Special offer

Helena, MT Real Estate News

By Andy Onushco
(Keller Williams)
People often ask; "How's the Market in Helena?"  I try to regularly pull statistics so that I'm not just relying on anecdotal evidence.  The trends year over year for Helena Real Estate are as follows... For Helena In-town properties, including Helena's Mansion District, Last Chance Gulch, the Walking Mall, Upper East, Upper West, Lower east, Lower west, SoBro, Carroll College neighborhood and the northeast and northcentral neighborhoods, sales year over year are as follows  (December sales data is extrapolated based on 80% of an average month)   Here's data compiled by the Helena Association of Realtors, of which I'm a member.   Sales volume is up a whopping 25% !   2011 in-town Helena sales were 261 units sold. 2012 is on track for 327 Units sold!   Average days on market for Sold Pro...
Comments 0
By Andy Onushco
(Keller Williams)
It seems that many duplexes in the southcentral helena neighborhood are sold by word of mouth.  But not all.  Highland, Hillsdale, State, and 2nd are really popular.  SoBro, or South of Broadway is great for trail access, and walking or biking to work.  Buy a duplex, live in one half, and have the other half pay most of your mortgage!
Comments 0
By Erica Keiter
(Century 21 Heritage Realty)
Very interesting article by the Helena IR today. The county Commissioners are discussing whether or not to install at cell phone tower at Canyon Ferry Lake. The proposed site would be located east of O'Malleys. Having lived at the lake I can see the plus side to having a cell phone reception, however I am sure it will be an eye sore for who ever has to look at it. Maybe they can find a hidden place!  "A controversial cell tower near the north end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir will be discussed today at the Lewis and Clark County Commission meeting.Installation of the 197-foot tower was debated for three hours at an April 24 commission meeting, but due to problems with the legal public notice for the item, commissioners were forced to put off making a decision. Instead, they’re expected to ...
Comments 0
By Erica Keiter
(Century 21 Heritage Realty)
In the last couple of years finding good information to share on the internet seemed hard to come by. However, I have been so pleased with our market over the last 6 months. Our 2010 finished strong with 5 of our listing selling all within close to listing price. It has been a great start to the year and the momentum seems to be getting stronger. Right now, our inventory is low, so if you were thinking about selling, get on it now, buyers have very few homes to choose from.  We are starting to see our higher end homes selling more, in our area  higher priced is  $450,000 and up.  Buyers seem more comfortable and have gotten use to the new lending practices etc. People have adjusted and seem to be moving forward.   We are still going to be seeing foreclosures in our area, the pre-foreclo...
Comments 0
By Erica Keiter
(Century 21 Heritage Realty)
Ok, you lake dwellers and townies, this is going to be a music festival that you are not going to want to miss.  With great weather expected the Helena music festival is going to be the place to be. The music starts tonight at 6pm with beer garden and great food vendors! Also don't forget the Helena Farmers Market this Saturday as well! For the music line up, go to : http://www.downtownhelena.com/01.09mhmf.html Hope to see you there!
Comments 0
By Erica Keiter
(Century 21 Heritage Realty)
Every Wednesday the Helena area Realtor's go out and view homes that are currently for sale in our area. Yesterday there were 36 homes to see. I think we made a pretty good dent in that number, we toured for 2 hours, you can never see all of them, but you pick and choose what you have clients looking for and homes that are unique and are priced right.  I fell in love with a few of the homes yesterday, which all ways makes my husband cringe, since the first words out of my mouth after tour are " I think we should move, I found the perfect home" There was one home that really stood out in our downtown historHic/mansion district, $194,000 on Benton Ave. We actually walked into this home and thought it was under priced! That never happens:) This home had been updated but kept lots of the or...
Comments 0
Thank you to all the wonderfual agents that came to Helena's Second Fine Homes meeting out at Canyon Ferry Mansion. We had a great turn out. I had always wanted a tour of this historic place and as part of our meeting the owner Sandra, gave a great indepth dynamic tour. It was fasanating to hear about AB Cook and the history of this great home and property. Even Lewis & Clark stopped through here on their journey. The Canyon Ferry Mansion is currently for sale, it is run as a bed and breakfast and event site. Helena's Fine Home Group has come up with a schedule and will be touring other Fine Homes in Helena throughout the summer. Next stop, somewhere in downtown Helena.
Comments 0
By Erica Keiter
(Century 21 Heritage Realty)
Below is the view from my house located in the West Valley of Helena, MT. This amazing location is actually only 8 miles from the popular Last Chance Gulch. The West Valley has a ton to offer people, huge bike riding, Green Meadow Golf Course, Spring Meadow Lake, McDonaldPass(great hiking and bike riding).  There are a few amazing homes for sale in the West Valley, all different price ranges, all great views and access to wonderful amenities!  
Comments 0
By Erica Keiter
(Century 21 Heritage Realty)
Thank you to all that showed up to our first ever Helena Luxury Home Group. With many months in the planning we were excited to have such a great kick off. Special thanks to Greg for all your hard work. Our first gathering took place at my spectacular lake view home on 4060 Sunset Ridge in Canyon Ferry Crossing, that is currently for sale at $699,900. We enjoyed a variety of wine & wondering appetizers, I have to say I make an amazing Brie dish! During our gathering the focus of our group was the home itself. The whole idea behind the Luxury Home Group is to have agents who work in this field spend some quality time at a property to be able to really speak to all of the features, the quality,the location basically the overall experience they had at the home. I appreciated the other agen...
Comments 1
By Erica Keiter
(Century 21 Heritage Realty)
On rainy days I would usually recommend staying inside and watching your favorite movie (Sleepless IN Seattle for). However at Canyon Ferry during our warm months, there are endless possibilities.  1. Many of the camp grounds have great little gazebos, pack a lunch and watch the weather move through the Canyon. 2. Don't like outside very much, well on the East Shore of Canyon Ferry you have O'Malleys Pub, one of my favorite places to go when I am out and about at the lake. Great food, fun atmosphere, outside dining and views of the lake. And yes, the owners are Irish! 3. West Shore of Canyon Ferry is more your cup of tea, you have the Yacht Basin, I have a family member who reports that their prime rib dinner is amazing, and with the best view of the lake, it is hard to beat! 4. A quick...
Comments 0
Great Question, If you are looking to buy a home at or around Canyon Ferry and you are from out of state, you might be thinking of trying to find educational opportunities for your little ones or highschool age kids. Well if you plan ahead a little, you might be able to get your child involved with one of the many summer programs at the Montana Learning Center at Canyon Ferry. Located just between the West Shore & East Shore, your kids can explore Canyon Ferry from an academic side, while you explore Canyon Ferry from boat or beach side! The Montana Learning Center at Canyon Ferry  
Comments 0
By Erica Keiter
(Century 21 Heritage Realty)
Early Spring in Montana can mean a lot of different things when it comes to weather in MT. Sun, Snow, Rain, usually all within the same hour:). So if you find your self expercining this out at the lake, come into town on Saturday morning for the start of our Farmers Market Season. One of Gage & Kahlua's(my chocolate labs) favorite vendors are the group that sells dog bones that are as big as their heads. It takes them all afternoon to eat these bones, it is great!   Go to www.downtownhelena.com  
Comments 1
By Erica Keiter
(Century 21 Heritage Realty)
We have a great new blog site, where we(Deb Whitcomb) and myself will be keeping a close eye on Lake Properties in Helena, MT. Especially Canyon Ferry! Check back regularly or feel free to contact me anytime with questions on Canyon Ferry!    
Comments 0
It's only natural to want to sell your house for as much as it possibly can go for. As an experienced agent in the Helena Montana area, I've seen many houses go for both low and high prices. What makes the difference? In this article, we'll go over several steps you can take to ensure your house goes for the highest price possible.Tip #1 - Have Amazing Curb AppealPay a disproportionate amount of time to your buyer's first impression. Your front lawn and the front of your house will make a big impact on your buyer's impression of the house.  If the outside is dirty, at the very least have the house power washed. If the paint is old to the point where it's noticable, it'll pay off to have the exterior repainted.Tip #2 - Stage the Interior Like a ProStaging a house well is essential to a t...
Comments 1
By Peter Olsen, Rent To Own Homes, LLC
(Rent To Own Homes, LLC)
Rent To Own!  50% rent credit!  Beautifully remodeled 4 bedroom / 2 bath 1800 square foot home in the gorgeous historic district of Helena, MT!!   On the top level the home has a living room, large kitchen with appliances, small nook with built in cabinets, 3 of the 4 bedrooms, and a large bathroom.  In the finished basement there is a large family room, another bedroom,  bathroom and a utility room.  There is new carpet and paint throughout the house!  The home is within walking distance to the elementary, middle and high school!  It is also close to Carrol College, shopping and restaurants!  There is central natural gas heat.  Rent is $1300/mo and first months rent and money down required to move in.  If you have any questions please contact us at 406-250-9553. Until next time.... Pe...
Comments 0
By Erelopro Out of Business, Relocation Professionals are out of business
(erelopro)
Helena, Montana Realtor Leads - (800) 900-2807 Even through this Real Estate downward spin, we are still seeing an increased number of families relocating to cities such as: San Diego, Austin, Helena, etc… Still the #1 drive is jobs, and that cannot be disputed. Although another big reason for relocation that started in 2008, was due to great foreclosure prices. Cities such as Scottsdale, and Helena have both seem dramatic drops in real estate prices, which is driving the people to purchase real etate in those cities. If you are not working with families whom want to purchase foreclosed homes, you are leaving a huge chunk of money on the table. One of the top discussions right now on RealTown and ActiveRain is in regards to boosting your business with foreclosures. Call us at (800) 900-...
Comments 0
By Jeff Boyer
(First Community Bank)
Good morning all!  Just a quick thought on the previous year.  2009 was a pretty decent year considering what has happened in the economy.  Of course Montana is usually slower than the rest of the country to feel any ripples in the economy.  But it did hit us.  As far as housing goes, Helena fared pretty well.  Lots of new construction thanks to the $8,000 tax credit.  Rates were very low for most of 2009 as well.  Lots of refinancing took place. Onto 2010....let's keep our fingers crossed to keep the ball rolling.  Rates are still pretty low and the $8,000 tax credit has been extended until April 30th.  And there is even more incentive that previous homeowners can purchase a new house and receive a $6,500 tax credit (rules apply).  From what I have read, it seems that the prime interes...
Comments 0
By Jeff Boyer
(First Community Bank)
Good morning!  Just wanted to touch base with all of you about the extension of the tax credit for first time home buyers. It seems that Senators have come to a decision to extend the tax credit for first time homebuyers through the end of April 2010!  This is great news!  Builders that are hurrying to get homes finished have a little breathing room now.  Also, it helps those people who were on the fence about buying a home to take advantage. Also, Senators have decided that they will extend the tax credit to those who have owned a home for at least five years and want to purchase another primary residence.  The tax credit for this program will be $6,500 rather than the $8,000 allowed to first time home buyers.  The income limits for this program will be increased to $125,000 and $225,0...
Comments 3
By Jeff Boyer
(First Community Bank)
Good afternoon all!  Things in Helena are very busy.  Lots of purchases going on.  We have lots of residential building happening as well.  I believe the increase in construction is due to the $8.000 tax credit available. Just heard that the powers that be are thinking about extending the tax credit for at least 6 months.  I hear that they have already extended it for military, diplomatic and intelligence personnel that are serving overseas.  Definitely a step in the right direction.  So an extension for the rest of the first time homebuyers is definitely an option There is word that they might even extend the tax credit program for people are trying to buy new homes and selling their old homes.  I guess it is still under wraps but surely being talked about.  I will let you know as soon...
Comments 1
By Jeff Boyer
(First Community Bank)
Good morning all!  We are in the final stages of summer and the first days of fall are right around the corner.  We have seen that refinances are still around but more surprising is the amount of purchases we have been doing!  There have been many new purchases coming on as well as new construction loans!  Seems that builders are building homes as fast as they can so their buyers can beat the November 30th deadline for the $8,000 tax credit. Economy in Helena seems to be holding steady and hopefully increasing.  Other parts of the state are much slower and even Billings I hear is starting to slow down.  I am very optimistic about Helena coming out of the recession with all of the affordable housing that is popping up all over the Helena area. I hope that the builders will be able to mee...
Comments 1
Helena, MT Real Estate Professionals