I am super proud to be associated with an excellent real estate organization that is very involved in communities.  EXIT Realty Corp. International has pledged $500,000 to Habitat for Humanity International in 2015.  That brings the total pledged amount to $2.5 million.Worldwide, over a billion people live in slums and there are over $45 million people who live in poverty.  It is Habitat for Humanity's goal to help those less fortunate with a hand up.  EXIT has been helping Habitat for years by giving a portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT Realty Corp. International a a pledge to the causeChristine Ireborg, EXIT Realty’s liaison with the Habitat for Humanity explains that “To-date we have contributed both financially and with volunteer hours towards 19 home builds, the maj... 12/13/2015

  If you are serious about buying a property, this Fall might provide you with a great opportunity to purchase a home, rental property, or bare land at a price that will typically be lower than next year's offerings.  Today's low interest rates are also an incentive for you to really focus your property search in the next couple months so that you get the best property for the money before interest rates go up. Spring and summer are traditionally the busiest selling seasons both in the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula area.  While inventory is higher during those months, you are also competing with a lot more purchasers.  Homes priced $150,000-$250,000 are even harder to buy as that price point is affordable for many home buyers in the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula.  The take away is tha... 09/12/2014

You have decided to buy a home.  Your employment is stable, your credit score is above average, but you haven't saved enough money for a down payment or to pay closing costs associated with a home purchase.  You think it might take months or even years for you to save enough money to become a homeowner. Think again.  There are mortgage loan programs that will allow you to buy a home for no money down or very little money out of pocket.  There are also creative ways to fund a home purchase. Zero Down Mortgage Loan Programs Living in rural Bitteroot Valley and parts of Missoula offers home owner advantages under the Department of Agriculture Rural Development (RD) Loan program which provides zero down home mortgages.  Most closing costs can also be financed in the loan, which means you ne... 06/22/2014

Our final stop in the Bitterroot Valley is 9 miles south of Hamilton where we hit Darby, a small town of less than 1000 people Darby features a unique western-themed downtown that’s main attraction is a large candy store.  Darby provides access to great fishing spots all over and isn’t much further from the pass leading to the Montana/Idaho border and the Lost Trail Ski Area.   Numbers for Darby showed me that in 2010 there were 35 total sales with a median sales price of $325,000.  There were 6 foreclosures and the median time on market was 326 days.  In 2011 the amount of sales dropped by 1 down to 34 sales and the median price went all the way down to $161,700.  There were 4 foreclosures sold in the MLS and the time on market was 290 days.  I had to check and then double-check the me... 01/18/2012

Our next stop is the hub of the Bitterroot and Ravalli County, Hamilton.  Hamilton is a town of about 4400 people overall and was originally founded and mapped out by Marcus Daly himself as it was right next to his estate.  Hamilton has a very strong community identity and hosts many local events throughout the year.  It provides access to the further southern Bitterroot as well as to many trails and national forests that surround it.  Hamilton also features labs for GSK and has an exclusive golf-course called The Stock Farm Club which is a private course where you have to prove you’re worth millions to come play at.   The 2010 numbers for Hamilton show 126 total residential sales with a median sales price of $178,750.  There were 22 total foreclosures sold and the median time on market... 01/18/2012

As we continue further south down the Bitterroot Valley our next community encountered is Corvallis.  Another small town core with surrounding neighborhoods on larger parcels of land similar to Victor Corvallis features the Daly Mansion found just south of town, a popular attraction to visit and a place where you’ll find many weddings over the summer and fall.  Corvallis unlike Stevensville and Victor does blend with it’s neighboring town, Hamilton. For 2010 in Corvallis I found that there were 59 residential sales with a median sales price of $239,000.  There was just 1 foreclosure sale and the median time on market was 168 days overall.  Moving forward to 2011 the amount of sales dipped slightly to 57 overall and the median price dropped a bit as well to $225,000.  The amount of forec... 01/18/2012

  Further south of Stevensville is the very small community known as Victor.  Victor used to actually go by the name of Garfield but had its town name changed to reflect a former American Indian Chief who was once chief of the nearby Salish Tribe.  Victor was an area that Lewis and Clark originally passed through as well on their way to the Pacific.  The town of Victor today is about a block-long with some historical buildings that house local businesses and a bank.   This area consists of overall of many larger homes and ranches. Looking at the 2010 number in Victor there were 28 total sales with a median sales price of $289,000.  In 2010 the local MLS shows that there were no foreclosures sold and the median time on market was 208 days.  The next year in 2011 the amount of sales has g... 01/18/2012

  Moving south from Florence we head to the oldest town in Montana, Stevensville.  Originally founded in 1841 when missionaries set up camp and built a small mission where "Stevi" exists today.  Shortly after that a trading post known as Fort Owen Inn set up shop in the area and Stevi began to grow.  The greater area consists of the small town which is about 1500 people and the large surrounding area that includes many homes on large parcels of land as well.    Looking at the numbers in Stevi in 2010 there were 73 sales with a median sales price of $225,000, 15 of these sales were foreclosures.  The median time on market for these homes was 153 days.  Moving forward to to 2011 the amount of sales went up to 83 overall and the median price dipped to $189,500.  Foreclosures went down to 1... 01/18/2012

As promised, I wanted to put together some similar reports on the trends happening the MLS area due south of Missoula in the Bitterroot Valley.  Our markets blend together quite a bit and I thought it would be usedful to share some of the news from the Bitterroot as well. First up is Florence, the furthest northern community in Ravalli county, it's actually a much quicker drive to Missoula than to the county seat Hamilton.  Florence is a small cluster of commercial buildings, mostly a large travel center, a small strip mall, and a few restaurants with the rest of the area spreading out around the valley.  During the boom years of a decade ago Florence was very popular place to shop for wide-open views, low prices, and a quick commute to Missoula.   The data I pulled comes from the BVBOR... 01/18/2012

As the Western District Vice President I'm tasked to not only keep tabs on the greater Missoula market area but also the Ravalli County (aka Bitterroot) market as well.  Much like I did before with Missoula's numbers I'm going to put up some general trends/stats as best I can for that area and break it apart as follows:   - Florence - Stevensville - Victor - Corvallis - Hamilton - Darby   For those that know while Missoula makes up a series of neighborhoods that blend together the Bitterroot Valley makes up small communities for the most part that each carry their own unique identity.  Be on the lookout, more trends to follow! 01/12/2012

Montana Real Estate Auction To Be Auctioned: Beautiful Montana Cabin on 12+ Acres - 1 Hour from Missoula in Hamilton This Very private mountain home is scheduled to be auctioned on February 15, 2010 Starting Bid: $100,000 Located in Hamilton Montana, this home features: 12.15+/- acres Spacious rooms Beautiful, rustic log staircase, and a Stone fireplace Detailed woodwork throughout the home. 5,742+/- sf. Lots of trees with great mountain views and a Detached shop. We will be working as a Buyer's Broker at this event. Note: A Buyer’s Premium will apply for this property. Please see Terms of Sale for details. BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT NEITHER ACCESS REALTY, THE AUCTION HOUSE, NOR IT'S AGENTS MAKE ANY ASSERTIONS OR GUARANTEES AS TO THE CONDITION OR POTABILITY OF THE WELL REPO... 01/27/2010

Western Montana's Bitterroot Valley is Hit Hard By Foreclosures According to a recent article in The Ravalli Republic, property foreclosures in the Bitterroot Valley have skyrocketed over the past year. The county recorded 339 trustee sales notices between October 2008 and October 2009 - an 83% increase from the previous year and a shocking 260% increase from the year before that. The article goes on to state that the total number of trustee sales won't be known until next spring but it is estimated to be exceed 400. The report is consistent with reports of declining sales in rural housing markets across the country. The Bitterroot Valley also experienced higher gains and rapid construction during the good times. . 11/01/2009

We are all looking to get ahead. We want good press, we want great referrals, we want hassel free marketing. Well........ Good Luck. The beauty of Karma is, when you are a nasty person, you better watch your back. But also, if you are a good person, rewards will come your way. Recently I talked to some other blogs and business owners. We talked about effective advertising, monetizing advertising, etc. And simply put, get over yourselves. When it comes to business, a little good goes along way. There are some that will gauge success by the pennies that are spent putting ads up, pay per click, etc. on others sites, or receiving these minor sums when those on your site are lucky enough to be chosen. You may earn $50 bucks a month making someone pay for advertising on your site. Or you can ... 04/08/2009

03/22/2009

Montana Real Estate Land Development Opportunities - Great Buys on 2 Subdivisions If you are a land developer in Montana, or are simply looking for an investment, we have two subdivisions listed in Western Montana for you to consider. Hamilton Heights Location: Corvallis, Montana Stage: Preliminary Plat Approval Size: 42 Acres Number of Lots Planned: 20 Lots Ranging from 2.0 - 2.2 Acres, lots appraised in Fall of 2008 for $127,500 each. Price: 864,000 Unique Feature: Panoramic views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. Located near Montana's World-Renowned Member's Only Country Club, Golf Course, and Planned Community, The Stock Farm and Stock Farm Properties. View Property Flyer Once in a lifetime opportunity. 42 +/- acres with simply amazing, panoramic views of the Bitterroot and... 03/17/2009

Montana Real Estate Land Development Opportunities - Great Buys on 2 Subdivisions If you are a land developer in Montana, or are simply looking for an investment, we have two subdivisions listed in Western Montana for you to consider. Hamilton Heights Location: Corvallis, Montana Stage: Preliminary Plat Approval Size: 42 Acres Number of Lots Planned: 20 Lots Ranging from 2.0 - 2.2 Acres, lots appraised in Fall of 2008 for $127,500 each. Price: 864,000 Once in a lifetime opportunity. 42 +/- acres with simply amazing, panoramic views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. Sellers have gone through subdivision review and have preliminary plat approval for 20 lots ranging from 2.0 to 2.2 acres. Lots appraised in Fall of 2008 for an average of $127,500 each. In addition to the outstanding... 03/17/2009

So, less than a week ago I was shocked by the recent snow. ( I knew better) And now I am off to another announcement.Yesterday I was equally shocked by the 65 degree weather. Yes, that was a 6 then a 5. For March in Montana, that is down right June weather.So the question of the day is what do we get from Montana? (Frankly what a stupid question)And the answer would be, beautiful mountains, emerald trees, cold but sparkling lakes. What we also get is snowshoeing and mountain biking in the same week.Really, you can never be bored here?In the summer, the small towns have that storybook charm, then in the winter, the weather definitely keeps you on your toes.A little indecisive are we? Then frankly, Montana is the place for you. 03/03/2009

Well, yes I live in Montana, and yes you would think that we would still be expecting more and more snow. Frankly I have a few, a very few, memories of snow in June or the 4th of July. But, no matter how long I have lived in Montana, I am stilled surprised that this very morning it is snowing. We have had months without snow and the last 2 weeks have been in the 40's and 50's. For Montana, in February, that is down right tropical. So what if the rest of the country has had snow lately, our tulips are coming out of the ground. Yesterday, I was contemplating how soon I could throw down seed. Wow, I really am slipping. The stimulus bill has fried my brain and I have lost all logic, appearantly including the understanding of when it should snow in Montana. Well...... enjoy! 02/26/2009

So, the stimulus package does not offer the $15,000 credit that I had hoped, but it doesn't mean it isn't a good time to buy or to make some money.Yes interest rates are low, but lending criteria is still tight. One alternative would be seller financing. I know quite a few people that make their living off of seller financing/private lending. What they do is carry the contract for the buyer and get paid interest like a standard mortgage except the seller is the "bank" so to speak. Now, some property owners don't mind lending because if the buyer forecloses, the lender/seller can turn around and resell the same property over and over. Now this will only work if the seller obviously has the cash to loan or owns the property outright, but it is a good alternative to conventional lending.Ag... 02/18/2009

So, legislative season is in full swing and has been since the New Year. Many people follow session, but even more, sadly, don't. Whatever your political persuasion, following the bills on the hill bode well for our industry. I don' t have a current number but there are bills about mandatory builder home warranty, new meth disclosure and definition, property rights in subdivision regs, new streamside setback regulations, lack of accountability in the county government by allowing interim zoning without emergency measures, many of item and much, much more looking to change the face of home ownership and real estate in Montana. It is no longer about listing houses, it is time to provide our customers the best representation and fight for those bills and regulation that protect the private... 02/11/2009