montana: Missoula FHA Loan Tips & Mortgage Shopping Tips - Don't be caught with your pants down!!! - Part 1 of 2 - 01/04/10 04:16 AM
 
Here is some great information on FHA Loans from our friend Jeff Belonger:
 
 

How many of you feel lost out there or even get help from someone such as a realtor letting you know that they can have their mortgage loan officer help you with your loan, yet you could still be lost. Not all referrals are good ones, just food for thought. I know this, because I have seen it happen more than it should, after a borrower comes to me after they had used someone else that was recommended. No, I am not perfect. But … (3 comments)

montana: 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)

montana: Highlights from the 2009 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers - 12/16/09 01:33 AM
 
NAR has recently released the 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.  The report compiles the results of 9,138 surveys returned by buyers and sellers who sold or purchased a home between July 2008 and June 2009.  The surveys were sent to buyers and sellers based on deed transfers and other public records.  The complete report is available for purchase at www.realtor.org .  Here are some highlights I found interesting:
•·         47% of all buyers were first time buyers.
•·         62% of first time buyers reported that the primary reason for buying a home was the desire to be a … (3 comments)

montana: The Extended First Time Homebuyer & Move Up Buyer Tax Credit for Missoula Real Estate - 11/20/09 01:41 AM
The Extended First Time Homebuyer & Move Up Buyer Tax Credit for Missoula Real Estate
Here's a cute video about the Extended First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit and Move Up Buyer Tax Credit that is available to individuals who buy a primary residence by April 30, 2010.
Follow the adventures of Bob and Sally as the learn about the now extended Home Buyer Tax Credit worth up to $8000 for first time buyers and $6500 for existing home owners. It was published by Washington Homeowners.
 
 
Here are some additional articles on the topic:
Move-up Buyers & First Time Home … (1 comments)

montana: 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)

montana: Move-up Buyers & First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Questions & Answers for Missoula Homebuyers - 11/10/09 02:48 AM
Here's a Great Summary of the First Time Home Buyer & Repeat Buyer Tax Credit for Missoula and Western Montana home buyers.

First Time Home Buyer & Repeat Buyer Tax Credit QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Explained  
All new first time home buyer and repeat buyer Tax Credit are effective immediately. It does not have to occur on December 1 2009 in order to qualify. All closings occurred on November 6 2009 qualifies for the new & improved first time home buyer and repeat buyer tax credit.
First Time Home Buyers
The $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit applies to … (3 comments)

montana: The New and Improved Home Buyer Tax Credit for Missoula Buyers & FirstTime Homebuyers - 11/06/09 01:45 AM
Here's a great summary on the New Home Buyer Tax Credit

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 … (1 comments)

montana: Missoula Offers a High Quality of Life - And Missoulians Like It! - 11/03/09 01:41 AM
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 … (1 comments)

montana: Western Montana's Bitterroot Valley is Hit Hard By Foreclosures - 11/01/09 07:05 AM
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 … (6 comments)

montana: Speechless Sunday: The Montana Winter Is On Its Way - 11/01/09 05:30 AM
Speechless Sunday: The Montana Winter Is On Its Way
                      
From 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.
… (16 comments)

montana: How Much Does It Cost to Rent in Missoula Montana? - 10/27/09 03:21 AM
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: 

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 … (2 comments)

montana: Visit the Dinosaurs at Bozeman Montana's Museum of the Rockies! - 10/21/09 11:05 PM
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 … (21 comments)

montana: Upcoming Social Media Events in Missoula, Montana - 10/21/09 03:39 AM
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 … (4 comments)

montana: The Montana Lifestyle You've Been Dreaming About Is At RiverRidge - 10/16/09 05:16 PM
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 … (5 comments)

montana: Montana Hunting Cabin - Off-the-Grid Property on 9+ Acres - 16 Upper Woodchuck, Florence, MT 59833 - 10/16/09 04:28 PM
16 Upper WoodchuckFlorence 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 … (0 comments)

montana: Montana Investment Properties with Trade and Other Possibilities from Today's MAREX Meeting - 10/14/09 03:50 PM

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 … (0 comments)

montana: Hey Montana Snowbirds... Tempe Arizona is ready for ya! - 10/14/09 08:50 AM
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).

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 … (1 comments)

montana: Montana Landlords - Are You in Compliance with the New Law Which Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors? - 10/06/09 04:33 AM
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 … (3 comments)

montana: Clark Fork River Views - 109 Osprey Drive, Superior, MT Real Estate - $239,900 - 10/04/09 03:35 PM
Clark Fork River Views - 109 Osprey Drive, Superior, MT Real Estate - $239,900RiverRidge 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.
The large master suite features an over-sized walk-in closet, private bathroom, and lots of natural light from … (3 comments)

montana: Missoula Home Buyers - Shopping for mortgages - The Public Image of Advertising that is misleading !! - Part 1 of 2 - 10/01/09 02:46 PM
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.

 
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 … (1 comments)