Come Home to Better! Mountain View Meadows: Holidays 2020

Holidays 2020

Believe in Better:

Neither Snow, Wind or Sleet

Like the motto attributed to our faithful postal workers who keep our mail, packages and holiday cards and letters delivered to our homes despite a pandemic, “Neither Snow, Wind or Sleet” is an apt motto for the builders and construction crews at Mountain View Meadows. On any given day, despite the onslaught of early winter storms and frequent Montana winds, they can be seen moving dirt, digging foundations, raising walls and pounding away on roofs. While the weather hampers some steps in the development and building process, it never comes to a stop. Through experience, these essential workers have adapted to the often-severe weather that can pop up nearly any time of year. In fact, Montana holds the record for the largest temperature change ever recorded in 24 hours when Loma saw an extreme 103 degree drop in less than a day in January of 1974! Nothing that crazy has happened this fall but four snowstorms in one month has proved challenging. Yet cold weather isn’t the only thing that continues to pop up. More homes come on the market each week thanks to the dedicated and talented builders and crews at Mountain View Meadows. So, despite snow, wind and sleet, now is a great time to stop by and check out what’s available as we close out this year and what’s to come in 2021. Building and development will continue throughout the winter in The Uplands, Aspen Park and Craftsman Village neighborhoods. When you have the best builders and construction crews in Helena, you can expect better no matter what the weather.

Building a Better Community:

Virtually!

It’s not just business meetings and schools going virtual due to the pandemic. From fundraisers to theatrical performances, non-profits are relying on virtual audiences to keep the doors open and services flowing. One of the most popular fundraising events of the year, The Festival of Trees, will go on vows organizers. “We are all working hard to bring you a safe and exciting Intermountain Festival of Trees,” reads their message on www.intermountain.org. “Be assured, even if we end up not being able to gather in person…the Festival will go on!” Silent auction items, a mainstay of the event, will be featured online for viewing and bidding. The annual Festival of Trees is critical support for Intermountain’s mission to heal through healthy relationships; creating a supportive environment to improve society’s ability to provide prevention, protections, treatment, and permanency for all struggling children, youth, and families. Intermountain will post Festival of Trees updates on their website and on Facebook at facebook.com/Intermountain/MT/. Be sure to stay tuned.

For the past seven years, the Last Chance New Play Fest has steadily built an enthusiastic audience for its November showing of new plays celebrating the work of Montana regional playwrights. Not wanting to miss a curtain call, the nonprofit Experimental Theatre Cooperative, which produces the Fest, made the decision last June to go virtual rather than cancel the event. Filmed for online viewing, audiences can watch for free the seven plays in the Montana Short Cuts suite of plays on the theme “Gender Bender” along with an original one act written and performed by Steve Palmer and a full-length play by Ross Peter Nelson. Sign up at www.experimentaltheatrecoop.org to get a password. Though you can watch all the plays as many times as you want for free through November 30, the group hopes that some viewers will elect to make a donation to cover expenses and to help them prepare for next year’s event live on stage at the new Helena Avenue Theatre. This year’s Fest is co-sponsored by Mountain View Meadows, Northwestern Energy and an anonymous corporate donor and supported in part by a grant from the Montana Arts Council. A promo of the Fest can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/438645716300198/videos/2536418183322420.

On Topic:

Best Rates for Veterans

The recent Veterans Day reminds us all the value of service to our country. Many men and women who join the military put their lives at risk. It is a risk that few people outside the military can fully comprehend. Therefore, we owe our military service men and women our respect and gratitude. So it makes sense, when applying for a VA loan, that they would get the best rate possible, right?

Not necessarily, said a story on Montana Public Radio last week. It turns out that veterans are not always quoted the best rate when applying for a VA loan. “Their Service entitles them to low-cost loans,” it reported, “but veterans often pay more.”

A good example: John and Mary Jane Forr of Punta Gorda, Florida. Forr, a retired Marine Corps colonel, discovered he could save $2,500 a year by shopping around for a lower-rate mortgage. He wanted to get a VA loan -- backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs -- because he was supposed to get a better deal on interest and other terms. He said Quicken Loans and Loan Depot told him they could offer him a rate around 3.75%. He was about to do the deal with Loan Depot when he happened to see an ad for a VA loan through a company called “Own Up”.

A VA loan data study by Own Up, a group founded by former mortgage bankers, finds that the rates charged on VA loans vary widely and that veterans often pay more than they should for their mortgages costing them tens of thousands more over the life of the loan.

Lenders make more money when borrowers close loans with higher interest rates and fees. According to Own Up, this is made possible in part due to lenders having access to information that borrowers do not, which means they have the ability to set higher rates without borrowers knowing. The Internet has reduced this disparity slightly, but there are still instances when borrowers overpay on their mortgage.

One group of borrowers that is negatively impacted are US Veterans, who account for more than 20% of homebuyers according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The Own Up study shows three reasons why Veterans overpay on their mortgage:

1. Lenders set higher profit margins on VA loans

VA loan transactions can be more challenging to process, take longer, and close at significantly lower rates than conventional loans. Lenders use this argument to justify charging higher interest rates. However, VA loans only take two days longer than average to close and close at a rate only 3% less than conventional loans. For this “inconvenience,” lenders typically require a larger profit than they do on conventional loans which leads to an average mortgage interest rate that is 0.25% higher than veterans should receive. This increase will cost a veteran with an average mortgage of $301,044 over the life of the loan $14,000 in excess interest.

2. VA Lenders can charge some of the highest origination fees in the industry

VA lenders are authorized by law to charge origination fees of up to 1% of the loan amount. This is in addition to the allowable itemized closing fees including those for the appraisal, loan recording, credit report, title exam, title insurance, VA funding fees settlement, and prepaid/escrow items. This origination fee is almost double the average origination fee charged by lenders according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. On a $301,044 loan this is an additional $1,575 in fees that must be paid upfront.

3. VA borrowers are frequent targets of offers to refinance their mortgage without meaningful financial benefit

Because the VA program allows borrowers to roll loan closing costs into the loan balance on refinances, these transactions often increase the borrower’s overall loan balance which can drain the equity in their house leaving them “upside down” on the mortgage.

Benefits and Updates:

Mountain View Meadows

1. CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST: It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Hard to imagine with the challenges in a world shadowed by a Coronavirus pandemic -- but let’s do our part to keep the holiday spirit alive and well at Mountain View Meadows! Like last year, there will be one $200 Grand prize winner chosen from throughout the community. But remember, no one can win the Grand Prize two years in a row! Then a first-prize winner will be selected from each individual neighborhood with those winners receiving a cash prize of $100 each… So, last year’s Grand Prize Winner is still eligible to win in their neighborhood! Five honorable-mention winners will receive $20 gift certificates. Let’s light up our neighborhoods this holiday season to keep the spirits bright!

2. SIDEWALK AND DRIVEWAY SHOVELERS: A number of you responded to our call for people willing to shovel/blow snow off sidewalks and driveways. The following is a list of those who responded:

Ron White; 406-202-1946

Michael Fiedler; 406-438-7861

Blake Leask; 801-560-0049

Owen Schulte; 406-431-7541

Quin Palagi, (Jamie); 406-861-3689 (Uplands neighborhood only)

RJ with Yeti Snow Services (licensed/insured); 406-437-4622

3. CONDO SIDEWALK/STAIRS SNOW REMOVAL: Just a reminder to call Mark if you need your sidewalk/stairs cleared of snow before the time set by the Helena city ordinance requiring snow removal from sidewalks within 24-hours after it stops snowing. To keep costs down, since not everyone uses their front entries, if it snows on a weekend we will try to hold off till Monday to address snow removal. However, anyone needing it sooner only needs to let Mark know by calling 406-431-7305.

New Homes For 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. 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.

The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows

2686 Summers Crossing: 1716 S.F. 3BD/2BA single-level Sierra Custom Home well underway! This brand new floorplan features a zero-barrier front courtyard entry and spacious rear covered patio. Tray ceiling in the great room with 9' ceilings throughout the rest of the home. Open floor plan with large kitchen island, fireplace, and built-in cabinets plus covered rear patio. Call 431-7680 and we'll arrange a private tour. $349,900.

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2680 Summers Crossing: 1591 S.F. 3BD/2BA single-story home features tray ceilings, gas fireplace, granite countertops, soft close cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, tiled wet areas, laminate flooring and attached 2-car garage. You’ll love the walk-in pantry and covered rear porch. Call 431-7680 for more information!

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2674 Summers Crossing: "THE GETAWAY". New 3BD/2.5BA home plan featuring 1682 S.F. finished living area with an additional 803 S.F. unfinished basement for almost 2500 S.F. to claim your own getaway spot. You won't know from the exterior that "The Getaway" is actually a tri-level home featuring a spacious living/dining area with vaulted ceiling, raised breakfast bar, large pantry, laundry room with sink, covered deck, 24' x 25' 2-car garage and a walk-out basement with 9' ceilings. Soft-close cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and tiled wet areas give this home that special upscale feel. All this and more for only $359,900. Call Rebecca at 431-7680 to tour this awesome home today.

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2668 Summers Crossing: "THE LOOKOUT". 1400 S.F. home priced at only $309,900 to fit your budget! This new 3BD/2BA single-story floorplan has what you need for comfort in a home easy on your pocket. Expect all the upscale features standard in a Weatherall Home from granite countertops to tiled shower and double vanity in the owners’ suite. Don’t expect this one to be around long so visit the Sales and Information Office at 431 S. Alice street for the latest info on this new home currently under construction.

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2692 Summers Crossing: A lovely front porch sets off the entry to this 3BD/2BA single-level home one block south of BCBS. This 1647 S.F. Sierra Custom Home features a fireplace, coffered ceiling in the great room, covered rear patio off the café and an attached 2-car garage. Lock in your historically low interest rate now so you can relax and enjoy watching your home progress. Call 431-7680 for additional information.

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Condos at Mountain View Meadows

2653 & 2655 Jeannette Rankin: If you want it all inside your home without all the maintenance outside, check out the floorplans on the new 3BD/2BA 1664 S.F. Single-level condos in the Uplands neighborhood south of BCBS. The new floorplan features all the design details that give you that upscale look and feel from tray ceilings to granite countertops and tiled wet areas. Condos include a covered outdoor living space, an attached 2-car garage and the option to enclose an exclusive use private area. Ready for move-in early February. $329,900 will get you the keys today. Call 406-431-7680 for a tour.

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2683 & 2685 Jeannette Rankin: Exclusively yours! You’ll be amazed how big these 1285 S.F. single-level 2BD/2BA condos feel inside with their vaulted ceilings in both the great room and primary bedroom and 9’ ceilings throughout the rest of the home. Condos feature soft-close cabinets, tiled bathrooms and laundry, plenty of closet space, a covered outdoor living space and an attached two-car garage. Free yourself from yard work today! Call 431-7680 for more info. $279,900.

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2643 Jeannette Rankin: "NEW UPLAND CONDO!". Brand new 3 BED/ 2BA 2053 S.F. upscale single-story condo featuring a spacious 17' x 18' living room with a 10' high tray ceiling, separate dining area off kitchen, huge walk-in pantry, raised breakfast bar, laundry room with sink and cabinets, luxurious owners’ suite featuring 10' tray ceiling, 2 closets (one walk-in), double vanity, private water closet, walk-in tiled shower and separate soaking tub. You'll enjoy design details like granite countertops, tiled wet areas, and lots of closets along with a gas fireplace and central air. You'll love the covered outdoor grilling/sitting porch and a 2-car garage with storage room plus the opportunity to add a fence to enclose an exclusive outdoor-use space. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street for a private tour or call Anna Havranek at Keller Williams, 406-438-1141, to schedule a showing.

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2649 Jeannette Rankin: 1464 S.F. Single-level Condo! This spacious 3BD/2BA condo hits that sweet spot between size and price. Vaulted ceilings in primary bedroom and great room, 9’ ceilings throughout rest of home. Soft-close cabinets, tiled bathrooms and laundry, plenty of closet space, a covered outdoor living space and an attached two-car garage provide everything you need for a comfortable lifestyle free of yardwork. Low $130 a month condo dues cover sidewalk and alley snow removal, landscape maintenance, exterior building repairs and exterior building insurance. Call 431-7680 to set up a tour now. Available for move-in late fall.

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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows

ASPEN PARK: This view could be yours, but hurry! There are only two walk-out lots facing the Elkhorns still available in Phase I. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street to discuss your plan for a new home at Aspen Park. We'll help you choose the perfect lot and connect you with the best builder to make your dream home a reality.

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Visit our website

The Best in Our

Neighborhood:

Condo Front Porch Decorating Winners!

Since condo owners are limited to what they can decorate for the holidays, we wanted to offer an alternative to the Halloween Decorating Contest and sponsor the very first annual Fall Front Porch Decorating Contest. And the $50 grand prize winner is Luci Pearson at 2882 Runkle Parkway! Kathy Bischoff at 2860 Runkle Parkway and Bev Easton at 2817 Twilight shared runner-up places and will each receive a discount card valued at $25 that can be used at many local businesses. Congratulations! If you missed the Facebook announcement of the Halloween Decorating Contest Winners, be sure to check out the photos under “From Mark and Rebecca.”

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Greg & Lynne Pizzini

Are excited to move into their brand new Upland condo full of beautiful upgrades!

Carol Taylor

Will be picking up the keys to her lovely single-level condo very soon.

Ara Babcock

Is thrilled to move into her Primrose Garden Home next week in our Craftsman Village neighborhood.

Roni & Don Griffith

Have come to live Better in their stunning custom single-level home with gorgeous mountain views.

Congratulations! And Welcome

to the Neighborhood!

Fun & Fitness

What's Next?

From bicycling to running and walking the neighborhood trails, the Coronavirus finds us continually searching for new ways to stay fit in a socially-distanced world. So what’s next as colder weather steps in and we’re spending more and more time indoors?

Last year we brought you the benefits of shopping and cleaning which actually cut more calories than you might think. But with the pandemic far from over many of us will spend our time on the Internet rather than shopping door to door and after so many hours at home, those extra calories burned cleaning aren’t that much fun anymore. So, as we find ourselves more in front of the TV, our computers, our X-box and our cell phones, what can we do to keep ourselves strong and healthy when we are reluctant to go outside in the cold?

What about investing in a mini exercise trampoline and joining the “rebounding” craze? Livelong.com says you’ll be happy to hear that jumping on an indoor exercise trampoline is an effective exercise that can help you lose weight and improve your health. And a decent trampoline can be had for less than $100. If it comes with a balance bar to hold you steady in place, it serves as a quick and easy way for anyone of any age to get your heart pumping, build stamina and shed a pound or two – and it’s kind of fun!

In fact, according to Verywellfit.com, rebounding offers an affordable solution to in-home cardio, enhances balance and coordination, develops stronger bones, helps control blood sugar, promotes weight loss, reduces back pain and raises the spirit. And we can all use a little spirit-raising these days, don’t you think?

From

Mark & Rebecca

Community Steps Up for Kids on Halloween!

If you missed the Haunted Park on Halloween, you really missed out! The COVID-safer Haunted Park Trick-or-Treat event was one of the very best examples ever here at Mountain View Meadows of a community coming together for a cause. We worked together to make sure that a pandemic didn’t rob kids of one of their favorite holidays of the year. At least 185 children, most arriving with parents, dared to enter through the ghostly archway to follow a lighted path that led to a table filled with pre-bagged candy donated by over 30 residents, 10 local businesses and your HOA. And then there were those who donated their time to safely bag candy, decorate the park and dress up in costume to greet the boils and ghouls. We’d like to send a special shout out to a resident who stopped by the park about 5:30 PM with two large boxes of treats. My response was that we couldn’t do anything with them because we had bagged the candy earlier in the week, but he insisted on leaving the boxes. Well, it turns out we needed those treats! We promoted the event from 6:00 – 7:30 PM but we got underway at 5:30 because little tykes started showing up early. By 7:00 we were running low on bags. I grabbed 4 candy bags and Mark and I ran back to the office, donned gloves (we were already masked) and dumped those bags into a large bowl and mixed them with the treats from the boxes. We were able to fill an additional 12 bags which got us through to the end! We hope you enjoy the following photos of this awesome event -- and if you missed the announcement of the Halloween Decorating Contest winners on our Facebook page, you can check them out below. Thanks to all who contributed in any way to creating such a fun time for everyone. We love it when community comes together!