Real Estate Information

Alaska Women’s Gold Nugget Triathlon

On Sunday, May 20^th, come join mothers, daughters, sisters and friends for the 30^th annual Alaska Women’s Gold Nugget Triathlon. The triathlon is a three-event race, which begins with a 500-yard swim, followed by a 12-mile bike ride, and a 4.1-mile run. The race begins and ends at Bartlett High School.

Gold Nugget Triathlon Inc., which puts on the event, is a not-for-profit organization, meaning all proceeds of the event go toward the many expenses that ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible each year. Proceeds also help to fund scholarships for various school groups and underprivileged individuals participating in the race.

Women of many ages and abilities train for this unique Anchorage event for several months, often in groups, making it a social as well as fitness-centered endeavor. Mother-daughter teams are especially popular. The main mission of the Gold Nugget Triathlon is to encourage and celebrate personal excellence in women. Setting and reaching goals is what the triathlon is all about! Whether you participate in the race, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, this is truly an inspiring event you won’t want to miss.

Race-Day Parking

If you arrive to the event before 8:30 a.m. you will need to park in the back of the Bartlett High School parking lot. Parking after 8:30 a.m. will be in the Tikahtnu Commons parking lots. Volunteers will be onsite to help facilitate parking.

If you have any questions about watching the race or getting to the race, take a look at the detailed race information on the Gold Nugget website.

Volunteer!

The Gold Nugget Triathlon depends on volunteers and simply could not exist without the many people that give of their time and talents to make it happen. If you would like to volunteer before, during or after the event, check out the many positions that need filling and sign up today!

Also, don’t miss out on the Awards Potluck the Monday after the race to celebrate all that these women have accomplished!

It’s almost time for the 19^th annual Anchorage Market and Festival, which promises, as usual, to be the major Anchorage hotspot this summer! Located on 3rd Avenue, between C Street and E Streets, the Market will be operational every weekend between May 12^th and September 10^th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Since its founding in 1992, the Anchorage Market and Festival has steadily grown from just a couple dozen vendors to the more than 300 vendors it hosts today. With nearly seven acres of market space downtown, you’ll want to plan on making more than one visit so you can peruse all the different vendors’ fare. Arts, crafts, fresh produce and delectable foods are all featured in the market, which pays special homage to products made and grown locally.

But the Anchorage Market and Festival isn’t your average farmer’s market. With its vibrant, carnival atmosphere, it’s more of an event than a shopping destination. In addition to street performers and the overall spectacle of such a special community coming together, the market’s Treeline Trex stage hosts a number of entertainers throughout the season. Musicians, dancers, comedians and variety shows will periodically grace the stage, providing entertainment the entire family can enjoy. Really, the only thing you won’t find at the Anchorage Market and Festival is boredom!

So, whether you come to spend the day with your family or have fun with friends, everyone is sure to have a good time and find something special to take home. You really won’t want to miss any of the fun and excitement going on throughout the summer, so be sure to Sign up for the Market Email Newsletter to get news about your favorite vendors, special events and performances!

Anchorage Area Golf

When you think of Anchorage, you might think of the rugged Chugach mountains, moose, grizzly bears, and snow. But did you know that Anchorage is a great place to experience the game of golf at its finest? The summer months in Anchorage are gorgeous and mild, with long days and plenty of sun. Five area golf courses offer five distinct ways to take advantage of Anchorage’s incredible golf season, which generally runs from May through September. With the perfect combination of challenge and smart design, Anchorage golf courses will certainly enhance your game. Plus, where else in the country can you golf until midnight with clear visibility?

Anchorage Golf Course

Located on O'Malley Road, the Anchorage Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course situated on 6600 yards of tree-lined fairways and gently sloping greens. Regarded by many to be the best in the city, the course is surrounded by inspiring views of the Chugach Mountains. The course includes a pro shop, restaurant and bar, and the only grass driving range in Anchorage.

Moose Run Golf Course

The Moose Run Golf Course, located on Arctic Valley Road, has earned the distinction as the northernmost 36-hole course in the world, which means you are literally at the top of your game when you play here. Moose Run, a military course open to the public, actually has two courses to choose from. The classic Hill Course, which has been in operation for sixty years now, earned its name from its hilly design. At 6,499 yards, it’s perfect for beginning golfers and those who prefer a very walkable course. The Creek Course is named after Ship Creek, which runs through the course—one of the many features showcasing the extreme care that was taken to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Eagleglen Golf Course

Also located on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and open to the public, the Eagleglen course is challenging, with plenty of trees, sand and water hazards. If you’re looking for a course that will test your long game, Eagleton is the place to go. While you’re here, check out the fully stocked pro shop and clubhouse.

Russian Jack Golf Course

Located on Lidia Selkregg Lane, Russian Jack offers great golf close to the city. Operated by the Anchorage Parks Department, Russian Jack is situated in one of the oldest parks in Anchorage. The fairways play so well, you’d never guess it’s artificial turf. The course is located near the municipal greenhouse, natural spring water, nature trails and picnic areas. There is also a fabulous chalet on-site—perfect for downtime between swings.

I'm often asked if this is a good time to buy a home. Some clients are concerned that home prices may fall further than they have already. They are assuming that the best course of action is to wait for the bottom in the market and then buy. The problem with this approach is that you don't know where the bottom is until you see it in the rear view mirror, meaning until you've missed it!

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability. Even though interest rates have gone up in the last six months, they are still near historic lows. Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life. It's important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial "comfort zone." To that end, it may be more important to lock in today's relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today's market.