Believe in Better:

And The Race Is On!

On November 4, city residents have an opportunity to play a role in determining Helena’s future. Two mayoral candidates and three of the four candidates for City Commission took to the mics at a number of public forums recently to express their views on everything from city services and public transportation to sidewalks, downtown parking and the growing unsheltered population. Candidates were surprised when asked about the number of buildings owned by the City and shared concerns for city-approved infrastructure projects on hold due to mitigating factors such as a lack of manpower and increased costs. Audience members seemed equally impressed with commissioner candidates including Ben Rigby’s experience and grasp of the complexities of water and sewer infrastructure, Melinda Reed’s knowledge of city governance and Haley McKnight’s focus on issues facing downtown Helena. Shawn White Wolf, also in the race for city commission, did not participate in the public forums. Following the October 15 mayoral candidate forum at Brothers Tapworks, supporters commented that Andy Shirtliff “always shows up” and Emily Dean is “always prepared and informed.”  With housing a favored topic at all the forums, Mountain View Meadows developer, Mark Runkle said he looks forward to working with whoever wins the race. “Over the past 20 years developing in the city of Helena, I’ve had an opportunity to work with a number of professional and civic-minded mayors and commissioners with one major goal: to provide a better quality of life for the citizens of Helena. It is our intention at Mountain View Meadows to continue to play a role in achieving that goal.”

Building a Better Community:

Great West Engineering

Opens in November!

On Topic:

Housing Affordability

Everybody’s talking about it these days, but what does it mean? Is Affordable Housing and Housing Affordability one in the same? No, and here is why.

Affordable Housing typically refers to subsidized housing for low-income people and persons with disabilities. State, Federal and Local subsidies come in a number of forms from the Housing Choice Voucher program to Public Housing, Federal Block Grants and Housing Trust Funds. Non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers of America, and Mercy Housing rely on government grants, private foundations and donations to assist in their efforts to provide housing for low-income households. Less than 4% of the U.S. population benefit from federally funded subsidized housing.

Housing Affordability, on the other hand, is affected by the relationship between income and housing costs. The 30% rule is the common benchmark for affordability. Generally, to be affordable, housing costs, including utilities, should not exceed 30% of a household’s gross monthly income. However, transportation costs also affect housing affordability. The greater distance housing is located away from employment, healthcare, shopping and other resources the greater the negative impact on housing affordability. The number of people in a household dependent on the wage earner is a major factor as well.

But why is housing so expensive? Factors that contribute to higher market-rate housing according to an AI search include:

• Interest Rates: When interest rates rise, mortgage payments become more expensive, reducing the amount of home a person can afford and pricing some buyers out of the market. Rising rates can also discourage existing homeowners with low-interest mortgages from selling, further limiting housing supply.
• Inflation: Inflation drives up the cost of construction materials, increasing the final price of new homes. While homes often hold or increase their value during inflationary periods, rising costs can reduce housing affordability.
• Lot Development and Labor: Purchasing and developing land for residential lot use is exceptionally costly, greatly affecting home prices. Regulatory fees play a significant role as well. Increases in the cost of materials when coupled with the cost of skilled labor leads to higher construction costs and higher home prices.
• Economic Growth and Employment: A strong job market and higher wages typically make homeownership more accessible. However, if the price of housing grows faster than incomes, affordability can decline. Economic downturns and recessions can depress housing prices due to decreased demand, but they also risk rising unemployment.
• Investor Activity: Large investors buying properties as assets or for use as short-term rentals can increase competition and drive up prices, especially in desirable markets. 

Despite the differences in Affordable Housing and Housing Affordability, Wikipedia points out an increase in any housing supply, whether affordable housing or market-rate housing, leads to increased housing affordability across all segments of the housing markets. 

1.  6TH ANNUAL HAUNTED PARK TRICK-OR-TREAT: It’s that time of year again. Time for the kids and kids at heart to transform themselves into ghouls and superheroes and scour the neighborhood in search of treats. Weatherall Builders, the MVM HOA, and Mountain View Meadows, LLC have once again joined forces to sponsor the annual Haunted Park at the corner of Stacia and S. Alice Street. This year you can join skeletons seated at a table enjoying a meal of spiders, eyeballs and worms and get a photo op with Dracula himself—If you dare! Costumed volunteers will be on hand to pass out pre-bagged, resident-donated candy starting at 5:00 PM -- until treats run out.

2. CANDY DONATIONS / VOLUNTEERS WELCOME! HOA/ MVM event coordinator, April Kortz, welcomes your candy donations for the Haunted Park. This year, the HOA expects to hand out 500 small bags of treats! Drop off donations to the MVM office at 431 S. Alice St. by Monday, Oct. 27. Volunteers are needed to bag donations on the 30th and dress in costume on Halloween to welcome and direct trick or treaters through the park and pass out treats. It’s a lot of fun! To volunteer email April.mvm@hotmail.com.

3.  PORCH LIGHTS ON WELCOMES TRICK-OR-TREATERS: Leave your lights on if you are open to trick-or-treaters. A dark porch is a signal to trick-or-treaters to skip your home.

4.  VOTING RESOURCES: You should have received your ballots in the mail by now – There is no voting in person for the current election. When mailing your completed ballot, be sure to include your birth date on the return envelope – This is a new requirement! With questions, or to learn more about candidates, check out the League of Women Voters, the Montana Free Press and the Election & Voter Services through the Montana Secretary of State.

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!

675 Lone Chief: “The Gatehouse". Act now while there is still time to choose your interior finishes! The 1400 SF Gatehouse features a spacious and inviting front porch, an attached 2-car garage and 11’ x 15’ covered rear patio adding lots of legroom to this 2BD/2BA floorplan. Designed for the discerning buyer who prefers more living space than sleeping space, The Gatehouse keeps all the upscale finishes you’ve come to expect in a Weatherall built home. And through next week, you can still choose your own from a generous selection of laminate flooring, granite or quartz countertops, cabinets, carpeting, tile and paint colors. Stop by the MVM office to take a closer look at the location of this new home. The foundation is in and the builder is asking for your selections now so call Rebecca at 406-431-7680 today!

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2912 Adam Run: “The Deputy”. If you missed the last one, time is of the essence for checking out the Deputy floorplan beautifully built and appointed by Sierra Custom Homes. Days from completion, this 3BD/2BA, 1644 SF Sierra Custom Home boats all the upscale finishes and design details you deserve, featuring a premium owners suite, fireplace, Z-Line appliances, large kitchen island, covered deck, beautiful craftsman details and an attached 2-car garage. Call Stephanie Ricks at 406-672-5479 for more details and to find out today how you can make this dream home your very own. MLS#: 30056187: $569,900.

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2948 Adam Run: “The Explorer”. Still time to choose your exterior colors! Now open to tour, this lovely single-story 3BD/2BA, 1713 SF Weatherall Builders home is the perfect blend of casual living and upscale style.  Situated on a corner lot, you’ll enjoy outstanding views from the side picture window to the east and the covered deck to the north. The open floorplan and high ceilings create exceptional volume with a truly luxurious feel.  $549,900 with $10K credit towards closing costs, prepaids or rate buy-down. You choose! For additional information call Freda Wilkinson, Big Sky Brokers at 406-431-5240. MLS#: 30058395.

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2905 Adam Run: “The Homesteader”. Closer to finishing every day--But don’t wait! This awesome Sierra Custom Home with 10’ ceilings, exceptional upscale finishes, Z-Line appliances, designer lighting, fireplace and a beautiful wrap-around porch won’t last long! You really need a tour to appreciate this 1543 SF, 3 BD/2BA home. Nothing on paper can compare to what you will see and love when you walk inside!  Priced at $504,900, call Rebecca at 406-431-7680 for a personal tour today.

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2909 Adam Run: “The Sierra Settler”. Looking for luxury with spacious rooms and upscale finishes? You’ll find it in the 1646 SF Settler nearing completion in sought-after Mountain View Meadows with City of Helena sewer and water services. Black handles and bathroom fixtures set off the white cabinets and granite countertops and contrast beautifully with the great room fireplace. Want to learn more about the interior design? Call Danielle at 406-461-9748 to get a digital copy of the design booklet for this gorgeous Sierra Custom Home priced at $512,900.

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2924 Travis: “The Trader”. One of the most loved plans in Craftsman Village! The beautiful, 2-story, 3BD/2.5BA Trader, with nearly 1500 SF, blends comfort, style and affordability for one of the best buys in the market. Ready for move-in before Christmas, we’ll get you inside so you can see for yourself the beautiful upscale finishes including quartz countertops throughout, soft-close cabinets, stainless steel appliances and laminate flooring along with a double vanity, tiled walk-in shower and walk-in closet in the owner’s suite. You’ll appreciate the attached 2-car garage and the included AC. All this plus Helena City Services! Call Rebecca today at 406-431-7680 to tour the popular Trader priced at only $444,900.

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2726 Lone Chief: “The Granite” by Gebhardt Development. New to Mountain View Meadows, the Gebhardt 4BD/2BA floorplan provides all the space you need for entertaining family and friends. Built with functionality and design in mind, the Granite features 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully used space with custom finishes in every room, truly making it feel like a one-of-a-kind home. Pricing available soon. For more information, call 406-431-7680.

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Berwin St. Cottage Homes: Ranging in size from 1088 SF to over 1500 SF, the brand-new 2-story cottage homes by McCall Homes are priced competitively from $370,495 to $421,390. Built on compact city lots, you’ll enjoy great views from the upstairs bedrooms and appreciate the included UG water system, landscaping, privacy fence between homes and an attached two-car garage. Located on Berwin Street in the Craftsman Village neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows. For floorplans or to take a tour, call Greg at 406-719-1330.

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2925 Adam Run: “The Pioneer”. At $429,900 plus $10K towards closing, this attractively-designed 2BD/2BA Pioneer offers personal comfort for the discerning buyer. At nearly 1300 SF with a lovely covered front porch, rear grilling patio and an attached 2-car garage, you’ll have the perfect get-away spaces when you’d like to sit back and relax outside or tinker on your toys inside. Upscale finishes and features include soft-close drawers and cabinets, beautiful quartz countertops, kitchen island, tiled kitchen backsplash, pantry cabinet, optional additional pantry closet, double vanity and walk-in closet in owner's suite, walk-in tiled shower, tiled wet areas, large laundry room with sink and cabinets, vaulted ceilings, and plush bedroom carpets. All this plus AC, City of Helena water and sewer services, curbside garbage pick-up, and police and fire protection. You’ll enjoy access to Mountain View Park with its tennis and basket-ball courts, playground, dog park, pavilion, and open space along with a variety of pocket parks, paved trails and sidewalk connectivity to get where you want to go throughout the neighborhoods. Check out this brand-new home in the much sought-after Mountain View Meadows Community with Covenants and Design Standards that protect your most treasured investment. Plan a tour today with Heather Lay by calling 406-431-1571 or by email at heatherlay@kw.com. MLS#: 30056062.

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2759 Lone Chief: A 1219 SF single-level condo priced at just $389,900? Yes, you read that right! Act now to lock in this 2BD/2BA home with a separate office or dining room, attached two car garage, enclosed and covered outdoor living space and AC all on City of Helena services. You’ll enjoy everything you need to live comfortably in style with upscale finishes throughout from granite countertops to soft-close cabinets and tiled wet areas. You’ll also enjoy the peace of mind of exterior home and landscape maintenance so you can spend your time doing what you want and not all those outside chores! Call Danielle at 406-461-9748 to see this new condo ready for move-in this winter. The adjoining unit is already under contract! (Just a reminder that condos may not be rented.)

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155 & 157 War Eagle: Back by popular demand, this 1255 SF, 2BD/2BA floorplan with covered outdoor deck, fireplace and upscale interior allows you to live in style without worrying about exterior home maintenance, mowing the grass or shoveling your sidewalk. Currently under construction, we can get you inside for a sneak peek of the layout and show you samples of the interior finishes so you can start envisioning your new home now. With each side individually designed, you’ll have a choice which side fits your taste best! Reach out to Danielle at 406-461-9748 to schedule an appointment for a tour. Pricing available soon.

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140 & 142 War Eagle: Photo above is from the condo building across the street but both of those units are already under contract! That’s a good indication that staking your claim now is a smart move on your part. These beautiful, upscale 3BD/2BA, 1713 SF condos feature a fireplace, tray ceilings, walk-in pantry, designer lighting, tiled walk-in shower, soft-close cabinets, covered outdoor patio, attached 2-car garage and AC. Priced at $525K, call today for a tour of the condos across the street to see what's to come on your side!

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Recently Sold

2919 Adam Run: “The Outlaw”. Want to live large for less? You won’t believe how big it feels till you take a tour of the 3BD/2BA, 1445 SF Outlaw. Inside you’ll find beautiful granite countertops, vaulted ceilings, a tiled walk-in shower, double vanity and walk-in closet. You’ll love the huge kitchen island, soft-close cabinets and drawers, pantry and covered outdoor deck off the café. Weatherall Builders is well-known for exceptional quality and customer service so don’t wait another day! Buy now, choose your exterior colors, and move in before fall. Call 406-431-7680. $449,900.

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2762 Lone Chief: “The Bannock XL”. 1875 SF with a 3-car garage? What more could you want? How about a main floor guest room/office and three large upstairs bedrooms with amazing views? Even the huge laundry room has a view! Neutral colors throughout will compliment all your furnishings. You’ll find lots of upgrade features from 9’ ceilings on the main floor and soft-close cabinets and drawers to a tiled walk-in shower and tiled wet areas. And wait till you see the driveway! Enough room to park your RV AND your boat all summer! All that plus a large 10,500 SF lot with city of Helena sewer and water, curb-side garbage pick-up and police and fire protection. You can make this home a dream come true! Buy now while there’s still time to choose your exterior colors. Call Anna Havranek today at 406-438-1141 to tour this beautiful new home ready for move-in! Located in the new Peaks neighborhood in the much-sought after Mountain View Meadows community complete with parks, paved trails and open space. MLS#30044239. Priced at $534,900.

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2746 Lone Chief Loop: “The Teton”. A Gorgeous, brand new 1925 SF 2-story with both a downstairs living/dining area and upstairs family/TV room. This 3 BD/2.5 BA plan with a dedicated office or guest bedroom is ready now in the new Peaks neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows where you’ll find room to roam! Enjoy a walk around the loop to take in all the beautiful views in the area. The Teton comes with the upscale finishes you expect in a Weatherall home. Available now! Call Anna at 406-438-1141 while there’s still time to select your exterior colors. MLS#30041207. $519,900.

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2933 Travis: “The Barrister”. With 4 beds and 3 baths, this 1910 SF Sierra Custom home will provide you with a room for every need. Under construction now and priced under $510K! On city sewer and water and just blocks from the best family park in Helena, you’ll want to take a tour today of the Mountain View Meadows community to see for yourself why location matters when it comes to outstanding home values. For additional information on this 2-story home featuring a main floor bedroom perfect for a mother-in-law suite or private ensuite office, call 406-431-7680. You’ll be glad you did!

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2958 Vista View: Want luxury without maintenance? Then take a tour of this beautiful 1845 SF Single-Level, 3D/2BA upscale condo. You won’t notice you’re living in a condo other than you won’t spend your weekends mowing and weeding. This gorgeous home features 10’ tray ceilings in the great room and owner’s suite, 9’ walls throughout, gas fireplace, granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, raised breakfast bar, double vanity, walk-in closet, walk-in tiled shower, sink and cabinets in the laundry room, attached 2-car garage, AC and a huge – and we mean huge – walk-in pantry. You’ll appreciate the dedicated dining area, and wait till you see all the natural light streaming through large view windows and the sliding glass door leading to a 10' x 16’ covered outdoor living space. Griege and subtle grays contrast beautifully with white trim to create a modern look that will compliment your décor. Call Anna today at 406-438-1141 or stop by the MVM office at 431 S. Alice Street for a private tour. $519,900. 



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2968 Vista View: Don’t miss out on this beautiful, upscale, 1687 SF, 3BD/2BA single-story condo. Located on a quiet city street backing onto an open space draw, you’ll never have another home directly behind you! Marvel at the gorgeous marble countertops throughout, attractive laminate flooring, designer tile work in all wet areas and walk-in shower, double vanity, soft-close cabinets, spacious raised breakfast bar, lots of cabinets and pull-out kitchen drawers, pantry, large walk-in closet --- need I go on? How about 9’ walls, 10’ tray ceilings in the great room and owner’s suite, comfort-height toilets, laundry-room cabinets and sink, and access to utilities right from the attached-2-car garage! Of course AC is included but that’s not all. You’ll welcome guests at your inviting craftsman-style front porch entry and entertain or relax on your 10’ x 16’ covered rear deck right off your great room. And wait till you see all the windows and natural light! Monthly condo dues cover landscape maintenance, exterior upkeep and insurance, sidewalk snow removal, common amenities and more. Ready for move-in today, call Ellen Allen at 406-439-3221 for a private tour or reach out for more information at Ellen@bigskybrokers.com. $499,900.

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Lots With Views You Can't Lose

1 ACRE CITY LOTS WITH UNOBSTRUCTED MOUNTAIN VIEWS! 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! Stop by for a tour of these awesome lots and we'll explore what it takes to build your custom dream home with mountain views you can't lose. Call 406-431-7680 today to schedule an appointment.

PEAKS EDGE: Lots 2, 7, & 9: Ranging in size from .71 acre to 1 acre, these estate-size city lots provide unbeatable views across the Helena Valley to the Big Belts. Peaks Edge homes backing onto open space require a 3000 SF minimum footprint with upgraded roofs and professionally designed landscaping. Expect the best when you build your new custom home on Peaks Edge!

UPPER PEAKS: Lots 10-27: 12,000 SF to over 22,000 SF. Walk-outs, flat lots and most with awesome views of the Elkhorns. Lot prices range from $114,000 to $170,000. Choose your lot now and start building this spring. Covenants and Design Standards apply.

The Peaks at Mountain View Meadows

Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows