Alaska Real Estate Podcast

I have exciting news to share with you in this episode on residential construction in Alaska. There’s finally been approval for planned housing developments after five years of perseverance. I’m going over the details, the benefits, and what you can expect in Alaska residential real estate now. Current Affordability and Market Facts Before going over the new housing development plans, I share some...

What are the roles and responsibilities of Anchorage’s Assembly? Is it the same as the mayor and the administration? Can the Assembly help improve the housing crisis in Anchorage? To answer these questions, we invited Chris Constant, the current chairman of Anchorage’s Assembly, to join us for this episode. He also shares details about his accomplishments, the school board and utilities interface,...

In this episode, I continue my conversation with Per Bjorn-Roli, a founding member of Reliant. We talk about the current and future states of Alaska's commercial real estate market. Our conversation covers everything from tariffs and trade to oil markets, precious metals, and housing growth. Economic Climate: National and Local Perspective Bjorn-Roli shares a mostly positive view of the U.S. econo...

Why are only multi-million-dollar homes being sold in Alaska? Why are we not seeing more affordable homes on the market? To answer these questions, I invited Per Bjorn-Roli, a MAI appraiser and founding member of Reliant, to join me in this episode. He shares insights on what is going on in Alaska’s real estate market. Meet Per Bjorn Roli Per Bjorn-Roli was born and raised in Anchorage and is a ce...

There is a clear need for entry-level housing in Anchorage, yet most of the growth continues to happen at the high end of the market. And then there is the elephant in the room: the Mat-Su Valley. Why is it so difficult for people to find housing units in this area? To explore that question, I invited Skyler Quinn, the Vice President of the Anchorage Homebuilders Association, to discuss what is ha...

We have a special guest joining us in this episode: Mark Begich, an Alaskan politician and former U.S. senator. Mark joins us to share his vision for improving downtown Anchorage. He also discusses what’s impacting the housing market and the challenges facing homeownership in Alaska today. Meet Mark Begich ·   Born in Anchorage, Mark Begich is the first U.S. senator native to the st...

Everything is going up in our economy, including housing prices. But people are still finding ways to buy homes in Alaska. The reason why may not be what you think. We’re going over our 2026 real estate outlook and how it can still be affordable to invest in or buy properties in Alaska. Commercial Market Recap Starting off, Lottie Michael shares her 2025 recap on commercial real estate. Industrial...

It was a big year in the Alaska real estate market, and you might not even realize it. That’s why we are recapping the 2025 market in this episode. We discuss the impacts of regulation, housing affordability challenges, and the risks of stock market versus real estate investing. Risk in Real Estate vs. Stock Market Real estate and the stock market both come with risks. But there is one reason why...

Sales conversations don’t succeed because of clever scripts, they succeed because of genuine connection. In this episode, Lottie and Mike break down how authenticity, curiosity, and trust create stronger buyer relationships and better long-term outcomes. They explore how sellers can move away from transactional tactics and toward conversations that feel human, relevant, and value-driven. This epis...

In this insightful episode, Connie Oshimura welcomes Chad Stigen, a seasoned broker from the MatSu Valley, to explore the unique real estate landscape of South Central Alaska. With vast expanses of land and an evolving housing market, this episode reveals the distinct advantages and challenges of buying and selling in the MatSu, contrasting it with Anchorage and highlighting the growing demand for...

What does renters insurance typically cover, and what liabilities should tenants consider? How are CAM charges calculated and distributed among tenants? Diving Into Leases: Residential vs. Commercial [00:00:44 - 00:02:13] Connie Yoshimura and Lottie Michael set the stage for a deep dive into the world of leasing, spurred by numerous inquiries. Lottie Michael provides insights into why commercial l...

Thinking about selling your home in Alaska? Should you refresh it or go for a full remodel? In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Dean, professional remodeler and member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Together, we break down the difference and share expert tips on preparing older Alaska homes for the market. The Value of Remodels vs Refresh (00:00:01 - 00:00:20), (00:16:10...

Owning a high-end luxury home often gives you a real sense of accomplishment. But you don’t have to spend three million dollars to indulge in an Alaskan home.  Even a $500,000 home can feel upscale with the right touches. How is that possible? In this episode, I’ll explain exactly how and share the pros and cons of the Alaska luxury home market. Defining Upscale Homes in Alaska ·  Y...

What are the investor concerns and considerations with medical office space? To answer that, I invited my friend and real estate business partner, Mike James, to share insights from his 25 years in commercial real estate. We dive into capital outlay, tenant improvements, and the financial factors that make medical properties strong long-term investments. Mike James: Your Alaska Commercial Real Est...

In this episode, Connie, Teresa Thomas Sr., Mortgage Loan Originator, and Colleen Harrington, Baer, Regional Vice President. Both of them are with Global Credit Union Home Loans. In this dive deep into the federal interest rates decrease and their impact on consumer loans. We also discuss insights on navigating the current mortgage landscape. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding o...

Mobile homes often get a bad rap—but it’s time to change that. In this episode, Connie and Lottie Michael share their experience in manufactured home communities and reveal why they might just be the best-kept secret in affordable homeownership. Understanding Mobile Home Communities ·  When most people hear “mobile home park,” they picture something temporary or run-down—but that couldn’...

Did you know Alaska is as big as Texas, California, and Montana combined? With all that land, you might wonder, who really owns Alaska?  Well, Lottie and I are here to break down what makes our state so unique when it comes to land ownership, population dynamics, and economic opportunities. From historical tidbits to modern real estate realities, we’re diving into who actually owns Alaska and...

With so many changes happening in the real estate industry because of AI, Lottie and I decided to join forces. We’re sharing our years of experience, our stories, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. In this episode, Lottie opens up about her background and shares her expertise in the Alaskan real estate market. Who is Lottie? ·  Lottie Michael manages the commercial division of...

In the very first episode of the Alaska Real Estate Podcast, you’ll get to know one of our amazing hosts, Connie Yoshimura. She shares her journey into real estate and why she chose to build her career in Alaska. Connie’s Journey: Finding Home and Real Estate in Alaska ·  Connie’s story begins with her move to Alaska and her first steps into the real estate world—solo.  · &nbsp...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Alaska’s Real Estate Podcast! We’re your hosts, Connie Yoshimua and Lottie Michael.  In this short episode, we’d love to share a little about who we are, why we started this podcast, and what you can expect moving forward. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to dive into meaningful conversations about Alaska’s one-of-a-kind real estate market. Con...

With more than 70 years of combined experience, friends and colleagues Connie Yoshimura and Lottie Michael bring both residential and commercial expertise to Alaska’s real estate market. Connie, Owner/Broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alaska Realty, has developed communities across Southcentral Alaska and written extensively about housing trends. Lottie, a Senior Vice President and CCIM de...