Marianne Grant's Real Estate & Tidbits Blog

The Anchorage Daily News reports today that home prices in Anchorage  decreased slightly in 2009, for the second year in a row. The good news is that the decline of 2.2% is diminutive compared with the U.S. average price decline of 10 per cent. It appears that housing prices in Anchorage will sta...

This is a topic close to my heart. It is high time we all did our share to help conserve, re-use, and recycle. Low-Cost Ways to Conserve Energy It doesn't cost a thing to turn down the thermostat or put on a sweater, and it costs very little to make small changes that save a lot. For long-term sa...

The Anchorage Daily News reports today that Democratic legislators Hollis French and Harry Crawford want to guarantee Permanent Fund dividend checks in the state constitution. They're of the opinion that if the dividend isn't protected the Legislature will eventually use the money to pay for stat...

Where to start:Steps to take that cost nothing, or very little, to save energy (and money): - Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F, lower your thermostat in the winter, wash your clothes in  cold(er) water, turn off un-needed lights and electronics, and air dry your clothes in the summer....

We are clear on the risk of overspending on remodeling projects. We understand that we will likely not get dollar for dollar back we spent on those projects. So what SHOULD we spend precious dollars on? Consider the potential payoff of the improvement before you begin. If, like most homeowners, y...

With spring approaching - yes, I know, we still have snow on the gound for a few more months here in Alaska - it is not too early to think about which remodeling projects should be tackled this year. Or should they? Remodeling magazines posts its annual "Cost vs. Value Report" -- a survey that at...

Wow. One of the top stories in today's Anchorage Daily News is the newest project for downtown, the new Transit Transfer Facility on 6th Avenue and C Street. It will shelter people waiting for the bus from snow and ice. The walkway in front of the stop will be heated through the winter. At a cost...

Real Estate "Word of the Week" Reverse or Reverse Annuity Mortgage - A mortgage for which the borrower pledges home equity in return for regular (monthly) payments, rather than a lump sum distribution of loan proceeds.  Repayment is usually not required until the home is sold or the borrower's es...

Use these do-it-yourself tips to spruce up your home, price it right for your local market, and see buyers compete for your house - yes, even in this market. After the Don't, on now to the Do's.   Do's               Invite a friend or real estate agent over. A second or third pair of eyes will h...

Staging a Home has become a MUST in today's challenging market.             Staging a home can change its atmosphere and make it appeal to homebuyers, bring a higher price and accelerate marke time. By adding small decorative touches, rearranging or deleting furniture, a home can look like a prof...