We know that Anchorage began as a small tent city on the outskirts of Ship Creek where the population grew with the construction of the railroad, but what else happened to cause the population to increase year after year?

This map color-coded map depicts various building structures and the year that they were built. Viewing this map shows chronologically where the population and housing growth took place during each decade.

How old is your neighborhood?

Check out this timeline of Anchorage which shows events that have affected the population growth in Anchorage over the past century.

Alaska Housing recognizes the diverse population of homebuyers in Alaska and we want to ensure the information we provide on our website is understandable for everyone.

On the bottom of www.ahfc.us, there is a link to translate the information on our website. From French to Korean, Italian to Hmong, there are over 90 languages available for translation.

This spring AHFC had a groovy time at the Spring Home Show working our 70s themed booth and discussing our renovation option with homebuyers who's homes are in need of a little update.

We will be back in full bell-bottomed force at this fall's show at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. Come talk to us about renovating your home, making it more energy efficient or learning more about the home buying process.

September 19: 10am - 5pm
September 20: 11am - 5pm

If you move your home you may be able to deduct the cost of the move on your federal tax return next year. This may apply if you move to start a new job or to work at the same job in a new location. In order to deduct your moving expenses, your move must meet three requirements:

1. Your move must closely relate to the start of work.  In most cases, you can consider moving expenses within one year of the date you start work at a new job location. Additional rules apply to this requirement.

2. Your move must meet the distance test.  Your new main job location must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your prior job location. For example, let’s say that your old job was three miles from your old home. To meet this test, your new job must be at least 53 miles from your old home.

3. You must meet the time test.  You must work full-time at your new job for at least 39 weeks the first year after the move. If you’re self-employed, you must also meet this test. In addition you must work full-time for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first two years at the new job site. If your tax return is due before you meet the time test, you can still claim the deduction if you expect to meet it.

If you qualify for this deduction, here are a few more tips from the IRS: 

• Travel.  You can deduct certain transportation and lodging expenses while moving. This applies to costs for yourself and other household members while moving from your old home to your new home. You may not deduct your travel meal costs.

• Household goods and utilities.  You can deduct the cost of packing, crating and shipping your property. This may include the cost to store or insure the items while in transit. You can deduct the cost to disconnect or connect utilities at your old and new homes.

Expenses you can’t deduct.  You may not deduct:

• Any part of the purchase price of your new home.
• The cost of selling your home.
• The cost of breaking or entering into a lease.

• Reimbursed expenses.  If your employer later pays you for the cost of a move that you deducted on your tax return, you may need to include the payment as income. You must report any taxable amount on your tax return in the year you get the payment.

For more examples, click HERE.

Eighteen newly constructed one- and two-bedroom apartment homes will be available to rent September 1, 2015 at Susitna Square located at the corner of San Roberto Ave. and Lane St. in Anchorage. All of the new AHFC units will be affordable housing  and  will feature solar powered hot water and electricity systems that are collectively estimated to support 10 percent or more of the property’s total energy.

For rental information, please contact Cook Inlet Housing Authority or (907) 793-3000.

This year’s convention theme is “Charting Your Cosmic Course” in the majestic backdrop of Homer, Alaska. AHFC is showing its support of the Realtor’s in our industry on galactic levels with Maude Morse teaching a stellar class on the subject of finance for 2-hrs of continuing education credit. AHFC will also be sponsoring the Past President’s/REALTOR® of the Year Luncheon. Be sure to join us for a celestial time and a great networking opportunity. AHFC’s homebuyer educators Maria Celli and Maude Morse will be attending the conference and look forward to seeing colleagues from around the state.

Get your video cameras ready! 
AHFC will be holding a video contest regarding home ownership for conference attendees for a chance to win a GoPro Hero +. The winning video will be announced at the Past President’s/REALTOR® of the Year Luncheon on Wednesday.  Details and contest rules will be published soon.