrup, can increase a person’s risk for various conditions and diseases, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Fruit contains fiber that slows the absorption of natural sugars, but the body digests added sugars much more quickly, leading to an uptick in blood sugar levels that can ultimately contribute to diabetes. Added sugars can be found in a host of foods and beverages, including some that aren’t generally considered unhealthy, like bread, certain breakfast cereals and pasta sauces. When shopping, consumers should read nutrition labels and avoid products with excessive amounts of sugar. Eating healthy does not require people to abandon their favorite foods. A few simple adjustments can be all it takes to improve the nutritional value of your diet. JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

1 FOR A REASON

What does it take to be the #1 home lender in Alaska? A commitment to the unique needs of the individual. That means having professionals that specialize in helping military families, first time buyers, rural development, and a whole lot more.

Why choose Alaska USA Mortgage Company? Pay less up-front In-house processing, underwriting, and servicing Clear communication, reliable updates, and flexible availability A commitment to providing the best home buying experience in Alaska

People you know. A name you trust.®

Mac Carandang

Vincent Cheng

Laurie Gardner

NMLS #203501

NMLS #964649

NMLS #204060

907-796-1201

907-796-1213

907-796-1202

Make an appointment or apply online at alaskausamortgage.com Southeast Alaska 8390 Airport Blvd., Ste. 102, Juneau, AK 99801 License #AK157293 Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293