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People in Montana know it's a great place to live. Although the population only recently surpassed the one million mark, it is steadily becoming a choice destination to relocate joining other northwest, pacific west and mountain west states that have seen growth in the last ten years. Although Gallatin County claims the heaviest growth in Montana, out-of-staters are finding their way to Helena, which has seen over 11% growth since 2010. The Helena Area Chamber of Commerce jointly produces a Relocation and Vacation Guide to give potential new residents information on what Helena has to offer. The Chamber typically sends out close to 20,000 guides per year and places 5-10,000 copies along with full-color maps of Helena and the surrounding area at hotels, restaurants, the airport, visitor centers and gas stations. "We receive about 150 calls per week asking information about the Helena area," said Chamber director Cathy Burwell. Of the top three reasons people relocate --
jobs, family and retirement -
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jobs and a healthy economy are a top seller for Helena. This year the Chamber is launching a Facebook campaign to targeted areas around the U.S. to recruit skilled workers to the Helena area to satisfy local business needs and let people know that Helena is a great place to live. Mountain View Meadows has seen a steady flow of out-of-staters and out-of-towners visit Helena and choose the master-planned community as their new home. "People who come to the area who know the value of a planned community with sidewalks and easy access to parks and trails are drawn to Mountain View Meadows," said KellerWilliams agent Anna Havranek. Anna has sold a number of properties at Mountain View Meadows to buyers from outside the city. But, in a competitive market, a beautiful neighborhood with great amenities is only one of the reasons to make the move to Mountain View Meadows. Kristina (Tina) Pugh, who recently selected a new Sierra Custom Home in the development, recognized not only the advantages of living at Mountain View Meadows but also appreciated the vision of the developer and staff who not only believe in building a better community but in providing better services to home buyers and residents. "
I am a native Montanan who has lived all over the world and I am excited to come back to Montana," said Tina. "Trying to buy a new home whilst living in Boston is a challenging process but I feel fortunate to have found Mountain View Meadows to help me navigate this process. Rebecca and her staff have been wonderfully gracious to work with and have supported me through some serious anxiety regarding what would become my forever home. I am so appreciative! Also, they really listen! A rarity in today's world but a priceless quality to a first-time home buyer! Thanks for hanging in there with me Rebecca, Danielle and Mark!"
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Building a Better Community:
HELENA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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As the oldest Chamber in the state of Montana, the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce has devoted nearly 130 years to promoting business, quality of life and economic development to Helena and the greater community through local business alliances. 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. The Chamber membership is made up of local and regional businesses that benefit from the many programs provided by the organization. These benefits include business referral services, discounted advertising and monthly Business After Hours events that provide time to network with fellow members and learn more about a specific business. The Chamber also offers business workshops and a semi-annual luncheon with City and County officials. The next luncheon is scheduled for March 26 from noon to 1:00 PM at Jorgenson's located at 1714 11
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Ave. The luncheon is an opportunity to hear from the City of Helena Commissioners, the Mayor and City Administrator, the Lewis & Clark County Commissioners and the County Administrator on their efforts to build a better community. Attendees will discuss projects, progress and other issues currently affecting living, working and doing business in Helena and Lewis & Clark County. For additional information or to reserve a seat at the table, contact Alana at
[email protected]
. Cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.
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On Topic:
SAVING $ IN 2019
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It's March, and if you are one of the 48% of Americans who made a financial New Year's resolution to save more in 2019, now is a great time to assess your progress. If your progress is zero, don't beat yourself up. There are plenty of people in the same boat.
Early last year, Maurie Backman published an article on USA.com that reported 40% of adults in the U.S. do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency. Later in the year, Backman followed up with a less bleak look at savings in America with new data from "Magnify Money" that calculates an average household's savings account at $16,420. But it's not your intent to be "average" and who wants to be "below average"? So, what can you do to get your New Year's resolution back on track?
In January, Susannah Snider, Senior Editor, Personal Finance for U.S. News and World Report, laid out a plan for the new year to help people reach their savings goals. Below are Snider's 10 ways to boost your savings in 2019:
Identify your goals.
It's hard to start saving money if you don't know why you're saving and what outcome you're hoping to achieve. Identify the short-term, medium-term and long-term goals you'd like to meet to motivate and direct your savings strategies.
Develop a savings system.
"Create a system that works for you," says Melissa Sotudeh, a certified financial planner and wealth advisor at Halpern Financial in Rockville, Maryland. That system could involve setting up a separate account dedicated to your goals. It could include using a mobile app or budget software to rein in spending.
Automate payments.
Set up automatic contributions to retirement and investment accounts, auto-direct deposits from your checking account into a high-yield savings account and automate other processes to make your savings goals a reality.
Avoid "spending creep."
It's tempting to absorb a salary boost or year-end bonus into your spending instead of putting it toward your savings. Earmark a portion - or even all - of a pay bump toward your savings goals.
Review spending patterns.
Now is a great time to review your credit card or bank statements to determine where you can cut back and what money might be better redirected toward savings. Do you overspend on dining out? Cut back and save the difference.
Cancel unneeded subscriptions and memberships.
When reviewing spending patterns note which regular expenses are ready for trimming. Perhaps you can cut your pricey cable bill, unused gym membership or an overpriced cellphone plan. Unsubscribe from once-trendy delivery subscription services or fee-based credit cards. Tabulate the amount saved and automate an equivalent deposit to your savings account.
Divvy savings into appropriate accounts.
Not all savings should go into your bank's savings account. For example, retirement savings may be better placed in a target-date investment account while college savings can grow in a 529 educational fund. Make sure you earmark funds appropriately.
Don't forget midterm goals.
Savers can focus too much on short-term emergency funds and long-term retirement plans without considering medium-term goals. That creates a barbell effect, where five or 10-year goals, such as saving for a child's college fund, a new house or kitchen upgrade, are ignored. Don't forget to appropriately direct some savings toward those medium-term plans.
Slowly increase savings.
Boosting your savings by a few percentage points each year can be relatively painless while yielding major results.
Readjust as needed.
Life events can change your savings goals. Perhaps the birth of a new child, a job layoff or an unexpected illness causes you to need to tap savings sooner or transfer them to a different investment account. Rethink your savings strategy as your lifestyle changes.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1.
RING US UP: Although snow removal on city streets rests with the city of Helena, with an overwhelming amount of snow this February, it's been difficult to keep up despite a great effort by the City Maintenance Department. Even in the best of times, to the best of our knowledge, the City doesn't plow alleys anywhere. Mark and Kris spend hours in the plow truck and skid loader doing their best to pick up the slack but we don't always know when there is a problem. If you are having trouble navigating your street or carriage lane, let us know and we'll do our best to solve the issue. We prefer staying ahead of the game but things happen. A recent break-down of our snow truck caused a few of you headaches with getting out for work one morning last week. As soon as the part was in, Mark and Kris were back in the seat plowing away. If you get stuck ring us up at 431-7305. If we are available to help, we will.
2.
SINGLE-FAMILY HOA ANNUAL MEETING:
It's that time of year again. We're hoping for a big turn-out this year so bundle-up and drop by the VFW meeting hall in East Helena (117 W. Main St.) at 7:00 PM on March 19
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to review last year's budget and see what's ahead for your HOA. We'll be serving refreshments starting at 6:30 if you'd like to spend some time getting to know your neighbors and we will be drawing door prizes including five $20 gift cards for those in attendance. A meeting agenda will be emailed to all home owners, including Condo owners, several days ahead of the event.
3.
STAY SAFE: With such a cold winter and all the heavy snow, maneuvering on slippery surfaces whether walking or on wheels can be very dangerous. And it could get much worse as the snow starts to melt and turn to slush. Take your time. And please, don't concern yourself with left-over holiday lights on your home. They can wait till the weather breaks. After all, who is to say they aren't seasonal (winter) decorations?
4.
SINGLE-FAMILY HOA DUES:
Reminder that Single-Family HOA annual fees were due March 1st. Please don't forget to pay these!
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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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Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
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2789 Favor Loop: "THE WISE". Until you see it, you won't believe the upscale feel of this 2414 S.F. 3 or 4 bedroom/2.5 bath home. It has it all--- front door sidelites, open 2-story floor to ceiling entryway with chandelier, main floor master suite, luxury bath, air conditioning, fireplace, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, soft-close cabinets, separate dining room and front and rear covered porches. Just two blocks from Mountain View Park, this brand new home is completely landscaped and ready for move-in! Call 406-431-7680 for a private tour any day of the week. $339,900. MLS# 1303182.
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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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2868 Alexis Avenue: "THE TOWN HALL". A classic design that never goes out of style, this 4-square craftsman home features 3BD/2.5BA, a downstairs office, an upstairs TV room, an attached 2-car garage, a concrete patio and a beautiful front porch. With 1914 S.F. and lots of storage, you'll have all the room you need for personal space or for a growing family. "The Town Hall" is located just one block from Mountain View Park and priced at only $299,900. For additional information please call 406-449-0800.
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215 Bella View: "THE BARRISTER". This popular 4BD/3BA 2-story floorplan located across from Mountain View Park, features all the upscale finishes you've come to expect in a Sierra Custom Home. Granite countertops, soft-close cabinets and tiled master shower will bathe you in comfort. For additional information call Dawn Purvis, 406-439-6380, or visit the Mountain View Meadows Info and Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St. $309,900.
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275 Bella View: "THE MINER". A floorplan with room to grow. 1826 Finished Square Feet with an additional unfinished basement makes this 3432 S.F. home currently under construction perfect for the growing family or just because you want the extra space! Located across the street from the best neighborhood park in Helena, Sierra Custom Homes builds exceptional value into their homes with granite countertops throughout, beautiful master suites and stainless steel appliances. This 3BD/2BA Miner features a stunning wrap around porch and attractive craftsman details and includes an UG water system, free front yard landscaping, and an attached 2-car garage. For additional information contact Dawn Purvis, Century 21, at 406-439-6380. MLS# 301685. $345,960.
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2862 Alexis Avenue: "THE COACH HOUSE".
If you're looking for a 3-car garage that comes standard, then this nearly 1500 S.F. single-story plan is for you! The Coach House features granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring and all your essential kitchen appliances. Your new home includes free front yard and rear carriage lane (alley) landscaping. Stop by the Information & Sales office at 431 S. Alice St. for a tour of this brand new home priced at only $269,900.
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2896 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 garage. Side yard fence included plus free front yard and rear carriage lane landscaping! Easy walking distance to Mountain View Park. 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# 21814840. $269,500.
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2850, 2852, 2860 & 2862 Runkle Parkway: FOUR
NEW CONDOS with amazing mountain views! Two 1635 S.F. and one 1660 S.F. single-story condos and one 1812 S.F. two-story. Single-story condos feature 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, tray ceilings, great room, separate dining, attached 2-car garage, front porch and rear, private, outdoor living space. The 3BD/2.5BA two-story condo features a spacious main floor great room, an upstairs loft/TV room, front porch and an attached 2-car garage. Stop by now to take a look and claim your condo before they're all gone! Prices start at $269,900.
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2839, 2841, 2845 & 2847 Twilight Avenue: New 1219 S.F. duplex condos just getting 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 and entry, and carpeted bedrooms. Electric range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal included! Monthly condo fee is currently $120 and pays for sidewalk snow removal, mowing and landscaping care as well as exterior building insurance and maintenance. Priced at just $239,900. Call now! 406-449-0800.
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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2930 Big Timber Loop: "THE OPEN RANGE". Contract with contingency fell out on this NEW UPSCALE CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMAN HOME with 2748 totally finished S.F. Fortunately, their loss opens the door to you! Experience the new year in comfort, warmth and exceptional style. 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. The home includes an owner's entry with bench and cubby hole shelves and central air with three separate zones. 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 the new construction on this 3 or 4BD/ 2.5BA home -- an unbeatable value! MLS#1303180. Contact Anna Havranek at KellerWilliams at 406-438-1141 for a private showing.
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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
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366 Elouise Cobell: "THE WHITEFISH".
Beautiful new home nearly finished is in easy walking distance to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters. Impressive front entry and large covered rear patio for outdoor living set this home apart. Built by family owned Grewett Construction, known for their rustic wood finishes and exceptional craftsmanship, this new 3BD/3BA floorplan includes an open vaulted great room with gas fireplace, vaulted master ensuite, study, huge walk-in pantry and spacious laundry room/owner's entry off an oversized 2-car garage. Better keep a close eye on this one or you'll miss a great opportunity to own this awesome 1975 S.F. executive-style home! $339,900.
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340 Elouise Cobell: "THE TARGHEE". This new 3BD/2BA home is well underway! With 1769 S.F., this Sierra Custom Home
includes laminate flooring, granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, gas range and fireplace, gorgeous master suite, and a mud room leading to an attached 2-car garage. For more information, stop by the Mountain View Meadows Info & Sales Office at 431 S. Alice St. $319,900. MLS# 21814522.
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Neighborhood:
BEAUTIFUL WINTER VIEWS
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As a final shout out to winter as we head into spring -- at least according to the calendar -- we wanted to showcase a number of the best winter photos from around the neighborhoods. The photos remind us of the kind of exquisite natural beauty that only exists in places like Montana where crisp blue skies form a colorful backdrop to stunning snow-covered mountains. Mountain View Meadows isn't the only development with gorgeous views, but we can't help but marvel at the beauty that surrounds us each and every day. It makes the seemingly never-ending below freezing temperatures feel so much warmer. Before the snow melts, here are some of the best photos from around our neighborhoods.
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The Sleeping Giant can be seen from many homes and vantage points at Mountain View Meadows
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New Homes in Craftsman Village enjoy great mountain views to the North
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The Elkhorns to the South
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Corey & Tina Fox
Who work next door at BCBS have moved into their lovely 2-story Garden Home.
Raymond Leeds
Has settled into his cozy new Garden Home.
Chris Rowley & Jenny Betcher
Are enjoying their beautiful new Sierra Custom Home in The Uplands neighborhood.
Alana Chapin
Is getting settled into her perfect carriage home by Weatherall Builders.
Kevin & Susan Kirley
Have moved into their absolutely stunning new Sierra Custom Home.
Tony & Hadley Stanfel
Have settled into their gorgeous new carriage home by Casteel Construction.
Congrat
ulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness:
SKIING WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND
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Best friends skijoring about the neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows
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It's not much fun going out in the freezing cold to exercise your dog. Or is it? Perhaps it is just an opportunity to think outside the box and do what many Montanans live to do in the winter: ski! Depending on what you're into, what type of dog you have and their energy level, you can ski in several different ways with your dog. Ruffwear.com offers some tips on getting started on a fresh way to combine fun and fitness with your best friend.
Cross Country Skiing: Classic XC skiing is a great way to start skiing with your dog because it is much slower paced, which can be helpful for teaching your dog some of the basics, like staying away from your ski edges. Skate-skiing is much faster paced and a great workout for you and your dog. While cross country skiing, your dog can run or walk beside or behind you off leash. If your local trails have leash laws, or you prefer to keep your dog leashed, you can teach them to skijor.
Skijoring
: Skijoring involves being towed by your dog as you ski. It can be done while classic XC skiing or skate-skiing. It is a more advanced skill and a great way to bond with your dog through a shared activity that requires cooperation. To really do this right, you will want to spend a good deal of time training your dog before you even get on your skis. For example, you'll have to teach your dog to pull against their harness, which is something a lot of us spend time teaching our dogs not to do! You will also want to teach them the very important "on-by" (or leave it) command, so they learn to pass distractions and continue pulling so you don't have any pile ups.
Downhill Backcountry Skiing: This type of skiing will involve the most energy expenditure from your dog, and also requires that you have the technical skills for backcountry travel. While backcountry skiing, your dog will follow you up the ski track, and then run down the slope as you ski back down.
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If you've had the opportunity to go skiing with your dog," says Ruffwear, "you know that there are few activities that are more fun!" But there can be a tough learning curve when it comes to adventuring in the snow with your furry friend. At all times, your dog's safety and comfort is a must, so be sure you and your best friend have the training, experience and equipment you need before heading to the back country.
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Mark and I typically take a break January or February. Not because of the snow, but because it isn't possible to build streets and lay pipe in the winter and there isn't time to get away much the rest of the year. Of course, missing a bit of the cold has its advantages, but it seems as if we hit the worst weather once we were back. Anyone who knows Mark knows that he can't sit back and let snow pile up in the streets or carriage lanes. His goal is to have the best plowed streets and alleyways in the city, so he is out and about as much as possible scraping away. Of course, the lane to our house needs attention as well. And it isn't just for our needs; we have family on our land that needs out for work and school and we want them safe as well. I was working late at the office a few days after we got back to Montana from our break when I got a call that Mark had the plow truck stuck in our lane. I bundled up to head out with chains feeling less confident than Mark that I could really pull him out. Fortunately, he also realized it wasn't the best idea and called me back. He contacted our Crew Foreman, Kris Baker, who headed out after work hours to lend a hand. But to no avail. With the plow truck blocking access to our home, Mark and I ended up at a hotel for the night. The next day it took a back hoe to get the plow truck unstuck but within a short time Mark was back on the street. We want to thank all of you who expressed your appreciation for the extra time and care we take to help keep the streets and carriage lanes safe for travel. We're not perfect, and like the city crews, it's nearly impossible to keep all snow out of driveways or from plowing in cars parked on the streets. But we try. Your HOA dues help to offset the cost of supplemental snow removal at Mountain View Meadows, which is provided at a substantial discount. Please take the time to attend the upcoming annual meeting to tell us what you think. We will listen. Together we can continue to build a better community.
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Mark working Saturday to clear streets at Aspen Park |
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Thank heavens for Carriage Lane "boulevards"! |
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