Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas Nevada by Robert Swetz 2012 How many people out there are ready for June? And where did the month of May go? Time keeps slipping away very fast in 2015 and Robert "Vegas Bob" Swetz is very excited about time passing by. Even though Vegas Bob is getting older, he is getting closer to retirement and the second week of July, VB will be bonding with his family and fishing in Alaska. So Robert Swetz hopes the month of June goes by even faster than the month of May. And another great reason Vegas Bob likes when time passes by ... because Vegas Bob becomes wiser with the passing of time ;o)  Palmer Alaska by Robert Swetz 2014  Videos By Vegas Bob » Swetz www.videosbyvegasbob.com/  Apr 17, 2015 - Alaska photographs by Robert Vegas Bob Swetz – Nikon ... Above are natur... 05/31/2015

Open House Saturday and Sunday 1-4 Call 907-351-9434 for more info. A well maintained spacious 4 bed, 2.75 bath & a 4 Car garage home on .46 of an acre lot in Palmer. Just minutes form shopping and schools. Great commute location to Anchorage & Bases. Features of the home include, laminate floors, built-in entertainment center RV Parking, and much more. Call today.  http://www.alaskabesthomes.com/listing/mlsid/3/propertyid/15-551/         Listing Information: Address: 1120 E Hidden Ranch Circle City: Palmer State: AK Zip: 99645 Area: PA - Palmer Price: $379,900 Listing #: 15-551  Property Type: Single Family Listing Type: Resale/New Status: Active   Property Information: Style: Two-Story Tradtnl Bedrooms: 4 Total Baths: 2.75 Year Built: 2003 Sq. Feet: 2804 Lot Size: 0.46 Garage: Attache... 02/24/2015

It's almost that time of year again.  The Alaska State Fair arrives in the Anchorage area August 23rd through September 3rd in Palmer, AK.  This year's fair is sure to be the most exciting ever.  With live music, contests, games, amazing exhibits and, of course, fair food, how can you go wrong? Included in the price of admission to the Alaska State Fair is access to the great pumpkin weigh-off on August 28th, the Alaska Far Away Documentary, Cirque De La Vie (the fair's own version of the world famous Cirque de Soleil), several author events, trick rider shows, a petting zoo, a BMX stunt show, jugglers, lumberjacks, clowns and so much more!  On Saturday, August 25th, the Alaska State Fair Parade marches through Downtown Palmer at 11am.  Admission for Monday through Thursday is just $11 ... 08/14/2012

 Whew! I am buzzing from Feng Shui overload. But that is good for you, potential clients, because we will work together to co-create a property that attracts just the right buyer without spending a lot. I bring the gift of Feng Shui to the table, harmoniously enhancing your property with tried & tested Feng Shui principles. My goal is to  balance the elements of your property allowing it nurture & support it's new owners. Buyers will know it when they see it! They are inexplicably drawn to it.  What is Feng Shui, you ask? Simply put, it is the art or science of placement. Proper placement of elements and items on your property and in your home resonate good enengy and attractiveness to buyers. You know it when you see it. Think about your favorite store, building, home, or restaurant. T... 08/04/2008

A key marketing strategy for any home for sale is to create curiosity. Tap into current trends. Apply them to your presentation. That's a winning philosophy! Give people something new & amazing to talk about. Create a buzz. Feng Shui is so incredibly popular, why not add it to a home staging presentation. It's great for print marketing, signage, web presence, & word of mouth. Imagine overhearing . . . " Have you heard about that Feng Shui home on 724 Hillside Dr? If you're ready to separate your offering from the ordinary, call on me. Gale Larson ShowCase Residential Staging   907-354-6664 06/16/2008

At the Valley Board of Realtor's monthly meeting yesterday, we had the opportunity to listen to Neil Fried, Alaska's state economist.  He was full of wonderful information and really fun to listen to.  I found some of the information from Neil to be very helpful in learning more about real estate in the MatSu Valley.  Here are a few highlights from Neil's presentation:The MatSu Valley experienced its 11th year of uninterrupted economic growth.Job growth slowed however in 2007, but still increased.The MatSu lost 170 jobs in the construction field in 2007.56% of the folks that live in the Valley, work in the Valley...this does not include self-employed or the Federal Government.Mining statewide is up.Oil production is down, but those employed in Prudhoe Bay increased to 9000.There are mor... 02/06/2008

If there is one question I am asked regularly, if not daily, it is "Is this a buyer's or seller's market?"  If you, as a consumer or Realtor, have a definite answer one way or the other, I would be interested to hear your thoughts and why you feel this way.  Alaska, and more so the MatSu Valley, seem to have their own micro-economy making it hard to determine this question for me.  What makes it a buyer or seller's market?  What is your definition of these titles?Next Wednesday I will give you my 'definition' and give you my thoughts on the market here in the Valley.  Until then, I would love to get comments as to what you believe this market is today.  If you live in another area, I would greatly enjoy hearing what you feel your market is and why.  Just tell me where you are from, what... 02/05/2008

Pre-Qualify!In today's market, sellers are looking for solid, pre-qualified buyers for their homes.  It only takes a short amount of time to get pre-qualified.  Items you will need in order to do so are as follows:Pay-stubs for last 30 daysW-2's & 1099's for last 2 yearsFederal tax returns complete with all schedules and attachmentsBank statements for last 2 months including checking, savings, stocks, mutual funds, retirement accountsVA Certificate of Eligibility & DD214 from eligible veteransAddress and Landlord historyThere may be additional items you will need depending on the individual circumstances or the loan program being applied for. If you have not pre-qualified here in Alaska but would like to, contact Annie Davenport at Homestate Mortgage.  She is wonderful to work with!  35... 02/05/2008

Lenn Harley has a current post about home prices outpacing incomes.  She is exactly right.  It was only a few years ago that we could get buyers into homes here in Alaska for less than they were paying for rent.  I remember advertising in Wasilla and Palmer that we could get buyers into a brand new home for less than they were paying for rent on a 2 bedroom apartment. The recent price run-up has put those days away.  It seems that in most places in the country, even here in Alaska, the payment on the average home is too high for the average income.  This will have to change before we can get rid of our inventory.In a few places, incomes will rise enough to make up difference between prices and incomes but most of us will have to wait for prices to come down to reality before sales will ... 10/18/2007

 Palmer depot with a narrow gauge locomotive.Location of Palmer, AlaskaCoordinates: 61°36′7″N 149°7′2″W / 61.60194, -149.11722CountryUnited StatesStateAlaskaBoroughMatanuska-SusitnaArea - City 3.8 sq mi (9.7 km²) - Land 3.8 sq mi (9.7 km²) - Water 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²)Elevation 233 ft (71 m)Population (2000) - City4,533 - Density1,206.3/sq mi (465.7/km²)Time zoneAlaska (AKST) (UTC-9) - Summer (DST)AKDT (UTC-8)ZIP code99645Area code(s)907FIPS code02-58660GNIS feature ID1407737 This is the view as you travel toward Anchorage from Palmer. Pioneer Peak is to the left with Twin Peaks to the right. The "Ghost Forest" is shown in the foreground. These trees died from the subsidence that occurred in the area as a result of the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964.  The Alaska State Fair just outside... 10/07/2007

  To ensure the most productive and effective staging appointment, it's important to plan ahead and have these 7 major things already done:paintingrepairsdeep cleaning & detail cleaning- appliances, carpets, floors, windowsremoval of unservicable vehicles, old piles of lumber, etc from the premisesdeclutter & downscale contents of homemoving boxes, tape, sharpies, packing materialsstorage unit    This is a very crucial appointment, as it is the 1st of the 4 step sequence for successfully selling your home. To reiterate the steps- Stage it. List it. Show it. Sell it. Staging in this context concerns an occupied home. Sellers can get the most bang for the buck with this strategy because more attention can be devoted to getting a great look for the home. More commonly known as a Redesign, ... 08/02/2007

I stopped in at Palmer’s Friday Fling today.  It was a gorgeous day, about 70 degrees with a bright sun.  Almost too hot for this old Alaskan.  Every Friday during the summer Palmer has a mini fair. Booths are selling everything from fur slippers to funnel cakes to organic bread.  The organic booth was actually doing the most business when I was there.  I was hoping to see some early produce but I guess that was unrealistic…it’s only the middle of June and most crops were just planted two weeks ago. But I took some photos: It was right across from the Palmer Visitors Center and gardens.The gardens were actually coming into bloom. They really looked inviting under the summer sun, but I had to run to an appointment at this cabin on the side of Mount Baldy, all the way on the other side of... 06/16/2007

   Home staging has been around since the mid-70's and has been quietly utilized by a select few. Since the late 1990's it has become a fresh standard in service and marketing in the real estate industry. As buyers have become more sophisticated, marketing, too, must become more refined. Staging is the crucial bridge between sellers and buyers when it comes to residential transactions. A professional stager can turn an average property into a desirable, above average property that stands out among similar offerings and appeals to a broad audience. Home staging is a niche that is warmly received and widely accepted by realtors, investors, landlords, and for sale by owner sellers, nearly, worldwide.   The focus of home staging is the sale. A competent stager helps transition the home owne... 05/18/2007

ShowCase Residential StagingThe Valley's Premier Staging Company                                                           "the sizzle that sells homes"       Creating a strong desire to own is the number one goal of home staging. Buyers covet a house that is neat, clean, orderly, and well lighted.They will feel at ease in a universally appealing and inviting atmosphere, picturing themselves "at home" in your property.My comprehensive plan helps your home stand out in any market.Staging takes your house from ordinary to extraordinary, resulting in a property that looks its very best, sells quickly, & for the most money.Services offered:De-cluttering plan/ with 2 options- D-I-Y or assisted by staging staff  Staging plan/ with detailed written instructions for the Do-It-Yourself client, i... 05/02/2007

Home Selling Silver Bullet  Home staging is an under-utilized marketing tool in the Alaska market. Informed home sellers, realtors, investors, & landlords use the services of a professional home stager to make their properties "SIZZLE". The goal of staging is to "WOW" potential buyers. Today, people expect the extraordinary. It's time to raise the bar. Make your open house event sizzle. . .burn the image of an outstanding property in the mind of visitors. They will come with an offer in hand.                                               Get scheduled before my calendar is booked solid!                                                                What's In It For You?Buyers will covet your house = offer$ Schedule multiple properties & save money on  package offers- better hurrry befor... 04/16/2007

Equestrian Acres is a well established neighborhood about 2 miles east of Palmer on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway.  It is an organized community with its own website.  A nice park is in the center of the subdivision.As you will note from this map, many of the homes in Equestrian Acres are on quiet dead-end streets. There is a nice park in the middle of the subdivision that many of the neighborhood children play in during the summer.  There are about 230 homes in Equestrian Acres and another 20 or so in and subdivision next door, Equestrian Glen.As of today, March 24, 2007 there are 8 homes for sale in Equestrian Acres and Equestrian Glen.Here they are:$245,000-$260,000 (range priced) 1768 sq ft, built in 2003.  3 bed, 2 1/2 bath, 2 car garage. More info on this one here.  Listed with yours... 03/24/2007

Located at 2276 N Thunder Gulch in Equestrian Acres this is an ideal place for anyone that wants a very nice neighborhood with easy access to schools, stores, and businesses.  In addition as you can see from this map, it is a simple and quick commute to Anchorage.  This home features a covered front porch, cozy living room complete with fireplace, an extra large kitchen with lots of cabinets and counterspace. The dining room is large enough to feed up to 20 people.  On this floor is a half bath and also a den/study. Read the rest on the Wasilla Real Estate News» 03/23/2007

 Home staging is an under-utilized marketing tool in the Alaska market. Informed home sellers, realtors, investors, & landlords use the services of a professional home stager to make their properties "SIZZLE". The goal of staging is to "WOW" potential buyers. Today, people expect the extraordinary. It's time to raise the bar. Make your open house event sizzle. . .burn the image of an outstanding property in the mind of visitors. They will come with an offer in hand.                                               Get scheduled before my calendar is booked solid!                                                                What's In It For You?Buyers will covet your house = offer$Schedule multiple properties & save money on  package offers- better hurrry before your competitors hire me! ... 03/02/2007

I am working with someone looking for land on Lazy Mountain. I have a beautiful log home listed there, but no land.  Land is always hard to come by in that area.  Most of the folks who live there know a good thing and hold it tight.  I was searching last night on the Valley MLS system in the PA06 area and found only two active listings in the area.  These two parcels were listed by Cindy Ziegler, found here and here.You will notice that she has a nice view photo and that there is some good detail on the listing about how to find the parcels.  I knew exactly where these parcels were from her description.Since those were the only two active listings and my party was looking for a larger parcel I searched for expired and cancelled listings on the hopes that these owners may still want to s... 01/30/2007