April 2024 Mat Su Great Lander and Real Estate

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MAKE YOUR HOME HEALTHYKEEP IT CLEAN

VALLEY CHARITIES

APPRECIATES ITS DONORS in this issue

W

Rules on page 16

insert in this issue:

Featuring LocaL reaL estate

KindergartentoGraduationIN9WEEKS!

KindergartentoGraduationIN9WEEKS!

Kindergarten to Graduation IN 9 WEEKS!

•NoFoodtreats

•NoFoodtreats

•Noshockcollars

•Noshockcollars

•Nowhistles

•Nowhistles

•Noclickers

•Noclickers

•NopaNic

•NopaNic

•Noleashes (afterweek6of9)

•Noleashes (afterweek6of9)

•NokiddiNg

•NokiddiNg

Howobedientisyourdog?

Howobedientisyourdog?

How obedient is your dog?

•obeysforfoodtreats?

•obeysforfoodtreats?

• obeys for food treats?

NurserySchoolLevel

NurserySchoolLevel

Nursery School Level

•obeyswhenhewantsto, orafterrepeatedcommands?

•obeyswhenhewantsto, orafterrepeatedcommands?

• obeys when he wants to, or after repeated commands?

KindergartenLevel

KindergartenLevel

Kindergarten Level

•obeyswithlightlyheldleash andnodistractions?

•obeyswithlightlyheldleash andnodistractions?

• obeys with lightly held leash and no distractions?

MiddleschoolLevel

MiddleschoolLevel

Middleschool Level

•obeysleash-freeonfirstcommand, withheavydistractions,noshockcollar andnofoodtreats?

•obeysleash-freeonfirstcommand, withheavydistractions,noshockcollar andnofoodtreats?

• obeys leash-free on first command, with heavy distractions, no shock collar and no food treats?

ASCOTCHPINESGRADUATE!

ASCOTCHPINESGRADUATE!

A SCOTCH PINES GRADUATE!

Upcoming Classes

UpcomingClasses

Details/Register onwebsitetoday!

UpcomingClasses Details/Register onwebsitetoday!

Details/Register on website today! 907-290-5648

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.spdogtraining.com

www.spdogtraining.com

www.spdogtraining.com

Online- Thursdays on ZOOMFridays in Palmer

208-484-5284

208-484-5284

Saturdays and Sundays in Anchorage Mondays in Seward Tuesdays in Homer Wednesdays in Kenai Classes begin in June

- See website for details -

“Littles” class in Anchorage for small dogs under 14 lbs.

www.spdogtraining.com

Hey Cora, I hear there are all kinds of real estate scams going on and that buyers and sellers need to be careful of. How can they be scammed?

Signed, Being Careful

Dear Careful: So don’t think that you can’t be scammed if you are using a title company, an attorney or a Realtor for your transaction, it is an extra level of protection, but you need to carefully watch your money.

Real Estate cybercrimes are up 64% in just the last year! That’s an incredible percentage. Wire fraud is the most common kind of real estate scam. But there are a host of others. It always amazes me that people will spend an uncommon amout of time perfecting a scam and if they just put that brainpower into a job or their own business, they could be such an asset to the community.

Rental Scams: There are many forms of rental scams, and they work really well in a tight rental market. Here is how this one works. The scammer pulls a listing of a home for sale from the internet, usually a vacant home. Then reposts it as his own, as a ‘rental property’. The scammer tells the potential renter that they are on vacation but they can go by the house and look at it, renters love it and the scammer has them send a $2500 deposit to keep it for them and they can move in on the first of the month. However, the house is for sale, not for rent.

I had this happen once. I was meeting with the people that actually bought the house, we were doing their final walk through. It was summertime and we had left the front door of the house open. As we were viewing the empty house a nice couple came in and said; “Oh, we are the new tenants, this home is already rented.” Obviously thinking that I was showing my clients a rental property. I said, “This home was for sale, and we

are closing tomorrow.” I saw the confusion and disappointment in their faces and asked; “Did you two give money to someone to rent this?” “Yes,” they replied, $2500!” It was such a difficult conversation and I felt so bad for them, they just got scammed.

Another is this: Let’s say you find a property you really like. You phone the realtor who arranges to meet you there. On your way to the house, he calls and mentions he had a small accident and won’t be able to make it to the appointment. However, you shouldn’t worry much because he says the landlord will be there to show you around.

To make it up to you, the realtor promises to negotiate a lower price than what the landlord will give you. “Call me when you leave the house, don’t sign a lease right away,” he says. When you arrive at the house you find many other people interested in renting the same place.

The landlord gives you a price, but you want to negotiate a better deal. You call the realtor and work out a deal you’re happy with. Then you wait for him to confirm with the landlord. He phones you back shortly after and says the new price is okay. All you have to do is wire him the money for the first two months and you’re all set. You are thrilled because it such a great property, such a great value from others you have seen.

On moving day, you show up only to find someone else moving in. The realtor wasn’t a realtor at

all; he just saw the property online and reposted it with his own contact information. That’s how you called him in the first place. He sends several people at a time to generate a sense of urgency for the potential renters.”

Word to the wise, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. The scammers will usually ask you to send them money through Western Union. Also, never give anyone money unless you meet them in person AND they have keys to the house.

Wire Scams: This one has been used over and over again. This is how it works, someone hacks into a realtor’s email and sees the business that they are doing. They can see the emails to the title company and to the realtor’s clients. They “pretend” to be the title company and send an email to them right before closing giving the “wire instructions”. However, these wire instructions aren’t for the title company and when the buyer closes on their new home, they cannot because the funds from their bank aren’t there! The scammer has those funds.

A way to prevent this from happening is to know that the title company will NEVER just email, they use SECURE email, where you have to log in and use a password to view. They also require that if you want to change your mind and have the funds wired somewhere else, you must do this in person with ID. They will not call you and ask for your banking information. Ask your realtor to send you any sensitive closing information in a secure email. Use a Realtor you know, like and trust!

There are so many other ways to be involved in a real estate scam. Never give out personal information to anyone in the transaction unless you know exactly who are talking to and ask your realtor to help you with this – hopefully that would be me!

16843 Dairy Loop • Wasilla

Own your own private hunting ground. The roads are in but look more like trails, they are unmaintained. Closest electric looks like it is on Holstein. No sign posted as of this date. $25,000 • MLS# 23-6041

20345 Parks Highway • Houston

75 acres. Airstrip, cabin, well, septic. Mostly level. Detached garage. Legal driveway easement to the property. Can be commercialized or developed. Cabin on AWW foundation. $595,000 • MLS# 23-6495

20345 Parks Highway • Houston

75 acres. Airstrip, cabin, well, septic. Mostly level. Detached garage. Legal driveway easement to the property. Can be commercialized or developed. Cabin on AWW foundation. $595,000 • MLS# 22-15627

TR 23 ASLS 2003-12 • Remote

Level, heavily treed parcel of land. Airport runway, right-of-way running 5,500 ft. in length and extending a width of 500 ft. Lot on east side of Yentna River, 5 miles up from Big Su River. 19.89 acres. $32,000 • MLS# 22-9124

A Professional Realtor with Proven Results!

Reggie Belden

Jack White Real Estate

865 Seward Meridian Pkwy. Wasilla, AK 99654

Jack White Real Estate since 1953

Cell: (907) 232-7588 reginabelden.jackwhite.com

hard-wired surround sound system and an appliance shelf. 4087 Bugaboo Circle Wasilla

14791

Situated on cul-de-sac inside Wasilla city limits, this duplex offers peace and serenity and is conveniently located near amenities & schools! With two separate 3-bed, 2-bath units, this property is perfect for both homeowners and investors. Both units boast granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, highquality kitchen cabinets with crown molding, and upgraded lighting throughout.

Views of Denali and plenty of privacy on this 12 acre lot. Driveway in and house pad made. Very close to state boat launch with access to the Kashwitna and Susitna Rivers offering plenty of fishing in the summer, and access to winter trails for all of your outdoor activities. Owner financing available.

trail system.

10577 Johnson Way

Wasilla • MLS #24-1017

E Susitna Landing Rd. Willow • MLS #24-809

1330 W. Spruce Avenue

Wasilla • MLS #24-96

damage services? • Smoke odor removal

• Emergency dry-down to prevent mold

• Sewage removal & clean-up

• We clean, deodorize and repack contents

Fires, burst pipes, black mold, overflowing toilets, slow leaks, we handle it all! Taylored Restoration has trained professionals available 24/7 to help you at any time of the day or night.

Come in or visit us online to check out our wide variety of specialty meats, cuts and full service butcher counter. We also offer select cuts, try it packs,

8

8

12007 West King Arthur Dr., Houston, AK 99623

Built in 2009, this two story home in an rural neighborhood is a great investment property, getaway, or primary home! The entirely open upstairs serves as a bedroom with a 3/4 bathroom, and there is another full bathroom on the main level. With all the essential amenities and completely finished, at 952 Sq.Ft. this home is sure to please. Currently occupied; please do not disturb the tenants. Call for appointment to see! $149,900

“Karen

a real estate investor, property manager, & real property appraiser. For a fantastic selling or buying experience, put the decades of experience and unparalleled dedication of Karen & her team to work for you!

“Committed to Excellence!” Realtor® & Assistant

 

• 5 Colors In Stock

• 20 Guage Steel

• Crepe Interior

• Always Open, Call Anytime

• 5 Colors In Stock Three

$2,195

• Largest casket inventory in Alaska

• Call for selection and prices

• Special packages for our Bush clients

• We guarantee the lowest priced caskets in Alaska

Witzleben Legacy Funeral Home

1707 S. Bragaw

Anchorage, AK 99508 907-277-1682

Kehl’s Legacy Funeral Home

11621 Old Seward Hwy.

Anchorage, AK 99515 907-344-1497

R ecycling

• VISA & Mastercard accepted

• Helping Alaskan families for over 45 years

• Serving South Central, Interior North Slope, and Alaska’s Aleutian Chain

Heritage Chapel at Angelus

440 E. Klatt

Anchorage, AK 99515 907-336-3338

Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary

209 S. Alaska St. Palmer, AK 99645 907-745-3580

Heritage Wasilla Chapel

1015 S. Check St.

Wasilla, AK 99654 907-373-3840

Legacy Affordable Burial & Cremation

13800 Cheri Lake Dr. Wasilla, AK 99654 907-892-5570

Valley Charities appreciates its donors

By Randi Perlman

The Wasilla thrift store known as turn-Aleaf has a well-deserved reputation for housing a wide array of useful and needed items, sold at very reasonable prices affordable to all. The many and varied donations received from countless generous donors are greatly appreciated and are one of the main reasons turn-Aleaf has been able to thrive and grow with the community.

We’ve all heard the expression “one person’s junk is another’s treasure”, and that sentiment plays out almost every day on the thrift shop’s floor, both when an item arrives in the warehouse for sorting and when it is discovered on the shelves by someone who came in looking for that very thing! It’s a wonderful feeling, and a true win-win for all, when a donation reaches its perfect destination and finds a new home. These sellable donations generate the revenue needed to operate the thrift store and any associated community programs. Donors give from the heart to help their fellow Mat-Su residents, friends and neighbors – something our community is famous for –

but it’s important to consider the condition of an item before donating. Sorting through the myriad of donations regularly received at the thrift store is mostly done by paid staff, making it a large part of turn-A-leaf’s payroll expenses. If items are damaged (such as chipped, broken dishes or torn, stained clothing) or not in working order (such as electronics), they will not find their way onto the shelves. This unsellable merchandise cannot be used by the store and therefore becomes an expense to dispose of. This can be in the form of trash removal costs, transportation costs to deliver any recyclable materials to Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS, our local recycling center), and other associated costs such as fuel and staff time.

Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI), a nonprofit organization, is the parent company of turnA-leaf Thrift Store. Like all nonprofits, VCI attempts to keep operating expenses to a minimum so it can continue providing affordable programs and services to their clients and customers. We are fortunate to have a strong philanthropic environment in the Mat-Su Valley.

By considering the physical condition of a donation before bringing it to turn-A-leaf, kind donors can help keep costs down and prices low, enabling VCI to connect those who need help with the help they need and fulfilling the large and growing resource demands in the Mat-Su.

This time of year, as Alaskans file for their PFDs, there is another simple way to donate to VCI. Donations made through the PICK CLICK GIVE program (PCG) provide much-needed dollars for the Valley’s nonprofit organizations. VCI uses the monies received through PCG to fund their Endowment. This fund was created as a safety net to catch those Mat-Su residents who find themselves in hard times and often fall through the cracks of other programs. Mini grants can be applied to cover a portion of unexpected costs such as medical expenses, home repairs,

or other wellness related challenges. Endowment funds can often ‘bridge the gap’ for community members and bring them hope. Direct donations to VCI can also be made on their website at www.valleycharities.org . All donations support VCI’s mission ‘to enhance our community’s resources, health and social well-being through our work and partnerships’.

Valley Charities, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing life-changing programs and opportunities to Valley residents. VCI has been quietly serving the MatSu Borough for over 60 years. Through their Housing Assistance Partnership Program, Mat-Su Reentry Program, Medical Equipment Lending Program, and turn-A-leaf Thrift Store, alongside many strong community partnerships, VCI serves the needs of Valley residents and helps them thrive. These compassionate programs encompass and fulfill VCI’s vision to make the Mat-Su Valley a healthier and happier place to reside for everyone. For more information, visit www.valleycharities.org or call 907-376-5740.

Somewhere, hidden in this publication is a picture of a $100 bill.

All you need to do is find the picture of the $100 Dollar Bill and tell us the ad and page number you found it on, along with your name, address and phone number.

(If you don’t give us your address and phone number we can’t send you the money!)

The winner will be announced in the May 2024 Mat-Su GreatLander! or email to: contest@greatlander.com

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. One winner per month. Must be 18 years or older to play. Submissions must be received by GreatLander Publications no later than April 25, 2024 to be eligible to win. Employees of Anchorage Printing, Inc. are not eligible to play.

We will then have a random drawing from your submissions on April 26, 2024 to pick ONE WINNER Mail or bring all submissions to: GreatLander Publications 3110 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99503 H

ome & G arden

Make your home healthy - keep it clean

Julie Cascio, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension Service

People spend an average of 90 percent of their time indoors. Too true in Alaska in the winter! Studies show levels of several common organic pollutants to be higher inside homes than outside. Many of these pollutants come from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from household cleaning products. Limiting the number of chemicals used indoors can reduce indoor pollutants. Simplify cleaning and reduce VOCs by using fewer cleaning products. Choose or make products that you can use for several purposes. Most cleaning products contain one or more of these basic cleaning ingredients:

Abrasives are used to scour off dirt, grease or particulate matter by rubbing the surface. Finer abrasives like silica or a nylon mesh scrubber are less likely to scratch surfaces but require more scrubbing! Steel wool is a coarse abrasive but can scratch the surface.

Alkalis remove oily dirt. These are soluble salts that range in strength.

- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild alkali. It cuts grease, cleans oven spills, absorbs odors and cleans tile, glass and enamels.

- Borax (sodium borate) is a moderate strength alkali. It is an all-purpose cleaner.

- Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a very strong alkali that works to remove tough stains. Use with caution! The dust from borax and washing soda can cause irritation to the throat and are toxic when ingested.

Acids are often used to remove hard-water deposits, discoloration on metal surfaces and rust stains. White vinegar and lemon juice are milk acids that can be used in place of commercial products. Lemon juice should not be used on silver. Prolonged exposure to an acid may irritate the respiratory tract, so provide adequate ventilation when using the products.

Bleaches are used to remove stains and disinfect surfaces. Chlorine Bleach, commonly referred to as household bleach, contains sodium hypochlorite and may cause sever damage or irritation to eyes, skin and respi-

ratory system. Avoid breathing the vapors. Alternatives to chorine bleach are oxygen or non-chlorine bleaches, which usually contain hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate.

Disinfectants kill microorganisms on surfaces such as countertops. Bleach, alcohol, quaternary ammonium chlorides, phenolic compounds, pine oil, and hydrogen peroxide can be used. A University of Minnesota study found the most effective cleaners for reducing microbial contamination in the bathroom and kitchen were chlorine-based cleaner, vinegar and pine disinfectant cleaner.

Surfactants are the primary ingredients in soaps and detergents. They are used to cut grease and grab onto the dirt to help remove it from the surface. Surfactants are usually petroleum-based. Alternative surfactants are plant-based, often using vegetable or coconut oil. An example of a vegetable oil-based liquid soap is Castile Soap.

Safety – Keep in mind that no cleaning product is 100% safe. The terms natural and green do not imply that the product is nontoxic. Use protective measures whether you make them or use commercial cleaners.

- Read the labels. Wear respiratory masks,

rubber gloves, goggles or other protective measures recommended.

- Be careful when mixing products. Some chemicals, such as chlorine bleach and ammonia produce a toxic gas when mixed!

- Mix only what you need, no more than a month’s supply. They may lose their effectiveness over time.

- Mix solutions in a well-ventilated area.

- Place mixed products in unused new containers. Never use containers that previously held food, beverages or chemicals.

- Store out of reach of children.

- Label containers with ingredients and date made.

For more information, and some “make your own” home cleaning recipes, visit www. uaf.edu/ces/matsu.

Julie Cascio