MORE FREE ALASKAN MONEY!

Now that I've got your attention, let's remember nothing but joy and love are truly free (and sometimes even those come with a price). Our state has money because we hand over big chunks of land to oil companies which in turn charge outrageous amounts for their products. Have you noticed that gas prices in Anchorage are almost a dollar higher than the national average?

But back to the free money. Astute readers will note I've made a happy correction to yesterday's post. On closer review, I realized that in AHFC's Energy Rebate program, moving from a three star plus to a four star plus is actually a two-step move, equating to a potential $5500 rebate.

Here's how it broke down for us. We could move one step, from three star plus to four star, by caulking and sealing (few materials, labor-intensive) and replacing the garage doors. We could get up to $4000 in rebates just for that work, though I doubt we'd rack up that much in costs.

We can get three more points, bumping us into the $5500 rebate, by adding attic insulation (.7 points), replacing the water heater with an on-demand unit (.8 points), replacing one metal door with an insulated fiberglass door (.2 points), and the big ticket item: replace the existing furnace with one that's 91% efficient, for a gain of 1.3 points.

The points may differ for individual homes, but you get the idea. The energy report is comprehensive, weighing the relative value of energy improvements against their costs and their contribution to the overall energy effectiveness of the home. Only the first two items, sealing and caulking plus garage doors, were deemed cost-effective in terms of energy savings. But we'll likely do them all, because every little bit helps, and free money is, after all, free money.

STAYING WARM IN ALASKA'S COLD

In the midst of our first big cold snap of the winter, I've been reviewing the energy rating for our home. Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), a state agency, once again has funding for Home Energy Rebates.

To qualify for a rebate, you first have to get an energy rater to visit your home for an inspection and a blower door test. That's the tricky part. There aren't a lot of certified energy raters. I called every one of the raters last June and the best commitment I got was that I might get a call back in the fall. I didn't. But the state finally responded to the backlog and set up a system for signing up online. Lo and behold, a call came December 2. There had been a cancellation - were we available the next day for a rating?

You bet we were. Because under this program, we could qualify for up to $10,000 in rebates for making energy improvements to our home. Plus AHFC reimburses up to $325 for the initial energy rating (ours cost $450) and up to $125 for the post-improvements rating.

Turns out our house is a 3 star plus. By investing some time and money ($5500 of which will be rebated by the state), we should be able to improve it to a 4 star plus, enhancing its marketability and reducing our annual energy costs by $712 per year. Yes, it will cost more than $4000 to make the improvements. But where else do you get paid to make your home better?

Tomorrow: more on how the AHFC Energy Rebate Program works.

WELCOME TO THE ALASKA REAL ESTATE FORUM!

Thinking of relocating to Alaska? Wondering how the Alaskan real estate market is doing? Want to buy or sell a house or land in Alaska? Have a tricky landlord or tenant problem in Alaska? You've come to the right place.

Though I stopped actively working with buyers and sellers in February, 2008, I still get calls and emails from former clients and colleagues asking for real estate advice. I've been blogging successfully at another site for over a year, so when a one of the state's most respected Realtors suggested I start a real estate blog, I had to admit it was a great idea.

I love to write, and over the years I've collected a big body of knowledge about real estate in Alaska. So here I am, ready and willing to answer your questions. I plan to post daily, Monday through Friday, on topics of interest to Alaska's buyers, sellers, and tenants.

Jump in any time with questions and comments. Use the comment section of any post, or if your question is particular to a city or town (i.e. you want to know what your house in Fairbanks is worth, or you're thinking of buying a condo in Anchorage), fill out the Request for Alaska Real Estate Assistance">at the right, and I'll put you in touch with a local Realtor who can help.

As when I sold real estate, my commitment is to educate and serve. Knowledge is power! So join in the dialogue, and accomplish your 2009 goals in Alaskan real estate.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REQUEST!

Thanks for completing our Request for Real Estate Assistance. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or just get market information for a particular part of Alaska, customized real estate service is headed your way.

Realtors are referred based on your individual preferences and needs, without cost or obligation from you to the Alaska Real Estate Forum or Deb Vanasse. Compensation for referrals that result in real estate transactions will be paid by Realtors, not their clients, and will be properly disclosed per 12 ACC 64.940.

If a local Realtor has not contacted you within 48 hours, please contact Deb directly at debv@gci.net.