The tax deadline is only a month and a half away.  That may sound like a long time, but, before you know it, April 15th will be here and Uncle Sam will be expecting you to file.  If you have questions about your taxes, get tax help in Anchorage at the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (949 E 36th Ave, Anchorage). The Taxpayer Assistance Center in Anchorage can help answer any questions you may have about tax law and how it applies to your situation and give assistance with any tax issues you have come across.  You can sit down and speak with an IRS representative in person without an appointment.  Walk-ins are welcome.  Before you come to the center, however, you should call them, let them know your issue and find out what services they provide that may help you.  Please make note that Fed... 03/01/2011

With Anchorage home prices remaining relatively steady, inventory levels high and interest rates beginning to creep up (hovering just over the 5% mark), is now the time to buy an Anchorage home?  Many buyers have been trying to time their Anchorage real estate purchase at the "bottom of the market".  No one can predict where that is or when that will be.  Instead of looking at what the Anchorage real estate market WILL do, consider WHAT YOU WANT from homeownership. I want to live in one area for a period of time.  Owning a home is still a sound investment, especially for those wanting to set down roots for more than a couple of years.  I want to build up my credit.  While appreciation of property may have slowed down, it is still happening.  The longer you are in your Anchorage home, th... 02/15/2011

The 2011 property assessment notices for Anchorage homes were mailed out on January 14th.  You have until February 13th to appeal your Anchorage property assessment if you find errors or think there may have been a mistake made. Appealing Your Anchorage Property Assessment ValueAnchorage homeowners must fill out a written appeal form that specifies the reason for the appeal and pay a filing deposit within 30 days of the assessment notice mailing (in this case, 30 days from January 14, 2011).  In addition, you must provide evidence that supports the reason for your appeal within 45 days of the notice's mailing.  In some cases, your filing fee may be refundable. It's a good idea to contact the Assessors Office or review their website before you file your appeal.  During the 30 day time pe... 02/01/2011

Downtown Anchorage is offering several free events to the public during the first part of 2011.  Bring the family or your date and your ice skates to downtown Anchorage every Friday evening and Sunday afternoon until the end of February 2011 to enjoy free ice skating in Anchorage.  Enjoy Date Night Skate on Fridays from 5pm to 9pm.  The Performing Arts Center will allow all skaters to warm up in their facilities between skating as well as use of their bathrooms.  Sunday afternoons are reserved for Family Skate sessions from 1pm to 4pm. In addition to free skating, visitors to the downtown Anchorage area during the months of January of February 2011 can view professionally carved ice sculptures on display at the Crystal Gallery of Ice.  This, too, is absolutely free to the public. From J... 01/19/2011

Anchorage, Alaska Event   Are you looking for something to do in Anchorage, Alaska? Don't miss Thursdays at the Anchorage Museum. After 3pm, admission is free. Free after Three Thursdays offers free general admission from 3p.m. to 9p.m.  Don't miss this fun family event. For more information, visit the Anchorage Museum Website.   Search Anchorage Properties     12/23/2010

Come ring in the new year with "Fire & Ice" in downtown Anchorage Friday, December 31, 2010 from 5:30pm to 8pm.  "Fire & Ice" is meant to celebrate the opening of Town Square ice rink by bringing hot music and fun.  Evelyn "Champagne" King, best known for her 70's hit "Shame", will be performing live at Town Square in downtown Anchorage.  Ms. King's opening act will be "Under Cover", a group of very talented Anchorage musicians, performing a variety of music from classic rock, R&B, jazz and contemporary country.  "Fire & Ice" Schedule 5:00pm - Children's Skate Party 6:00pm - "Fire & Ice" Kick-off Celebration 6:10pm - Under Cover opens up the live music portion of the festivities 7:30pm - Evelyn "Champagne" King performs 8:00pm - The Fireworks Extravaganza! Throughout the evening's festi... 12/22/2010

Are you in a quandry over what to get everyone on your Christmas list?  There are several events coming up in December that can help you find just the right gift for your loved ones.  Christmas shopping in Anchorage is made easier when you attend any of these bazaars and expos below: Thursday, December 9, 2010Holiday Gift Expo - Terra Bella Bakery Cafe (601 E Dimond Blvd, Anchorage), 5pm to 8pm.  Enjoy organic coffee and sweet treats while shopping for presents at specially discounted prices.  You may even win a prize! Saturday, December 11, 2010Centennial Village Holiday Bazaar - Salamatof Heights (9131 Centennial Circle, Anchorage), 10am to 3pm.  Unique handcrafted bead work, pottery and crotchet will be available for sale.  Alaska Native Lutheran Christmas Bazaar - Central Lutheran C... 12/07/2010

This year's holiday tree lighting in Anchorage takes place at Town Square Park (544 W Fifth Ave, Anchoage, AK) from 5pm to 7:30pm today, November 26, 2010.  There will be free cocoa and cookies for everyone attending as well as live music and a special performance by the East High Drama Club.  Santa will be arriving via his sleigh pulled by nine real live reindeer to visit with all the good little boys and girls.  This is the only place in the entire United States that Santa has agreed to arrive in a sleigh pulled by his nine reindeer, so you don't want to miss out!  Visit Town Square Park tonight to watch AT&T's holiday tree lighting in Anchorage.  Happy Holidays everyone! Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist 11/26/2010

Come to Russian Jack Springs Park this Saturday, November 20, 2010 to participate in the Turkey Trot in Anchorage.  Win prizes by catching the right feather.  There will be three races beginning at 1:30pm, 2:00 pm and 2:30pm and cost only $2 per race to participate.  The race schedule is as follows: 1:30pm - 3 to 5 years old2:00pm - 6 to 8 years old2:30pm - 9 to 12 years old This is sure to be a fun event.  So, bring the family out to the Turkey Trot in Anchorage this weekend!  You'll have a great time. Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist 11/17/2010

You have a new baby on the way and the Anchorage house you thought was big when you bought it suddenly doesn't seem so large.  Or, you are beginning to work from home and find that the kitchen isn't really conducive to good business.  You may find yourself wondering whether the home you currently live in will hold the changes your family is going through or whether you should just start looking for a new place to live.  To move or improve...now that is the question! To decide whether making a few improvements makes sense or if you should move into another home, you should really ask yourself the following questions: How long do I plan to live in my current home? If your home is just a stepping stone to getting another Anchorage home in the next couple of years, investing alot of money i... 11/03/2010

Are you looking for some Halloween fun in Anchorage?  There are plenty of fun things to do for all the ghouls and goblins.  Here's a list of some spooky Halloween fun you might enjoy: October 23, 2010:Fall Carnival - Anchorage Museum (625 C Street), 10:00am - 6:00pm.  Wear your Halloween costume to the museum for a day of spooky stories, pumpkin painting, carnival games and more!  The Fall Carnival is free with the price of admission to the museum.  However, the carnival games do take tickets at an additional price.  These are available at the event. October 29, 2010:Haunted Trails - Goose Lake Park (2811 UAA Drive), 4:00pm - 8:00pm.  Fun for everyone!  Games, kids activities, face painting, storytelling and a haunted trail are just a few of what's in store when you show up at Goose Lak... 10/19/2010

Alaska Dividends Hit Bank Accounts $1281.00   Alaskans are $1281.00 richer as of 12:00 a.m. this morning. That's when dividend checks started rolling into bank accounts. The dividends, which are known as Permanent Fund Dividends, are paid out once a year to qualifying Alaskan residents. In order to qualify for a dividend, you must live in Alaska for one full calendar year, preceding the year of the payout and you must intend to live in Alaska indefinitely at the time of applying. Establishing Residency can be done through a number of ways: 1) school records, 2)employment records, 3) proof of HOME OWNERSHIP, 4) motor registration, 5) voter registration and/or voting records, 6) court or other governmental agency records..... It'll be interesting to see what Alaskan Residents decide to do... 10/07/2010

The 2010 Oxygen & Octane Winter Expo takes place in Anchorage beginning Friday, October 8th and continuing through Sunday, October 10th at the brand new Dena'ina Center (600 W Seventh Ave, Anchorage).  Sponsored by GoToAK.com and the Alaska National Guard, this free annual event is the premiere winter expo for Alaska, so you don't want to miss it! Expo Hours:Friday, October 8 - 4:00 to 8:00 pmSaturday, October 9 - 10:00 am to 6:00 pmSunday, October 10 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Over 100 vendors will be showcasing the latest in all winter recreation equipment including snow machines, snowboards, skis, snowshoes and more.  Enter to win prizes like free ski passes to Alyeska Resort, scuba diving equipment, lift tickets to Hilltop and a new Arctic Cat snow machine.  Special discounts on lodging,... 10/07/2010

Conventional Interest Rate 4.125%   According to Homestate Mortgage, you can get a 30 Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage at 4.125%.. I doubt we'll see interest rates go any lower than this on a 30 year Fixed Conventional Mortgage.     10/06/2010

Anchorage Event- 6th Annual Taste of Mardi Gras-A Street Party of 4th Avenue Are you looking for something fun to do in Anchorage that will also benefit a good cause??? Anchorage's Annual Taste of Mardi Gras will be held this Friday in Downtown Anchorage!! "We’re taking the party outside for the only street party recreating Bourbon Street, featuring authentic Cajun cuisine from local celebrity chefs, live music, street performers, and continuing our new tradition, an open zone between the Anchor, the Gaslight Lounge, and the Pioneer Bar in downtown Anchorage. Join us for a block party extravaganza. Kick back and enjoy the last days of summer while supporting the life-saving mission of the American Red Cross of Alaska. It’s all happening Friday, September 10, 2010 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.,... 09/07/2010

This weekend, September 10-12, 2010, the Anchorage Home and Garden Show comes to the George Sullivan Sports Arena (1600 Gambell Street, Anchorage).  There will be workshops and seminars taking place throughout the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Vendors will be on hand to sell their products at special prices available only during the home show.  These vendors include windows and window treatments, painting, roofing, siding, flooring and much more.  Find great ideas for your next home improvement project. The Anchorage Home and Garden Show will be open from 11am to 6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Admission is absolutely free to the public.  If you're interested in renting an area to show your company's products, please contact Aurora Productions, Inc. at 907-562-9911.  Space is l... 09/07/2010

Great Time to Sell a House in Anchorage, AK It's a Great Time to Sell your house if you are wanting to downsize, upgrade, or move!! Although the inventory of homes has gone up since spring, for the most part, the <$400,000 homes have less than 4 months of inventory. This means that if no other homes come one the market, it would take approximately 4 months or less to deplete all of the housing inventory. This is a Seller's Market! If you are thinking of selling your house, find out what the market value of your house is... FREE! Call Vanna 907-720-4663 See for yourself: 08/31/2010

There appears to be alot of "firsts" going on in Anchorage this week: First Fridays that is.  And they're all FREE to the public on (of course) Friday, August 6!  Local art galleries in Anchorage will be holding their First Fridays Art Walk, the Anchorage Museum has its own First Friday event and even Terra Bella Bakery offers their very own version of First Friday. First Fridays Art Walk - 5:30-8pm.  Anchorage art galleries showcase local artists by staying open late to celebrate their works.  The Anchorage Press includes a map the Thursday before First Fridays every month to let Anchorage citizens and visitors know which galleries will be participating.  It's a fun, unique way to see local artists' work up close. First Friday at Anchorage Museum - 6-9pm.  In addition to free admission... 08/03/2010

A national do it yourself, FSBO, For Sale by Owner website is adding some functionality that will make it even better and draw even more traffic and exposure for the listings there.  Starting this week. http://www.ForSalebyYou.com, one of the nations leading For Sale by Owner websites, is adding IDX home search functionality. What does this mean for the consumer???  Well, those looking for homes will be able to see the best values offered by homeowners right on the site, with the option to then view all homes currently available in a given city using our special IDX search function that will compile and present homes from many various sources.  For the FSBO seller, their home will get a lot more exposure because of the increased traffic to the site.  This is shaping up to be a win for e... 07/11/2010

Now that Spring is here in Alaska, it is time to get out into the community and enjoy the June fairs and festivals in the Anchorage area.  Here are a few that you might be interested in: Fiddlehead Folk Festival - Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20, 2010, noon to midnight.  Come to the Alyeska Resort (1100 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood) for bluegrass, country and folk musical performances by such artists as The Greencards and Great American Taxi.  There will also be arts and crafts vendors, a beer garden for the adults and special activities for the kids.  Advance tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for students, military personnel and seniors and free for kids ages 12 and under.  Tickets can also be purchased at the gate for $35 for adults and $30 for students, military personnel and seniors. ... 06/15/2010