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As families settle in for the holidays or plan for Christmas travel and as children dream of Santa and opening gifts on Christmas morning, "home" is central for creating a sense of security, warmth, love and laughter for sharing the joys of the season. During 2017, home prices rose dramatically across the country and in nearby Madison and Gallatin counties. However, it's comforting to know that even with home values returning to normal levels locally after nearly eight years of depressed prices, home ownership will remain an attainable goal in 2018 for families in Helena. With the extension of Stacia Ave. in the Craftsman Village neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows, home buyers in the upcoming year will find a selection of Garden Home plans ranging from 1005 S.F. to 1808 S.F. starting at $224,900... and these Helena homes are RD Loan eligible! Low maintenance Garden Homes come complete with attached 2-car garages, side yard fencing, U.G. water systems and front yard and alley landscaping. Built on compact city lots, classic craftsman Garden Homes are the lifestyle choice for buyers who prefer a single-family home over condo living but still desire low exterior maintenance so they can spend more time traveling or at the lake. These discerning, price conscious buyers get all the benefits of reliable city services, access to shared amenities like parks and walking trails, convenient onstreet parking and neighborhood sidewalks so that their kids can safely walk to the park and school bus stop. At Mountain View Meadows, home is the heart of the community and there is no better time than the coming new year to realize the American dream of owning your own new home.
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Building a Better Community:
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Are you looking for something to do on New Year's Eve? Shannon Reich from Flagstar Bank, attended the last HAR (Helena Association of Realtors) Luncheon and spoke about a new nonprofit organization: Project Reflection. This is their mission: "Project Reflection's focus is to teach our youth to embrace self-love and positive acceptance of others. We believe that by incorporating a positive and kind community, as a community, this will help our youth to obtain and reflect self-love. In addition to this power of positive acceptance and self-awareness, we have the strength to make an impact on the war against bullying and teen suicide. We will empower our youth, together. We see and hear each individual for who they are, or aspire to be, and they are "Free to be Me.""
Project Reflection is hosting their first annual New Year's Eve Fundraiser for Suicide Prevention. A Roaring 20's New Year's Eve Gala. The event will be held December 31st at the Helena Civic Center. VIP Hour from 6:30pm-7:30pm and General Admission starts at 7:30pm. 20's attire suggested, but not required. Must be 21 and over. Please click the following link for more information: https://www.facebook.com/projectreflection/
And register to join Project Reflection in its mission to build a better community for our kids.
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On Topic:
HOME VALUES ON THE RISE
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According to statistics published on the real estate website, Zillow, The median home value in the United States has gone up 6.5% over the past year and Zillow predicts it will rise 3.0% within the next year. The median price of homes currently listed for sale in the United States is $259,900. The median rent price in the United States is $1,600 which is also expected to rise by 3.0% over the upcoming year.
Zillow reports that the median home value in Montana is slightly above the national median. During the past year Montana home values have gone up 6.0% and Zillow predicts they will rise 2.6% in 2018. The median list price per square foot in Montana is $181 and the median price of homes currently listed in Montana is $299,000. In comparison, the average sales price for homes in Montana mid-year was roughly $247,000.
"Median" and "Average" home sales prices are often confused. To find the "median" sales price for any given time period in a given area, take the total number of homes sold and rank them by sales price from top to bottom. The middle of the list is the "median" sales price. To find the average sales price, combine the total sales price of all homes sold in a given area and divide it by the number of homes sold. That number is the "average" sales price for that area.
Trulia, a similar real estate website to Zillow, tracks the average listing price for homes in Montana by county. The average listing prices by county in August as published on the Trulia website are as follows:
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1. HOLIDAY/CHRISTMAS DECORATING CONTEST:
Wow, wasn't it just Halloween? With Thanksgiving under our loosened belts, it's time to turn our attention to decorating the exterior of our homes for the holidays. We're already seeing Christmas lights popping up along with blow-up Santas and reindeer. As in years' past, to give you a little extra incentive to lay on the holiday glitz, Mountain View Meadows will once again sponsor its annual Holiday/Christmas Decorating Contest. Judging will take place starting Dec. 19. We'll be looking at overall holiday appeal, presentation style, use of traditional or contemporary elements, individuality, and special effects. Cash prizes include: GRAND PRIZE, $200.00! FIRST PRIZE, $100.00; SECOND PRIZE, $75.00; THIRD PRIZE, $50.00; FOURTH PRIZE, $25.00; and (5) HONORABLE MENTION $10.00 Gift Cards. Be sure to keep your lights on and decorations up as much as possible between 6 PM & 9 PM Dec. 19-23. We'll be making the rounds and taking photos. And just a friendly reminder--your home is not eligible for the Grand Prize two years in a row but you can win any of the other prizes.
2.
NOMINATIONS FOR HOA OFFICERS
:
We're still looking for nominations for the next HOA officer elections. If you are interested in serving, email
[email protected]
.
3. NEW SINGLE-FAMILY HOA WEBSITE: We have created a new Single-Family HOA website where you are able to view important documents such as meeting minutes, HOA finances, calendar events, board members, MVM Newsletters, covenants & design standards, a communication forum and much more. We will be sending out invites to residents, so keep an eye out!
4.
TIP#3: TECHNIQUES THAT HELP STOP YOUR DOG FROM BARKING:
Teach your dog the "quiet command." The first step is actually to teach your dog to bark on command. You say "speak", your dog barks, stick a treat under his nose. When he stops barking to sniff the treat, praise him and give him the treat. Repeat until he starts barking on command. Now, tell him to speak. When he starts barking say "quiet" and stick a treat under his nose. Praise him for being quiet and give him the treat. Repeat over and over until he responds quickly to the command "quiet", always giving him a treat.
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New Homes F
or Sale:
PLANS TO BUILD AND BUILD TO SUIT
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A choice of new homes to meet your lifestyle and budget are ready for move-in at Mountain View Meadows with more under construction. Visit our Information & Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street to tour our right-now homes, view plans to build and check out lot maps. Realtors are always welcome
. Have your own plan? Give us a call at 406-449-0800 to arrange a meeting. The availability of new homes and lots is subject to change so check back often. Below is a listing of some of the new homes ready for move-in or currently under construction.
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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2930 Big Timber Loop: "The Open Range". NEW UPSCALE HOME PLAN nearly completed with 2460 S.F. of single-story living and an additional 280 S.F. finished bonus space above the garage. Vaulted living room, corner fireplace, breakfast bar, large pantry, den/office, wood doors and trim, wood floors, granite and tile throughout, an over sized garage, stone and timber exterior features, a concrete tile roof with a 75 year warranty, Hardieplank siding, a beautiful front porch entry and a huge covered outdoor living space are among the many amenities that set this home apart. Drop by the Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice Street to check out this brand new 3 or 4BD/2.5BA home priced at $429,900.
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2883 Alpine View Loop: BRAND NEW MODERN SINGLE-STORY home just getting underway. This beautiful home has 2254 finished S.F. including 4BD/2BA featuring an extravagant master suite, gas fireplace, granite countertops, 3-car garage, covered outdoor living space (front & back), Hardieplank siding, concrete tile roof, and stone and timber exterior accents priced at $399,900. Claim this home while there's still time to pick out colors/interior finishes! Stop by the Information & Sales office or contact Dawn Purvis, Century 21 for more information. MLS#300186.
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2938 Big Timber Loop: GORGEOUS SINGLE-STORY with all the style and quality you've come to expect from a Sierra Custom Home. Just shy of 2000 S.F., this brand new 3BD/2.5BA beauty includes a luxurious master suite, an office/flex room, walk-in pantry, fireplace, Hardieplank siding, concrete tile roof, stone and timber exterior accents, a 3-bay tandem garage and a covered outdoor living space for family fun and entertaining. Stop by the office for a tour or contact Dawn Purvis, Century 21 at 406-439-6380. MLS#298866. $379,900.
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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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2793 Alexis Avenue: "The Town Hall". Location, location, location--directly across from Mountain View Park with unobstructed mountain views! This beautiful 3BD/2.5BA classic craftsman 4-square home with 1914 S.F. features a full front porch, great room with fireplace, separate dining area, office nook, an upstairs loft (could be a 4
th
bedroom), air conditioning and a large 2-bay attached garage. Call 406-449-0800 for a walk-through. $289,900.
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2809 & 2811 Twilight: Two brand new 1219 S.F. single-story condos under construction -- Absolutely perfect for the "downsizer" or the "first time" home buyers! Each condo features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, a pocket desk, an attached 2-car garage and a covered outdoor living space. Design amenities include granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, water-resistant laminate flooring, tiled laundry and entry, and carpeted bedrooms. Electric range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal included! Current monthly condo fee is $120 and pays for sidewalk snow removal, mowing and landscaping care and exterior building maintenance. Priced at $229,900. Call now!
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561, 563 & 565 S. Alice Street:
Sierra Custom Homes' Tri-plex condo building under construction and two of the three units are already sold! Now is the time to stake your claim on the last remaining condo; an 1812 S.F. 3BD/2.5BA 2-story with an additional upstairs loft to tuck away the TV so you can enjoy the open downstairs floor plan priced at $224,900. For additional information call Dawn Purvis at Century 21. MLS#299881 & 299882.
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2872 Stacia: "The Iris". Wow! What great architecture! Classic craftsman home with front porch and rear entry 2-car garage, this 1808 S.F. Garden Home features a main floor bedroom and bath plus three bedrooms and two additional baths upstairs. Granite countertops throughout this new home under construction by Sierra Custom Homes. Other design elements include soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring and arched entryways. Side yard fence included plus free front yard and rear alley landscaping! Easy walking distance to Mountain View Park. MLS#300166; $279,900.
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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
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305 Elouise Cobell: "The Homestake". New floor plan for a new neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows. This beautiful single-story 3BD/2BA home by Sierra Custom Homes features laminate and tile flooring, granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an attached 2-car garage and a covered rear porch with plenty of room for backyard fun. MLS#300125. $289,900.
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317 Elouise Cobell: "The Monida". Located in "The Uplands" neighborhood just one block south of the new BCBS headquarters, this new 2003 S.F. single-story 3BD/2BA home currently under construction features a huge open great room with kitchen island and fireplace and an attached 2-car garage. There is still time to choose interior colors (exterior possibly as well) if you hurry! Homes in this new neighborhood sell fast! MLS#300221. $309,000.
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311 Elouise Cobell: "The Logan". 3BD/2BA, 1769 S.F. Granite, tile, soft-close cabinets and an oversized garage are just a few of the upgrades in this brand new floorplan designed and built by prestigious Sierra Custom Homes. You'll enjoy a spacious master ensuite with a walk-in closet, tiled shower, double vanity and water closet. Separate owner's entrance off the garage to tuck away your shoes and hang your coats. $299,900. For additional information, contact Dawn Purvis at Century 21. MLS#299745.
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Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
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2789 Favor Loop: "
The Wise". Talk about a "wise" choice! With 2123 totally finished S.F. this upscale home will provide you with all the space you need for single-level living on the main floor plus 2 bedrooms and a bath upstairs for family or guests. The master ensuite features dual walk-in closets, a separate tub and shower and a double vanity. You'll have plenty of time to relax on the front porch and entertain on the rear when you add low-maintenance landscaping. Be sure to check in early on this brand new floor plan just getting underway. Priced at $349,900.
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2781 Favor Loop: "The Big Sandy". Single-story with a whopping 1903 S.F. makes this contemporary designed open floor plan exceptionally desirable at $295,000 & up to $5,000 in closing costs. Home features a huge great room with a fireplace and vaulted ceiling, a light and beautiful master suite with double vanity and large walk-in closet, granite countertops, soft-close doors, and concrete porches front
and
back! Stop by the MVM office at 431 S. Alice Street for a personal walk-through or contact David Torgerson, Versant Real Estate Group, at 406-459-8565. MLS#299770.
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Neighborhood:
THANKSGIVING PHOTO CONTEST WINNER
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We didn't quite get the number of photos we'd hoped... but the decorating in what we did get was gorgeous! So, without further ado, the winner of the first annual Thanksgiving Interior Home Decorating Photo Contest $50 cash prize is...drum roll... Jennie Corley who lives in the Craftsman Village neighborhood. Congratulations, Jennie!
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Jay & Shantel Niederstadt
Have moved into their stunning new home built by Grewett Construction in the Antelope Trace neighborhood. Enjoy your one-of-a-kind home!
Seth & Angela Conlan
Are settling into their brand new Sierra Custom Home in Aspen Park where they can take advantage of 360 degree spectacular mountain views.
Congrat
ulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness:
ICE SKATE YOUR WAY TO FITNESS RIGHT NEXT DOOR!
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Whether it's winter or summer, ice skating can be a great year-round activity to keep you active and fit. Samir Becic's book,
ReSYNC Your Life
points out the top fitness benefits of ice skating. And you don't need a frozen lake to enjoy ice skating when you live at Mountain View Meadows--nearly next door to the Helena Ice Arena which also just happens to be home to Helena's own NA3HL team, the Helena Bighorns. So if you're looking for something really fun to do this winter to keep yourself fit, take advantage of the open skate schedule at the Arena. Here are Becic's top 10 health benefits from skating as published on the website "Health Fitness Revolution."
- Better balance: Ice skating helps improve your balance through fun and positive exercise. Travelling across an incredibly slippery surface should quickly train you to stay on your feet.
- Improves joint flexibility: If your leg joints creak every time you rise from your bed in the morning, ice skating could offer a real solution. With its emphasis on quick foot movements and strong knees, your leg joints will receive a great workout and hopefully feel more flexible in no time.
- Builds leg muscles: Focusing on lower-body movement, ice skating offers great exercise for the leg muscles, building and toning them up over time.
- Cardio: Aerobic exercise is an important aspect of cardiovascular health, and ice skating provides a great aerobic workout. The best part about skating is you get a great cardio workout without even knowing it.
- Endurance: Ice skating requires energy over an extended period of time, making it a great way to build your endurance. The longer you skate, the more you'll improve your endurance, not just for ice skating but for other sports and activities as well.
- Weight management: If you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, ice skating is a good way to burn calories while having fun! Ice skating burns from 300-650 calories per hour, depending on how hard you skate.
- Stress relief: Regular physical activity like ice skating can help combat the effects of stress. Ice skating is one of the most fun ways to exercise, especially if you skate outdoors where you can soak up the scenery and enjoy nature.
- Improves joints: Through gliding and synchronized movement of the legs, the joints and muscles will get a great workout and will become flexible in no time. Skating is said to be more beneficial than cycling and running. Ice skating works almost every major muscle group in the body, including joints.
- Mental fitness: The fresh air and sunshine in outdoor ice skating, as well as the company of family and friends, greatly help in unwinding from a long week of work and stress. Self-confidence is definitely improved as well.
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I don't know about you, but holiday lights and Christmas trees and all the seasonal decorations thrill me as much now as they did as a child. I guess that is part of the reason we encourage residents at Mountain View Meadows to decorate their homes for the holidays. When I first came to Montana, Mark took me to a neighborhood on the north side of town; an older neighborhood where the homeowners showered their homes with Christmas lights and huge holiday blowups and lighted reindeer and sleighs and everything you could think of related to the season. When our grandsons were barely 1 and almost 3, we took them out to ooh and ahh in that neighborhood during their first Christmas in Montana. As more and more homes popped up in Mountain View Meadows and our family continued to grow, we wanted to bring that same sense of wonder to our community in the hopes that people from all over the area would bring their kids and grandkids to Mountain View Meadows to ooh and ahh at your decorations. Mark and I sincerely believe that the classic neighborhood spirit of our youth is worth reviving in today's world and that extra time that residents take to make their community special during the holidays brings joy and comfort to residents and visitors alike. This year we were pleased that our granddaughters could join us to decorate our home for the holidays. It reminds us how important it is to share our home with family... and friends... and to build family traditions now and throughout the year. So as our community continues to grow and more homes are built... we know that you are building your own family traditions that will fill your homes with wonder and joy throughout the season. And once again it is our honor to wish you and your family the best of the holidays, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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