How to Know If Now Is the Right Time to Buy A Home in Alaska

As the busy spring real estate market approaches, Alaskan residents are beginning to wonder— Is now the right time for me to buy a home? Every potential homebuyer wonders if now is the best possible time to make a move or if a more opportune window will open up in the coming weeks and months. 

The answer? Only you can know for certain! The real estate market is changing all the time and the best possible way to know if you should take advantage of current conditions is to ask yourself the following questions.

Can I afford it?
To determine if you can afford to buy a home in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, Palmer, or North Pole, it's best to meet with a lender. They will take into account your income and debts and decide if you are financially able to purchase a property in your desired area. If you find you are approved for a specific amount, but your dream home is just out of reach, you may have to amend your property search or continue to save.

Is it better to rent or buy?
Only you can decide if you are prepared to buy a home and with renting as the other option, you'll need to consider the current rents in the area. However, given that rents continue to rise and your mortgage rate would be locked in, know that it is almost always better to purchase a home than rent.

How long will I stay in this home?
Do you intend to stay in your next Alaskan home for years or even decades? Then now may be the best time to make the move and start settling in! If you know you will be moving in the near future or are unsure of where you'll be headed, buying a home may not be the best idea until you have a plan in place.

Am I ready to be a homeowner?
Homeownership comes with a significant set of responsibilities, so now you'll want to decide if you're ready for them! Are you ready to take on any repairs or damage that your Alaskan home incurs? Are you aware you'll be responsible for all upkeep, including snow removal, at a new home? Be sure to ask yourself just how ready you are to commit to being a homeowner in Alaska.

Are my finances in order?
Not only do you need to decide if you are ready to buy a home, but you'll want to determine if your finances say you are. Look at your credit score, debts and plans to pay them down before making the jump toward buying a home in Alaska. If you could stand to boost your score, now is the time to do so.

Buying a home in Alaska can feel like a daunting task, but we're here to assure you that it doesn't have to! Madden Real Estate can walk you through every step of the process so you feel confident in your choice to buy a home in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, Palmer, North Pole and beyond.

Just give us a call!

Wes Madden, CEO
Madden Real Estate
(907) 452-3000
Wes@WesMadden.com

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