WolfTeam News

September 30, 2009

Window Height & Size Code Changes

Filed under: General Real Estate Industry News,Inspections,Maintenance — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Dan @ 3:07 pm

The building codes as they relate to windows have changed multiple times over the years.  In older homes, windows are often too high from the ground and the actual window openings are too small to meet code for the exit and rescue opening size.

In some older homes, bedroom windows don't meet current code

In some older homes, bedroom windows don't meet current code

 People often hope their home is “grand-fathered in” because it was built to code “way back when”.  On codes that are considered “life/safety” such as this issue, there is no grand-father clause.  This is because as recently as January 2009, Anchorage realized a fire death was substantially attributed to by the lack of adequate emergency escape and rescue windows.  This is why windows often have to be upgraded in older homes in order to sell them.

 Currently the window code says that “Every sleeping room must have at least one open-able window to permit emergency exit and rescue.  The sill height has to be not more than 44 inches above the floor and provide not less than 5.7 sq. ft. of open-able area with dimensions no less than 20 inches.” 

 Ground level openings are permitted to have a minimum net clear opening of 5 sq. ft.  This is because if the firemen don’t have to utilize a ladder to get in the window, as they do on upper levels, they don’t need as much open-able space. 

 There are a couple of exceptions in the rule; If the windows were installed prior to 2004, the maximum allowable sill height cannot exceed 48 inches above the floor. 

 Windows located in buildings constructed prior to 1979 need to have at least five sq. ft. of open-able area.  The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches and the minimum net clear opening height shall be 22 inches

 A single permanent step may be constructed in front of an existing emergency escape and rescue windows serving a basement or sleeping room shall meet the maximum allowable sill height specified above.  The distance between the top of the step and the window sill shall not exceed 44 inches. 

 It can be frustrating for people who have lived in their homes for a long time without any window issues to have to remove a window and install new ones.  It’s even more of a problem if you have to open the wall to lower the sill height.

You can get more detail on this, or any Anchorage building code, by going online to the Municipal website at www.Muni.org.

September 23, 2009

Who do I refer mortgage business to?

Filed under: Financing,Saving Money — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Dan @ 4:58 pm

People often ask their realtor who they recommend for a lender.   First, all lenders aren’t the same any more than you and I the same.  Personally, I like to work with smart lenders and are, well, fun to work with;  People that are easily

Kris Stephens with Premier Mortgage

Kris Stephens with Premier Mortgage

accessible and motivated and who stay up on lending changes. 

I try to have a good lender, or two, at most local lending instatutions so if a buyer asks who I recommend at a certain bank, I have a good referral person.  There are as many lending situations and scenarios as there are people, so in some respects a good lender, like a good realtor, can be a problem solver.  The more experienced the lender is, typically, the faster they get results or can give the right information based on their experience.

If someone asks who did my own home loan, or who I would use, I recommend Premier Mortgage.  My real estate office, Keller Williams Alaska Group, does have a financial interest in the company, so I have to disclose that fact; but the people at Premier Mortgage go out of their way to offer good service and good rates which is what home mortgage lending is all about!

Prequalify

Interest rates can move up and down during the day.

If you want to check with the folks at Premier Mortgage with a question or even go as far as applying for a loan, click here to see their website.  I asked Kris Stephens at Premier Mortgage “How long have you been in the mortgage business?“  Kris said “I have been originating mortgages for 12 years.” 

To give you an idea of the volume of business that Kris does, consider this:  The average mortgage business for Anchorage lenders is about 15 Million in loans a year.  Kris’ goal is 50 million a year!  He consistently is rated in the top three lenders in Anchorage! 

I hear a lot of “war stories” from buyers about their experiences.  If you have an experience to share, feel free to comment!

September 18, 2009

Anchorage’s Trail System

Filed under: Alaska,Just for fun,Life in Anchorage — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Dan @ 8:43 am
Bike Trail

Anchorage has miles of well maintained trails like this one.

The Anchorage trail system is one of the “crown jewels” of Anchorage.  You can ride from “corner to corner” of Anchorage on the well-kept trail system.  The city maintains over 120 miles of paved trails and over 300 miles of unpaved trails!  There are four trail systems, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail, the Campbell Creek Greenbelt, and the Ship Creek Trail. These ”multi-use” trails are enjoyed by people in their own special ways whether on foot, bicycle, skis or roller blades.

The trails have many well constructed bridges over creeks and tunnels under roads.  In many cases, neighborhoods have access points to the trail systems and individual neighborhoods across the city are joined by the trail system.  It is not unusual to see well worn fishing holes along some of Anchorage’s creeks. 

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail hugs the western coastline of Knik Arm and Cook Inlet and runs from downtown, past Westchester Lagoon south past earthquake park (home of the 1964 earthquake fault-line), past the west side of Ted Stephens International Airport to Kincaid Park.  That’s about an eleven mile trail that is very scenic with views of Sleeping Lady and Cook Inlet.  And Kincaid Park is a 1,400 acre forest with over 43 miles of maintained trails for walking, bike riding, jogging or cross-country skiing in the winter.

Beaver Tree

Beavers can devastate large trees quickly!

Here is a link with maps and more photo’s of the Anchorage Trail system.

My family loves to walk and bike on the trail system.  It’s interesting and fun on several levels.  You see interesting people recreating in their own ways.  I often see people fishing in various creeks.  I’ve seen people picking berries, presumably to make jams and jelly from.  It seems like every creek must have a colony of beavers, because you will go through some area’s where beavers are devastating the trees.  I’m always amazed at how large a tree a beaver can fall!

Another though I’ve often had is how nice it is to “get out of town” and really still be in the city.  The city of Anchorage has done a remarkable job planning the trail system!

September 15, 2009

Do Open Houses Work?

Filed under: General Real Estate Industry News,Marketing,Property Values — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Dan @ 1:26 pm

Ask four Realtors and four sellers and you’ll have a half dozen different perspectives.  The question of whether or not open houses really work is one of the most controversial topics in real estate.

The sign that this home is open for business

The sign that this home is open for business

Real Estate agents say they do them to “pick-up” buyers, but agree they rarely find interest in the home they are working out of.  “Open Houses have always been better for agents than for sellers” is a common belief.  Some agents say they only do them when pressed by the seller.

National Association of Realtors (NAR) says that the Internet has changed the way buyers look for home.  For instance, in 1995, just 2% of home buyers used the Internet to look for a home.  Last year 77% of home buyers shopped online before they looked at houses. 

Many top agents refuse to hold open houses, considering them a waste of time and maybe even a security threat.  And many sellers prefer to only have “pre-qualified” and serious buyers through their home.  Security is a valid concern.  There is no real way to prequalify buyers before they come through a home.  You may have trouble obtaining the name and phone number of lookers.  Agents try to stay with the people viewing the home, but sometimes multiple viewers make it impossible to see everyone. 

And there have been assaults on agents sitting alone in open houses in parts of the country.  NAR has posted guidelines to minimize security risks to agents who are alone in home such as asking neighbors to watch for you, insisting buyers sign in before the viewing, knowing all escape routes and having someone you can call from your cell phone in an emergency.

NAR says that in 1995, 41% of buyers relied on open houses as a way to find properties.  By 2000, only 28% of buyers said they found open houses useful.  National Association of Realtors attribute less than 1% of sales to open houses in 2008.  Most agents agree that open houses are useful in new construction homes.

Other agents say that “Anything you can do helps,” and “It’s a numbers game“.  “You don’t know what possible long term affects your open house may have.“ 

What do you think?  Have you had any experiences you can share?

September 11, 2009

Luxury Homes in Anchorage

Filed under: General Real Estate Industry News,Price & Value,Property Values — Tags: , , , , , , — Dan @ 11:59 am

A luxury home in any market is a home that offers fine finishes and high quality materials.  A luxury home is distinctive and elegant.  A luxury home buyers know what they want, they want quality, elegance and style.

Heritage_low Res

A dramatic exterior, interesting roof lines and privacy

In Alaska, a luxury home can vary, but generally would have a strong desirable curb appeal.  A luxury home would offer privacy to the owner.  A view might be important.   The amenities of luxury home vary but may include custom flooring such as stone, wood and a high grade of carpet.  The kitchen cabinets are expensive, high quality wood with upgraded hardware (hinges and slides).  The counter-tops are probably solid surface such as granite or other stone or Corean.  Luxury homes usually have large open foyers and dramatic high ceilings.

The master bedroom suite would be dramatic.  The builder would give much consideration to the room layout, size of space, views and amenities. 

Large open work space, 42 inch upper cabinets, recessed lighting

Large open work space, 42 inch upper cabinets, recessed lighting

IMG_9563

Granite Countertops, Cherry cabinets and natural travertine floors

Luxury homes will typically have four or more bedrooms and may have a bathroom for every bedroom suite.  Extra living spaces can be important such as family rooms, formal living-room and game or recreation rooms.

In Anchorage there is a small group of builders that typically build in the custom home market.  Names of builders in the Anchorage market are The Petersen Group, Hagmeier Homes and Colony Builders, among others. 

In Anchorage, most luxury homes are in the price range of $750,000 to $1,500,000.

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