Have a wonderful Easter 2020 Well it's Easter once again and I wanted to express what a wonderful day it is. Even with everything that is going on around the world and I will refrain from the name ...Let's rejoice with our families and friends via cell phones, social media and more.There are many families that will not be able to attend church for Easter 2020 but always remember, where there is a gathering of 2 or more Christian's it is considered a church.I have never celebrated a Easter quite like this, it seems to be more personal this year. Let's try our best to lift up the dome of gloom that has surrounded our lives. If the weather is fit for a walk, get on out there and enjoy Easter 2020 and express love everywhere you go. "And please pray for everyone around the world, for their ... 04/12/2020

 I left my heart in Alaska ... Yes there is a famous song about leaving your heart in San Francisco, but those days are long gone for me. There was a time back in the mid 70's when I first had the chance to visit San Francisco where I did leave my heart. Since then traveling to Alaska since 2014 I do believe my heart and home are now in Alaska.I try and visit Alaska at least 3 times per year now and it's just a matter of time before I start spending 3-4-5 months in Alaska per year there. I just can't get enough of Alaska's beauty, silence and freshness, and Alaska seems to always be on my mind when I am down in the Lower 48. For anyone that has had the chance to visit Alaska you know exactly what I'm talking about, you can never get enough of Alaska.And that is why I recently left my he... 09/21/2019

 Saturday, November 26, 2016 Robert Vegas Bob Swetz ISO his purpose in Life   Robert Vegas Bob Swetz ISO his purpose in Life   Vegas Bob aka Vegas Bob continues to search fro his purpose in Life and it has been a long journey There have been several times when Robert Swetz thought he might know his purpose in Life, and only to find out it wasn't.     Robert Swetz's purpose in life was not to raise a family because he only had one biological son.     Robert Swetz's purpose in Life was not to work construction, he was brought into the business through his father at a very young age.  Robert Swetz's purpose in Life was not to sell real estate, it was a business that he was interested in many years ago and happen to become a licensed agent.  Robert Swetz started taking photographs when he w... 11/26/2016

  Robert Alaska Bob Swetz will be flying out from the "Lower 48" this coming weekend, December 20th.Alaska Bob aka Vegas Bob has many different opportunities being presented to him in "The Last Frontier" Between Law Enforcement, Real Estate, Guided Tours, Natural Resources, Photography, Ministry, Retirement, Alaska Bob will be making some choices in the next several months. While Alaska Bob is in the State of Alaska, he will have approx 6+ hours per day for 1-2 months to really think about his next opportunity.So that being said, Alaska Bob will be purchasing a very warm parka coat and some great waterproof hiking boats.For the next 1-2 months Alaska Bob will be hiking along the snow covered trails, along the rivers, around the lake shorelines, mountain trails talking with his  higher p... 12/17/2015

  In only several months of blogging, Robert Swetz aka Vegas Bob has climbed the Google pages with a (new) nickname ... ALASKA BOB After Vegas Bob's first couple posts he was ranked and coming in at around page 30.It didn't take long for Robert Swetz to hit 11th page at Google under the name Alaska Bob, and my future plans are to hit 1st page of Google by the end of 2015.  Wish me luck everyone and here are some fun photos from Alaska and one photo was taken in Crosby Minnesota.Can anyone please guess which photo was taken in Minnesota? Leave it in your comments and later in the day Alaska Bob will display the answers.And can anyone please guess who's in the photo (below), where it was taken and the content of the photo?  Here is the link (below) that is ranked on page 11 of Google sear... 08/09/2015

First off, I just want to say that I feel so incredibly fortunate to be at a point in my life that I can live comfortably, pay my bills, and have some extra money to invest.  The position I have taken on at Rentec Direct propery management software and tenant screening company has allowed me more freedom to spend time with my family and do the things I need and want to do.  I'm so gracious and so happy to be exactly where I am today! I'm bringing up the topic of investments because well, it's relevant as I've spent a portion of my afternoon today trying to determine what kind of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds I should invest in for retirement and to be blunt teasing out the details of different investment firms and options is not really something I enjoy.  I do however enjoy investing ... 03/19/2014

Great Customer Service Makes All The Difference! Work took me to Juneau, Alaska June 20/21, 2013. I have several great memories of my trip but one especially lingers. It keeps resurfacing and brings me many smiles of appreciation. On Friday around 4:30 we were finally done with our marathon day of clock hour classes. We cleaned up the space, packed up, jumped in the car, dropped a bunch of stuff off at our local First American Title office and headed for the wharf in downtown Juneau. Tired and starving we were hoping for a chat over some food and a beverage before catching a flight home. When we arrived at the Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill the place was packed and really busy with 2 cruise ships in port. When we got our table our server Kate showed up. Kate went so totally above an... 07/13/2013

As I was daydreaming on my flight back from Juneau to Seattle this past Friday evening, I couldn’t help but think how fortunate we are for our then Secretary of State, William Henry Seward (1801 - 1872). Seward racked up many accomplishments. He graduated from Union College in 1820 with high honors and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1821. He served as New York’s 12th Governor then became US Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln and later President Andrew Johnson. On the night of Lincoln’s assassination Seward survived an attempt on his own life. The Russian Crown was strapped for cash at the time and huge loans were due. They wanted to offset the Brits, their territorial competitors, so they planned to sell this useless wilderness to the United States. William Seward final... 06/23/2013

What is the Only State Capitol in the US with NO ROAD ACCESS? Juneau Alaska! Larry and I just spent the weekend in Juneau, Alaska. This is our state capitol and, in all our years here (I was born in Alaska and Larry has been in Alaska since the early 90s) neither of us have never been. It is not as easy to get to as the rest of the states because you have to either fly in or boat in-there is NO, nada, zilch, zero roads to get there. This is the only state capitol in the USA with NO ROAD ACCESS!   If you 'Google it' the directions even say "Take the Juneau-Haines ferry to Juneau." Yes, that is a real ferry boat! We think it is a little 'sideways' too! Thankfully, we decided to drive from Wasilla 50 miles to Anchorage, then fly an additional 80 minutes to Juneau. No driving through Alaska... 04/05/2012

Ah, it's dinner time and my mouth is watering for some spicy food. When the mood for spicy food strikes, the Bobby Flay cook books and recipes surface. We even have his 'Boy Meets Grill' cookbook on the shelf. Bobby Flay, undisputed Southwestern Chef extraordinaire owns the search term 'Mesa Grill' on Google. Every link on the first page goes to Mesa Grill New York, Mesa Grill Las Vegas or Mesa Grill Bahamas. You'll easily find links to Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill reviews, menus, online reservations, walking directions, hours, maps, wine lists, recipes, cookbooks, sauces, rubs, and even gift cards. Heck, I can even sign up for his mailing list or click over to the Kohl's link to see videos for his product demos and grilling tips. On to search results page two and it's simply more of the sam... 05/02/2011

When selling your home, the quicker the better. But before putting your house on the market there are a few simple things you can do to ensure it makes a positive first impression when potential buyers come looking. These 10 tips won't take you much time or cost much money but they will give your home a more welcoming appeal. 1. Look at your house from the outside in. How does your house look from the street?  Start by putting away all the extra stuff in the yard (lawn equipment, toys, junk, etc). Next, make sure the lawn is mowed, gutters are clean, and in the summer put out a few containers of plants to welcome guests into your home. Pay attention to little things, like if your mailbox is rusty replace it with a new one. A new mailbox isn't very expensive but it can make a huge differ... 03/07/2011

For as long as I can remember there's been a push to move the seat of government from Juneau to somewhere near Anchorage.  You can almost set your calendar by it.  Every time it happens, people plan for the worst and hope for the best.  Property prices predictably start to fall but bounce right back after the battle is over.One of the things you need to understand is FRANK.  Not the governor we chased off - but Fiscally Responsible Alaskans Needing Knowledge.  This basically means that if the legislature, or the capital are going to move, the costs must be approved by the voters of Alaska. Here's a tally of the votes on the subject. In 1960 the vote was 56% against moving it.In 1962 the vote was 55% against moving it.In 1974 the vote was 57% FOR the move and in 1976 Willow was selected.... 03/10/2008

You have no down payment.  If what you have to put into the transaction is less than first, last and deposit on a typical apartment... you just might be a renter.  With no down payment, you will usually pay a higher interest rate and more in loan fees.You have bad, or no credit.  Lenders aren't going to give you a low rate because you are young and cute.  You need the sellers to sell $20,000 or more below true value.  When did your financial situation become their problem?You need the sellers to contribute more than customary contributions to closing costs.  Once again, why is your lack of participation in this process the seller's problem?Pay off those student loans.  Don't buy the brand new car or motorcycle.  Slow down.  Get a library card and read instead of hitting the bar scene ev... 02/20/2008

Today I had the pleasure of meeting a really nice couple.  They had looked at a house with the listing agent, and when they learned about representation, they decided it was time to get a buyer's agent.From what they told me, they spent a lot of time reading websites, trying to get a feel for what the different licensees in our area were like.   Then they read my blog, and started to see me as a real person.   Now I'd heard about this happening to other people and it's even happened to me a few times, but somehow this really meant a lot to me.We met at the house they really thought they wanted to buy.  They did get there before me and had walked around the exterior of the home.  They did find a few suspicious things, so when I got there we investigated more thoroughly. Sometimes I'm gla... 02/20/2008

Those of you who don't want jokes or funnies, just click the back button.  I rarely, if ever post something like this but I've got to admit it was the most hilarious thing anybody has sent me in ages.  Thank you to my sweet husband, Christopher, for giving me the best belly laugh I've had in ages!http://www.marriageresourcecenter.org/videogallery/4/med/VideoWidget8.htm Debbie White is an Associate Broker with RE/MAX in Juneau, Alaska.  When not laughing hysterically at the funny jokes her husband sends, she enjoys fishing, hiking, gardening, travelling, and of course, selling real estate.  You can learn more about real estate in Southeast Alaska at http://www.isellalaska.com 02/15/2008

  Juneau is a small town (30,000) built at the edge of the wilderness.   The only way to get here is by boat or plane and bad weather can and will change your plans.  We are completely surrounded by huge mountains and the ocean.  There are more miles of forest trails than roads.  Tourist ships bring tens of thousands of people to Juneau every day during the summer.  One of our main attractions is the Mendenhall Glacier.   In winter, long after the cruise ships leave, the frozen lake is popular.  Cross-country skiers, photographers, dog walkers and parents all love to walk around the area during sunny weather in winter.  It's our own frozen winter wonderland.  Above is a summer photo.Then the rumors started.  People started seeing a large black wolf.  At first it was perhaps a fleeting g... 02/14/2008

Recently a few licensees in Juneau have taken exception to what they believe are unnecessary repairs called out by our Juneau home inspectors.  Specifically, a CO detector in a home with no garage and no carbon based appliance and no parking near the doors was recently mentioned.In an effort to reduce costs to the sellers for these repairs, some have gone so far as to suggest to the buyer's licensee that the report NOT be released to the appraiser.  In our area, if the appraiser says a repair is required, the bank will require it be completed prior to funding.A listing agent telling a selling agent what should or should not be repaired seems a little wrong to me.  What do you think?If I'm representing a buyer, you can be sure the appraiser and the bank are going to see that report!  Oth... 02/13/2008

Yeah, I know that title is lame.  But I got your attention, I hope!Trying to get a septic system serviced in Juneau has been a frustrating experience for many of us for many years.  I could probably rant for a while about it, but let's just say the only company providing the service over a vast geographical area just didn't have enough time, equipment, or manpower to keep up with the demand.A few months ago, I was driving home and saw a WHITE septic pumper tanker.  (The others in town are a different color).  Since I was near the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal, I was just sure it was being shipped somewhere and had to be offloaded from the ferry only to be reloaded once they figured out where to put it based upon destination.  Given the size of the truck, I could imagine they were just on the ... 12/19/2007

Last Thursday night I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker at the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation First Time Homebuyer's class.This educational opportunity is offered about once per month here in Juneau.  There can be anywhere from 4 - 30 students, and they are all in the process of buying a home.  They could be anywhere from just beginning to think about it to signing at the title company the day after they get the certificate.  To get credit, they must attend both sessions, for a total of 8 hours.  This can be tough on the schedule on weeknights as it's usually 6:00 - 10:00 PM and there is no childcare provided.In return for their time, the buyer receives $250 off the AHFC Commitment Fee, which is ¼ of 1% of their loan amount.  On a $200,000 loan the fee would be $500, so this... 12/16/2007

Over the last few years, I've hired a remarkable young man, Steven Dyer, to help around my yard and home on several occasions.  He had my son became friends through the sport of wrestling and I've followed Steven's career for years.  He's pretty busy with school, sports and church activities, but he also needed to make money to help subsidize the high cost of participating in sports.  Athletes in Southeast Alaska have to do a great deal of fundraising because every football game, wrestling match, track meet and such requires travel by boat or plane.  A season on the team can cost almost $3,000 per wrestler.  As the oldest of five children who are also involved in activities, it was up to Steven to raise his own money.Steven also raised additional money to attend wrestling camps outside ... 12/16/2007