Home & Real Estate April 2021

SOUTHEAST ALASKA

HOMEESTATE &REAL

a publication of the Juneau Empire

FREE

APRIL 2021 Easter Trees Makes Festive Spring Decor How Home Design Trends are evolving Evaluating Seniors” Biggest Expenses DIY Vehicle Maintenance Tasks Saving Strategies As Retirement Draws Near Avoid Furniture Tip-Over Hazards at Home Addressing Backyard Pet Waste Easter Centerpiece Ideas

g n i d n e P e Sal

This home is listed by Sundance Realty, see page 7 for more information

HOME OWNER FUN

Table of Contents

ON THE COVER:

This home is listed by Sundance Realty

5 Coldwell Banker: Gwen Place 7 Sundance Realy 8 Business Directory • Ricker Real Estate • Alaska USA Mortgage: Mac Carandang • Coldwell Banker: Race Realty

12 Alaska USA Mortgage

Advertising Director, Sound Publishing, Inc. Stephanie Spiess

sspiess@soundpublishing.com

Publication Design SPI Creative team

3100 Channel Drive Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907-586-3740

2 JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

Easter trees makes festive spring decorations

BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

Easter is coming and it’s time to put up the tree. For those thinking right now that trees are for an entirely different Christian holiday, you are both right and wrong. Even though trees may be more widely associated with Christmas, Easter trees are an increasingly popular and festive tradition that trace their roots to Germany.

The Easter tree is known as Ostereierbaum in Germany and is a centuries-old custom. Eggs are hung on outdoor tree branches and bushes or are placed on cut branches displayed inside. While the tradition is traced to Germany, German-influenced locales like Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the United States also are popular places for Easter trees to appear.

For 50 years, one person branched out with his own Ostereierbaum tradition. Volker Kraft decorated an apple tree on his property in the town of Saalfeld, Germany, adding more eggs each year as the tree grew larger. The tradition came to an end in 2015. At one point the tree held 10,000 eggs, all hand-crafted

by Kraft and his family. However, a tree in Rostock, Germany held the Guinness World Record for tree with the most eggs — a display of 80,000.

While Easter trees are typically more modest than Kraft’s tree, the displays can be as large or as small as one desires. Many Easter trees consist of a few branches placed in a vase decorated with flowers, rib-

bons and Easter eggs. Pussy willow branches work well, though any branches can stand in.

When decorating Easter trees, families can use plastic eggs or even real ones. Using a sharp knife or needle, make two small holes in a raw egg.

Blow out the inside of the egg until the shell is hollow. Then decorate the egg and thread a ribbon through

the holes so it can be hung on the tree. If desired, place sweet Easter treats, such as chocolate eggs or pastel-colored cupcakes, under the Easter tree.

Decorating an outdoor tree also is possible and very visible. It can be a great way to share Easter blessings with others in the community.

HOME TRENDS

How home design trends are evolving for social distancing

BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action — work, entertainment and shops — and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again.

Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of

heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.

Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape.

Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms from Nudura, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and

an environment that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key.

Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost.

Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.

Find more information at nudura.com.

JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

3

GREAT TIPS

Evaluating seniors’ biggest expenses

BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

4

New parents may not be able to visualize that one day their largest expenditures won’t be centralized around providing necessities for their children. Adults go though many years of paying for diapers, toys, clothing, food, and education for their children. Yet, when the children have flown the coop, spending patterns change, and even more changes await come retirement.

According to a 2020 survey from the financial services firm Edward Jones, 68 percent of workers soon to retire said they had no idea how much they should be setting aside for expenses, particularly health care and long-term care. Professionals approaching retirement would be wise to analyze the Consumer Price Index - Elderly (CPI-E). It is a good reference to estimate which future expenses will cost the most after retirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics looks at consumer spending and uses various data to determine the rate of inflation in key areas that apply to older adults starting at age 62.

Individuals may be surprised to learn about where they’ll be spending the bulk of their money when they get older. Here’s a look at some key categories.

• Housing: According to data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available, housing accounted for roughly 49 percent of all spending for seniors. Focus should be centered on lowering those costs when a fixed income is imminent. The possibilities include paying off a mortgage; downsizing a home to have a lower rent or mortgage payment; refinancing a home to a fixed-rate loan so that costs are predictable; and taking on a tenant to offset costs.

• Food: The cost of food will not change dra-

JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

matically, but it can eat into your budget. Even though food costs may decline when there’s only two mouths to feed, food and beverage spending may go up due to more leisure time and dining out. Utilize senior discounts by shopping on days when stores offer percentages off purchases. Save money on restaurant spending by eating out at lunch instead of dinner, splitting plates or skipping appetizers.

• Healthcare: Experts warn that while many expenses decline in retirement, health care spending increases. According to Fidelity, the average 65-year-old couple retiring in 2020 in the United States needed roughly $295,000 just to cover their retirement health care ex-

penses. Those with family histories of severe illnesses or those with preexisting conditions will need even more. It’s also important to realize that roughly half of the population will need long-term care at some point, offers The Motley Fool, and that requires advanced budgeting as well. Many people find that Medicare supplement plans can bridge the gap in expenses that government-run plans will not cover. Saving through a health savings account (HSA) when employed also can create extra cash on hand for retirement expenses.

Understanding which retirement expenses will be high can help people plan better for the future.t

HAINES BUSINESS

HAINES BUSINESS

JUNEAU LAND

MLS#19663 - $1.6 million - 150 Acre Golf Course, Haines AK, Golf Carts, Mowers and a Golf Shop - by Pam Race

MLS#20873 - $1.5 million - 3.2 Acre Riverfront Jet Boat Tours, Haines AK, boats, busses and the dock - by Glenda Gilbert

MLS#12467 - $415,000 - 4.79 Acres Residential Land, Juneau AK, access road built, tide flat views - by Errol Champion

JUNEAU LAND

HORSE ISLAND CABIN

JUNEAU MULTI FAMILY

MLS#18745 - $250,000 - 13 Acres Residential land, Juneau AK, partly wooded, waterfront, access by easement- by Gwen Place

MLS#19147 - $369,000 - 2 bed 1 bath cabin on over an acre wooded lot. Waterfront with views. Accessed by water - by Errol Champion

MLS#19787 - $410,000 - 5 plex located centrally near shopping and public bus line. Income producing property. Fixer Upper - by Linda Orr

HAINES HOME

HAINES HOME

GUSTUVAS HOME

MLS#20324 - $875,000 - Fort William Seward - National Landmark, 5 bedroom 5 bath home, Haines AK - by Glenda Gilbert

MLS#15881 - $479,000 - Small home and studio apartment over the 2 plus car garage covered parking. 1/2 acre lot with views - by Glenda Gilbert

MLS#21084 - $185,000 - 1 bedroom 1 bath home, 1.56 acres, wooded lot, Gustuvas, AK - by Gwen Place

MORE LAND

RENTALS

• • • •

MLS#19214 - 1 Acre - Wooded lot - Platted Access - Angoon AK - $9,000 MLS#13094 - .35 Acre - Wooded building lot - Glacier Hwy - $89,000 MLS#18257 - .76 Acre - Wooded building lot - Out the Road - $159,000 MLS#13954 - 3.34 Acre - Wooded building lot - Blueberry Hill - $250,000

• Pet Friendly - 1 bedroom 1 bathroom North Douglas Apartment - $1150/mo • Filtered View - 1 bedroom 1 bathroom West Juneau - $1100/mo

Gwen Place

Associate Broker, Property Manager, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker Race Realty gwenzplace@yahoo.com yourjuneaualaska.com

www.RaceRealty.com Office: 907-789-0555 Cell: 907-209-4445 Call or Text

Each office is independently owned and operated.

MONEY SAVING TIPS

DIY vehicle maintenance tasks

BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

D

6

uring the global COVID-19 pandemic, many people looked for ways to save money. One way to live a frugal life is to take on more projects. In addition to lawn and garden upkeep and minor home improvements, a number of people may be able to tackle some auto repair and maintenance jobs themselves.

Performing routine vehicle maintenance tasks on one’s own is an ideal way to reduce automotive expenditures. The following are several vehicle maintenance jobs skilled DIYers may be able to handle on their own.

• Replace the air filter. An air filter should be changed annually or more frequently if you reside in a dry, dusty climate. A clogged filter can stress the vehicle’s air conditioning system and reduce heat capacity in the winter.

Check the location of the air filter in the owner’s manual; pay attention to how it is placed before removing. Then replace it with a clean filter that can be purchased for around $15.

• Replace the wiper blades. When wiper blades are worn out, visibility in rainy or snowy weather is reduced. Choose a quality wiper blade, as they usually are made with high-quality rubber, clean better and have more UV protection than manufacturer-provided blades. Follow the installation instructions on the package, and be sure to refer to the particular manufacturer’s buying guide to get the right size for your make and model of vehicle.

• Replace spark plugs. The money management site Money Crashers says spark plugs need to be replaced after around 30,000 miles or as indicated by your owner’s manual. Vehicles will have four, six or eight plugs, depending on how many cylinders the car has. The plugs need to be changed in a certain order, so only remove the first wire and spark plug.

JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

Performing routine vehicle maintenance tasks on one’s own is an ideal way to reduce automotive expenditures.

Remove and replace plugs one by one with a spark plug socket, wrench or ratchet.

• Change the oil and oil filter. Because changing the oil in a vehicle requires jacking up the car or truck and getting a little dirty, some people prefer to leave it to an oil change center. However, at an estimated cost of $20 versus nearly double or more what you’ll spend elsewhere, it can save money to do it yourself.

Never change the oil while the engine is hot.

And remember to lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter and allocate enough oil to fill the filter with about 2⁄3 of new oil in addition to what is put in the engine.

• Replace headlight bulbs. Replacing headlight bulbs is a fairly easy project and will only take around 10 minutes to do after you purchase the right bulbs for your vehicle. Each vehicle is different, but many bulbs are housed inside of a bulb holder, which is shaped like a trapezoid with three wires coming out of it, advises U.S. News & World Report. Remove the old bulb and put in the new. Plug the wires back in and test to see if the headlight works.

The above automotive tasks are just some that people can try themselves to save time and money.

tips and tricks

Saving strategies as retirement draws near

By Metro MediA CtW FeAtures

P

rofessionals on the cusp of retirement are often excited about what lies ahead. Some prospective retirees may look forward to traveling once they no longer have to go to work each day, while others may plan to return to school. Regardless of how adults envision spending their retirement, they’re going to need money when they’re no longer being paid by their employers.

As retirement nears, some professionals may be concerned that they haven’t saved enough. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in regard to how much money people will need in retirement. People who are

JANET ARGEVITCH ARGEVITCH JANET

321-3325

723-9333

Marty-lentz@gci.net MARTY LENTZ

Ja@alaskan.com

MIKE BAN

Associate Broker 209-6842 209-6842

final years before retiring could be missing out on significant growth by abandoning stocks entirely.

Speak with a financial advisor about stock-based investments and your risk tolerance. Maintaining a diversified portfolio with a little risk can be a great way to grow your savings as retirement draws near.

Professionals approaching retirement may be dealing with a mix of excitement and anxiety, particularly if they’re concerned about their retirement savings. Various strategies can help quell such anxiety and make it easier for professionals over 50 to build their savings as retirement nears.

fit Research Institute found that housing costs accounted for 49 percent of seniors’ spending. Professionals nearing retirement who live in areas traditionally associated with a high cost of living can begin to rethink their long-term housing strategy. Relocating to an area with a lower cost of living is one option, while those who prefer to remain in their current town or city can consider downsizing to a smaller home to reduce their property taxes and monthly utility bills.

• Continue investing. Conventional wisdom suggests moving away from investing in stocks the closer you get to retirement. Though that’s a sound strategy, professionals who are trying to build their retirement savings in the

MARTY LENTZ

MIKE BAN

ASSOCIATE BROKER mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com mikebanatexitrealty@gmail.com

worried they haven’t saved enough can try various strategies to build up their account balances before they officially call it a career.

• Take advantage of catch-up contributions. Adults who are 50 or older are eligible to take advantage of catch-up contributions.

These are designed to help people over 50 contribute more to certain retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA, than statutory limits would otherwise allow. There are limits that govern the amount of money people can designate as catch-up contributions, but taking advantage of this perk can help people save more as retirement draws closer.

• Consider relocating. A recent study from the Employee Bene-

ASSOCIATE BROKER Associate Broker

72-9333

MICHELLE DOMINGO MICHELLE DOMINGO 957-5522

957-5522

Michelle.juneau80@yahoo.com

Michelle.juneau80@yahoo.com

ja@alaskan.com

321-3325 Marty-lentz@gci.net

ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293

Ridge Way Three bedroom, 3 bath home with almost 2200sf is located on a 6/10’s of an acre lot and has a detached 960sf garage. Asking $565,000.

MOLLY BRINK

MOLLY BRINK

LUKE GUNKEL

321-5400

723-0759

Mgallagherbrink@gmail.com

ltgunkel@gmail.com

321-5400

ANAVERA MORATO 321-0293

Anavera.morato@gmail.com

Anavera.morato@gmail.com

SUNDANCE REALTY

907-321-7120 Sundanceinjuneau@gmail.com 9109 Mendenhall Mall Road, Suite #10 Juneau, AK 99801

907-321-7120 JuneauHomeFinder.com

RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. WE SERVE ALL OF SOUTHEAST

mgallagherbrink@gmail.com

SCAN TO SEE ALL OUR PROPERTIES

ESTATE HOME Business Directory

& REAL Tracey Ricker, CPM Broker/General Manager Sales • Leasing • Management 1410 4th Street • Douglas, Alaska 99824 tracey@rrec-llc.com • www.rickerrealestateak.com

907-540-2990

Your local home loan expert!

Mac Carandang NMLS #203501 Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator

907-796-1201 www.maccarandang.com

8390 Airport Blvd, Suite 102

Online all the time: racerealty.com | 907-789-0555 Each office indepenently owned and operated

License #AK157293; Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293

Call Stephanie Spiess 308-4893

HOME OWNER TIPS

Avoid furniture tip-over hazards at home

BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

A

home is supposed to be a safe haven for its residents. But dangers lurk in nearly every room of a home. Parents may be quick to safeguard against burn risks, electrical outlet exposure and even common household items that can prove poisonous if ingested, but it’s easy to overlook the potential hazards posed by furniture.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that hundreds of fatalities occur each year in the United States due to falling furniture, electronics and appliances. According to a recent report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 12,500 children per year were injured and treated at emergency rooms due to tip-over accidents between 2016 and 2018. Roughly once every 12 days someone is killed by a falling TV, piece of furniture or appliance.

AnchorIt.gov, a division of the CPSC that focuses on tip-over education, says dressers, bookshelves, televisions, and TV stands can tip over easily. These measures may prevent death and injury from falling appliances and furniture.

• All TVs should be mounted to a wall or piece of furniture. Wall-mounting kits are available for most TVs, including older models. Screws also can secure a TV to a piece of furniture. New televisions typically have anchor spots on their frames.

• Buy anti-tip kits. The CPSC says anti-tip devices, also known as anchoring kits or anti-tip strap, are available and affordable.

These kits can take as little as five minutes risk. Instead, hide items elsewhere so to install and that children are provide invaluable not tempted to try Children may try to climb furniture to safety. to retrieve them by get at coveted items.

Precautions need • Target dressers, climbing furniture. to be taken, including anchoring heavy bookcases, mir• Install drawer appliances, furniture and TVs. rors, and other stops. Stops can be heavy furniture placed on drawers to pieces. If an keep them from being pulled all the way anchoring kit is unavailable, furniture can be screwed directly to studs in a wall out and serving as makeshift ladder rungs for kids to climb. Also, multiple open using drywall screws and brackets. drawers can cause weight to shift precari• Keep certain electronics out of sight. ously in a dresser or other item, resulting Many children climb furniture in an in a tip-over. attempt to get at iPads, remote controls, toys, and other things parents believe are Tip-over injuries are a very real concern out of reach. Climbing increases tip-over but also very easily prevented.

JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

9

PET OWNER TIPS

Addressing backyard pet waste

BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

P

10

ets benefit households in myriad ways. The Animal Health Foundation notes that being around pets can decrease cortisol levels — a hormone activated by stress.

Pets also may inspire their owners to engage in physical activity, such as walks around the neighborhood or play sessions in the backyard, and a physically active lifestyle can reduce a person’s risk for various diseases.

To reap the rewards of a pet, owners must be willing to put in the effort to care for companion animals. This includes those tasks that can be unsavory, such as cleaning up pet waste. Not only is pet waste messy, if left out and about it can be an eyesore, a health risk and affect the quality of the soil in one’s yard.

Regular removal of pet waste benefits the environment as well as pets and their owners.

There are a variety of solutions that can help people rid their lawns of pet waste.

• Put it in the trash. If allowed, placing waste in a trash receptacle is an option. However, certain areas of the country do not allow feces disposal in landfills. Bacteria found in animal excrement also can leach

JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

into the environment if not handled properly.

• Flush it. Another solution is to flush waste down the toilet.

But that is not always convenient and it requires owners to bring waste indoors. Do not flush cat waste that is covered in litter • Utilize a sewer line attachment. This disposal system is connected directly to a septic tank or sewer line. It will require washing out debris and waste that gets stuck in the plumbing.

• Use an enzymatic dog waste dissolver. Soaking waste and

using an enzymatic product can dissolve it more safely than using lime or another chemical. It can be used out in the open, or applied to waste stored in a receptacle.

• Create a septic-style composter. Some people create a mini septic station in their yards in which the waste can break down and then dissolve into a predetermined corner of the property, away from where it can affect the landscape.

• Use a hose and water. Solid waste is not the only concern in the yard. Concentrated urine may contain high levels

of nitrogen as well as salts and other compounds, according to The Spruce: Pets. These components alter the pH of the soil and cause patches of grass to die and turn yellow or brown. Females cause more damage because they squat and make a puddle of urine, while males tend to lift their legs and disperse the spray.

Washing down areas where pets urinate can help dilute the urine and prevent damage.

Various products and strategies can help pet owners neatly and safely remove pet waste from their yards

HOME FUN

Easter centerpiece ideas to beautify the table

BY METRO SERVICES REAL ESTATE FEATURES

E

aster is a springtime holiday that marks a prime opportunity to cast off the remnants of winter weather and dress a home in bright, colorful hues.

Come Easter, tulips and daffodils may be sprouting, lilies are on display in churches and many other spring touches are incorporated into home decor. Celebrants who will be hosting their families or more intimate Easter gatherings can extend the eye-catching improvements to the dining table.

Easter centerpieces are a prime way to add color and ambiance to interior designs.

Here’s a look at various ways to decorate the table for Easter celebrations.

• Carrot-filled container: Embrace an Easter bunny theme by hanging a bundle of carrots inside a glass vase or bowl and topping with orange, yellow and other spring-themed flowers and greenery.

• Pussy willow basket: Weave pussy willow stems into a basket shape or braid them together to make a ring. Then fill with colored Easter eggs or flower petals.

• Nested flowers: Purchase a wooden or wicker basket and weave or glue small twigs onto it.

This will give it the look of a natural bird’s nest, which is one of the markers of the spring season. The nest can cradle spring blooms, such as tulips, or hold Easter eggs.

• Easter bunny garden: Fill a shallow ceramic bowl with floral design moss or another green filler. Place a gold-foil chocolate bunny or a ceramic rabbit in the center and put small tealight candles and a small glass canister of pastel-colored candy eggs to complete the picture.

• Take a ‘peep’: Marshmallow Peeps® are an Easter staple and they can have a place outside of Easter baskets. Line a small vase with Peeps. Place cut flowers inside for a festive centerpiece.

• Rainy day decor: April showers

Here’s a look at various ways to decorate the table for Easter celebrations. bring May flowers. Put that sentiment on display by purchasing an inexpensive pair of brightly colored rubber rain boots. Place cut fresh tulips into narrow glass vases and then slip the vases inside of the boots for a festive and funny table conversation piece.

• Floating flowers: Poke the stem of a flower into a square of bubble wrap. Place into a small fishbowl filled with water and watch the

flowers float on top. Tint the water a pastel hue if desired.

• Painted pinecone bouquet: If you have pine cones left over from Christmas decorations or a pile that the kids may have collected from the yard, paint them in bright colors for an Easter makeover. Place in the container of your choice and add some faux or real greenery to complete the bouquet picture.

Dining tables can be incorporated into Easter decor. There are many different creative options for crafting centerpieces guests will adore.

JUNEAUEMPIRE.COM

11

1 FOR A REASON

#

What does it take to be the #1 home lender in Alaska? A commitment to the unique needs of the individual. That means having professionals that specialize in helping military families, first time buyers, rural development, and a whole lot more.

Why choose Alaska USA Mortgage Company?

Pay less up-front In-house processing, underwriting, and servicing Clear communication, reliable updates, and flexible availability A commitment to providing the best home buying experience in Alaska

People you know. A name you trust.®

Laurie Gardner Vincent Cheng Mac Carandang NMLS #203501

NMLS #964649

r apply o t n e m t n i o n app

Southeast Alaska 8390 Airport Blvd., Ste. 102, Juneau, AK 99801

907-796-1202

907-796-1213

907-796-1201

M a ke a

NMLS #204060

onl

ortga m a s u a k s a l ine at a

ge.com

License #AK157293 Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293