Anchorage Alaska Real Estate 907-720-4663

What does Warren Buffett think of the Housing Market?

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:10:00 -0500

What does Warren Buffett think of the Housing Market?

In an article written by Andrew Frye, Bloomberg News, Warren Buffett predicts that the housing market will bounce back in 2011.

Buffett says, "Within a year or so, residential housing problems should largely be behind us, Prices will remain far below 'bubble' levels, of course, but for every seller or lender hurt by this there will be a buyer who benefits. Indeed, many families that couldn't afford to buy an appropriate home a few years ago now find it well within their means."

Warren Buffett is a well respected businessman, growing his business into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. However, just because Buffett sees the housing market bouncing back in 2011, doesn't mean that that's going to happen. There are many opinions out there as to the housing market and the recession. I think there are a couple key points that need to be addressed in our National system before we start seeing a steady rise in home values. It's true that homes are more affordable now with home prices pretty stagnant or dropping and interest rates at an all time low (NOW is a great time to buy). But we all know that the housing market is only as strong as the economy.

If we can get to the core and fix the nation's housing problem, it would start with job creation and keeping jobs in the USA.

What do you think?

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Open House 3-5 pm. Single Family Ranch Home in Established Anchorage Neighborhood.

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:01:23 -0500

Open House 3-5 pm. Ranch Home in Nunaka Valley. Only $184,900

Location: Anchorage, AK

Open House 3-5 pm.
Single family ranch-style home in established neighborhood
- Convenient location close to shops and Military Bases
-Remodeled with new paint, laminate wood flooring, countertop, fixtures, and more!
-New furnace in 2007.
-Deck & Huge fenced yard in front and back for your Summer BBQ's.
-Perfect for First Time Home Buyer.
-$8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit ends April 30th.

Directions: From Boniface & Debarr, go East on Debarr, Right on Nunaka Drive.

Directons: From Boniface, East on Debarr, Right on Nunaka, House on Right.

Call today for your private showing 907-720-4663

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Contact Information

Vanna Siackhasone

realty@HomesByVanna.com

907-720-HOME(4663)

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Pricing

Price: $184,900.00

Property Location

1504 Nunaka Dr.
Anchorage, AK 99504
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Features

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

Year Built: 1954

Lot Size: 5500

School District: Anchorage

Square Footage: 728

Agent Name: Vanna Siackhasone

Broker: Keller Williams- Alaska Group

MLS #: 10-922

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Interior Amenities

Hardwood Floors

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Photo Gallery

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VFLYER ID: 3106605

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

A sign guy's perspective on real estate agent branding

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:55:41 -0500

Via Monte Pratt (Jack Pratt Signs):

Now, I know most people are saying to themselves "What can a guy that makes signs know about real estate?" Okay, you got me... not much. I am a simple creature that loves graphic design that strives to keep a sign shop from running me. Furthermore, I pledge to each and everyone of you not to be an expert in your industry. However, there is something going on in the real estate industry that is notable and worthy of sharing.

The philosophy of marketing and branding according to Keller Williams Realty.

Stefan Swanepoel's report on "The Most Recognizable Brands for 2009" showed Keller Williams Realty as most recognized brand.

Why is that? In my opinion, it's the agents with Keller Williams Realty that have made the company the most recognized brand. Gary Keller's philosophy in marketing and branding allows the agent more freedom than any other national real estate franchise. Now, some might think that allowing the agent to use their own logos on their marketing materials could dilute the corporate brand. Remember the NAR survey? It was NAR that concluded that prospects choose to do business with real estate agents - not real estate companies. Gary embraced this concept and now the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. The irony of this report is that the most recognized brand is a brand that does no advertising, marketing or promotion for itself. Franchises, brokerages, and offices could learn something from this AND agents should learn something from this also.

A few years ago, there was an article in the Keller Williams Realty publication "OUTFRONT" that I think illustrates the mind of Gary Keller:

...three out of the four ‘for sale’ signs on one particular street were Keller Williams signs. “Look at those signs - every one of them is different. You might not even know that they’re Keller Williams unless you really looked at them,” commented Mary Keller. I appreciated her observation, but said, “Maybe you’re missing the real point: Our agents have the listings.” • Keller Williams® Realty OUTFRONT • Vol. 2 No. 5 Pg. 3

As a graphic designer and an approved vendor for Keller Williams Realty International, it is a wonderful challenge to work with almost 80,000 agents that all want the the same thing, something unique. A typical request from a Keller Williams agent is "I'm new and I want custom signs, but all I have is my name and photo. So, play jazz and dazzle me. Make it different!" We walk gingerly up to the standards but always keep mindful of what will be well received - both the customer, KWR International and in the community. Here's a link to our Keller Williams Realty page on our website for some examples of what we have done.

So, what have I concluded? A personalized, custom yard sign gives prospects the feeling that they are working with someone they know. Someone they can trust. The ultimate goal in real estate is to create a continuous stream of new listings. By embracing Gary's philosophy in marketing and branding, you can strengthen your business and image in the market place and generate the new listing activity for which you aim. We believe in his philosophy and focus on building the agent name and brand. The success of Keller Williams Realty proves that Gary's strategy is a win-win and that the public gets it.

The philosophy at Keller Williams is one that we encourage agents in all size companies to embrace; Dare to set yourself apart with one of your most visible marketing tools, your listing signs. The only question is, does your company allow you the flexibility to differentiate yourself?

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Anchorage, Alaska Single Family Ranch Home $189,500

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:00:15 -0500

Photo Gallery

Spacious and open living area

cute Single Family Ranch Home

New kitchen counters

New Laminate Wood Flooring

Recessed Lighting

Built in Entertainment Center

Description

Single family ranch-style home in established neighborhood
- Convenient location close to shops and Military Bases
-Remodeled with new paint, laminate wood flooring, countertop, fixtures, and more!
-New furnace in 2007.
-Deck & Huge fenced yard in front and back for your Summer BBQ's.
-Perfect for $8000 first-time home-buyer tax credit.

Directions: From Boniface & Debarr, go East on Debarr, Right on Nunaka Drive.

Call today for your private showing 907-720-4663

Features

Bedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 1Year Built: 1954Lot Size: 5500School District: AnchorageSquare Footage: 728Agent Name: Vanna SiackhasoneBroker: Keller Williams- Alaska GroupMLS #: 10-922

Location

1504 Nunaka Dr. Anchorage AK 99504

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Get Prequalified for a Home Loan Before Searching for a Home

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:34:35 -0500

Get Pre-qualified for a Home Loan Before Searching for a Home

Anchorage Real Estate Blog

There are many good reasons as to why home buyers should get pre-qualified for a home loan before searching for a home.

Getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for a home loan before actually searching for a home can save you, the home buyer, a ton of time and energy. Why? First of all, you don't know how much of a house you can really afford without getting pre-qualified. If you are talking to sellers or looking at homes with a Realtor that are $300,000+ and you can realistically afford a $200,000 home, you would be wasting a lot of energy and time.

Getting Pre-qualified puts you, the Home Buyer, in the Driver's Seat. How? Home Sellers will take you much more seriously if you can prove, in black and white, that you've seen a loan officer and you can actually afford to put an offer in on their home. Without a pre-qualification letter, home sellers don't want to expend their energy on negotiating an offer.

Getting Pre-qualified will better your chances of getting your Dream Home. Really? Yes, think about it this way. It's the weekend and you go out searching for a property with your Realtor. You find the home of your dreams, in a price range that you're comfortable with. You want to put in an offer on the property. You find out that the sellers are expecting another offer so you raise your purchase price above the asking price. Your Realtor submits your offer, but oooops, you forgot to get pre-qualified and you can't meet with any lenders since it's Saturday, after 7pm... The seller accepts the other offer, with a LOWER OFFER PRICE, because they have a pre-qualification letter. The seller says that he/she accepted the other offer because they feel more confident with the other offer since they know those buyers: 1) can afford the home, 2) are more likely to perform since they were more prepared, 3) will get things done that need to get done to close on the home!

*Getting Dressed for the Prom and Having Your Date Not Show Up is Much Like Searching for a Home Without Going Through the Pre-qualification Process. You might find the home of your dreams while searching, but end up losing it to another buyer if you're not prepared.

Anchorage Real Estate

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Achorage Police Say Kids Are Being Targeted For Abduction Attempt

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:12:58 -0500

Achorage Police Say Kids Are Being Targeted For Abduction Attempt

There is a young man in Anchorage who is trying to abduct shool age children while they are making their way to school. So far, he has attempted three times to abduct girls between the ages of 10-11. According to ADN.com, he hit the girls, at different times and places, then offered them a ride to the hospital or home.

Fortunately, all three girls escaped and told an adult. The Anchorage Police Department (APD) is working hard to find this CREEP. REad more at ADN.com

When I get home, I know what I'll be talking to my kids about. Stranger=Danger, this sounds harsh but unfortunately, it's the reality that we have to live with today.

Suggestions for ensuring your kids get to school safely:

-If your child walks to school or the bus stop, Form a Walking Group with at least 5-10 kids. Teach the kids the dangers of talking or going w/ strangers and how to get scream for help if someone does approach them.

-Take turns walking the kids to and from school. Get a group of 5 parents together and form and take turns walking the kids to school.

-Make sure kids are wearing bright colored clothing and put a light reflector on their back packs/coats. It's still dark when the kids are making their way to school and this helps drivers keep clear of the children.

-Form a neighborhood watch group.

Any other suggestions?

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Single Family Ranch Home in Anchorage Alaska $189,500

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:52:19 -0500

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Anchorage Ice Carving Event

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:22:56 -0500

Anchorage Ice Carving Event. Looking for a fun, family outing in Anchorage? Friday, January 8, is the start of the annual Anchorage Ice Carving event. Teams of ice carvers from Anchorage and Fairbanks create beautiful ice carvings made of "arctic diamond ice" from Fairbanks.

The event, hosted by the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, begins on January 8th at 9:00am and ends Sunday, January 10th at 4:00pm. The 2009 Crystal Gallery of Ice Carving Competition will take place at the town square in Anchorage. Come join in on the fun and watch as the ice carvers compete for a cash prize. Don't forget your ice skates!!!

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Anchorage Real Estate Statistics

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:01:05 -0500

Anchorage Real Estate Statistics

week ending January 12, 2010

The Total Market Overviews, provided to Keller Williams Agents, show the number of active listings, number of pending homes, the pending ratio, months of inventory, closed listings in the last six months, average original list price of sold home, average final list price of sold homes, average sale price of sold homes, list to sales ratio, average days on market of sold homes, and average day on market of Active (unsold) homes.

The Total Market Overview, or what I call my Anchorage Real Estate Statistics, is a great tool for home sellers and buyers. As a home seller, if you know what price range you belong in, and you can find out by requesting a Free Home Evaluation, you can estimate your time on market based on what is going on in the Anchorage real estate market. The Total Market Overview can give sellers a sense of what to expect as far as the marketing time of the home and what price ranges are most popular for current homebuyers.

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Text 90999 to donate $10 to the Haiti Relief Effort

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:04:23 -0500

Text 90999 to donate $10 to the Haiti Relief Effort

According to moconews.net, donations of just $10 has really added up... to the tune of $800,000. MocoNews.net also pointed out that social networks have played a big role in getting the word out there. This goes to show that social media is alive and working. It's a social medium that is making huge strides by allowing the word to get out quickly and spread when needed most.

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Open House on Saturday... 1/16/2010... Beautiful Southside Home

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:42:14 -0500

Open House Saturday 2-5pm . 3 Br, 2.5 Ba, 2 car garage in south Anchorage

Location: ANchorage, AK

Open House Saturday 2-5pm.
7422 White Hawk

3Br +, open 10' x 12' office or exercise room. Huge kitchen w/ pantry and island (granite counter tops). Open family room. Oversized west-facing rear deck w/ a hot tub. Great big yard and shed for all your Alaskan Toys. Master bed is huge with a very nice master bath, double vanity & sink, jetted tub & shower. Tons of landscaping, perenials, custom flower beds, new front siding and paint.

Currently a 3 bedroom, seller can install a wall to make a 4th bedroom.

Address: 7422 White Hawk Rd
Directions: From Elmore, west on Lore rd, Right on Whitehawk to house on left.

See you there!

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Contact Information

Vanna Siackhasone

907-720-HOME(4663)

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Pricing

Price: $329,900

Property Location

7422 White Hawk
ANchorage, AK 99507
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Links

Free Evaluation of Your Home

Alaska Real Estate Blog

Search all Alaska MLS Listings

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.5

Year Built: 1998

Lot Size: 6798

Garage Size: 420

School District: Kasuun, Hanshew, Service

Square Footage: 2112

Agent Name: Briley

Broker: Keller Williams

MLS #: 10-56

Photo Gallery

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VFLYER ID: 3055610

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Alaska MLS is Utilizing Technology to Reach Out to its Members

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:54:22 -0500

Alaska MLS is Utilizing Technology to Reach Out to its Members

Alaska MLS members received an e-mail today with the option to receive text messages with important news from the MLS. This is exciting as it's another way that technology may be making our lives easier. It's showing that the Alaska MLS is changing with the times and embracing technology, not ignoring it.

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Anchorage Recycling Center resumes Plastic Bag and Film Recycling

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:41:05 -0500

Anchorage Recycling Center resumes Plastic Bag and Film Recycling

Exciting News!

Plastic bag and film recycling resumes at the Anchorage Recycling Center The Anchorage Recycling Center will again be taking plastic bags and film for recycling at their community drop off center off Dowling Road. Please be advised that plastic bags are not accepted in Alaska Waste’s curbside recycling program. The bags get tangled in equipment during the sorting process. If you have questions, please email recycling@akwaste.com.

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Important Phone Numbers For Home Buyers and Sellers

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:36:19 -0500

Important Phone Numbers for Home Buyers and Sellers:

Enstar Natural Gas Company: 907-277-5551

Chugach Electric: 907-563-7366

ML&P Electric: 907-279-7671

Anchorage Water and Waste Water Utility: 907-564-2700

Alaska Waste: 907-563-3717

GCI Cable, Internet, and Phone Services: 907-265-5400

"Taking Care of All your Home Buying and Selling Needs"

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663

Short Sale Listing in Anchorage, Alaska

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:25:48 -0500

Short Sale Listing in Anchorage, Alaska

7117 Henderson Loop.

Directions: From Lake Otis, East on 68th, Right on Bugle, Left at Henderson Loop.

Tons of Potential!

School-Elementary Kasuun School-Middle Hanshew School-High Service

SF-Lot 8,424 Acres 0.19 SF-Lot Source Muni SF-Res 1,494

Vanna Siackhasone, Anchorage Real Estate Specialist, 907-720-4663