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Helena leaves behind the old and heads into the new with exciting prospects for a happy new year. Highlights of 2019 for building in Helena include opening of the first new school in 40 years, construction underway for a new 85-unit low-income housing project, Red Alder, on the west end of town, site selection for the Montana Heritage Center on state-owned land within the Capitol complex, and early completion of infrastructure upgrades along portions of Neill Avenue and Front Street. Mountain View Meadows has also seen a great deal of progress in the past year. In 2019, over 70% of new home buyers in Helena chose Mountain View Meadows to call home which translated into almost 50 new homes built and sold during the past year. New residents joined old in celebrating home ownership by moving into their brand new homes in the Uplands, Craftsman Village and Aspen Park neighborhoods. Along with new homes and new city infrastructure, amenities installed included Pet Waste Stations along sidewalks and the 2.5 mile paved Fun & Fitness Trail, construction completed on the new Pergola Swing in the Craftsman Village Pocket Park and landscaping initiated on two additional pocket parks, one off of Stacia Ave. and one at the corner of Alice St. and Runkle Parkway. Looking ahead to 2020, Phase II of the Uplands neighborhood will see the start of new single-story condo floorplans and spacious homesites on 46 new lots ranging from 6,000 S.F. to 1/3 acre, all with the security and reliability of Helena city services. Construction will begin on two of the 12 remaining homesites in Phase I of upscale Aspen Park which features homes with concrete tile roofs, black iron fences and timber details. When the full Mountain View Meadows Construction Crew heads back to work in March, infrastructure work will get started on 85 new Craftsman Village homesites. And before summer, six new families will move into their new Craftsman Garden homes made possible through Helena Area Habitat for Humanity. "It has taken time," says Developer Mark Runkle, "to go from a handful of homes on a hill to a real community. But we see it happening day after day and how excited people are to move here and join the Mountain View Meadows family. We will continue in the New Year to do all we can to develop a safer, healthier and better community for all."
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Building a Better Community:
CHAMBER RECOGNIZES BUSINESS LEADERS
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On January 16th, The Helena Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 2020 Awards Luncheon honoring its winners for the 2019 Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Hospitality Hero. In operation since 1890, the Helena Chamber was founded on the roots of the Helena Board of Trade. Located in the heart of Helena's historic downtown, the Chamber runs on a staff of six professional, highly dedicated employees whose sole mission is improving and fostering business in the Helena area. Along with looking out for the business needs of its members, the Chamber also operates Helena's Convention & Visitor's Bureau which is committed to increasing tourism in the Helena area and ensuring that local businesses benefit from visitors to Helena. The Helena Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting business, quality of life and economic development through local business alliances. It is instrumental in facilitating conversations and interactions between the business community and civic leaders through annual luncheons and business to business networking through before and after-hour social events sponsored by member companies and organizations. An events calendar can be found on the Chamber website at Helenachamber.com/events. The January 16th Awards Luncheon will be held at the Best Western, 835 Great Northern Boulevard. For more information or to RSVP, contact Kristin Chaney, events coordinator at
[email protected]
or call 406-442-4120 by 5 PM on January 9th.
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On Topic:
SHOULD I WAIT TILL SPRING?
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A couple of months after we ring in the New Year you can expect a "Spring Rush" in the real estate market.
Home sellers burst out of hibernation while home buyers seem to spew out of the woodwork. Seasonal shifts in the housing market get many homeowners thinking that they need to hold off on selling or buying their home until Spring, which, according to housingnews.com, is the furthest thing from the truth.
A recent report from the National Association of Realtors shows that 38% of buyers helped finance their new home purchase using proceeds from the sale of a primary residence. So, what if you are one of those 38% who needs to sell your home to purchase another? Will waiting to sell till spring put you at a disadvantage when that home you always wanted comes up for sale the next day? You can always sign a contract with a
Contingency. But a bump clause on a home to sell puts you at risk of losing your dream home.
So, say you want to get a head start on selling your existing home before spring. Will you be putting your bottom line at risk? Not according to Housing News. "There are many advantages to selling your home in the wintertime that can give you a leg up on selling your home quickly and at the right price." Here is what a recent post on their website has to say on the subject:
Reasons why wintertime is the perfect time to sell your home:
- The inventory of homes for sale now is down and consequently buyers who need to buy are less likely to negotiate aggressively for desirable properties. Waiting until spring will mean a seller will have more competition. In addition to the seasonal increase, new home construction is increasing and more home owners who are moving out of negative equity situations will be putting their homes on the market.
- With less overall transactions occurring, mortgage lenders, appraisers, and inspectors are less overwhelmed and the selling process is likely to be smoother and faster.
- If you are moving up to the house of your dreams, it is unlikely it will ever be cheaper. Prices are projected to appreciate and you can lock in your costs of housing for years to come at historically low interest rates.
- You can remove the uncertainty and stress of waiting by taking control. Instead of a home sale keeping you from moving on with your life, you and your family can start living the way you want.
Okay, now that you've found a buyer, what next? If you haven't discovered the perfect home for you yet or you're waiting for occupancy on your new home under construction, where do you go? You still need to live somewhere. So, include in your negotiations a Rent Back of your home while you continue to search for the right home or until you close on your new build. You'll have the peace of mind that your home is sold without having to store your belongings in a warehouse and sleep on the floor in your parents' basement. A Rent Back clause carries a slight domino effect between you and your buyer. But it just might be the perfect solution for you both if they waited till spring to put their own home on the market.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1. SCOOTER FOUND: Lost your scooter? Contact Rebecca at 431-7680 and describe the size and color. We'll get it back to you as soon as possible. Just a general note, leaving Razors/Scooters on or along the Fun & Fitness Trail could cause some unsuspecting person to take a fall. And leaving one in undeveloped areas, you're taking the chance that someone will run over it with heavy equipment.
2.
PARKING RESTRICTIONS: Just a reminder that no vehicle of any type may be parked or stored in landscaped areas, on lawns or in gravel mulch. Parking is restricted to paved surfaces only including driveways, approved extended parking pads and along streets. And remember, when parking on streets, your vehicle must face the direction of traffic.
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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. 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.
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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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2870, 2872 & 2874 Runkle Parkway:
Another popular 3-unit condo building on Runkle Parkway, all with outstanding views of the Elkhorn Mountains. Two single-story 1635 S.F. 3BD/2BA units flank a 1932 S.F. 2-story with 3 upstairs bedrooms and an additional TV/entertainment room. All three homes have attached 2-car garages and front covered porches plus the single-story plans come with covered outdoor living spaces out back. Hurry in to tour these homes, talk pricing and stake your claim. For more information please call 406-449-0800.
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2880 & 2882 Runkle Parkway:
New 1219 S.F. duplex condos with great views of the Elkhorns! Condos back up to future pocket park. 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, baths 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 $254,900. Call now! 406-449-0800.
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2851 & 2853 Twilight Avenue:
New 1219 S.F. duplex condos well underway -- Absolutely perfect for the "downsizer" or the "first time" home buyer! 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, baths 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 $249,900. Call now! 406-449-0800.
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2867 & 2869 Vista Avenue:
Brand new Condo floorplan! "Vista" Condos feature rear decks overlooking open space with unobstructed mountain views. Street entry into attached 2-car garage with an additional concrete parking pad for your guests. Interior details include open great room with stunning views, 10' tray ceilings, granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, raised breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, tiled wet areas, and master bath with double vanity and walk-in tiled shower. Contract pending on 2867 but 2869 is still available, but hurry! This one absolutely will be gone before you know it! $309,900.
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235 Bella View: "THE TOWN HALL".
A classic you'll love to live in right across from Mountain View Park! Over 1900 S.F., this 2-story craftsman 4-square offers 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths and an upstairs nursery or TV room. A fireplace, central air, side patio, full-front porch and an attached 2-car garage are only a few of the features that make this house the place to call home. Start off the new year right by calling 461-9748 for a tour today. Priced at $339,900.
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2850 Alexis Avenue: "THE FRONTIER". This 1800 S.F. single-level home was featured in the 2019 Parade of Homes! It has an exceptional open concept with clean lines and quality finishes. This 3BD/2BA with a 2 car attached garage maximizes space and function. Granite countertops from Silver City Stone, Mohawk flooring, walk in custom tile shower in master, 8 foot steel ceiling fan and other incredible features. For more information, contact Jared Engels at 406-461-4025. MLS# 21916648. Priced at $319,500.
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2908 Stacia: "THE PRIMROSE". A brand new 3BD/2BA Garden Home with main floor ensuite. This 1526 S.F. two-story home features granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring, kitchen appliances and an attached 2-car heated garage. Side yard fence included plus front yard and rear carriage lane landscaping! Easy walking distance to Mountain View Park. RD financing available. For additional information, please stop by the MVM Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St. or call Dawn Purvis, Century 21,
at 406-439-6380. MLS# 21913419. $265,900.
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2920 Stacia Avenue: "THE YARROW".
Brand new craftsman 2-story Garden Home with inviting front porch features a ½ bath downstairs for guests and 3 bedrooms and a bath upstairs. Built for comfort and economy, interior details on this Sierra Custom Home include granite, tile, laminate and stainless-steel appliances. Front yard landscaping, side-yard fencing and a raised bed with snow-crab ornamental tree all in the price. To tour this home priced at only $254,900 call 431-7680.
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2874 Alexis Avenue: "THE RANCHER".
This new 1836 S.F. single-story, 3BD/2BA Sierra Custom Home is just the ticket if you love great views and access to parks and trails. The Rancher features a generous front porch, a covered side outdoor living space, an upscale master ensuite, granite countertops, laminate flooring, arched entryways, 9' ceilings, gas fireplace, and stainless-steel appliances. For additional information call 449-0800.
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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
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363 Elouise Cobell: This 3BD/2BA single-story Sierra Custom Home is well underway! With 1591 S.F. a few of the amenities in this home include a gas fireplace, coffered 9' ceilings, covered porches, granite countertops, soft close cabinets, tile floor in baths and laundry, stainless steel appliances, and an attached 2-car garage. For more information stop by the Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street or call 406-449-0800.
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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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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Neighborhood:
HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS
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How delightful to drive around the neighborhoods at night over the past few weeks. Everywhere you looked there were... and still are... beautifully lit homes and fun and classic decorations. As Mountain View Meadows grows, more and more residents join in the annual celebration of the winter holidays. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, the Winter Solstice or just ringing in the New Year, your decorations light up our lives and give one more reason to feel so good to live at Mountain View Meadows. We decided to honor "Best in Our Neighborhood" prizes in each of our current 4 neighborhoods. Each "Best in" 1
st
Place winner receives a $100 cash prize! From the four selected, one has been named the Grand Prize Winner. The Grand Prize Winner wins an additional $100! 2nd
, 3rd
, and 4th
prizes were selected from throughout all the neighborhoods winning $75, $50 and $25 respectively. Five Honorable Mention winners each receive a $10 gift card to the Bagel Company. Below, check out this year's cash prize winners and visit the Mountain View Meadows Facebook page for photos of Honorable Mention winners. Thanks for blessing us with a winning holiday season through your beautiful decorations!
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Selected from the 4 "Best in Our Neighborhood" Winners
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HONORABLE MENTION WINNERS:
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Gary Swanson & Kathleen Miller
Are enjoying their beautiful brand new custom home with magnificent mountain views located in our Aspen Park neighborhood.
Congrat
ulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness
A SLEDDING WE WILL GO
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While the kids are out on the snow with their sleds, you might find yourself in the gym pushing a weighted sled. The sled push, which is meant to be an all-out, high-intensity exercise, requires simultaneous engagement from your back, glutes, hips, core, hamstrings, calves, triceps, and shoulders.
Okay, I know what a snow sled is, but what is a weighted sled? Well, generally, it's just that. A metal sled to which you attach weights and using a harness, push or pull the sled for strength and speed training.
Certified strength and conditioning specialist Mike Clancy tells SELF magazine it's an incredible total-body exercise. According to Clancy, sled pushes are also pretty foolproof to execute. "You don't have to worry as much about form failure because either the sled will move or it won't move. It's an auto-correcting exercise in the sense that your form has to be at a satisfactory level in order for the sled to move."
If you aren't into going to the gym, reasonably priced fitness sleds can be purchased online for under $100 with a pulling harness costing an additional $30-$50. There are tons of videos available on YouTube that will show you just how to execute weight sled workouts for the best results. But remember, the surface on which you perform weighted sled exercises can impact the difficulty of the move. The less friction on the surface, the easier it will be. Pushing or pulling a sled in a gym is one thing. On the grass or even on snow is another.
Want to go cheaper yet? Check out RIZKNOWS for a DIY Weight Sled Fitness Hack; there you'll get the skinny on a total body workout using an old tire, a concrete block and haul straps. Of course, this time of year, it might just make more sense to load up the kids on a snow sled and head for the hills. A few times pulling the little ones back up the slope after a 20 second down-hill thrill ride might be just enough of a workout to fill your winter bill for fitness training.
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WHAT A YEAR TO CELEBRATE!
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Yes, it has been such a year! We held our company Christmas Party on the 14
th
. I can't tell you how much we enjoy getting to visit and catch up outside of work with office manager Danielle Starkey, our crew, our builders and their significant others along with some key players who make things happen all year long here at Mountain View Meadows. We can't thank them enough! I have to admit, if it weren't for Danielle and Anna Havranek (Realtor, KellerWilliams, who also represents some of her husband's new builds), I would not have been able to have the food ready -- maybe ever -- for this year's sit-down dinner! Of course, Mark put in his time, too, hauling ice and drinks, tables and chairs and setting up the chafing dishes. It's a group effort for sure. Just like building a community at Mountain View Meadows. Okay, and now changing the subject to a little "Parent Bragging Rights", we want to congratulate my stepson, Milo Runkle, for being named by OOOM Magazine-OOOM World one of the top 100 Most Inspiring People in the World. The OOOM editorial board and a prominent international jury join forces to create the list. Milo was named #30 just after Oprah Winfrey. It's all pretty amazing and we are exceptionally proud of Milo. Milo is in town for the Holidays and helped make Christmas Brunch for the family and, as always, helped clean up after, which was inspiring, so we aren't expecting the honor to go to his head.
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