Once you've found the perfect Alaskan home, made an offer, and had it accepted, you'll need to make it through the mortgage closing before you are handed your keys. You may be anxious to officially become a homeowner, but the time it takes to close is dependent on a variety of factors— some of which are in your control!
If you're planning to buy a new home in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, North Pole, and beyond, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the following things that can slow down your mortgage closing:
Making big purchases
You may be excited about your new home, but resist the urge to buy new furniture and decor until after the closing. Making big purchases on credit cards can signal a red flag to lenders who will pull your credit just before closing to ensure it is still...
You may have heard that pre-approval is a great first step in the homebuying process. But why is it so important? When looking for a home, the temptation to fall in love with a house that’s outside your budget is very real. So, before you start shopping around for homes in Alaska, it’s helpful to know your price range, what you’re comfortable within a monthly mortgage payment, and ultimately how much money you can borrow for your loan. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to do this.
According to a recent survey from Realtor.com, many buyers are making the mistake of skipping the pre-approval step in the homebuying process. In fact, only half obtained a pre-approval letter before beginning their home search, which means half are missing this...
While you may be watching mortgage rates rise (the average 30-year fixed rate currently hovering around 7 percent) and the number of homes to choose from on the lower end, there is one important concept to consider— buying a home in Alaska is still a better investment than renting.
We know that buying a home can feel like a major obstacle for many first-timers in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, North Pole, and beyond, but passing on the opportunity this year could create an even bigger hurdle later as rents will only continue to rise and the days of the 3 percent mortgage rate may be long behind us.
Below are three reasons why homeownership...
As a buyer in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, North Pole, and the surrounding areas, it is essential to consider all costs association with your new home. Everything from maintenance to renovation, repairs and closing costs should be factored in to ensure that you do not have any surprises or worries down the road. But if you’re purchasing a new construction home in Alaska, it’s also important to be aware of the costs you’ll have after the closing.
Below are four costs you will have after the purchase of your new construction home in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, North Pole, and the surrounding areas:
Utilities
Yes, all homeowners will have utilities to factor into their...
You may be watching both home prices and mortgage rates tick upwards in today’s unpredictable real estate market, wondering if buying a home right now is your best bet. While it may be an expensive endeavor, your goal of owning a home in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, North Pole, and the surrounding areas is not out of reach.
There are many strategies for saving money and staying on budget while buying a home in Alaska and as your local real estate experts, we are listing four to try below. Continue on for top tactics for becoming a homeowner in the current real estate market.
Get a Low or No Down Payment Loan
If the thought of putting 20 percent down on a home causes you stress or makes you want to toss your homebuyer dreams out the window, take a deep breath. Many...
It may be difficult to begin thinking spring when the weather is still quite cold here in Alaska, but inside your home, there are a number of projects you can take on! It’s never too early to tackle spring cleaning and if you’re planning to sell your home in the Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, or North Pole area this year, buyers will certainly notice and appreciate your efforts!
Below are the most effective spring cleaning projects you can cross off of your list now in your Alaska home:
Clean the windows
Winter brings those long, dark days, but you would be amazed at how much of a difference a simple window washing can do for the light in your home. Clean every window inside and out—if possible—and while you’re at it, take down the...
While the holidays may have just ended, the spring real estate market will be here before we know it in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, North Pole, and the surrounding areas. Soon a wave of potential buyers will take to searching for their perfect property as the weather starts to turn around. Not only do the warming temperatures play a role in getting buyers out and about to tour homes for sale, but lower inventory just may give sellers an edge.
However, that doesn't always mean your Alaskan home is ready for buyers to step inside and prepare their offers. You may need to do a bit of prep work before you're officially in the game! Below are four ways to get ahead of the spring real estate market this year and make your home stand out from the rest in ...
Whether we like it or not, the winter weather has already descended upon Alaska. Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, and North Pole area homeowners would be wise to take precautions now to ensure they are not caught off guard by a faulty heating system, water leaks in the basement or high energy bills due to drafty windows and doors.
Madden Real Estate is happy to share the following five tips for preparing your home for winter and help you enjoy the season, without any home-related hassles.
Clean the gutters
Once all the leaves have fallen, it's time to clean out your gutters, unless of course, they are already overflowing. Gutters are the cause of many basement water problems due to water draining improperly.
On the same note, make sure your downspouts are pointing away from your house, away from sills and driveways. You always want to route water away from the...
October is nearly here! That means fall is officially underway which brings about its own share of tasks for Alaskan homeowners— raking leaves, cleaning out the fireplace, updating decor and now, preparing for Halloween. You might not have anticipated getting ready for trick or treaters, but there are a few ways you can make sure the path to your door is as safe as possible.
Clear the way
Just as you would do to prepare for potential Alaska homebuyers, you need to ensure the pathways are unobstructed. While it's still daylight, inspect your lawn, driveway and other pathways for anything that could prove an obstacle. That means tree roots, fallen branches, or even cracks in the pavement. Make updates and repairs where you can or at the very least, block off these areas.
It's also important to make sure your Halloween decor is not in the way....
With rising mortgage rates, home prices, inflation, and the lack of homes for sale in Alaska, there are many reasons to be frustrated when looking to buy a home right now. And while it may feel challenging to both find a property and close the deal, there may be good news on the horizon.
"While the median list price for a home is still a staggering $435,000," Realtor.com reports. "Prices [recently] dropped for the first time in six years—by $15,000."
The industry outlet goes on to state that the national inventory of active listings increased by 30.7%, a record-high growth rate. "As a result, the housing market may be headed toward a state of balance not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic led to a full-blown seller’s market," they speculated.
So what can you do this year if you're ready to buy but feeling fed up with market conditions? We're sharing...
Did you know misconceptions and myths are what holds would-be homebuyers back most in Alaska? Buying a home is indeed one of the biggest steps you will ever take, but don’t allow what you assume is true or required to become fact without first doing the research.
As your local real estate experts in Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, North Pole, and the surrounding areas, Madden Real Estate is happy to help you clear a few things up! Below are three myths surrounding mortgages that may be keeping you from purchasing your dream home in Alaska:
Myth: Your best credit scores will be used
When you apply jointly with another borrower for a mortgage in Alaska, your lender will take the middle...
As we’ve mentioned in past blog posts, there are many “hidden costs” of buying a home in Alaska and that goes for moving too! It is so secret that the moving process can be overwhelming. After all, you’re on your way to settle into your dream home. It’s both exciting and new and as a result, it can be easy to overlook a few key items like fees along the way.
If you’re moving to a new home in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, North Pole, or the surrounding areas this summer, it is important to keep an eye out for these extra fees that could pop up when changing homes. Even little things like disposing of packing materials can add up in charges.
Packing and Unpacking
If you don’t take the time to carefully package each item or piece of furniture, you could risk damaging them in your move. However, some new homeowners...
When you're shopping for a new home in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, or North Pole, you'll want to research everything from the square footage to the property taxes to, perhaps the most important, the neighborhood. But with technology in place, it's key to note you don't actually have to visit the area to do your due diligence!
There are several ways to research a neighborhood in Alaska right from your own home!
Browse local social media
Use the power of social media to research a potential neighborhood when shopping for homes in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, and North Pole. You can use apps like NextDoor, Facebook, or even dig into geo-specific hashtags or locations on Instagram, for instance, to look for activity and posts in a certain area.
Use Google...
Summer is a busy time in the real estate market, with Alaskan homebuyers taking the time to tour homes for sale through open houses. However, if you're a first-time homebuyer, you may not know how to act at an open house. Don't worry! Like any aspect of Alaska real estate, there are guidelines to follow as you visit them this summer, but we're here to walk you through it!
As you head out to visit available properties in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, and North Pole this year, keep the following tips in mind to practice smart homebuyer etiquette and soon you'll be a pro!
Watch the other homebuyers
Take note of your surroundings as you visit open houses in Fairbanks, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, and North Pole, watching the other homebuyers...
Summer is one of the best times to tackle that long homeowner to-do list! Whether it’s replacing your front door, installing new light fixtures and landscaping, or even as big as renovating an entire bathroom, there are certain projects that can give your home a much needed boost in terms of looks and value!
But don’t be too quick with the hammer— instead take a look at our list of Alaskan home projects that will pay you back when the time comes to sell.
According to real estate news outlet Keeping Current Matters, the following four projects will yield you the highest return on your investment:
Bathroom Remodel
You may have heard that kitchens and bathrooms help sell homes and it’s true! A minor bathroom remodel can bring homeowners...
Now that we're inching toward the summer season and the real estate market has certainly been heating up, you may have heard that now is a great time to sell your Alaskan home.
There are indeed more buyers in search of properties in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, and North Pole, home prices are rising, and landing top dollar is not so uncommon anymore— but just remember, timing is everything!
The assumption that spring is the proper time is not always accurate. Below are four things to consider if you're ready to sell your Alaskan home.
Spring isn't always best
Many believe that spring is the best time to sell your home, however according to Realtor.com, "one recent study found that sellers...
Summer is upon us and it's an exciting time in local real estate! The conditions are ideal for moving, homebuyers are feeling motivated, and Alaskan home sellers are ready for a change of scenery. However, despite the market statistics on rising mortgage rates and housing prices, there are still a few buyers on the fence.
If you find yourself wondering if now is the right time to buy in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, or North Pole, consider these top five reasons to own a home:
Paying rent is not the best investment
If you're currently renting, ask yourself where your money is going every month. When you rent a home in Alaska, you are paying down your landlord's mortgage, not your own. When you own a home, you are paying down your own mortgage and putting...
When it comes to buying a home in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, and the surrounding Alaskan communities, there are many options for mortgage loans. Alaska homebuyers can shop around for a mortgage loan and see what works best for them and their finances.
As your local Alaskan real estate experts, Madden Real Estate is here to offer you some general information on your down payment options. There are many programs out there now that allow to you put down as little as 3 or 5 percent on an Alaskan home. With VA loans for veterans, you don’t need any down payment.
These programs are wonderful for families who do not have 20 percent saved for a home, as they can start...
With the weather beginning to warm up and the official start of spring finally here, many homeowners in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, and North Pole are looking for ways to improve their property.
But if you're one of those making a home to-do list this spring, it's important to consider the projects that will be worth your while in terms of boosting curb appeal and adding value.
Consider the following home projects that will pay off when it comes time to sell your home in Alaska:
Clean it up
Before you can start on improvement projects like adding new landscaping or painting the shutters, start by giving your home's exterior a good cleaning. Power wash away all of the grime, dirt and mildew that could have built up over the long winter. Wash the windows, inside and out, and don't forget to wash away any dust or dirt on...
Real estate has just been voted the best investment for the eighth year in a row— better than stocks, gold, and savings! But that’s not all real estate can hold its own against by comparison.
Real estate is also a time-honored inflation hedge. In fact, for the last decade, home price appreciation has beat inflation by several percentage points.
During times where inflation is mounting, rising costs of rent can also be a major concern. However, as a homeowner, fixed-rate mortgages can help you keep your monthly housing payment the same.
“A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to maintain the biggest portion of housing expenses at the same payment. Sure, property taxes will rise and other expenses may creep up, but your monthly housing payment remains the same,” said James Royal, Senior Wealth Management Reporter at Bankrate. “That’s certainly not the case if you’re...
