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Stephanie Gamble
Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate
865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy #200
Wasilla AK 99654
Direct: 907-354-0277
Fax: 907-376-5471
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Alaska Real Estate

Stephanie Gamble

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Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 10

Trunk Road Reconstruction Project

Friday, November 13, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

 

 

The Trunk Road Reconstruction Project began in 1997 with completion of a preliminary engineering report. In 2002, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) allowing the design to begin on an alignment to Trunk Road combining part of the existing road with a major new segment as shown below.

The purpose of the project is to enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other roadway users by upgrading Trunk Road to current standards. This would increase the capacity of Trunk Road to accommodate traffic during the 20-year design life of the proposed project. The design will address the following issues:

  • Geometics—improvement of horizontal and vertical curves
  • Pedestrians and Bicyclists—provides facilities not currently provided along the existing roadway, like shoulders, pathways, etc.
  • Projected Traffic Volumes—designed to handle future traffic
  • Commuter and Through Traffic—increases capacity and accommodates all traffic
  • Arterial Roadway Function—upgrades the road to meet arterial standards

Go to www.trunkroad.com for more detailed information.

 

Fireworks on November 28th in Palmer, Ak

Friday, November 13, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

After the big holiday is over and your belly's are full of turkey and pie. I wanted to let you in on a great event we attend every year.  We head over to Palmer and enjoy the most spectacular fireworks display ever!  We go every year and stand out in the cold with are hot coco's in hand.

I hope you take the time to enjoy your family this Thanksgiving.

 

Why Use a Realtor?

Saturday, November 07, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

Why Use a REALTOR®?

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.

2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

Why Use a Realtor?

Saturday, November 07, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

Why Use a REALTOR®?

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.

2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

First Time Home Buyer Tax credit extented

Friday, November 06, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

  • Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
  • Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

    Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

    • First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
    • Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

    To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

 

First Time Home Buyer Tax credit extented

Friday, November 06, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

  • Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
  • Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

    Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

    • First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
    • Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

    To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

 

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Wednesday, October 21, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

Decision Time Draws Near for First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

First-timebuyers who want to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit need to start thinking about closing as soon as possible. Even though December 1st is still months away, when you add in possible delays to an already lengthy process, those few months start to look like barely enough time to settle a Real Estate transaction. With inspections, negotiations, and new Truth in Lending Laws, delays are looking more inevitable than ever.

Though the official expiration date of the credit is December 1, in reality on-the-fence buyers will need to makea decision one way or the other fairly soon. The reason: in order to qualify for the credit, the home purchase must close BEFORE December 1st. Merely having loan approval, an accepted offer or a signed contract won't be enough to qualify for the Housing and Economic Recovery Act

Decision-Making Timeline - While each transaction is unique, closing a real estate deal is no speedy matter. On average, closing takes place 45 to 60 days after the date that the contract is signed. In order to meet the December 1st deadline, this would mean having a signing date in late September or early October. Those who consider the tax credit an important incentive but are still unsure about entering the market will need to make a decision one way or another before many more summer days pass.

To have any chance at finding a home and having an offer accepted by early October, buyers will want to wade into the home buying process right away. The immediate steps include making a final list of desired home attributes, scouting favorite neighborhoods and areas, contacting a bank for mortgage pre-approval and beginning the home search process online.

If you are a First-Time Home Buyer, defined as someone who has not owned a principle residence in the last 3 years, there is still time to take advantage of this opportunity. For more information on the Tax Credit or to get started with the home-buying process please contact me right away and I will be happy to assist you.

5 Reasons to Buy a Home this Year

Monday, August 03, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

5 Reasons to Buy a Home this Year
Affordability returns to housing, and buyers have loads of negotiating power.

Stray from the herd, and you might be in for the home-buying opportunity of a lifetime.

Ask for price reductions, improvements, closing costs — whatever — and the seller, desperate to get a contract, is  likely to work with you, said Jay Papasan, one of the authors of the book, "Your First Home."  but when the market starts improving, your negotiating power will start to diminish, he added.

If you're qualified to buy a home now, and the purchase makes sense for your situation, and you're prepared to live in that home for at least five years, there are five reasons you may be headed for a great deal:

1. Affordability is better than ever.

A report from Moody's Economy.com, released the first week of February, predicted that house prices will stabilize by the end of this year. Although prices have not dropped hugely in Anchorage, Alaska, we do see lots of seller-concessions in the form of either lower accepted offers, or help with closing costs.

2. You have a large inventory to choose from.
In many places it is taking months to sell a home, creating loads of inventory — from new homes to existing homes to foreclosures. A large selection gives buyers more choices and drives down prices. And home sellers have got the picture and Buyers can take advantage of soft market conditions.

But if you put off a purchase until inventory shrinks substantially, you might not get as good a price, said Eddie Fadel, author of the book, "Don't Rent, Buy!"  And be forewarned: It's nearly impossible to time the exact bottom of the housing market, and even if you do, there's no guarantee you'll make a killing.

"You buy for quality of life . . . don't buy on speculation," said Duane Andrews, chief executive officer of Clear Capital Historically, real estate appreciates about 5% a year over the long term, said Nancy Flint-Budde, a Salem, N.Y.,-based certified financial planner. But as the country crawls out of a recession, many markets probably won't see huge home-price gains any time soon.

3. Builders are offering big discounts.
Home builders are getting even more aggressive with their pricing.

In fact, Fadel recommends looking at completed new homes first because builders are offering such steep discounts. Plus, you'd have a warranty not only on the home itself, but also on the home's appliances, he said.

His advice: Walk in with a preapproval for a mortgage, make an offer, then walk away without making a deal if you have to. Chances are, a builder will call back and reconsider that offer rather than let a potential buyer get away.

4. Mortgage rates are historically low.
It's not just the price of the home that will affect affordability; mortgage terms will also affect your monthly payments. These days, rates are very attractive for conforming loans, those that can be purchased by mortgage agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Earlier this year, rates on the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a level not seen in decades, and rates have stayed relatively near that low for months.

But low rates don't mean lenders are handing out mortgages easily. Good credit has become a huge qualifying condition.

5. You can get a federal tax credit.
The economic stimulus plan recently signed by President Obama has a tax credit for first-time homebuyers up to $8,000 for homes bought between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30 of this year.  That money will not have to be paid back if the home is held for at least three years.

That extra cash will come in handy: The average first-time homebuyer spends about $6,000 in the first six months of owning a home, said Flint-Budde.

However, the new tax credit might sap a buyer's negotiating power, as more people get back into the market and competition returns, Fadel said.

"The more Washington gives, demand will increase," he said.

(Adapted from an article by Amy Hoak in MarketWatch)

Call me today to discuss your buying options. In a few years you will be glad you did. Guaranteed!

Top Reasons you shouldn't wait to BUY A NEW HOME!

Wednesday, April 01, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

1. NEW $ 8,000.00 FEDERAL TAX CREDIT. 

Until Dec. 1, 2009, qualified first-time buyers can receive a tax credit. Learn more @ Federalhousingtaxcredit.com

2.  LOW INTEREST RATES.

Rates remain at near-record lows; you can lock in a payment that fits your budget.

3. UNBEATABLE INVESTMENTS.

Even in down markets, over the long term home prices still appreciate more than the stock market.

4. GREAT SELECTION.

With so many homes on the market, you can get the features you want!

5. ENERGEY EFFICIENCY.

New homes have advanced technology and environmentally friendly features that can help you save money.

 

Tips in today's Real Estate Market

Sunday, March 22, 2009
by Stephanie Gamble

 

Tips in today's Real Estate Market...

1. Where is your money going?...Track your spending over the next 3 months see where your money is going. Can you afford a 3,000 month mortgage or can you only afford a 2,000 month mortgage.

2. Do your Homework...Call around many mortgages still have bells and whistles attached to them, so it is important for borrowers to know what those provisions are and what they require. When it’s time to visit a lender, make sure that you speak freely and honestly and ask questions.

3. Think like an Investor..... Thinking long-term involves a mindset that looks past current trends and fads.

4. Do your Research....Internet! According to the National Association of Realtors, 74 percent of prospective buyers who drove by a home for sale first saw the property online. When posting your property, make sure that your listing has plenty of pictures and that those photos are well staged. Virtual tours are always a plus for potential buyers.

5. Be honest with yourself...If you’ve bought your property in the past couple of years, then you’ll have to come to terms with not recovering your money if you’re selling today. That’s the reality of the current market. Buyers today can capitalize on this market for these reasons.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask...Making a low offer? Pay attention to the history of the home, How many days on the market? Is it a short sale? Has it been re-listed? The worse thing that could happen is they counter or say no and then you move on. 

 

Stephanie Gamble
Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate
865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy #200
Wasilla AK 99654
© 2003 – 2010 Real Pro Systems, LLC
Last modified 3/10/2010