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February 2018
Believe in Better:
BETTER HOMES IN HELENA
Downtown Helena, with its Craftsman bungalows and tree-lined streets, continues to attract young buyers and those who enjoy the short walk to quaint shops and restaurants. As the area within Helena's Urban Growth Boundary develops, it's easy to see why the appeal of the classic styles reminiscent of the old downtown has gracefully influenced new homes. Mountain View Meadows located about nine minutes from the heart of Helena and St. Peters hospital recently opened phase III of its Craftsman Village neighborhood with its low-maintenance craftsman Garden Homes.  Two new Garden Homes are currently under construction and available for sale. Later this spring, Mountain View Meadows will launch its next phase that includes craftsman Carriage Homes. These classically-built homes feature decorative corbels in gables plus columns and pillars that set off inviting front porches. Although it will take a number of years for boulevard trees to catch up with those in the heart of Helena, the seeds of a picturesque streetscape have been set. All homes in the Craftsman Village neighborhood have exceptionally easy access to tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts at Mountain View Park as well as a dog park, playground, horseshoe pits, a log pavilion and several picnic areas. Currently only one new home is available directly across from the park until new building begins this summer in Craftsman phase IV. This brand new nearly completed two-story classic four-square features three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a small dining area, a pocket office, gas fireplace, air conditioning, granite countertops, a separate TV room or fourth bedroom and tons of closet space. Entry to the large two-car attached garage is off a paved landscaped carriage lane (alley). A patio beside the garage provides great space for entertaining and there is plenty of on-street parking for guests. The Craftsman Village neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows is specifically designed to reflect the charm of the old downtown with its classic look and feel that makes Helena a better choice for new home buyers.
Building a Better Community:
VOLUNTEERING AT THE MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2018 marks the 46th year of the  Friends of the Society  volunteer organization that manages the time and services of all the wonderful volunteers at the Montana Historical Society. The Montana Historical Society is the guardian of Montana's memory. Established in 1865, the Society's vast historic collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents are exhibited in six extraordinary galleries. In 1969, the Montana Historical Society became the official state Archives and the repository for state agency records of permanent value. According to Education Director Kirby Lambert, the nationally recognized Charlie Russell collection on permanent exhibit draws visitors from throughout the U.S. and people who live locally stop in frequently to view the changing exhibits and learn more about their homeland. The Society welcomes, and relies upon the contributions of a wide range of volunteers who contribute in a variety of ways: clerking in the museum store; giving tours to school groups; hosting receptions; researching historic buildings; working in the state archives; transcribing oral histories; helping with exhibits; and providing administrative assistance for many programs. These donated hours help the Society accomplish projects that would not otherwise be possible and can even be used to match grant funds. Throughout the years the Montana Historical Society has acted as a beacon to build a better community through a greater understanding of Montana's history and culture.  Want to contribute your time to help the Society preserve Montana's heritage?  Contact Katie White, Volunteer Coordinator, at 406-444-9553.  
On Topic
ARCHITECTURAL TRENDS
"Architecture" has become a new buzzword in the real estate community as real estate agents, buyers and sellers scramble to understand different home styles. Realtor®  Mag, the official magazine of the National Association of Realtors®, e ven published a cheat sheet that illustrates various exterior features to distinguish between architectural styles.
 
Also recognizing the need for real estate professionals to understand a home's architecture, The Appraisal Institute, the nation's largest professional association of real estate appraisers, recently released a new book titled Identifying Residential Architectural Styles. This publication is intended to help appraisers identify the architectural styles of the homes they appraise to determine how various construction elements can affect their value.
 
"American homes can reflect important moments in history as well as the artistry of their designers. Architecture can create inspiration and - most importantly for appraisers - influence value," Appraisal Institute President Scott Robinson, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, wrote in the book's foreword. 

During the booming housing market preceding the 2008 crash, architecture gave way to building quick, easy to build and sell, traditional style homes. But, according to Jamie Roche, CEO of Houseplans.com, a California-based company that sells architectural floor plans for residential properties across the country, preferences are starting to shift towards one particular architectural style that is gaining in popularity.

"It really surprised me last quarter to see that the whole country is leaning toward a Craftsman style house," said Roche in an article written by H.M. Cauley for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It's either number one or two in every region."

"Contemporary buyers are still going for a traditional look with a tweak," said Roche. That tweak, he explained, is most evident in the enormous popularity of the Craftsman-style bungalow, a style introduced in the early years of the 20th century and still the hallmark of many in-town neighborhoods. According to Roche, craftsman homes, noted for their wide front porches with columns, are taking the country by storm.

One reason the Craftsman is making a comeback is tied to a second trend Roche observed. "We're selling fewer very large houses," he noted. "People are looking at living smaller, but without compromising."

Roche went on to explain why he thinks the Craftsman style has gained in popularity stating that it is traditional, which means it will speak to potential buyers when the time comes to resell, but it is smaller and less domineering and offers a wealth of accents that give it a distinctive personality. This trend lends credence to the quality over quantity shift that is beginning to play a significant role in home buying trends.

"As a house gets smaller, it's nice to have more texture," said Roche. "If you're looking for a house with a lot of details you tend to find them in Craftsman."  
Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
1.  SINGLE-FAMILY HOA ANNUAL MEETING : Mountain View Meadows Single Family Neighborhoods Home Owners Association (HOA) annual meeting will be held at 7:00 PM  on Tuesday, March 6 th, 2018 at the VFW meeting hall - 117 W Main St, East Helena. Join your neighbors before the meeting for a "Social Hour" with your HOA officers and Board members from 6:00-7:00 PM.

2.  PROTECTING YOUR CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS: As we remind you each winter, salt can damage concrete. Even if you are not putting salt on your driveway yourself, salt picked up from the highway on your tires can be brought into your driveway and cause damage.  Whenever possible, remove from your driveway the ice that falls off your tires and the bottom of your vehicle.
New Homes F or Sale: 
PLANS TO BUILD AND BUILD TO SUIT
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. 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. 
Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
2930 Big Timber Loop: "The Open Range". NEW UPSCALE CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMAN HOME has 2740 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. 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.

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2883 Alpine View Loop: BRAND NEW SINGLE-STORY home just getting 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. Claim this home while there's still time to pick out colors/interior finishes! 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

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 February 1st.  Call 406-449-0800 for a walk-through. $289,900.

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2809, 2811, 2815 & 2817 Twilight: Two brand new 1219 S.F. duplex single-story condo buildings under construction -- Absolutely perfect for the "downsizer" or the "first time" home buyers! 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 $130 and pays for sidewalk snow removal, mowing and landscaping care as well as exterior building insurance and maintenance. Priced at $229,900. Call now!

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2810 & 2812 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 Office at 431 S. Alice St. for additional information. 

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561, 563 & 565 S. Alice Street: Sierra Custom Homes' Tri-plex condo building is under construction. Two 1219 S.F. single-story plans with a 200 S.F. covered outdoor living space and an 1812 S.F. 3BD/2.5BA 2-story with an additional upstairs loft to tuck away the TV so you can enjoy the open downstairs floor plan priced at $224,900. All three condos feature soft close cabinets, laminate flooring, stainless appliances, granite countertops and tiled master baths plus attached 2-car garages. For additional information call Dawn Purvis at Century 21. MLS#299881 & 299882. NOTE: All three condos are currently under contract or sold. 

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2872 Stacia: "The Iris". Wow! What great architecture! New classic craftsman home under construction 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 under construction 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. Claim now to move in this spring! Contact Dawn Purvis, Century21, at 406-439-6380.   MLS#300112. $224,900.

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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
305 Elouise Cobell: "The Homestake". New floor plan for a new neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows. This beautiful single-story 3BD/2BA home 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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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 currently under construction features a huge open great room, kitchen island, gas fireplace and an attached 2-car garage. There is still time to choose interior colors (exterior possibly as well) if you hurry! Homes in this new neighborhood sell fast! MLS#300221. $309,000.

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311 Elouise Cobell: "The Logan". 3BD/2BA, 1769 S.F.  Granite, tile, soft-close cabinets and an oversized garage are just a few of the upgrades in this brand new floorplan designed and built by prestigious Sierra Custom Homes. You'll enjoy a spacious master ensuite with a walk-in closet, tiled shower, double vanity and water closet. Separate owner's entrance off the garage to tuck away your shoes and hang your coats. $299,900. For additional information, contact Dawn Purvis at Century 21. MLS#299745.

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Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
2789 Favor Loop: " The Wise". Talk about a "wise" choice!  With 2414 totally finished S.F. this 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 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 early on this brand new floor plan conveniently located in the heart of beautiful Mountain View Meadows. Priced at $349,900.

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Mountain View Meadows | 406-449-0800 | Info@MVMeadows.com  | http://www.MVMeadows.com
431 S. Alice Street
Helena, MT 59601
In This Issue
The Best in Our
Neighborhood: 
CREATE THE BEST SOCIAL GROUP
Remember when you used to get together to play with neighbors as kids? Well, adults like to get together and play, too, so here's a tip o' the hat to the best neighborhood social groups who keep that sense of fun alive and well. Neighborhood social groups are becoming extremely popular within the Mountain View Meadows community. Residents say there have been multiple groups who have gotten together for coffee, desserts, pinochle or dinner and they all said how much they enjoy the socialization.
Debbie Walston who lives in the Craftsman Village neighborhood said she used to get together with a group of ladies about once a month although they aren't meeting right at this time. She agrees that it is important to stay active and socially engaged and the social groups are a great way to make that happen. Debbie says that she is very fortunate to live where she does and she absolutely loves Mountain View Meadows, the people around her and the cute "Aster" Garden Home she lives in.
If you want to get to know the people around you or if you are looking to join/form a new group within your neighborhood, try the Nextdoor app. Go to https://nextdoor.com/ and create a personal profile. You can find your neighbors, message people or create posts that everyone can see. Maybe you can create the best neighborhood social group at Mountain View Meadows! 
Welcome to the
Neighborhood
John & Kim Schmidt
Are the first ones to move into their new home built by Sierra Custom Homes in our brand new neighborhood: "The Uplands"


Congrat ulations! 
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
 
Fun & Fitness: 
BIKE WALK BINGO
Walking and biking the 2.5 mile paved Fun & Fitness trail at Mountain View Meadows is a great way to stay in shape. But did you know that the non-profit group Bike Walk Montana, which advocates for bicyclists and pedestrians in Montana, has devised a bingo game that makes staying fit a whole bunch of fun? Bike Walk Bingo is a free game to help you meet your health and wellness goals in 2018.

Here is how it works:
  • Go to https://www.bikewalkmontana.org/calendar/bike-walk-bingo/ and register to play.
  • Upon registering, a bingo card (for that month) will be mailed to you. Each square has a fitness or wellness activity to complete.
  • Initial or put an X through each square as you complete the activity during the month.
  • When done playing for the month, email a photo of your completed card or mail your completed card to Bike Walk Montana and your name will be entered in a drawing for a small prize.
  • You will receive a new Bingo card
     each month you register to keep you motivated to live a healthy lifestyle and be your best you!
 
And just in case you need another distance measurement to help you in your quest to keep fit and win prizes through Bike Walk Bingo, three trips around Mountain View Park equals approximately one mile.  
From 
  Mark &  Rebecca
It's that time of year again when Mark and I take a break to refresh our perspective and sharpen our vision so that we can continue, we hope, to give our residents the best we can muster. It's difficult, we find, to take a complete break from Mountain View Meadows since it is so very important to us. In the last week we have visited eight developments in two different states. We are always looking for better ideas to expand opportunities for home buyers in Helena. We know that we cannot always do everything we'd like to do, but we try to make decisions that are in the best interest of our community so that our children and grandchildren can look back on our work and know that we sincerely cared about Helena. We believe if we make better choices, Mountain View Meadows will set an example of ways in which managed growth works to benefit not only our residents but the greater community now and for generations to come.
Exploring a single-story quad concept for a new condo design. Seems to be a pretty popular idea in upscale neighborhoods!