Anchorage Igloo Offered for Sale

interesting article from overseaspropertymall.com

Standing 180 miles out of Anchorage on the George Park Highway is a former luxury hotel, currently on sale for $300, 000 (£217, 000), and its current owner sees it being converted into a restaurant or hotel by its buyer.

So far, so normal. But there is a unique selling point to this building – or a unique not-selling point, depending on your point of view.

It’s an 80-foot rubber igloo.







The structure, made of polyurethane stretched over a wooden frame, is only inspired by Inuit igloos, it’s not actually made of ice. But the former Igloo City Hotel is likely to attract the more adventurous buyer.

The current owner, Brad Fisher, bought it in 1996 and thinks it has great potential (for someone else), pointing to its enviable location, passing trade and great views. It dates to the 1970s when it was built as a motorway rest stop. More recent years have seen it become a tourist attraction in its own right, as the fascination with the macabre meets the lure of the kitch…

The process of conversion could be expensive, though, as the Igloo Hotel is authentically freezing: there’s no electricity or heat. Not only is there no electricity inside the building: there’s none nearby. To supply it, you’d need to build a new substation.

In fact, the Igloo has always been a bit of a white elephant. It never really opened in the 1970s, and the inside remains structurally incomplete as well as lacking in that Alaskan essential, heating. It’s been extensively vandalised too, including having fireworks set off inside it.

As much as it sounds like it’s dead in the water, there actually is some method in Bob Fisher’s madness.

The Igloo has stunning views of snowy mountains and beautiful alpine meadows and is on the route out to the six-million-acre Denali National Park, home to the tallest mountain in North America and temporary accommodation to half a million tourists every year. It’s a great area to see moose, wolves, beaver, wild foxes and grizzly bears. It’s right next to prime snowmobiling and hiking territory. And the hotel already has a loyal tourist following. So yes, you could make something out of it.

You’d need deep pockets, though. In addition to getting the building actually finished and attached to the grid, you’d need to spend an unknown amount on making sure it’s up to code, including some that didn’t exist when it was built. The price seems a little steep for what is essentially half a rubber ball but it comes with 38 acres of prime Alaskan land, which is expensive, desirable and saleable. A buyer might want to do on a larger scale what Mr. Fisher did – run a separate business on the land next to it. Until 2005, Mr. Fisher operated hut rentals and a petrol station in the grounds of the hotel. So maybe an enterprising, hiking and outdoors friendly business person could make the Igloo cool again. Fancy it?

Spend Now, Save Big: Top 5 Preventative Home Products to Invest In

helpful info from rismedia.com

You know it’s important to set aside some savings for emergency home repairs, but it’s equally as important to spend money now to prevent what can turn into future disasters. So, don’t put it off for a rainy day (that is when you’re most likely to get a flooded basement, after all!). Invest in these five products for your home to get ahead of the game!

Programmable Thermostat

At some point or another, most homeowners find themselves scratching their heads trying to figure out why their energy bill is so high each month. They’ve tried every technique in the book – like sealing windows and doors to eliminate drafts, insulating their house, using LED lights, moving their thermostat out of direct sunlight, and unplugging small appliances when they’re not using them – to no avail. There’s an easier, more reliable way to minimize energy costs – installing a programmable thermostat.

This type of thermostat can play a huge role in conserving energy in the home. With functions like being able to program your desired temperatures up to seven days in advance, automatic adjustments when electric prices are higher, displayed reminders to change your air filters, and the ability to remotely regulate the temperature using your smart phone, there really is no better way to save money in the long run. If you really want to splurge, you could spring for a thermostat that also adjusts other systems in your home like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air filtration.

Some of these thermostats are DIY-able, but others may require a professional to come out and install for you. Whichever option you choose, it is important to become familiar with the system so that you can customize your settings for maximum savings. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save 10 percent a year on your energy bills just by using a programmable thermostat.

Masonry Waterproofer

Damp and moldy basements can cause a whole host of problems for homeowners – from health issues to a weakened foundation and many other headaches along the way. Many people associate these basements with older homes, but even new homes with finished basements aren’t immune to water seeping in. And, once it starts, water leaks and mold are extremely difficult to get rid of.

Before it becomes a problem, get some masonry waterproofer from your local home improvement store, and coat your basement walls. This sealant will help to keep the water out and protect any assets that may be stored in the basement. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost of repairing water damage to your home is about $2,100. The old saying has never rung more true – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Gutter Protection

Speaking of cure, most homeowners dread the headache of cleaning out clogged gutters year in and year out. But cleaning your gutters is only a temporary solution to a permanent problem. Installing gutter protection is a permanent solution.

With gutter protection, you’re not just eliminating clogs, but a whole range of other problems. You’re preventing pest infestations, foundation problems, leaky roofs, and much more. By preventing so many problems, the cost benefits of installing gutter protection really are endless.

But, be aware that some types of gutter protection products are installed by inserting under the first layer of shingles on your roof. This will limit or void your roof warranty, which could cost you even more in the future. Look for a product that is installed directly on your gutters, like LeafFilter, so that you can reap the benefits of gutter protection while leaving your roof intact.

Portable Generator

Every area has its own brand of extreme weather. Whether you live in tornado alley, a snow belt, a coastal hurricane region, or anywhere with a risk of power outage, it’s a good idea to invest in a generator for your home. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use a generator, but having one handy can potentially save you hundreds – if not, thousands – of dollars during a power outage.

If the worst case scenario happens and your power gets knocked out for several hours or days, a portable generator will be able to keep food in the refrigerator cold, allow you to continue to work on your laptop (which inevitably will have a low battery when the power goes out), or let you heat up a quick meal. More powerful generators may even let you keep the heat or central air running. You’ll gain even more benefits from your generator if you live with very young or elderly family members that can’t handle extreme heat or cold, or need special medical attention. By investing in a generator now, you’ll never get caught off guard in an emergency.

Home Security System

Do you think that you’re not at risk for a home burglary? Think again. The statistics are grim. Every year, millions of homes are broken into. These burglaries often result in devastating losses – from run-of-the-mill household objects, to priceless heirlooms, and even life itself. Are you willing to take the chance that your house won’t get broken into?

If you’re not comfortable with taking this gamble, your safest bet it to install a home security system, like LifeShield. Simply advertising that your home is secured frequently deters potential burglars from ever entering your home. But if you do experience a break-in, you’ll never have to wonder whether help is coming, even if the power is cut, and your phone and Internet go down.

Emergencies usually cause people to panic, which can end up worsening the situation. Prepare for disaster now by investing in these five products so that you can effectively protect your home – and, more importantly, yourself – in the worst case scenario.

Denver County home sellers make out big in Q3

good news for sellers in Denver County Q3, from Denver Business Journal...

Home sellers in Denver County made out big in the third quarter, where sellers sold for an average of a 41.5 percent gain over what they originally paid.

That's according to research conducted by California housing data company RealtyTrac, which placed Denver County at No. 6 in the country for highest percentage sales gains.

Only San Francisco County, California (58.7 percent gain), San Mateo County, California (55.7 percent gain), Santa Clara County, California (47.7 percent gain), Alameda County, California (43.1 percent gain), and New York County, New York (41.6 percent gain) had higher percentage sales gains than Denver County. Homeowners in these five counties owned their homes for a little more than seven years before selling, RealtyTrac said.

Nationally, "homeowners who sold during the third quarter realized an average price gain of $40,658 (17 percent) from the purchase price of their property," RealtyTrac said in a statement.

In September, RealtyTrac said Denver home sales were on pace to set a 10-year record, and median selling prices in Denver set an all-time high this summer, according to Re/Max.

21 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Selling

helpful article from trulia.com

Simple touch-ups can do a lot to impress a potential buyer — and possibly clinch a deal.

While small upgrades and minor decor replacements may seem like a waste of time when you’re in a hurry to sell your house, one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a seller is listing your home without any advance preparation.

Whether you’re listing your condo for sale in Miami, FL, or looking for a buyer for your home for sale in Chicago, IL, the easiest way to find what needs a little attention is to “put your buyer’s hat on and walk through your home like it is the first time,” says Marilou Young, an Accredited Staging Professional and an associate broker with Virtual Properties Realty in the metropolitan Atlanta, GA, area.

“Make notes on what you, as a buyer, would notice,” Young advises, “and then repair or replace those items.”

Be sure you prepare your home for sale — and can check off every item on this list — before you even begin to imagine hanging that “For Sale” sign out front.

1.Clean, clean, clean. Be sure to clean every nook and cranny. Don’t forget overlooked areas, such as dusting the fireplace mantel and ceiling fan blades, polishing appliances and faucets, and washing the windows. If you’ve already moved out or if you’re too busy to do a thorough cleaning, consider hiring a cleaning service.

2.Pay attention to smells.

3.Clear out the clutter. You want buyers to focus on how awesome your space is, not how messy it looks. Banish that pile of shoes from the entry, that stack of mail from the kitchen table, and anything else that detracts from your home’s gorgeous features.

4.Repaint the walls in neutral colors. As much as you love your dramatic red dining room, it could turn off a good portion of your potential buyers. So repaint your rooms in neutral tones such as grays, tans, and whites that allow buyers to focus on the spaces, not the color of the walls.

5.Keep the decor simple. To help buyers imagine themselves in your space, get rid of any statement art or decor that might turn people off. A classic landscape painting? Totally fine. Your zebra-print leather couch? Might want to slip-cover that for showings or rent a storage unit until you’re ready to move it into your new place.

6.Get rid of personal items. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves in your home, so remove anything overly personal, such as the gallery wall of family photos or your kids’ artwork on the fridge.

7.Let there be light! Open all the windows (especially in warmer months) to let in natural light and add floor or table lamps to illuminate areas that are dim. A bright, cheery room looks bigger and more inviting.

8.Bring nature inside. Potted plants or a few pretty buds in a vase can help bring energy into a space, fill in empty corners, and even draw attention to features you want buyers to notice. Just make sure the plants are in good health (and bug-free!).

9.Get rid of bulky furniture. Your furniture should fit the scale of the room, so get rid of any extra or oversized items that could make your space look smaller than it really is. For example, if you have a huge sectional in your family room, consider breaking it up and use just the main sofa portion.

10.Organize your closets. Storage space is a huge selling point, and if your closets are stuffed to the brim, buyers will think you don’t have enough of it. Invest in some boxes, dividers, and other solutions that will help you organize your space, and remove items you don’t need (you can stow them away until you move).

11.Tackle that honey-do list. All those little things you’ve been meaning to do but never got around to? Do them. Buyers will notice minor flaws, and they’ll detract from the value of your home. So set aside a weekend to tighten those loose doorknobs, fix that leaky faucet, and paint over the scuffs from when you first moved in your sofa.

12.Do a faux renovation. Little tweaks can make a big difference in the overall feel of a room. Kitchen a bit outdated? Replace the fixtures, faucets, and hinges. Family-room furniture beaten up? Throw some slipcovers over it.

13.Give each room a purpose. That spare room you’ve been using as an office/guest room/dumping ground won’t help sell your home unless you show buyers how they can use it themselves. So pick a use (office, guest room, crafts room) and clearly stage the space to showcase that purpose.

14.Turn the bathroom into a spa. Create the feel of a relaxing, luxurious bath — for less than $30. Stack a few pretty washcloths tied with ribbon, add some candles and orchids, and buy bathmats and towels in coordinating tones such as light green, blue, and white.

15.Lower the toilet seat. When it comes to both showing and photographing your home, this little trick can make a surprising difference.

16.Turn the living room into conversation central. Practice the art of feng shui: Help buyers picture themselves relaxing with family and guests by grouping your furniture into arrangements that inspire conversation.

17.Keep the flow going. The last thing you want is people bumping into furniture as they tour your home; it disrupts their focus and makes your space look cramped. Do a dry run as though you’re seeing your home for the first time and tweak anything that interrupts the “flow.”

18.Make something yummy. Real estate agents don’t put out fresh cookies at open houses just to treat buyers. A “homey” smell such as cookies or muffins baking can help people connect with a kitchen. Not a baker? Fake it with a scented candle.

19.Make it look lived in with vignettes. Help your buyers see themselves in your home by adding deliberate vignettes that showcase how your home can be lived in. An inviting armchair and a tray with a coffee cup and book on it can turn that empty corner into a reading nook. Pretty soaps in a decorative tray can make your tiny half bath more appealing.

20.Highlight focal points. Draw buyers’ eyes toward any special features with bright colors or accents such as plants. A pop of red from a throw pillow can draw buyers’ attention to that lovely window seat. A striking fern on the mantel can show off your fireplace.

21.Boost the curb appeal. Don’t spend all your time indoors. Buyers may decide to not enter a home based on its curb appeal, so make sure your home’s exterior looks excellent. Trim shrubs, weed flower beds, remove and refresh any peeling paint, and keep the walkway clear. Just adding a row of potted plants along the walkway or a cheerful wreath to your front door can make a big difference. Marilou Young recommends her clients focus on curb appeal first. If her clients are on a tight budget, she’ll advise that they at least spruce up the front entrance. That first impression goes a long way.

Colorado's Hot Home Prices Tap The Brakes, But Just For Winter

interesting on local data from kunc.org

Northern Colorado's home and condo prices are not ticking up quite as fast as they were earlier in 2015. But the lull is typical heading into winter, say real estate experts.

If you look year over year, the median single family home price of $304,000 for the Northeast Region, which covers Boulder, Larimer, Logan, Morgan and Weld counties, is still nearly 15 percent higher than the $265,000 it was at this time in 2014.

Prices for townhomes and condos market are also staying up. With a median price of $225,000 in the Northeast Region, the prices for these units are 19 percent higher versus the same time in 2014.

Kelly Moye, with the Colorado Association of Realtors, called the recent price plateau a "seasonal shift." Hiring typically slows this time of year, meaning fewer people moving into the region. In 2016, however, Moye said most people watching the market expects it to pick back up.

"Everybody that I've talked to seems to think next year [2016] is going to be equally as strong as this year. We have economic factors in our state that all point to continued growth and continued appreciation," said Moye.

This is especially true because the inventory of homes is not growing quickly. Builders are trying to fill the gap in supply that is contributing to higher prices, but they are not able to build at a rate that keeps up with demand, said Moye. This is particularly true for construction of homes priced below $300,000.

Since the Colorado economy is continuing to remain strong, growth in the state will likely continue, keeping the market busy.

"We should probably see a similar really brisk spring next year," said Moye.

It's not only Northern Colorado experiencing very fast growth in prices. The Denver Metro region, which includes Denver suburbs, is on the same track. The median single family home price in the Denver Metro in October 2015 was $344,000, up 14 percent from this time in the previous year.

Such prices may not seem unusual for workers moving from higher-priced coastal areas, but Colorado's Front Range has historically had a lower cost of living. Wages are typically lower than they are on the coasts, and that disparity between home prices and income contributes to a rising lack of affordability.

At a recent demography meeting in Littleton, Jason Schrock, a chief economist with the office of state planning and budgeting,said that home price increases in the Northern Front Range were increasing faster than any other part of the country except coastal cities.

"Really only the coastal areas of the country have higher costs than the Northern Front Range," said Schrock.

Economist Calls for Off-Season Home Purchasing

from national mortgage professional.com...

While the autumn and winter months are traditionally not the most frenetic in terms of sales volume, one prominent housing economist is calling on people to break with tradition and consider residential home purchasing during this chilly off-season.

“If you qualify for a mortgage and have the funds for a downpayment and closing costs—and if you intend to live in a home long enough to cover the transaction costs of buying and selling—you will be better off financially if you buy as soon as you can,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Realtor.com. “After all, if you are tired of your current home now, you won’t feel better about it in six months.”

Smoke noted that one of the problems facing many housing markets—the lack of inventory—holds no promise of being resolved in the warmer weather.

“Inventory isn’t likely to be higher in March and April than it is now,” Smoke continued. “And while inventory should grow in late spring and into summer, it won’t grow as fast as the seasonal demand. So, if you are ready, consider getting in the market now instead of early spring. You will have more choices and less competition, and you can lock in today’s rates rather than risk rates being 25 to 50 basis points higher.”

Without mentioning Janet Yellen and friends by name, Smoke also hinted that a potential Federal Reserve rate hike would make homebuying somewhat costlier after Dec. 16.

“A 50 basis-point increase in rates … would cause monthly payments to be six percent higher,” Smoke said. “And that increase would not only affect your monthly cash flow but could also affect your ability to qualify.”