Archive for June, 2007
It seems like every year we’re paying higher and higher property taxes
June 26, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
Great Falls government can’t beat the higher costs of energy and fuel, employee wages, insurance costs and equipment. So it’s planning to increase property taxes for Great Falls residents 4.63 percent beginning this fall.
Home prices drive up Bozeman’s cost-of-living
June 23, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
It costs a little more to live in Bozeman than in many places across the nation, mainly because the price of housing is so high, according to new figures released this week.
‘09 bill would prevent certain increases in property taxes
June 22, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
Governor Brian Schweitzer said Thursday he’ll propose a bill in 2009 to ensure no statewide property tax increase occurs because of the ongoing reappraisal of residential, commercial, agricultural and timberland property.
Kalispell City Council decides subdivision near Ponderosa Estates needs further study
June 21, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
The Kalispell City Council put on hold a proposed annexation of an 81-acre subdivision south of Ponderosa Estates.
But the council is unsure what it wants from the developer — Gateway Properties Inc. — to put the annexation proposal back into motion.
Kangarloo purchased the 115-year-old Northern Hotel
June 17, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
Hassan Kangarloo, a California-based real estate investor, hopes to breathe new life into the historic Northern Hotel by offering a mixture of condominiums for sale and high-end hotel rooms aimed at wealthy travelers.
Affordable housing a growing concern
June 15, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
MISSOULA - Affordable housing in western Montana is tied directly to the reasons why fast-growth counties are increasing in numbers. As people move into these attractive areas, fewer and fewer of them can afford to buy a home.
In Ravalli County, the second fastest growing county in Montana, unaffordable housing is a growing problem.
“Where do people […]
The economic viability of small towns
June 15, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
Jim Sylvester says the economic viability of small towns in Montana can be predicted by a simple factor: Do they have a Town Pump gas station?
“They’ve done their market research,” said Sylvester, an economist at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana. “Towns with a Town Pump are going to […]
Red Lodge Housing Market
June 13, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
Red lodge is hustling and bustling with visitors heading to Yellowstone Park or just taking in the mountains. But everyday more and more people are building a life here, and that’s why the housing market is booming. This means expanding the city infrastructure for new housing developments especially to the north.
Housing boom in Big Sky hits slow down
June 13, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
By WALT WILLIAMS Chronicle Staff Writer
Big Sky is seeing a slow down in home sales, but there is no indication the resort community is perched on a housing bubble ready to pop, according to local real estate agents.
Big Mountain Invests $20M in Ski Resort Upgrades
June 12, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
Whitefish - the Montana ski resort is continuing the development of its new master plan that will guide the expansion of the village and mountain amenities over the next decade. Big Mountain is currently investing over $20 million into mountain and village improvements.
TIC Regulation Changes Considered by States
June 12, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
State legislatures have made a number of moves to change the regulatory environment of tenancies in common transactions so far this year, though none has yet has come to fruition. The most notable of the proposals emerged from the Montana House of Representatives early this year.
1,500 homes could be built in one of the fastest growing regions in the state.
June 12, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
Ravalli County avoided what could have been a multi-million dollar lawsuit on Monday by settling a development dispute out of court, giving developers the go-ahead on 11 stalled subdivisions, pending review and approval by county commissioners. The move could potentially create over 1,500 homes in one of the fastest growing regions in the state.
Sticker shock north of Montana
June 8, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
Westside Bubble:
This really got me a week ago, asking over $5 million north of Montana, east of 7th. I remember when $3M was high-end, then $4M, now they’re trying to pass $5M. It’s at 333 20th, 5 bed/6.5 bath, asking $5,095K, featuring all the usual stuff. For an ordinary-looking house on a 60′ lot.
50 best retirement places revealed
June 6, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
If you or your parents are nearing retirement age and are considering a move to a new location, “50 Fabulous Places to Retire in America, Third Edition” by Arthur and Mary Griffith is a great place to start your quest. The authors list their top 50 favorite retirement spots, followed by six pages to explain […]
Being smart about rights
June 6, 2007 Posted by Montana Real Estate
Mineral rights are so complex in the western United States that officials of one real estate company that specializes in large-scale properties feels compelled to offer the following disclaimer:
“Mineral rights can be a very complex concept … In purchasing or selling a property you might find that the mineral rights have already been conveyed years […]