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If mortgage interest continues at or near current rates and the economy remains stable, Helena home owners will likely benefit from increased home values in 2018. One interesting area of growth in the local market has been a rise in sales of homes priced above $375,000. After little action in sales of homes in the upper price range since 2010, last year saw an increase of approximately 17% in sales of homes in the Helena area priced between $375,000 and $400,000 and a gain of 7% in the sales of homes priced between $400,000 and $500,000. Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows, with its executive-style homes on large city lots, saw an upsurge in sales in 2017 with strong sales projections continuing into 2018. Chris Purvis, owner of Sierra Custom Homes, is currently building an exceptional home for a discerning buyer just off the entrance to Mountain View Meadows from highway 282. Purvis is in the process of working with three additional buyers to design their new custom homes also in Aspen Park. Sierra's most recent spec home in Aspen Park sold within days of completion prompting Director of Design, Rebecca Ryland, to immediately approve a new Sierra Custom Home design for the neighborhood. The Mountain View Meadows development crew broke through layers of frozen ground last month to get the build started; and warming blankets cover the ground awaiting a break in the severe weather to lay the foundation. This new 2254 S.F. single-story home will be available for move-in late spring. In the meantime, Weatherall Builders is putting the final touches on the interior of a gorgeous contemporary craftsman home on Big Timber Loop in Aspen Park. This new 2800 S.F. three or four bedroom, two-and-a-half bath single-story home now available for purchase, features a large office with full-lite French doors and an additional finished bonus room with lots of storage area above the garage. As upscale homes like this continue to make gains in a robust housing market, custom builders are turning their attention to Aspen Park as the next best place to build better homes in Helena.
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Building a Better Community:
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Their motto says it all - "Keeping Pets and Their People Together". The Pad For Paws Foundation assists our area's most vulnerable pet owners - senior citizens, those with service animals, physically and mentally challenged, veterans - who are struggling to feed both themselves and their beloved family pets.
For most pet owners, their dog or cat is more than a pet. They are faithful companions who provide friendship, joy, and sometimes even a reason for living. Many of these pets are the only "family" some clients have.
The Pad for Paws Foundation is there to provide pet food and supplies, and emergency veterinary care to those in need. Without their help, hundreds of family pets would be turned in to local Animal Shelters because their owners wouldn't be able to feed them. The donation of food and services through their Paws Pantry Program keeps families together! A
sweet Holiday story mentioned on the Pad for Paws Foundation Facebook Page: Pad for Paws donated dog booties to a service dog named Flash Gordon whose owner is a disabled friend. Flash was getting sore paws from the cold and salt but now he can go on those wonderful long walks.
To find out more about Pad for Paws Foundation and how to help, please visit: http://www.padforpaws.org/.
And to help build a better community for our friends' pets, you can drop off pet food at these locations: Petco, Helena Food Share, The Man Store and Albertson's.
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On Topic:
HOME BUYING LOGIC
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It's 2018 and you decide this is the year you're going to move into your dream home. But what do you want in that home and what are the chances of finding the perfect home to fit your every want and need? Will you build from scratch to get everything on your wish list or find a home that comes close and discover what it is you love most about it?
According to the experts at REALTORS®, what you want is not always what you need and may cause you to overspend on the house of your dreams. To help you and your partner stay in budget, REALTORS® advises making a list of everything you want in your house and prioritizing your wish list from top to bottom.
"Start by making a list of everything you want in your house. If you love it, jot it down," advises home décor blogger, Mandi Gubler. "Have your spouse or partner do the same thing in a separate document." Once you and your partner have everything down, start sorting your wants by order of importance. What's your No. 1? Do you need large windows? How about a sun room? Double sinks in the master? You get the idea."
Gubler says the next step is to par your list down to the top 10 and compare your list to your partner's top 10. Whatever appears on both lists should carry more weight because you both want them in a new home.
Next, says Gubler, is to look at your list and consider:
- The things that can't be changed without a massive investment. Example: things like square footage, window size, and number of bedrooms. This is your heavyweight list. These things should take priority in your home-buying decision.
- Features that are purely cosmetic, especially things that can be changed without too much expense. These items should be moved down the list or taken off entirely. Examples include backsplash tile, paint color, and lighting. You don't want to pass up a fantastic house because you can't see past the wall color.
"My last tip is to figure out the priority of each one of the items," says Gubler. "Ask yourself, would you be willing to give up item number 4, say, to have item number 5? Would you be willing to give up hardwood floors for a home theater room? This is the hardest question to answer, but it'll put your must-haves in the right order."
For the list to work, home buyers need to bring it along when looking at a new home. If you wanted hardwood floors, are you willing to go for engineered wood or laminate flooring in order to get the extra square footage higher on your list? Will you accept a pocket office off the kitchen for a dedicated office space or flex room? If not, then the office is a must-have and can make or break the purchase of a new home.
Gubler provides a quick checklist to use when searching for a new home.
- Is it something that'll be extremely expensive and difficult to change or add?
- Would you be willing to sacrifice something else to have it?
- Would you feel like your house would be incomplete without it?
If you answer "yes" to all of these, than a "want" may be worth the splurge, says Gubler, that is, she adds, "if you can afford the feature in terms of your monthly mortgage payments and living expenses." If not, than the dream home can only become a reality if you're willing to give up something to own your own home.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1.
WALKING ON ICE
: No matter how safe that sidewalk looks, a nasty fall can set you back for months. So, if you're out for a stroll to enjoy the beautiful winter surroundings or just merely maneuvering from your front door to your car, take care to walk gingerly on ice and wear cleats, trax or snow grippers over the soles of your shoes.
2.
SFH HOA ANNUAL DUES: Will go out this month but won't be due until March 1. The decision to delay payment of annual dues was made by your HOA officers in consultation with the Board of Directors to avoid causing financial stress on residents right after the holiday season.
3.
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT: For new HOA officers and members of the Supervisory Committee. Feel free to nominate yourself should you be willing to serve by dropping an email to HOA President Dave Gates at
[email protected]. Officers meet once per month and Supervisory Committee members, who help oversee compliance with CC&R's meet only as needed.
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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". Finishing touches going in on this NEW UPSCALE HOME PLAN with 2460 S.F. of single-story living and an additional 288 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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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. Ready for move-in February 1st. Call 406-449-0800 for a walk-through. $289,900.
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2809 & 2811 Twilight: Two brand new 1219 S.F. duplex single-story condo buildings 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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2810 & 2812 Vista: Courtyard Condos. You asked for it... You got it! Now offering a brand new 1635 & 1660 S.F. condo plan. Not only is it bigger than our popular 1219 S.F. plan, but it comes with a rear patio/courtyard area that can be completely fenced for your personal privacy. The new 2BD/2BA floorplans feature granite countertops, tile & laminate flooring, a vaulted master and great room, kitchen appliances, a flex room for hobbies, an office or 3rd Bedroom and a 2-car attached garage. Visit the MVM Information & Sales Office at 431 S. Alice St. for additional information.
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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! New classic craftsman home under construction 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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2876 Stacia: "The Aster". New 2BD/2BA single-story craftsman garden home featuring granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, kitchen appliances and an attached 2-car garage. Comes complete with U.G. water system, front and carriage-lane landscaping and side yard fencing. Claim now to move in this spring! Contact Dawn Purvis, Century21, at 406-439-6380.
MLS#300112. $224,900.
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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 under construction. Priced at $349,900.
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Neighborhood:
HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS
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Hopefully everyone got out to see the beautiful diversity of festive and classical decorations gracing the homes throughout the various neighborhoods. It gets more difficult each year to select the best when all of the lights and decorations are so much fun and so much appreciated; from a simple star in the window to a sleigh in the front yard. But alas, we had to make choices and with thanks to all who lit up our neighborhoods this holiday season, here is the list of this year's winners.
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Grand Prize Winner -- $200
John & Angela Stilson
2761 Stacia
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1st Prize Winner -- $100
Kaid Golberg
2854 Twilight
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2nd Prize Winner -- $75
Tricia & Travis Ayers
2833 Stacia
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3rd Prize Winners (tie) -- $50 Each
Nury Day
2813 Stacia
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4th Prize Winner -- $25
Eric Sinclair
2727 Favor Ave
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Honorable Mention Winners
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Claude & Anne Troupe
Recently moved into their gorgeous new home by Weatherall Builders.
Congrat
ulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Baby it's cold outside, so perhaps it's time to consider some indoor activities that keep you in shape while having a great time. With Sleeping Giant Lanes located no more than two minutes from the entry to Mountain View Meadows, you may want to consider the health benefits of a friendly game or two of bowling - something even the least athletic among us can enjoy with family and friends on a cold winter day.
Exercise, including bowling, lowers your risk of stroke, heart attacks, diabetes, increases bone density, improves circulation, lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and helps your body utilize oxygen better. And by engaging in physical activity, bowling allows us to relieve daily stress while burning a few extra calories.
HealthFitnessRevolution.org lists the following top 10 health benefits of bowling:
- Muscle toning and strengthening: Bowling helps promote muscle exercise of the lower body, as you are doing a lot of walking with the extra weight of a bowling ball in your hands. Further, when you are swinging your arm to throw the bowling ball, the stretching and flexing that occurs provides enough exercise for the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints in your arms.
- Weight loss: Bowling helps you slim down by speeding up your metabolism. Although the game is restricted to a small area, your constant movement while playing helps burn excess fat. You're exercising your legs while walking back and forth, and working the rest of your body as you lift and swing the bowling ball down the lane. The average bowler walks approximately 3/5ths of a mile during a three-game series. Depending on your weight and amount of effort you put into the game, bowling can burn anywhere from 170 to 300 calories per game. An adult who weighs 200 pounds can burn up to 275 calories per hour while bowling, according to MayoClinic.com.
- Improve social life: Approximately 2 million bowlers socialize and bowl together each week in leagues throughout America, according to The Bowling Foundation. Bowling leagues and teams allow you to meet fellow players and spend time with old friends. Finding companionship through bowling leagues and teams can ease loneliness in the elderly and others who live alone, reducing stress and depression. Social relationships around shared interests can increase longevity.
- Reduce risk of disease: A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, according to WebMD. Exercise, including bowling, lowers your risk of stroke, heart attacks, diabetes, increases bone density, improves circulation, lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and helps your body utilize oxygen better. Try to bowl once or more each week for optimum benefits.
- Can be enjoyed at any age: Bowling is one of the few sports that allows you to compete at any age and become a pro. The game is enjoyed by everyone from preschoolers to senior citizens and is currently the fastest growing high school varsity sport. There's a low risk of injury, which makes it a popular game for older individuals. Many bowling alleys can accommodate those in wheelchairs and bowlers who are blind.
- Stress relief: By engaging in physical activity, bowling allows us to relieve daily stress. Socializing with people during the game also acts as a mental stress reliever.
- Easy to learn: It encourages easy adjustment methods, which is why it is liked by most children and adults. In the opinion of 95% bowlers, it can be played for recreation, relaxation, competitively and socially. The simplicity of this game is making it a favorite sport of people all over the world.
- Healthy heart: Relationships and friendships built during this sport helps in better performance of heart muscles. Also, the adrenaline that is felt during a match also increases heart rate. Bowling thus promotes a healthy heart.
- Fun for the whole family: A large contributing factor to the simplicity of this game is the immense adaptability that it offers. The rules of the game are very easy to understand and learn, and the automatic scoring systems take care of all the scoring for you. Participants enjoy this sport not because they like the competition that comes with it but because of the fun they have and the ease with which they are able to pass the time with their family and friends.
- Hand-eye coordination: Throwing the bowling ball and hitting the pins requires a great amount of hand-eye coordination. This kind of focus stimulates mental alertness, concentration and tactical strategy. This makes bowling the perfect game for young people to sharpen motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and for older people to refine tactics.
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Let it snow...Let it snow...Let it snow. Well, we don't have a lot of choice about it and it sure kept snowing!! We do however have some say about how we deal with it and I must say I was quite impressed with all the shoveling and snow-blowing I saw Mountain View Meadows residents doing the past few days! Way to go! A number of residents cleared neighbors' sidewalks and driveways and shoveled around the mailbox stations, etc. And believe me, it did not go unnoticed! Thank you! As for me, I spent 2 ½ days in the red plow truck with the goal of producing the best maintained neighborhoods in the Helena area. The more the snow piled up, the bigger that challenge became. Thank goodness for boulevards as, besides their beauty, their main function is to provide a place for snow from the streets and sidewalks. That said, snow removal is a complicated process with judgement calls related to how to plow around parked vehicles, how to minimize the inevitable line of snow that is left across the end of all driveways and where to go with the extra snow in intersections. Each snow event is unique in the amount of snow, speed and direction of wind, temperature and consistency of snow, etc. Resident feedback and input is very helpful in managing each event as well as improving the decision-making and planning for future snow events. Thanks to those residents who called to give me a heads up, suggestions for improving the process or just to offer a simple "thank you" for trying to get that beautiful white stuff where it belongs--out of your way!
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The Red Plow Truck at work
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A Frosty Morning in December
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