spinell-homes

Helping veterans, active service members and military families buy homes in our community

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 01:30:00 GMT

Anchorage and Eagle River are military towns. We love what veterans, active service members and military families bring to our communities. Spinell Homes has a proud history of supporting our service men and women. We believe in building a strong community and military members play an important role in our neighborhoods. They’re members of our schools, organizations and businesses.

We want to make it easier for these families to own a home they love. In partnership with our trusted lender Residential Mortgage , we’re offering loan options that don’t require large down payments. Working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Spinell Homes is excited to help veterans get into a home for as little as $100.

Homeownership is more cost-effective than renting. But one of the biggest obstacles is saving money for a down payment. With a VA Home Loan, veterans and active service members can purchase a home with zero down payment and as little as $100 on closing costs on select move-in ready homes. Residential Mortgage will give a $1,500 lender credit and Spinell Homes covers the rest.

Working with our trusted lender, Residential Mortgage , we hope to invest in the success of communities by helping our vets invest in their dream homes. If you’re a military family or vet looking for a new home, we have several new houses available near base, with lots of other military families in the area. Give us a call today (907) 344-5678 to find out if you qualify for this offer.

Residential Mortgage , NMLS #167729, Equal Housing Lender. Residential Mortgage ’s operations, products and/or services do not originate from, and are not endorsed by the VA, USDA, HUD or FHA.

Prepare for Winter: Fall Home Maintenance

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:11:36 GMT

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Winter can come on fast in Alaska! Here are few home maintenance items to do twice a year, ideally in the fall and spring:

Exterior Doors

Oil hinges and locks if required. Inspect finish for cracks and peeling. Use touch up paint where required.
Check weather striping and thresholds around exterior door and adjust if needed.

Interior Doors

Lubricate hinges if door is making noise or not swinging freely.

Garage Door

Lubricate hardware. Inspect mechanism for free travel. Adjust if necessary.
Spray springs with WD40 and use a Silicone base lubricate on hinges and bearing at the top of the garage door.

Kitchen Tile Grout

Inspect for loose or missing grout. Re-grout if necessary. Re-caulk at the edge of the backsplash if necessary.

Tiled Areas

Inspect caulked areas for missing or damaged caulking. Re-caulk if necessary.

Faucet Aerators

Check for proper flow of water. If the flow is reduced, clean the aerator screens. During the first two months, the faucet aerator screens could require more frequent cleaning. Also homes on wells will require more cleaning.

Shower Doors

Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and re-caulk if necessary.

Tub Enclosures

Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and re-caulk if necessary.

Exterior Paint

Inspect the exterior of your home for cracked or peeling paint. Repair and repaint if necessary. Your Homeowners Association may have regulations regarding exterior colors. Please call your Homeowner’s Association before you change the exterior paint colors. Southern and western exposures are more susceptible to cracking and peeling. Repair and repaint before water and ice can get into the wood and cause more damage.

Roof

Inspect for damage after storms and high winds. An annual inspection by roofing professional is recommended.

Gutters

Clean debris from gutters every spring/fall and after storms. Windows
Inspect around all windows. Remove cracked or split caulking. Re-caulk around exterior of all windows.
Clean tracks of windows and sliding glass doors.

Outside Faucets

In Alaska drain outside faucets to prevent freezing. Hoses should be disconnected from exterior hose bibs when not in use and before freezing temperatures hit.

Landscaping

Visually survey yard and existing drainage patterns. Verify that the ground slopes away from the foundation. Stabilize any bare areas with grass, ground cover or landscaping materials to discourage erosion. Dig out areas where soil has accumulated and fill in any low spots where necessary to reestablish drainage flow.

Crawl Space

Check your crawl space for any standing water – see Procedure for Handling Water in Crawl Space Letter
Check crawl space ventilation make sure fan is in operation.

Humidifier

Adjust the knob to desired maximum humidity level.
In summer adjust the knob to the “SUMMER” position.

Keep Your Home Safe This Winter

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:51:26 GMT

Winter Safety & Maintenance

Update: Jan. 31, 2024

Due to record setting snow fall this season the Municipality of Anchorage is encouraging homeowners to look at the snow and ice loads on roofs and consider removal. They have provided this Snow Removal Guidance sheet for owners to reference. Please keep your family and home safe this winter.

Winter is a harsh reality for Alaskans. While most homes are built to withstand Alaska’s lengthy, rugged winters, that doesn’t mean winter is maintenance-free. To keep your home and family safe this winter be sure to know how to properly care for your house.

Monitor Your Roof

Your roof carries the weight of winter. While new homes in Alaska are built to withstand significant snowfall it’s important to monitor the snow load. If you hear cracking, popping, or experience leaking, call a professional. Don’t try to climb on the roof and remove snow yourself.

Keep an eye out for ice dams. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of the roof due to uneven heating. They’re often accompanied by icicles. Ice dams prevent melted snow from draining properly. This trapped water can leak into homes and cause significant water damage. If you have an ice dam, call a professional for removal.

Icicles can also be dangerous for your home and family. These can also be removed by a professional. Be sure to keep children away from icicles as they can cause serious injury when they fall. If you choose to remove icicles yourself, wear a hard hat and safety glasses.

Keep Gas Meters Clear

If your home is heated using natural gas or propane these heating sources work overtime in the winter. As snow piles up, it’s important to ensure gas meters are kept clear. While they’re built to withstand the elements, being trapped in snow or ice creates dangerous conditions. When a gas meter’s vent is blocked it can leak.

Brush the snow off your gas meter. Use a brush or broom, not a shovel. Never chip ice or try to kick snow off, you could damage the meter and cause a leak. Mark the meter so you can access it during an emergency. Don’t use a snowplow or snowblower near the meter. If you can’t get it clear call the utility company.

Clear Vent Covers

Vents are in place for a reason. It’s important to keep them clear of snow and ice to allow them to breathe. Use a brush or broom to keep them clear. Be sure they are also clear of dust. If a vent becomes blocked it could damage the system or cause carbon monoxide poisoning. CO poisoning is most common in the winter months. Be sure you have several working carbon monoxide detectors in your home in multiple rooms.

Replace Furnace Filters

Heating systems work hard during the winter. It’s important to give them a little assistance. Routinely replacing furnace filters keeps the heating system operating smoothly. This can prevent a system failure, save energy use and ensure your family is breathing quality air.

Snow Removal the Smart Way

Snow removal seems routine, but thousands of people are injured annually. Common injuries include slipping and falling, heart attacks and frostbite. To stay safe while shoveling always dress for the weather. Wear gloves and a hat. Add slip protection to your footwear. Use an ergonomically designed shovel or invest in a snowblower. For the elderly, hiring a snow removal company or asking a neighbor may be a good idea.

Winter can add extra work around the house. Following the proper protocols will keep you safe and warm. Knowing your home is operating smoothly will allow you to enjoy the winter wonderland.

Buy a House Today with Last Year’s Interest Rate (for the First Year)

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:25:55 GMT

Don’t let the high mortgage interest rates of today stop you from buying a home. Spinell Homes is offering an interest rate buy down for all move-in ready homes. A buy down lowers your interest rate for two years, saving you money and giving you time to refinance when rates drop.

With a buy down, your interest rate will drop 2% from the current rate for the first year of the loan. The second year, the rate will drop by 1%. The third year of the mortgage, the rate will return to the original rate from the day you locked into a contract.

Here’s an example:

If you were to purchase a home with a loan amount of $612,750 and locked into a rate of 7.125% the buy down rate would be 5.125% for the first year of your loan. This would save you about $9,500 the first year.

The second year of the loan your rate would be 6.125%, saving you about $4,800 that year.

The third year it would return to 7.125%.

These combine savings equal $14,300.

But the savings don’t stop there. Economists predict interest rates will drop in the next two years. When rates drop, you’ll be able to refinance at the lower rate. If you choose NOT to use a buy down, the seller will often pay more in closing costs.

Don’t wait for interest rates to drop to get into your new home. When interest rates drop, home prices could go up and you can expect increased competition from all the people who waited for rates to drop.

With the Spinell Homes buy down you can get into a great home at an affordable rate.

NOTE: Rate buy down is only being offered on move-in ready homes.

2023 Spinell Holiday Decorating Contest

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:12:32 GMT

Deck the Halls & Win!

Is your home like walking into a winter wonderland? Do you deck the halls with craft store goodness? Home is the heart of the holidays. At Spinell Homes, we love knowing that our homes play an important role in making memories and creating family traditions.

We may build houses but you make them homes. We want to see your holiday decorations. The 2023 Spinell Holiday Decorating Contest is your opportunity to show off your holiday cheer. From elaborate outdoor displays to stockings hung by the fireplace with glee, we want to see how you decorate space. Three of our favorite photos will win gift cards to local businesses.

Snap photos of your decorations and share them in the comments on our Facebook page. You can also share your photos through direct messages on our Instagram. The deadline to enter is Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Winners will be announced on our Facebook page on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023.

First place: $100 Allure gift card

Second place: $50 Moose’s Tooth gift card

Third place: $25 Wild Scoops gift card

Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

Navigating the World of New Construction

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:35:55 GMT

Picture opening the door to your perfect home. The finishes reflect your personality. The space suits your lifestyle. The location provides peace. If you’re a homebuyer, the ideal home can feel out of reach. Shopping for existing homes can mean making sacrifices. Perhaps the location is great but the home needs renovations. Or maybe the home feels just right but it's located in the wrong part of town.

New construction is your best shot at creating the home of your dreams. If you’ve never been through the building process, it can seem overwhelming. But at Spinell Homes, we’re here to make the process fun, easy and extremely rewarding.

If you’re interested in building, give me a call. I’ll walk you through what you can afford and expect. You’ll need to come prepared with information about your budget, lifestyle, and home wants and needs. Bring any questions that you have and our team of experts will happily answer them. By setting these expectations upfront and having an open conversation, it kicks off a great relationship from the start.

Next, it’s time to identify a location and floor plan. If you don’t own a lot, Spinell Homes has numerous available lots. We’ll identify one that works for your budget and family. You’ll then pick a floor plan that maximizes the lot, budget and lifestyle. Often Spinell experts will make adjustments to the plan to customize it for your needs.

If you decide to build, it’s now time to secure the financing. Working with Spinell Homes, we’re able to connect you with preferred lenders who can walk you through the process of getting a mortgage. Then a purchase agreement is set in place. Working with Spinell means you avoid getting a construction loan, which is at a much higher interest rate.

With a loan and plans in place, the real fun begins. From cabinetry to countertops and siding to sliding glass doors, new construction requires a lot of design decisions. While something like doorknobs seems minor, these little details make a big difference. Luckily, you don’t have to make the selections on your own. Spinell’s design team will help you pick finishes that won’t break the budget and work well in the home. Spinell will also be aware of the materials’ availability, ensuring to order on time and keep the project on track.

Building a home is a big project. It comes with a lengthy timeline, a lot of decisions and a large budget. But at Spinell, we’re pros at this process. The company has been building homes for more than 30 years. We understand how to communicate when there’s an obstacle.

In addition to getting the keys to your dream home, new construction comes with a lot of other benefits. Today’s construction materials are the safest and most energy-efficient materials on the market. Appliances and lighting fixtures are also energy efficient. This will save you energy and money on utilities. New construction also comes with warranties. This means you don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses. You can focus on settling in and making memories with your family.

Don’t let navigating the building process sink your spirits. With the right partners, you can soar through the steps and find your forever home.

Top 5 Things to Know About Building

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:34:29 GMT

Building a home will likely be the biggest and most expensive adventure of your lifetime. Like with any adventure, it’s important to be prepared. Here’s what you need to know to have a fun and successful build.

Pick the Perfect Partner

New construction requires a lot of decisions, but choosing a builder is arguably the most important one. This partnership will set the tone for the entire project. Be sure to do your homework. At Spinell Homes, we encourage you to look at the homes we’ve built, there are thousands out there. You can ask us for references and speak with happy homeowners. Don’t be shy about asking questions and getting answers. A reputable builder like us will be open, upfront and honest. Starting the relationship with good communication will make the entire process easier.

Know the Numbers

Sticking to a budget can be one of the most difficult tasks if you don’t pay attention to the numbers. At Spinell Homes, we’ll keep you on track. Once a budget is set, we’ll show you finishes and plans within your budget. Transparency and planning for every penny mean avoiding surprises.

Trendy vs. Timeless

New construction is your opportunity to design the house of your dreams. It should reflect your unique personality and passions. Add room for the mud room you’ve always wanted or set aside space for a wine cellar. Building is a chance to create something fitting for your family. However, while you may intend for this to be your forever home, it’s never a bad idea to think about resale. Life and plans change. It’s important to balance making it your own now, with the potential for selling in the future.

This balance should be applied to home design. Try to blend trendy with timeless. Think about the features that are easier to change. For example, flooring, wall colors and lighting fixtures could be swapped if they go out of style. While siding, floor plans and kitchen cabinets involve more time and money.

Be Prepared for Setbacks

Building a new construction home is a long process that involves a lot of moving pieces. Unfortunately, there will likely be some obstacles along the way. Understanding that it’s not all smooth sailing will make it easier to deal with difficulties when the time comes. With over 30 years in the building industry, we know how to navigate every possible problem. Whether it’s a weather delay or materials on backorder, try to handle these setbacks with the knowledge that the problems will pass.

Enjoy the Process

Getting the keys to your home is an amazing feeling but if you race to the finish line you’ll miss enjoying the journey. Working with Spinell Homes ensures a stress-free and enjoyable process. While you walk through the framing, picture how the rooms will host your family during the holidays. As you pick out the finishes, think of the memories they’ll help make. From plans to final product, building a home with Spinell is the adventure of a lifetime.

Escape the West and Move North

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 18:48:05 GMT

Spruce up Your Lifestyle in Spruce Terraces!

The pandemic changed life as we know it. It created new habits and shifted the way people feel about their homes. People felt safer when they had space. Homeowners started to trade the city skyline for the country's hillsides. This movement was further aided as remote work grew in possibility and popularity.

Small towns across the West in states like Idaho, Colorado and Montana saw an influx of new residents. This movement drove up home prices and created competition in the housing market. Suddenly, longtime residents didn’t recognize the communities they grew up in. And the peace and solitude homeowners were seeking became tougher to find.

If you’re looking for wild adventures and big open spaces, instead of heading West, look to the North. Alaska is the Last Frontier. It provides residents with opportunities for epic adventures while having cutting-edge homes and a thriving economy. Live on the edge of the remote wild and urban metropolis.

Anchorage is a small town with big amenities. Find all the big box stores and plenty of mom-and-pop shops. Food lovers can give you a long list of recommendations from local dining establishments. And while it seems like a world away in the best way possible, it’s also easy to get away. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is a busy travel hub with almost hourly flights to Seattle.

Spinell Homes’ Spruce Terraces community is located on Anchorage’s Hillside. Homeowners will enjoy estate-sized treed lots with spectacular views. Every lot is over an acre in size, this gives homeowners enough space for large, custom homes while also maintaining room for a spacious outdoor area. Lots have community water, which provides a big cost savings for homeowners upfront. Enjoy wildlife in the yard and recreate right outside your doorstep. Explore miles of hiking and skiing trails in Chugach State Park and Hilltop Ski Area. Spend a day at the nearby Anchorage Golf Course or Alaska Zoo.

Spinell Homes’ Horizon Estates is located in Wasilla about an hour outside Anchorage in the Mat-Su Valley. The subdivision offers homeowners big lots, large homes and amazing views. Lots offer views of the Talkeetna Mountains and picture-perfect Pioneer Peak. The subdivision features paved streets and a quiet neighborhood. It’s located in an area with excellent schools and local shopping. Hatcher’s Pass, a popular hiking and skiing area, is a short drive away. Build your Alaska dream home in a remote area that’s an easy commute to Anchorage.

The Last Frontier should be your first choice for a wild new adventure. Life as an Alaskan means thriving communities, award-winning builders and enviable views.

Are You Home for the Holidays?

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 21:03:52 GMT

Now is the Time to Buy

Home becomes an extra special space over the holidays. It hosts elaborate seasonal porch decorations, creates an inviting room for families to make memories, and provides comfort and hot cocoa on cold winter nights. There’s nowhere like home this time of year.

If you’re still shopping for that special space, there’s time to find the right fit before the end of the year. Winter offers an excellent time to make a new home purchase. We have several new homes that are nearing completion. We also have lots in existing communities or can build on one you own.

If you’re considering purchasing in the next few months, be sure to lock into an interest rate today. Locking down a rate ensures that if rates go up, you won’t be affected. However, if rates go down in the future, you can always refinance your home to bring down your mortgage payment.

While Alaskans enjoyed record-low interest rates for more than a year, those low rates can’t last forever. Rates have gone up in recent months but that doesn’t mean you should wait for them to drop before buying. The rates the country saw over the past couple of years were historically low. That means they may never happen again. Today’s interest rates are more aligned with traditional trends. Rising rates have some potential buyers pumping the breaks. But that’s a good thing for you. Less competition means more options on the market and buyers willing to make a deal.

Inflation is also something on the minds of many buyers. But recent reports show inflation rates are better than expected. Recession is yet another term being thrown around a lot in headlines. While experts have conflicting reports about the severity of what the U.S. economy might experience, here’s what inflation means for homebuyers: now is the perfect time to buy.

Historically, after periods of recession, housing prices go up while interest rates come down. This means that if you buy now, you’ll have less competition, avoid higher home prices and potentially have the ability to refinance when rates drop.

Homeownership offers many benefits like security, investment and tax benefits. It’s also a chance to plant roots and be a part of a community. Consider giving yourself the gift of homeownership this holiday season.

2022 Spinell Gingerbread Competition

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:59:57 GMT

#SpinellGingerbreadCompetition is Back!

Grab the gum drops, graham crackers and stickiest frosting you can find, Spinell Homes is hosting a Gingerbread House Competition for the holidays. Pass the sprinkles and candy canes to your future builders and have them design their dream gingerbread home.

The Spinelli family members with the biggest sweet tooths, the kids, will choose weekly winners. The deadline for entries is every Wednesday. A weekly winner will be announced every Thursday on Facebook. Winners will receive a gift card to a local kid-friendly business.

The final day for submissions is Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. A grand prize will be awarded Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022.

Submit your creations by posting them on our Facebook page and use the hashtag #SpinellGingerbreadCompetition.

Happy building!

All deadlines and announcement dates:

Wednesday, Dec. 7, winner announced Thursday, Dec. 8 - Prize: $25 gift certificate to Classic Toys
Wednesday, Dec. 14, winner announced Thursday, Dec. 15 - Prize: $25 gift certificate to Wild Scoops
Wednesday, Dec. 21, winner announced Thursday, Dec. 22 - Prize: $25 gift certificate to Moose's Tooth
Grand Prize: Awarded Dec. 21 - Prize: $25 gift certificate to Classic Toys, $25 gift certificate to Wild Scoops and $25 gift certificate to Moose's Tooth

A Look Back at Mortgage Interest Rates

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 22:10:19 GMT

Buy Today, Refinance Tomorrow

Mortgage interest rates are rising but you really need to look at the history to understand the trends. Over the past two years, homebuyers enjoyed historically low interest rates. In 2021, the average 30-year rate dropped to below 3% at times, according to Freddie Mac. That’s the lowest rate in 50 years. But these low rates can’t last forever, they were in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, rates ebb and flow based on various factors.

As of mid-October 2022, the 30-year average mortgage rate was around 7%, according to Freddie Mac. That seems high to a lot of buyers but that’s because recent rates have been at an all-time low. In 1981, interest rates were 16%, according to Freddie Mac. They didn’t drop below 10% for the next decade. In 2000, the average 30-year rate was around 8%.

Don’t let rising rates discourage you from buying. There are many benefits and cost-saving reasons to own a home. When you buy, the interest rate is tax deductible, unlike your rent. Renting won’t always save you money, especially over the long-run. Unfortunately for renters, when mortgages rates rise so does the price of rent. There are also opportunities to refinance when rates drop.

If you have questions about mortgage interest rates, give us a call (907) 344-5678. We can put you in touch with financial experts to answer all your questions.

Veterans and Active Duty: Move Into a New Home for $100

Lindsey@saggio.com (Lindsey Spinelli) — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 03:01:08 GMT

We love what veterans, active service members and military families bring to our communities.

Homeownership is more cost-effective than renting. But one of the biggest obstacles is saving money for a down payment. With a VA Home Loan, veterans and active service members can purchase a home with zero down payment and as little as $100 on closing costs. Residential Mortgage will give a $1,500 lender credit and Spinell Homes covers the rest.

Residential Mortgage , NMLS #167729, Equal Housing Lender. Residential Mortgage ’s operations, products and/or services do not originate from, and are not endorsed by the VA, USDA, HUD or FHA.

Celebrating Back 2 School with Spinell Homes

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 16:25:47 GMT

Tag us in your photos with #SpinellBack2School for a chance at a $25 Wild Scoops gift card.

Are you counting down the minutes until school starts or are you wishing summer stretched out a bit longer? Whether you’re teary-eyed and dropping your kindergartener off for the first time or saying sayonara to your senior, back to school is a big deal.

Your home plays a big role in both summer adventures and back to school celebrations. We love seeing excited kids posing on the porch as they get ready for a great year ahead. To celebrate, share your best back to school pics with us for the #SpinellBack2School contest.

Tag your back to school photos on Facebook and Instagram with #SpinellBack2School. The team at Spinell will pick our four favorites. Winners will be awarded a $25 gift card to Wild Scoops. You have until Aug. 26, 2022 to share your photos.

Good luck to all the students out there! #SpinellBack2School

Checkpoint Preliminary Plat

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 16:58:42 GMT

Checkpoint Preliminary Plat

View the full preliminary plat here.

Keep Up with Spinell Homes

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 04:49:43 GMT

2021 SPINELL GINGERBREAD COMPETITION

Grab the gum drops and graham crackers, Spinell Homes is hosting a Gingerbread House Competition for the holidays. Pass the frosting and candy canes to your future builders and have them design their dream gingerbread home.

The Spinelli family members with the biggest sweet tooths, the kids, will choose weekly winners. The deadline for entries is every Wednesday. The weekly winner will be announced Thursday on Facebook. The final day for submissions is Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. A grand prize will be awarded Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021.

Submit your creations by posting them on our Facebook page and use the hashtag #SpinellGingerbreadCompetition.

Happy building!

The Cost of Building Materials is Costly for Alaska Builders

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:57:04 GMT

THE COST OF BUILDING MATERIALS IS COSTLY FOR ALASKA BUILDERS

Alaska and the rest of the country’s housing market are hot. Homebuilders are predicted to break ground on 1.7 million new homes this year, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Most sellers are fielding multiple offers immediately and buyers are taking advantage of low-interest rates. This flurry of activity has the homebuilding industry fueling the post-pandemic economy. But unfortunately, supply isn’t prepared for this sharp increase in demand.

Over the past year, the price of building materials has gone through the roof. A lot of contributing factors collided to create the problem. Low-interest rates created a massive housing demand. But then in addition to this sharp demand, there quickly became a severe shortage of supplies. Manufacturing plants shutdowns because of the pandemic and weather events. This led to fewer building supplies on the market. This led to increased prices, and it's now become a major headache for homeowners and homebuilders.

Homebuilders, like us, are having to delay projects because some materials simply aren’t available. For example, some soundproof insulations like ROCKWOOL and spray foam insulations are nearly impossible to find. One Alaska insulation installer told us it takes four months to get ROCKWOOL and open cell spray foam isn’t available anywhere.

But it’s the price and availability of lumber that has everyone talking. The price of lumber is up 377% from last year, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do about these increased costs. Like every other homebuilder across the country, we’re having to purchase lumber and other supplies at these high rates to complete homes. So, we’ve had to update the prices on our new construction homes to reflect these increased costs.

We understand this is frustrating for people wanting to take advantage of low-interest rates or upgrade to the home of their dreams. We’re working with the Anchorage Home Builders Association and NAHB, which are asking the Biden administration for a temporary pause on Canadian lumber tariffs. This would temporarily lower prices and increase supply.

In the meantime, we ask that you, our buyers, please bear with us as the prices of building materials fluctuate. To help prevent further delays we ask that you make your design decisions as quickly as possible, with as few changes as possible.

Spruce Terraces

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 05:08:50 GMT

SPRUCE TERRACES

Spruce Terraces Plat Letter

Spruce Terraces Subdivision

Spruce Terraces Proposed Ammendment to COA

SpinellSpooktacular Contest

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 05:23:11 GMT

#SPINELLSPOOKTACULAR CONTEST

We want to see your Boo-tiful home and how you have decorated it for Halloween! Share a photo of the Halloween décor in your new Spinell home for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Wild Scoops . That is a lot of ice cream! Share your photos on Instagram or Facebook using #SpinellSpooktacular and we will randomly select a winner on October 31.

By sharing your photo and participating in the contest, you consent to Spinell Homes’ use of your photo in future marketing

Owls Nest Subdivision

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 05:29:33 GMT

OWLS NEST SUBDIVISION

Owls Nest is our newest subdivision in Eagle River. Find out more here.

View the revised plat here.

Ruby Subdivision

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 05:41:03 GMT

RUBY SUBDIVISION

Subdivision plat with aerial

Subdivision plat.

Enter the Spinell Homes Coloring Contest

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 05:44:27 GMT

ENTER THE SPINELL HOMES COLORING CONTEST

Grab the art supplies! We want to see what the kids can do! Spinell Homes is hosting a four-week coloring contest. Every week, a new winner will receive a $50 gift card to Classic Toys.

To enter, print the weekly picture and encourage the kids get creative. Take a picture of the final artwork and post it either on the Spinell Homes Facebook page or on your personal Instagram account using #SpinellFamilyColoringContest.

Be sure to include the artist’s name and age. Submissions are due on Thursdays. The next generation of Spinell staffers will select the weekly winner. Winners will be announced Fridays on our social media pages. Spinell Homes will then contact the winner privately and arrange to mail the gift card.

Coloring Contest Schedule:

Week 1: Friday, April 17 – Thursday, April 23

Winner announced Friday April 24 - Judged by Dante (age 3)

Download and print the Week 1 coloring page here .

Week 2: Friday, April 24 – Thursday April, 30

Winner announced Friday, May 1 - Judged by Evie (age 5)

Download and print the Week 2 coloring page here .

Week 3: Friday, May 1 – Thursday, May 7

Winner announced Friday, May 8 - Judged by Daisy (age 5)

Download and print the Week 3 coloring page here .

Week 4: Friday, May 8 – Thursday, May 14

Winner announced Friday, May 15 - Judged by Marcelle (age 8)

Download and print the Week 4 coloring page here .

Spinell Homes Donates $2,500 to Children’s Lunchbox

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 05:46:38 GMT

SPINELL HOMES DONATES $2,500 TO CHILDREN’S LUNCHBOX

With school out and an increasing number of Alaskans facing unemployment, too many Anchorage kids are going hungry. Even before the coronavirus crisis, the Children’s Lunchbox estimated over 20,000 kids go hungry every day in Anchorage.

Spinell Homes is donating $2,500 to Children’s Lunchbox to help provide meals free of charge to Anchorage children.

“There’s enough uncertainty in the world right now, our children shouldn’t have to worry about when they are going to have their next meal,” said Andre Spinelli, vice president of design and development at Spinell Homes. “We were looking for ways to help our neighbors and a donation to Children’s Lunchbox just felt like one way we could help provide some relief to Alaskans during this stressful time.”

The Children’s Lunchbox will be serving meals Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the parking lots of the Spenard and Fairview Rec Centers. Families can drive through the line and receive two suppers per child present under the age of 18. Each family can also receive a pantry box while supplies last.

“As a mother, I can’t imagine the added stress right now of not being able to provide food for my family,” said Lauren Spinelli, vice president of sales and marketing. “Being a member of the homebuilding industry means creating a safe place for every Alaskan and that includes the youngest ones.”

The Department of Homeland Security designed construction of single-family and multifamily homes an “essential infrastructure business.” This important designation gives Spinell Homes and other construction firms the ability to keep their businesses open during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to help stabilize the housing industry.

A Message to our Customers

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:48:02 GMT

A MESSAGE TO OUR CUSTOMERS

To our Spinell Homes customers,

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the coronavirus. We’re thankful to the hardworking healthcare workers across the globe fighting this on the frontlines, and our thoughts are with the victims and their friends and family.

Alaskans are facing some pretty tough times including a lot of disruptions in life. But we want to take a moment to assure you that it’s business as usual at Spinell Homes. Our healthy staff members are in the office and continuing work on our build sites.

Being in the building industry, safety is a huge part of our company culture and that has always extended to our cleaning practices. In light of COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions to keep staff and homebuyers safe through additional cleaning and disinfecting measures.

If you’re in the process of building a home with Spinell at this point you shouldn’t expect any delays due to COVID-19. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call us (907) 344-5678.

- The Spinell Homes Family

Build Your Blessings

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 05:50:40 GMT

BUILD YOUR BLESSINGS

The building project was for my youngest client ever, 14-year-old Ashley Perry. This special young lady asked Spinell Homes to help her build blessing boxes for Anchorage’s schools. A blessing box is a simple, empty box. The empty blessing boxes are put in schools and students fill them with nonperishable items like personal care items, clothing, canned foods, school supplies and more. The concept is for students to take what they need, and replace what they can.

The blessing boxes were a simple project, but they will have such a positive impact on the lives of many students who are in need of basic care items. They will also teach students the importance of looking out for each other. We were thrilled to have the ability to help Ashley, and I was so inspired by her heart, courage and care for others.

Ashley was born with Turner syndrome. At one point during her mother’s pregnancy, Ashley had less than a 1 percent chance of survival. She continues to defy the odds, but her life hasn’t been easy. She’s had 15 surgeries and has infusions every three weeks. She has also dealt with bullying in school for her height and diagnosis. Ashley could be focused on her own struggles, but yet she chooses to spend her time and energy doing good for others.

Ashley’s amazing story captured the attention of Iditarod musher Wade Marrs. In 2013, she was his IditaRider and the two formed a close bond. Their story was captured by CBS Courage in Sports and the inspiring video can be viewed here .

Ashley - Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help, and reminding us that the emptiness should always be filled with love.

A First Time Homebuyer’s Experience with Spinell

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 06:08:13 GMT

A FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER’S EXPERIENCE WITH SPINELL

By Niki Engstrom

Buying our first home – it came with so much excitement, nerves, a little bit of stress and a lot of learning! When my husband Dan and I decided to take the leap and buy our first home, we never imagined we would end up building.

Our first step on the way to homeownership was to narrow down the neighborhoods in Anchorage we loved and then settle on a price range we could afford. However, we quickly discovered there was very limited inventory, especially because we knew we didn’t want to undertake a remodel.

We love the charm of Government Hill , and during a drive through the area we attended an open house for one of Spinell Homes’ under construction townhomes. We put in an offer, but somebody beat us to it. However, when Spinell Homes approached us about building the same floor plan on a nearby lot, we decided to go for it.

This was our first time home buying and homebuilding, so we had a lot to learn but we felt the process was really easy with Spinell. During our first meeting, we nailed down our budget and were able to make adjustments to the floor plan to fit our lifestyle. Then came the fun part – picking out all the finishes. We had accounts set up at local stores that included our measurements and plan. The companies were then able to show us options in our price range. As a graphic designer, with a budding interest in interior design, I really enjoyed the process of selecting the flooring, counters, wall colors and other finishes.

Spinell Homes was great about keeping us informed about the process but we’d been told by friends that with any new construction project there are always delays and bumps in the road, so armed with that information, we felt prepared when unexpected things happened. For example, the initial home we put an offer on, had a big, beautiful deck with a bluff view, and we planned to have the same deck built on our home. However, our lot was smaller and despite the plan, lot size constraints pushed the deck smaller.

We encountered a few minor problems. Construction got off to a late start because of the frozen ground and it took longer than expected. But once we were in our home, designed from the ground up by Spinell and with input from us, we were in love. It’s fun to look around your home and see that everything reflects your taste and personality.

We lived, and loved, our first home for three years, until my husband got a new job in Kenai. I was really sad to say goodbye, moving on was a very difficult decision. However, luckily, because of our neighborhood, price and the newness of our home, it sold quickly, even in a tougher economy.

We learned so much about the building process with Spinell we felt confident when we put an offer on another new construction home in Kenai. Our second build didn’t go quite as smooth, but luckily with our previous homebuilding experience we were prepared and able to navigate the challenges.

I love owning new construction homes. They reflect your personality and it’s fun to know we helped make each house a home. After living in two new construction homes, with finishes hand-picked by us, I think if we ever choose to move again, we’ll build again. We’ve learned when you work with a builder and get to design the home for you, it makes any wait worth it.

Visit with the Spinelli Homes Team

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 06:11:12 GMT

VISIT WITH THE SPINELLI HOMES TEAM

Stop by and visit with our team of experts at:

The Anchorage Home Show , April 13 to 15, at the Alaska Airlines Center
The Spring Preview of Homes , April 21 and 22, open houses across Anchorage
The Mat-Su Home Show , April 27 to 29, at the Curtis Menard Sports Center

Spinell Homes Offers $100 Total Move In Cost Payments for Vets

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 06:14:19 GMT

SPINELL HOMES OFFERS $100 TOTAL MOVE IN COST PAYMENTS FOR VETS

Homeownership, its part of the American dream, but for many people getting their own set of keys isn’t easy. Owning can be much cheaper than renting but unfortunately despite the cost difference, one of the biggest obstacles to homeownership boils down to finances. Homeownership may be more cost-effective in the long-term but in the short-term, many people struggle to find enough money for a down payment .

As a family-owned and -operated company for more than 30 years, Spinell Homes wants every Alaskan who dreams of owning a home to have the opportunity. Whether it’s your first home or your last, Spinell Homes is here to help with loan options that don’t require large down payments.

Working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Spinell Homes is excited to help veterans get into a home for as little $100 total move in cost with a VA Home Loan . With a VA Home Loan, the men and women who are currently serving or have served our country have an opportunity to purchase a home putting zero down and paying as little as $100 on closing costs (Spinell Homes picks up the rest).

Spinell Homes has a proud history of supporting our service men and women. We believe in building a strong community and our veterans play an important role in our neighborhoods. Military families are members of our schools, neighborhoods and local businesses.

Working with our trusted lender, Residential Mortgage , we hope to invest in the success of communities by helping our vets invest in their dream home.

If you’re a military family or vet looking for a new home we have several new houses available near base, with lots of military families in the area. Lauren Glenn is located in east Anchorage, contact Kevin Sigafoos at (907) 244-3212. The Dove Tree condos are located in Eagle River, call Questa Locke at (907) 350-2322.

In addition to financing for veterans, there are options available for first-time homebuyers. Give us a call today (907) 344-5678.

Residential Mortgage, NMLS #167729, Equal Housing Lender. Residential Mortgage’s operations, products and/or services do not originate from, and are not endorsed by the VA, USDA, HUD or FHA.

Know What Goes into Your Home Owners Association Dues

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 06:37:36 GMT

KNOW WHAT GOES INTO YOUR HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION DUES

Finding affordable housing in Anchorage can seem like a headache but there is one option many homebuyers overlook. One of the most affordable new home options is investing in a condominium. From apartment style to single-family detached homes, condos come in many sizes and styles. Condos aren’t starter homes either many include luxury finishes and high-end extras like elevators and private balconies. However, homebuyers sometimes shy away from considering a condo because of the misconceptions surrounding condo dues.

Condo dues are part of the package when you purchase a condominium but the fee covers a lot more than you think. Lender regulations now require expenses that were previously covered by the homeowner to be included in the dues. This means condo dues aren’t rising for no reason they’re simply consolidating the same expenses homeowners have always paid into a single fee.

For example, look at one of Spinell Homes’ newest condominium projects. Nadine Park is a duplex-style condominium development with 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-car garage, 1,657 square foot units.

Nadine Park monthly condo dues: $360

Includes:

Water and Sewer: $81/month (traditionally paid separately by homeowner)

Building Insurance: $55/month (traditionally paid along with monthly mortgage)

Maintenance Fees: $180/month

Owning a home requires year-round maintenance in order to keep the home looking nice and maintain its value. Monthly condo fees take care of these costs by covering landscaping, snowplowing (usually done much quicker than city maintenance), sewer and street maintenance, and management fees. Condo dues also include exterior painting, driveway overlay, roof replacement, exterior building repairs and more.

Paying a low, monthly fee for these items makes budgeting easy for homeowners because there are no surprises. Many traditional homeowners find themselves needing to replace a roof or repaint the house when they least expect it and haven’t saved for such a large expense. Plus, let someone else take care of the hassle of coordinating contractors and making sure the job is done right.

For homeowners looking for an affordable and reduced-maintenance home option, investing in a new condominium may be the right fit. By taking a closer look at condo dues and what they cover homebuyers may be surprised to find the monthly fee makes owning a home easy and affordable.

Rising Interest Rates and Alaska Homebuyers: What You Need to Know

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 06:40:38 GMT

RISING INTEREST RATES AND ALASKA HOMEBUYERS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Homebuyers have been enjoying low interest rates for quite some time but that is all expected to change in the coming months. Interest rates have risen in the weeks following the presidential election and they are expected to continue to go up.

With the interest rate increase, if you’re in the market for a new home now is the time to buy because waiting could cost you. Interest rates are still low enough that potential homebuyers will score a great a deal on their home if they buy soon. Unfortunately, as interest rates rise, homebuyers will lose their buying power meaning they will get less home for their money or spend much more for the home they want.

You wouldn’t think a small increase like .25 percent could dramatically impact your purchase but when it comes to mortgages even the slightest increase will make a big difference and cost you thousands.

For example:

$300,000 home + 4.125% = $523,422 total mortgage

$300,000 home + 4.375% = $539,228 total mortgage

$15,806 difference with just a .25% increase

As interest rates rise, it doesn’t mean homeowners should hold off on buying a home because it’s always an unknown as to when they will drop. Plus, owning a home is an excellent long-term investment. Homebuyers just need to be aware that with rising interest rates, buyers will be able to afford less.

So, if you’ve had your eye on a new home or you’re looking to become a first-time homebuyer, don’t wait much longer. When you meet with a mortgage lender you lock into the current interest rate for the next several weeks. You can look at the latest interest rates here and use our mortgage calculator to estimate the costs.

If you have any questions about what you can afford, how to get the best deal or lock into a low interest rate, call the experts at Spinell Homes (907) 344-5678. We’ve been helping homeowners get the keys to their dream home for 30 years and will help you get the best deal.

Furnace & Water Heater Maintenance

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 06:46:08 GMT

FURNACE & WATER HEATER MAINTENANCE

If your Spinell Home was built in 2011 or later your furnace or water heater may need maintenance.

The high efficiency furnace and water heater units installed in Spinell Homes with 90% efficiency or above require periodic maintenance, to avoid erosion of city waterline pipes. Please check your unit to see if it has a neutralizer tube, a black plastic pipe approximately 12" long attached to the unit. There should be marble chips filling at least 1/4 of the neutralizer tube; if the tube is not filled to this level, homeowners will need to replace the marble chips, which can be purchased at a home supply store, like HomeDepot or Lowe’s .

How to check your unit and replace marble chips:

Locate the neutralizer tube; on the furnace units it can be found attached to the base of the furnace where the sheet metal is exposed or along the side of the unit attached to the wall. On the high efficiency water heaters and boilers, the neutralizer tube will be attached to the wall below or alongside the unit where the space is available. If you are unable to find the neutralizer in the area of your furnace, water heater or boiler it was not required on your home.
After identifying the neutralizer pipe, unscrew the cap at the top of the black pipe. A pair of channel locks may be needed to loosen the cap.
Look down into the pipe to check the level of the marble chips
If there are marble chips are still in the pipe and filled to 1/4 level, no further maintenance is required.
If the marble chips have eroded completely or are below 1/4 level, they need to be replaced.
To replace the marble chips, simply drop new chips into the pipe until it is approximately 3/4 full.
Close the pipe by securing the cap back onto the top of the pipe.
For the next year please consider checking every six months in order to gage how quickly the marble chips erode and need replacing. After that it should be easy to estimate how often you need to replace the marble chips.

The marble chips needed to fill the neutralizer pipe are sold at home supply stores, but are usually only sold locally during the summer for landscaping. We suggest homeowners with units that require maintenance purchase a bag of marble chips in the summer and keep them on hand for yearly replacements.

Please feel free to contact Spinell Homes if you need further clarification.

No more reasons to keep renting!

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 06:48:36 GMT

NO MORE REASONS TO KEEP RENTING!

$21,600. For the majority of us, that’s a lot of money right? If you had that kind of money would you give it away? “No way,” is what you’re probably saying. But that is what many people are doing, not just once, but EVERY SINGLE YEAR. If you scan Craigslist you’ll see that $1800 is about the average monthly rent for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home/condo/townhouse in Anchorage right now. Month after month, year after year, people are paying this kind of rent, paying someone else’s mortgage, when for the same monthly amount they could be owning a home of their own.

Why not invest in a brand new home today?

“I can’t afford a down payment,” is the most common reason for not purchasing. This was true for many of us in the past. But did you know that there are loan programs out there (namely Alaska Housing and Cook Inlet Housing) that, along with the builders’ closing cost contribution and low, low, low interest rates, can get you into a BRAND NEW HOME with nothing down? This would be a BRAND NEW 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage townhouse-style condo for the same monthly payment as you are spending in rent each month. No, I’m not kidding!

“But I don’t want the maintenance hassles of owning my own home,” you might say. Did I mention BRAND NEW? With a new home you won’t have to deal with any costly maintenance issues typical of older homes for many years to come. Most new condos even come with landscaping installed so there are no huge expenses upon move-in.

“I want to be flexible, and free to move whenever I want” is another reason people give for not purchasing. Yes, that’s a good reason, if you move around a lot, change jobs, etc. But if you’ve been living in the same rental for 5 years think about how much money you’ve been giving to someone else, when you could be investing it in something YOU own.

“I can’t afford my dream home so why should I settle for less?” No, you might not be able to afford the size/location/upgraded home you really want right now. Pinterest and Houzz are great for showing you all the things you can’t necessarily afford. But if you ask most people who are living in their dream homes, they didn’t just wake up one day in the house of their dreams. They started off with what they COULD afford, over time built equity in that home, and eventually were able to move up to another. Sometimes another and another, until they ended up where they wanted to be. You’ve just got to take that first step to homeownership. And there’s no better way to take that step than into a BRAND NEW HOME.

“My credit is bad.” Yes, that is sometimes a deal breaker. But it may not be as awful as it seems. Make an appointment with a mortgage professional. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed – they can help outline specific steps you need to take to repair your credit. In no time you may be on your way to homeownership.

Yes, buying a home can be intimidating, maybe downright scary. Until you’ve done it. Then you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. And Spinell Homes makes it so easy. Let our professionals guide you into a great new home. And start putting your money towards yourself.

Letter to Homeowners RE: Spring Clean-Up and Escrow Items

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 06:50:28 GMT

LETTER TO HOMEOWNERS RE: SPRING CLEAN-UP AND ESCROW ITEMS

Dear Homeowners.

Spring is here and many of you are anxious for clean up and escrow work to begin.

We will be attempting to clean up any remaining materials around the homes when everything is thawed, but this usually happens at the same time for all homes built during the winter, so it would be really helpful if you pile up any waste materials near the curb and we will send crews around to collect them.

You may also notice water in your crawl space around this time. This usually occurs in areas that do not have final grades completed. If you see water begin to accumulate in the crawl space please contact Spinell Homes for an inspection. If needed we will install a sump pump system in your crawl space.

We will be painting exteriors as time and weather permit. You may notice newer homes being painted first. This is because lenders will not allow homes to close with escrow items when weather permits completion prior to closing. Painters will begin work on homes already closed as soon as weather and scheduling permits.

The final steps for completion are the final grade and paving. The frost, often down four to six feet below the surface, must disappear prior to final grading and paving. The settling that must occur will not happen until then. This process could take several weeks after the temperature warms up. When the frost does leave, the ground will begin to to dry out and firm up enough for heavy equipment to work on, which is when the local authorities will ease the weight restrictions on the roads. Next, the gas and electric lines must be buried so we may final grade. This is done by the respective utility companies, and is usually done subdivision by subdivision until complete. Please note that Spinell Homes has no control over this schedule. About a week after they begin burying lines we will begin to final grade and prep for asphalt. It is very important that as the ground becomes soft you stay off the driveway until it has dried out completely. Adding gravel and/or placing boards on the driveway will SLOW the process. You must also hold any landscaping/fencing plans until after all escrow items are complete. Our goal is to complete all escrow work by July 15th. This is of course subject to our Alaskan weather, and may be pushed back this year depending on how long it takes all of our snow to melt! Please be patient. We are as anxious as you to complete these items!

Ice Damming – What Is It? And What Can I Do About It?

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:52:35 GMT

ICE DAMMING – WHAT IS IT? AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

Spinell Homes is aware of the many cases this year of “ice damming” and would like to offer some advice on how to deal with it.

We strongly suggest that during the winter months you monitor the level of snow on your roof. As snow builds up it can cover the vents for your attic, as well as the vents for your furnace and hot water heater. This can result in your attic not venting properly and your heating sources to not work correctly. In addition, as the snow melts and then freezes again at night it can cause what is known as “ice damming.” This is when ice forms at the edge of the roof, then slowly grows up the roof as the thaw/freeze cycle continues.

This process can continue until the ice forces its way under the shingles and into the attic where it melts off, causing damage in the house. We highly suggest shoveling off your roof any time the snow level covers your roof vents or when you see ice accumulating at the ends of your roof.

The responsibility for shoveling your roof falls under the category of Homeowner Maintenance. By performing this task you can help maintain your new home and prevent costly water damage. And the bright side is…. spring is right around the corner!

Economy will never truly recover until housing industry is repaired

Fri, 20 May 2011 06:54:56 GMT

ECONOMY WILL NEVER TRULY RECOVER UNTIL HOUSING INDUSTRY IS REPAIRED

Many of you may have seen the article a couple of days ago in the Anchorage Daily News that discussed the troubles that the home building industry still faces even though the recession is considered over. We could not agree more! It has been Spinell Homes' opinion that our economy will never truly recover until the entire housing industry is repaired.

Shelter is one of the few basic necessities in life, and home ownership has been one of the most valued goals in America. After World War II our economy, and construction in particular, was boosted in large part due to the GI bill, and FHA, which allowed for the average citizen to buy a home.

Since that time it has been the American dream to own a home. It is the largest investment most people will ever make, and most people have depended on their home's value as their main savings. When the financial markets collapsed it most hurt the pocketbooks of the American citizens. Whereas Wall Street has "recovered" the average American still feels we are in a recession. Why? Because their home values have been destroyed due to the financial schemes of the banking industry and Wall Street.

Housing construction has always been the backbone of our country, and until this industry is healthy again, we cannot consider our economy recovered. New policies for foreclosures, financing and appraisals need to be a top priority!