Believe in Better:
The Better Place to Live in Helena
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As kids are split between online and classroom instruction and as families tidy up their campers to store for the winter, prep work continues for curb and gutter installation for the new Vista View Condos in the Aspen Park neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows. Final design details are underway on these exciting new Condos in two of the most sought-after sizes; a 1255 S.F. two bedroom/two bath and a 1700 S.F. three-bedroom model. Both designs feature a covered rear deck and a private front porch to enjoy the distant views. Foundations will go in yet this year with occupancy expected late spring. Meanwhile, construction continues on the Upland Condos south of Blue Cross Blue Shield along with a number of favorite and brand new single-family floorplans. Although single-family homes and condos have been quickly scooped up over the summer there are nine more nearly-ready for move-in or currently under construction to fit your budget and needs. With more and more buyers discovering the beautiful Mountain View Meadows community with its pocket parks, paved trails, gorgeous landscaping and appealing architecture -- all on reliable and convenient City of Helena services -- you’ll want to get your name on the list now for your next new home. But that’s not all! In addition to new homes for sale, building lots are currently available in both The Uplands and Aspen Park neighborhoods with 40 more lots coming on next year in the Craftsman Village neighborhood. So if you don’t find the perfect home for you now, visit the Sales and Information office at 431 S. Alice Street to check out plans to build. As the most popular new home destination in the Helena market, we believe you’ll discover for yourself why so many new home buyers find Mountain View Meadows the better place to live in Helena.
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Building a Better Community:
A Safer Halloween at Mountain View Meadows
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With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in Montana, Mountain View Meadows is looking ahead to your health and well-being on Halloween. The Internet is alive with alternatives for the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating kids of all ages so look forward to this time of year. “After some brainstorming, we came up with an alternative for a safer Halloween at Mountain View Meadows,” said MVM Director of Design, Rebecca Ryland. “On Halloween from 6:00 PM till 7:30 PM, some ghouls of our own in masks and gloves will welcome kids to pick-up pre-bagged goodies at the pocket park at the corner of Stacia and S. Alice Street. A lighted path through the spooky park will lead to a table where each child gets a Halloween bag full of candy.” Mountain View Meadows, the MVM HOA and Sierra Custom Homes will sponsor the decorating of the park and the treats, explained Ryland, and made possible through donations from a growing list of area businesses including Finstad’s Carpet One, Weatherall Builders, Wells Fargo Bank, First Interstate Bank, Stockman Insurance, Mann Mortgage, Opportunity Bank of Montana, and 1st Montana Land Title Co.
It is not the intention of Mountain View Meadows to tell anyone that they can or cannot trick-or-treat door-to-door. That is a decision to be made according to recommendations by the Lewis and Clark County Dept. of Health. However, pre-bagged treats offer a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. The kids may not get as much candy as they would going door-to-door, but providing a special haunted place for kids to pick up carefully-stuffed treat bags not only helps protect these young spirits during the current health crisis but also protects the health and well-being of those kind-hearted folks who would have, before COVID, welcomed the onslaught of young Halloween ghouls and ghosts at their doors.
If you live at Mountain View Meadows and feel uncomfortable opening your door this Halloween but would still like to participate in keeping the Halloween spirit alive, drop off an unopened bag of candy at the office at 431 S. Alice St. and we’ll use it to help stuff the treat bags. Your name will be added to a sign that will be on display in the pocket park on Halloween night showing off the businesses and residents that have contributed to a safer Halloween at Mountain View Meadows. For more information or to volunteer to help decorate, call Rebecca at 431-7680 or email risland05@yahoo.com.
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On Topic:
With Historically Low Interest Rates, Is Now The Time To Buy?
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COVID-19 has understandably become an important factor when making long-term decisions. Buying a new home is no less one of them. Historically low interest rates have done their part to encourage new home shoppers to make the move to buy now. And most experts agree, the rates won’t get lower.
So, are low rates the best reason to buy now? Probably. But prudent buyers need to closely examine their personal finances to be certain the time is right for them.
“There’s not just one answer to the question of when to buy a house,” said Tara Mastroeni in an Oct. 2 article on Credible.com. “Instead, the decision of when to buy a home is a personal one that depends on multiple factors.” Mastroeni’s article goes on to outline five signs that buying a house now makes sense, and two that signal it’s time to wait. Below are Mastroeni’s list of factors to help determine if the time is right for you.
1. You have a stable employment history.
If you’ve worked at the same job for at least two years, you might be ready to buy a house. Lenders want reassurance that you have enough money coming in to cover the cost of the mortgage and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. To them, that proof comes in the form of a stable employment history.
2. You have a handle on your debt
Your debt-to-income ratio is a measure of how likely you are to be able to afford another loan, given your current debt obligations and how much money you have coming in each month. To find your current DTI, add up all of your recurring monthly debts, including credit card debt, car payments, and student loans, etc. Then, divide that number by your total monthly income and multiply it by 100 to get your percentage. You’ll want a DTI less than 45%.
3. You have a decent amount of savings
In addition to making sure that you have enough money to cover your mortgage payment each month, you’ll need the upfront costs of buying a new home. In particular, you should save enough to pay for the following:
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Down payment: Typically, you want to have a 20% down payment saved (though there are cases where you might need less of a down payment).
- Closing costs: Closing costs account for any fees required to close on a home and usually amount to an additional 1%-2% of the home’s purchase price.
- Reserves: Reserves are the funds that you have left in the bank after paying your down payment and closing costs. Lenders prefer that you have enough in your accounts to cover at least two months of mortgage payments — but an even bigger buffer than that might be a good idea.
4. You’re happy with your credit score
The exact score you’ll need to be approved for a loan will depend on the type of loan that you’re considering. Generally, getting approved for a conventional loan will require a credit score of at least 620. However, it’s possible to be approved for an FHA loan, which is a program used by many first-time homebuyers, with a score as low as 500.
5. The market is working in your favor
In particular, you should take a look at current interest rates. When mortgage rates are low or trending downward, you’ll pay less overall when you borrow money.
6. You’re not ready to settle down
Conventional wisdom states that you should plan on staying in your house for at least five years for the purchase to make sense. It takes new homeowners four years, on average, to break even on the cost of buying a home, meaning that you would have to stay put for at least five years for buying to become a smart financial investment.
7. You have other big expenses on the horizon
If you know that you have other big expenses coming up, such as a wedding, a new baby, or education costs, now may not be the ideal time to buy.
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Benefits and Updates:
Mountain View Meadows
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1. HALLOWEEN/FALL DECORATING CONTESTS: Time for your spooky friends to crawl from their crypts to tickle and delight your neighbors. And we could all use a little lifting of our spirits these days! Mountain View Meadows will once again sponsor the annual Halloween Decorating contest. Cash prizes this year range from $25 for the 4th place winner up to a whopping $100 to the 1st place winner for the best Halloween-themed decorations. In addition to cash awards, Stockman Bank will once again provide $5 gift certificates to five honorable-mention winners. This year we are adding a new category for Best Front Porch Fall-themed Decorations. The best in this category will receive a $50 cash prize with two runners-up receiving discount passes to goods and services at area businesses worth $25 each. But don’t let a little cash be your motivation. Decorating your home just might lift your spirits as well and your pumpkins, scarecrows, witches and goblins sure are fun to see this time of year!
2. TIME TO REMOVE RV’S, BOATS, CAMPERS, TRAILERS, ETC.: Understandably, the incredible fall weather has delayed removing your toys from the streets. There is always hope for one more great weekend! But alas, Covenants require RV’s, Boats, Campers, and other recreational vehicles to be removed from the street the end of Sept. so if you haven’t already made plans to store your toys for the winter, do it now. This is Montana and the weather can turn on a dime. For all we know, next week -- like last year at this time -- we may have to snow plow the streets!
3. SIDEWALK AND DRIVEWAY SNOW REMOVAL: Argh! Snow? We’ve already received requests for persons willing to shovel/blow snow off sidewalks and driveways this winter. If you want your services put on a list, let us know your phone number and your rate and we’ll share your info with interested parties.
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New Homes For 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. 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.
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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
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2686 Summers Crossing: 1716 S.F. 3BD/2BA single-level Sierra Custom Home well 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!
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2680 Summers Crossing: 1591 S.F. 3BD/2BA single-story home features tray ceilings, gas fireplace, granite countertops, soft close cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, tiled wet areas, laminate flooring and attached 2-car garage. You’ll love the walk-in pantry and covered rear porch. Call for more info!
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2674 Summers Crossing: "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. Call Rebecca at 431-7680 for pricing
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2668 Summers Crossing: "THE LOOKOUT". 1400 S.F. home priced to fit your budget! This new 3BD/2BA single-story floorplan has what you need for comfort in a home easy on your pocket. Expect all the upscale features standard in a Weatherall Home from granite countertops to tiled shower and double vanity in the owners’ suite. Don’t expect this one to be around long so visit the Sales and Information Office at 431 S. Alice street for the latest info on this new home currently under construction.
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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.
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Condos at Mountain View Meadows
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2643 Jeannette Rankin: "NEW UPLAND CONDO!". Brand new 3 BED/ 2BA 2053 S.F. upscale single-story condo ready for move-in mid-October. Condo features 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 owners’ 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 along 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. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street for a private tour or call Anna Havranek at Keller Williams, 406-438-1141, to schedule a showing. Priced at $389,900.
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2649 Jeannette Rankin: 1464 S.F. Single-level Condo! This spacious 3BD/2BA condo hits 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. $299,900.
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2653 & 2655 Jeannette Rankin: If you want it all inside your home without all the maintenance outside, check out the floorplans on the new 3BD/2BA 1664 S.F. Single-level condos in the Uplands neighborhood south of BCBS. The new floorplan features all the design details that give you that upscale look and feel from tray ceilings to granite countertops and tiled wet areas. Condos include a covered outdoor living space, an attached 2-car garage and the option to enclose an exclusive use private area. The walls are up but with construction ongoing, tours will be scheduled after 5 or on weekends. Call 406-431-7680 for details.
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2683 & 2685 Jeannette Rankin: Exclusively yours! You’ll be amazed how big these 1285 S.F. single-level 2BD/2BA condos feel inside with their vaulted ceilings in both the great room and primary bedroom and 9’ ceilings throughout the rest of the home. Condos feature soft-close cabinets, tiled bathrooms and laundry, plenty of closet space, a covered outdoor living space and an attached two-car garage. Free yourself from yard work today! Call 431-7680 for more info. $274,900.
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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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.
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The Best in Our
Neighborhood:
Be The Best in Your Neighborhood -- Volunteer!
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Researchers at think tanks across the country cite the health benefits of volunteering from lowering stress to boosting self-confidence. According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering decreases the risk of depression, gives a sense of purpose, stimulates the mind and body, allows you to meet new people and may even help you live longer. So what’s stopping you from being the Best in Your Neighborhood and volunteering your time to serve as an officer on your HOA? If you’re good at taking notes or like working with numbers or are willing to learn a thing or two about Roberts Rule of Order—but most importantly, if you want to help protect the integrity of your neighborhood and shape the continued success of Mountain View Meadows—then there just might be a place at the table for you. If you would like to be considered for a position as a an HOA officer working directly with the HOA Board of Directors to make decisions affecting the Mountain View Meadows community, email President Dave Gates at dgates0823@gmail.com or Board Chair Mark Runkle at markrunkle@hotmail.com today. This is your opportunity to join a small but enthusiastic group of people who sincerely care about protecting your home values and improving your lifestyle. And as an extra benefit, your HOA annual dues are waived each year you serve!
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Welcome to the Neighborhood
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Duane McCullough
Is enjoying his Vista condo with beautiful views of the Elkhorn mountain range.
Robert & Deborah Brown
Are loving their spacious single-level condo in Craftsman Village.
Diane & Michael Langenfus
Have settled into their gorgeous home in The Uplands.
Zach & Jessie Antonick
Are excited about their brand new Craftsman Sierra Home.
Joan & Curtis Maddock
Have moved into their wonderful condo by Weatherall Builders.
Gary & Terri Keller
Are settling into their magnificent 2020 Parade Home in Aspen Park.
Stewart Padgett
Recently closed on his lovely Aster Garden Home in Craftsman Village.
Donald & Geraldine Hummel
Are thrilled with their move across the neighborhood into a condo with less maintenance.
Karl & Kimberlee Kruger
Have come back home to live Better in a beautiful 2-story home at Mountain View Meadows.
Connie & Tom Fleming
Will be moving into their stunning 2020 Parade condo by Weatherall Builders very shortly.
Leslie Ames
Is getting excited to pick up her keys to a brand new condo floor plan in The Uplands neighborhood.
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Congratulations! And Welcome
to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness
A Pep Talk on Your Health
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By MVM Resident and Personal Trainer, Joe Hamilton
There’s no doubt this year has been dramatically different than most any previous year. I have never had to weigh the risks of contracting a virus to working out in a gym and keeping myself and family healthy and safe. The virus and concepts of exercising is so contradictory in some ways, but in others, it provides all of us one more reason to take the time to take care of ourselves.
Because of the pandemic, many of us have changed the way we incorporate exercise into our daily lives. We now do our exercise routines in isolation while working around new schedules and family obligations. Exercise routines have to be more flexible and adaptable than ever before, around the kids’ school schedule or a busy at-home work schedule. With these changes comes fresh perspectives. The biggest one I have taken from the times we are living in, is our health is our wealth and without it nothing else matters. But how to stay motivated?
Continue to Create Challenges for Yourself
If anything, this year has shown many a new perspective on what it means to be your own competitor physically and mentally. This competition includes turning negative self-talk to positive self-take, turning de-motivation to motivation, and navigating a workout schedule around a new lifestyle. For example, if you walk around the block, try incorporating short jogs or focus on doing a set of 10 pushups. Maybe now is the time to make some habit changes such as incorporating new macronutrients into your diets, incorporating a stretching routine, and learning how to execute sessions based on the time of day and how you feel.
Establish Short-Term Goals with a Long-Term Focus
I have not met one person yet whose goals have not been changed by this pandemic. However, remember you can still keep the same long-term focus and only have to change your short-term goals. Now is a great time to get out of your comfort zone, as long as it helps you refine your exercise routine and is related to your long-term goals.
Why do you exercise? Because you don’t want to start over and you know if you don’t exercise it will have long term repercussions. It’s that simple; being proactive vs. reactive. Don’t let this time be wasted. We have a unique opportunity to simplify our lives and enjoy the things we often neglect during a busy fall calendar.
Ultimately, the most significant win we can make is to continue to create the best version of ourselves and prepare us to be better all-around people physically, emotionally and spiritually. In turn, you will provide the best version of yourselves to others. Now, (not after Thanks giving, after Christmas, at the New Year) is the time to make healthy changes for yourself and your family.
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From
Mark & Rebecca
Making the Moment Memorable
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I’m not sure about you, but since the Pandemic hit, I go about my life with an overwhelming sense that, at any moment, the other shoe will drop. When I look around me, things look normal. And yet, they are anything but normal. At Mountain View Meadows, we have had the great fortune to have generally weathered the storm unscathed. But there are many people who have lost loved ones or have spent days if not weeks and months fighting for their lives because of this disease. We know people who have lost their jobs or have continued to work at the risk of their own health and well-being to benefit the rest of us. And some of the worst impacts of the pandemic have fallen on minorities and people of color, including our Native American families right here in Montana. With so much at stake, it may seem frivolous to focus on the little moments that make life memorable. And yet, perhaps at this time, they mean the most. Following a moose trotting down our lane on the way to work; watching a coyote pop his head up in my headlights along the side of the road; seeing our grandsons cross the finish line at a cross country meet, or our grand-daughters laughing as they circle our house in the old golf cart that has seen years now of their happy abuse – these things matter! It’s probably why it is important for MVM to host a safe and fun place for kids to pick up carefully-stuffed bags of candy on Halloween. It offers a little bit of normal during a difficult time. And as we all know, a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, in the most delightful way! Thank you to all the businesses donating to the Halloween goodie bags and to your HOA and Sierra Custom Homes for co-sponsoring the event. Below are photos from past Halloweens at Mountain View Meadows. Let’s work together to make this Halloween memorable for the kids in our neighborhood without putting them or our neighbors at risk.
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1st Ever Fall Decorating
Contest Winner
2014
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Antelope Trace
Trick-or-Treaters!
2014
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Families out on the
Treat Trail!
Halloween 2015
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All-time favorite!
2015 Contest Winner
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It's Not Just for Kids!
2016
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In the Shadow of the Night
2016
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Barbara's very first time ever
passing out treats!
2017
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What Kris Baker
does after work
2019
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Neighbors share the
Holiday Spirits!
2019
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