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I think gas prices have put the brakes on small acreage home sales!

By
Real Estate Agent with Montana Homestead Brokers, Broker, CRS, GRI, SFR, RN

I just did a bit of research of our market area, in and around Billings Montana, only to discover that we have only sold 25 properties in the last 90 days between 2 and 20 acres.  I know we're just getting use to having the snow gone, and the grass is getting greener, so what's up?

Gas prices are up.  Of the 209 current unsold homes on small acres (2-20) only 20 are under contract right now, today!  That's a very low Activity Index of 9.5%. 

I enjoy country properties the most, so this presents a bit of a challenge for me.  How do I help sellers find buyers for their small acreage property?

Since country life is the life for me, I suppose just sharing the benefits of having some elbow room would really help.  Right now, sitting in my home office, I can look out and see my neighbors, but even though they're walking around I can't tell if they have on a t-shirt or a sweatshirt, and there's nothing wrong with my eyesight, they're just too far away.

Now my neighbors are pretty friendly, but in the "I want to know all your business" sorta way.  Just about everybody waves when they drive by each other, and when I'm outside working in my garden, I usually get honked at, and not because I'm so darn cute!

Here's a little bit of my view from my front door.  Doesn't this look good to you?

tractor tracy

Posted by

The Quilting Realtor

Wanda Thomas

Many Dream Of Living In Montana

I'm One of the Lucky One's That Already Do!

Wanda Thomas

2wandathomas@gmail.com

Call or Text 406-698-8640 for help with all things Montana.

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Myers Jackson
Auctioneer, Texas Flip N Move - Grapevine, TX
America's Auctioneer

Hopefully gas will get back to a reasonable price point very soon, however Montana is a huge State

May 05, 2011 03:00 PM
Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

Wanda-the gas price certainly effects each market differently, I have green built homes and when the gas prices go up the interest levels go up in the homes. Have a good spring and enjoy all the open space.

May 05, 2011 03:04 PM
Stanley Stepak
Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH - Avon Lake, OH
Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,

It may have slowed sales a bit in the area but I think people determined to have that type of home and setting will make it happen

May 05, 2011 03:07 PM
Lindsey Hasford
Edina Realty - Elk River, MN
Bringing you home...

I was just wondering today if the gas prices were ever going to affect the outer area homes sales. I know that it's affecting my driving habits a wee bit.

May 05, 2011 03:10 PM
Paul Lesieur
203kloanmn - North Oaks, MN

We as a nation are revisiting our wants and needs as homeowners. I have 1 1/2 acres, big lot for the Twin Cities. I feel 10 to 20 acres is about right for me but that means another 10 to 15 miles of commuting.

Its not only gasoline (which will hit $5 a gallon this year or next), its the time involved in getting to my work.

Country life isn't my thing but privacy is and my next home will likely be in a more secluded area.

May 05, 2011 03:19 PM
Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate
Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming - Laramie, WY
Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming

I think your picture should be included as part of the definition of "rural"!

May 05, 2011 04:26 PM
Wanda Thomas
Montana Homestead Brokers, Broker, CRS, GRI, SFR, RN - Billings, MT
Billings Montana Real Estate

We drive the 50 mpg vw diesel bug and the highlander for most of our trips to town.  Since gas prices have gone up again, I'm just a better planner, try not to forget things when I go places so I only make one trip.  All in all, I think that's just better use of my time and my money!

May 06, 2011 02:08 AM