Alaska's resort areas offer great views for reasonable prices, say local Realtors.

Big Lake

"Big Lake is a big recreational area on a large lake one hour from Anchorage," says Realtor Margaret Billinger. "It's a resort area with lakefront properties from nice homes to cabins.

Billinger suggests, "This area is great for the second home. Lakefront homes average $260-400K with some in the 500,000 to million range depending which part of the lake. You can also get cabins starting around $85K on nearby lakes and lots on small lakes in the area for 15-35K. Big Lake waterfront lots average 75-135K depending on size and location. Lots with views of the lake are 35-80K. This area is growing and good buildable properties near water are getting harder to find. The lake is now open and activity is increasing."

Eagle River

Says Realtor Eva Loken, "The supply of single-family homes under $250K is very small, while at the same time we have lots of buyers for the price range. The above $500K market is slowing down considerably.. Current demand is showing a market time of approximately six months, although well-priced homes sell almost immediately.

"New construction single family below $ 200,000 is virtually nonexistent," advises Loken. "Attached townhomes, site condos or regular condos are being built as fast as the builders can hammer. The condo-townhome market is flourishing. Prices are going up due to heavy increases in lumber and steel. Any raw land ready to build in the area start at $85K, and up. Lower-priced land typically needs more work before being ready to build, bringing the price up to aforementioned price level for ready to build. This holds true for large as well as small lots."

Moose Pass

"Moose Pass is a quiet little highway town about 30 miles from Seward," describes Realtor Linda Rae Olsen. "Located on the banks of Upper Trail Lake, this town is well-known for kicking off the start of summer with the Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival, a fun week-end event. Every now and then a little gem will pop up on the market in Moose Pass to be swiftly bought up. Other properties may take a little TLC to become gems but are worth the investment."

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Published: October 21, 2004

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