Build Equity Faster

Posted by Mary Cox on July 16th, 2015

Equity is an asset and an appreciating home is an investment. While some people have resolved themselves that a mortgage payment is a normal part of life, others have set goals to get their home paid for as soon as possible. There are several strategies that will work but they all require persistent vigilance. 

A shorter term mortgage such as 20, 15 or even 10 years will not only pay off sooner, it will generally have a lower interest rate. A recent comparison at Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed a 30 year fixed-rate mortgage at 4.04% compared to a 15 year fixed-rate at 3.20%. The fees for the shorter term were even .1% less. The shorter term with the lower rate would have a higher payment but some people consider it forced savings.

…

1501 Views, 0 Comments

Three M’s of Homeownership

Posted by Mary Cox on July 9th, 2015

Among the many reasons people have to own home, they include having a place of their own, to raise a family and to share with friends. Additional benefits include security, investment, peace, pride and enjoyment.

Together with the benefits come the responsibility to take care of the home for its livability and viability as a sound decision. A homeowner’s concerns can be broken down into three areas.

The maintenance on the property is something that every homeowner deals with. Changing filters are easy to handle yourself. Other things might require a skilled professional but identifying the “right” one can be challenging.

Minimizing expenses can reduce the cost of living in the home. It’s good to recognize when a repair is appropriate compared…

1533 Views, 0 Comments

Grilling Safety

Posted by Mary Cox on July 2nd, 2015

More people grill in July than any other month. While grilling is all about good food, fun, friends and celebrations, it is important to make sure that accidents don’t interrupt your activities. Approximately half of the injuries involving grills are thermal burns. If you work with fire, there’s a chance of getting burned.

• Only use BBQ grills outdoors and in ventilated areas.
• Place the grill away from home or anything that could be flammable. 
• Keep grill stable.
• Keep fire under control.
• Keep children away from grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended.
• The grill lid should always be open before lighting it.
• Grease should not be allowed to build up in the grill.
• Use long-handled utensils.Gas/Propane
• Check the tank hose and…

1610 Views, 0 Comments

Eliminate Mortgage Insurance

Posted by Mary Cox on June 25th, 2015

Why would you consider refinancing if your mortgage is only two or three years old and the rate is not considerably higher than what is currently available on new loans? Because you may be able to eliminate the mortgage insurance and have significant monthly savings. 

Many homes have seen their values rise in the past few years. The current loan-to-value ratio may be low enough to no longer require mortgage insurance. In some cases, a homeowner might actually pay a little higher rate than they currently have but lower their monthly payment dramatically because the mortgage insurance isn’t required.

A rough rule of thumb is that mortgage insurance is not needed on loans at or less than 80% of value. There could be programs available that would allow…

1458 Views, 0 Comments

Where Are the Sellers?

Posted by Mary Cox on June 18th, 2015

Low inventories resulting in multiple offers are contributing to what experienced agents are calling the most challenging market they’ve ever worked. While buyers with resources may find the market difficult, purchasers with minimum cash and credit are struggling to find and get into a home. 

First-time buyers feel the impetus to purchase because they’re renting and are concerned about being priced out of the market with rapidly appreciating prices and rising interest rates.

Sellers may not feel the same urgency because they already own a home. While they might find it appealing to change homes, they may not feel a pressing motivation causing them to act.

In some cases, sellers are so attached to their low interest rate mortgage that instead of…

1617 Views, 0 Comments

Take Pictures Now

Posted by Mary Cox on June 11th, 2015

Preserve the memories you’re making by taking photographs of your home now. The pictures will remind you of the role your home played with your family and life.

Reminiscing is easier when scrolling through pictures to remind you of people and times. One of the least heard regrets is that we should have taken more pictures.

Shots to consider:

• The front of the home from across the street
• Times when your yard and plants looked exceptional
• Holiday decorations
• Special occasions in the homes like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc.
  Home improvements
• Major purchases for the home
• Times when the home looked the best and the worst
• Family, friends and pets in the home
• Your children’s height marks on a door frame
• The view…

1773 Views, 0 Comments

Letter from the Heart June 2015

Posted by Mary Cox on June 5th, 2015

 

Letter From the Heart

Ah… Memorial Day. Used to be a big thing. It still is as we remember our veteran (of which Dave is one), but the whole three-days off thing seems to lose its shine if one is self-employed. Every weekend COULD be a three-day off thing, but is almost never is. Days off when you’re not on a clock are when you take them and even then you always feel you should be “doing something.”

And so this past holiday Dave wanted me to get one “day off” and so we chose Sunday. That way we could work Saturday and then have Monday to “clean up” before starting the week on Tuesday. We decided to hike the Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood. It was wonderful hiking the trail this past February since the ReMax/Dynamic awards banquet was at the…

1417 Views, 0 Comments

2015 Ski For Women...

Posted by Mary Cox on January 30th, 2015

The 19th Annual Alaska Ski for Women ~ Sunday, February 1, 2015 
The Alaska Ski for Women is ON! No matter the weather, we will be skiing!

Join in the fun at the colorful Alaska Ski for Women (ASFW) – North America’s largest women-only cross-country ski event. This is a great event where women of all ages and abilities come out to Nordic ski approximately 2.4 miles (4K), many in colorful costumes, while raising funds for local non-profit organizations that help stop the cycle of domestic abuse against women and children.

This is not only a FUN event, it’s also a FUNDRAISING event! Through the generous donations of ASFW participants, and the hard work of our all-volunteer committee, the race has been able to make an impact in the community by…

1727 Views, 0 Comments

Wolf Run...

Posted by Mary Cox on January 22nd, 2015

The Half Marathon starts at UAA, goes around Goose Lake, across Northern Lights, then down the Chester Creek trails to the Westchester Lagoon where it links up to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and

continues down to just before Earthquake Park where you turn around and return using the same course. Start time is 9:22am, sunrise.
The 5K is a pursuit run where everyone running will receive a “Flag”. 5 minutes after the race start the Wolves will be released and they will try to catch you and remove your “Flag”.

Prizes for the most flags pulled buy the Wolves and all runners that return with their flags will be put into a drawing for prizes. Costumes are not required but last year we did a Little Red Riding Hood and 3 Little Pigs Theme.

Dress up…

1896 Views, 0 Comments

Anchorage Folk Festival...

Posted by Mary Cox on January 15th, 2015

Anchorage Folk Festival

January 15th, 2015 – January 25th, 2015 Visit website for individual event times Wendy Williamson Auditorium, UAA and others   Email: folks@anchoragefolkfestival.org Website: http://www.anchoragefolkfestival.org/mainstage.html   OVERVIEW More than 500 individual performers will fill stages at several locations in the city, including the main stage at Wendy Williamson Auditorium on the UAA campus, for the 25th annual Anchorage Folk Festival than spans two weeks. This Anchorage cultural staple offers shows, contests, classes, dancing, educational workshops and open…

1687 Views, 0 Comments