GayRealEstate USA

Around the Nation - Residential Real Estate - Alaska

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Residential Real Estate

Alaska is the largest state in America, but the least densely populated. There are some 600,000 residents that reside in Alaska, many of which live in the metropolitan areas. There are some 1200 same-sex couples that reside in Alaska with most choosing to reside in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Eagle River.

Anchorage

There are an equal number of buyers and sellers buyers in this region and homes are typically sitting on the market for 60 to 90 days before selling. There is a decreasing market trend in this region with a limited supply of homes. Prices have risen 10-15% to a median value of $377,000 and buyers are getting 95-100% of their asking price.

The area of greatest activity is repeat buyers with multiple offers being seen. Market hot-spots in this region are Downtown, Anchorage, Bootleggers Cove, Inlet View, Old Turnagain, South Anchorage, Hillside, Potter's Marsh and Mid-town. investment properties are hot in Fairview and Mountain View.

 

Eagle River

There are more sellers than buyers in this region and homes are typically sitting on the market for 90 to 120 days before selling. There is no change in market trends in this region with a limited supply of homes. Prices have risen 0-5% to a median value of $325,000 and buyers are getting 95-100% of their asking price.

The area of greatest activity is homes priced between $250,000 and $350,000, and buyers are seeking newer homes. In fact, new construction, which has been inactive for more than 2 years, is now coming back to life.

 

Fairbanks

There are more buyers than sellers in this region and homes are typically sitting on the market for 10 to 30 days before selling. There is an increasing market trend in this region and the overall market is considered to be 'very tight'. Prices have risen 0-5% to a median value of $250,000 and buyers are getting 100% of their asking price.

There are no predominate areas of activity or hot-spots in this region.

Sources:  HouseHunt.com (2008) Residential Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

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By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Residential Real Estate

Alaska is the largest state in America, but the least densely populated. There are some 600,000 residents that reside in Alaska, many of which live in the metropolitan areas. There are some 1200 same-sex couples that reside in Alaska with most choosing to reside in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Eagle River.

Anchorage

There are an equal number of buyers and sellers buyers in this region and homes are typically sitting on the market for 60 to 90 days before selling. There is a decreasing market trend in this region with a limited supply of homes. Prices have risen 10-15% to a median value of $377,000 and buyers are getting 95-100% of their asking price.

The area of greatest activity is repeat buyers with multiple offers being seen. Market hot-spots in this region are Downtown, Anchorage, Bootleggers Cove, Inlet View, Old Turnagain, South Anchorage, Hillside, Potter's Marsh and Mid-town. investment properties are hot in Fairview and Mountain View.

 

Eagle River

There are more sellers than buyers in this region and homes are typically sitting on the market for 90 to 120 days before selling. There is no change in market trends in this region with a limited supply of homes. Prices have risen 0-5% to a median value of $325,000 and buyers are getting 95-100% of their asking price.

The area of greatest activity is homes priced between $250,000 and $350,000, and buyers are seeking newer homes. In fact, new construction, which has been inactive for more than 2 years, is now coming back to life.

 

Fairbanks

There are more buyers than sellers in this region and homes are typically sitting on the market for 10 to 30 days before selling. There is an increasing market trend in this region and the overall market is considered to be 'very tight'. Prices have risen 0-5% to a median value of $250,000 and buyers are getting 100% of their asking price.

There are no predominate areas of activity or hot-spots in this region.

Sources:  HouseHunt.com (2008) Residential Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

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By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Residential Real Estate

Alaska is the largest state in America, but the least densely populated. There are some 600,000 residents that reside in Alaska, many of which live in the metropolitan areas. There are some 1200 same-sex couples that reside in Alaska with most choosing to reside in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Eagle River.

Anchorage

There are an equal number of buyers and sellers buyers in this region and homes are typically sitting on the market for 60 to 90 days before selling. There is a decreasing market trend in this region with a limited supply of homes. Prices have risen 10-15% to a median value of $377,000 and buyers are getting 95-100% of their asking price.

The area of greatest activity is repeat buyers with multiple offers being seen. Market hot-spots in this region are Downtown, Anchorage, Bootleggers Cove, Inlet View, Old Turnagain, South Anchorage, Hillside, Potter's Marsh and Mid-town. investment properties are hot in Fairview and Mountain View.

 

Eagle River

There are more sellers than buyers in this region and homes are typically sitting on the market for 90 to 120 days before selling. There is no change in market trends in this region with a limited supply of homes. Prices have risen 0-5% to a median value of $325,000 and buyers are getting 95-100% of their asking price.

The area of greatest activity is homes priced between $250,000 and $350,000, and buyers are seeking newer homes. In fact, new construction, which has been inactive for more than 2 years, is now coming back to life.

 

Fairbanks

There are more buyers than sellers in this region and homes are typically sitting on the market for 10 to 30 days before selling. There is an increasing market trend in this region and the overall market is considered to be 'very tight'. Prices have risen 0-5% to a median value of $250,000 and buyers are getting 100% of their asking price.

There are no predominate areas of activity or hot-spots in this region.

Sources:  HouseHunt.com (2008) Residential Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

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By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Residential Real Estate

Alaska is the largest state in America, but the least densely populated. There are some 600,000 residents that reside in Alaska, many of which live in the metropolitan areas. There are some 1200 same-sex couples that reside in Alaska with most choosing to reside in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Eagle River.

Sources:  HouseHunt.com (2008) Residential Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

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LGBT Gayest Zipcodes -- Real Estate Market Trends -- Alabama/ Alaska

By Jeff Adolph

Real Estate Market Trends

Without a doubt one of the most financially concerning times are upon us, and while many speculate just how long it is going to take the nation to recover, the rest of us get on with business usual.

Sometime ago -- the beginning of 2008 -- I reported on national market trends in GayRealEstate USA's gayest zip-codes, so that homeowners, buyers and sellers all had a feel of the residential real estate market, and were also able to identify where the majority of the American gay population resided, nationally.

I now think that it is time to re-address and compare market trend notes, so that we can see for ourselves how the real estate market in the nation's gayest zip-codes is faring. Therefore, weekly I shall offer an up date of two - four state markets and provide comparative information.

All information offered has been gathered from local realtors in the Fall of 2008 and compared with data gathered from the Fall of 2007.

Alabama -asking price percentages have remained stable in Birmingham, Huntsville and Madison, with the average home price still hovering between $170-180K in these regions. The only changes noted was the number of days on the market before homes sold, and the type of marketplace these homes were sold in.

Huntsville and Birmingham were recording sales averages of between 60 - 90 days. However, this sales average has now blown out to 90 - 120 days, whereas homes in Madison are selling quicker, with a 30 - 60 day average being recorded. Birmingham represents a buyers market with a large inventory as does Huntsville, however Madison is an equal buyers/sellers market with a declining inventory.

Alaska - is one of the few states whose economy is remaining steady, in fact many feel this state will not experience recession.

Eagle River, Anchorage, and Fairbanks have recorded no change in home values, with home median prices remaining consistent, along with home sales. The only change noted was the average time that homes in Eagle River remained on the market for, this had increased from 60 - 90 days, to 90 - 120 days.

Sources:  HouseHunt.com (2008) Residential Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Image Source:  Microsoft Clipart

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Alaska's Green Energy Solutions

By Jeff Adolph

Eco-friendly Power

Solar power is expected to cut Alaska's energy bills by 50% as they harness the midnight sun.

Furnaces, water heaters, refrigeration, irrigation and boilers are all able to run using solar power, which means that Alaskan's can become regionally self-sufficient. Plus, the energy each home does not use can then be sold back to the power company via the power grid.

Solar power works as simply as:

1) Installing solar photovoltaic panels on your home or business roof. These panels then collect the sun's energy in the form of a direct electrical current.

2) This direct electrical current is then converted using an inverter, which then supplies alternating current electricity to your home for use.

3) This alternating current electricity then replaces your electricity providers energy system, when it is able to provide enough energy to power your home. When it cannot, because of overcast days or night-fall your electricity providers energy then powers your home.

Many believe solar power along with wind generation and geothermal energy are all innovations of the future that will provide solid energy solutions for Alaska, and undoubtedly much of the United States.

Sources: Crawford, Jim (2008) Solar Power could Harness the Midnight Sun;available online at http://www.thetundradrums.com/news/show/2854

Image Source:  Microsoft Clipart Online

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By Jeff Adolph

Eco-friendly Power

Solar power is expected to cut Alaska's energy bills by 50% as they harness the midnight sun.

Furnaces, water heaters, refrigeration, irrigation and boilers are all able to run using solar power, which means that Alaskan's can become regionally self-sufficient. Plus, the energy each home does not use can then be sold back to the power company via the power grid.

Solar power works as simply as:

1) Installing solar photovoltaic panels on your home or business roof. These panels then collect the sun's energy in the form of a direct electrical current.

2) This direct electrical current is then converted using an inverter, which then supplies alternating current electricity to your home for use.

3) This alternating current electricity then replaces your electricity providers energy system, when it is able to provide enough energy to power your home. When it cannot, because of overcast days or night-fall your electricity providers energy then powers your home.

Many believe solar power along with wind generation and geothermal energy are all innovations of the future that will provide solid energy solutions for Alaska, and undoubtedly much of the United States.

Sources: Crawford, Jim (2008) Solar Power could Harness the Midnight Sun;available online at http://www.thetundradrums.com/news/show/2854

Image Source:  Microsoft Clipart Online

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Around the Nation: Residential Real Estate Update - Alaska

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state Update

Alaska is situated in the extreme northwestern region of America. This state has more coastline than any other and is the largest state in the nation with a land mass of 570,380 square miles. The climate in this region ranges between 80F in the summer to -60F in the winter (Anchorage pictured left during the warmer months).

The main economy for Alaska is petroleum, natural gas and seafood. The cost of living in this region is the highest in the nation, however, Alaska has the lowest taxation, with no sales tax or levied individual income tax. Property taxes are low with only 25 of 161 boroughs assessing property values.

Anchorage

This part of Alaska has a population of 282,813 and is Alaska's largest city. The average price of homes in this area is around the $224,000 mark, an increase of up to 5% compared to last years prices. Sellers are getting more than 100% of their asking price, a factor that is attributed to there currently being more buyers than sellers in this region.

Typically, homes are selling within 30 days of being on the market, with multiple offers being given. The area of greatest activity is first home buyers with population growth being the main factor of home purchases. As far as hot spots go, South Anchorage is said to be 'an incredible place to own a home.

Eagle River

This city has a population of 22,000 with there currently being more sellers than buyers. The median home price is hovering around the $325,000 mark and first home buyers are representing the area of greatest activity.

Homes are selling in 60-90 days and the region is increasing in value. Sellers are getting 90-95% of their asking price and Eagle River is considered to be a 'bright realty spot', with nice homes moving faster than those that need redecorating or upgrades.

Fairbanks

This city is the largest in the interior of Alaska with an estimated population of 34,324. Fairbanks represents a very tight market with there currently being more buyers than sellers. Home prices hover around the $250,000 mark and prices are increasing.

Typically, homes are on the market for 10-30 days in this region and single-family homes are popular. Prices are up by 5% compared with last years figures and sellers are getting 100% of their asking price, with multiple offers being made.

LGBT Regional Facts: Alaska has a population of 626,932 and ranks as America's 49th gayest state with .38% of the population being gay. The highest concentrations of same-sex couples are located in Anchorage with 533 couples recorded, Fairbanks with 151 couples on record and Juneau with 91. The gayest zip codes in Alaska are 99704, 99508, 99801, 99501 and 99709. -- gaypopulation.org

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Around the State; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: wikipedia.org

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Have Your Say On the LGBT Political Front - August 19th 2007

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

In a national first, the Democrats are challenging the Republicans by staging a debate that is dedicated to the LGBT community and will answer many of the issues facing Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual's and the Transgendered across the nation.

The leading candidates for the Democratic  nomination for presidency will actively involve themselves in this debate on August the 9th, which is being telecast by LOGO, a gay cable network. Alternatively, you may view proceedings on http://www.logoonline.com/ if you are unable to access the network.

Participants in the debate will include Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards (pictured above), with the moderators being singer Melissa Etheridge and Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign's president.

If you would like to actively participate by lodging questions for the candidates to answer you may do so by logging on to LOGOonline.com as well as on HRC.org.

Source: Demorcrats to Hold Gay Debate (2007) available online at www.wweek.com

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Alaska Airlines Steps Back In Time

By Jeff Adolph

Special Interest

Alaska Airlines just may surprise you this week; the airline celebrates 75-years of service and their hosts and hostesses will don apparel from a by-gone era and look like they have just stepped off the set of an Austin Powers film, 'Yeah Baby'.

This will delight and intrigue many commuters and could possibly have you reminiscing about days past, when real estate prices were low and housing was affordable. For those who are of the younger generation and know of no such thing, you are sure to find the uniforms rather amusing and enjoy the light hearted approach of the now rather serious business of flying.

The airline staff once only responsible for serving 'substantial meals' and 'carrying out marketing schemes' now has to include dealing with 'potential terrorist' threats and 'making quick turnarounds at their destinations', all of which add to the stress of a once enjoyable occupation.

Of the airlines greater promotions the 'Russian Cossack outfit' (pictured above), which was used when the airline began flying to Russia, and the 'Miss Kitty Saloon Hostess' (pictured left), which enhanced the 'Gay Nineties Promotion' were deemed two of the most flamboyant of their time.

So, if you'd like to reminisce and have been thinking of traveling on Alaska Airlines then now might be the time to do it, because a good giggle can go a long way.

Source and Images: Gillie, J (2007) When Pillbox Hats, Hot Pants and Samovars were Standard Equipment on Alaska Airlines; available online at http://blog.thenewstribune.com 

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Source and Images: Gillie, J (2007) When Pillbox Hats, Hot Pants and Samovars were Standard Equipment on Alaska Airlines; available online at http://blog.thenewstribune.com 

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Stereotypical GLBT: I Think Not!

By Jeff Adolph

Real Gay Neighborhoods

It has been a long and hard road traveled for many within the gay community to find an individual mode of expression without being put into a stereotypical classification and ridiculed for being themselves.

Worldwide the homosapien is exceptionally good at defining class, regardless of sexual orientation and at times how we are perceived can become daunting, especially when we are judged before we have even had time to introduce ourselves.

If you mention your gay an image automatically pops into the head of the person your speaking to, and while this view is changing within many communities there are many that still find the openness about their sexuality exceptionally hard to come to terms with.

Ron Schilitter of Alaska is one such person, not because he is not proud of whom he is but more because he has grown up in a time, where the world was not so accepting of his nature.

Anchorage in Alaska recently celebrated 30 years of gay pride within the community and while the state has not embraced gay marriage as of yet, it is progressively moving toward an open future.

In 2005, the supreme court of Alaska ruled 'it unconstitutional to deny benefits to the same-sex partners of public employees,' and while this was but one stone laid in the path of equality, it made a monumental difference too many.

As Ron stated, ' Thirty years ago, no one here talked about gay rights... when people can be their full selves they have so much to give.' This comes from a man who battled with his sexuality until after his graduation from high school because he feared persecution. Ron claims to be taking in the changes that have occurred recently when he added, '...I'm really aware of the greater significance of today. What a mind-blower compared to 30 years ago.'

Schilitter can be described as an easy-going man with an endearing smile, fair complexion and freckles, with blonde hair and a goatee that is tinged with silver. He is of average height and build, and appears to be anything other than stereotypical.

In Alaska, gay community facilities are plentiful with a GLBT community center, youth programs, pride parades, and regular events. Identity Inc. is the local non-profit corporation that is based in Anchorage and focuses on GLBT community issues, acting as a resource gateway for many.

Home to thousands of lakes and sporting breathtaking views, the Alaska housing market is said to be slowing with the average resale of homes being around $300,000US and condominium's averaging $190,000US. Construction in the area is price from $300,000US mainly due to the scarcity of land in the highly populated areas. While Anchorage is classed as the largest city within this region, Eagle River and Chugiak are only a short 15 minutes drive away and said to be becoming the hub of realty.

Alaska is said to be a breath of fresh air especially to individuals like Ron, breaking the stereotypical mould is not only becoming easier but also slowly taking the political statement out of gay openness.

Sources: Identity (2006) available online at http://www.identityinc.org

Alaska High Court Favors Benefits for Gay Partners (2005) available online at http://www.usatoday.com

Alaska RealEstate (2006) available online at http://www.realtytimes.com/rtmcrloc/Alaska

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA