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Since 2008, "National Women Build Week" has brought together more than 117,000 all-women construction volunteers to build or repair homes. Across the U.S. this annual event, created by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Lowes, has assisted nearly 5,000 families. About 300 organizations participated in this year's event May 5-12. Helena Habitat for Humanity, which also hosted the local 2015 and 2017 "Women Build" events, organized this year's build on a new Habitat home located in the Craftsman Village neighborhood in Mountain View Meadows. Over 50 women from the Helena area turned out to lend a helping hand on May 5
th
, including volunteers from the YWCA, the Career Training Institute, Red Ants Pants and Lowes.
"We were thrilled to have such a tremendous turnout for Women Build 2018," said Helena Habitat for Humanity director, Jacob Kuntz. "[Women Build] is a national event that brings attention to the often-overlooked role of women in the building trades, and how women are disproportionately affected by housing disparity in Helena. Women from across Lewis and Clark County showed up to assist a family in making their dream of homeownership a reality." Monica Lindeen, the new director of YWCA, as well as a representative of Lowes, kicked off the event with an address to the participating volunteers. A letter from Lisa Bullock was also read to the group, as she was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. A "Wall-Raising" ceremony on April 26
th that hosted 70 people including Helena's new mayor, Wilmot Collins, got the ball rolling on the construction of the new "Garden" home which is expected to be completed this fall. The "Women Build" volunteers, including the new
homeowners and their families, most of which had no previous building experience, were led in the day's building activities by Habitat staff and skilled carpenters from Red Ants Pants. From 8:30 A.M. until 3:30 PM, participants
framed and erected the remainder of exterior walls, framed all the interior walls, painted all the exterior trim, and sheathed and staged most of the trusses in preparation for roofing work.
YouthBuild, a program that gives youth an opportunity to get their high school diploma while receiving training in the trades, will continue work on the home; one of six Habitat homes to be constructed in the Craftsman Village neighborhood. "
Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to be building homes with deserving families in the Mountain View Meadows community," said Kuntz. "Habitat believes that families deserve the opportunity to build a better life through homeownership; we cannot imagine a better place for these families to call home."
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Building a Better Community:
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This coming Saturday, May 19, Big Brothers Big sisters will host its 16
th
annual Wine Crush fundraiser at the Helena Civic Center. "At Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) we believe all children are born with potential and our vision is that all children achieve success in life," explained Colleen Brady, President of the Helena and Great Falls BBBS. "Asa G. Hilliard III, [renowned African-American professor of educational psychology] said "I have never met a child who was not a genius. Unfortunately, many of those children grow up in environments beyond their control and lose that genius potential," continued Brady. "How can we expect children who are stuck in situations that they can't see their way out of show their potential and brightness with all that is going on around them?" The mission of BBBS is to help those children reconnect with that potential and hope. "When you help a child facing adversity and connect them with an adult BIG," said Brady, "you can inspire them to achieve that success in life." BBBS needs steady, consistent role models to mentor children a couple of hours a week or eight hours a month to help them aspire to be something BIG. But if you can't volunteer your time, Wine Crush is a great opportunity to support the BBBS mission while enjoying fabulous wines from around the world and great food from some of Helena's finest restaurants with entertainment provided by
The Growlers.
You can also bid on live auction items which you can view on the BBBS Facebook page. All proceeds from Wine Crush go directly to BBBS's programs that provide the mentors and the professional support staff to monitor the matches. Tickets are available online at
www.bbbs-helena.org
or can be purchased by calling 406-442-7479. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
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On Topic:
STRATEGIES FOR WOMEN HOME BUYERS
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Single-women homebuyers are at an all-time high. "In the early 1980s, it was about 9 percent," said Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at
Veritas Urbis Economics
. "It's about 19 percent now, so almost one-fifth of all homebuyers in the U.S. are single women, and that's a significant jump." Contributing factors in this increase coincides with an increase of women in the full-time workforce and that women are staying single longer.
The real estate website Estately recently conducted a study showing how the continued gender wage gap in America affects home affordability and ownership for women.
Estately used U.S. Census data to compare men's and women's median salaries in the 50 most populated U.S. cities. Northwest cities Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon had among the highest wage-based housing gap. In these cities, men could afford nearly 150% more of the homes than women.
With these results in mind, Mia Taylor at Market Watch asked real estate and personal finance experts to share their top tips for single women seeking to purchase a home.
SECURE THE DOWN PAYMENT:
Coming up with the down payment can seem impossible but, Adrian Valdes, president at Cornerstone Home Lending urges buyers not to let this part of the process discourage them as there are down payment assistance programs that can help individuals get into a home for less money down.
The Federal Housing Administration loan is popular among first-time and single-income home buyers thanks to its low 3.5% down payment requirement. There are also programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and USDA that may require no down payment at all, says Valdes.
LINE-UP A CO-SIGNER/GUARANTOR:
Experienced agent Julie Gans of Triplemint suggests lining up a qualified guarantor, co-purchaser or someone who might be able to gift money for your home purchase.
"These three options help buyers with lower income, lack of reserve funds or the total overall funds to purchase properties," said Gans. "Finding the right [property] that will allow these options are important and help women and single income families be successful in their purchases."
BUY BELOW YOUR MEANS:
Real-estate analyst Julie Gurner, of FitSmallBusiness.com, says it's critical that single income households buy properties that are below the amount for which they've been preapproved.
"You see that gorgeous home at the top of your range? Pass on it, and you'll be glad you did," said Gurner. "Single women and single income families have to be especially mindful to buy a home below their means...It gives them an additional expense cushion every month. Things come up. Doctor visits, your car breaks down, or your furnace breaking can be a big financial hit if you don't have the ability to absorb it. On months where nothing goes wrong, you have the ability to save."
REDUCE YOUR DEBT:
This helps on a variety of levels. For instance, not only does it make you a better mortgage applicant, it will also help once you're in your new home dealing with a whole host of new expenses. Gans, of Triplemint, suggests tackling credit card debt in particular. "Pay off all credit cards prior to purchase to lower your income to debt ratio," advises Gans. "This reduces your liability and makes you look more appealing to a seller."
SEARCH AT THE RIGHT TIME:
When it comes to finding a first home, time of year can make a big difference. Recent data from Trulia shows that there's a 7% spike in starter home inventory during the fall, making it an ideal time to buy.
Perhaps one of the most important strategies for women when purchasing a new home is to consider life changes when making a decision when and where to buy. Marital and employment status change. Families grow or become smaller. Choose a home in a neighborhood where homes retain or grow in value. Having the cheapest home in the wrong location may make it easier to purchase a home, but harder to sell down the road.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES:
Please be kind and considerate of your neighbors when parking recreational vehicles on residential streets. As we see more recreational vehicles popping up, we want to point out the Class A Motorhomes and Fifth Wheels are not intended to be parked on streets in front of homes as they may hinder the safety of others. In accordance with City Code Title 8 Traffic Regulations, no vehicle not in use may be parked on the street for more than 72 hours and at no time may any vehicle be used for camping/sleeping while parked in a residential area.
2.
LAWN WATERING: With spring rains, just a reminder you may need less water for your lawn. Excess watering can cause runoff that damages other landscaping. Save water for summer when the weather is drier--your grass and plants will love you for it!
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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. 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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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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2930 Big Timber Loop: "The Open Range". NEW UPSCALE CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMAN HOME has 2748 totally finished S.F. with 2460 S.F. of single-story living and an additional 288 S.F. finished bonus space above the garage. This home features a vaulted living room, corner fireplace, raised breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, den/office, wood floors, doors and trim, granite countertops, knotty-alder soft-close cabinets, "subway" tile backsplash, separate dining, and a gorgeous master suite with double vanity, tiled shower and soaker tub. The home includes an owner's entry with bench and cubby hole shelves and central air with three separate zones. 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 -- an unbeatable value at only $429,900! MLS#300407. Contact Anna Havranek at KellerWilliams at 406-438-1141 for a private showing.
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2883 Alpine View Loop: BRAND NEW SINGLE-STORY home well underway. This beautiful home has 2254 finished S.F. including 4BD/2BA featuring a beautiful 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. 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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2872 Stacia: "The Iris". Wow! What great architecture! New classic craftsman home 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 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. Contact Dawn Purvis, Century21, at 406-439-6380.
MLS#300112. $224,900.
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2884 Stacia: "The Yarrow".
This new 3BD/1.5BA garden home is just getting underway! There is 1223 total S. F. and within that area features granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring and kitchen appliances.
Side yard fence included plus free front yard and rear alley landscaping! Easy walking distance to Mountain View Park. For additional information, please stop by the MVM Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St.
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2888 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. Contact Dawn Purvis, Century21, at 406-439-6380.
MLS#301380. $229,900.
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2809 & 2811 Twilight: Two brand new 1219 S.F. duplex condos ready for move in -- Absolutely perfect for the "downsizer" or the "first time" home buyer! 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! Monthly condo fee is $120 and pays for sidewalk snow removal, mowing and landscaping care as well as exterior building insurance and maintenance. Priced at just $229,900. Call now! 406-449-0800.
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2810, 2812, 2818 & 2820 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 2-car attached garage and a flex room for hobbies, an office or 3rd Bedroom. Visit the MVM Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St. for additional information.
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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. Call 406-449-0800 for a walk-through. $289,900. MLS#300647.
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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 2414 totally finished S.F. this 3 or 4BD/2.5BA upscale home will provide you with all the space you need for single-level living on the main floor plus 2 bedrooms, a TV/Flex room, and a bath upstairs for family or guests. The main floor 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 now on this brand new floor plan conveniently located in the heart of beautiful Mountain View Meadows ready for move-in late June. Priced at $349,900.
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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
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379 Elouise Cobell: "The Elk Park".
A new look for a new neighborhood. Walls going up on this exceptionally attractive 1900 S.F. 3BD/2BA home including a 214 S.F. bonus room containing deep storage closets. The Elk Park features 9' walls with a vaulted great room and master bedroom. The Master ensuite boasts 2 walk-in closets, a double vanity and separate tiled tub and shower as well as a private "water closet." The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island bar, pantry and separate dining area while a gas fireplace sets off the great room. You'll enjoy both the distant mountain views and city lights from your covered front porch and have plenty of privacy for BBQ's and entertaining on your covered back porch. Priced at $315,000. Please visit the MVM Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St. for a tour.
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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 built by Casteel Construction features a huge open great room, kitchen island, gas fireplace and an attached 2-car garage. Homes in this new neighborhood sell fast! Call Jared Engels at Windermere Real Estate for more information. MLS#300221. $309,000.
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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 designed and built 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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It's always refreshing to see neighbors working together to create a better living environment for all. In April, about two/thirds of Condo homeowners met for their annual gathering to discuss budgets, projects and ways to maintain positive relationships with fellow condo owners and the greater Mountain View Meadows community. Thank you to all the members who participated in the annual event held this year in one of the new 1635 S.F. condos currently under construction.
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Richard & Shauna Schmidt
Are settling into their lovely custom single-level condo built by Sierra Custom Homes!
Ingrid Gustafson & Clay Ellison
Are proud new owners of a two-story Townhome Condo.
Daniel & Melissa Iverson
Have moved into their beautiful new Craftsman style home across from Mountain View Park! Enjoy!
John & Mary Ann VanStrydonck
Are the second ones to move into our new Uplands neighborhood. They purchased a gorgeous home built by Sierra Custom Homes.
Beverly Easton, Bruce & Bonnie Schroeder and Sandi McGregor
Will all be moving into their brand new condos built by Weatherall Builders this week.
Congrat
ulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness:
YOGA AT
MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK
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My name is Christie Cox, I am a
RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher), and want to teach yoga outside and enjoy our park. FYI, yoga is more about touching your heart than your toes! And, you don't have to be super flexible to do yoga. I am offering a beginning Vinyasa Yoga Flow Class starting May 18
th
and May 25th
, 9:00 - 10:00 & 12:10 -
1:00 for
$10.00. If there is interest, I'll teach in the park all summer! We'll improve our entire body strength.
I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF YOGA. YOGA BENEFITS ALL OUR BODY'S SYSTEMS.
Physiological Benefits of Yoga:
Improves muscle strength, digestion, and sleep.
Here are a few specifics:
Nervous System - yoga helps regulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to help the body rest, digest,
heal, and handle stress better.
Endocrine System - is a complex system of 8 glands that regulate the body through hormones that secrete into the circulatory system. Yoga benefits this system by increasing blood flow to the brain with the poses, and with Pranayama, or breath work. With this we stretch, modify, and lengthen our breath decreasing the release of harmful stress hormones. Stress hormones l
ower metabolism, energy levels,
concentration, and even cause premature aging.
Immune System - benefited with muscle contractions and twists. Improves circulation of lymph, removes toxins, and also decreases secretion of stress hormones.
Mental Benefits of Yoga:
"Yoga is defined as the ability
to regulate the characteristic incessant activity of the mind - its movements, and in so doing to quiet this activity, to still the mind." Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
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Although a few days late, we would like to wish all the Mothers in our community a belated "Happy Mother's Day". And we'd like to thank all the women in our community that work tirelessly to raise healthy and happy children and who share in the joy of creating loving and caring homes for their families. Mark and I recently welcomed our 6
th
grandchild into the world. Teagan, born April 30
th
, joins a loving family that includes Lexi, Bella and Aly who are more than thrilled with their new baby sister. Mark was right on hand for the birth and I was able to hold Teagan for the first time on May 8. Watching Lana, her mother, cuddle and care for her newborn reminds us all what an essential place our mothers hold in our lives. Few of us would be who we are without the love and support of our Mothers. If by any chance you forgot to wish your Mother a "Happy Mother's Day" it's never too late to give a call or stop by for a visit. No matter how old our children are, whether one day or fifty years, we never stop being "Mom" and always appreciate our kids taking a moment to say hello. We weren't able to be with Mark's mother for Mother's Day, but I'd like to say thank you, Donna, for raising a great son who is a wonderful husband and amazing father. Between Mother's Day and the recent "Women Build" event at Mountain View Meadows, we appreciate this opportunity to recognize the important role women play in not only building loving homes but in creating healthy, happy and productive communities.
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Mark holds newborn baby granddaughter, Teagan.
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Rebecca meets one week old Teagan for the first time.
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Mark holds another baby... a red-tailed hawk that flew down our chimney Sunday. After recovering from the ordeal, she was able to fly away.
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