Alaska chat for June. - Page 6

[georgia]

Hi! I removed several posts that were advertising or quoted/referenced those that were. Please note that we do not host advertising in posts, thanks Sorry for the inconvenience. Please PM me with any questions, thanks!

4. Advertising in discussion threads is strictly prohibited. Do not post to advertise your product, business, website or blog or in any other manner from which you would financially benefit.

[Icequeen_in_ak]

Originally Posted by georgia

Hi! I removed several posts that were advertising. Please note that we do not host advertising in posts, thanks Sorry for the inconvenience. Please PM me with any questions, thanks!

So I can't discuss my garage sale with my neighbors? Or mention that I'll have diapers if they know anyone in the area that needs some?

Given that we live in a tiny community that is difficult to find diapers in... I don't see it any different than discussing who in town has diapers... but I digress.

Guess I'll be sure to screen my conversations a bit more. :

I'd understand if I was in here plugging my summer camps or something, but this seems a bit over the top. Just my .02

[vivalamama]

FSBO vs Realtors

hi all!
been lurking here and there with no time to post lately... how have you all been? We are fantastic as our residence visas to move to New Zealand have been approved : :

anyway, so now it's all kinds of craziness over here as we are selling everything (my biz, the house, cars, etc etc), re-homing the pets (2 kitties if you're interested), and getting ready so we can move as soon as DH gets a job offer (cross your fingers for us!). We have 18 months to get over there, but hoping for sooner rather than later.

Anyway, I wanted to ask, since I noticed some chat about real estate lately, if anyone has opinions on going FSBO vs using a Realtor... we spoke to one realtor we know who says the market here in Anchorage is pretty 'flat' at the moment, and so I don't know if one or the other route would be better for us. We want to keep as much of our money as we can to help facilitate our move and fabulous NZ lifestyle but don't want it to sit on the market forever. I would appreciate hearing your experiences.

[Icequeen_in_ak]

Originally Posted by CKinAK

hi all!
been lurking here and there with no time to post lately... how have you all been? We are fantastic as our residence visas to move to New Zealand have been approved : :

anyway, so now it's all kinds of craziness over here as we are selling everything (my biz, the house, cars, etc etc), re-homing the pets (2 kitties if you're interested), and getting ready so we can move as soon as DH gets a job offer (cross your fingers for us!). We have 18 months to get over there, but hoping for sooner rather than later.

Anyway, I wanted to ask, since I noticed some chat about real estate lately, if anyone has opinions on going FSBO vs using a Realtor... we spoke to one realtor we know who says the market here in Anchorage is pretty 'flat' at the moment, and so I don't know if one or the other route would be better for us. We want to keep as much of our money as we can to help facilitate our move and fabulous NZ lifestyle but don't want it to sit on the market forever. I would appreciate hearing your experiences.

Claire... HOW EXCITING!!!! I'm so jealous! I'd love to move to New Zeland!!!

With the market being so saturated with listings these days, I think going FSBO kind of puts you at a disadvantage, because the realtor MLS is on the web, most people look there and forget to look at FSBO.com Although... if it were me... and I had the time, I'd certainly try the FSBO route first and see how it goes. y/k?

What made you guys decide on NZ? It's a place I've dreamed of moving to, but never had the guts to even attempt it. Did I mention I'm so jealous!! LOL

[tallanvor]

Originally Posted by CKinAK

Anyway, I wanted to ask, since I noticed some chat about real estate lately, if anyone has opinions on going FSBO vs using a Realtor... we spoke to one realtor we know who says the market here in Anchorage is pretty 'flat' at the moment, and so I don't know if one or the other route would be better for us. We want to keep as much of our money as we can to help facilitate our move and fabulous NZ lifestyle but don't want it to sit on the market forever. I would appreciate hearing your experiences.

I don't really know about FSBO except that you have to be very careful about the legalities, from what I've heard. As for the market being flat, I think it's really going to depend on what your house has to offer. We listed ours in Wasilla around the beginning of March and we close the middle of next month. I didn't think that was too bad. And you know, you don't pay any realtor fees until the house sells, so should you list it with a realtor and it's just sitting, you could take it off. Just be up front with them about a time frame. Our realtor was awesome and was willing and ready to let us break contract early if there were no offers so we could get a renter.

[vivalamama]

Originally Posted by Icequeen_in_ak

Claire... HOW EXCITING!!!! I'm so jealous! I'd love to move to New Zeland!!!

With the market being so saturated with listings these days, I think going FSBO kind of puts you at a disadvantage, because the realtor MLS is on the web, most people look there and forget to look at FSBO.com Although... if it were me... and I had the time, I'd certainly try the FSBO route first and see how it goes. y/k?

What made you guys decide on NZ? It's a place I've dreamed of moving to, but never had the guts to even attempt it. Did I mention I'm so jealous!! LOL

thanks Karen! Yeah, we are super excited. until I see my mile long to do list, that brings me back to earth a bit

We have been wanting to live internationally, oh, forever. With our kids getting older (and us!) we realized the best time is NOW (pre world economic downturn ). We decided that english speaking countries would probably be best in terms of getting a job, etc, cause although DH does speak other languages, not necessarily at a professional level. So of all the english speaking countries, New Zealand was the winner- fabulous geography, climate, small population, nuclear free, 70% of their energy is from renewable resources (hydro), friendly people, interesting culture. I am really looking forward to it.

anyway- that's what I'm trying to figure out with my original question- do we even stand a chance on fsbo? 6% is alot to pay a realtor though. But I don't want to have to do it all ourselves either- it would be nice to let someone else handle the showings, and get people in here.

We're hoping to put it on the market in the next month or so- doing some fixing up in the meantime, so we have a bit of time to figure it out. I'm really hoping that the universe will send me someone who wants our house soon and we won't have to deal with a realtor. Magic and miracles happens, right
??

Tallanvor- how long til you had your offer, and how long from offer to closing for you? Congrats on that!

[roadfamily6now]

I would definitely go with the realtor but I agree that paying 6% blows.
The houses in our neighborhood sell quickly, all except the one that was FSBO and the one that is marked too high.

If you house is selling for $250,000 or less, I bet it will go fast.

Good Luck!

I recommend Linda Banner @ coldwell banker but I dont know it that is a UAV so sorry in advance.

[rabrog]

Karen, I agree - it can be hard to get things up here and if someone has stuff and already paid the price plus shipping or whatever and someone else needs it, this is a good way to let others know. I understand the UA policy but Alaska is more than a bit different. Congrats on a decision with IDEA!

DD is in Camp Habitat this week and totally loving it. We're also doing drama camp with FDA.

We're going to watch the runners go up Loftus for the sun run, go to the banana sale and go to the street fair (if it's not pouring rain).

Jenn

[1stimestar]

Claire that is sooo exciting. We almost moved to Australia when I was a kid. My dad ended up declining the job offer though. Wish we had gone.



Is anyone going to see the Lion King this fall? I would love, love to take the kids but I think our one yearly trip to Anchorage can't wait that long.

[BusyMommy]

Claire--congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : NZ is breathtaking & the people very kind & welcoming. Any idea on which island he's likely to get a job offer?

and I have 2 honest yet aggressive realtor friends if you're still looking for one.

Good luck on a fast, $, sale!

[Pinoikoi]

Originally Posted by CKinAK

anyway- that's what I'm trying to figure out with my original question- do we even stand a chance on fsbo? 6% is alot to pay a realtor though. But I don't want to have to do it all ourselves either- it would be nice to let someone else handle the showings, and get people in here.

Shop around for a realtor. I used to buy and sell my parents' rental properties for them (with power of attorney) using a realtor and 6% was the advertised price, but I never paid that.. negotiate. I think I usually settled on 4-5%.

As far as FSBO is concerned.. it depends on the house. Those little ranches in Airport Hts I would sell FSBO in a minute. They are mostly 3 bedrooms with small square footage, and are much cheaper than the "average" home in Anchorage, so they go quick. (I have seen them go within hours in a bit quicker market), when you get to the higher priced homes, though (average prices and up), I think you need the foot traffic that a realtor will bring.

[tallanvor]

Originally Posted by CKinAK

Tallanvor- how long til you had your offer, and how long from offer to closing for you? Congrats on that!

We got the offer beginning of May, but it was contingent on the buyer's house selling. They hit a snag in that which delayed it a couple of weeks, though. I am told typical time from offer accepted to closing is 6-8 weeks simply because of all the various things that have to be done. I don't know if it woudl go faster for you or not. One of our hang-ups was having to get the well and septic tested, but being in Anchorage, I'm assuming you don't have that.

[liza-s]

Really?!?!

So DH is a park ranger. This afternoon he's down on the Seward Hwy at Bird Creek and dealing with a rather ticked off fisherman. Its a "Why can't I fish for King Salmon?" (reason: there is a small run in the creek that wouldn't be sustainable if open for fishing). Then he notices his wife nearby - she's very pregnant and holding her belly. Then he notices she's obviously in discomfort and asks if she's okay.
Woman: "I'm having contractions and their kind of close.
DH: "They look kinda close"
Woman: "About 2 minutes apart"
DH: "REALLY! Are you sure you want to be 20 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Hwy watching your husband fish?? You know the highway regularly gets backed up and it can be an hour or more of busy weekends.
Woman: "Oh no, it was my idea to go for a hike and my DH won't go any further south and decided he might as well fish. Besides by doc/midwife said not to come in until my water breaks so I have plenty of time."
--So DH is hoping he gets off duty without having to assist in his 3rd highway birth. He's got 3 hours to go.

[an_aurora]

Oh wow! DD2 was born in the caul so I guess we would have never called the MW if she went by those rules! I hope they don't have a car birth (or a creekside birth), those don't seem very appealing to me.

[Pinoikoi]

Originally Posted by liza-s

Besides by doc/midwife said not to come in until my water breaks so I have plenty of time."

That's just crazy. Did your dp demand the name of the provider? Perhaps his calling (and reporting what he is seeing/witnessing) would spur some action?

Originally Posted by liza-s

So DH is hoping he gets off duty without having to assist in his 3rd highway birth. He's got 3 hours to go.

Assisting births is probably uncomfortable for him, but I find it kind of cool.

[mamatoni]

::: don't post much, but am so excited about Solstice this year and wanted to share, it's going to be Solstice, AND Father's Day AND our Anniversary! I think we are going to take the kids fishing in the morning, maybe hit the fair downtown in the afternoon, then grandparents are going to take them for the evening so hubby and I can get some alone-time

I love this time of year in Alaska, the light, the beautiful flowers and green leaves, blue skies, I just can't get enough!!!! ::

I am so thankful for our wonderful State, happy early Solstice everyone!!!

[Icequeen_in_ak]

Originally Posted by mamatoni

::: don't post much, but am so excited about Solstice this year and wanted to share, it's going to be Solstice, AND Father's Day AND our Anniversary! I think we are going to take the kids fishing in the morning, maybe hit the fair downtown in the afternoon, then grandparents are going to take them for the evening so hubby and I can get some alone-time

I love this time of year in Alaska, the light, the beautiful flowers and green leaves, blue skies, I just can't get enough!!!! ::

I am so thankful for our wonderful State, happy early Solstice everyone!!!

I miss solstice in Fairbanks! Heck... I miss summer in general in Fairbanks. Okay... I admit it... I miss Fairbanks! I don't miss the winters though LOL I used to love the midnight baseball game (hubby usually ended up umpiring it) and all the fun activities... and it was always so warm. *sigh* good times.

[spruce]

Today is DS1's bday (he's 8). It's been an exhausting week w/ the big kids at camp and DH at work. I've had anywhere from 2 to 6 extra kids over all week, including 4 overnights. I'm ready to lie in bed and read all day tomorrow!

I bought a bunch of awesome witch/wizard hats, and we found all our various cloaks, robes, etc.

I also got little silver wands with stars on top (ostensibly to go in their drinks, but really just to play with).


We're covering the tables outside with paper and letting the kids decorate them with markers and crayons, rather than use a throwaway tablecloth.

E whittled wands for all his friends. They're gorgeous!

I made foam Hogwarts badges, glued pins and the letter "H" on them, and bought sticky letters so the kids can put on their names, or "Prefect" or whatever they want.

I made a golden snitch pinata...it looks wonderful!! I'm so excited about how well it turned out!

We have pop rocks to go in the drinks as a "potion," and tiny colored ice cubes to put in their Sprite to make their potion change colors.

Harry Potter cake, check.

Jelly beans marked as Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, check.

"Dragon eggs" (tin foil wrapped around a gift) to be hidden in the woods for the kids to find. Each kid is getting an awesome set of playing cards.

Three overnighters last night. Two tonight.

Somebody make me some coffee!



love, penelope

[liza-s]

Originally Posted by Pinoikoi

Assisting births is probably uncomfortable for him, but I find it kind of cool.

I don't think its the assisting in the birth that he wants to avoid. Its the "side of the Seward Hwy" part that he wants to avoid.

His first "highway birth" was on the Glenn Hwy up by Tok. He was just 19 and had only been an EMT for about 2 months. Let's say he was a little nervous. The woman patted him on the head and said "don't worry sweeting, this is my fourth. She's just coming a little to fast to get to town. I'll do the work and tell you what I need." -- That's what I call a REAL ALASKAN woman. DH told me all he really did was make sure their was a blanket ready for the baby. (Talk about effective birth control incentive for a teenaged guy...)

[Icequeen_in_ak]

Originally Posted by spruce

Today is DS1's bday (he's 8). It's been an exhausting week w/ the big kids at camp and DH at work. I've had anywhere from 2 to 6 extra kids over all week, including 4 overnights. I'm ready to lie in bed and read all day tomorrow!

I bought a bunch of awesome witch/wizard hats, and we found all our various cloaks, robes, etc.

I also got little silver wands with stars on top (ostensibly to go in their drinks, but really just to play with).


We're covering the tables outside with paper and letting the kids decorate them with markers and crayons, rather than use a throwaway tablecloth.

E whittled wands for all his friends. They're gorgeous!

I made foam Hogwarts badges, glued pins and the letter "H" on them, and bought sticky letters so the kids can put on their names, or "Prefect" or whatever they want.

I made a golden snitch pinata...it looks wonderful!! I'm so excited about how well it turned out!

We have pop rocks to go in the drinks as a "potion," and tiny colored ice cubes to put in their Sprite to make their potion change colors.

Harry Potter cake, check.

Jelly beans marked as Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, check.

"Dragon eggs" (tin foil wrapped around a gift) to be hidden in the woods for the kids to find. Each kid is getting an awesome set of playing cards.

Three overnighters last night. Two tonight.

Somebody make me some coffee!



love, penelope

You ROCK P! will you come do Emma's birthday party???? LOL

I bet the kids will have a fabulous time :


I woke up this morning with NO incentive to do my garage sale today. It was super super busy yesterday and I cried every time someone bought one of my diapers LOL! Em cried when they took her toys, I cried when they took the diapers.... we were a mess! But today, I'm over tired, still cold (from sitting at the hockey arena for THREE HOURS while my husband kept getting asked to goalie the next set, after set after set) and had no desire to sit out in the rain today. Hubby stepped up and is out there taking care of it times like this remind me why I love him.