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Believe in Better:
A YEAR IN REVIEW
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Th
e growing trend seen across the U.S. of home buyers gravitating towards "urban-lite" communities located near urban centers appears to have taken hold locally. In 2016, nearly 50% of new home purchases in the city of Helena took place in
Mountain View Meadows
, an "urban-lite" mixed-use development nestled between I-15 and Highway 12 on the southeast side of town.
New home buyers cited various reasons for choosing Mountain View Meadows for their new home. Most stated a preference for the reliability of city sewer and water services and police and fire protection. Others cited child safety and easy accessibility to Mountain View Park. Architecture was at the top of the list along with the wide array of lifestyle choices from executive-style homes to classic craftsman bungalows and modern homes with traditional back yards. Sidewalk and paved trail connectivity within neighborhoods and between neighborhoods to parks and the emerging commercial area was cited as an exceptionally desirable asset. Based on existing home sales, homeowners at Mountain View Meadows saw an average increase of 10% in the value of their homes since 2015 and as much as 30% since 2011. Highlights of the year included the opening of the new Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters in the Crossroads Business & Retail Neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows; the development of a new Pocket Park at the corner of Alice St. and Stacia Ave.; and the beginning of school bus transportation for students in the East Helena school district. A growth in the overall economy, stable wages and low interest rates attributed to a solid year for new home construction in Helena. This healthy building environment not only provided buyers with better choices in new home products but also provided a stable livelihood for construction crews, builders, sub-contractors, vendors, and their families who benefited from new home construction at Mountain View Meadows and elsewhere in the city.
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Building a Better Community:
NEIGHBORS LOOKING OUT FOR NEIGHBORS
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Building a sense of community is more than having nice homes, green spaces, sidewalks, tree-lined boulevards, and well-groomed yards. Though those things are important, they are nothing without the people who call the community home. Mountain View Meadows, one of Helena's fastest growing communities, is a great example of people working together to create a better community. Residents sometimes call into the MVM office on Alice Street to offer assistance to a neighbor. David Gates, a resident on Twilight Ave. recently notified developer Mark Runkle about a frozen pipe burst on an outside spigot on a home on Stacia. Dave secured the outside faucet and together they worked to contact the owner who was out of town celebrating Christmas with family. When an early cold spell hit the area this fall, a similar incident was reported on Favor Ave. when a conscientious neighbor quickly called the office after spying a burst spigot on his neighbor's home and help was sent immediately to secure the situation. Such calls allow the owner to be notified of a problem early, saving valuable time and money. And there have been many more examples of neighbors helping neighbors: Jolene Rosnel, who owns a condo in Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows, was seen shoveling her neighbor's driveway without being asked; Mark Runkle ran space heaters to a new homeowner on Christmas morning who had suffered a freak furnace malfunction; and MVM crew foreman, Kris Baker, pulled 11 residents out of the snow just the other day. Kudos to the good people at Mountain View Meadows for doing their part to build a better community one neighborly act at a time!
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On Topic:
BUYING VS. RENTING. A GOOD INVESTMENT?
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Purchasing a home that fits your long term needs at a price that fits your budget is the best advice to those considering the move from renting to buying. When a home fits both your needs and budget then a new home is the best investment you can make in securing your personal sense of wealth and accomplishment regardless of fluctuations in the housing market. But is it also a good financial decision? An article a little over a year ago in U.S. News and World Report says "yes" listing reasons espoused by financial experts as to why young adults in particular should be investing in the housing market:
- You'll spend smarter. Rent payments go straight into the pocket of the landlord - but mortgage payments are an investment in the future. As the remaining balance on a mortgage is reduced, home equity increases, padding your own retirement account - and not your landlord's.
- Consider the resale value. Property in solid markets is a good investment because those areas attract people who want to be there for a long time.
- Enjoy the tax breaks. Mortgage interest is deductible from your income tax, lowering your tax burden to Uncle Sam. And homeowners usually don't have to pay a capital gains tax when they sell if the property value increases by less than $250,000 and if the home has been occupied as a primary residence for more than two years.
- Homeownership has emotional benefits. Homeowners are more likely to be invested in the local community and develop interpersonal relationships that create a reliable support system than those who rent.
- Low interest rates. Borrowing to buy a place to live is seen by banks as a much safer investment than credit cards, and interest rates are still at rock bottom.
- Supplement your retirement income. Young buyers benefit from having a home as a storehouse for retirement funds, and their homes will likely be paid off by retirement, allowing them to tap into home equity to fund retirement benefits.
- Building a high credit rating.Nothing speaks higher for your credit rating than securing a loan for a new home. Make your payments on time and see your credit score soar.
Millennials currently account for the largest number of home buyers in America demonstrating that the confidence in the "American Dream" remains strong. As young people make, as the experts suggest, the wise move from renting to home ownership, they take a step in the right direction towards building personal wealth, realizing a sense of accomplishment, and creating emotional and financial security for themselves and their families now and in the future.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1. HELENA HIGH SCHOOL BUS: We announced in August that the East Helena school district would begin bus service for elementary and middle school students at Mountain View Meadows. But did you know that school bus transportation is also available for Helena High School students? The bus picks up high school students at 7:05 AM and drops them off at approximately 3:50 PM. Register through your school to take advantage of this great service.
2. SNOW & ICE: Makes for some slick road conditions and recent winds causing drifting snow only exacerbates poor driving conditions. Slow down. Take your time. Your safety and the safety of your neighbors as well as their property matters!
3. NEXTDOOR APP: Attention to community involvement has sprung up on technological platforms. Residents of Mountain View meadows have set up and now manage The Mountain View Meadows Nextdoor App, where residents can communicate about location-specific lost and found items, yard sales, help wanted (snow removal or yard upkeep), and much more. To become a part of this app, send your email to
[email protected], and let Brittani know that you would like to receive an invite.
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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. 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. 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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Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
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2781 Favor Loop: The Big Sandy. 1903 Sq. Ft. makes this spacious 3BD/2BA single-story home exceptionally desirable at $299,900. Just under construction, the Big Sandy features a huge open great room with fireplace, soft-close cabinet doors, granite countertops, a concrete front porch and rear deck and plenty of special touches by builder Weatherall Construction. Add this home to your post-holiday wish list and place your name on the title to this brand new floor plan.
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491 Twilight - Known for their rustic natural finishes, this new 3BD/2BA home under construction by family owned and operated Grewett Construction will wrap you in style and comfort. With over 3,000 square feet including an unfinished walkout basement you'll have ample space to add 2 more bedrooms, a bath and a large recreation room downstairs while enjoying single-level living on the main floor. Purchase now and watch your dream home grow from start to finish. Call 449-0800 for additional information.
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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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| The Town Hall Main Floor |
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| The Town Hall Upper Floor |
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2793 Alexis Avenue: The Town Hall.
A classic craftsman floorplan featuring three bedrooms and a loft space. On the main level you'll enjoy a large open great room plus an office nook, dining room, and a powder room for your guests. There's plenty of room for entertainment downstairs while the kids watch TV upstairs. Pull up a rocker on your full front porch and enjoy the park directly across the street and unobstructed mountain views. 3BD/2.5BA, 1914 Sq. Ft. Call 406.449-0800 for pricing information.
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493 S. Alice Street: 1812 Sq. Ft. Condo for only $219.900! Interest rates may rise so don't get caught down in the dumps for missing out on this great deal on a 3BD/2.5BA condo featuring an upstairs loft, granite countertops, an attached 2-car garage and an inviting front porch. Enjoy care-free exterior maintenance and low monthly condo fees. Stop by the Mountain View Meadows Information & Sales Center for a private tour. MLS#294204.
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2805 Alexis: The Barrister. Be the first to lay claim to this elegant 1808 Sq. Ft. 3BD/3BA home located directly across from Mountain View Park. Final plans for construction currently underway. You'll enjoy laminate flooring, soft-close drawers and cabinets, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, arched entryways and the attention to detail you've come to expect from a Sierra Custom Home. An additional bedroom or den/office option on the main floor provides that extra space for privacy for you or your guests. Call Dawn Purvis, Century 21, at 406-439-6380 for additional information.
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531, 533, & 535 Alice St. -A brand new condo building just beginning construction! Three condo units available; two 1235 S.F. single-story plans with 200 S.F. covered outdoor living space and a 1521 S.F. two-story featuring tons of closet space and a huge master suite. Each condo features soft close cabinets, laminate flooring and stainless appliances. The single-story condos include granite countertops and tiled master baths. Plan your next move into one of these fabulous new condos come spring. Call 406-449-0800 for additional information.
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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No "right now" homes currently available in Aspen Park but new plans under development for this upscale neighborhood of executive-style homes perfect for entertaining in your dream home. Have your own plan? Drop into the Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St. and we'll take a look!
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Neighborhood:
Winners! Holiday Decorating Contest
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It was not easy picking only 5 top winners and 5 for honorable mention. Brutally difficult, really...yet fun roaming the streets four nights in a row checking out every house in every neighborhood. The judging team consisted of two outside independent judges, two kids and two representatives from Mountain View Meadows--all with varying opinions as to which homes were "the best". Generally the team agreed on the top 10, but it was a split hair decision between the Grand Prize Winner and First Place. Most importantly of all, everyone was thrilled with all the people who showed their holiday spirit by decorating their homes. The initial list of favorites started with 20, and then was trimmed to ten, so you know there were many more that we all thought deserved recognition. But it is a contest and despite our lack of total agreement, below are the top ten picks for this year.
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Grand Prize Winner
Michelle & Delores Munsey
2732 Favor Ave.
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1st Prize Winner
Barbara Leake: 2865 Stacia Ave.
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2nd Prize Winner
Shaun & Jena Tatarka
2735 Favor Ave
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3rd Prize Winner
Nuria Day: 2813 Stacia Ave.
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4th Prize Winner
Kadie Golberg: 2854 Twilight Ave
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Honorable Mention
Pam Lemieux: 2737 Favor Ave.
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Honorable Mention
Ben & Hillary Howard
2754 Ryland Ave.
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Honorable Mention
Dana & Lloyd Dopp
2868 Stacia Ave
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Honorable Mention
Chris Raffensperger
2774 Stacia Ave.
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Honorable Mention
Jim & Jan Fishburn
2768 Favor Loop
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Don & Mary Ann Dunwell
Though they have been busy, they are slowly getting settled into their beautiful home at Mountain View Meadows.
Congratulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness:
Cross-Country Skiing
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Collette Strizich cross-country skiing along Mountain View Park
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With just snow--which we've certainly had a surplus of this winter--cross-country skis, and a few warm layers, you can move your body and enjoy all the fun that this snowy season has to offer. Pictured above is Collette Strizich
, daughter of Craftsman Village resident, Jerry Maddio, enjoying a workout in the winter wonderland that was Mountain View Park in December. Cross-country skiers get a full-body workout and burn 400-600 calories per hour depending on pace while improving their cardiovascular health. According to
HealthFitnessRevolution
, the activity can be sustained for more hours than other workouts because no muscle group is overstressed, and this extra time of keeping your heart rate up has enormous heart-health benefits. Work your whole body, but work none of it too much by getting the cross-country skis out of the garage and onto the snow this winter!
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We don't have to tell you that the snow has proven quite a challenge for drivers around town! With Mountain View Meadows a city of Helena community, major streets are cleared by the city as part of their services to city residents. In addition to Alice Street and Runkle Parkway, city maintenance workers have also done a great job cleaning the Fun & Fitness Trail between Mountain View Park and the Blue Cross Blue Shield headquarters. To help supplement their arduous work, Mark has spent hour after hour pushing snow on side streets and along carriage lanes which are places that the city seldom has time to address. Out of curiosity, he took a tour of other residential neighborhoods throughout Helena including some of the newest developments and found that snow removal was limited to main thoroughfares and collector streets only. Mark is not always available to drop what he's doing and head out in the old red plow truck, but more often than not, he's willing to take on the task to make life easier for our residents. We noticed lots of people out and about with their snow shovels and snow blowers and appreciate all the people helping to keep sidewalks cleared and safe for the kids walking back and forth to the bus stop, and others out walking their dogs or visiting among neighbors. And thank you so much to all of you who have taken time to help your neighbors with shoveling out sidewalks and driveways. As the winter continues into the New Year, we hope your shovels take a rest and you have more time to enjoy the warmth and comfort of your homes. And as the new year begins, we'd like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a happy and prosperous new year!
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Mark Runkle working hard to make life easier for residents at Mountain View Meadows.
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One of my favorites. Lights were off during judging but loved the decorations on this home at 2787 Stacia Ave.
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Plenty of food and good cheer at the MVM Christmas Party
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And plenty of holiday spirits to go around!
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