Taking a look back at last week, one would think that the market had gone crazy.  21 homes pended in the Eagle River and Chugiak areas.  6 went under contract in Chugiak, this is a 12 month high for one week.  Interest rates have fluxuated up and down but for the most part stayed in the low 5's for a 30 year fixed conventional loan.  There are changes around the corner and you do need to be aware of them.  If you will be involved in a real estate transaction in the near future, pay attention.  The mortgage lenders will be operating under new rules and the title companies will be enforcing them.  Here is a short list of some of the changes. Once you receive a good faith estimate on your new loan you will need to wait 7 days before you can close.  This means that if you lock your interest... 07/28/2009

We finished another great weekend and now the weather has started to change.  We have seen some much needed rain.  But how does this effect the local market? If it sunny everyday then buyers just want to have fun, they go fishing, hiking and explore this wonderful area.  When the weather gets a little cold we see people start to worry about winter, BTW, school starts in one month.  This means that buyers are going to be seriously looking.  Inventory levels, homes available for sale, are dropping.  This is a good thing.  Interest rates were down again today.  The recap for Eagle River is this, 8 homes pended, and there were 6 closing.  several of these homes were in the $600,000+ range.  The average home price pended in the last 30 days was $369,000.  That is moving up from the first hal... 07/21/2009

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) 6... 07/16/2009

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... 06/08/2009

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 cl... 06/02/2009

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 in... 05/28/2009

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... 04/13/2009

We have finished the 1st quarter of 2009.  How has it effected you?  Did the press influence how you spend your income?  At a local level my first impression of the economy is that it is good.  Do you agree? or Disagree? In Eagle River Alaska the economy seems good, and the real estate numbers reflect that statement.  The number of homes sold are up 15%.  Our office was up 152% in the first two months of the year, and march was a plus month but not by as much.  When I read the different publication, Alaska Journal of Commerce, the Petroleum News, and The Anchorage Daily News, I get a different sense.  There are good positive stories that show we are moving forward, but there are more spelling out the gloom.  The best number I've seen is only a slight up tic in unemployment, and a drop i... 04/10/2009

I learned a great lesson while on vacation.  You have to let go and not worry.  Having said that, it is easier said than done.  I spent a very relaxing two weeks on the Big Island of Hawaii.  It was very relaxing and the Puna District south of Hilo is great.  No T.V no radio.  We stayed at a great home, just one block from the ocean.  we walked the cliffs each day and watched the whales.  As all of you know real estate can be all consuming and trying to get away is very difficult.  With the many ways of staying in touch, sometimes we can be too wired in.  I found myself checking e-mails on my phone and thinking about work a little too often.  It is very hard to let go when your self employed.  Of course there was several messages from clients that had to be returned(a lock box disappear... 03/02/2009

Wow, it is cold today, but it is warming up.  Started out at -26 degrees, yes that is 26 below ZERO.  At 11 m it had warmed up, a nice -15, now it's up to -11 degrees.  I love my I-phone, it keeps me in touch with the weather, as if I didn't realize that it was cold. Oh, by the way it's 73 in Lahaina HI. The great thing about the weather is it does help people decide whether or not to look at homes.  We have seen several buyers in the past week and many of them have bought homes.    It may be cold but prices are great, interest rates are the lowest I have ever seen.  The nuber of homes available is still good, but there are fewer every week.  There will probably more homes available as we get to spring, however sellers will raise their price (they do it every spring).  You will need to ... 12/31/2008

The new Eagle River Town Center has broken ground and construction has begun.  The new town center will include a library, shops and city offices. The Town Center has been designed to revitalize the area and bring city services to one location. The project is anticipated to bring new revitalized growth and economic strength to Eagle River. The Eagle River Parks and Recreation service area contributed one million dollars to the project. Another million dollars for the project was granted by the Rasmuson Foundation. The State of Alaska 's legislature granted $1.9 million in funds. The citizens of Anchorage voted for a bond measure that will add another $500,000 in funds for the cost of the project. The total cost is expected to be $6.7 million at the time of completion. The Eagle River To... 12/16/2008

December has arrived in Alaska, the temperatures are going down.  -8 degrees this morning and the current temperature has warmed up to 9 degrees.  You would think this would discourage buyer, but no, several were here this morning ready to start the day. We have seen several pending sales in recent days.  This means agreed contracts.  Our inventory levels are dropping as is expected this time of year.  The good news is that there are less homes on the market now then at this time in each of the two previous years. The selection for buyers is still good, but it is dwindling.  Interest rate dropped to 5% this week.  This means that the buyer can get a better payment than last month, or they can buy a little more home.  Interest rates have dropped over 20% since earlier this year. The weat... 12/12/2008

This week in Eagle River is very busy.  This Thursday evening, December 4Th, is the Chugiak Senior Centers Christmas Party.  We will be there to sing Christmas carols and presents gifts to the seniors.  This is a wonderful event sponsored by Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate. On Friday and Saturday is the Chugiak/Eagle River's Merry Merchant Munch.  This is a wonderful event that features local business's.  There is festive decorations and cookies for the little ones.  Friday night is the tree lighting ceremony in Rotary Park, Santa will be there with the Reindeer.  This is a really fun time of year in Eagle River, make sure you get out and enjoy the holiday. 12/02/2008

I have been advertising and market in print and online for 15 years.  I have seen many types of advertising and been to the seminars.  I've read the books on horizontal vs. vertical advertising, but the question always comes up.  Is it productive and is the ROI (return on investment) better than any other campaign. I made a switch on my website after four years and have a new flavor, site works good is easier to update, and I must say I look good.  Take peak, www.EricBushnell.com, the site is not real sticky but it is better than my old site of 4 years.  I did notice that I am getting less people to the site, but they look at more pages.  This is good.  The site definitely provides me with more basic leads, although still hard to convert.  Therefore, I drip on them forever.  Hope the li... 10/29/2008

It's spring time in south central Alaska and the snow is melting and the pot holes are emerging.  Spring brings longer days and the sunshine that we have missed since late September.  It also hearkens the beginning of this years construction season.  Now is the time that buyers are beginning to search out where they would like to build that new dream home. Builders are looking for that perfect spot to showcase their wares.  Just the week before Easter the Anchorage Home Builders Association, AHBA, hosted the Spring Preview of Homes.  Many of this seasons new projects were on display as well as several of very nice and custom (expensive) homes were showcased.  One of the differences this year is that several of these showcased homes were the builders's private residence.  Why is this?  A... 03/25/2008

The Real Estate market in Eagle River Alaska is very good.  Now some will say "How can you say that?"  Yes, Homes are on the market much longer then 2-3 years ago, and Yes, in 2007 we did see the average sales price decline by approximately 2.5%.  This is just a number, the truth is that homes are being sold and buyers are currently in the market looking to buy.Many of the buyers are not looking at the more expensive homes, and this is why the average sales price has dropped.  We did sell just under 700 homes last year in the Eagle River area.  That is the 5th best year ever.  We are seeing some effects from the problems being experienced in the lower 48.  Buyers are being more cautious.  This is a good thing, buyers should be more cautious, they should be fiscally responsible.  Buying ... 02/15/2008

The Chugiak-Eagle River area is a small community just outside of Anchorage seperated by military bases, while still being under the municipal government of Anchorage. Eagle River offers a full range of businesses and outdoor activity. From Hotels, Wal-Mart, Fred Meyers to a wonderful Alaskan hike at the Eagle River nature center or Thunderbird Falls.Eagle River still continues to grow yet manages to keep the small town feel. For more information click the linkChamber of Eagle Riverhttp://www.cer.org/ 02/14/2008

Being the sales manager of the Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate office in Eagle River Alaska provides me with a very interesting view of the Real Estate market.  Many consumers are gravitating to the more experienced Realtors, why is this happening.  I believe it is because these successful Realtors operate their real estate practice as a business, not just something to do in their spare time.Todays consumers know about the mistakes that their peers have made and do not want to be next weeks headlines.  A very good Realtor in my office just shared with me the success she had by representing here client professionally.  Her new client was the seller three years ago and like the way she represented the buyers.  Now three years later their back in Alaska and want her to represent th... 01/23/2008