Every year people from around the world come to Fairbanks Alaska to compete in an ice sculpture contest hosted by IceAlaska. Kristen and I had a great time touring the sculptures, sliding down the ice slides, dancing in the igloo, and playing ice checkers! Dress warmly as the temperatures are often below zero... Enjoy a video produced by UpShotAK with an Insta 360 camera.

In Alaska, a majority of the year has potential to have temperatures below freezing. If a house is going to sit empty, it is imperative to winterize water lines. Freezing water can burst pipes and cause incredible damage to the house. If you are touring a house and see tape over the toilet, make sure to have the water lines tested before closing.

One of my favorite local activities is the Alaska State Fair. It is held right here in the Valley (Palmer) and is about the most exciting thing that happens within 100miles. Although the lights, rides and food are fantastic (shout out to Taco Dans), the best part is watching the smiles on the faces of my children, as they explore a dream come true. 

Check out a short video by UpShotAK: AK State Fair

If you are a new licensed sales person, or if you are looking for a fresh start with a great company, check out eXp Realty. They have reduced costs as they do not have large physical offices. Admittedly the online office with avatars is a bit, out of this world... However, the people have been fantastic, and the digital support is modern and efficient. Reach out if you have any questions about becoming an agent with eXp. 

aaron.edwards@exprealty.com

While current national Real Estate market trends have prices taking a dop with fewer houses on available and higher interest rates, the Alaska market always seems to have its own trends. It is still a sellers market here, though not as strong as the last couple years. As the snow melts, we will see more inventory as well as more buyers. If interest rates lower, the market will be hot again this summer!

I actually enjoy reading the law. There is some comfort in knowing where the boundaries are and how to stay within them. I has been a few months since I have read through the Alaska Real Estate Laws and I am trying to do a quick refesher this evening... 

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/recregulations.pdf

About ten years ago, I started a formal real estate journey by attending a local real estate school. Denny Wood has been a friend of the family for years and he is not only an excellent teacher with a wealth of knowledge, but also a hard working, dedicated family man, and and man of God. If you are thinking of getting your real estate license, and you are here in Alaska, this is the place to go!

https://alaskarealestateschool.com/

We stared a journey together (along the river of Ahava), and we intend to see it through. Ours is a love that will last, because it is built on a solid foundation. Just as the sun shines on our faces, so we ask for God to shine his face upon us and bless us and our children, in the name of His Son Jesus. Just as we are blessed, we hope that what we are building here, will also be a place of safety, peace, love, and blessing for you. 

I owe much of my early success in real estate to my Grammy Best. She taught me how to work hard repairing rentals. She had me help clean, and paint apartments before she re-rented them. From the age of 12, I was earning money helping with my grandmother's real estate. She also gave me some fantastic advice that helped me own my home debt free, by the time I was in my early 30s. She recommended that instead of buying a single family home first, I should start by purchasing a 4-plex. Stay tuned for more of the Best real estate advice a grandmother can give.

When choosing a home, make sure it fits your families' needs. After all, It is the love of family that best makes the house a home. If you have children, or a parent living with you, bring them along to the houses  you visit. If they fall in love with the space, its a good start to a happy home. 

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3

There are many important things that make a house a home. The best place to start is by asking for God's blessing on your home and your family!

Jesus is in Heaven right now preparing an eternal home for those who trust in Him. Is he making a home for you?