Three oil and gas companies in Alaska recently won the right to explore for and develop oil and gas resources on new leases.  The state’s annual Cook Inlet lease sale was held this past Wednesday and drew $6.8 million in bids, with three independent oil and gas companies winning almost all of the leases, including Hilcorp Alaska LLC, Apache Alaska Corp., and Cook Inlet Energy.  Bill Barron, director of the state Oil and Gas Division, reported that these three companies were essentially ‘doing some fill in work around their existing leases,’ which shows a positive trend in continuing exploration and development activities.  Barron was happy with the interest surrounding the sale this year and indicated that this was the second highest amount generated since Alaska switched to area wide lease sales in 1999.  Based on preliminary numbers the forty-four tracts drew bids that may generate more than $6.8 million in bonuses; final numbers should be available Friday.

For more on this or other Mat-Su Valley AK news, visit Anchorage Daily News online.

And for more on buying or selling real estate in Mat-Su Valley AK, including Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer AK, contact The Kristan Cole Team today.

When a home like this comes on the market, we know it won’t be around for long.  This home is fantastically priced, and well taken care of. The living room has built-ins, and is rather cozy. The large kitchen is great for entertaining during those special events and holidays.  It features  corian countertops, stainless appliances and cherry wood cabinets.

The large master bathroom has a relaxing jetted tub. The laundry room on rests on the 2nd floor making washing day a breeze not having to lug around heavy baskets down flights of stairs.

The three car garage allows for storage of power toys during off-season, a third vehicle or a workshop project. The home has a large mudroom, huge spare bedroom, security system and private yard. The home is also wired for 7.1 surround sound and the garage shelving stays! A home warranty is included!!

(click here for more information on the property)

Alaska MLS Listing #: 12-6068

This great duplex is in good condition and located in Anchorage AK on a quiet road.  Duplex is comprised of one unit containing 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and another unit containing 4 bedrooms and 2 baths.  Highlights include newer carpet, new vinyl windows in all bedrooms, private fenced in backyard with spacious cedar deck, DSL-Cable available, and washer and dryer hookups in both units.  This is a great commercial investment property or multi-family living with 3648 sq feet.  Convenient midtown location and in city limits.  List price for this great Anchorage AK property is $400,000.

For more on this Anchorage AK listing or to take a virtual tour, visit Alaska MLS.

And for more on buying or selling real estate in Anchorage AK, whether commercial or residential, contact the professionals of The Kristan Cole Team today.

This month marked the beginning of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall tour in Alaska.  The memorial wall on tour is a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington D.C. and was scheduled to be in Ketchikan for May 6th to 14th and then in Juneau from May 15 through to the 22th.  Tomorrow, May 15th, is the planned wreath-laying ceremony in memory of the brave veterans who have served our country.  The wall will then be moved to Haines, Fairbanks, and Ninilchik.  It will also be in Wasilla from June 8th to the 14th for community members to pay their respects.  Anchorage AK is also a scheduled location for the memorial wall tour, but no dates have been confirmed as of yet.

For more information on community events and activities in Mat-Su Valley AK, visit Anchorage Daily News online.

And for more information on buying or selling real estate in Mat-Su Valley AK, including Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer, contact the professionals of The Kristan Cole Team today.

The Mat-Su Valley AK has year round events that support health, community, and maintaining the beauty of the region.  Here are some great events with a cause coming up this month in Mat-Su Valley AK:

Apline Historical Park Spring Clean-up will be this Saturday, May 12th from 10:00 am-3:00pm in the Park in Sutton.  Snacks will be provided for volunteers.  The park will be opening later this month to the public.

Clean Air Challenge will be May 12-13.  Cyclists can sign-up now for the American Lung Association’s Clean Air Challenge where they will have the option of traveling 60 miles from Houston to Talkeetna or the full 120 mile circuit to and from these locations.

The Jim Creek Clean-up will be May 19th.  This is an annual clean-up event put on by the Alaska’s ATV Club with the support of many local sponsors.

Also on May 19th is the 2012 Alaska Law Enforcement Pledge Drive and Torch Run beginning at 10 am.  This event is in support of local law enforcement and will be held at Wasilla Lake.

For more on up-coming community events and activities in Mat-Su Valley AK, visit the Frontiersman online.

And for more on buying or selling real estate in Mat-Su Valley AK, including Wasilla, Palmer, and Anchorage AK, contact The Kristan Cole Team today.

Alaska MLS Listing #: 11-7945

This fabulous Wasilla AK home will be constructed by an award winning builder and can be customized to fit your dream home vision.  Take this opportunity to choose the amenities you want for your new home that will be built on a gorgeous lake front property.  Craftsman Style homes are known for their exceptional living and entertaining opportunities and excellent craftsmanship.  This two story construction home will have 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, as well as a 2 car garage.  The open kitchen design serves as the perfect gathering area that allows for easy access to the great room and dining area.  List price for this 2519 sq ft Wasilla AK custom home is $500,000.

Learn more about how to customize this home or other great Wasilla AK luxury homes at Alaska MLS.

And for more on buying or selling property in Mat-Su Valley Alaska, including Wasilla, Palmer, and Anchorage, contact The Kristan Cole Team today.

According to a recent report at KTUU online, summer tourism in Anchorage AK is looking ‘bright.’  Alaska tourisms experts have indicated an upswing in advance bookings for hotels, airline flights, and travel agents.  Last year tourism data showed 1.56 million visitors from May to September which was a significant increase since the downturn after 2008′s 1.7 million summer tourism record.  Other indicators of increased tourism include the growing convention business, and the addition of a fourth ship to Princess Cruises Alaskan itinerary for the summer.  Julie Saupe, president of the Anchorage Visitors and Convention Bureau, estimated at least a 5 percent increase in visitors compared to last year; Saupe attributes this increase to the recovering state of the economy in the lower 48, prompting people to spend on taking a long needed vacation.

For more on this and other Anchorage Alaska community news, visit KTUU.com.

And for more on buying or selling real estate, whether commercial or residential, in Anchorage AK, contact The Kristan Cole Team today.

The Anchorage Market and Festival is coming back on May 12th.  Located across from the Hilton Hotel on 3rd Avenue between C and E Streets in downtown Anchorage AK, this yearly festival offers great activities for the whole family.  Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Anchorage AK, you will be able to shop for fresh produce, exotic goods from around the globe, and find unique Alaskan souvenirs at the Anchorage Market and Festival.  This year the event has over 300 vendors featuring a kid’s market, Alaskan Crafts Tents, and free admission and lively entertainment.  The Anchorage Market and Festival runs from May 12th to September 10th on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am- 6pm.

For more on this or other Anchorage AK events and activities at the market and festival visit anchoragemarkets.com.

And for more on buying or selling real estate in Anchorage Alaska, contact your local realtors of The Kristan Cole Team today.

The first quarter real estate market data is in for Mat-Su Valley AK with the latest issue of “Kristan Cole Team News.”  Comparing the 1^st quarter of 2011 to this year’s 1^st quarter, total sales are down 8 percent and the number of days a home is on the market has increased, which may be attributed to the cold winter that discouraged buyers from going out to look at homes.  The Kristan Cole Team reported that during the 1^st quarter of 2012 they sold/pended $5.3 million dollars of property and sold a house about every 3.5 days.  Last year the average sales time was 30 percent less than the average REALTOR® in Alaska and their listings sold for almost 99% of the listed price.  The success of The Kristan Cole Team is mainly due to their great team of professionals and ‘word of mouth’ recommendations from satisfied clients.  Interest rates are still at historical lows and with the prices of property being down it is a great time to consider investing in Mat-Su Valley AK real estate.

Find out more about the Mat-Su Valley AK real estate market from the Kristan Cole Team News.

And for more information on buying or selling real estate in Mat-Su Valley AK, contact the professionals of The Kristan Cole Team today.

This year’s summer exhibits at the Anchorage museum have special focus on the natural beauty of Alaska.  May 1^st marks the start of the general climbing season on Mount McKinley and the Anchorage Museum will have some displays that will be connected to this awe-inspiring peak.  “Ascent 20,320: Science on the Slopes of McKinley” is one such exhibit that documents studies undertaken on the slopes over the past 100 years.  Other exhibits include “The High One: Reaching the Top” which is a series of photos and moving images as well as a sculpture of the mountain tracing the major routes, and “Bradford Washburn: Glories of the Greatland” with classic photographs of the mountain.

For more on popular exhibits or other things to do in Mat-Su Valley AK, visit Anchorage Daily News online.

And for more information on buying or selling property in Mat-Su Valley Alaska, including commercial or residential real estate, contact The Kristan Cole Team today.