Missoula, Montana was recently ranked #1 by National Geographic Adventure Magazine for being the Next Great Adventure Town in the Rockies! For those of who live near Missoula, this is no surprise. Other towns that were also ranked in this category are: 1.) Missoula, Montana2.) Lander, Wyoming3.) Idaho Falls, Idaho4.) Silver City, New Mexico5.) Ogden, Utah6.) Carbondale, Colorado7.) Prescott, Arizona8.) Reno, Nevada9.) Pagosa Springs, Colorado10.) Red Lodge, Montana11.) Tucson, Arizona12.) Colorado Springs, Colorado Read the full article here. *******     10/08/2008

If you are looking for a fantastic family activity in Missoula, then visit the Dragon Hollow Play Area which is located right next to the Missoula Carousel in downtown Missoula. Dragon Hollow was built by 4,000 volunteers in the Spring of 2001. The play area features an obstacle course, swings, multiple slides, phone systems, and musical instruments as well as a special totland for children under five. We recently took my 6-year old nephew Ryan to Dragon's Hollow and I think it's safe to say that it's his favorite place in Missoula! And the best part...Admission is FREE! ******* 10/05/2008

Home Staging has been shown to sell homes faster, and for more money than unstaged homes. We have absolutely found this to be the case. In our experience, staging a home prior to putting it on the market will greatly improve your results. We believe in home staging so much that we offer a free home staging consultation when we list homes. Over the summer, we sold a home in Missoula's 44 Ranch Estates. This was a beautiful new construction home that had been listed for awhile by another company and had not sold. We listed the property and staged the Kitchen, Bathrooms, and key elements such as the fireplace with small "vignettes". The Staging added color and "warmness" to the home. The staging worked so well that when we received an offer on the home, one of the contingencies was that we... 10/05/2008

With the increased number of foreclosures around the country, more and more buyers and investors are seeking out foreclosed properties or properties that are advertised as Short Sales - meaning that the bank may accept less than what the sellers owe on the property. Foreclosures can be an opportunity to get properties at a discount. We have personally purchased two foreclosed properties ourselves and feel like we made a good investment. However, it is important to be aware that can be risks that come with foreclosed properties such as: AS-IS: Most foreclosures are sold "As Is" and without a seller's property disclosure that would list any known defects in the property. There are usually specific forms that you will be required to sign to protect the bank that has taken possession of the... 09/18/2008

The Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council partnered with the National Geographic Society on the Crown of the Continent MapGuide and the development of a website promoting the area - http://www.crownofthecontinent.net/  and GeoTourism. According to National Geographic, Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place-its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. The website is amazing as it lines out a wonderful trip through Glacier, Waterton, Canada and Western Montana. It provides information on the local area and: Interesting and distinctive sites, events and businesses within the region Experiences and activities Local topics and stories related to the character of locales within the region Reg... 08/26/2008

AARP recently came out with a study of the Skinniest US towns. Missoula, Montana ranked #7 of the top ten. They gathered information from the National Center for Chronic Disease BRFSS ('05-06) and looked at the average BMI for each city. Those with the lowest Body Mass Index (BMI) made the list. Now keep inmind that they consider those with a BMI of 25 are still considered overweight. Thirty or above means obese. It's interesting to me that all but one of the "Skinniest" cities still had a BMI average of "overweight"   The top 10 is as follows: 1. Boulder, CO ...24.94 2. Santa Fe, NM ...25.50 3. Prescott, AZ ... 25.75 4. Palm Bay - Melbourne - Titusville, FL ... 25.79 5. Bend, OR ... 25.87 6. Barnstable Town, MA ... 25.95 7. Missoula, MT ... 25.97 8. Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice, FL ..... 08/26/2008

Missoula, Montana was recently named Ninth in the category of "Greenest Commuter Towns" by AARP. This was based on a 2007 Census Bureau Estimate that 8.91% of Missoulians bike or walk to work. Missoula promotes biking and walking to work with Missoula in Motion - a program designed to help local businesses, institutions and individuals address transportation issues within the Missoula community. Missoula in Motion has a Way to Go Club as a special way to reward those throughout the community who are choosing a different option than driving alone in their cars. You can join free at http://missoulainmotion.com/. The other towns that ranked in this AARP report include: 1.) Ithaca, NY - 16.88% 2.) State College, PA 12.75 3.) Corvallis, OR 12.03 4.) Jacksonville, NC 11.14 5.) Ames, Iowa 10.6... 08/17/2008

We have added a free MLS search on our website at www.YourMT.com. Just click on MLS Search and you can view active Land, Home, and Commercial real estate listings in the Missoula & Western Montana area. The new search feature of our website allows users to: Search by price, location, etc., View listing information, Research area schools, Print a property flier, Map listing, View property photos, Estimate your monthly mortgage payments for a property, Save a property, Request additional information, Email the listing to a friend, and Sign up for Email Notifications of new properties! If you have any questions about Missoula, Superior, St. Regis, Alberton, Frenchtown, Lolo, Clinton, Plains, Paradise or other Western Montana Community real estate, contact Kevin & Monica Ray at 406-207-1185... 08/13/2008

How about some feedback for the following slideshow.  I had feedback that a staged home would be better than a vacant home.  I have had a lot of traffic in this home this week and would like to hold out on the staging.  In the meantime I thought I would put a slideshow together to email to potential Buyer's to show the house before and after furniture. THOUGHTS?? http://s295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/aimeepier/?action=view¤t=14c7852a.pbw 07/02/2008

Thank you to all who commented on my post "Personal Paint is it a deal breaker". Much appreciated.  A few comments were that clutter needed to be eliminated. Well, I waved my magic wand and the clutter has been removed.  Which now leads me to a new predicament. Does a home show better vacant or staged? In other words, how is this house going to sell?     07/01/2008

Friends, Realtors, strangers have ranted and raved how beautiful this home is, the paint is incredible, how long did it take, who did it....you get the picture. Now, after the home has been sitting on the market for 6 months everyone is blaming the paint.  The home is vacant, with no furniture. Would it be worth it to repaint over 60 hours of labor to satisfy a few Realtors? 06/30/2008

We will be holding Open Houses in 2 Great Missoula Houses tomorrow. Please Join Us. 3/9/08 Open From 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. 8775 Paintbrush Lane $262,000:Updated Spacious 4 Bedroom Home on Large Yard, Jacuzzi Tub, Tile Floors & More! Great views from this almost half acre, landscaped yard with mature fruit trees, garden and raspberry patch. Enjoy the panoramic mountain views from the large covered deck. This home is move in ready with lots of upgrades including jacuzzi tub, appliances, new roof in 05, central A/C, U/G Sprinklers and tonsmore. This spacious and comfortable home is in a quiet neighborhood just out of town with quick and easy access to I-90, N. Reserve, Downtown, Missoula Intl.Airport and the University District.  UPDATE: NO LONGER LISTED   3/9/08 Open From 1:30 - 3:30 9500 Plat... 03/08/2008

Missoulians love their pets and there are many places that are pet friendly in Missoula. Missoula and its surrounding areas have abundant recreational opportunities for you and your pet, including 2 dog parks - Jacob's Island and Fort Missoula's Canine Campus where you can let your pooch run without a leash. There are many other great places to walk your dog in Missoula, but you must comply with the city's leash laws. Our favorite places in the city limits are the Clark Fork River Walking Trail and the Kim Williams Trail. For a really good workout with your dog, you could also Hike the "M" trail on Mount Sentinel. Go Fetch! Bring your leashed pet and enjoy Go Fetch!'s Pet Bakery, Self-Grooming Pet Center, Dog Hikes, Toys & Accessories. Petsmart - Of course PetSmart is a great place to t... 03/04/2008

The Missoula Organization of Realtors recently put out some statistics about the Missoula market. Sales were down slightly for 2007 from 2006 but with the low interest rates and high levels of buyer interest in the area, the market is optimistic. Number of Homes Sold By Year (Missoula Area) 2004: 1,170 2005: 1,405 2006: 1,443 2007: 1,242 For January 2008, the data shows an increase in the median home price from 2007: Missoula Urban Area--includes greater Missoula area and Lolo Residential     Month of  January   Year to Date Year   # Sales   Median Price   # Sales   Median Price 2008   58   $208,200   58   $208,200 2007   70   $189,700   70   $189,700 2006   79   $192,000   79   $192,000 2005   68   $179,000   68   $179,000  The table below shows a comparison of sales by price point. Th... 02/28/2008

If you're want to keep an eye on Missoula, Montana, here are the best local web cams to help: Downtown Missoula & View of the "M" on Mount Sentinel - Missoula County Webcam The Univeristy of Montana's GRIZ CAM - GRIZ CAM  The Missoula International Airport also has a webcam at FLYMISSOULA The Missoulian's webcam & weather forecast - Missoulian Cam Here's a list of other Montana webcams. Want to see your favorite webcam quickly? Add iGoogle as your internet browser's homepage. One of the free tools on iGoogle is that you can add your favorite webcam and it will appear on your homepage. We have the webcam from our favorite vacation spot, Oceanside, Oregon on our page.   *******     02/28/2008

Winter can start to seem a little long this time of year. Take a break for fun and enjoy some of Missoula's favorite family activities.   A Carousel for Missoula & Dragon Hollow - is located downtown along the river and is built and maintained by volunteers. According to the Carousel website, "If magic can happen anywhere, it can happen in Missoula, where dreams are followed and promises are kept, and where people believe in making a life as well as making a living."   Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visitor's Center - features hands-on conservation and hunting heritage exhibits for all ages. Our exhibits invite you to learn more about elk, elk country and the role the Elk Foundation plays in conservation.   Currents Aquatic Park - Current's four pools feature engaging water features for ... 02/21/2008

Missoula, Montana is one of the most beautiful cities in the Northwest. And yes, a river does run through it. Missoula is located near the three rivers to be exact, The Clark Fork River, The Blackfoot River, and The Bitterroot River. Missoula's amazing location and proximity to three rivers draws fly fisherman from all over the world, has inspired artists and writers, and even filmmakers. The city is frequently mentioned in novels of Ernest Hemingway, Stephen Frey, Chuck Palahniuk, James Lee Burke, James Crumley, and Norman Maclean. One of the most famous portrayals of Missoula was by Norman Maclean in his 1976 novel, A River Runs Through It which was made into a film directed by Robert Redford in 1992. "The story is a semi-autobiographical novella about Macleans Presbyterian family in ... 02/15/2008

Missoula is a culturally diverse community with a broad range of Arts available in the areas of theater, music, dance, festivals and art. Art galleries are a major focus of Missoula's downtown where you can tour the many galleries anytime and especially on First Friday - the first Friday of every month when the galleries stay open late and people gather downtown to enjoy photography, sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and locally made arts and crafts. Some of Missoula's many cultural draws include: Missoula Children's Theater for the Performing Arts: http://www.mctinc.org/ - North America's largest touring children's theater and home to a series of community productions, both musical and non-musical. UM Productions: http://www.umproductions.org/ - UM Productions provides programs from jas... 02/15/2008

Missoula has some of the best micro-breweries in the West, so when you're in Missoula, take time to sample the local flavors. Big Sky Brewery features some of our favorites with Moose Drool, Scape Goat, Powder Hound, and Trout Slayer and others. Big Sky Brewery also has great souvenirs and T-shirts. Bayern Brewery features Dancing Trout, Bayern Amber & Bayern Pilsner among others. Bayern is a German Brewery. Kettlehouse Brewery features Lake Missoula Amber and Montana Blonde among others. At the Kettlehouse, you can also brew your own ale. Beer is serious business in Missoula, so much so that there is even a blog through the Missoulian about brews at http://grizzlygrowler.com/.     02/11/2008

The America's Promise Alliance and Capital One have announced the winners of the 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People competition which identifies cities and towns nationwide that have made the well-being of children and youth a top priority. In its third year, 100 Best spotlights those communities that find unique and effective ways to ensure their young people receive the resources necessary to stay in school and succeed. Missoula County is one of the 100 best FOR THE THIRD TIME in a row! The reasons given for the selection were in part to the County's Flagship program that brings community resources and activities to the schools to provide safe and healthy activities for students during non-school hours. For more information on the award, visit America's Promise. Missoula is a ... 02/01/2008