Stuart and Sally's Blog

Magnificent Tuscan - $2,995,000

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:32:01 -0500

Featured in “At Home” Magazine, “Estates West” and the July/August 2008 issue

Of “Mountain Living.”

This Van Bryan Studio Architects designed home, built in 2003 by Langlas and Associates for the present owner (a licensed real estate agent), has set the standard for gracious and refined Montana living. The earthy palette of the exterior stone, timbers, and stucco melds the home into the grassy hills overlooking Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley. Only six minutes from town, on the desirable Southside, the setting is completely private, at the end of a cul de sac, surrounded by conservation easements, open space, and other 20 acre (+/-) sites. The 360 degree views are jaw-dropping and unparalleled, with the Hyalites close enough that you feel you can touch them, while the Spanish Peaks and Tobacco Roots set the stage against the endless sky. Weather watching is a terrific pastime in practically every room of the house.

The stately home combines the very best of Montana design elements and materials with Old World details including arched doorways, columns, travertine marble trim, soaring timbered ceilings, integral plaster walls, and irregular width and length distressed cherry floors. The house abounds with defining touches that set it apart from all other houses in the area. Between its spectacular setting and the abundant use of windows, the interior and exterior of the home enhance the awe inspiring setting.

The entry foyer, with a Montana slate floor, overlooks the great room and the valley stretching into seeming eternity below. A grand hall with perfectly placed columns links the great room with the spacious dining room and gourmet country-style kitchen. The fireplace and bar open to both the living room and kitchen, yet each room is intimate, with its own defined space. The Stainless Steel and Granite kitchen has been created for entertaining and serious cooking, with 3 Gaggenau ovens (including a steam oven), a 6-burner with griddle Thermador Professional cook top, Bosch dishwasher, 3 bowl main sink, large kitchen island with bar sink, ice maker, refrigerator drawers, butcher block inset on the counter, an area that hides small appliances, and a refrigerator in both the kitchen and large food pantry room. There is a separate butler’s pantry as well, with display and ample cabinets and counters.

The main level also includes the master suite with sitting area, his and her walk-in closets, double sinks, bath and walk-in shower, and private patio, an office with built-in cabinets and filing drawers, a powder room with a handmade Italian vanity, a second powder room off the kitchen, a laundry room with a view, and the mud room a joining the 4-car garage.

Two staircases in the house lead to the two separate upper floors and single lower level. A dramatic spiral staircase with a metal railing created by Doug Adelmann is at the front of the house, drawing you to a “penthouse” office as well as to the lower level. The office is bathed in light, with a cathedral, timbered ceiling, windows on three sides, and a private patio. During winter months, a herd of 100 (+/-) elk are camped on the hillside directly to the south of the house and are a main attraction from the office windows.

The staircase off the kitchen area accesses the very private upper floor bedroom suite, which includes bunk beds built into a nook for sleep-overs, walk-in closet with a hidden play room, a built-in desk, wall-mounted television, and a library area. The bathroom with a shower is shared by the suite and the guest “Tent “ room—everyone’s favorite room. A hand painted mural of a magical mountain wilderness adorns the wall of the hallway and the canvas tent room.

The lower level, nestled into the hillside, walks out to a patio with hot tub and a trampoline flush with the surrounding lawn. The rec room is the centerpiece to this level, with high ceilings, stained concrete floors, a pool table, big screen TV, ample bookshelves, and a utility kitchen. A back up laundry room, a guest bedroom with bath, and a junior suite that contains a hidden computer room, a spacious bathroom, and a built-in day bed for sleep-overs are off the rec room. The hallway leading to the front staircase contains a bank of storage cabinets on one side with the other side opening to a gift wrapping room, tool room, cedar closet, luggage storage, and mechanical rooms. There are 2 large water heaters, water filtering system, water softener, humidifier, and 3 air conditioning systems.

A Jack-leg fence encompasses the nearly 20 acres of rolling ground. At the top of the property is a level playing field for football and soccer or even practicing your cast for fly fishing. The yard surrounding the home has been meticulously landscaped with perennial beds providing color and cut flowers throughout the growing season.

At the front of the house, a waterfall welcomes guests as it gushes down the aspen covered hillside. The rear outdoor entertainment area includes a patio with a barbeque area overlooking a small stream with two connecting ponds and a waterfall. A sculpture of a bear by noted Montana artist Jim Dolan graces the larger pond, with an 18^th Century French fountain splashing water into the stream. Sprinklers and drip irrigation systems make maintenance easy.

North Ridge Ranch covenants allow for 4 horses and a barn, with guest accommodations above, or perhaps, an artist studio.

Interior Resources

Architect:

Van Bryan Studio Architects

Bozeman, Mt.

(406) 586-4777

Builder:

Langlas & Associates

Billings, Mt.

(406) 656-0629

Flooring:

Irregular width and length cherry

Jackson’s Hardwoods

Bozeman, Mt.

(406) 586-9358

Wood floors are trimmed with honed Travertine Marble

Metal Railings in circular staircase & Fireplace screens and tools:

Anvil Art-Doug Adelmann (deceased)

Bozeman, Mt.

Faux Painting: Owner, along with:

Melissa Branson

Bozeman, Mt.

(406) 581-7545

Living room Chandeliers: Studio Steel

Light fixture in Entry Hall: Fine Arts Lamps

Dining room & Master Bedroom Chandelier, stair sconces: Laura Lee Designs

2008 REPLACEMENT COST

19.33 acres of vacant land, North Ridge Ranch $1,200,000

7,742 sq. ft. finished space @$325 per sq. ft. $2,516,150

Architect & Engineering Fees $125,000

1,262 sq. ft. garage @$125 sq. ft $157,750

1,560 sq. ft patios @ $50 sq. ft $78,000

waterfalls, ponds, streams, sculpture, hot tub, driveways $110,000

wells, sprinklers, landscaping, trees, etc. $375,000

Total $4,561,900

To build this house today, it would require approximately 2 years of time from the first meeting with the architect to move-in. Construction costs would be carried during this time. It would involve multiple meetings with the architect as well as construction site visits.

This type of a 20 acre parcel is no longer available in this area of Bozeman, nor is it easy to find this degree of privacy and seclusion this close to town.

Gallatin County Fair - Fun for the whole herd!

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:56:07 -0500

The Annual Gallatin County Fair is in town this weekend and we want everyone to have such a grand time! Many locals and visitors enjoy going to this annual event and watching the Pro Bull Riding, Bozeman Roundup Rodeo, Mud Bog and the Annual 4-H International Cherry Pit Spitting contest.

Come and enjoy a traditional western fair. The Gallatin County Fair has something for everyone to enjoy - Food, Music, Carnival, Animals, & Contests. This year's entertainment includes the Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo, the Mud Bog, Montana Clown Works, and the ever-popular North Star Amusement's Carnival. Anyone can enter the Open Class Exhibits in Arts & Crafts, Gardening, Flowers, Foods, Needlework, Photography, Group Projects, Poultry and Livestock. Special competitive Events include the Super Grasshopper Contest, the Humane Society Pet Show, the Dog Agility or Dog Dock Diving Contests and the Annual 4-H International Cherry Pit Spitting contest. There are additional charges for the Mud Bog and the Bozeman Roundup Rodeo.

For more information: http://www.gallatin.mt.gov/fairgrounds

Click Here for a list of 2008 Gallatin County Fair Food Vendors & Commercial Exhibitors Booths
Free Entertainment Stage Presented by Rio Tinto
Daily, Wed- Sun	All Day Pass $15 In Advance $20 after Fair Starts*	North Star Amusements Carnival*
	FREE	Super Science Company "Fun with Physics" Presented by Yellowstone Bank
	FREE	The Comedy & Juggling of Paul Isaak Presented by Valley Sound Support
	FREE	Kid's Fun Zone with Curly the Clown (Big B Jamboree)
	FREE	Matt Sorensen's Can Art (Beautiful Spray Can Art)
	FREE	Penelope the Clown
	FREE	Lou's Travelling Petting Zoo Presented by Simpson Honda
Wed, July 16th	$35 at Murdochs or at Arena Gate	Bozeman Classic PBR Presented by Continental Construction
	FREE	Music by "Sweet Adelines"
	FREE	Dog Agility Show

Thu, July 17th	FREE	Music by "Ringling 5"
	FREE	Short Dock Dog Diving Contest Presented by Faithful Friends Animal Clinic
	FREE	FFA Mutton Bustin' Contest Presented by Montana Veterinary Hospital & Boarding
Fri, July 18th	FREE	Heart of the Valley Shelter Dog Train-Off Presented by Williams Plumbing & Heating
	FREE	Team Ranch Cutting & Yearling Branding Competition
	FREE	Southwest Montana Rodeo Queen Contest
	FREE	Classic Rock & Roll & Swing Music by "Clambelly"
		Heroes Behind the Badge Blood Drive
Sat, July 19th	*$5	Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo & Saddle Bronc Riding Presented by First Security Bank
	$5 at Mud Bog Gate	Mountaineers 4x4 Mud Bog
	FREE	Heart of the Valley Shelter Dog Train-Off Presented by Williams Plumbing & Heating
	FREE	XL Country/Colgate Country Showdown
	FREE	Music by "Western Skies" Presented by First Interstate Bank
	FREE	Super Grasshopper Contest
	FREE	Ranch Horse Contest
		Heroes Behind the Badge Blood Drive
Sun, July 20th		Cowboy Church
	FREE	Doxie Derby Contest
	FREE	Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Pet Show Presented by Williams Plumbing & Heating
	FREE	George Eddie Memorial 4-H Rodeo

*Tickets available after July 1

$500,000 Price Reduction!

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:46:06 -0500

$500,000 Price Reduction - on 160 acres of beautiful land up Bridger Canyon in Bozeman, Montana.

YOUR OWN MONTANA PARADISE

Extraordinary land for the discriminating buyer wishing for privacy, gated security,and a mountain ambiance while still being within minutes of thriving downtown Bozeman, the airport, and Bridger Bowl. Choose your Ideal building site within the woods, pastures, or rolling hills with a seasonal stream nestled into the rugged Bridger Mountains, home to moose, bear, deer, and soaring eagles. The Big Sky, glimpses of Gallatin Valley, and panoramic mountains are your vista in a land so magical that your dreams will know no bounds. Dogs and horses welcomed. Cowboy boots, too.

Just minutes, literally, from Bridger Bowl Ski Resort & Downtown Bozeman.

Originally Priced $2,895,000 ~ Just Reduced to $2,395,000

Click here for Virtual Tour

Open House - Sunday July 20th - 4979 Durston Road, Bozeman, Montana - See you there!

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:02:38 -0500

We look forward to seeing you there! Bring your questions, bring your clients, bring your friends - this truely is a great house! It's just off Durston Road (in town) and the best part? Horses are welcome! It's rare to find a home in town, such as this one, that will allow horses. Zoning is for 5 horses total with a canal near by for watering and irrigation. Don't forget: THIS PROPERTY HAS NO COVENANTS!

The Home of Sally Uhlmann & Family - Western Tradition

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:02:34 -0500

Click here to read the entire article.

“One of the joys of building your own home is that if you pay attention, you can get all the details right,” says Sally Uhlmann of Bozeman, Montana. Her family’s home is a testament to that philosophy; from a custom fireplace built to exacting specifications for displaying an oil painting to a living room designed to accommodate a large heirloom rug, the traditionally-styled home is classic and elegant, yet perfectly at home in its Western setting.

A Place for Everything

Behind the scenes, the Uhlmanns’ home is outfitted with functional rooms and hidden spaces that serve a variety of practical purposes:

A spacious laundry room—with a view “We generate a lot of laundry, and since I spend a lot of time there it’s essential to me to have a beautiful room with a drop-dead gorgeous view,” Sally says.

Click here to read more in the July/August issue of Mountain Living Magazine

Blixseth, Redford helped shoulder state into new economy

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:55:04 -0500

By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer

Robert Redford and Tim Blixseth don't have much in common, aside from their big impact on Montana's landscape.

ERIK PETERSEN/CHRONICLE Yellowstone Club owner Tim Blixseth stands in front of the 120,000-square-foot Warren Miller Lodge at the club. "That's your basic $100 million lodge," Blixseth said. One is a Hollywood actor, movie producer and liberal environmental activist. The other is a jet-setting billionaire who wheels and deals in luxury real estate.

But they both changed Montana. Between them, they've helped shoulder the state into a new economy, one increasingly based on real estate, construction and recreation. It's what economists call an "amenity" economy, one that relies on scenic views, pleasing lifestyles and portable money.

Redford, with his beautifully produced and photographed 1992 movie "A River Runs Through It," made a movie star of both Brad Pitt and Montana's scenery. The film generated tons of glowing publicity about the state, ignited a new craze for fly fishing and started a population influx and demographic shift that the Montana Department of Commerce has dubbed "A River Runs Through It Syndrome."

Also in 1992, Blixseth landed in Montana, purchasing 140,000 acres of land, then proceeding with a series of land deals that eventually resulted in The Yellowstone Club, a gated community where only millionaires are allowed.

The club symbolizes wretched excess for some people and King Solomon's mines for others. But love it or hate it, the club stands as the keystone property in the booming Big Sky resort area, a generator of intense publicity, and a major driver of the region's economy.

Redford's movie put Southwestern Montana on the map.

And while he didn't do it alone, Blixseth put it on the market.

Now, 15 years later, this part of the state is a very different place.

New waves of homesteaders have arrived and they aren't like the honyockers of the early 20th century, the people lured west by hucksters who promised that rain would follow the plow. The first wave of homesteaders came here for free land and a chance to make a living. Most of them went broke.

The new homesteaders are a different sort. Few of them come here looking to expand their wealth. Instead, they bring their own money. Economically, they make their own rain, and a lot of people are hoisting buckets, trying to catch some.

Gallatin County alone has 828 licensed real estate agents - almost a quarter of the state's total. Bozeman offers a variety of sushi restaurants, plus Persian rug dealers, cosmetic surgery centers and art galleries of all stripes.

On one block of the sunny side of Bozeman's Main Street, you can find $2,000 espresso machines, $10,000 sofas and $60,000 home theater systems. Million-dollar McMansions pepper the landscape, designer clothing surrounds the tables in tony restaurants, and just try to count all those Audis and Expeditions and Escalades.

And then there's the cash money. Federal bank regulators say that Gallatin County banks hold $1.6 billion in cash deposits. That's $20,000 for every man, woman and child in the county. It's 30 percent above the state average and the total grew by $1 billion between 2000 and 2007.

And the truly wealthy n Forbes Magazines's list of the 400 richest Americans names at least 10 people with homes in Montana n tend to do their banking somewhere else. They might have a $10 million property in Montana, but home, and the major bank account, remains elsewhere.

"Lots of people with wealth, whether they're part-timers or not, don't necessarily do their banking here," said Larry Swanson, an economist at the O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West at University of Montana.

Measuring the impact of the new wealth in Montana, Swanson said, is like looking at an iceberg: Most of the bulk is underwater and unseen, but that's what packs the wallop.

At Blixseth's Yellowstone Club alone, 340 millionaires have already bought land. And Blixseth says he's confident he can bring in about 500 more.

Some people, particularly those with marketable skills, benefit from the influx of wealth.

"It means an electrician can drive a $40,000 vehicle and live in a $400,000 house," said Clark Wheeler, a veteran land appraiser in Bozeman. "Twenty years ago, they were living pretty sparse."

And while a lot of people are putting a lot of money in the bank, the averages don't tell the whole story. Some people stash a lot of green. Others can't find much at all.

Poverty remains high in the Gallatin Valley, though it's largely out of sight.

Gallatin County History - Montana

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:45:20 -0500

Gallatin County, named after President Madison's Seceretary of the Treasury, Albert Gallatin, is brimming with history. It was an area that was once home to very early native peoples dating back thousands of years. Tribal bands including the Shoshone, Nez Perce, Blackfeet, Flathead, and Sioux, date back several hundred years. The area was rich with game, water, and plants used by the natives.

Europeans may have entered the valley in the late 1700s as they searched and trapped for beaver pelts to send back East for hats and coats. The Lewis and Clark party left the first written description of the valley in both 1805 and 1806 during their epic journey. When gold was discovered 60 and 80 miles to the west, the rush was on over the new Bozeman Trail, established by John Bozeman, a Georgian also looking for gold. Many who followed this trail for gold returned to the valley to take up farming and business.

So began the town of Bozeman in 1864. The town grew slowly, reaching a population of 3,500 by 1900. The Northern Pacific Railroad had completed its line through the town in 1883, and Montana Agricultural College held its first classes in 1893.

Established in 1863, Gallatin County is located in the southwest part of Montana. Gallatin County encompasses 2,517 square miles. To put this in perspective, Gallatin County is larger than the states of Rhode Island or Delaware. Much of the county is fertile farm fields, and over 40% is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

The Bozeman Trail was the northern spur off of the Oregon Trail. This trail began at Lankrock and ended at Virginia City, Montana. John Bozeman began to lead new settlers over this trail in 1864. It was open for three years until it was closed by the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians who wanted to stop the immigration of new settlers into the area.

In 1883 the Northern Pacific Railway finished its pathway to Bozeman through what is now known as the Bozeman Pass. This route paralleled the Bozeman Trail and is now Interstate 90.

On July 7, 1864, Daniel E. Rouse and William J. Beall drafted plans for the townsite. The name of Bozeman was chosen August 9, 1864, and named the Gallatin County seat in 1867.

Established in 1868 by Captain R. S. LaMotte and two companies of the 2nd Cavalry of Fort Shaw, Fort Ellis was named for Colonel Augustus Van Horne Ellis who was killed in the line of duty at Gettysburg. The Fort was established after the death of John Bozeman and considerable political disturbance. Local settlers felt a need for added protection in the Gallatin area.

Yellowstone National Park came about after the establishment of Fort Ellis and the quieting of political turbulence in the Gallatin area. A growing curiosity over the rumors coming out of nearby Yellowstone Valley prompted a group of leading citizens to explore the region. It was decided around a campfire to preserve this wondrous area for the enjoyment of all people. This group of men, known as the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition, brought about the establishment of Yellowstone National Park on March 2, 1872 - the first National Park.

Lewis and Clark passed through what is now known as the Gallatin Valley on their epic journey across the western United States during the early 1800s.

Montana State University was founded in 1893 as a land grant college. Originally named Montana State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, Montana State University today offers baccalaureate degrees in 50 fields with many different options, master's degrees in 39 fields, and doctoral degrees in 13 fields.

Thanks to the Gallatin County Website.

Lewis & Clark In Montana: The Expedition Begins

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:38:53 -0500

The Expedition Begins
In 1804 a hopeful Thomas Jefferson sent Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to find the fabled River of the West. From the time of Columbus, explorers and statesmen had dreamed of a Northwest Passage, an all-water route connecting the trade routes of the Pacific to the Old World of the Atlantic. As president of a still-young nation, Jefferson had pressed for the Louisiana Purchase to strengthen American trade and settlement. The final $15 million-dollar agreement with France doubled America's size overnight.

Lewis & Clark in Montana
On April 25, 1805, the Corps of Discovery camped by the riverside near the future site of Fort Union. Lewis and Clark hoped they were only weeks away from the Pacific via an all-water route, the mythical Northwest Passage. The group rested and celebrated their arrival at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. The expedition journals noted the spot's potential as a trade location between two navigable rivers, the early highways of commerce. Entering what would be Montana led the expedition into the land of the Blackfeet. Their first contact with this tribe had been less than promising.

The Northwest Passage was not Jefferson's only priority. In fact, of the tasks assigned them, Lewis and Clark accomplished the most within the modern borders of Montana. Contact and negotiations with native tribes, the reconnaissance of suitable sites for trading posts and forts, and scientific accounts of the land's plants, animals, and scenic resources were all in keeping with Jefferson's hopes for the expedition.

Montana Unspoiled Adventure
Today, much of the Montana landscape that Lewis & Clark crossed remains unchanged. From solitary sandstone through river canyons to mountain meadows, Montana's rivers and highways flow past scores of landmarks related to the expedition. This site is a guide to these landmarks and the many opportunities to enjoy Montana's beauty and recreation.

Please click here to learn more and plan YOUR Montana adventure!

History of John Bozeman

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:17:02 -0500

John Bozeman was born in Pickens County, Georgia, in 1835. Like so many men of the Civil War era, he was struck with gold fever and headed west in 1858, abandoning his wife and three children. Bozeman came to Montana from Colorado in 1862 after his lust for gold fizzled when his claims failed to pan out. Seeing a need to supply the mining camps of Bannack and Virginia City, he realized it would be more profitable to "mine the miners" than to mine gold. In 1863, he and John Jacobs blazed the Bozeman Trail, a cutoff route from the Oregon Trail, and guided miners to Virginia City through the Gallatin Valley.

Bozeman saw the fertile Gallatin Valley as a most desirable place to live. He chose the site "standing right in the gate of the mountains ready to swallow up all tenderfeet that would reach the territory from the east, with their golden fleeces to be taken care of" to make his fortune. In 1864, Bozeman, along with Daniel Rouse and William Beall, platted the town which would bear his name. The Bozeman Trail passed directly through the Gallatin Valley and was used by travellers until 1868 when it was closed because of the Indian Wars. It served its purpose; emigrants who saw the lush valley settled in Bozeman's fledgling town.

John Bozeman was murdered under mysterious circumstances along the Yellowstone River, east of present-day Livingston, in April, 1867, three years after establishing his town. His partner on the trip, Tom Cover, reported they had been attacked by a band of Blackfeet Indians. Inconsistencies in Cover's story have led historians to suspect Bozeman was murdered, either by Cover, or possibly by a jealous husband of one of the few women in town.

Local hysteria over a possible Indian attack so close to town led to the establishment of Fort Ellis, three miles east of Bozeman. Fort Ellis kept the tiny settlement afloat by providing protection and a market for local farmers and merchants.

John Bozeman is buried in Sunset Hills Cemetery.

Thanks to the City of Bozeman website.

Bozeman's Premier, Platinum Properties!

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:29:49 -0500

Here are just a few of the great properties we have currently listed. Give us a call for a private showing or to answer any questions you may have about these properties and about Bozeman & Gallatin Valley, Montana.

Let's Connect!

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:37:23 -0500

Stuart Tilt and Sally Uhlmann are a unique team in Bozeman's vibrant real estate community, equally partnering in Platinum Properties at ERA Landmark as licensed Realtors. Working together, each of us brings a distinctive set of skills and sensitivity to our relationships with our clients. We offer the security of knowledge, experience and very personal hands-on service that insures that our real estate transactions are a satisfying experience.

Our select clients feel secure knowing that they are our top priority. To this end, we work with vigorous determination, all hours of the day, seeking a treasured property for a buyer or creatively packaging and marketing a property to obtain it the highest possible price for the seller.

A New Standard of Excellence

Our backgrounds and lifestyle make it possible for us to establish a new standard of excellence in the transactions of Platinum Properties. Our focus is on premiere properties...and the results show!

We have been the sales agents in over half of the highest-priced residential sales in Gallatin Valley in 2006.

The key to any positive sales transaction is to have a finely-tuned understanding of the shifting real estate marketplace in terms of inventory, recent sales and the economic pulse. Our awareness of the existing market allows us to analyze a property with a clear vision for obtaining the maximum price in the shortest time frame.

We share a strong sense of the potent power of the visual and know the importance of effectively setting the stage before listing a property. We appreciate the emotional pull a property can - and should - exert. Every property evokes a visceral experience and we are committed to making it a positive one.

Everything we do is with the goal of providing you, our client, with the highest level of service, support and security.

It's All About Successful Relationships

All relationships begin with a sense of trust and rapport. Stuart and Sally bring years of dynamic interpersonal skills to every new client relationship.

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Meet Stuart Tilt

Since graduating from Duke in 1978, Stuart's career has focused on communications, sales and marketing, beginning with her work at New York City's Wells Rich and Greene Advertising. This led to many years in advertising sales for several publishing companies including Cahners Publishing. As an account executive for the noted Ketchum Advertising Agency, Stuart's clients included the AT&T Bell Companies.

Stuart's career took a different path while raising her two children in Washington D.C. As the owner of her own interior decorating firm, she successfully facilitated both residential and commercial clients to find their own distinctive visual styles.

In 2001, Stuart moved to Bozeman and turned her skills in sales, marketing and interior design in a different direction - real estate. Her background has been instrumental in her success as real estate agent specializing in the high end market.

Always involved in her community, Stuart is currently a member of the board of directors for the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and has served on the Museum Ball Committee for two years and the Heart of the Valley Humane Society Board. She looks forward to continued community service in the area she now calls home. Stuart loves to entertain, fly fish, ski and move to a new "project" house every three years or so all with the help of her husband Whitney.

Stuart fishing on the Big Horn River

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Meet Sally Uhlmann

While still a teenager, Sally began designing and creating clothing for performers and major recording artists in her home town of San Francisco. She attended Antioch College before moving to Ibiza, Spain. By the age of 24, Sally had built her own fashion business as the founder and president of Salaminder, a designer clothing company. When she sold Salaminder in 1990, the firm had over 1,200 active retail accounts including the prestigious Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as Harrods's in London.

During this time, newspapers from around the world did stories on this dynamic young entrepreneur who would roller skate from one end of her factory to the other.

Sally "retired" to raise and train 3-Day event horses on her ranch in Kansas. Her interest in this field led directly to her role as one of the three founders of Ariat International, now the leading equestrian boot company in the world. Utilizing her own sales and public relations background as the CEO of a clothing design firm, Sally concentrated on setting up the marketing and product introduction for the Ariat line.

As one of Kansas City's best-known home chefs, Sally's passion for cooking established her credentials as a writer and editor; Sally was the food editor of Kansas City Magazine and the entertaining editor for Home Design Magazine for five years.

Sally's wide range of interests has led her to travel all over the world. It was a conference for one of her international projects that first brought her to Bozeman in 2002 and she immediately fell in love with the region and permanently moved her family to Montana the following year.

Sally has served on many civic boards and as an enthusiastic Bozeman resident, she has chaired the Museum of the Rockies Wine Classic for 2006 and 2007. The 2006 Wine Classic was the most financially successful gala in the history of Montana.

Sally is very happily married with three children she adores. Sally loves to cook, garden, and literally trek the world, having covered a chunk of the Himalayas. She loves to design and build luxury houses, and is an active investor in Gallatin Valley real estate.

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Stuart Tilt and Sally Uhlmann are proven leaders in bringing together buyers and sellers of luxury, premiere real estate in Bozeman, Montana and the surrounding Gallatin Valley. By working as full partners, Stuart and Sally guarantee that our clients receive twice the attention, with personalized services designed exclusively for buyers and sellers of high-end properties. By providing platinum-level services to our distinctive client list, we become your inside track to fine living in the thriving Bozeman community

Black Bull Golf Community - Bozeman, Montana

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:02:17 -0500

Come visit the Black Bull Golf Community!

Somewhere in your mind's eye is an image of mountain golf community living that seamlessly blends the Old West with the new. It's a place where fencelines stretch across silent fields of grain to a limitless horizon. Where snow-capped mountains rise dramatically to a cobalt blue sky. Where crystal-clear rivers teem with wild trout. Where deep cold-smoke powder cloaks uncrowded slopes.

Most people would call this the idyllic western vacation-but you can call it home. Black Bull is a 378-home premier golf community established on 485 acres of the historic Leachman Angus Ranch, just west of bustling Bozeman, Montana. At Black Bull, you'll feel as if you can reach out and touch a piece of vivid Montana history from your front porch - all while living in contemporary-rustic elegance, savoring the first-class amenities you'd expect from what's sure to become one of the region's most desirable golf communities.

For more information, please visit the Black Bull website, Stuart and Sally would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have or arrange for a private tour of the facilities.

** Special thanks to Black Bull website for all information you find on this site regarding Black Bull Golf Community. Listing Agent: Sue Frye 1805 W. Dickerson Suite 1 Bozeman, MT 59715

Let's Connect!

Call us at: 406-556-5013
e-mail: contact@stuartandsally.com

Real Estate Investments

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:57:37 -0500

"Owning a home is a keystone of wealth ...both financial affluence and emotional security." -Suze Orman

Investing For Your Future

Investing doesn't sound romantic or exciting until you visit Montana. Few things in life are as rewarding and vital - and solid - as owning Montana real estate. Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley embody the very best of what the great state of Montana offers. World-class fly fishing, hunting, skiing, and an excellent university have partially contributed to the Bozeman community's steady - 10 to 12 percent annually - appreciation in real estate values. Bozeman is a unique combination of the sophisticated and the rustic, the art-conscious and nature-loving, a vibrant city and the soothing calm of the mountains and valleys. A thriving community located in a spectacular valley. Land, although sweeping in scale, is finite in availability due to the surrounding mountains, zoning laws, and vast amounts of adjacent publicly-owned land. Supply and demand are definitely driving this market. A quick glance at our Bozeman Market Report shows our tremendous growth.

Understanding The Market

Stuart and Sally understand the Bozeman area market and the opportunities for investment. We are constantly scouting out "deals" which we pass along to our clients, but only after accessing exactly the kind of property they desire.

We know the availability of water, the Bozeman and Gallatin Valley master plans for future growth, and which local expert to answer questions that may lay outside our real estate and marketing expertise. We have a solid network of professionals in every field who are here to help you resolve a myriad of questions that may arise while considering an investment. For example: Do you place your acreage in conservation easement? Do you qualify for a 1031 exchange? Should title be placed in a trust? Who will manage the property if you live elsewhere?

Creating Trust

Investing your personal resources is serious business. We are knowledgeable, honest, and dedicated to helping you make the best possible decision, while protecting your privacy and respecting your wishes. Stuart and Sally work together, constantly communicating, researching and investigating all the important details to help serve our clients' best interests.

We love what we do, and it shows. We treat our clients with the same respect, dignity and appreciation that we do our closest friends and family because our experience has proven to us that many of our clients today evolve into our friends of tomorrow.

Let's Connect!

Call us at: 406-556-5013
e-mail: contact@stuartandsally.com

Getting Ready to Sell?

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:51:40 -0500

Getting ready to sell

Sometimes it takes only the first few minutes after a potential buyer walks into a house that we're listing that the potent feeling hits: a powerful visceral reaction that says, "This is home." It's an emotional reaction that cannot be predicted or explained. It may be an intangible connection to the house or, more likely, the result of a seller properly preparing their home to show off its very best assets. Working with Stuart and Sally allows our select group of clients to take advantage of our experience in the areas of both interior design and marketing. We facilitate our sellers opening their own "discerning eye��? to envision how their property might be perceived by others. We are at your service to assist in "staging" a home for its most advantageous presentation.

But the marketing process begins much earlier, by effectively attending to this checklist of items that should be completed in any home before it goes on the market.

Outdoors / Exterior:

Clean up any debris around property. Make sure lawns and hedges are neatly trimmed and pruned. Clear away any dead plants.

Clean all windows, inside and out.

The entrance of any home makes the important primary statement about the rest of the house. Make the area in and around front door appealing, tidy and attractive.

Touch up areas that may require fresh paint or wood stain

Repair any loose drains, window screens, and all other noticeable items around a home's exterior.

Garage:

If it's cluttered, clean and organize the area, throw out any unnecessary items stored there to create a more visually appealing appearance.

Living Areas:

The interior of a home should not just look clean, but smell as fresh and clean as possible. If there are cat litter boxes, have the litter changed frequently, even daily. Subtle air fresheners - or, better yet, the aroma of freshly-baked goods - are excellent additions to the fragrance of a clean home, but don't mask unpleasant smells (pets, moldiness, dampness) with strong perfumes. The most enticing environment is as clean and fresh as possible.

Refresh areas that require attention. Paint or touch up where needed. Clean drapes, wash curtains, dust frequently, and polish all furnishings. Pets are wonderful, but there shouldn't be obvious signs of their activities: vacuum up pet hair, clean up litter boxes (and keep in discreet places), and keep feeding areas clean and tidy.

Replace any burnt out light bulbs, dust off lampshades and glass globes where needed.

Organize bookshelves and closets, drawers, and cabinets. When showing a house for sale, clutter is never your friend! Neatly arrange items and tidy up areas, stacking boxes and arranging shoes and clothing in an organized fashion.

Kitchen:

Sinks, counter tops, and appliances - surface and interior! - should sparkle. Clean out refrigerators and wash down the shelves and surfaces. Food storage drawers should be as clean as possible. Deep clean the inside surfaces of ovens (if possible, they should look as "new" as possible) and every nook and cranny of gas and electric ranges

The floor should be scrubbed and waxed frequently, particularly with heavy use. All tiles should be clean and shiny and grout should be cleaned and bleached or, if needed, replaced.

Bathrooms:

Mirrors should be shiny and clean. All bathroom surfaces should be clean and free of soap scum, mildew, hard-water stains. If grout and/or caulking can't be cleaned or bleached, replace as necessary.

Arrange and clean cabinets and drawers.

Replace shower curtain and bath mats if needed.

Fix any leaky faucets

Overall:

Walk through your house with a critical set of eyes, trying to note areas that may lessen the positive impact of the home. Fix, replace, or rearrange anything that negatively catches your attention. Try to anticipate what a buyer will notice or find potentially objectionable. You know your home better than anyone and intuitively understand how to present it in its best light.

Check all doors to make sure they don't squeak or stick.

Listen! Are there objectionable noises that need to be addressed and fixed? Remember, a menacing, barking dog can make buyers uneasy and nervous.

Keep your house temperature set at a comfortable level. You may personally prefer it too hot or briskly cool, but potential buyers may not!

Lighting makes a critical difference. Are rooms well-lit? Do lamps have appropriate bulb wattages? Check the views out of all windows in the home and remove items inside and out that may hinder or lessen the visual impact of the view.

Let's Connect!

Call us at: 406-556-5013
e-mail: contact@stuartandsally.com

Montana Farm & Ranch

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:46:14 -0500

In his book, A Sense of Place: Listening to Americans, author David Lamb sums up how many feel about Montana when he writes, "In every true Montanan, there is something that says, ‘I am a last holdout.' " You see, Montana isn't just the "Last Best Place," but unique in the sense that in this modern day and age, it remains primarily a rural land filled with vast ranches, farms, and national forests. Montana is the fourth largest state in the Union, but with a population less than that living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In Montana, it's still very possible to become a cowboy, to ride the range, and to own property as far as the eye can see. There are "Gentleman Ranches" in and around Bozeman that satisfy the craving for a piece of the True West, allow horses, and are relatively easy to maintain. Or, like Ted Turner, Tom Seibel, and Tom Brokaw, you can jump in feet first and rope in a legendary Montana ranch, rich in history.

Stuart and Sally are ready to assist our clients in finding and acquiring the ranch or farm of their dreams. We work closely with specialists in Farm and Ranch properties, knowing many times well in advance that a property will be coming on the market. Pricing for acreage varies wildly, determined by many factors, including proximity to Bozeman or another urban area, existing buildings, water, trees, the make-up of the soil, weather conditions, views, topography, and the desirability of the land.

Many ranches and farms in Montana are owned by out-of state investors. Consequently, a thriving ranch management service industry has sprung up in Montana, specializing in the overseeing of large land holdings. It is possible to hire management and consultants who can address every aspect of being a proper steward of the land while operating an agricultural-based business.

There are many ways to help offset the cost of buying and operating large tracts of Montana land. There is a new trend to "bank" and trade such natural resources as water rights and there are lucrative tax credits for conservation easements. Stuart and Sally know the right professionals for you to consult with regarding ranch and land management. It is important for you to fully appreciate and understand the enormity of undertaking the running of a farm or ranch if you have not previously owned such a property.

In Montana, we consider Ryan Flair of "Fay Ranches" and Dave Johnson of "Hall & Hall" to be the leading listing agents for rural Montana farm and ranches.

We are happy to represent your interests should you wish to purchase one of their listings or any other available property in Montana.

Private Yet Close to Town - Spectacular Location Surrounded by Cottonwood Trees

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:17:09 -0500

Stuart and Sally | Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties ERA Landmark | 406-556-5013

4979 Durston Road, Bozeman, MT

Private Ranch Home Close to Town

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $650,000

Year Built	1962
Sq Footage	2,549
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	4+ Car garage
Lot Size	3.54 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Great ranch style home, built in 1962, with spectacular acreage, quiet, beautiful mature trees surrounding, landscaping, private, close to town, open floor plan, lots of windows, three additional rooms on one side of the house – perfect for single practitioner – hot tub conveys. Property has no covenants.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Fireplace	Tile floor	Family room
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Guest parking

Storage space(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Mature Trees Surround Property

Mountain Views

Wood Stove

Additional 3 Rooms - perfect for single practitioner

No Covenants

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Stuart and Sally

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties ERA Landmark

406-556-5013

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 17, 2008, 12:14pm PDT

Getting Your Home Under Contract....

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:56:46 -0500

Getting Your Home Under Contract....

"The Valley of Flowers"

It's exciting for you, and for Stuart and Sally, when we find the property of your dreams, and you decide to go to the next step in the transaction process, by having us write a Buy/Sell Agreement. But what happens next?

What follows is a guide to a typical real estate transaction once Stuart and Sally submit and negotiate a Buy/Sell Agreement and the Seller accepts:

Since you, as the Buyer, are making a major investment, it's vital that you are fully versed in exactly what you are purchasing and any potential problems, hindrances or restrictions. Stuart and Sally will carefully, and thoroughly, go over each item within the Buy/Sell Agreement prior to your signing the document. We will also fully explain any counter offer from the Seller.

Once you have a fully executed Buy/Sell Agreement, it is prudent to engage a lawyer to examine your documents. Within the Buy/Sell Agreement are any number of Contingencies and Provisions. Each one has a specific Release Date. Stuart and Sally will negotiate, within the contract, ample time for you to satisfy each provision within the contract. We will also help keep the process on track, supplying you with names of qualified specialists to help satisfy a provision.

Should there be a problem with the time frame, we are usually able to amend the Buy/Sell Agreement and secure an extension of time. However, it is best to always remember that in Real Estate Contracts, Time is of the Essence.

As the Buyer, it is your responsibility to provide Earnest Money. The amount varies due to Selling Price and Market.

Your check for Earnest Money is usually made out to the Title Company that is designated by the Seller. Montana law stipulates that you can not have a valid contract unless earnest money is involved. You will usually be paid interest on your money while it sits in an escrow account prior to closing or to the date when contingencies are released. Your earnest money will be refunded to you should you fall out of contract due to contingencies or fault of the Seller.

The Seller of the property is responsible for providing and paying for the Title Insurance. If you, as Buyer, are financing the property, you will be required by your lender to provide the lender Title Insurance. You will receive a Preliminary Title Commitment and generally have 10 working days to examine, and accept, the provisions of the insurance. Stuart and Sally recommend that you have your lawyer go over the Title Insurance.

Financing of the transaction is the Buyer's responsibility, including the Appraisal of the property; in Montana, the typical appraisal fees vary between $400 and $700.

The Buy/Sell Agreement will contain release dates for the financing. As buyer, you must perform all tasks within these dates or risk falling out of contract. If you do require financing, then you will need to work with a lender of your choice.

It is prudent to obtain a letter from a lender stating you are qualified to purchase a property within a specific price range before you begin viewing properties with Stuart and Sally. Having pre-approval strengthens your Buy/Sell offer for negotiations. Stuart and Sally are happy to provide you with the names of local lenders. Terms vary from lender to lender and it is wise to obtain quotes from more than one source.

Lenders require an appraisal prior to financing, and they order the appraisal to insure its accuracy. Appraisals in the Gallatin Valley can take 3 to 4 weeks. Stuart and Sally will help arrange a time for a reputable appraiser to view the property. Should the house not appraise for the contract amount, Stuart and Sally will help negotiate a change in the price.

It is the Buyer's responsibility to seek Home and Property Inspections. The cost of these inspections range from $500 to $750 for a high-end home; this is determined by the age of the home, square footage, and location. Inspection for the potential presence of radon gas, which we urge you to do, generally costs an additional $100.

It is vital that you engage a qualified Home Inspector. Stuart and Sally will provide you with names of reputable local inspectors, schedule the inspection, and will be present during the inspection (which can take between 4 to 7 hours). After the inspection, Stuart and Sally will go over the results with you and after this, present an Inspection Notice to the Seller and negotiate any repairs or provisions required from the Seller due to the Inspection Report. This may involve a price reduction or a requirement for repairs or mitigation.

The Water and Mineral Rights on the sale property may require both legal advice and, potentially, specialists in such matters; these issues are also the Buyer's Responsibility. Water and Mineral Rights in Montana can seem like a daunting labyrinth of legal records and laws. It is the responsibility of the Buyer to determine how important the role of Water and Mineral Rights are in the negotiations for a property and then to accurately determine what rights convey. Stuart and Sally will include in the Buy/Sell Agreement that all rights appurtenant to the property will convey with the property, however it will be up to you to determine what these rights include. The property may have a stream running through it, but that doesn't mean - and this is all too often the case! - the owner of the property has any right whatsoever to take any water out of the stream.

Also, wells and pond construction are regulated by the DNRC and the State of Montana, and, in many cases, Homeowner Associations. You need to know what your options are in regards to water before you purchase the property.

Flood plains are another consideration in purchasing a property in the Gallatin Valley. There are 100 year and 500-year flood plain maps available. If you can see or hear water, you must be aware of your risk for flooding. Engaging a qualified Hydrologist can help determine the best site for a new home or the risk potential of the property.

Many properties in the Bozeman and Gallatin Valley area are connected to active Homeowner Associations. Stuart and Sally will provide you with any and all known Covenants for the Homeowners Association associated with your property. You will need to consult with your attorney to determine any restrictions and regulations that affect your intended use of the property.

The Buyer generally takes possession of the property when the Deed is recorded. This is the day of closing if it is early in the morning, or the following day when the signing is in the afternoon. Stuart and Sally will arrange a final walk-through of the property prior to Closing to insure that everything is in tip-top condition and you are closing on what you have agreed to purchase.

You will need to arrange to have a mover scheduled well before closing date as qualified movers are booked well in advance. Stuart and Sally will provide you with names of the most qualified movers. You will also need to arrange to have utilities and phone connected in your name.

The Buyer's responsibilities at Closing include any loan fees, as applicable. The proration of taxes and any special Assessments that are not the Seller's Responsibility. Other responsibilities include insurance required by the Lender.

Closing Costs, which are generally split between Buyer and Seller, are generally under $300, or a $150 cost to the Buyer.

You will be provided with a closing statement prior to closing. The closing itself is a simple process of signing documents, which can take place in the Title Company's office, or by registered mail with documents being notarized. You will be able, up until 10 or so days prior to closing, to determine which name or entity you wish to have the property titled under.

You will arrange with your lender or banker to have a certified check delivered to the Title company or the monies wired to the Title Company in the amount of the closing by the date of closing.

Congratulations! You are now a Gallatin Valley property owner.

Let's Connect!

Call us at: 406-556-5013
e-mail: contact@stuartandsally.com

BOZEMAN IS RENOWNED FOR ITS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES!

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:49:11 -0500

BOZEMAN IS RENOWNED FOR ITS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

We are blessed with a multitude of year round outdoor recreation opportunities in the Gallatin Valley:

There are no lack of reasons to get you outside and in the fun!

Please visit our Interactive Map and click on, Skiing, Rivers, National Parks, and Mountains to learn more about our fantastic outdoors!

Let's Connect!

Call us at: 406-556-5013
e-mail: contact@stuartandsally.com

Bozeman's Stuart and Sally's Legal Matters - www.stuartandsally.com

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:45:54 -0500

The state of Montana is known as Big Sky Country, the Treasure State and "The Last Best Place" To many, it's also the last vestige of America's wild frontier. The distinctive qualities of this state are not limited to its physical landscape, however. Stuart and Sally are well aware that Montana real estate laws are, many times, unique to Montana. Just because one of our clients from Georgia or Texas happens to be a real estate maven in their own state, they may not be prepared for the particular and sometimes complicated nuances of Montana Real Estate law. This is why we always recommend that our clients obtain local legal counsel to insure there are no unexpected surprises in any real estate transaction.

Gallatin County and the Bozeman are undergoing dramatic growth. This new expansion in the community is accompanied by continual changes in zoning and land use laws. Many areas are without zoning regulations, while other areas have highly restrictive covenants in place. For property buyers, there may be utility issues, density matters, and a myriad of other details that could throw the proverbial monkey wrench into a new property owner's desire to utilize his or her land.

Caveat emptor - Buyers Beware - is a phrase most new property owners dread hearing, particularly when discovering that dividing large tracts of land can be problematic, and in some cases, impossible. Water rights, floodplains, and even mineral rights are all considerations and an important part of the due diligence prior to purchasing a property in Montana

Stuart and Sally's knowledge and familiarity with the Bozeman and Gallatin Valley community will help us guide our clients through a number of these processes, answering questions, resolving issues before they become problems, and alleviating the stress of maneuvering through the laws and restrictions of a new region.

We are well-versed on local real estate and land-use issues and literally know the lay of the land. Our expertise will help insure that you are fully aware of any potential problems prior to making any offer on a property. With the full backing of the ERA Landmark office - Stuart and Sally have a fine-tuned awareness of the evolving landscape of Gallatin Valley regulations and potential pitfalls for land owners.

However, it is both wise and prudent to consult with a local real estate lawyer. We will provide you with a list of Bozeman-based lawyers who can explain and clarify the procedures in dealing with the city or county on a variety of issues that can impact a property transaction, ranging from altering zoning to understanding covenants and regulations. Legal counsel may also bring up other areas for new property owners to consider prior to purchase.

Stuart and Sally are committed to see that every legal detail of your transaction is addressed in a thorough and profession manner and with your best interests in mind.

Let's Connect!

Call us at: 406-556-5013
e-mail: contact@stuartandsally.com

Flying High in Big Sky Country

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:39:40 -0500

Flying high in Big Sky Country

By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer

BELGRADE - When Gallatin Field General Manager Ted Mathis began working at the airport in 1981, there were 29 hangars for private planes.

ERIK PETERSEN/Chronicle Jets line the tarmac as Yellowstone Jet Center workers tend to them over President's Day weekend, an especially busy time for the Jet Center. Today, there are 165, including the 17 new ones built last year.

When it comes to expensive toys, private planes are right up there. A modest model costs about the same as a new diesel pickup, around $50,000, and renting one of those new hangar spaces can cost hundreds of dollars a month. And then there’s the insurance and fuel.

Clearly, a lot of people in the Gallatin Valley have a lot of disposable income.

Most of the local planes run on propellers, but 27 private jets are registered here, too, Mathis said. And they comprise only a fraction of the private jet traffic.

Turner puts money where his heart is...

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:53:32 -0500

Turner puts money where his heart is

By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer

GALLATIN GATEWAY - Ted Turner says things are getting better in the world, but they aren't good enough yet. So he's aiming to fix a few.

ERIK PETERSEN/CHRONICLE Ted Turner looks over some of the vast expanse of land he owns at Spanish Creek on which he raises bison for his newest venture, his chain of 55 Ted's Montana Grill restaurants throughout the country. Compared to a decade ago, fewer people live in utter poverty.

He wants to cut that number ever more. Free trade among nations will help do that, he says, so he's trying to get his fellow Democrats to understand that.

And while he sees global warming as a growing risk, more people are aware of it, partly because of the environmental groups he funds.

"You're talking about a lot of people who are upset about it," Turner said in a recent interview at his Flying D Ranch. "And I think we're going to make them take a swing and try to do something about it."

1031 Exchange - StuartandSally.com

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:31:42 -0500

When buying or selling a luxury Montana property, serious consideration should be given to whether you qualify for a 1031 Exchange, which is covered in Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Simply put, a 1031 Exchange allows the owner of an investment property to sell that property and buy another "like-kind" property, thus deferring the payment of state and federal capital gains taxes. Taxes are only paid when a final property transaction occurs and the seller cashes out, which allows you, the investor, to build on your initial investment and increase its value without paying the taxes during on-going transactions. A number of properties qualify as long as they are investment properties and not your primary residence.

The IRS Section 1031 states: "No gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held either for productive use in a trade or business or for investment."

If you are interested in a 1031 Exchange, Stuart and Sally will search for the ideal property that legally qualifies for your exchange. We will write into the Buy-Sell contract that you are going to be engaging in a 1031 Exchange. There will be an additional form, specifically for 1031 Exchanges, which we will include in the contract and have you sign. At this point we will provide you with the names of local, qualified 1031 specialists to insure your exchange goes as smoothly and professionally as possible. Our affiliation with ERA Landmark - Bozeman's Number One Real Estate Company - provides us with access to a full staff of experts well-versed in all the paperwork and legalities involved in 1031 Exchanges.

As your real estate specialists, Stuart and Sally will provide you with the security and sense of well-being that comes from knowing that we are closely monitoring every aspect of your transaction to make certain that no detail is overlooked. And, naturally, we are always vigilant when it comes to protecting both you and your confidentiality.

Let's Connect!

Call us at: 406-556-5013
e-mail: contact@stuartandsally.com

Conservation in the New West!

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:27:27 -0500

Conservation in the New West

By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer

Region's natural beauty draws newcomers, bolsters economy, triggers bitter battles

ERIK PETERSEN/Chronicle A deck on the main lodge at the Sun Ranch overlooks a sweeping view of the Madison Range. "Henry David Thoreau didn't build a trophy home."

Jim Barrett, Park County Environmental Council

Thanks to modern four-wheel-drive vehicles, you can live at an elevation of 7,000 feet and still be a soccer mom.

"It's as much of a revolution and a change in the demographics as the horse was for the Plains Indian," said archeologist Larry Lahren, who is also a Park County commissioner. "It's been a revolution in terms of people moving into this area, particularly the hinterlands."

The $100M house ..... (Big Sky, Montana) that Blixeth built...

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:24:02 -0500

The $100M house that Blixseth built

By SCOTT McMillion Chronicle Staff Writer

BIG SKY - This is the house that Tim Blixseth built, and it starts with 120,000 square feet - almost three acres - of boards and timbers and stone called the Warren Miller Lodge at the Yellowstone Club.

ERIK PETERSEN/CHRONICLE A pair of skiers rides the lift at the Yellowstone Club where 15 lifts carry a thin stream of passengers from mansion doorways to mountaintop, and lift lines are nonexistent. "That's your basic $100 million lodge," Blixseth said.

The lodge contains ski shops and restaurants, lobbies and bars and lots of big, gas-fired fireplaces. Fine art adorns the walls, bronze statuary stands guard everywhere. The wine list will blow your hair back, or at least the prices will. Almost everywhere you look, an employee is cleaning something. The furniture is heavy. The spaces are expansive. Ceilings rise and rise and rise. The heat bill must be incredible.

Upstairs, you find condominiums, some serviced by private elevators. The biggest condo measures 5,900 square feet and each one of those square feet recently sold for about $1,100. That works out to roughly $6.5 million.

And the lodge is just the gateway to this very private and expensive club, where nobody enters until the security guard gets the OK.

Gotta Read More Here!

Money Changes Everything!

Stuart and Sally Platinum Properties (Prudential Montana Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:18:02 -0500

Money changes everything

By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer

EDITOR'S NOTE: The economy in the Gallatin County area has boomed in recent years, in large part because wealthy people have built homes here. That trend has spread a lot of money around. This week the Chronicle takes an in-depth look at this new economy. Staff Writer Scott McMillion looks at business, philanthropy, agriculture, the environment and the people driving the new economy. Opinions differ as to whether the new wealth is a godsend or an affliction. Either way, the effects are both profound and critical to the region's future.

ERIK PETERSEN/CHRONICLE Yellowstone Club owner Tim Blixseth stands in front of the 120,000-square-foot Warren Miller Lodge at the club. "That's your basic $100 million lodge," Blixseth said. Robert Redford and Tim Blixseth don't have much in common, aside from their big impact on Montana's landscape.

One is a Hollywood actor, movie producer and liberal environmental activist. The other is a jet-setting billionaire who wheels and deals in luxury real estate.

But they both changed Montana. Between them, they've helped shoulder the state into a new economy, one increasingly based on real estate, construction and recreation. It's what economists call an "amenity" economy, one that relies on scenic views, pleasing lifestyles and portable money.

Redford, with his beautifully produced and photographed 1992 movie "A River Runs Through It," made a movie star of both Brad Pitt and Montana's scenery. The film generated tons of glowing publicity about the state, ignited a new craze for fly fishing and started a population influx and demographic shift that the Montana Department of Commerce has dubbed "A River Runs Through It Syndrome."

Click Here to Read More...