Missoula, MT

Has the Missoula Montana Real Estate Market Stabilized?

So What's Up with the Missoula Real Estate Market? National reports show that the real estate market is improving. The National Association of Realtors just reported that home sales rose in 3.6% June, marking five consecutive months of improvement for the first time since 2003. 

While things are heading the right way on a national level, all real estate markets are local. The Missoula Real Estate Market is no different.

It is important to keep in mind that the Missoula real estate market has not seen the same type of declines that have been highly publicized in other parts of the country. The median home price in Missoula County-$217,000 as of June 30, 2009 has fallen less than 1 percent since its peak in 2006, according to the Missoula Organization of Realtors.

And, we are already starting to see improvement. The first quarter 2009 remained fairly steady, numbers for the second quarter appear to be seeing increased sales activity in some price ranges. 

For example:

• Sales under $150,000 are fairly flat; however there isn't a lot of inventory in that price range. 
• On the other end of the spectrum, sales in the $350,000 and higher price range are also fairly flat. 
• We have seen an increase in activity over the last two quarters in the $150,000 to $275,000 price range. 

So to answer the question, has the Missoula Market Stabilized? The signs are good. We are not seeing significant decreases in the median home price, and home sales in the mid-price range are actually improving. We are seeing increased buyer activity at our real estate office and are optimistic about the future of the market.

Home ownership is still the goal for most Americans with over two thirds of households in our country prefering to own their home, and with incentives to buy like low interest rates and the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax credit, now really is a good time to buy in Missoula.

For more information about the Missoula Real Estate Market, homes for sale in Missoula, or the area in general, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

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Montana World Trade Center - Connecting Montana to the World

I recently had the opportunity to meet with the staff of the Montana World Trade Center which is based in Missoula at the University of Montana. They are participating in Social Media Club Missoula and looking at opportunities to help Montana businesses use social media.

The Montana World Trade Center (MWTC) works to increase international trade through public-private partnerships, business networking, and student education. They provide resources to help Montana businesses including:

• Export/Import readiness assessment
• Basic International research and guidance
• Training seminars
• Access to visiting trade experts and delegations
• Trade shows and international trade missions.

They also provide specialized services on a retainer or a success-fee-basis.

Pictured: Megan Harrington, Geoffrey Sutton, Nicole Hagerman

For more information on the Montana World Trade Center, contact them at:

Montana World Trade Center
Gallagher Business Building, Suite 257
The University of Montana
Missoula, Montana, 59812-6798
Tel: (406) 243-6982 Fax: (406) 243-5259
E-mail: mwtc@mwtc.org
http://www.mwtc.org/

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

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Missoula Montana Named One of the Most Playful Cities in America!

In a time when 82 percent of parents believe children don't spend enough time playing outside, KaBOOM! a national non-profit dedicated to bringing play back into children's lives, named them its most Playful City USA communities recently, Missoula Montana made that list!

Each of the 2009 Playful City USA communities demonstrated creative commitments to the cause of play in the areas of quantity, quality and access.

Making playspaces accessible to all citizens in Missoula is a priority for the Parks and Recreation department. The department will establish new connector sidewalks that will connect low and moderate income housing, schools, the YMCA, and a community park.

The department is also developing a new Finder Map for the citizens of Missoula that will show users where to find playspaces, -Got Nature‖ spaces and -Daily Dose‖ areas. The Finder Map will host information about the location of and access to trailheads, bus connections, trails, parks, wellness sites, and other great places to visit and play throughout Missoula and is expected to be completed by May 2010.

For more information on the Playful Cities Award, read the Press Release.

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

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Homes for Sale on the South Hill in Missoula MT - Moose Can Gulley & Wapikaya

The South Hill in Missoula Montana has many great housing options - from condos, to starter-homes, to custom homes. Located up Hillview from Russell Street into the hills, the South Hill neighborhood is Moose Can Gulley. At the base of the South Hill is Wapikaya, another popular Missoula neighborhood.

Historically marked by ranches and farms, the South Hills neighborhoods still respectfully nod to their rural roots. They just recently approved over 1,000 acres of open space easements provide for peaceful places to explore and enjoy.  Trail systems are underway to connect Hillview Road to Moose Can Gully Park. 

The South Hill and Wapikaya neighborhoods are close to grocery shopping, schools, and are only a short drive to Missoula's downtown, University area, and shopping districts. Many of the homes feature panoramic views of the city and the entire Missoula valley.

Residents enjoy several public parks and a trail system that leads across the hillside, making the South Hills a great place for mountain biking, walking, running, or just relaxing and enjoying the views.

From July 1, 2008 to July 1, 2009, there were 80 sales in the South Hills neighborhoods ranging from $110,000 to $430,000 with a median sales price of $220,000.

Search All Homes for Sale in the South Hills of Missoula - Moose Can Gulley & Wapikaya

Schools in the area are Chief Charlo Elementary, Cold Springs Elementary, Meadow Hill Junior High School, and Sentinal High School which are all part of the Missoula Public School System.

For more information on the Missoula Montana neighborhoods of Moose Can Gulley or Wapikaya in the South Hills, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com and www.AccessRealty.net.

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

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Homes for Sale in The University District - Missoula Montana Real Estate

I would venture to say that the University District is the most popular Missoula neighborhood, as reflected by the price of homes in the area. It's beautiful historic homes, tree lined boulevards, and close proximity to Missoula's University of Montana and downtown make it a desirable place to live.

From July 1, 2008 to July 1, 2009, there were 33 homes sold in the University District ranging from $91,000 to $862,000. The median sales price was $315,000 - the highest in Missoula. Homes in the University District range from condos to one-of-a-kind historic homes and new construction custom homes.

Search All Homes for Sale in the University District of Missoula MT

University of Montana alum Don Oliver takes a look at the past, present and future of houses in neighborhoods surrounding the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana in a video he produced and published it to YouTube. It gives an interesting overview of the different styles of homes in the area, the history of the University District, and how the homes look today.

For more information on homes for sale in the University area of Missoula or to schedule a personal tour, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185.

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

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