Barbara and Clair Ramsey

Barbara and Clair Ramsey: One word fits '12 real estate market: stable

As we look ahead to 2013 and consider what may happen with local residential real estate, let's first look back at the results of 2012. Keep in mind that your individual situation may well be different from the overall market. And because the Anchorage market isn't huge, small swings in numbers...

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Archive by category ''Barbara and Clair Ramsey

BARBARA AND CLAIR RAMSEY

Ramsey: Connection and charity make a house a home

Over the years, we've identified some of the best times to sell, buy or refinance your home. As the real estate market has changed, we've pointed out tax-saving measures, home improvements, remodeling ideas and other real estate options that can enhance your equity and save you money. Many of us...
BARBARA AND CLAIR RAMSEY

Barbara and Clair Ramsey: Prepare for emergency in case help is long coming

After Hurricane Sandy hammered the East Coast last month, we started wondering how well prepared Anchorage homeowners are for a disaster of similar scale. Yes, the weather bureau does a reasonably good job of predicting strong winds but no one can predict the timing or severity of an earthquake.
BARBARA AND CLAIR RAMSEY

Appraisals will be guidance on updates in efficiency

We know we save money on utilities when we invest in energy-efficient components for our homes. We even feel better about going a little "green." Yet when selling, those upgrades aren't reflected in the home's appraised value. At least they haven't been in the past.
BUSINESS

Energy-efficient home building gains momentum

With new construction at all-time lows and so many unsold homes, creating a distinct, positive product in the mind of the consumer may be the only way some national builders will survive.
BUSINESS

Tax paperwork piling up? Here's a solution

With tax season over -- unless you filed for an extension -- now comes the really difficult decision: What do you do with those tidy piles of paper? What should you toss in the trash, file or shred? What do you keep, in what form and how for how long -- three, four, five, six or seven years?
BUSINESS

Home next door can affect ability to sell your house

Does the appearance of your neighbor's property affect your ability to sell your home? Over the years, we've been in many homes with many buyers, and we've heard lots of likes and dislikes. If you think a buyer critiques the inside of a home for sale, you should hear what they say about the ...
BARBARA AND CLAIR RAMSEY

There're plenty of reasons to upgrade home

As the real estate market continues to rebalance, an interesting shift is occurring among homeowners. Not so long ago, a homeowner's goal was to sell and move to a larger home. Now the priority for many appears to be shifting. More and more homeowners are remodeling and upgrading. This focus...
BUSINESS

Dispelling myths about tax laws

We've gotten numerous inquires lately about whether aspects of the new tax laws Congress passed last year create a substantial tax penalty on the sale of primary residences. Do they create a disincentive to home ownership?
BUSINESS

As expected, 2010 housing market finishes flat

How did your home fare in the Anchorage residential 2010 real estate market? Overall, Anchorage continues to weather the real estate crisis well.
BUSINESS

Renters should carry insurance

In our last column on Nov. 28, we offered advice to the landlord. This column will do the same for the tenant in three areas: insurance, the move-out, and giving notice you are leaving.