If you are serious about buying a property, this Fall might provide you with a great opportunity to purchase a home, rental property, or bare land at a price that will typically be lower than next year's offerings.  Today's low interest rates are also an incentive for you to really focus your property search in the next couple months so that you get the best property for the money before interest rates go up. Spring and summer are traditionally the busiest selling seasons both in the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula area.  While inventory is higher during those months, you are also competing with a lot more purchasers.  Homes priced $150,000-$250,000 are even harder to buy as that price point is affordable for many home buyers in the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula.  The take away is tha... 09/12/2014

As the Western District Vice President I'm tasked to not only keep tabs on the greater Missoula market area but also the Ravalli County (aka Bitterroot) market as well.  Much like I did before with Missoula's numbers I'm going to put up some general trends/stats as best I can for that area and break it apart as follows:   - Florence - Stevensville - Victor - Corvallis - Hamilton - Darby   For those that know while Missoula makes up a series of neighborhoods that blend together the Bitterroot Valley makes up small communities for the most part that each carry their own unique identity.  Be on the lookout, more trends to follow! 01/12/2012

Montana Real Estate Auction To Be Auctioned: Beautiful Montana Cabin on 12+ Acres - 1 Hour from Missoula in Hamilton This Very private mountain home is scheduled to be auctioned on February 15, 2010 Starting Bid: $100,000 Located in Hamilton Montana, this home features: 12.15+/- acres Spacious rooms Beautiful, rustic log staircase, and a Stone fireplace Detailed woodwork throughout the home. 5,742+/- sf. Lots of trees with great mountain views and a Detached shop. We will be working as a Buyer's Broker at this event. Note: A Buyer’s Premium will apply for this property. Please see Terms of Sale for details. BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT NEITHER ACCESS REALTY, THE AUCTION HOUSE, NOR IT'S AGENTS MAKE ANY ASSERTIONS OR GUARANTEES AS TO THE CONDITION OR POTABILITY OF THE WELL REPO... 01/27/2010

03/22/2009

So, less than a week ago I was shocked by the recent snow. ( I knew better) And now I am off to another announcement.Yesterday I was equally shocked by the 65 degree weather. Yes, that was a 6 then a 5. For March in Montana, that is down right June weather.So the question of the day is what do we get from Montana? (Frankly what a stupid question)And the answer would be, beautiful mountains, emerald trees, cold but sparkling lakes. What we also get is snowshoeing and mountain biking in the same week.Really, you can never be bored here?In the summer, the small towns have that storybook charm, then in the winter, the weather definitely keeps you on your toes.A little indecisive are we? Then frankly, Montana is the place for you. 03/03/2009

Well, yes I live in Montana, and yes you would think that we would still be expecting more and more snow. Frankly I have a few, a very few, memories of snow in June or the 4th of July. But, no matter how long I have lived in Montana, I am stilled surprised that this very morning it is snowing. We have had months without snow and the last 2 weeks have been in the 40's and 50's. For Montana, in February, that is down right tropical. So what if the rest of the country has had snow lately, our tulips are coming out of the ground. Yesterday, I was contemplating how soon I could throw down seed. Wow, I really am slipping. The stimulus bill has fried my brain and I have lost all logic, appearantly including the understanding of when it should snow in Montana. Well...... enjoy! 02/26/2009

So, the stimulus package does not offer the $15,000 credit that I had hoped, but it doesn't mean it isn't a good time to buy or to make some money.Yes interest rates are low, but lending criteria is still tight. One alternative would be seller financing. I know quite a few people that make their living off of seller financing/private lending. What they do is carry the contract for the buyer and get paid interest like a standard mortgage except the seller is the "bank" so to speak. Now, some property owners don't mind lending because if the buyer forecloses, the lender/seller can turn around and resell the same property over and over. Now this will only work if the seller obviously has the cash to loan or owns the property outright, but it is a good alternative to conventional lending.Ag... 02/18/2009

So, legislative season is in full swing and has been since the New Year. Many people follow session, but even more, sadly, don't. Whatever your political persuasion, following the bills on the hill bode well for our industry. I don' t have a current number but there are bills about mandatory builder home warranty, new meth disclosure and definition, property rights in subdivision regs, new streamside setback regulations, lack of accountability in the county government by allowing interim zoning without emergency measures, many of item and much, much more looking to change the face of home ownership and real estate in Montana. It is no longer about listing houses, it is time to provide our customers the best representation and fight for those bills and regulation that protect the private... 02/11/2009

Waiting to hear on the new stimulus package. Really I have very little constructive criticism on the stimulus package, criticism yes, contructive....no. But I will work on it. Whether or not it will bring economic stimulus is the question of the hour.....frankly, probably not a lot. But, at this point I figure take what you can get. So, for housing this might actually help. I have heard that there could be up to a $15,000 tax credit for a new home. Not on one you already own. This tax credit could be very beneficial to some. But, what happens when you sell your home? You will probably have to pay as much of the credit back out of your profit. If there is no profit, then there is no repayment. This was a condition when first throwing the idea of the credit around, but we will see what is... 02/09/2009

So, it is a New Year! It is also a slow economy. Like you needed me to tell you that. The one thing a slow economy brings is great deals!. With interest rates somewhere between 4 and 5%, if you are able, you need to buy now. Great rates and lower prices are making for a perfect storm. The problem is a lot of America is reactive, not proactive, do you jump on the stock as it is at its peak, or if your lucky just before it raises. I know, this is easier said than done, and I am not an advocate of reckless spending, or stretching your budget. But if you are financially stable and have the means to enter the Real Estate Market, then now is the time.A recent report predicted that 5 cities in Montana are in the top 25 housing markets for 2009. Here they are:In a recent release by Housing Pred... 02/05/2009

Kevin & Monica Ray | Access Realty | 406-207-1185 712 Hamilton Heights, Hamilton, MT Attn: Developers - Amazing Bitterroot Subdivision with Preliminary Plat Approval 42 acres Vacant Land offered at $864,000 Lot Size 42 acres DESCRIPTION Once in a lifetime opportunity. 42 +/- acres with simply amazing, panoramic views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. Sellers have gone through subdivision review and have preliminary plat approval for 20 lots ranging from 2.0 to 2.2 acres. Lots appraised in Fall of 2008 for an average of $127,500 each. In addition to the outstanding views, three of the lots have a small creek meandering through them. Contact Listing Agent for requirements, to be completed by buyer, required for final plat approval. Final plat approval is subject to county & state... 01/13/2009

The time has never been better to buy a chunk of the "Last Best Place". Whether you enjoy hunting, blue-ribbon fly fishing, hiking, camping or simply kicking back on your front porch while the sun sets behind the Bitterroots, there is something for almost everyone in this pristine corner of Montana.    01/21/2008

This year's Ravalli County Fair is scheduled for August 30th - September 3rd. Fair Gates open 7am to 10pm Exhibit Buildings open 11am to 10pm Carnival Opening TimeWednesday: 2:00 pm Thursday - Sunday: 12:00 pm Pre-sale tickets will be available at the Fairgrounds Office at the West Gate.(No Pre-Sale Tickets sold after Tuesday, August 29th, 7:00 pm)AttractionsCarnival Free Stage Still Exhibits Food Booths Commercial Vendors Children's Park 05/28/2007