The Walden Madden Real Estate Blog

While we do live in Alaska, having a home everyone envies year-round is possible! Most may think it is only in the spring and summer months that homes in Fairbanks and Anchorage are allowed to shine, but winter can actually enhance your home with the right improvements. 

It's also less expensive than you think— simply painting your home, either interior or exterior, a brighter color and adding more lighting can push away the winter blues. Alaska is a beautiful place to call home and with these tips your property can be the best looking on the block, no matter the season!

In the Winter

Add bark, berries or seeds
Your winter yard may be looking like a snow-covered wonderland right now, so why not break it up? Add evergreens or other trees with unusual...

With mortgage rates low and new down payment programs in place to widen access to homeownership, Alaskan homebuyers are feeling confident. However, the age-old question persists: Do you jump into the real estate market and buy a house in Alaska or stay in your safe zone and continue to rent? 

It is true that the reasons are different for every homebuyer and each financial situation will vary. But given where home prices are headed in 2015, it's time to set your sights on homeownership! Here are 4 important financial reasons to consider in your decision to buy:

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2014 seemed to be a series of ups and downs for the real estate market and now that we're into the new year, we've turned a corner. According to Time Magazine, 2015 will be a "drama-free zone" for housing. This year, the market will be back to fundamentals and both Alaskan homebuyers and home sellers can benefit.

Also contributing to a calmer, healthier real estate market is the growing economy, coupled with low mortgage rates."The 30-year fixed [rate mortgage] isn't likely to pass 5%," reported Time. "Bubbly gains in housing are [also] unlikely."

Although these are just two reasons the real estate market is returning to a healthy...

The weather outside is certainly frightful and a break from the cold is far from Alaskan minds— but there may be a benefit in the mix! Potential homebuyers in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, North Pole would do well to purchase a home before the official start of spring to avoid higher costs of homeownership.

Winter has indeed been labeled as the best time to sell your Alaskan home, but as it seems, winter is also a great time to buy! If you have been planning to become a homeowner this year or move up to that home you've always dreamed of, here are four important reasons to jump into the real estate market now:

Prices are rising
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