Starter Home Near Airport, Earthquake Park, desirable location for First Time Homebuyers

    Summer might feel like a time to relax, but for Anchorage real estate, July is often surprisingly active. While many assume spring is the peak selling season, July can bring in highly motivated buyers. Here's why this mid-summer month often sees strong activity: Military Relocations - Anchorage is home to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders often land in summer. These buyers are on a tight timeline and ready to make offers fast. Long Days, More Showings - With extended daylight, buyers have more flexibility to tour homes after work or on weekends. That means more showings, more traffic, and often faster sales. Lower 48 Buyers Are Visiting - Tourists come to Alaska in the summer, and many fall in love with the lifestyle. Whether looking for a second home, an investment property, or a permanent move, these buyers are serious and often cash-ready. Families Want to Settle Before School Starts - Anchorage sch...

    Whether you’re preparing to list your Anchorage home or just want to make a strong impression, understanding what buyers notice first can give you a serious edge. In a competitive market, it’s often the little details that stick in buyers’ minds. Here’s what most people notice in the first few moments of an open house: Curb Appeal - First impressions start before they walk in the door. Trimmed lawns, clean walkways, a freshly painted front door, and potted flowers all set a positive tone. Remove any clutter or personal items from porches. Smell and Air Quality - Buyers instantly notice if a home smells clean and fresh—or not. Avoid overpowering air fresheners or cooking smells. Instead, open windows ahead of time to air things out and consider using subtle scents like lemon or vanilla. Light and Space - Open all blinds and turn on soft white lights to make the space feel brighter and more welcoming. Dark, dim spaces feel smaller and less inviting. Clutt...

    July is the perfect time to perform a mid-year home checkup. By this point, your home has weathered the freeze-thaw cycle of winter and the runoff of spring. Even if everything seems fine, small maintenance issues can quietly turn into major headaches if left unchecked. Here’s a practical checklist every homeowner in Anchorage should go through this time of year: Roof and Gutters - Check for missing or damaged shingles, especially around vents and chimneys. Clean out your gutters to make sure water is flowing away from your foundation. Clogged gutters can cause water damage inside your home or ice damming problems later in the year. Exterior Siding and Trim - Look for signs of rot, warping, or peeling paint. Alaska’s freeze-thaw cycles are tough on exteriors. Repairing minor issues now prevents them from worsening through fall and winter. Windows and Caulking - Check the caulking around windows, tubs, sinks, and showers. Replace any dried or cracked areas ...

    Alaska's short but vibrant summer brings blooming wildflowers, fresh air, and—unfortunately—bugs. Even in Anchorage, warm July days often invite ants, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and the occasional spider into your home. But many homeowners prefer to avoid using harsh chemicals indoors or around kids and pets. Thankfully, there are natural solutions that work surprisingly well. Here are several non-toxic, pet-safe ways to keep unwanted pests out of your Alaskan home: Essential Oil Sprays - Many bugs hate the scent of certain essential oils. Mix water with a few drops of peppermint, tea tree, or citronella oil in a spray bottle and spritz around windowsills, baseboards, door frames, and under sinks. Lavender is also effective and smells great. Apple Cider Vinegar Traps - To control fruit flies, place apple cider vinegar in a small jar with a few drops of dish soap. The soap breaks the surface tension, causing flies to sink. Place the jar near fruit bowls or compo...

    When you think of Alaska, sweltering heat probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But during July, Anchorage and surrounding areas can experience warm sunny days that might surprise even longtime residents. If you’re planning a move during this time, it’s important to consider how heat can impact your belongings—yes, even here in the Last Frontier. While our temperatures rarely reach the extremes of the Lower 48, vehicles, garages, and storage containers can still get quite warm, especially under direct sun. Here’s how to protect your possessions and ensure your move goes smoothly: Plan Around the Peak Heat - Try to schedule your move for the early morning or evening. The sun is strongest between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and avoiding those hours can help prevent heat-related damage and make moving more comfortable for everyone involved. Protect Your Electronics - Laptops, televisions, tablets, and smart home devices are all sensitive to heat. When possib...