Your December Market Snapshot Plus Creative Holiday Wrapping Tips from Dave & Travis!

Success Story!

 

Over a year ago, we were introduced to Frank and Jackie by their daughter to discuss selling their home a place they’d loved and lived in for over 40 years in Palmer. At that time, it just wasn’t the right moment for them to make a move. But come Spring, the timing finally aligned, and we started the process together. Their plan was to have a new home built on family property, a fresh beginning close to loved ones.
It was truly an honor to represent such wonderful people and help them navigate what can sometimes be a tough and emotional process. There were challenges along the way, but we worked through them together and in the end, everyone’s happy and ready for their next chapter.
A special thanks to Kevin Crozier, who represented the buyers. Kevin was actually the listing agent on the very first home I sold back in 2003, and he’s been a friend and mentor ever since great to work together again.
And of course, kudos to Travis and Noelle teamwork made this one a success! Another meaningful closing and a reminder that every home sold is also a new beginning. 

 

"A Look at Where We Stand Finishing 2025"

 

As we begin the last month of the year, I wanted to share a simple, straightforward update on the Mat-Su Valley “Core Area” market. No bold predictions  just what the numbers show and what they mean for anyone thinking about buying or selling.

 

Looking at how many homes are available vs. how many are under contract gives us a good read on demand.

 

Inventory

We’re still well below pre-pandemic inventory levels, which means buyers have fewer options and the market stays somewhat competitive even without the frenzy of previous years.

Pending Sales
• 2019: 272 pendings (58%)
• 2020–2021: Extremely high pending ratios  nearly everything went under contract immediately

• 2025: 203 pendings (70%)
Demand is still present, just at a more normal pace compared to the peak years.

What This Means Heading Into 2026
• For Sellers: Homes are still selling, especially when priced correctly. The fast, multiple-offer days are mostly behind us, but buyers are still out looking.
• For Buyers: Inventory is tighter than before, but the market is much calmer than 2020–2021. Buyers now have time to think, compare, and negotiate.
• For Homeowners: The Valley continues to move steadily — neither overheated nor declining. It’s a stable, predictable market as we finish the year.

 

These two charts show how many homes have sold over the years and what buyers have been paying.

 

Total Sales
• 2019: 1,678
• 2021: Peak at 1,992
• 2023–2024: Slowdown to around 1,371
• 2025: Slight uptick to 1,489
The slowdown lines up with higher interest rates and affordability issues, and the small improvement in 2025 shows that people are still moving  just not at pandemic-level speed.

What the Sales & Prices Together Tell Us
• Even with fewer sales in recent years, prices continued to rise, which shows steady demand.
• The small rebound in 2025 suggests buyers are adjusting to higher rates.
• Overall, the market has settled into a stable, more normal rhythm compared to the extremes of the early 2020s.

 

Here’s how the Valley’s inventory and sales break down between existing homes and new builds.

 

• 289 active listings: 187 existing homes, 99 new construction
• 203 pending sales: 137 existing, 66 new
• Average days on market: 35 for existing homes, 55 for new builds
• Total 2025 sales: 1,489 homes, 1,163 existing, 326 new construction
• Average prices: $438,000 for existing homes, $502,000 for new builds
New homes naturally take longer to sell because of build timelines and buyer choices, while existing homes tend to move quicker. Even with a steady amount of construction, most buyers still choose existing homes due to established neighborhoods and better price points.

 

Overall Takeaway
The market remains balanced. Neither existing homes nor new construction is dominating, and buyers and sellers in both categories are finding steady opportunities as we move into the new year.

 

 

The holidays are here, and while you're busy making your house feel like home for family gatherings, why not extend that same creative spirit to your gift wrapping? You don't need expensive wrapping paper or fancy ribbons to create stunning presentations. Some of the most beautiful and memorable gift wrap comes from items you already have around the house.

Turn Your Home Into a Wrapping Wonderland
Start by looking at your home with fresh eyes. That stack of newspapers becomes vintage-chic wrapping paper, especially the comic sections for kids' gifts. Brown paper bags transform into rustic, elegant wrap when turned inside out. Even old maps, sheet music, or magazine pages can create unique, personalized presentations that recipients will remember long after the gift is unwrapped.

Natural Elements from Your Yard
Step outside and gather nature's free decorations. Pinecones, evergreen sprigs, and dried flowers make gorgeous toppers that smell amazing too. If you have a garden, dried herbs like rosemary or lavender add a lovely fragrance and can be used in cooking later. These natural touches give your gifts an organic, thoughtful feel that store-bought bows simply can't match.

Fabric and Texture Magic
Raid your linen closet for wrapping inspiration. Old scarves, tea towels, or fabric scraps work beautifully as reusable gift wrap – the Japanese call this "furoshiki." Not only does it look sophisticated, but the fabric becomes part of the gift. Burlap coffee sacks, if you can find them, create a charming farmhouse aesthetic.

Kitchen Creativity
Your kitchen holds surprising wrapping treasures. Twine meant for cooking doubles as rustic ribbon. Mason jar lids can become gift tags when tied with string. Even aluminum foil, when crumpled and smoothed, creates an interesting metallic texture that catches the light beautifully.

Personal Touches That Matter
The most meaningful gifts often come wrapped in the most unexpected ways. Use your children's artwork as wrapping paper, or create custom gift tags from old greeting cards. These personal touches show thoughtfulness that expensive materials never could.

Just as I help my clients see the potential in every corner of their homes – whether they're buying their first house, selling a longtime residence, or simply making their current space more functional  creative gift wrapping is about recognizing the hidden possibilities all around you.

If you're thinking about how your home's storage and organization could work better for your family's needs this holiday season and beyond, I'd love to help you explore your options and make your space work beautifully for your lifestyle.

 

Whether you’re thinking of selling while prices are high or jumping in before rates or inventory shift again — now is the time to act. The Mat-Su markets are moving, and we’re here to help you navigate

LET US BE YOUR TRUSTED GUIDE

Call or text Dave now at 907-863-7289
Call or text Travis now at 907-575-6779

davesalaskahomes@gmail.com

http://www.DavesAlaskaHomes. com