Come Home to Better! Mountain View Meadows: Spring 2021

Spring 2021

Believe in Better:

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

For most of the past 12 months home buyers have been scrambling to snatch up new and used homes in and around Helena. Continued low interest rates encourage home buyers to stay engaged despite a low inventory market. If interest rates increase, monthly payments follow suit knocking more buyers out of home ownership. When vying for a used home you may find yourself locked in a bidding war or shut out by a higher offer. And with most spec homes scooped up before trusses go up, how can a buyer guarantee getting the home they want now? This may be the optimum time to consider meeting with a reputable builder to select or develop a plan that is right for you, choose a lot in the location you want and get your new home started. Although new home construction prices have been on the rise due to supply chain disruptions and significant increases in material and labor costs, continued low interest rates can make all the difference in the world in reducing the cost of your new home over the course of your loan. Thinking back when interest rates rose to 10% or more, buying a new home now makes sense. Whether talking clothes, cars or homes, once prices go up they seldom come down. But low interest rates help balance out the increase. At Mountain View Meadows, it is still possible to choose or develop a floor plan and select a lot for your new home that is right for you. Although lot inventory is shrinking, there are a number of lots available in the Aspen Park phase I and The Uplands phase II neighborhoods. And later this summer, more new lots are coming available in Craftsman Village North just steps from Mountain View Park. To get started, call 406-449-0800 or ask your realtor to schedule a meeting to discuss your options. We’ll explain how the process works and whether you may be eligible to skip applying for a construction loan and go straight to closing with your pre-approved regular home mortgage, which is sure to save you a bundle in financing costs. Building the plan you want on the lot you select couldn’t be easier when choosing Mountain View Meadows for your new home construction. Now is the time to enjoy better success in purchasing your brand new home from the foundation up.

Building a Better Community:

SPAY-GHETTI 2021

Here is your chance to treat yourself while raising money to help homeless furry friends in our community. Each year the Lewis & Clark Humane Society hosts its popular “Spay-ghetti” fundraising event with food, a silent auction and other activities. This year, due to COVID, the annual SPAY-GHETTI event has moved to a virtual platform to keep everyone safe. “Spay-ghetti started in the basement of the VFW 20 years ago and raised $2500,” said Cassidy Cook, LCHS Director of Development & Communications. “Now it has grown to be Lewis & Clark Humane Society’s largest annual fundraiser, raising over $70,000 annually!” Although the spaghetti dinner is out for now, you can still get a goody bag filled with everything from candy, cookies and popcorn to growlers, camping mugs and hot chocolate. Goody bags, which include tickets to the virtual event and the online silent auction, start at $150 for a couple and $200 for a family. For a $25 donation you can skip the goody bag and get a ticket to the April 29th event plus the opportunity to bid on auction items online starting April 22nd at 8 AM. We all love our animal family. Unfortunately there are many dogs, cats and other pets hoping for a home of their own. Show them your love while they wait. Your participation in Spay-ghetti 2021 will help pay for their food and care and the funds needed for spaying--the best way to reduce homelessness for our 4-legged friends. Please show your support for the Lewis & Clark Humane Society by purchasing a ticket or by donating or bidding on an auction item. For tickets and more information, visit http://lchsmontana.org/stay-ghetti-fundraiser-2021/ or contact Cassidy at ccook@lchsmontana.org or by calling 406-442-1660. Help our community be the best it can be for everyone, no matter how many legs they walk on!

On Topic:

SHOPPING FOR A HOME MORTGAGE

So you’ve been shopping for a new home. But what about the mortgage? When working with a lender to secure a mortgage for your home, remember that their time and expertise carries a price. What price you pay can vary depending on the lender so it pays to shop around to get the best deal on charges included in your closing costs.

What exactly are closing costs, you may ask? The Mortgagereports.com explains them this way:

“Closing costs are a collection of fees required to set up and close a new mortgage. They typically cost 2-5% of the mortgage amount for both home purchase and refinance loans. Closing costs include everything charged by your lender, home appraiser, title company, and other third parties involved in the mortgage transaction. For simplicity, borrowers pay all these fees together on closing day. Closing costs are paid to an independent ‘escrow company’ which handles distributing each fee to the right party. This is much easier than having borrowers pay each cost separately. When purchasing a home, the down payment is not included in the closing costs. Closing costs are additional charges on top of your down payment, so you need to budget for both amounts.”

The good news, according to The Mortgage Reports, is that many closing costs are flexible so borrowers can shop around for the lowest fees, and even negotiate with their lender to reduce certain items. When comparing Loan Estimates from more than one lender be sure to know what each item is and what may or may not be negotiable. Here are the main fees you’ll find on the Loan Estimate you’ll get from any lender:

Origination fee or broker fee (0-1% of loan amount) — A fee the lender or broker charges for its services. This fee can be negotiated.
Mortgage points or “discount points” (0-1% of loan amount) — OPTIONAL upfront fees paid to directly lower your mortgage rate. The lender is not allowed to use these funds for overhead or profit.
Processing and/or underwriting fee ($300-$900 each) — A fee charged to pay for the lender’s employees who gather documentation, coordinate with third parties like appraisers, and manually look at the file to approve the loan.
Title search and title insurance ($300-$2,500+) — Fees paid to check historical records and make sure the property can be legally transferred to you.
Escrow fees ($350-$1,000+) — Fees paid to a third-party escrow company that handles funds and facilitates the home sale.
Home appraisal ($500-$1,000+) — Fee to evaluate the home’s fair sale price or refinance value.
Prepaid taxes and insurance ($1,000-$4,500+) — Generally you pay six months to a year of property taxes and homeowners insurance in advance when you close. These are costs you would pay regardless so think of them as a forced savings account so that you don’t have to worry about them later.

The most recent data available from The Mortgage Reports puts the average closing costs for a single-family home at $3,570.00. However, Individual closing costs can vary a lot based on factors like the purchase price, your down payment, your credit score, your location, the lender and the type of home loan. But before you sign on the dotted line for that new home or that mortgage to buy it, shop around. It could save you money.

Benefits and Updates:

MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS

1. MVM/HOA PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT: HOA searching for self-motivated individual with excellent verbal communication and writing skills for seasonal part-time employment May 1 through Oct. 31. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to identify issues related to HOA Covenants, to follow protocol for resolving issues and to interact with others in a fair, friendly and diplomatic manner in all situations whether in-person, by phone or in writing. Must have excellent computer skills and know how to create, manage, maintain, store and share digital files. Responsibilities also include attending monthly meetings with HOA Officers and Board of Directors. Work eight (8) hours per week which can be divided into two four-hour days. To apply, email current resume and three references including at least two recent employers, to info@mvmeadows.com. COMPENSATION: $16/Hour.

2. PEOPLE, KIDS, PETS & NON-MOTORIZED BIKES ONLY: Just a reminder that the natural open spaces, trails, and construction roads surrounding your neighborhoods are open only to residents and their guests enjoying the great outdoors. No motorized vehicles of any type, except those specifically engaged in development work, are permitted in these areas. For their own safety, please be sure your children stay 100’ away from equipment and dirt or rock piles.

3. LAWN MOWERS: People, that is, not machines! Just like with snow shovelers, we are compiling a list of people who are interested in mowing lawns. It won’t be long now till brown yards turn green, so drop off your contact info at the office if you are available to mow lawns and what you charge. We will share your information with residents interested in passing their yard work on to someone else.

4. RECYCLABLE CONTAINER MISSING: Thank you to anyone who picked up our recyclables that blew away in the wind on Monday. Although we recovered several containers, we’re still missing the gray “plastics” bin with a black top… probably blown in two different directions. If you found the bin or top in your yard or alley, please call 406-431-7680. We sincerely apologize for any recyclables that flew your way!

New Homes For 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

2667 Jeannette Rankin: Bathe yourself in 2053 S.F. of comfort in your new 3BD/2BA upscale single-level condo. Features include a spacious 17’ x 18’ living room with a 10’ tray ceiling and gas fireplace, separate dining area off kitchen, huge walk-in pantry, raised breakfast bar, laundry room with sink and cabinets. The luxurious owners’ suite features a 10' tray ceiling, 2 closets (one walk-in), double vanity, private water closet, walk-in tiled shower and separate soaking tub. Along with central air, You'll enjoy design details like granite countertops, tiled wet areas, and lots of closets. 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. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street for additional information on these new condos ready for move in this summer. Call for pricing.

* * * * *

2895 Vista View Avenue: 1255 SF Vista View Condo under construction. This new single-level 2BD/2BA floorplan features a vaulted great room, kitchen peninsula and walk-in pantry, owners’ suite with double vanity, tiled shower and walk-in closet, and storage space off the attached 2-car garage. A 12’ x 14’ covered outdoor living space provides plenty of room for lounging, planters and hosting a BBQ. Drop by the office at 431 S. Alice St. for a tour of the location and find out how you can own your own home for just under $310,000.

* * * * *

2876 & 2878 Vista View Avenue: Two 3BD/2BA 1713 SF single-level condos just underway off Runkle Parkway and Twilight, but don’t wait too long or you’ll miss out! These Vista View Condos come with all the upscale features you expect in a beautiful Weatherall built home from tray ceilings to granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, and tiled walk-in shower. The kitchen comes complete with stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry and breakfast bar. But that’s not all! The laundry room has a sink and linen closet and there is a storage room right off the attached 2-car garage. Stake your claim now on one of these new floorplans and get ready to relax on your front porch or slip away onto your covered outdoor living space while you leave exterior maintenance behind!

* * * * *

The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows

330 Rian Street: "THE ELK PARK". One gorgeous home! With over 2000 Finished square feet, you’ll pamper yourself with upscale amenities including separate soaking tub and tiled walk-in shower, two walk-in closets in the primary bedroom suite, central air and a fireplace in the vaulted great room. Your kitchen features quartz countertops, a kitchen island, pantry and soft-close cabinets. Enjoy your morning coffee on your inviting front porch or relax on your covered rear patio off the dining nook. Need a getaway spot? The bonus room with two huge closets provide the privacy you need or the perfect place to set up your home office. Price is subject to change so call about the Elk Park today and lock it in at $429,900.

* * * * *

315 Rian Street: This new 3BD/2BA 1647 SF Sierra Custom Home is one of the most awesome plans ever! The open concept features a huge kitchen island, tray ceilings in the great room and a café opening onto a covered deck. Although just getting started, Sierra homes, with all their upscale features and attention to details, get snatched up fast. So if you want in on the ground level, call 406-449-3301. Ask how you can get your foot in the front door before someone slips in behind you!

* * * * *

311 Titus Street: "THE TETON". Awesome 1830 S.F. 2-story home with 3 beds, 2.5 baths and an upstairs TV room. The Owner's suite features both a walk-in tiled shower and separate soaking tub, double vanity, a big walk-in closet and vaulted ceiling. The front porch entry allows you to greet visitors before entering the main open living area while the owner's entry off the 2-car garage provides adequate space to add a bench and park your shoes. The plan includes a large kitchen island, walk-in pantry and concrete patio off sliding glass doors at the rear of the home opening onto a huge backyard for great entertaining. Sign a buy-sell now while there is still time to select interior colors and start planning what to do with all that room inside and out. Call 431-7680 for additional information.

* * * * *

2674 Summers Crossing: "THE GETAWAY". You missed this one -- but this plan can still be built! Almost 2500 S.F. gives you all the room you need to find your own getaway spot! This 3BD/2.5BA home features an 803 S.F. unfinished walk-out basement with 9' ceilings, a spacious living/dining area with vaulted ceilings, raised breakfast bar, large pantry, laundry room with sink, covered deck, and an oversized 24' x 25' 2-car garage. Soft-close cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and tiled wet areas give this home that special upscale feel. Look now or you might miss out! Call Rebecca for a private tour, 406-431-7680.

* * * * *

2662 Summers Crossing: "THE BANNOCK". Brand new 3BD/2.5BA 1551 S.F. 2-story home with an attached 2-car garage in the Uplands neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows! You'll enjoy peace of mind with City of Helena services when you settle into your new home. Enjoy the comfort of a big owners' suite with a tiled walk-in shower, double vanity and huge walk-in closet. Two large additional bedrooms, one with a desk nook, share a bath while the guest bath on the main floor maintains your privacy upstairs. The main floor features a large living room and separate eat-in kitchen with a pantry, granite countertops, soft-close cabinets and stainless steel appliances. A large covered deck off the kitchen is perfect for relaxing while you BBQ. Lock in historically low interest rates now! For additional information, call Rebecca at 406-431-7680 or stop by the Sales and Information office at 431 S. Alice St.

* * * * *

Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows

ASPEN PARK: Now is the time to take a drive through beautiful Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows to see for yourself if this upscale neighborhood is right for you. Homes in Aspen Park typically range from 2,000 SF to 5,000 SF with custom details inside and out. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street to discuss your plan for your new home. We’ll help you choose the perfect lot and connect you with the best builder to make your dream home a reality. Have your own builder? Let’s meet to work through the approval process. We’re here to assist you in whatever way possible to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. Contact Mark at 406-449-0800 or email info@mvmeadows.com for additional information.

* * * * *

Visit our website

The Best in Our

Neighborhood:

Best Stewards

Wind can be challenging in Montana. With construction ongoing in Mountain View Meadows, trash sometimes escapes dumpsters flinging debris across the surrounding fields. How wonderful are those good stewards who pick up trash as they walk the trails and open space! One of the best stewards in our neighborhood wishes to remain anonymous but she seldom returns from a walk without a bag of trash and she wants to thank other Mountain View Meadows residents (you know who you are) who take the time to lend a hand as well. One of the youngest of those best stewards is Lindsay Gehring’s 5-year-old daughter, Dahlia. Thanks to Dahlia and those like-minded stewards of the land, everyone who enjoys the open space benefits. But it’s not just about people. Our anonymous advocate points out the value of the open space to wildlife and wishes to share this note on one of her favorite sightings this time of year. “It's a plane.....no, it's Sturnella neglecta! Yes, you heard correctly. The Western Meadowlark, our beloved state bird has started to return to MVM this spring. They love the habitat here since they nest in low depressions in the ground or low-lying spots in fields which is why it is important not to drive across the meadows and fields – and to keep dogs (and cats!) under control -- so these birds can have their spring time in the spotlight. Listen for their unique call, which according to National Audubon Society, is a "Rich flute-like jumble of gurgling notes, usually descending the scale.”” Not everyone is able to get out and enjoy the open spaces, but our good steward tells us you can find DIY tips on creating a bird-friendly backyard at: LAST CHANCE AUDUBON SOCIETY – PROMOTING UNDERSTANDING, RESPECT, AND ENJOYMENT OF BIRDS AND THE NATURAL WORLD THROUGH EDUCATION, HABITAT PROTECTION AND ENVIRONMENT ADVOCACY.

Sturnella Neglecta Bird

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Victoria Stipcich

Just recently closed on her lovely single-level home in the Uplands neighborhood.

Kimberly Nass

Will soon be settling into her beautiful tri-level home by Weatherall Builders.

Cynthia Meier-Dingman

Is excited to pick up the keys to her gorgeous single-level condo.

Kirk Attwood

Will be moving into his brand new single-level condo in The Uplands neighborhood very soon!

Congratulations! And Welcome

to the Neighborhood!

Fun & Fitness

Hike & Bike

Which is better for your health? Ask a bicycle enthusiast and you’ll get one answer. Ask someone whose exercise of choice is walking and you’ll get another. Ask health experts and they’ll give you the statistics, but is that really what drives your train?

Let’s look at the benefits of both. Hiking and biking both burn calories. Depending on how fast you walk, where you walk or how long you walk will determine how many calories you’re bound to burn an hour. Same goes for biking. If you’re 155 pounds riding a stationary bike with light effort you’ll burn 35 less calories an hour than the person outside your window taking a hike down the sidewalk. But turn the wheel vigorously and that extra energy will grind off 739 calories an hour compared to around 430 walking on flat ground. This might make cycling especially advantageous to people looking to lose a few extra pounds.

But it’s not all about shedding weight. Both walking and cycling offer cardio vascular benefits. Because walking is by definition slow, it is inherently difficult to elevate your heart rate as much as biking. However, one of the major differences between walking and cycling is the ability to coast on the bike. Pedaling hard for a few minutes and then coasting provides an interval workout that can mask how much cardio work your body is actually performing. Walking, however, requires constant energy input at a near-steady rate, so it is easy to keep up consistent cardiovascular effort.

What about equipment? There seems to be an apparent advantage to walking when it comes to what you need to get started: yourself. Even a new pair of comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots is peanuts next to a decent bike, a helmet, riding gear and safety equipment. But then, there is something to be said for expressing yourself in style with the bike you ride and the clothes you wear. And joining a cycling club is a great way to meet other adventurous people who love exploring places on wheels where cars can’t go.

Perhaps with spring slowly blooming, the best part of hiking and biking is getting out in the fresh air. And once you’re outside, whether there is a spring in your stride or a spring under your seat, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy your natural surroundings. Of course, say hikers, if you’re on a bike you’ll probably whiz right past without noticing that nesting bird huddled in the tall grass if you haven’t already frightened away all the wildlife. And if you’re walking, that cyclist is bound to get to the top of the hill before you in time to watch the sunset.

From

Mark & Rebecca

Signs of Spring

If you haven’t noticed, construction continued throughout the winter, particularly new home construction. Now that spring has sprung, or at best, is making a valiant try, work has resumed on laying sewer and water pipe in Craftsman Phase VI north of Mountain View Park. If all goes well, 40 new lots will be ready in July. But getting the excavators fired up isn't the only sign of spring. If you haven’t been out and about, now would be a great time to take a walk to check out the wildlife. There is a herd of Antelope (Pronghorns) that share a home with us at Mountain View Meadows. Of course, they are around all year but if you’re lucky, you might see two males butting heads over a female. And, of course, the Meadowlarks are nesting so be especially careful to stay on the trails so not to disturb. I love when the turquoise-blue mountain bluebirds return in the spring. It won't be long until one of the females lays her eggs in the rafters just outside our front door. Perhaps the greatest treat of all is catching a glimpse of the Sandcranes. The first time I saw them in the pond near Blue Cross Blue Shield they were jumping up and down in a mating dance, hence I coined them “jumping cranes” and named the nearby trail after them. It’s exciting to look forward to a fresh start, especially after such a challenging year. As you look about for signs of spring please do your part to be good stewards of the land. And if you can lend a hand, carry a bag for trash on your next outing even if only “for the birds!”