realtor: Do You Need to Fire that Client? Your Peace of Mind May Thank You - 05/06/13 09:06 AM
Do you have a client that continually drains your energy and saps your peace of mind?
It can happen in many different ways, including clients that don’t respect your time, are hypercritical, have unrealistic expectations, or by just generally being a difficult person. These clients, while maybe well meaning, may not be worth their overall cost to you or your business.
I once had a client that met all the criteria above. She would call, text, or email requests and questions at all hours of the day and night, including weekends. There was always some emergency, something frantic that needed to … (4 comments)

realtor: Google Awards Access Realty - Missoula a Favorite Place on Google Maps - 01/30/10 10:11 AM
We recently received a letter and window decal in the mail from Google Maps stating Access Realty Missoula is a Favorite Place due to the number of searches for our business listing and the number of times people requested directions to our office. "Because you're so popular, we're enclosing a window decal that shows customers you're a 'Favorite Place on Google'. The sticker includes a special bar code that potential customers can scan with cameras on their phones. Then they can see your business listings on Google, read and write reviews, and add you as a favorite right there."
Access Realty … (4 comments)

realtor: New Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs for Missoula Real Estate - 01/19/10 01:41 AM
 
Here's a great explanation about the New Good Faith Estimates you will receive when you apply for a mortgage.
 
New Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs
Sometimes the hardest part about having new forms is that, well, it's NEW! It's DIFFERENT! We have to create new scripts to EXPLAIN it so that our clients can UNDERSTAND it. But first... WE have to understand it.
So here are just a few points regarding the new Good Faith Estimate that I hope will help with that.
First, we have to recognize the old Good Faith Estimate was really an estimate focused on how much the … (0 comments)

realtor: TRADE UP! 5 Reasons why this is the BEST market to upgrade in Missoula MT! - 12/18/09 04:02 AM
 

Have you thought about getting that bigger, better house in a better neighborhood?  


NOW IS THE TIME!
Whether you need more space, want to upgrade your location, or for any other reason, the current real estate market presents a unique opportunity to capitalize by trading up! 
5 reasons why this is the best market to trade up!
1. You will make money NOW on the trade!  

Here's how this works. You currently own a condo that was worth $1,000,000 three years ago, and now it's worth $700,000 (that's right, it's gone down 30%!).  You … (0 comments)

realtor: 8 Myths of Staging to Sell Your Missoula Montana Home - Busted. - 11/10/09 07:23 AM
Some great myths of home staging, although I do think that smell is very important on a home, and a welcoming aroma is appealing to buyers.

Home staging (or property styling as it's commonly known as on the Australian property scene) is really an art, not a science. One of the many things a professional home stager understands is that it's the house that's up for sale, not the home owner's bread baking ability or taste in music. So, from the sublime to the rediculous - here's 8 myths of staging to sell - busted!
1. Buyers can see past my … (4 comments)

realtor: Feeling Frustrated with Your Real Estate Agent? Here's 5 Things You Can Do Today! - 09/04/09 03:31 AM
Feeling Frustrated with Your Real Estate Agent?
Here's 5 Things You Can Do Today!
Moving can be stressful and having your home for sale can shake up everyone's routine. In today's market, especially, it's not unusual to feel some frustration when you are trying to sell your home. Homes are often taking longer to sell than they used to, the time between showings can be further apart, and if you're needing to sell quickly, emotions can run high.
So what can you do to keep that frustration from getting out of control?

1.) Get to the Root of the Problem - are … (7 comments)

realtor: Homes for Sale on the South Hill in Missoula MT - Moose Can Gulley & Wapikaya - 07/29/09 03:33 PM
Homes for Sale on the South Hill in Missoula MT - Moose Can Gulley & Wapikaya
The South Hill in Missoula Montana has many great housing options - from condos, to starter-homes, to custom homes. Located up Hillview from Russell Street into the hills, the South Hill neighborhood is Moose Can Gulley. At the base of the South Hill is Wapikaya, another popular Missoula neighborhood.
Historically marked by ranches and farms, the South Hills neighborhoods still respectfully nod to their rural roots. They just recently approved over 1,000 acres of open space easements provide for peaceful places to explore and enjoy.  Trail systems … (0 comments)

realtor: Homes for Sale in Grant Creek - Missoula Montana Real Estate - 07/26/09 10:53 PM
Homes for Sale in Grant Creek - Missoula Montana Real Estate
Grant Creek is a popular place to live and for real estate in Missoula MT. It has the benefit of being close to town, minutes from North Reserve, but also feeling like it's miles away.
The Grant Creek area is unique to the greater Missoula valley. It is highly rural in nature and is split between city and county residents.
Grant Creek is home to a large working cattle ranch and the National Wildlife Federation nature wildlife reserve and the headquarters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. It is bordered to … (3 comments)

realtor: $3,000 Buyer Credit - 5 Bedrooms & an Income Generating Rental: 2626 O'Shaughnesy Missoula MT 59808 - 07/26/09 07:57 AM
$3,000 Buyer Credit - 5 Bedrooms & a Income Generating Rental Only $295,000
2626 O'Shaughnesy Missoula Montana 59808
Welcome Home!! This is a rare find, 1 and a half story, 5 bedroom house with full finished basement on a beautiful manicured corner lot. Among this homes many features are an open floor plan, wrap-around porch, fenced yard, and a 1 bedroom apartment above the 2 car garage.
Apartment is currently rented for $625/mo which makes for very affordable living! Apartment above garage can also be used as office space since certain commercial uses are approved.
Seller to pay $3,000 towards buyer's … (0 comments)

realtor: Homes for Sale in The Pattee Canyon / Farviews Area - Missoula Montana Real Estate - 07/22/09 07:34 PM
Homes for Sale in The Pattee Canyon / Farviews Area of Missoula MT receive a lot of attention in the Missoula Real Estate market. This area is desirable due to it's conveniant location to the University of Montana, Downtown Missoula, and because it's minutes from the Pattee Canyon Recreational Area.
Set in a wooded canyon near Missoula at 4,100 feet, the trails of the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area are a local favorite for hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and picnics. 
The Pattee Canyon Recreational Area is an amazing place in the winter with miles of groomed cross-country ski trails that are maintained by the Missoula Nordic … (2 comments)

realtor: 11325 Sleeman Gulch Road, Lolo Montana Home with Acreage For Sale - 07/18/09 05:11 AM
11325 Sleeman Gulch Road, Lolo Montana Home with Acreage and 3 Car Garage For Sale
11325 Sleeman Gulch Rd - Property Website
This is a sprawling 5 bedroom home with 3 baths on over 15 acres with a nice mix of timbered hillside and open level yard. A nice garden spot, large coveredpatio, large covered deck off the master bedroom and fencing all combine for a wonderfull outdoor space. This is what country living is all about and only minutes from Lolo and Missoula in a private, quiet and peaceful setting.
A GREAT Buy at $415,000!
For more information, or to schedule a … (2 comments)

realtor: Missoula Montana Homes for Sale in Target Range / Orchard Homes Area Real Estate - 07/16/09 06:37 AM

Homes in the the Target Range / Orchard Homes
 Neighborhood are very popular due to the larger lot sizes, the country feel to the neighborhood and the great location!

Target Range / Orchard Homes properties have that small-town-feel but are only minutes away from North Reserve Street businesses, downtown Missoula culture, and area events.
One of my favorite places in the Target Range area is the Equestrian Park. It's a great place to walk and has some of the best views of the Mountains around Missoula. Having been a former Target Range resident, we spent many hours on … (0 comments)

realtor: Go Orange in April for the National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month - 04/04/09 11:54 PM
Go Orange in April for the National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
April is a good month to Go Orange. Going Orange shows support for the National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month sponsored by the ASPCA.
They will be kicking off this event on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 when iconic buildings and landmarks across the country will support the ASPCA's life-saving work as they light up in its signature color and "Go Orange for Animals." 
Some of the biggest events are in Las Angeles, New York, and Austen, however there will be smaller events across the country.
Calendar & … (5 comments)

realtor: Where Are Today's Real Estate Buyers? - 03/31/09 12:07 PM

The National Association of Realtors(R) published the results to their consumer survey in November.
The results to this survey are helpful when you are marketing a home for sale - who is your target customer for that property and how do you reach them?
When we first started in real estate, we did a lot of print advertising in newspapers and real estate guides and were unable to find a return on the significant investment we made. We now use a very strategic marketing approach to target where buyers are looking, with a primary emphasis on the Internet.
It's … (4 comments)

realtor: The Montana Dream - 2627 Quartz Loop, Superior, Montana 59872 - Home on Nearly 40 Acres - 03/23/09 01:18 PM
UPDATE: NO LONGER LISTED

This is a true Montana Dream property!
2627 Quartz Loop, Superior, Montana 59872
Bedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 3Square Feet: 3552Price: $824,900
View Property Flyer for 2627 Quartz Loop, Superior, MT
View Virtual Tour for 2627 Quartz Loop, Superior, MT
Your own paradise on 39.5 acres of timber and pasture land with year-round county road access.
This beautiful home features:
In-floor radiant heat, Ash hardwood floors in kitchen, Open living room, Master suite, Stamped and stained custom concrete floor in entryway, Hickory cabinets, Cozy Fireplace, Full finished basement, Low Maintenance CertainTeed concrete siding and Lots of windows to enjoy the … (5 comments)

realtor: The Internet Will Replace Realtors - The Fatal Flaw..... - 03/17/09 02:58 PM
The Internet Will Replace Realtors - The Fatal Flaw.....
Many of you remember the concern and controversy that came up several years ago when sites like Zillow and Redfin came on the real estate scene. They aren't very involved in our state but it still made local headline news.
Some people said, and still say, "the internet will replace Realtors" and "Real Estate Services will become a commodity."The theory was that people could appraise their home online and then buy and sell themselves, saving money by cutting real estate agents out of the equation.
This theory had a fatal flaw however,as … (80 comments)

realtor: Superior Montana Real Estate - 151 Sunnyside Lane, Superior MT - 4 BR, 2 BA on 2.5 Country Acres for 189,900! - 03/17/09 06:51 AM
Superior Montana Real Estate - 151 Sunnyside Lane, Superior MT - 4 BR, 2 BA on 2.5 Country Acres Priced to Sell at Only 189,900!
Spacious home with lots of extras on 2.5 Acre Country Lot. Features vaulted ceilings, open eat-in kitchen & separate dining room, family room with cozy woodstove, wood parquet flooring & built-in enterainment center, bright open living room with office space and built-in display cabinet, mainfloor laundry/mudroom. You'll enjoy relaxing in your large master suite with sitting area and walk-in closet. Great outdoor living spaces with large deck, mountain views,storage shed, & lots of wildlife. A Must See!
Asking … (2 comments)

realtor: Real Estate - The New Team Sport - 03/10/09 01:20 AM

Real Estate - The New Team Sport
I haven't always been part of a real estate team, when I first started in real estate, I was on my own for a few months while Kevin was taking his licensing classes. Then when he first got licensed, we both tried to do everything. It became evident pretty quickly that we each had different strengths and we enjoyed different aspects of the business.
Once we realized and accepted that fact, we could each focus on the areas we are best at and that we could be twice as productive and serve our clients … (14 comments)

realtor: 8000 Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers of Missoula Montana Real Estate! - 03/08/09 12:05 PM
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is trying to encourage home ownership. As part of this act, there is an $8000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.
A first-time home buyer is defined as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the new purchase in the act, making people who haven't purchased a home in awhile also eligible.
There was a 7500 tax credit available to first-time homebuyers last year but that credit had to be paid back. The new one does not … (5 comments)

realtor: Warming Up to Cold Weather Real Estate - 03/08/09 09:36 AM
Warming Up to Cold Weather Real Estate
We love Montana and selling Montana real estate, and we work with buyers and sellers year round - even through the chilly winter months. It does get a little interesting sometimes though and we have to chuckle that we're not postal workers, but some days we accept their motto: "Neither rain nor sleet nor dead of night."
Three Hour, No Heat Open House - I've been thinking about this post for awhile but decided to write it after I was joking with Kevin on the phone today. He is at an Open House at … (1 comments)