Come Home to Better! Mountain View Meadows: Mid-Summer 2020

Mid-Summer 2020

Believe in Better:

MAKE NEW PLANS

As the novel coronavirus continues to surge in many areas around the country while cases per capita remain low in Montana, family members who have left the area for other parts of the U.S. are rethinking their decisions. With more and more people able to work from home, Helena is seeing an increase in interest from young professionals returning home to Montana and grandparents making plans to move closer to their kids and grandkids. With one of the best regional medical centers in the state, and with its close proximity to lakes, hiking and some of the best mountain bike trails in the northwest, Helena is moving to the top of the list for new or returning residents seeking a healthier lifestyle and a safer home. Each week, more and more people stop by the Mountain Views Meadows office at 431 S. Alice Street to check out homes for sale and plans to build. While new lots are currently under development just north of Mountain View Park for the ever-popular craftsman homes, a number of brand-new single-family homes and single-story condos are under construction in the Uplands neighborhood between Jeannette Rankin and Summers Crossing just south of BCBS. From a new 1400 S.F. single-level home and a nearly 2500 S.F. tri-level home by Weatherall Builders to new 1600 and 1700 S.F. plans by Sierra Custom Homes, the latest single-family homes at Mountain View Meadows offer a variety of choices to fit the needs and budgets of most buyers. And with four brand new single-story condo floorplans ranging from 1285 S.F. to 2053 S.F. underway, buyers seeking single-level living can choose just the right size home to fit their needs without the headache of exterior maintenance. If you haven't yet, now may be your time to make new plans for a better, safer place to come home at Mountain View Meadows.

Building a Better Community:

DEQ CHARGE YOUR RIDE MONTANA

Starting in August, 2019, The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) began seeking applicants interested and able to install electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at locations in Montana. The Charge Your Ride Montana program was launched as a means to provide funding to successful applicants on a reimbursement basis pursuant to Montana's $12.6 million total allocation from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for State Beneficiaries. DEQ took on the leadership role for administering Montana's State Mitigation Trust. The purpose of the program is to help increase electric vehicle adoption to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx), greenhouse gases, and particulate matter emissions associated with light duty vehicles in Montana. Along with supporting the transition to electric vehicles and reducing emissions, the program looks to achieve long-term air quality benefits for the greatest number of Montanans, invest in clean alternative fuels and infrastructure, support long-term investments in zero-emission transportation options and reduce diesel emission exposure of sensitive populations. Eligible projects are required to pay the upfront cost of installation and must also match a percentage of the total cost of installation and five years of operation and maintenance of each EVCS. DEQ energy resource professional Neal Ullman recently reached out to Mountain View Meadows to share the great news that the MVM application to install a dual level 2 charging station next to Mountain View Park was approved. Although the novel coronavirus health crisis slowed the process for approval and will impact the subsequent timing of the installation of the EVCS, it was thrilling to receive the news! Mountain View Meadows, LLC and the MVM HOA saw the program as an excellent opportunity to show support for the Charge Your Ride Montana goals and initiatives and act as a model for building a better community, not only for its residents but for Helena and the greater Helena community.

On Topic:

BUYING A HOME IN A LOW INVENTORY MARKET

Are you tired of getting outbid on that perfect home? Did you hesitate and another buyer swooped in and sealed the deal before you? In a low inventory market, the story's often the same, "I've lost out on three homes!" So, what can you do to up your chances for getting the home you want?

According to award-winning Seattle realtor Jen Suemnicht, the first step is to be prepared. Have your financing in place, your down payment ready and your pre-approval in hand. "Be realistic about what you can afford and avoid looking at houses at the very top of your budget," says Suemnicht.

Suemnicht goes on to suggest that you discuss strategies with your realtor ahead of time so you know what you are willing and able to do to get the attention of the seller. "In low inventory markets," said Suemnicht, "it is critical that you put your best offer forward. Most likely, you will be competing against other offers, therefore, there typically isn't a lot of negotiating that goes on."

In a recent blogpost on her website, jensrealty.com, Suemnicht lists a number of strategies to help clients win the homes they want. Strategies include:

Escalation Clause: Also known as an "escalator clause", is a term that can be used in a buyer's offer. The clause is designed to defeat competing offers by automatically increasing the buyer's purchase price by a pre-set amount to trump a competing offer.
Pre-Inspection: A pre-inspection agreement protects the seller from unreasonable or just incorrect expectations you, your realtor or your inspector might present.
Earnest Money: Include a higher amount in your offer. It let's the seller know you're willing to put skin in the game and won't back out.
Additional Down Payment: Secures your financing so there isn't a last-minute hiccup.
Flexible Possession Date: Maybe the seller is waiting to move into their new home. Be willing to adjust. Or maybe the seller is not willing to hold a new home past a certain date. Be ready to close.
Strong Lender: Reputation matters.
Form 17- Waive right to revoke: You can sign away the right to receive a completed Form 17 and also waive the right to terminate the purchase agreement based on the Seller Disclosure Act.
Shorten time lines such as closing or info verification: Delayed closings cost the seller money. If you can't close the deal in a reasonable time, you'll lose out.
Personal letter with copy of pre-approval: Make a personal connection with the seller. Why do you want that particular home? Let them know you have your ducks in a row.

Benefits and Updates:

MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS

1. ANNUAL HOA MEETINGS?: We're still trying to put it together. Your HOA Officers and Board of Directors are strategizing on ways to safely meet. We hope to have a letter out to you before the end of the month.

2. THE GREEN, GREEN GRASS OF HOME: Just a reminder that with each decent downpour, you may want to consider turning your UG system off for a few days to save money. Even with only a ½ " of rain, you can skip 2-3 days.

New Homes F or Sale:

PLANS TO BUILD AND BUILD TO SUIT

A choice of new homes to meet your lifestyle and budget are ready for move-in at Mountain View Meadows with more under construction. MVM now has a number of home sites that are eligible for 0% down loans. 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.

Condos at Mountain View Meadows

2641 & 2643 Jeannette Rankin: "NEW UPLAND CONDOS!". One for the Parade and one for you! Brand new 2053 S.F. upscale duplex condos underway on Jeannette Rankin Drive in The Uplands neighborhood. Condos feature a spacious 17' x 18' living room with a 10' high tray ceiling, separate dining area off kitchen, huge walk-in pantry, raised breakfast bar, laundry room with sink and cabinets, luxurious master suite featuring 10' tray ceiling, 2 closets (one walk-in), double vanity, private water closet, walk-in tiled shower and separate soaking tub. You'll enjoy design details like granite countertops, tiled wet areas, and lots of closets and each condo comes with a gas fireplace and central air. You'll love the covered outdoor grilling/sitting porch and a 2-car garage with storage room plus the opportunity to add a fence to enclose an exclusive outdoor-use space. Available for move-in late September, stop by now for a private tour of these beautiful 3BD/2BA one-of-a-kind single-story condos all with convenient and reliable City of Helena services. Parade home $389,900; next door $379,900.

2647 & 2649 Jeannette Rankin: 1464 S.F. Single-level Condos! These spacious 3BD/2BA condos hit that sweet spot between size and price. Vaulted ceilings in primary bedroom and great room, 9' ceilings throughout rest of home. Soft-close cabinets, tiled bathrooms and laundry, plenty of closet space, a covered outdoor living space and an attached two-car garage provide everything you need for a comfortable lifestyle free of yardwork. Low $130 a month condo dues cover sidewalk and alley snow removal, landscape maintenance, exterior building repairs and exterior building insurance. Call 431-7680 to set up a tour now. Available for move-in late fall. $294,900.

* * * * *

1285 S.F. UPLAND CONDO. Brand new single-level 2BD/2BA condo just underway. Front porch views, an attached 2-car garage and a covered outdoor living space highlight this Weatherall condo within walking distance of BCBS. Master suite features a vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet, tiled bath & shower, double vanity and private water closet. Open vaulted great room. Soft-close cabinets, stainless-steel kitchen appliances and pantry in kitchen. Priced at $269,900. For additional info, stop by the Info & Sales office at 431 S. Alice St. or call 406-431-7680.

* * * * *

2875, 2877, 2883 & 2885 Vista Avenue: Brand new Condo floorplan! "Vista" Condos feature rear decks overlooking the open space draw, some with unobstructed mountain views. Street entry into attached 2-car garage with an additional concrete parking pad for your guests. Interior details include open great room with stunning views, 10' tray ceilings, granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, raised breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, tiled wet areas, and master bath with double vanity and walk-in tiled shower. These absolutely will be gone before you know it! 1635 S.F. Condos $309,900. 1660 S.F. Condo $315,000.

* * * * *

Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows

2878 Alexis Avenue: "THE MEADOWRUE". Fall in love with the main floor master on this 3BD/2.5BA 1507 S.F. classic craftsman home. Granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring, tiled wet areas, stainless-steel kitchen appliances and a big laundry room provide a great upscale feel in this modestly-priced home. Located just one block from Mountain View Park! Priced at $289,900. Call 431-7680 for a tour today.

* * * * *

2897 Stacia Avenue: "THE ASTER". New 2BD/2BA single-story craftsman garden home featuring granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, stainless steel kitchen appliances, electric fireplace and an attached 2-car garage. Comes complete with U.G. water system, front and carriage-lane landscaping and side yard fencing. To tour this home today, please call 449-0800. Still time to choose colors! $239,900.

* * * * *

The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows

2686 Summers Crossing: 1716 S.F. 3BD/2BA single-level Sierra Custom Home just underway! This brand new floorplan features a zero-barrier front courtyard entry and spacious rear covered patio. Tray ceiling in the great room with 9' ceilings throughout the rest of the home. The sooner you buy the more choices you'll make on cabinets, granite, tile and flooring along with both interior and exterior colors. Call 431-7680 and we'll email the floorplan and lot location so you can start dreaming about your new home!

* * * * *

2692 Summers Crossing: A lovely front porch sets off the entry to this 3BD/2BA single-level home one block south of BCBS. This 1647 S.F. Sierra Custom Home features a fireplace, coffered ceiling in the great room, covered rear patio off the café and an attached 2-car garage. Lock in your historically low interest rate now so you can relax and enjoy watching your home progress from start to finish. Call 431-7680 for additional information.

* * * * *

"THE GETAWAY". New 3BD/2.5BA home plan featuring 1682 S.F. finished living area with an additional 803 S.F. unfinished basement for almost 2500 S.F. to claim your own getaway spot. You won't know from the exterior that "The Getaway" is actually a tri-level home featuring a spacious living/dining area with vaulted ceiling, raised breakfast bar, large pantry, laundry room with sink, covered deck, 24' x 25' 2-car garage and a walk-out basement with 9' ceilings. Soft-close cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and tiled wet areas give this home that special upscale feel. Be the first in the door and you'll have time to choose your own colors inside and out along with your favorite finishes from a nice selection of flooring, granite and tile. Breaking ground soon! Call Rebecca at 431-7680. $349,900.

* * * * *

363 Elouise Cobell: This 3BD/2BA single-story Sierra Custom Home is move-in ready! With 1591 S.F. a few of the amenities in this home include a gourmet kitchen with a gas range, gas fireplace, tray ceilings, granite countertops, soft close cabinets, tile floor in baths and laundry, stainless steel appliances, covered porches, and an attached 2-car garage. For more information call Dawn Purvis, Century 21 at 439-6380. $329,900. MLS# 22004787.

* * * * *

371 Elouise Cobell: Beautiful Sierra Custom Home with all the upscale details you'll love from tray ceilings, arched entryways and a gas fireplace to a tiled walk-in master shower, double vanity and water closet. This exceptional 3BD/2BA 1700 S.F. floorplan includes a tiled laundry/mud room directly off the attached 2-car garage, a large walk-in pantry, a café off the kitchen, a large kitchen island, and an open great room. Sit on your covered front porch or relax on your private covered rear patio or just enjoy upscale living in your new Sierra home. Call Dawn Purvis 406-439-6380 for an appointment. $339,900. MLS# 22004784.

* * * * *

Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows

ASPEN PARK: This view could be yours, but hurry! There are only two walk-out lots facing the Elkhorns still available in Phase I. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street to discuss your plan for a new home at Aspen Park. We'll help you choose the perfect lot and connect you with the best builder to make your dream home a reality.

* * * * *

Mountain View Meadows | 406-449-0800 | Info@MVMeadows.com | http://www.MVMeadows.com
431 S. Alice Street
Helena, MT 59601

In This Issue

Believe in Better

Building a Better Community

On Topic

Benefits and Updates

New Homes for Sale

The Best in Our Neighborhood

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Fun & Fitness

From Mark & Rebecca

The Best in Our

Neighborhood:

KIDS PUSH, PULL & PEDAL PARADE GRAND PRIZE WINNER

It's hard to imagine being a judge having to choose one grand prize winner in the 4 th of July Kids parade, but Mountain View Meadows residents Felicia Head and Sarah Alling took on the task. As each parade unit entered the amphitheater at the park, they scored each group on Originality, Fun, Color, Visual Appeal, Personality and Presentation with bonus points for integrating sound, music or special effects. The "Super Sisters" entry garnered the grand prize when the sisters' mother, Lana Titus, did a cartwheel before the judges. Even so, the scores were tight and all four entries finished "in the money!" If you missed the parade, be sure to check out "From Mark & Rebecca" to see photos of all the festive participants along with photos of the "Chalk Up the Block" sidewalk chalk-art ribbon winners. Hopefully next year we'll have the pandemic behind us and more families will feel comfortable venturing out to participate in the Community 4th of July Celebration. But for those who safely joined in this year, it was the best time!

Welcome to the

Neighborhood

Kathy Edwards

Is loving her 2-story condo with amazing mountain views.

Pamela Landa

Has moved into her gorgeous single-level condo in Craftsman Village.

Aaron Douglas

Is enjoying his brand new 2-story Garden Home.

Dana & Daniel Adamson

Are settling into their spacious "Iris" Sierra Custom Home.

Russell & Christina Broadhurst & Family

Are about to close on their beautiful single-family home across from Mountain View Park.

Ralph & Billie Higgins

Recently settled into their spacious single-story condo in Craftsman Village.

John & Lucinda Borra

Are getting ready to pick up their keys to their gorgeous new home in The Uplands neighborhood.

Heeso Lee

Is enjoying her magnificent 2-story Carriage Home across from Mountain View Park.

Kacy Johnson

Is moving into her lovely "Primrose" Garden Home with wonderful mountain views.

Addy Benevides

Is getting unpacked and settled into her "Meadowrue" Garden Home.

Autum Daniels

Picked up her keys to her brand new "Primrose" Garden Home.

Christopher & Katherine Hammen

Are excited to enjoy living in their "Meadowrue" Garden Home in Craftsman Village.

Shelby Saarinen

Can't wait to make her beautiful "Primrose" Garden Home her own.

Congrat ulations!

And Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Fun & Fitness

BIKING PART II: FUNDAMENTAL TIPS FOR RIDING ON ROADS

In May, I shared with you some tips and lessons learned to begin mountain biking. This month let's focus on-road cycling. Now when I say roads, I mean gravel or pavement. MVM has many excellent gravel paths and paved trails to ride your bike around. Once you take that first ride, you will be hooked by the sense of freedom, adventure, and joy cycling our local paths can provide you.

Here are a few fundamental tips to get you started if you haven't already.

1. Choose the Right Bike

In Helena, you will learn which bike works best for each ride. You don't need several bikes, although it's never a bad thing. But having the right bike suitable for the roads is essential. For example, riding a mountain bike on hard paved roads can get very uncomfortable over two hours. I have found the most versatile bike to be a cross bike or what they now call gravel bikes . The geometry, tires, and frames can handle both the pavement and roads. It's what I call a hybrid between a road and a mountain bike. But the primary consideration is to think about how you intend to use your bike. You may want to choose a bike you can grow with. For example, with a gravel bike you can switch the knobby tires out for road tires and be perfectly comfortable riding the pavement around Helena. It's best to work with our local bike shops to find the right pick and choose a bike for the long term.

2. Remember the Fundamental Gear

As you ride more, comfort will become more critical. What I have found is that if you go cheap, you may have to buy more cycling clothes in the future. A jersey, matching padded bib shorts or bike shorts, and socks are more aerodynamic and comfortable on the bike than other athletic attire. The material wicks away sweat and helps regulate body temperature; the form-fitting cut reduces chafing, and the padded seat (chamois) protects sensitive areas from road vibration.

You will probably want to start with flat pedals and athletic shoes. Eventually you may wish to transition to clipless pedals and road bike shoes. These have become more important if you plan on doing rides of 15 miles or more. Nowadays, you can buy a pedal that has both clipless and flat pedals on the same pedal. I like this because it allows you the option to choose.

A cycling computer comes in handy for tracking mileage, navigating routes, and best of all showing you how many calories you burn. You will be amazed at how many calories you can cook on a bicycle in an hour.

3. Enjoy the Cycling Journey

The best part of cycling is growing and improving in the sport. Your first few rides might be short. But like all things, progress is made when you stick with it for the long run. So make road cycling a habit. Ride with your kids and help them grow in the sport. If there is one thing that both you and your kids can agree on, it is riding a bike. Set short-term and long-term goals like aiming to ride a couple of days per week or ride with close friends and family.

4. Safety First

There is nothing more important than protecting your head, especially during a global pandemic. I have seen the smallest of falls turn into a hospital visit. The last thing you want to do is visit the hospital for a bike injury right now. So wear a helmet, always. Falls can happen in the strangest of ways.

Ride the road with the least amount of traffic. Over time you will know which routes and times of the day are best to ride. If on the road, be sure to use a light. I use the Garmin Varia , which blinks when a car is approaching up to a mile away. It also has a radar, so you know how close the car is behind you. Always ride as if someone cannot see you. The more aware you are of your surroundings, the more you can anticipate drivers not paying attention or hazards out on the road. Remember, drivers are not usually looking out for cyclists, so you have to be more aware and defensive when you ride. Never assume someone sees you.

5. (Eventually) Find a Group

Now is not the time to be riding in groups. However, there will be a time soon that we will be riding in groups again. I would encourage you to get involved and meet people who share your interests. To get started, join the Helena United Cycling Club in Helena. I am the president, so if interested, please reach out to me. Find one or two friends you like to ride with and go ride. Maintain social distance and have fun. Riding in groups teaches you how to ride with others, how to pace, draft, compare your fitness levels, and learn new cycling skills. If new to Helena or the roads, a group will also help you find unique and exciting bike opportunities in Helena. Be sure to join Strava . Strava is another excellent way to track each other's rides and socialize with local riders.

Road cycling can be a fun, low impact exercise that I can guarantee will improve your physical and mental health. Give it a try, and I know you won't regret it. We are fortunate to have the paths we do right in our back yard so start using them.

Enjoy the Ride!

Joe Hamilton, Biking specialist, enthusiast and MVM resident

https://spindoctorsperformance.com/

cm045@outlook.com

From

Mark & Rebecca

SAFELY CELEBRATING TOGETHER

How wonderful to see you in the park safely celebrating the 4 th of July along with our family! Starting at 1:00 PM, children ages four to twelve with chalk in hand created their finest art work on blocks of sidewalk safely distanced apart. Before the afternoon hail and rainstorm could wash away their masterpieces, photos were taken of each one, then printed on 11" x 17" paper and mounted on black foam board to be displayed on easels for others to enjoy throughout the evening. At 5:30, families participating in the Kids Push, Pull & Pedal Parade began lining up in carefully marked sections 10' apart on the Fun & Fitness Trail to the west of the amphitheater. One by one, each group entered the 30' diameter concrete amphitheater to show off their dazzling costumes and delightfully decorated wagons, buggies, scooters and tricycles before two judges seated at separate tables. The parade then continued on through and around the park with parents and neighbors snapping photos of the colorful procession. As the parade came to an end, the North Hill Trio struck their first chord and spent most of the next three hours entertaining small groups of people safely spread out on the lawn as they picnicked and listened to lively modern bluegrass tunes. While the music played some of you tossed horseshoes, shot hoops or played tennis. Of course the kids continued their fun swinging, teeter-tottering, climbing and sliding in the playground. With 5.2 acres and a great variety of activities it was easy to maintain safe social-distancing. Of course masks, hand-sanitizer, spray disinfectant and paper towels were strategically placed near the port-o-lets, pavilion and playground and queue lines clearly marked for waiting in line to use the lav or purchase delicious Hawaiian Ice or an array of scrumptious Mexican food. With careful planning and execution, sponsors Mountain View Meadows, the MVM HOA and Stahly Engineering provided an opportunity to safely come together as a community, not only to celebrate the 4th but to remind one another that we're in this together and things will get better. We'd like to thank our co-sponsors, our judges and other volunteers, the vendors, the band, and of course those of you in attendance for making the day special. And on behalf of our family and those who stayed or came after the music stopped to watch the night sky light up with fireworks, we'd like to send out a special thank you to the Prickly Pear Fireworks folks who rose to the challenge to put on another spectacular fireworks display. Thanks to all who joined in as a community to celebrate the 4th with such respect for the safety and well-being of your neighbors!