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3. Conduct a thorough fall cleaning. “Open those windows up wide and do a thorough fall cleaning of your home that includes dusting areas that don’t always make the cut, like ceiling fans and ceiling corners,” says home organization guru Marty Basher. Wash draperies, dust blinds, and remove window screens and give them a good wash. Estimated cost: A professional house cleaning service might charge $100 or more, depending on where you live and the size of your home.
4. Seed your lawn. “After a long, hot summer, your lawn could probably use a bit of extra TLC, and seeding is proven to be the most effective way to repair damage,” says Bryan Raehl, general manager of Agronomic Lawn Management in Virginia Beach, Va. Seeding before the first frost will allow the seeds to take root and give your lawn a head start in the spring. Estimated cost: Between $250 and $1,300 for a professional landscaper to winterize your lawn. 5. Clear the gutters and downspouts. These direct water away from your home, and it’s important to make sure they are functioning. Check the gutters for leaf blockages. Clear away leaves, pine needles, and twigs from the gutters. Examine downspouts for any damage or loose pieces. Use a hose to flush out debris and to make sure it’s working properly. Estimated cost: $150 for a more thorough inspection and cleaning. |
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Real Estate Statistics for October 2017 |
Area 1 – Bozeman City Limits Area 2 – Bozeman Area Area 3 – Belgrade and Surrounding Area Area 4 – Manhattan/Three Forks Area 5 – Gallatin Canyon/Big Sky Area 6 – Livingston Area 7MM – Ennis |
SINGLE FAMILY INVENTORY of current Active listings in Bozeman in September was up 13% to 124 listings – more than 2016, but less than the 135 in 2015. Bozeman Area inventory is down 13% from both 2015 and 2016.
Area 3’s inventory is down 18%. Area 4 is 16% less than last year and Area 5 is down 29%. Area 6 is down 17%. Area 7 has 9% more inventory than 2016.
As you can see by the numbers, most areas of MLS inventory of homes for sale continues to decrease. This lack of inventory tends to increase prices – the law of “supply and demand.” Great for Sellers, but tough for Buyers.
NUMBER OF MLS SALES in September were mixed from September 2016: Areas 1, 2, and 4 had fewer sales than September 2016 (-7%, -12% and -5%). But Area 3 had sales up by 25% (primarily because of a new subdivision that came on the market). Area 5 had 10% more more sales. Area 6 sales were up 33% and Area 7 decreased by 4%.
MEDIAN SALES PRICES are up almost across the board compared to September 2016. Bozeman City prices are up 5% with a median of $379,000.
Bozeman Area (2) shows sales prices up 13% to $450,000. Area 3 has an 14% higher median price ($285,750) than last year, and area 4 is up 14% for a median sales price at $276,750. Area 5 – Big Sky – is up 18% to $1,275,000, Area 6 is up 17% to $275,000. Area 7 (Madison) is the only area that has lower prices this year – down 11% to $250,000.
CONDO/TOWNHOUSE inventory in Bozeman (where most of the condos/townhouses are located) is up 6% from 12 months ago, but there are still only 68 units on the market compared to 84 in 2015. There are only 13 condos listed in Area 2 and 3, comparable to last year, but down from 39 in 2015. Builders are still taking the opportunity to cash in on the condo market by bringing on inventory, but most of it won’t be ready for several months.
Median condo sales price in Bozeman is up 17% to $278,000. Area 2 is up 13% to $254,000. And Area 3 is up 11% from a year ago at $185,000.
Area 5 has 17% less inventory than last year (97 on market), there were 125 sales, and the median price is up 20% to $365,000.
Please feel free to call Sharon or Brian for any questions on our inventory and sales in specific price ranges, as these stats are for all prices. We’re always ready to help with a free current market analysis for your property, whether or not you’re ready to sell.
This information was obtained from the Big Sky Country Multiple Listing Service.
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Prices Are Typically Lower The concept that buyers can get a better bang for their buck in the fall has been a popular notion for some time, but two recent reports validated that line of thought with data from actual home sales. According to a 2015 report by RealtyTrac, sales prices are typically 2.6% below fair market value during October — a steeper discount than any other month of the year. Another report by NerdWallet found that sales prices drop about 2.96% from summer to fall, which is roughly an $8,300 discount for the median home. It’s also worth noting that while listing prices don’t decrease much, sales prices do, and that’s the price that counts for potential buyers. |
There’s Less Competition
The majority of people buy a home in spring or summer, when inventory is traditionally high. This gives families time to make their move before the school year starts, but the tradeoff is that buyers are faced with strong competition and often pay higher than asking price during that time. People who buy in fall, however, have less competition, and sellers are more motivated. This means more negotiating power for the buyer, which often results in a better deal.
There’s Still Inventory
It’s true that the inventory of homes for sale is at its peak during spring and summer, but when you buy in the fall, there’s still a decent supply of homes left to choose from. Buying a home in the fall gives you the best of both worlds — lower prices and less competition but still enough inventory to find the home you want.
If you’re serious about buying a home, doing so this fall may save you money or help you afford more than you expect. Plus, with interest rates on the rise, the longer you wait, the less buying power you may have.
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Unwritten Rules Every Montanan Lives By |
Adapted from Montana, by Jessica Wick |
The people of Montana are a unique bunch. It’s not that we’re trying to be different, it’s just that life moves at a different pace in the Treasure State, and that’s the way we like it. These are a few of the unwritten rules we live by. |
- The best adventures begin at home. It’s not that we don’t love visiting other parts of the country, but if we have a free weekend and a little cash, we prefer to explore our own beautiful state.
- Eat local. From fresh huckleberries to Flathead cherries, locally raised cattle and of course, huckleberry bear claws from the Polebridge Mercantile, no one can blame us for wanting to eat local.
- Hold the door open for the person behind you. It’s just the polite thing to do.
- Wave to others when you’re driving. Yes, even strangers. It’s the Montana way.
- Live with integrity. This means something slightly different for every Montanan, but it all boils down to being a good person and staying true to your values.
- Steak should be at least a little pink. If you want something well done with ketchup, order a burger.
- Keep your driveway and sidewalks shoveled. Help your neighbor if you can. When it comes to Montana winters, we’re all in this together.
- Cherish small town living. The vast majority of us grew up in small towns, and we wouldn’t have had it any other way.
- Always leave the gate the way you found it.
- Never ask the size of the spread or the number of head.
- Pack out your trash
- Don’t pass gas in Montana. You never know where the next station is.
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1. Find unorthodox heat sources. More efficient sources of heat are available, particularly if the home is in a milder climate or if the home can be broken into zones.
A heat pump can help lower your electric bills by 50 percent if you currently use electricity to heat your home. Heat pumps cost about $7,500, but will pay for themselves with reduced energy costs. Switching to a geothermal heat pump will save you even more. According to Money Crashers, geothermal heat pumps qualify for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of equipment and installation costs, with no upper limit. Pumps are also frequently paired with things like radiant heat flooring in specific areas of the home, as they are more effective at using energy than either baseboards or radiators and can help supplement the heat in smaller spaces. Radiant heat costs between $6,000 and $14,000 if covering your whole home, but you can often install it in a single room for around $700. Paired with a heat pump, this will keep your home warm while significantly lowering your energy bills. 2. Add extra insulation. The amount of insulation that your home needs is directly tied to the type of heat source you have. |
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– Jim Bishop
I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze.
The sweet chill of pumpkin and crisp sunburnt leaves.
– Ann Drake
Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him.
– Hal Borland
This is the feast-time of the year
When hearts grow warm and home more dear;
When Autumn’s crimson torch expires
To flash again in winter fires;
And they who tracked October’s flight
Through woods with gorgeous hues bedight,
In charmèd circle sit and praise
The goodly log’s triumphant blaze.
– Harriet McEwen Kimball
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Our Clients Recommend Us |
“Quick response, keeping me well informed. Sound advice and analysis of offers, shielding me from tedious paperwork! Thanks so much for prompt, professional service.” – Bill and Cindy |
“We most appreciated the honest and straight-forward way you represented both parties. Keeping in touch through the process. Thank you so very much for understanding our position on this property.”
– David and Barbara
“Good, objective advice on the property. Smooth execution. Good understanding of the local market.”
– Doug and Sherry Lin
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