3550 S Vale Avenue, Wasilla, AK 99623
Pending in 6 days
One thing Travis and I have been talking about a lot lately is the power of investment properties, especially duplexes, fourplexes, and multi-family homes here in Alaska.
We recently helped one of our past clients prepare and list a duplex in Wasilla. He had originally purchased it as an investment property a few years ago, and when life changed and it was time to sell, we helped him get the property ready, navigate the tenant side of things, and bring it to market.
The result? Four strong offers, all over asking price.
That does not happen every day, but it is a great reminder of what can happen when the right property, preparation, pricing, and buyer demand all come together.
That is what real estate often comes down to: knowing the best strategy for the situation.
And when we look at the June numbers, the market is still showing a lot of activity.
In the Mat-Su Valley core area, there were 350 active residential listings and 330 pending sales in June 2026. That puts the pending-to-active ratio at 94%, which is the same ratio we saw in June 2025.
That tells us buyers are still active, but they are also being more selective than they were during the peak years of 2021 and 2022.
For sellers, this means the opportunity is still there. Homes that are prepared well, priced realistically, and marketed properly can still move quickly. But the market is not rewarding every listing the same way. Strategy matters.
For buyers, this means you still need to be ready. Good properties are still getting attention, especially when they are priced well. But compared to the most aggressive years, there may be more room to slow down, look closely at the numbers, and make a smart decision.
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The number of sales also gives us a helpful picture. In June 2026, the Mat-Su core area saw 522 residential sales year-to-date. That is lower than the very busy years of 2021 and 2022, but still ahead of June 2024. So while the market has cooled from the peak, it has not stopped moving.
Prices are another important part of the story.
The average sales price in the Mat-Su core area reached $463,000 in June 2026, up from $445,000 in June 2025 and $420,000 in June 2024. Looking back to June 2019, when the average sales price was $280,000, we have seen a major increase in home values over time.
That is one of the reasons real estate can be such a powerful long-term investment. Whether it is a primary home, a duplex, or another income-producing property, ownership can help build equity over the years.
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We are also seeing a difference between existing homes and new construction.
In June 2026, existing homes made up 73% of active listings in the Mat-Su core area, while new construction made up 27%. Existing homes had an average sales price of $453,000, while new construction averaged $503,000.
New construction is still an important part of the market, but it also tends to come at a higher price point and longer average days on market. Existing homes may offer more options for buyers who are looking for value, location, yard space, or the ability to make updates over time.
When we compare that to Anchorage, the market is even tighter in some areas. Anchorage residential had a 165% pending-to-active ratio, and Anchorage condos were at 163%. That means buyer demand is still strong compared to available inventory.
For sellers, the takeaway is simple: there are still serious buyers in the market, but pricing and preparation are key.
For buyers, the takeaway is just as important: there are opportunities, but you need to understand the numbers before jumping in.
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Investment properties can be intimidating, especially for someone looking at their first one. But for many people, that first purchase is the biggest step. If you can owner-occupy a duplex or fourplex, live in one unit, and rent out the others, it can be a practical way to reduce your housing costs while building equity over time.
It is not always easy. There can be tenants, repairs, timing issues, financing details, and plenty of moving parts. But that is also why having the right guidance matters.
Whether you already own an investment property, are thinking about selling one, or have wondered if buying a duplex or fourplex could be a good move for your future, Travis and I would be happy to talk through the numbers and options with you.
Multi-family properties are not for everyone, but for the right person, they can be one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth.
Have questions about getting started or figuring out what your property may be worth?
Give us a call. We would be happy to help you look at the numbers and talk through your options.
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Whether you're buying, selling, or just planning ahead, now’s a great time to chat about your options. I’m here if you need a strategy that fits your goals!
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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
