Clair Ramsey

Anchorage has a limited amount of land left for affordable new construction. This combination creates a dilemma when life’s circumstances change and you have to decide whether to purchase a newer home or renovate an older one.

Have you noticed the recent rash of advertisements for reverse mortgages? The idea of being able to use your home equity for current living expenses (wants and needs), while not making any mortgage payments, sounds just too good to be true. And for most people, it probably is.

Painting is the most noticeable home improvement because it covers so much surface area. Paint can create a mood, denote a style, and give your home personality. However, the numerous decisions involved in painting can make this improvement feel intimidating.

It is not often that you are able to look to the future and back to the past as events change around you. This is happening now as the Alaska Housing Finance Corp. pushes forward to show that there is a greater value in energy-efficient housing. Starting in July, AHFC will offer a number of statewide classes to educate appraisers, lenders, builders, real estate practitioners and the public about the hidden values of energy-efficient homes.

In a recent mayoral debate, the candidates were questioned about tax-exempt properties. They were asked if laws should be changed to do away with property tax exemptions for nonprofits and church property. With state government and local agencies struggling with budget deficits, the real question might have been: “Am I paying more than my fair share of taxes?”

Most people believe they have their homes and rental properties adequately insured against unforeseen disasters. The policy gaps are evident only when a problem occurs. Then you find out what is not covered.

For some homeowners, the most difficult space to find in a home is storage space. As your clutter grows, you may think you need a larger home with more storage space. But maybe not. Instead, think organization. With spring just around the corner, here are a couple of tips we have learned over the years to manage and organize the overflow of stuff.

Looking at new homes just completed or still under construction can be fun and informative. It’s like looking at the latest models at a new car show. The builder/car manufacturer hopes to encourage you to fall in love with the newest design. However with a home, consider the differences between buying new or “pre-owned.”

When comparing home choices, think beyond square footage to consider factors like location, quality and layout.

A few simple steps can keep you from facing a frantic, fruitless search for information when an appliance goes haywire.

With so many different ways to take title, it is important to make certain the way you take title works with your overall estate planning goals. As your life changes, you may need to re-evaluate your title choices as well.

To avoid probate, some Alaskans have used trusts and gifting to transfer property on death. Now state law allows property owners to transfer their home on death without going through probate.

Updates to Alaska landlord-tenant laws go into effect Sept. 15, with changes to rules governing pets, water service, PFD garnishment and other matters affecting property owners and renters.

Most new homeowners and prospective buyers assume a home has good water quality since previous homeowners drank the water. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and occupants are not aware until a health problem occurs.

At midway through the selling season, now is a good time to take the pulse of the Anchorage real estate market. For a general perspective, let’s look at location and price range.