Montana Homes

Can we say Bipolar?

2009-03-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

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, can you ever 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.

Why am I actually surprised by snow in Montana?

2009-02-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

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, apparently including the understanding of when it should snow in Montana.

Well...... enjoy!

Seller Financing, nows the time.

2009-02-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Again, don't get into a private contract if you cannot afford the property. No good will come out of that situation.
Items to remember when considering financing the buyer.

1. If you don't want to hold a 20 or 30 year contract, you can amortize the contract over 20 years with a balloon in 3 or 5 years. Just like your local bank can.

2. Always have a lawyer write the contract and oversee the negotiation with your Realtor. No, matter how smart you think you are.

3. Private Financiers usually can charge more interest then your typical bank or mortgage.

4. You might want to discuss the ability for the buyer to borrow more money against the property from a third party with your lawyer. You don' want a buyer to default and then you owe the 3rd party lender.

Seller financing isn't always the answer, but it is an option. And it might just be a way to extract money from your property instead of listing for a year or more.

Legislative session

2009-02-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

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 property owners and the real estate industry.
In the state on Montana I have never seen such an attack on land use and property rights. If you have any questions or are looking into being involved in Montana or any other state feel free to comment or post questions.

Stimulus Package?

2009-02-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

Waiting to hear on the new stimulus package. Really I have very little constructive criticism on the stimulus package, but I will try. 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 in the final package. Obviously, my advice would be, be aware. If you take the credit, prepare yourself for what you pay when you resell. Either, put a little money aside each month preparing yourself for the repayment of the credit, put off selling your home until you have an immense amount of equity in your home and the markets are moving again, or don't use the credit.

Don't get me wrong, I think the buyer tax credit could be a very great tool. But, I am a firm believer in understanding completely what you are getting yourself into. It is never to early too plan you next step however lofty it might seem. Try not to get caught up in the hype, read the fine print and then make your government and their programs work for you.

At Exit Realty we make it our goal to get to know our clients. If a client needs a referral for an agent somewhere else, we do extensive research on different personalities of the agents and the clients. If you find yourself in a sea of Real Estate agents and don't know who to choose, contact me and I will find that perfect agent for you. If you are in Montana or across the nation, I will work hard to find you are rightfully represented.

New Year! Hot Markets!

2009-01-29T11:32:00.000-08:00

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 Predictor, a national online real estate research firm, 5 Montana
cities ranked in the top 25 Housing Markets for 2009:
#2 Billings
#8 Bozeman
#12 Great Falls
#13 Livingston
#15 Missoula
This report was done byhttp://www.housingpredictor.com/topmarkets.html.

My firm is located in the Bitterroot Valley, just off the cusp of Missoula. And the most beautiful valley in the state.
Whether you are buying in the Bitterroot or across the state of Montana, I can provide you with impeccable service or refer you to some of the top professionals in the state.
Take a deep breath and jump in before the stock rises. Because Montana stock has always been one of the best.

www.Montanamama.com

2008-11-17T22:36:00.000-08:00

Check out this new website for Montana Moms. www.montanamama.com
There are promotions and forums, calendars and articles, it is perfect for the Montana mom.

I love the Bitterroot

2008-11-17T22:17:00.000-08:00

After the crazy election season and a lot of property rights fights, I am happy to say we were successful in our own little piece of politics. So, getting volunteers to agree which side of the sidewalk to get signatures on is not easy. And deciding how many friends I will lose after the election is over is not fun. Or, do I really want another story in the paper that mentions my name and usually not favorably? These are the pitfalls of local politics. But after a long campaign, we were grateful to win and grateful the whole fight was over.
So, we decided to have a dinner for all the volunteers to say thank you for all their hard work. It was sweet to see those that have put their lives on hold to assist you in an important cause. It is refreshing to rub shoulders with those that stand by their convictions, and I must say how proud I am of my new friends. In a time when every battle seems uphill, I am proud to live in the Bitterroot Valley.
If there is ever a time that you want to remember what a blessed person you are, just look at the Mountain range, take a breath of cold air, walk your dogs by the river and remember that you live in a treasure, not only a treasure of nature but also a treasure of individuals.

Not very good at blogging

2008-06-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well obviously I am just too busy to blog. The market in Hamilton has really picked up and everyone is busy, busy , busy. It often surprises me of the different personalities in real estate. There is everything from the very quirky to the passive. Some that are using the same tools since 1970 and others that are ready to launch into 2020. I am closer but not quite the latter.

Hamilton is really great. The farmers market has started again and paints a clear picture of the perfect small town. Bitterroot Resort is looking for investors and developers to get its international Ski Resort off the ground.

The management for the resort is world class. With experience at Vail and Jackson Hole, when this resort is developed it will rival the best resorts in the world. All in our beautiful Bitterroot Valley.

The river is high and fast and sadly we lost a local guide last week. Dave Dedmon was very kind and down to earth. Though I did not know him as well, I did know his wife. And to think of her without her love, breaks my heart.

To those that visit our beautiful mountain paradise, when taking in the sites please think of those that died to live and play here.

I hope that life meets you with the sun at your back and love in your eyes.

What Happen to Summer?

2007-09-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

Obviously, I haven't written since spring. The market in Montana is still moving. A lot of great properties, it's a buyers market baby. Well yesterday I was dropping off my child at school and noticed that the maple leaves are already starting to change. The nights have really cooled off but it is still in the high 70's in daytime. Really lovely. You know, there are people here, like anywhere, that may not appreciate you or treat you as they should. But, there are many many more that are good. I love that.
This summer we were at Lake Como quite a bit, yes the beach is rocky and not sandy, but the water is at the base of the mountains. The reflection of mountains combined with the surrounding pines give you a sense of creation. Of all that is beautiful on earth that you had nothing to do with, it was given to you, with nothing in return. That is Montana. Giving you the people, the river, the lakes, mountains and trails, asking for nothing, not even kindness. You can react however you may want but Montana is still here for you to enjoy. You can't ask for a greater love than that. Please look at my real estate listings at http://www.jennystoddard.com/ you can check out my featured listings or any listings in the Bitterroot. We can find what you are looking for without missing a beat. That is what I am here for..... I'll meet you there.

crisp air

2007-04-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

Spring in Montana is enchanting. The air is crisp, the sun is out and the real estate market starts to move. Soon the farmers market will fill the streets every Saturday morning. Fresh tortillas, salsas, vegetables, handmade jewelry, these booths not only provide my home with organic and handmade products they help facilitate bonds among the community.

As the peaks of the mountains reflect light off their late season snow, the 60 degree weather invites neighbors and friends out into the neighborhoods. The large cottonwoods planted in the days of Marcus Daly, our towns founder, are a hundred feet tall and can be seen from across the town. Demanding our attention and respect for the years of affection and sentiment they have provided. Spring in the Bitterroot is refreshing and touching. Reminding us each of what a beautiful place and what a privilege it is to be a resident of Hamilton, Montana.

2007-04-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

Where sincerity and honesty meet tough negotiations. It is time for a new kind of realtor. WELCOME TO MONTANA. WWW.JENNYSTODDARD.COM

What a beautiful day in the neighborhood

2007-04-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today in Hamilton Montana was a beautiful day. Cold, but beautiful.
Some find their solace in their loved ones, others in their own insanity and still others in the beauty of nature. There is no better place than the "last best place".

Traveling down 8th St. with the crisp breeze and smell of rain in the air, I realize how quaint, how original, how interesting each home is. One after another, some with chipped paint, some with crooked shingles yet others like the brand new toy straight out of the box, lacking scratches, has perfect color & fully equipped all the bells and whistles.
Each home has a history. There was Mrs. Syrup that so eloquently manicured her lawn year after year, with all of the love she had. She finally sold. The next owner tripling the square footage of Mrs. Syrups house, yet instills the same care and love. This house has not only grown in size but also grown in our memories.
Real Estate today can be perfect, can be dreadful, can be a next step. But as you discover this last best place, remember, I know this is personal. This is your home , this is your life.

MAKE MONTANA YOURS. You can search listings in the Bitterroot Valley at http://www.jennystoddard.com/. Feel free to call at any time 406-375-9046 or 406-396-4752.