Cook Inlet Real Estate Services
Cook Inlet Real Estate Services
Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA) has created a for-profit affiliate, Cook Inlet Real Estate Services, a RE/MAX Properties, Inc. branch office (CIRES). The new company will offer real estate services including residential and commercial property management, residential real estate sales and buyer services, commercial sales and leasing. Revenues generated will be used to further the affordable housing mission of CIHA.
CIRES represents an important step in CIHA's strategic plan to become more self-sufficient. Through "social enterprise" or development of revenue-producing businesses and activities that support social activities, CIHA hopes to generate funds to support core affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization programs.
"Cook Inlet Housing encourages its clients to become self-sufficient and we want to practice what we preach. That said, it just makes good business sense to use our expertise, offer services we know we're good at and earn money to support the affordable housing activities that require subsidy," says Carol Gore, president/CEO of Cook Inlet Housing Authority. "CIRES clients will receive quality service as well as an opportunity to improve the quality of life for families in our community."
CIHA brings substantial property management experience to this new for-profit endeavor. CIHA owns and manages its main office building on Spenard Road, the Brother Francis Shelter and nearly a dozen residential rental properties representing more than 550 rental units in Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. Mary Chouinard, CIHA senior manager of rental properties will head-up the property management activities for CIRES.
CIRES has established a partnership with RE/MAX Properties, Inc. owned by Mark Korting to provide the necessary broker's license and expertise in real estate sales and acquisition. Korting is well respected in the real estate industry, community minded and an advocate for affordable housing having served on Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's board. Jim Doss a RE/MAX Properties Inc., associate broker will head up the commercial sales and leasing efforts for CIRES. Carole Marvel of RE/MAX is the "associate broker in charge of the branch office" and will oversee residential sales and buyer services for CIRES. Marvel was involved in the acquisition of many of the properties CIHA purchased for revitalization in Mountain View.
CIRES has specifically identified a need to assist CIHA clients as well as other lower-income, first-time or inexperienced home buyers. CIRES will also focus on offering full-service property management services for other socially minded organizations that own real estate, but are not in the property management business.
Look for other services in the near future including: project management for capital and/or tenant improvements; independent property inspection services; homeowner education services; lease negotiations and lease compliance resolution; and property "shopping" or market analysis.
Cook Inlet Real Estate Services is located at 3510 Spenard Road, Ste 102. For more information, please call 793-3058.