GayRealEstate USA

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