Melissa Burnett AK Real Estate

05/27/2026

Hey Fairbanks, here’s something a lot of buyers and sellers are asking right now…

“If the Fed cuts rates… why aren’t mortgage rates dropping faster?”

The answer is bigger than just the Federal Reserve.

Mortgage rates are heavily influenced by:
• The 10-year Treasury yield
• Inflation data
• Oil prices
• Global conflicts and shipping concerns
• Investor confidence in the bond market

Even with some positive headlines lately, many analysts still believe rates could stay elevated longer than people expected earlier this year.

➡️ Don’t assume mortgage rates automatically fall back under 6% quickly.

Today’s market requires strategy, realistic expectations, and understanding what’s actually driving rates behind the scenes.

Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or just trying to make sense of the headlines — message us anytime. We’re always happy to break it down in plain English.

05/23/2026

Fairbanks — buyers are still making moves.

The latest National Association of REALTORS® Pending Home Sales report showed contracts signed on existing homes increased 1.4% in April and were up 3.2% compared to last year — one of the strongest year-over-year improvements we’ve seen in months.

What does that mean?

• Buyers are still active despite mortgage rates
• Well-priced homes are continuing to attract attention
• Inventory is improving in many markets
• Demand has NOT disappeared

While Fairbanks doesn’t always mirror national trends exactly, this is another sign the housing market remains active heading into summer.

If rates improve later this year, many economists expect even more buyer activity to return quickly.

Curious what this means for your property value or neighborhood here in Fairbanks or North Pole? Message us anytime.

05/21/2026

🏡 GET YOU LISTED 🏡

Thinking about selling your home but keep putting it off? This is your sign. 👀

Let’s get that “For Sale” sign in the yard, the pictures scheduled, and the buyers lining up. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, chasing sunshine, or just ready for a change I’m your NextHome Girl and I’m ready to make it happen.

Selling a home doesn’t have to feel stressful when you’ve got someone in your corner handling the details, the marketing, and the hustle.

So… what are we waiting for?
Let’s get you listed and get that SOLD sign next. 🔑

📲 Message me and let’s talk strategy, pricing, and how to make your home stand out.

05/21/2026

Hey Fairbanks — mortgage rates just hit a pressure point again.

We are focused on the 10-year Treasury yield pushing into the 4.60%+ range, which has been a major trigger point for mortgage markets.

Key takeaways:
• The 10-year yield recently jumped from about 4.42% to as high as 4.68%
• Mortgage rates briefly touched the top end of some analyst forecasts near 6.75%
• Analysts say markets may already be “pricing in” a lot of bad news
• Any real progress on trade tensions or global conflict could help rates stabilize or improve
• Oil prices and inflation pressures are still major concerns heading into summer

What matters locally:
Even when national headlines sound dramatic, Fairbanks buyers and sellers are still adapting. We’re continuing to see activity from serious buyers, especially in well-priced homes and properties with strong condition and location.

One important reminder:
Mortgage rates are heavily influenced by the 10-year Treasury yield — not just the Fed. That’s why rates can move quickly even when the Fed hasn’t officially changed anything.

Bottom line:
Markets are volatile right now, but many analysts believe we may already be near the upper end of the current range unless inflation or global events worsen significantly.

Want to know what current rates and affordability look like specifically here in Fairbanks or North Pole? Message us anytime.

05/07/2026

Big things happening in Alaska. What’s your take?

**Hey Fairbanks Alaska, here’s what’s going on with a major land announcement that could impact Alaska’s future infrastructure, energy, and resource development.

The federal government has officially transferred roughly 1.4 million acres in the Dalton Utility Corridor to the State of Alaska. The corridor generally follows the Dalton Highway and Trans-Alaska Pipeline route north of Fairbanks.

Supporters say this helps fulfill long-overdue Alaska statehood land promises and could open the door for future:
• Energy projects
• Mining access
• Infrastructure expansion
• Pipeline and utility development
• Increased state control over land management

Critics are already raising environmental concerns and legal challenges, so this will definitely be a story Alaskans continue watching closely.

For Interior Alaska, this could eventually impact jobs, trucking, development, and long-term economic opportunities tied to the Dalton corridor.

What do you think — good move for Alaska’s future, or too much development risk?

Message us anytime if you want to talk about how major economic and infrastructure projects can affect the Fairbanks real estate market.

05/05/2026

❄️ Fairbanks, Alaska — FHA “Deal Killers”

This is where your local expertise matters (and where most Outside agents get burned).

🚨 1. Heat Source Issues (BIGGEST ONE)

* Monitor heaters on one level only
* Wood stove as primary heat (not allowed alone)
* Inadequate heat to all living areas

👉 FHA requires a permanent system capable of heating the entire home

💡 Fairbanks reality:
Split-levels, dry cabins, or basement units often fail here.

⸻

🧊 2. Frozen / Damaged Plumbing

* Burst pipes (common in foreclosures/vacants)
* No running water at time of appraisal

👉 Must have functional water + waste removal

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🏚️ 3. Foundation / Permafrost Movement

* Sagging floors
* Cracked or shifting foundations
* Moisture in basement

👉 FHA = no structural compromise allowed

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🌧️ 4. Drainage & Groundwater

* Negative grading toward home
* Water intrusion in crawlspace/basement

👉 FHA specifically requires water to drain away from structure

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🪵 5. Wood Rot / Exterior Damage

* Deck rot
* Siding deterioration
* Ice damage

⸻

🎨 6. Peeling Paint (SUPER COMMON HERE)

* Especially older Fairbanks homes
* Any chipped exterior paint = automatic repair

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🪜 7. Missing Handrails / Safety Items

* Stairs without rails
* Loose steps

👉 Cheap fix… but FHA will stop the deal

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🧯 8. Egress + Bedroom Issues

* Basement bedrooms without proper egress
* Low ceilings

👉 FHA cares about safe exit + livability

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🚗 9. Access Problems

* No maintained road
* Shared access not legally documented

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🚽 10. Septic / Well Concerns

* Failed septic systems
* No documentation
* Unsafe water

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🧠 Broker Insight (what actually happens)

* FHA appraisal = appraisal + mini inspection
* If it fails → repair required BEFORE closing
* Unlike conventional → you can’t “just accept condition”

05/02/2026

Some homes are getting multiple offers in days… others are sitting for months.

That’s not random — it’s the market shifting.

A new Zillow report shows:
• Nearly 1 in 5 homes (18.5%) go pending within 7 days
• Those homes are 2.5x more likely to sell over asking
• 44% of fast-selling homes go above list price

But here’s the flip side…

• The typical home took 19 days to go pending
• The average active listing is sitting 56 days
👉 That’s a 37-day gap — the widest we’ve seen in years

💡 Translation:
This is a “price it right or sit” market

✔️ Updated, well-priced homes = fast + competitive
❌ Miss the mark = price cuts, longer timelines, negotiations

Buyers:
You’ve got more leverage than you’ve had in years

Sellers:
You don’t get to “test the market” anymore — pricing strategy matters more than ever

📍 Locally, this is even more important in Fairbanks where pricing + condition already create wide swings in activity.

Curious how your home would perform in this market?

👉 Message us

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⚠️ National data referenced (Zillow). Local trends can vary — Fairbanks market dynamics may differ.

05/02/2026

🏡✨ FAIRBANKS FRIENDS… let’s talk houses! ✨🏡

Be honest… have you caught yourself lately thinking:
“Should we stay… or should we go?” 🤔

Maybe you’ve outgrown your space, maybe you’re ready for something new, or maybe this last winter had you questioning ALL your life choices 😅❄️

Whatever the reason… your NextHome Girl is here to help! 💁‍♀️💛

I’m talking:
✔️ What your home is worth RIGHT NOW
✔️ How to get it market-ready without the stress
✔️ Getting it SOLD so you can move on to your next adventure

No pressure, no awkward sales pitch—just real talk, real strategy, and someone in your corner who knows this market.

📲 Shoot me a message if you’ve even thought about selling… let’s see what’s possible!

Because when it comes to real estate… you’ve got your NextHome Girl 😉🏡

https://melissaburnett.nharcticsun.com/

Corgi for attention 🐶😁

04/29/2026

Ever wonder what goes into a Utility quote?

You might see a quote around $30,000 to reconnect water and think…
“Wait—what??”

But here’s the reality in Fairbanks 👇

👉 You’re not just “hooking up a pipe”
👉 You’re paying for:
• Excavation to the main
• Cutting the road + 2 curb/sidewalk cuts
• Traffic control + permits
• Backfill + compaction
• Asphalt repair

💥 It adds up fast.

⸻

🚧 And here’s the part most people miss…

If the sewer line is old (wood/Orangeburg) or sagging:

👉 Fix it at the same time.

Because:
• You’re already paying to dig
• Coming back later = doing the whole thing twice
• Failing sewer = backups + winter issues

⸻

🧠 Real talk:

That $30K quote?
👉 It’s not crazy. It’s actually pretty normal for this type of work.

⸻

🏡 Thinking about buying or selling a property with utility issues?

This is where deals are won or lost—and where strategy matters.

📩 Message us if you want help:
• Breaking down quotes
• Negotiating repairs
• Figuring out if it’s worth it

—
Local insight matters. Especially underground.

04/28/2026

Riverfront property!

Riverfront lot in Island Homes!
$169,900
0.84 acre lot
Nhn Slater Dr Unit 9, Fairbanks, AK 99701

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/Nhn-Slater-Dr-Unit-9_Fairbanks_AK_99701_M95657-57978
Beautiful riverfront lot in Island Homes. Located on the corner of the Chena River in the cul-de-sac off of Slater Drive. This is the largest residential lot in the neighborhood at 0.84 Acres! Ready to build your dream home with city utilities readily available.

Derrick Dieringer
NextHome Arctic Sun Real Estate
www.nexthomearcticsun.com
907.456.4653 Main Line
Listing real estate professional is licensed in the State of Alaska