Come Home to Better! Mountain View Meadows: Fall 2023

Fall 2023

Believe in Better:

Up Against the Fall

In like a lion, out like a lamb. No, that’s spring--sometimes, anyway. But the first day of Autumn came in masquerading like the first day of winter. Fortunately after a few cold days, the nearly freezing evening temperatures gave way to moderate fall weather. And after just a couple of rainy days earlier this week, daytime highs should stay in the 60’s to 70 for much of the rest of October. It’s the kind of weather needed to stay on target to file for final plat next spring with the City of Helena for the next residential building phase at Mountain View Meadows. Running low on lots, and Helena seriously in need of housing, a mild fall will go a long way in completing the installation of underground infrastructure so that home construction can begin next spring in the new Peaks neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows. Before winter sets in, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer lines, and water lines need to be installed along with electric crossings under streetways. Concrete curb and gutter needs in before asphalt can be laid and street lamps installed. With construction up against the fall, curb and gutter may need to wait till spring. But that doesn’t stop crews from hoping for favorable weather to keep the wheels rolling. And with professional crews headed by Mike Hartnett and Kris Baker, if it's possible to get it done before winter, you better believe they will!

Building a Better Community:

The Haunted Park

It’s October and you know what that means: The Haunted Park at Mountain View Meadows will be decorated and ready to thrill your kids once again on Halloween! Open to residents and the overall Helena community alike, a hearty group of costumed witches, ghouls, and other fun and scary creatures will be on hand at the Haunted Park to pass out treat bags to kids filled with candy donated by MVM residents and businesses. Last year, a 12’ tall skeleton with fiery eyes made its debut at the Haunted Park. Unfortunately later, a wind tumbled the skeleton to the ground and for ten days its head went missing. Thankfully the head and body were reunited and will once again tower above the park pergola where it makes the perfect photo opp for you and your kids. Or perhaps you would prefer a photo sitting next to the Headless Horseman on the corner bench, or with the two-headed skeleton, a family of ghosts or behind the huge spider web on the pergola swing. And check out what’s new this year--a 12’ tall Grim Reaper! It’s all in good, family fun sponsored by the Mountain View Meadows HOA, Mountain View Meadows, LLC and Weatherall Construction, so make plans to add a trick-or-treat stop this Halloween at the Haunted Park located at the corner of Stacia Ave. and S. Alice Street. Trick-or-treating starts at 5:00 and goes till 8:00 PM… or whenever the treats run out!

On Topic:

When Will Mortgage Rates go Down?

As doors opened back up at schools and shops following the COVID shut downs, communities across the country heaved a sigh of relief. It was wonderful to be able to share time once again with family and friends, to return to sports fields and to shop in-store for the holidays. But as doors opened, something happened: Mortgage interest rose making it more difficult for sellers to sell their used houses and closing the door on some buyers looking to purchase a new home.

So, what happens now? Should you wait it out until Mortgage rates go down?

“The era of low mortgage rates is over. Embracing this reality will hasten your owning a house that meets your needs,” says Holden Lewis on Nerd Wallet. Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS real estate listing service agrees.

"People are still working through their five stages of grief on this mortgage rate stuff and I think you have to reach the stage of acceptance at some point that certainly rates aren't going to come down to where we were back during 2020 and 2021."

But it’s not that grim, according to Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors. All forecast a gradual, moderate decline through at least the first three months of 2024 but no one expects rates to plunge back to where they were two years ago.

"I still think we're going to see rates stabilizing and then moving slowly down this year and we're going to end 2023 at 6%," Sturtevant says.

A dissenting voice comes from Zillow, where senior economist Orphe Divounguy said by email to Nerd Wallet, "Buyers should not count on any dramatic rate falls in the next few years." Mortgage rates, he said, will end 2023 above 6%.

One takeaway from these forecasts, says Lewis, “Sure, mortgage rates might drop a little. Maybe. If the forecasters are right. But if you hold out for dramatically lower rates, you'll probably wait in vain. And if they do fall substantially after you buy, you can refinance.”

Benefits and Updates:

MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS

1. DONATE TO THE HAUNTED PARK: Can you give a bag of candy or donate an hour or two of your time? If so, please call 406.422.8107 or email April.mvm@hotmail.com. This popular annual event grows each year thanks to our volunteers. Volunteers meet to fill treat bags or help with decorating the park or dressing in costume to pass out candy. Donations of candy are especially appreciated from those of you who may not want to open your doors to trick-or-treaters on Halloween but still want to feel a part of the community celebration. Candy donations can be dropped off at the MVM office at 431 S. Alice St. Thank you!

2. MVM HALLOWEEN/FALL DECORATING CONTEST: Help welcome the trick-or-treaters in style and make Mountain View Meadows the most fun place to be this Halloween! Now is the time to pull out those Halloween and Fall decorations to dress up your homes, porches and yards. Need a little encouragement? You will soon receive an email about our annual Halloween/Fall Decorating contest. Judging takes place on Halloween and winners in each neighborhood receive cash prizes and gift cards made possible by donations from Mountain View Meadows, LLC and Stockman Bank. Condo owners can also join in the fun. A $50 award will be given to the best individual condo throughout the community or $100 to a building if you want to band with your neighbors to decorate as a group. Runners-up to the best condo decorations will receive $10 Honorable Mention gift cards. But it’s not about the money, is it? It’s all about the fun!

3. WHO WANTS TO SHOVEL SNOW? Oh, no, already? Hopefully not, but if we wait to ask until winter, it’s too late to make the list. The MVM office keeps a list of residents who may be available for a reasonable fee to shovel driveways or sidewalks when it snows. Some of your neighbors can’t do it, others don’t have the time, and a few winter down south and need someone to cover for them while they are gone. If you are willing to shovel, email Danielle.mvm@hotmail.com with your name, contact info and how much you charge or drop off your info at the office. And if you are looking for someone to shovel your snow this winter, a list of those who responded should be available starting in November.

4. TIME TO FIND A WINTER HOME FOR YOUR TOYS: The Mountain View Meadows HOA has adjusted its policy for removing Recreational Vehicles, trailers, boats, campers and the like from streets and driveways for the winter to match up with City of Helena ordinances. All must be removed and placed in winter storage by the last day of October. So if you haven’t found a winter home yet for your toys, now is the time to make arrangements. October 31 will be here before you know it!

New Homes For Sale:

Plans to Build and Build to Suit

Pricing for new single-family homes and condos at Mountain View Meadows if not shown may be available upon request. Not all available homes and condos are included below. To learn more about your favorite home or for a complete list of plans under construction call the Mountain View Meadows Sales and Information Center at 406-449-0800 for an appointment or stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. And remember, realtors are always welcome!

Homes at Mountain View Meadows

2879 Adam Run: "The Trader". The Trader shown in the photo sold this summer after one day on the market! Construction has started on a brand new Trader and if you act now, you still have time to make your interior selections. This popular 3BD/2.5BA Weatherall floorplan boasts nearly 1500 SF on two levels and features quartz or granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, a walk-in pantry, laminate floors, tiled baths, double vanity, tiled walk-in shower, 9’ ceilings, an inviting covered front porch and an attached 2-car garage. Stop by the MVM office at 431 S. Alice St. or call Rebecca at 406-431-7680 for details on how you can make this home your own today and watch it grow! Priced at $419,900.

* * * * *

2872 Travis Ave: “The Coach House”. Wow, wow, wow! That’s one wow for each garage bay in this 3BD, 2BA hipped-roof bungalow boasting nearly 1500 SF of single-level living space. Available for move-in before Christmas, tour this home now before it is listed for the best chance to secure it for your own. The Coach House features vaulted ceilings, tiled walk-in shower, granite countertops and lots of other high-end details. Priced at $425,000, you'll want to call now for a tour before someone gets through the door before you! 406-431-7680.

* * * * *

2878 Travis Ave: “The Side-kick”. Want a great owners’ suite in a 2BD/2BA home? Then you won’t want to miss out on this brand new Weatherall floorplan -- And you won’t have to sacrifice standards to get a great price! The side-kick features beautiful granite countertops throughout with soft-close birch cabinets, stainless steel appliances, walk-in tiled shower, vaulted ceilings, AC and an attached 2-car garage. Start off 2024 in this brand new 1255 SF home for only $384,900. Call ahead for a tour or stop by the office at 431 S. Alice St. 406-431-7680.

* * * * *

2845 Travis Ave: “The Sierra Settler”. 1646 SF gives you all the room you need at an awesome price! This beautiful 3BD/2BA home features upscale finishes with a covered front porch and attached 2-car garage. If you’re looking for a great home with reliable city services within easy walking distance to Mountain View Park, call Dawn Purvis now at 406-449-3301 or drop by the Mountain View Meadows Sales & Information office Monday through Friday for a tour of this brand-new Sierra Custom Home nearing completion. MLS# 30014708. Priced at $447,900.

* * * * *

2865 Travis Ave: “The Aster”. This charming 2BD/2BA home is packed with all the upscale features you’ve come to expect in a Sierra Custom Home. At 1019 SF, The Aster is perfect for the discerning home buyer who expects quality no matter the size of home. Sound like you? Then stop by the MVM office at 431 S. Alice St. for more info. Danielle will be happy to take you on a guided tour of this new home currently under construction. $369,900.

* * * * *

2651 Upland Ave: “The Bannock XL”. We took a popular 2-story plan and upsized it to create an awesome 2-story home featuring a main-floor office or guest bedroom, a spacious upstairs owners suite and a 3-car garage. And if you need a big laundry room, you can’t beat the Bannock XL! With 3 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms and the main floor flex space, everyone in your house will find their own private place to slip away. The Bannock XL has all the upscale interior finishes you’ve come to expect in a Weatherall home including granite countertops throughout, soft-close cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, and laminate flooring. AC is included in this beautiful 1900 SF home well under construction in The Uplands neighborhood. Call Rebecca for a tour at 406-431-7680. Price available soon.

* * * * *

2851 Travis Ave: “The Trailblazer". Featuring an inviting front porch, fireplace, granite, walk-in pantry, walk-in closets, tray ceilings, and an attached 2-car garage, this 3BD/2BA, 1775 S.F. Sierra Custom Home will wow you with style. If you love living close to a 5.2 acre park with a dog park, tennis, basketball, playground and other great amenities, you’ll want to make your move now. Call Dawn Purvis for more details at 406-449-3301. MLS# 30014513. $483,900.

* * * * *

2857 Travis Ave: "The Marshall". Want upscale living with minimal yard maintenance? Then check out this 1858 SF single-level Sierra Custom Home now. Under construction on a quiet street within easy walking distance to Mountain View Park. Choose this for your new home and you'll find yourself relaxing on your front porch, grilling on your rear patio or hanging out next to your fireplace in the gathering room just off the front entry. Explore the possibilities for owning this 3BD/2BA home complete with all the bells and whistles that come with a Sierra Custom Home. To learn more, contact the MVM office at 406-431-7680. Pricing available soon.

* * * * *

2875 Adam Run: "The Sundance". This single-level 1668 SF floorplan by McCall Homes features quartz countertops in the kitchen, a tankless hot water heater, stainless steel appliances and an attached 2-car garage. For more information on this 3BD/2BA home currently under construction, call Greg at 406-651-5354 or check out the listing at MLS# 30014716. $445,000.

* * * * *

2873 Adam Run: "The Arrow". This 3BD/2.5BA new home under construction is a whopping 2,116 SF on two floors giving you all the room you need to live large. By McCall Homes, The Arrow features quartz countertops in the kitchen, Whirlpool Stainless Steel appliances, a downstairs living room as well as a second floor family room, and an attached 2-car garage. The Arrow is expected to be completed in December. For information call 406-651-5354. MLS# 30014714.

* * * * *

2884 Adam Run: “The Getaway”. Big and Beautiful with unobstructed mountain views! Just under 2500 SF, this 3-level walk-out was designed to provide a getaway space for every person in your family. The main floor features tall ceilings and high upper windows that light up the great room along with a fireplace, kitchen with a raised breakfast bar, a walk-in pantry, a powder room, laundry room and entry to a covered deck. A half level up you’ll find the owner’s suite with private bath, and two bedrooms with a shared bath and a half level down, a family room, 4th bedroom and full bath along with lots of storage and sliding glass doors leading onto a patio. Time is running short to select your own interior finishes so don’t wait! Call Rebecca today at 406-431-7680 to see what it takes to claim this new home for your own. Not priced yet.

* * * * *

2869 Travis Ave: "The Barrister". With 4 beds and 3 baths, this 1807 SF Sierra Custom Home will provide you room for every need. A main floor bedroom and first floor laundry room works great for main floor living in this 2-story home. Or turn that first floor bedroom into a mother-in-law suite or home office, it's all up to you! Located one block from Mountain View Meadow Park, this nearly completed home could be just the ticket to the new home you've always wanted. But don't wait! The Barrister is sure to sell fast at $479,900 as soon as it hits the MLS. See how you can buy it now by stopping at the Mountain View Meadows office at 431 S. Alice St. or by calling Rebecca at 406-431-7680.

* * * * *

Condos at Mountain View Meadows

2990 Aspen View Loop: 1285 SF Single-level 2BD/2BA Condo; $379,900.

Enjoy natural beauty across the street from your covered front porch! Landscaping finishing up this fall surrounding the last building featuring this popular 1285 SF floorplan. Stone birch cabinets in the kitchen provide a gentle contrast to the Reserved White walls and Fantasy White granite countertops. Flooring throughout include laminate in the great room, kitchen and hallways, tile in all wet areas and carpet in bedrooms. The owners suite features a vaulted ceiling in the bedroom, walk-in closet, double vanity and walk-in tiled shower. You’ll enjoy the convenience of laundry room cabinets and walk-in access to utilities. Add in AC, an attached 2-car garage, a covered outdoor patio and easy access to sidewalks and paved walking trails that lead to neighborhood parks, and you’ll find comfort and relaxation both inside and outside your brand-new condo. Still finishing up but ready for move-in by Thanksgiving. For additional information stop by the MVM office at 431 S. Alice St. for a tour.

* * * * *

2915 Vista View: 1334 SF Single-level 2BD/2BA condo; $399,900.

See for yourself how pampered you feel when you step inside this spacious, single-level 2-bedroom condo with all the upscale features you’ve come to expect from a new condo at Mountain View Meadows. This 2-bed/2ba home boats vaulted ceilings, tiled baths, tiled walk-in shower, private water closet, double vanity, laundry room cabinets and sink, raised breakfast bar, soft-closed cabinets, pantry, AC, lots of natural light and gorgeous views. Add in a large covered rear deck, covered front porch, 2-car attached garage and easy access to parks and paved trails and you’ll be first to sign on the dotted line. Ready for move in as soon as you close!

* * * * *

2927 Aspen View Loop: 1464 SF Single-level 2BD/2BA Condo with Flex Room; $404,900.

Fronting a courtyard instead of a street? Check out how nice it feels to take your morning walk around a landscaped courtyard just steps from your covered front porch. Warm colors set the tone for this welcoming, spacious condo. The kitchen features dark birch cabinets, brushed granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, pantry and garbage disposal. Vaulted ceilings in the great room and owners suite, a tiled walk-in shower, double vanity, private water closet, cabinets in the laundry room, AC and easy access to utilities are just a few of the special features that set this condo apart. The flex room provides just that extra space you want for a craft or exercise room, home office or spare bedroom for guests. Add in a covered outdoor living space and an attached 2-car garage and you’ll have all the space you need for relaxing and tinkering at home. Low $165/month condo dues cover street and sidewalk snow removal, exterior building maintenance and insurance, landscape maintenance, and contributions to common amenities. For a tour, contact Anna Havranek at 406-438-1141. Sorry, no rentals. MLS #30014775.

* * * * *

2927 Vista View: 1687 SF Single-level 3BD/2BA Condo; $469,900.

Beautiful single-level open floorplan with amazing views and lots of natural light. The spacious kitchen features quartz countertops, pale gray soft close cabinets, pantry, raised breakfast bar, garbage disposal and stainless-steel appliances. You’ll love the tray ceilings in the great room and owners’ suite and the gorgeous walk-in tiled shower. Other standout features include a sink and cabinets in the laundry room and a large covered outdoor deck. The condo includes AC and an attached 2-car garage with easy access to utilities and the 2.5-mile paved Fun & Fitness Bike/Ped Trail that connects Highway 282 to Highway 12. With the feel of an upscale single-family home, this 3BD/2BA condo will wow you with spacious comfort. Low $165 a month condo fees cover exterior building insurance and upkeep, landscape maintenance, private street and sidewalk snow removal and contributions to common amenities.

* * * * *

Building Lots at Mountain View Meadows

2804 Alyson Rain & 2868 Adam Run: Wouldn’t you love an amazing mountain view? But then, you also want the convenience of Helena city services. Hard to find? Not at Mountain View Meadows! This fall would be a great time to start planning on a new Sierra Custom Home to be built on a lot with unobstructed mountain views. Two view lots are available in the Craftsman North section of the Craftsman Village neighborhood, within easy walking distance of Mountain View Park. Planning a new build takes time so get the process going now to be ready to break ground next spring. Interested? Drop us a line at info@mvmeadows.com or call Rebecca at 406-431-7680 to choose the perfect homesite.

* * * * *

Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows

Visit our website

The Best in Our

Neighborhood:

A Peace Pole & Little Libraries

Maybe you’ve seen them. Maybe not. But they are there for your enjoyment thanks to several of your neighbors. The Peace Park gained a Peace Pole donated by Brenda McLellan and two new Little Libraries popped up thanks to donations from Toni and Jerry Guay and Jordan Vana. Peace Poles historically have been seen throughout the world. Brenda’s Peace Pole first stood in the labyrinth once located in a field above Lola St. When the labyrinth closed, she contacted the HOA to see if it might find a new home at Mountain View Meadows. The donation of the Peace Pole prompted the name of our newest neighborhood pocket park, standing as a reminder that peace benefits everyone. And now those beautiful new Little Libraries: one near the mailboxes in the Uplands neighborhood and one in the Books and Letters Park in Craftsman Village. How wonderful to share the joy of reading! It’s so much fun watching a child choose a book from among the selections. Little Libraries encourage the giving and taking of books so feel free to add or remove a book the next time you pick up your mail. And thanks again to Brenda, Toni, Jerry and Jordan for their donations. You’re the best!

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Chance & Delaney Helmick

Are enjoying the warmth of their condo as they grow their lovely family.

Father Bart Tolleson

Is loving his new condo in Aspen View Phase I.

Mary Jennifer Huffman

Has settled into her darling 2-bedroom single level home.

Rene Hendrix

Is enjoying her gorgeous single-story Sierra Home across from Mountain View Park.

Paul Lee

Is ecstatic with his brand new Craftsman Home featuring a 3-car garage.

William & Tanna Kincaid

Found the perfect home for their lifestyle needs.

Lucille Balser

Is so excited about her roomy condo with amazing views and no yard maintenance.

Michael & Joan Trudnowski

Are delighted with their upscale single-level Merchant in Craftsman Village.

Kevin & Pamela Chappell

Are enjoying the mountain views from their gorgeous home in Craftsman North.

Kiel & Katie Ott

Are thrilled with their spacious 2-story Barrister home by Sierra Custom Homes.

Rose Marie Robertson

Is finishing landscaping and fencing to complete her charming brand new Custom Home.

Hunter Fairclough

& Keara O'Connor

First time homebuyers have come home to Believe in Better at Mountain View Meadows.

Lisa Schuma

Is adoring her perfect little McCall built home in the Craftsman Village neighborhood.

Debra Knowles

Is loving her beautiful Weatherall built condo accentuating on the wonderful views of the Elkhorn Mountains.

Sam & Madison Lamping

Can't wait to make their cozy house a perfect home for themselves.

David & Kim Vietz

Are so excited to finally get settled into their beautiful home and live so close to their parents at Mountain View Meadows.

Harold & Amy Fish

Just closed on a 1285 S.F. 2-bedroom single-level condo by Weatherall Builders.

Corrine Twedt

Is over the moon enthusiastic with the move from her single-family home to a brand new maintenance free condo with great views.

Congratulations! And Welcome

to the Neighborhood!

Fun & Fitness

Fall on Ice

Ice skating in winter seems like a double shot of cold. But Ice skating in the fall seems just about right. A lot of activities on ice happen next door to Mountain View Meadows at the Big Horn Steed Stadium. There you can find a full array of classes and activities from figure skating lessons to curling and Youth Hockey. If you prefer spectator sports (After all this is about Fun as well as Fitness!) then fall is the time to check out the Helena Big Horns in action at Steed Stadium.

Although the season started last month, the Helena Big Horns take to the ice against the Butte Irish tomorrow, October 7, at 7:05 PM. Climbing up the bleachers and jumping up and down with excitement may be the only exercise you’ll get, but you’re sure to enjoy the match-up of these two rival teams. For tickets, go to www.bighorns.com. Tickets start at $8.50 so an evening supporting your local hockey team won’t cost you an arm and a leg, unless you slip on the ice getting to your seat.

If figure skating is more your thing, the rink is open to the public several times a month during the Big Horns’ season and more often in the off-season. A schedule showing available public skate times can be found at www.steedarena.com. You can rent skates for just $8 during regular public skate times or $10 to enjoy the most popular public skating option: a laser skate with the house lights down, music up and colorful laser lights to set the mood. Sleds are available for the mobility-challenged through Mobility Montana. Please contact Charles Alverez at 406-461-9861 to obtain a sled.

More To Do

Helena offers lots to do! Check what’s coming up:

> Oct. 31:

Halloween Haunted Park;

info@mvmeadows.com

> Nov. 3-12:

Last Chance New Play Fest at the Helena Avenue Theatre;

www.experimentaltheatrecoop.org

> Nov. 4:

Festival of Wines;

helenaexchangeclub.org

> Nov. 10:

Fall Art Walk;

www.downtownhelena.com

> Nov. 24:

Parade of Lights;

www.downtownhelena.com

> Dec. 2:

Festival of the Trees;

www.intermountain.org

From

Mark & Rebecca

Fall Round-Up

New Picnic Shelter

at the Peace Park

With one season down and another upon us, it’s a good time for a round-up of what’s been happening so far this year here at Mountain View Meadows. As we described in the feature story, crews are out daily in The Peaks Phase I laying the ground work for installing pipe, electric crossings, street lamps and curb and gutter. We thank our field foreman, Kris Baker, and his crew along with Mike Hartnett and Montana Underground Construction for doing their very best to complete this work before winter sets in. In other places, Tom Fritz and his crew with Montana City Landscaping will be finishing up the landscaping in the Aspen View Phase I condo neighborhood where residents have been wonderfully patient. Landscaping started mid-summer but completion got held up waiting for concrete flatwork in the courtyard area. We’ll all heave a huge sigh of relief when that project is finally completed! Montana City Landscaping also recently finished landscaping the greenspace off Donna St. behind the condos and has begun prep work for the new Milo Park in The Uplands. If you haven’t seen it yet, you will definitely want to check out the new picnic shelter-house built by Weatherall Builders at the Peace Park between Vista and Contour Ave. The greenspace, Milo Park and the Peace Park are being developed in partnership with the Mountain View Meadows HOA with the goal of truly creating the best place to live in Helena. Home construction remains robust with Sierra Custom Homes and Weatherall Builders starting 27 new homes and 2-unit condo buildings so far this year: with 41 new homes and condos closed and occupied with new residents so far! Mark and I, Danielle and April continue to do what it takes behind the scenes to make what you see on the ground (and what you can’t see below) a reality. That’s it for the fall round-up! Hope to see you at the Haunted Park on Halloween!