Kevin & Monica Ray Missoula Montana Real Estate

The New and Improved Home Buyer Tax Credit for Missoula Buyers & FirstTime Homebuyers

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:45:27 -0600

Here's a great summary on the New Home Buyer Tax Credit

Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Exclusive Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel):

The much-anticipated extension to the home buyer tax credit has finally been approved. The Senate's vote yesterday resulted in a 98-0 win and today it was passed in the house. The bill now moves to the President's desk for a final signature.

First-time home buyers have been eligible for tax credits of up to $8,000 since last January as part of this year's economic stimulus package. The newly backed program will expand the credit to include existing home owners.

Under the revised program, those who have owned a home for at least five years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home.  To qualify, buyers will have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30.

The maximum purchase price on a home will be $800,000 with vacation homes not eligible. Income limitations are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for joint filers.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have been lobbying hard for the extension and expansion of the tax credit. NAR claims that so far, about 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the program and they estimated that 350,000 of these buyers would not have otherwise purchased.

The tax credit is also set to be extended for another year for military personnel serving outside of the United States until June 30, 2011.

Senator Johnny Isakson, who heavily pushed for the extension, along with his own version that would have increased the credit to $15,000 stated, "This is probably the last extension."

But, is this really true? When April 2011 comes around and the housing market is still not in full recovery mode, will the politicians be able to let this go and actually come to an end, or could it possibly become a more permanent subsidy?

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Copyright 2009 - Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, TheBuyersCounsel - 800-392-1446  - E-mail

Learn More about Massachusetts Home Buyer Representation - Greater Boston and MetroWest Massachusetts - Serving Massachusetts Home Buyers Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

We provide services for Buyers and Sellers in Missoula, Mineral,
Ravalli, Sanders, and Lake Counties. Contact us at:
406-822-SOLD (7653) or 406-207-1185
You can also Connect with Us On these sites:

Missoula Offers a High Quality of Life - And Missoulians Like It!

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:41:51 -0600

Missoula Offers a High Quality of Life - And Missoulians Like It!

A study was just released by Missoula ADAPT, Area Development And Preservation Team, showing 94% of Missoulians are satisfied with the overall high quality of life in Missoula.

Some of the study's other findings:

88% are happy with Missoula's public parks and open spaces
81% are happy with Missoula's city government

Respondents were also asked about their areas of concern, for respondents growth and development, schools and education, affordable housing, and traffic congestion were the top four.

Results come from telephone interviews with 253 voters in Missoula County with approximately 60 percent from the city and 40 percent from outside the city limits. The survey notes a sample error of plus or minus 6 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

Missoula ADAPT is a nonprofit and loose coalition of professionals and residents interested in housing.

For more information about Living in Missoula, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Western Montana's Bitterroot Valley is Hit Hard By Foreclosures

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:05:03 -0600

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.

We are experienced in working with bank-owned and pre-foreclosure properties in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are looking to buy or sell in the Bitterroot, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Speechless Sunday: The Montana Winter Is On Its Way

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:30:22 -0600

Speechless Sunday: The Montana Winter Is On Its Way

Kevin hiked back to the State Line Trail near Superior last week where Winter is starting to set in. We've had a little bit of snow in the valley but it hasn't lasted. Just a friendly reminder from Mother Nature that the Montana Winter is on its way.

Here's Photos of this same area just a few weeks ago.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

How One Lender Used Social Media to "WOW" a Client Today

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:29:16 -0500

How One Lender Used Social Media to "WOW" a Client Today

We've all experienced delays on closings for one reason or another and they're never fun. But when they happen at the last minute it can cause a lot of stress for all parties involved in the transaction. Well that scenario happened to us this morning.

We had a closing scheduled for 1:00 today with our Buyer who arrived by train at 1:00 a.m. this morning from the East Coast to close on her new home. Her furniture is also scheduled to arrive today.

The sellers of the house she's buying are packed and ready to be out of the house today and are also closing on their new home at the same time.

So needless to say, everyone is counting on the closing to happen as scheduled today.

At 8:15 a.m. this morning we get "The Call" from the Title Company stating that they talked to Quicken Loans (the lender) and it looks like we won't be able to close for a week at least.

As you can imagine, a moment of panic set in along with a lot of other strong emotions and a few *#*#*@@ expletives. We called the Buyer and the Seller's agent to let them know and were met with more strong emotions. The Buyer called the lender immediately.

We use Twitter on a daily basis and have found it to be an invaluable marketing and communications tool in our business. I Tweet about many events so mentioned that

"I'm not impressed with Quicken Loans this Morning" on Twitter.

In less than a minute, I had a response from Kelly @QuickenLoans asking what she could do to help.

She also followed me so I was able to send her a Direct Message and an email about the issue so everything wasn't broadcast publicly. (This is a good strategy by the way - if you have a client issue, try to take it offline).

I sent Kelly at Quicken Loans my client's name by email. Of course my comment generated some discussion on Twitter and I received several responses, including one from my friend Justin McHood who is a loan officer in Arizona.

Within minutes of this tweet, we had an email from a Client Service Specialist and the Loan Officer explaining what she needed. Our client also called and was able to speak to the Loan Officer and was able to request the form Quicken needed from her attorney.

The Loan Officer told us if they received the form they could close today and she would do everything she could to help us close on time. Our client was able to get the document to them but unfortunately, the title company is booked for today. So, we're scheduled to close tomorrow - a slight delay but certainly one we can all live with, and much better than a week's delay.

So of course, I had to update my Twitter status:

In real estate transactions, occasional delays are bound to happen - especially with all of the new guidelines that lenders have to comply with. I have more than one horror story about working with out-of-state lenders who were unresponsive and difficult to work with. Fortunately, QuickenLoans isn't one of those companies and I have to say I'm impressed with their service on the overall transaction, and how quickly they responded when there was an issue.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent in Missoula Montana?

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:21:00 -0500

How Much Does It Cost to Rent in Missoula Montana?

According to a study from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) that was published by the Missoulian this summer, a rental in Missoula typically runs between $520 per month for a studio apartment to $1400 per month for a 4+ bedroom house on average. The table below shows a breakdown:

	Studio	1 BR	2 BR	3 BR	4+ BR
Apartment	520	560	685	860	1140
Duplex	450	535	700	940	1035
House	-	630	885	1100	1400

There are many factors to consider when you are looking to rent such as:

Does the rent include utilities? If not, how much do those run per month?
Do you need or want a yard?
How much is the deposit?
Do they allow pets? Is there an additional deposit?
Where is the property located? Will it be convenient to work or school?
What other amenities are included?
How long are you planning to rent?
Would there be advantages to buying rather than renting?

For more information on Living in Missoula, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-822-7653 (SOLD) or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

As If My Blog Wasn't Working Hard Enough Already

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:25:01 -0500

As If My Blog Wasn't Working Hard Enough Already

After blogging for close to three years, we have developed an extensive library of content on real estate-related articles. Google loves our content and rewards us by ranking us highly for many local real estate terms and neighborhoods.

Our blog works very hard for us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, helping consumers learn more about the area, find our home search, promoting our listings, and asking them to contact us for their real estate needs. All of this hard work pays off by helping us connect with people who need help with real estate.

We've also been using our blog as a quick and easy way to put together a e-newsletter to our Sphere of Influence. When I go to compile a new newsletter, I have lots of relevant articles to draw from for content which makes creating a newsletter a breeze, and our contacts love it. I'm always receiving positive comments about our newsletter.

Over the summer, I decided that I'd like to really leverage my blog content and get it to work even harder for us. I wanted buyers and sellers who work with us to feel like we were providing them with the knowledge and resources to make their real estate experience easier. I decided to take our library of blog posts and use them in two additional ways:

1.) Created an Online Relocation/Area Guides on My Website - I have lots of Localism posts about Where to Go and What to Do in Missoula and the surrounding communities that would be helpful for people who want to learn more about the area. Since I wanted to create a "Virtual Relocation Guide" on my website, I put together some information about the area but also provided links to relevant Blog posts about specific restaurants and attractions. Here's our Living in Missoula page on our website.

2.) Created a Communications Plan for Buyers and Sellers - Since we've started in real estate, we have made it a priority to communicate to our clients and prospects on a regular basis. We decided to create communication plans for prospects and sellers and provide information on buying and selling with links to specific articles on our Blog.

So for instance, for a first-time homebuyer we will send a welcome email thanking them for working with us with information about us, our website, a link to our home search tool, and a few blog posts or "Articles". A week later we will send them another note with a link to a few more articles, and so on.

Some examples of posts we send are ones about what they need to apply for a mortgage, $8000 tax credit basics, Why They need a Radon test, Why They should use a Buyer's Agent, etc.

Since we've implemented the Online Relocation Guides and the Communication Plans, we've seen an increase in traffic to our website and our Blog and have found that people are also spending more time on the sites. We've also gotten a lot of positive feedback from our clients.

There are lots of ways to leverage your Blog content and make it work even harder for you. I know ours will be putting in a lot of overtime.

How Others Are Using Their Blogs to Enhance Existing Relationships

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Visit the Dinosaurs at Bozeman Montana's Museum of the Rockies!

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:05:11 -0500

Visit the Dinosaurs at Bozeman Montana's Museum of the Rockies!

This summer we stayed in Bozeman for a few days to attend a training class for TopProducer. While we were in Bozeman, we took my 7-year old nephew to the Museum of the Rockies.

The museum features exhibits on Native American culture and artifacts, a Western history collection, outdoor exhibits, and is best known for its Paleontology exhibits. The museum's dinosaur complex is impressive and is a major stop on Montana's Dinosaur Trail - a tour of Montana's rich paleontological findings.

Home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the world, the Museum of the Rockies houses the world's largest T. rex skull and one of the first identified female dinosaurs in the world - an ovulating T. rex.

The Museum of the Rockies also has a Planetarium with several shows daily. For more information on the Museum of the Rockies, visit their website.

For More Information on Montana's Dinosaurs, read: Follow the Montana Dinosaur Trail

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Upcoming Social Media Events in Missoula, Montana

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:39:51 -0500

Upcoming Social Media Events in Missoula, Montana

Social Media Club Missoula started in July of this year and has grown into a group with more than 40 members. We meet the Third Wednesday of every month at the Missoula Public Library at 6:00 p.m. Admission and membership are free. We have some exciting events coming up:

Tonight 10/21/09 - Social Media Club Missoula Meeting: Jeff Mangan from Montana Business is speaking on Social Media Business Strategies in Small Markets / Economies of Scale.

November 6, 2009 - Fidos and Felines - a Tweetup for Animeals starting at 7:00 p.m. at The Broadway: Join us, and bring an item from the Animeals wishlist, pet food, spare change and/or aluminum cans for recycling! Social Media Club will be tweeting from the event, and we'd love to show you what we're all about!

November 18, 2009 - Social Media Club Meeting - Lois McElravy, of Lessons by Lois, and a professional motivational speaker will talk to us about using Linked In for Business.

December 16, 2009 - Holiday Meetup at The Press Box on Broadway, Bring a White Elephant Gift (Under $10) to Exchange.

January 20, 2009 - Kevin Leavell will speak about Using your visitor's mouse clicks to improve your website.

For more information about these events, or Social Media Club Missoula, visit our website at www.SMCMissoula.com or contact Monica Ray at 406-544-3098.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Deer and Elk and Bears Oh My - Tips for Living with Montana's Abundant Wildlife

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:45:53 -0500

Deer and Elk and Bears Oh My - Tips for Living with Montana's Abundant Wildlife

I've lived in Montana most of my life but it wasn't until we moved to our property that borders thousands of acres of Lolo National Forest that I learned about the joy and frustrations of living with wildlife.

We love our connection with nature from living in Montana and that we are able to wake up and find deer in our yard, have wild turkeys pass through on their way to the creek, and see Elk and Moose on the hillside or along the creek. It's an amazing experience and you never know what you may see.

Living so close to wildlife can also be frustraing at times when your freshly planted garden is dinner for a deer, or your garbage is spread across the road by a hungry bear, or you end up with a skunk living in your back yard. We've experienced all of these things but have learned ways to prevent most of these situations.

Garbage - If possible, store your garbage inside the garage or a shed to prevent bears from getting into it. Fortunately the garbage disposal company in our area requires us to use their garbage cans which are large and have a lid. They prevent some wildlife encounters but will not deter a hungry bear.

Fruit Trees - Fruit Trees encourage wildlife to come into your yard and are prohibited by the covenants of many neighborhoods that border wildnerness. Our property came with beautiful mature plum and apple trees so that is a issue for us every year. We end up with broken branches on our plum trees from the bears trying to get the fruit.

Bird Feeders - It's great to see all the varieties of birds we have but it's best to remove bird feeders in the early spring and in the fall since they will attract bears.

Pet Food - Dog and cat food outdoors attracts lots of animals - bears, coyotes, and skunks. Skunks will even try to gain access to sheds or outbuildings if they smell cat food so it's best to feed your pets inside if possible. Our dog was sprayed in the face by a skunk the first summer we were in our house and it took a long time to get the skunk to leave, so it's best not to attract these unwanted visitors.

Garden - We enjoy having a garden and have put up a 6 foot fence to keep the deer out. This seems to be fairly effective if you use wire that is small enough to also keep out rabbits and other small animals.

Flowers and Plants - If you enjoy having flower beds or other landscaping around your home, it is best to select plant varieties that are somewhat "deer proof". You can find these plants by talking to the experts at your local nursery or this list of Landscaping Plants Rated by Deer Resistance.

Pet Safety - Protect your pets from wildlife by having an enclosed yard. Dogs can chase deer and other animals and may also be in danger if they enounter wolves, coyotes, bear, or moose. Cats can also be targets for owls, bald eagles, and other animals. We have been fortunate not to have any episodes with our pets and wildlife (other than the skunk spraying).

If you have additional questions about living with wildlife, or specific animals, contact your local Extension Office, they have lots of great free resources.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

The Montana Lifestyle You've Been Dreaming About Is At RiverRidge

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:16:55 -0500

The Montana Lifestyle You've Been Dreaming About Is At RiverRidge

Nestled above the Clark Fork River you will find a peaceful sanctuary, unique in its charm and beauty, RiverRidge. RiverRidge is more than a place to live, it's a lifestyle. Gorgeous, panoramic views of the Clark Fork River and the Superior Valley await you.

Relax, unwind and watch the eagles soar and the Rainbow Trout rise for the evening hatch. Truly a Superior lifestyle!

Close to schools, horse-back riding, fishing, skiing, hiking, USFS, community hospital & only 45 min. to Missoula!

RiverRidge residents enjoy many amenities, including:

Private Trout Ponds and Water Features - developed by renowned ecologist and trout pond developer, Joseph Urbani
Relaxing Nature Trail that curves through 2+ Acres of Common Area
Optional Condo Association for low-maintenance living
Homeowner's Association and Protective Covenants
City Water & Sewer
Abundant birds and wildlife (One resident reported seeing 72 different bird varieties!)
Lots starting at $39,900
Possible Owner Financing on Available Lots

Homes For Sale in RiverRidge

Beautiful Well-Maintained One-Level Living for Only $239,900
109 Osprey Drive, Superior MT 59872

This 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom home with 1560 sq. ft. was designed and built in 2006 to be low-maintenance and extremely energy efficient.

It has a dream kitchen with lots of space, beautiful cabinetry and tons of storage! There is an open living area off the kitchen, and it's all on one level for convenient living.

The large master suite features an over-sized walk-in closet, private bathroom, and lots of natural light from the large windows. There are two additional bedrooms at the other end of the house, along with a separate bath.

You'll enjoy relaxing or entertaining on the full-length Trex deck on the back of the house and overlooks the Clark Fork River. And, there's plenty of room for your RV with a full cement RV pad with all the hookups!

NEW Ranch-Style Home with Open Floor Plan and a Beautiful Master Suite for Only $234,900
41 Osprey Loop, Superior MT 59872

This 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom home with 1,432 sq. ft. was just completed and is Move-In Ready.

You'll love this home's Great Room with cathedral ceiling, low maintenance Wood Laminate Flooring, custom finishes throughout, a Luxurious Master Suite with Tiled Walk-In Shower, 2 car attached garage, 16 x 10 ft. deck for entertaining, welcoming front porch, & stainless steel appliances.

Lots for Sale in RiverRidge - Build Your Own Dream Home!

Lot 20 - Priced at $71,000 - Borders Trout Pond, 11,651 sq. ft.

Lot 4A - Priced at $125,000 - Low-Bank Clark Fork River front Lot, 14,898 sq. ft.

Lot 30 - Priced at $69,000 - Zoned Multi-Family, 17,456 sq. ft.

Lot 36 - Priced at $39,900 - 9,050 sq. ft.

Lot 24 - Priced at $54,000 - 10,790 sq. ft.

Lot 42 - Priced at $68,000 - Zoned Multi-Family, 16,059 sq. ft.

Lot 26 - Priced at $71,000 - 8,500 sq. ft.

Lot 22 - Priced at $71,000 - Borders Trout Pond, 10,942 sq. ft.

Lot 33 - Priced at $52,900 - 9,772 sq. ft.

Phase II RiverRidge - Buy the next phase at the great price of $595,000. This phase has preliminary plat approval for 15 lots, including two large Clark Fork River Front Lots, 13,245 sq ft to 29,482 sq ft plus common area.

Superior Montana is a small but welcoming community located 60 miles west of Missoula Montana and approximately two hours from Spokane Washington. Learn more in this Superior Montana Video. Also, you can read about Living in Mineral County Montana.

For more information, or to schedule a personal showing on this beautiful home or our amazing community, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Montana Hunting Cabin - Off-the-Grid Property on 9+ Acres - 16 Upper Woodchuck, Florence, MT 59833

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:28:34 -0500

16 Upper Woodchuck
Florence Montana 59833

Montana Hunting Cabin on 9+ Acres -Montana Off the Grid Property

Amazing off-the-grid cabin with possible year-round access.Perfect for those seeking sustainable living or a private hunting cabin. Ready for you to finish.

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom

1,100 square feet

Priced to Sell at $94,900

Owner may finance with large down payment!

This home features:

Wood Floors
On-Demand Water Heater
Detached Garage
Solar Power
Generator
Wood Stove
Propane Heater
9+ Acres Bordering Plum Creek

For more information on Montana Hunting Cabins, Off-the-Grid Properties, or to schedule a personal showing, contact Kevin Ray and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Montana Investment Properties with Trade and Other Possibilities from Today's MAREX Meeting

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:50:27 -0500

Montana Investment Properties with Many Possibilities from Today's MAREX Meeting

We are both members of the Montana Association of Real Estate Exchangers (MAREX) - a group of licensed and experienced real estate professionals who are familiar with real estate investing, the use of trades, and the sale of distressed properties.

The meetings gather agents from across the state of Montana, Idaho, and Eastern Washington to present properties that have available where the owners must sell immediately, or that would consider a full or partial trade for another property.

Some examples of the properties that are currently available include (Owners will consider certain property trades or partial owner financing):

A hanger at a Montana airport with good rental income
A Bitterroot Valley commercial strip mall
A house boat with 20 acres of river frontage
Several tracts of mountain land, various sizes
Northwestern Montana Four-Plexes, Duplexes and Single Family Rentals
A Log Home Bed & Breakfast
A Large Ranch near Butte, MT
A Large Bitterroot Valley Ranch
A off-the-grid new cabin on 24 acres
A large cabin on 39 acres with a small income producing gravel pit in Western Montana
Lots in Bozeman, MT
A Profitable Motel in North Eastern Montana
An off-the-grid cabin in the Bitterroot Valley on 9+ acres

As members of MAREX, we also have access to a large database of properties that are available for trade across the country.

For more information on any of these properties, how trade or 1031 Exchanges work, to request a custom search, or a Comparative Market Analysis on your property, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Hey Montana Snowbirds... Tempe Arizona is ready for ya!

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:50:08 -0500

Montanans - If you're looking for a place to relax in the sun during the winter, contact our friend in Arizona, Nick Bastian at 602-803-NICK (6425).

Via Nick Bastian - Tempe, AZ Real Estate Agent (Realty Executives):

Well, it's mid October and the weather man (person) says we could hit 100 degrees here in Tempe this weekend. This is the same weather channel where I see a list of snow showers and 30 degree temperatures in places like Minnesota. It is no secret that we have some amazing weather from November to oh, about May... The population should begin to swell around here any time now. This reminds me of some of the great options for people that we affectionately call "snowbirds." You know who you are...you can't take the heat but know where to fly South for the winter.

While there are MANY options available here, I thought I'd point out a couple for our winter visitors.

How about a great "furnished condo" in Sunland Village East?

This GORGEOUS Laguna 12 model has been well maintained and is being sold furnished! Seriously, all you have to do is bring a toothbrush and a desire to have some fun in the Arizona sun. The home has a very open and functional floor plan, lots of nice tile, tons of cabinet and storage space, one car garage and a nice patio that you can actually enjoy any time of day. What a perfect opportunity for ''winter visitors'' to take advantage of the great lifestyle offered by Sunland Village East ( a 55 plus community ). Golf, tennis, clubhouse, tons of activities, etc. Make sure and look at the video! For just $135,000 it is a lifestyle you can truly enjoy.

Heck, when it gets hot, go back "home!" That's what a LOT of people do around here...

Not sure about where you want to spend all of your winters? You can rent something furnished, as well! Check out this GORGEOUS Scottsdale condo for just $1400.00 per month (seasonal rents- Long term rental rate is just $1,100 per month.) Probably gonna be a heck of a lot cheaper than one of the fancy resorts we have. This gorgeous 2bedroom 2 bath FURNISHED condo is spotless! Beautifully decorated, completely re-modeled and in a location that can't be beat. The unit has granite counters, stainless appliances, beautifully tiled floors, beautiful furniture and decor and is absolutely immaculate! The community boasts 2 pools, a spa, a dog park, well manicured grounds and a GREAT South Scottsdale location. Stay minutes from Old Town, the airport, Tempe Marketplace, Mill Avenue, Scottsdale Fashion Square, restaurants, shops, freeways, jobs, etc! There is even a nearby bus stop and a Trolley system to take you to Old Town Scottsdale! ** Take a look, it's gorgeous!**

Here, you can search for homes in the Valley of the Sun. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call!

Nick Bastian, Tempe AZ Real Estate agent.

      Buying or Selling Real Estate?

      "Just Call Nick!"

        602-803-NICK (6425)

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Missoula Home Buyers: FHA loans 101 - The basics of FHA mortgages & mortgage shopping - 10/13/09

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:32:34 -0500

Great information on how to compare loans and what you should know about FHA loans from our friend Jeff Belonger.

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

FHA loans & their misconceptions/myths

The number one myth - FHA loans are more expensive than conventional loans!! - FALSE -

Protection of your family & home purchase will always be with a loan officer with knowledge & integrity… not telling you what you want to hear to make a sale!!

PS… this might be a tad long & boring, but worth it if you are buying/refinancing a home.

I received this e-mail from a borrower yesterday buying in WA. Here are some parts of his e-mail.

Borrower #1

"My real estate agent simply told me there would be more closing cost if I chose FHA, which I don't think true."

A major gripe of mine. When comparing a FHA loan to a conventional loan, you need to compare apples to apples. The only difference would be the upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP). Some loan officers and realtors would like to call this a closing cost. It really isn't. First off, you can roll it into your loan. Hence another myth that some FHA closing costs can be rolled into the mortgage. Still false, because this is not a lender fee. It's a fee from HUD. Yet some will debate this as a closing cost. It's like the VA funding fee or the USDA's guarantee fee.

Same person goes on to say...

"XXXXXXX mortgage is the preferred lender to the property and now offering 4.25% for 30 years. Since my house won't be ready til next spring, XXXXXXXX mortgage can't lock the rate that far. I was told they were not sure how much the rate would be then. This part is very scary to me as a first time home buyer without any previous experiences....!!!"

Rut row.... first off, you can't get a 30 yr fixed rate that low. And even if you could, it would cost you like 8 points. So, this loan officer plays the trump card per say. Knowing that settlement won't be until next spring. This lender is giving an awesome rate that can't be locked in... hhhhmmm

Borrower # 2 -

I have a borrower that was referred to me by a realtor. She gives out 3 names to her clients. (there is a reason for this that I don't totally agree with) I shouldn't have a problem with this, but I do. In most cases, most loan officers can be very competitive, especially when they know you are shopping. This realtor prides herself on giving good referral sources that close on time and give good rates with fees. Okay for now, but I have a point to this.

This borrower wants a 30 yr fixed and a 5/1 arm. I give him several good faith estimates and find out that mine are in the top two. I then get an e-mail from the borrower who wants me to be lean on mine, because he was able to get the other lender to cut a few fees. Huh? First off, I had a $100 fee and this other person had close to $1,000 in fees. Secondly, I will never be the cheapest, but I will be better than average. In many cases, I will give more knowledgeable information than the other loan officers involved. Okay, sounds like I am full of myself. But after years of asking the borrowers questions and getting feedback, so many things aren't mentioned.

Example - I ask this person their goals, how long they think they will be in the house, baring any work related changes. He tells me that I bring up some excellent points to think about. Because I bring up current rates, the future of rates in 3 to 5 years, home values, the cost of refinancing, etc,etc. Gee, from his answer, it doesn't sound like the other loan officers bring this up.

FHA myth - the monthly mortgage insurance will never fall off. It does just like on conventional loans.

FHA fact - No matter how much you put down, you will have the mortgage insurance for 5 years no matter what. He said, well, I hope to have more equity in 3 years. Good for you, but if you refinance into another FHA mortgage, you will then have the MI for 5 more years. Okay, so I will go conventional. Good for you, again. But there are many new rules regarding private mortgage insurance. In many cases, the PMI companies want to now see a 2 year history of payments. If late, this could influence their decisions. Again, just so many unknowns to risk.

Onto round 2.... In the beginning, I just give him a 5/1 arm and not details of how an adjustable works, because I want to see if my competition does. After about 4 days of him shopping, I have him call me Sunday night around 7 pm. I ask him if he was told how adjustables work and if he was told the margin on this adjustable. What is a margin Jeff.. hhhmmm.. Just a fact that could have an impact on his decision and his future.

Onto round 3.... The good faith estimate. I always tell the client how long that rate is good for when giving a GFE, showing their rate and fees. Many loan officers don't point out that it's good for 30 - 90 days. And if they do barely mention this or they don't bring it up again a few days later, when they give you an updated good faith estimate. I know this because I question and quiz these borrowers. Overall, until you are ready to proceed with the mortgage application and lock-in, some of these good faith estimates don't mean squat.

Overall, there are more loan officers than one would think that don't properly educate the borrower. As a borrower, you don't need a Harvard education, hence why you want to speak to a good loan officer an excellent loan officer. I found many holes in my questioning of this borrower, telling me that he wasn't properly educated with buying a home and shopping for a mortgage. My 30 yr fixed rate with fees were better than the other two. Yet one offered a very good price for the 5/1 arm. I later refused to give him an updated quote, because after speaking to him and getting to know his goals, it wasn't in his best interest. He was suckered into the lower payment. Don't get me wrong, adjustables have their place, especially with today's rates. But again, the best rate on paper is not always the best in the long run, no matter if it can be offered or not. Knowledge is power!!!

Just don’t be that shopper that shops themselves out of that good mortgage.

For some more good reading :

The Basics of FHA Loans - Mortgage 101 for FHA Mortgages - 08/24/09

Credit scores - FICO scores for mortgages - I need a 700 credit score?

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2009 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger of Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Montana Landlords - Are You in Compliance with the New Law Which Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:33:55 -0500

Montana Landlords - Are You in Compliance with the New Law Which Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

The 2009 Montana Legislature passed SB 161 which requires carbon monoxide detectors in dwelling units rented by a landlord and a notice from a seller concerning the presence of a carbon monoxide detector upon the sale of a residence. SB 161 became law on October 1, 2009.

SB 161 MCA § 70-24-303 of the Montana Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Effective October 1, 2009, in addition to a smoke detector a landlord is also required to install in each dwelling unit under the landlord's control an approved carbon monoxide detector bearing a label or other identification issued by an approved testing agency.

When signing a new rental agreement, the landlord shall verify that the carbon monoxide detector is in good working order. During the tenant's rental period, the tenant is responsible to maintain the carbon monoxide detector in good working order.

As is the case with smoke detectors, and presuming that the landlord complies with the law to install a carbon monoxide detector and test it upon commencement of the rental agreement, a landlord is not liable for damages caused as a result of the failure of the carbon monoxide detector.

And in real estate transactions, a seller must provide written notice to the buyer that the dwelling to be purchased is equipped or is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. SB 161 modifies MCA § 70-20-113 so that carbon monoxide detectors are now included in the notice that formerly pertained only to smoke detectors.

Source: Montana Association of Realtors(R)

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Clark Fork River Views - 109 Osprey Drive, Superior, MT Real Estate - $239,900

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:35:16 -0500

Clark Fork River Views - 109 Osprey Drive, Superior, MT Real Estate - $239,900
RiverRidge Subdivision

We are excited to have just listed this beautiful, almost new (has only been used as part-time residence) home in RiverRidge in Superior Montana. This home was designed and built in 2006 to be low-maintenance and extremely energy efficient.

It has a dream kitchen with lots of space, beautiful cabinetry and tons of storage! There is an open living area off the kitchen, and it's all on one level for convenient living.

You'll enjoy relaxing or entertaining on the full-length Trex deck on the back of the house and overlooks the Clark Fork River.

3 bedrooms,
2.5 bathrooms,
Square Footage: 1560 sq. ft.,
Lot Size: 9981 sq. ft.,
Central Heating & Air Conditioning

And, there's plenty of room for your RV with a full cement RV pad with all the hookups!

This beautiful home is located in Superior's RiverRidge subdivision - experience A Superior Lifestyle!

RiverRidge residents enjoy many amenities including a relaxing nature trail - perfect for an evening stroll, and self-sustaining trout ponds that were developed by world famous ecologist Joseph Urbani.

Superior Montana is a small but welcoming community located 60 miles west of Missoula and approximately two hours from Spokane Washington. Learn more in this Superior Montana Video. Also, you can read about Living in Mineral County Montana.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Speechless Sunday: All Aboard!

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:03:46 -0500

Ok, if you're a pet in the Ray house, it's safe to say that you'll get dressed up in funny outfits on a regular basis. Our daughter, Kelsey, loves to put hats, bandanas, and occasionally t-shirts, costumes, and even a tutu on our pets. She's also an amateur photographer which results in some pretty comical pet photos.

This is our chocolate lab, Caddis in her bandana and a baseball cap - looking a lot like the railroad conductor. This photo was featured on CuteasHell.com where she has a profile to showcase all of her photos.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Help Our Furry Friends in Missoula - October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:45:57 -0500

Help Our Furry Friends - October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), American Humane and several animal rescue and welfare groups are working independently to let the public know that October Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

There are lots of great dogs - including pure breds in our local shelters just waiting for a home.

Learn More About Adopting a Shelter Pet

You can save a loving pet and you may also help yourself. According to several studies, pet owners may actually live longer! Read more.

Missoula Pet Adoption Facilities

Animeals
1700 Rankin Street
Missoula, MT 59808
406-721-4710

Humane Society of Western Montana
5930 Hwy. 93 South
Missoula, MT 59804
406-549-3934

Missoula Animal Control
6700 Butler Creek Rd.
Missoula, MT 59808
406-541-7387

There are also several breed-specific rescue groups if you are looking for a specific type of dog.

Other pet resources:

Petfinder - helps you find your new pet companion

Missoula Pet - Online Resources for Missoula Pet Owners

Search for Montana Pets on the Net

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

A Time Management System for Real Estate Agents & Entrepreneurs

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:52:13 -0500

A Time Management System for Real Estate Agents & Entrepreneurs

I recently finished reading The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, as well as listening to the CD version in the car. This book is filled with great tools to help you improve your chances for success.

One of the tools that I found to be most helpful was the Enterpreneurial Time Management System. The system is featured in the book but was developed by Dan Sullivan of The Strategic Coach.

The purpose of the system is to allow you to be highly productive and successful in your career, while also enjoying free and recreational time with your family and friends.

To get started, divide your days into three kinds - Focus Days, Buffer Days, and Free Days

Focus Days - "A focus day is one in which you spend at least 80% of your time operating in your core genius or area of expertise."*

Everyone has a different core genius. It should be something that you love doing and may completely lose track of time when you're doing it.

For me, it's online marketing, blogging, and learning about technology. For Kevin, it's negotiating a contract and putting deals together.

Determine your core genius and schedule days to focus your time and energy working in that area.

Buffer Days - "A Buffer Day is when you prepare and plan for a Focus or Free Day."* My buffer days are spent in the office working with our office manager on files, closing preparations, setting up checklists, and training staff.

Buffer days allow you to tackle those issues or tasks that prevent you from havina Focus Day or a Free Day.

Free Days - "A Free Day extends from midnight to midnight and involves no work-related activity of any kind. It's a day completely free of business meetings, business-related phone calls, e-mails, etc."* This is the most challenging part of the system for us in real estate. We do our best to have a regular "Free Day" although exceptions are made in some instances.

There are many benefits to taking a Free Day, one of which is that you come back to work feeling refreshed, with a clearer mind, and a fresh perspective.

Implementing the system takes a bit of planning, training staff, and delegating but is well worth the efficiency and peace of mind it helps create. We're still working to perfect the system in our busy world but have already seen an increase in our productivity and creativity.

Jack Canfield also offers a Free Monthly Teleconference where he holds discussions and answers questions about applying the tools in his book. You can sign up for the next teleconference at www.AskJackCanfield.com. You can't beat the cost (Free) and the ones I have listed to have been very well done and informative.

What are Your Time Management Tools?

Focus Photo - Margolove

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Missoula Home Buyers - Shopping for mortgages - The Public Image of Advertising that is misleading !! - Part 1 of 2

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:46:21 -0500

Here is some great information from Jeff Belonger for Missoula and Western Montana Home Buyers on what to watch out for when shopping for a mortgage.

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

ADVERTISING – Those ads that seem too good to be true.

I have been in the mortgage business for 17 + years. I have seen so much advertising when it came to mortgage companies and how many of the ads were misleading or just flat out lies. Those companies advertising low rates that didn't happen. This easily went on from 1992 to 2002. I always wondered why this wasn't regulated as strongly as it should have been. I found out that some of these companies had 100's of complaints, yet they still operated for those 10 years. I think this is misleading and I call it Shark Advertising. It's dangerously misleading, yet it worked for many companies, at the expense of the borrower.

If anyone has noticed, we haven't see as much advertising from mortgage companies or large banks in the last 18 months or so. I am now seeing a few mortgage companies advertise on the radio and as of lately, a few advertise on TV, especially ESPN. The ads are misleading because they appear to make you believe that it's being backed by the government. (Miriam Bernstein made this comment below that explains this part.. - Comment # 30 -)Has anyone seen a few ads on tv that look like a news update, a spokesperson telling you about government funded programs or that the government is helping in sponsoring these programs. Yet if you read the fine print, it's a mortgage company, disguising this ad very carefully, spinning it as thought the government is putting this out to the public??

I am even seeing this more and more in such places as Facebook. Below are a few that I am seeing on Facebook now.

Here are some ads found on facebook and comcast.net. As you can see, these mortgage companies and or companies that are lead generators, make you think that the government is behind this. Obama hasn't asked homeowners to refinance. The first one on the left, upper left, is from a company called Lower My Bills. They sell leads to other mortgage companies, after they have gathered your information online. Then you have like 4 to 10 lenders call you, sometimes daily.

People on Facebook that give basic information – eye catchers to pull you in.

Here is a loan officer on Facebook that placed this on his Wall, to capture the attention of others. You just need to be aware of what you read. Sure, this can happen, but there are some unknowns not mentioned. And sometimes the loan officer will raise that unknown, so you can't obtain that great rate and get the next best thing. Keeping in mind, it's not always about the Best Rate. How service? Integrity? Educating the borrower? And so much more.... Please read : I want the same deal that my friend receivd... & Mortgage payment vs Interest Rate

Web Sites that are deceiving !!!!

As I explained in this blog post, deceptive web sites, here is a great example above. Doesn't this look like it could come from the USDA themselves? But it isn't. It acts as a lead catcher, catching your info to call you and or sell you about USDA loans or any other type of mortgage loan. No Cost Obligation is mentioned on the site. - We always love to hear about free things, but are they free overall?

Here is a FAVORITE of mine !!!

I am sure many of you have seen this one on tv, FreeCreditReport.com. The commercial announces a free credit report. But at the very end, it says that you need to enroll in their Triple Advantage program.

A free credit report? They have tons of commercials & commercials cost money to display on TV. They also have like 3 to 4 different kinds of commercials and. producing commercials cost money.

Well, I feel like an investigative reporter for the news. I filled out my info online, trying to see what I get. It says that it takes 3 to 5 days for me to obtain these credit reports from the 3 credit agencies. (giving my credit card #) And then there is a button that says, to obtain your 3 reports now, click here. Imagine that, it's asking for $24.95 now. See the 2nd paragraph on the left, highlighted in yellow? It talks about the new Federal Law and I am wondering if that is what they are sending me now, because that is free. But from what I know, you have to go to annual credit report to get the free reports.

All 6 commericals - Free Credit Report.com

Conclusion :   Just be very careful of what you read and what says free, when it might not be free. I always have said, someone has to pay for it from some where. Is it you? Is it me who pays for it?

Overall....No matter what, consumers will fall for some of these ads. It's called false hope. Especially when desperate, you just want to believe that someone can help you.. or, that it's cheaper with them than the others. thanks

Shopping for mortgages - The Public Image of Advertising that is misleading !!!! - Part 1 of 2

Shopping for mortgages - The Lending Trees of the World (lead generators) - Part 2 of 2

Advertisements - Is the grass greener on the other side?



                                                                                               FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2009 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger of Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Western Montana & Missoula First Time Homebuyers - Don't Just Check On The Rate!

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:26:25 -0500

This is great information for all home buyers in Missoula and Western Montana - it's about more than just the rate.

Via Eleanor Thorne, Cary Mortgage Loans (Meridian Residential):

There are tons of first time homebuyers out there negotiating the best deal on their new home, and now it's time to get a mortgage.

Most of them only know how to ask one question: What's the Rate?

We've been in the mortgage business for over 20 years - and the only thing most people know to ask is - "What's the Rate?"

While that's a great question, it's kinda' like going into a shoe store and asking if they have any shoes in a size 9. Just shopping the rate is not necessarily going to get you the best price.

And what is the best price anyway!?! Most of the clients that call us speak to my husband, Steve. The first thing he ALWAYS says is, "hey, thanks for calling! So you were referred to us by (insert name of friend, co-worker, agent, builder)? That's great!

So, tell me a little bit about what you're trying to do."

I share an office with him - and after listening to him say this for like the 90th time I turned and looked at him saying, "THEY WANT TO BUY A FREAKIN" HOUSE!" He wasn't amused.... but once calmed down he explained to me why he askes that question, that way (and why it will help you when shopping for a loan).

Most clients answer the question of what they are trying to do one of these ways...

They want to buy or refinance but keep their payments at a certain amount

They want to buy or refinance but they don't have a ton of cash to work with

They want to buy or refinance but they can't verify all of their income

They want to buy or refinance but they need it to happen in like 5 days

They want to buy or refinance but they think they have some credit issues

Each of these items will help the loan officer determine which mortgage program (like those different kinds of shoes) will work for you! The PROGRAM will then help us get to a mortgage interest rate... and knowing your credit score and how much money you want to part with for closing costs will determine your rate.

So let's assume you figured out which program you are going to use to finance your home - YIPPEE! One more step in the process! Now you can just call loan officers and ask for their rate on that program and those terms with your credit and compare - it's not even that easy!

You want to be certain that you are working with an experienced loan officer. The largest fianancial transaction of your life is far too important to place into the hands of someone who is not capable of doing more than just quoting you a rate.

So here are some other questions for your loan officer:

What's the next Economic Report coming out that might effect the direction of Mortgage Interest Rates? A seasoned loan officer will have this information at their finger tips, and will know, for instance, that the FED says it will stop purchasing Mortgage Backed Securities in October of 2009, which could cause rates to go up...

When Bernanke and the Fed "change rates," what does this mean... and what impact does this have on mortgage interest rates? The answer is not obvious. The Fed has some impact over SHORT TERM rates, like those on your credit cards, however very little actions the Fed takes (especially recently) has created a lower movement of Mortgage Bonds. Because of the "bad name" associated with Mortgage Bonds in the SubPrime market, fewer people are purchasing these bonds... That's why it's important to note that the Fed says it will stop purchasing Mortgage Backed Securities in October (If you have other questions about this just call us!)

Once you believe that you are working with a seasoned loan officer, there are other points to consider... If you talk to 3 lenders who all tell you the rates are at 5.25% and you talk to another person who says they are at 5%... well, you've got to question what that lower priced lender is doing. For the most part, rates are rates. The cost of money is pretty close to even across the board - so, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There could be extra fees, or they could be quoting a rate that is only good for the next 12 days.

You get what you pay for! If you are looking for the cheapest deal out there, understand that you are placing a highly important process into the hands of the lowest bidder. (If you've ever had a cheap haircolor job or a cheap haircut, cheap pair of shoes that KILLED your feet or fell apart - you know what I mean).

All too often, you don't know until it's too late that the cheapest isn't BEST. Remember that missed closing dates in NC can now mean a FINE to the buyer. Most "internet companies" do not operate in the State of North Carolina and do not know our laws - or even how we close loans.

If someone mentions closing at the Title Company - you know you're dealing with someone who's not from here, and some delays and differences in quoted closing costs and actual closing costs will likely occur.

Understand that Interest Rates and Closing Costs go Hand in Hand. When someone asks me for a rate - I ask them which one they want. I'm not being sarcastic (well, okay maybe a little) but we have interest rates from 2% to 10%. It depends on the program and the amount of money you want to pay out of your pocket.

Many first time homebuyers want the smallest amount of closing costs (so they can buy a hot new leather sofa!) and will therefore take a slightly higher interest rate - so that the lender pays the closing costs. A professional lender will be able to offer the bst advice and options in terms of the balance between interest rate and closing costs that correctly fits your personal goals.

So our advice is to be smart. Ask questions... but don't just ask what the rate is!

Call Steve and Eleanor Thorne 919-649-5058. We've been mortgage Lenders in North Carolina with the best mortgage rates for decades!

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Three Beautiful Clark Fork Riverfront Lots in Superior, MT - $139,000 for All 3

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:28:42 -0500

Three Beautiful Clark Fork Riverfront Lots in Superior, MT - $139,000 for All 3

This listing is for 3 adjoining city lots to be sold together. Just over a half acre of Clark Fork River frontage with breathtaking views of the river and mountains of Superior Montana. Less than half a mile to the schools and public pool and park and less than a mile from the hospital make this a great location. City water and sewer is available!

Multi -family use is approved - build riverfront condos or duplexes! Also perfect for single family home wanting a huge yard overlooking the river.

One of the best buys for riverfront in Western Montana - priced to sell at $139,000.

Take a Video Tour of Superior, Montana.

For more information, or to schedule a personal tour, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty - Your Montana Riverfront Specialists - at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Speechless Sunday: Sunrise From a Montana Mountain Top

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:23:08 -0500

Fall is in the air in beautiful Western Montana, you can feel it in the crisp morning air and see it in the leaves that are starting to change colors. It is also bow hunting season, a perfect reason to climb to the top of of a mountain and watch the sun rise.

Kevin has been spending all the mornings he can on top of this mountain in the Lolo National Forest. He's seen a lot of wildlife and had a conversation with an elk using his bugle, no luck hunting yet, but with these views, he feels lucky enough.

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.

Missoula Architecture & History - The Northern Pacific Railroad Depot on Higgins Ave.

Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray (Access Realty) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 03:14:36 -0500

Missoula Architecture & History - The Northern Pacific Railroad Depot on Higgins Ave.

Missoula has some beautiful buildings in our downtown area, and many have historical signficance as well. One of my favorites is the Northern Pacific Depot building located at the north end of Higgins Avenue.

The Northern Pacific Railroad Depot was built in 1901 by the nationally recognized firm of Reed and Stem of St. Paul, Minnesota. This depot is one of four that the firm designed in Montana. The building is a long, rectangular brick structure with one story wings on the east and west side of the building. It is said to represent a "simplified version of Renaissance Revival Style".*

The exterior of the building is decorated with four urns with the distinctive Norther Pacific symbol of the yin-yang.

Northern Pacific Depot Construction Controversy

The building of the depot was quite controversial at the time and became the topic for dispute between two prominent Missoula families, and eventually the entire community.

The Urlin family donated land to help bring Northern Pacific to Missoula. The family didn't intend for the Depot to be constructed where it is because it would block access to their ranch. However, the Higgins family felt that a depot at the end of Higgins Avenue offered an "appropriate level of grandeur.

The Urlin family protested the construction of the building along with other resident's from Missoula's north side. To emphasize their point, the initial wood frame of the building was burned to the ground by arsonists.

Today, the Norther Pacific Depot is used for office space for local Missoula businesses. It is also the site for the Missoula Farmer's Market that is held on Saturdays during the summer.

In 1955, one of Northern Pacific's Railroad Engines was located on the site and is still there today.

For more information on Missoula, Montana, or it's architecture and history, visit www.YourMT.com - Missoula Architecture & History

*Resource: A Guide to Historic Missoula by Allan James Mathews, 1948

Service, Results, Peace of Mind

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana.