FSBO Alaska Real Estate

Alaska is the biggest state in the Union and tends to be a "take it, or leave it" proposition for relocation.  For those choosing Alaska, and many do, the FSBO real estate market can still be a solid investment. 

The boom market has slowed in Alaska as it has in much of the country.  However, in Alaska, it merely seems static.  Prices haven't fallen like they have in many places.  Therefore, the old rule of thumb applies once more.  If you're going to live in your home for at least three to five years, buying is probably a good idea financially.  If you're planning to live there a year or so, renting may be a better option.

Alaska

Known as "the great land," Alaska seems like a harsh, remote wilderness and certainly nowhere anyone accustomed to civilized living would want to live.  These assumptions may be blown away, however, once you visit and are overwhelmed by Mother Nature at her absolute best.  Don't laugh.  It's been known to happen. 

From magnificent mountain ranges, to ocean shores, to glaciers, to raging rivers, Alaska is an outdoor enthusiast's dream.  In a state that includes fully twenty percent of the total land mass of the United States, there is practically nothing that can't be found.  On a personal aside, Denali National Park is a place you should consider visiting at least once in your lifetime.  Its beauty and vastness is apt to give you a new respect for nature.

Anchorage

Anchorage is home to roughly forty percent of the human population of Alaska.  Bears, moose, doll sheep, and the like seem to (mostly) prefer other areas.  If you're flying to Alaska, Anchorage will probably be your destination.  Anchorage is a sprawling city with its share of traffic, but the people are friendlier than in most big cities.  Don't be surprised if the people at the next table start a conversation with you in a restaurant.  Incidentally, Anchorage has a number of surprisingly upscale restaurants.  Not cheap, but very good.  Anchorage has been criticized as being "un-Alaskan," but it is the primary choice of home buyers who want to relocate to a city in Alaska.

Juneau

Juneau is Alaska's state capital.  It's in the southern part of the state, so the climate is a bit more moderate.  It's also the place where cruise ships stop, and it's located in a beautiful setting in an area that includes rain forests, mountains, and the Gastineau Channel.  Juneau is named after the first prospector to strike gold in the area.  You should find it possible to buy a home in Juneau in which you can wake up each morning to spectacularly beautiful views.

FSBO Alaska Real Estate Prices

In a state as large as Alaska, prices can vary significantly.  In 2005, prices appreciated just over thirteen percent.  As mentioned earlier in this article, prices are now pretty steady.

According to trulia.com, the average price of listed homes in Anchorage was $361,659 in late September, 2007.

In Juneau during the same time frame, the average list price was $337,066.  On the Kenai Peninsula, the average price was $311,081.  Out in Bethel, the average list price was $368,000.  Bethel is on the tundra, and there are some challenges to building above the permafrost.  Also, all building materials must come in by barge or air.  For that reason, groceries, laundry detergent, and many other items are expensive in Bethel, too.

Also in late September, 2007, valleymarket.com reported that the average price of pending sales in the Wasilla area was $248,404.  These properties had been on the market an average of 60 days.  Since the governor of Alaska is a graduate of Wasilla High School and reared her family in the area, it's probably safe to assume this is a good place to live.  It's certainly a pretty area.  If you're there, you might want to visit Lake Lucille and Hatcher Pass both of which are quite beautiful.

Valleymarket.com also noted an interesting purely Alaskan phenomenon.  It seems there tends to be a small bump-up in the real estate market after the Permanent Fund Dividend checks come out.  These checks are expected in October.  If you're selling, this might be a good time to have your property on the market.  If you're buying, you might pick another time.

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The photo above is the dining room of a pleasant modern home in Wasilla, Alaska.

In the photo below, a young woman from Wasilla shows her cousin from Bethel through the Old Wasilla Town site.