About Gallatin County, MT

Bozeman, Montana's Morning Star Elementary School, the Bozeman School District's largest elementary school, is one of the 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Morning Star Elementary, named for Cheyenne Indian Chief, Morning Star, who would often awaken early in the morning to view the planet Venus, was chosen as one of the top elementary schools in the United States because it helps Bozeman students close the "achievement gap," "the difference in academic performance between different ethnic groups," according to the U.S. Department of Education's definition.

Arne Duncan, U.S. Education Secretary, announced 314 schools have won the Blue Ribbon award, which includes 50 private schools and 264 public schools. Central School in Roundup, MT also was chosen. On Novemebr 3, 2009, all winners will be honored in Washington, D.C. For more try the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

DRINKING HORSE MOUNTAIN

The Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is a new Bozeman hiking gem not just because it makes for a short, vigorous 1.6 mile (3.2 mile rt) early-morning or after-work hike but also because of the spectacular views along the way and from its summit.

Walk along the excellent, recently carved and compacted limestone hiking trail from about 4902 ft to the 5,522 ft Drinking Horse Mountain Summit for views of the Absarokas and many of the Gallatin Valley's mountain ranges.

The Drinking Horse Mountain Trail, north of Bozeman, MT, is great for kids because they can make the hike short by stopping to splash in Bridger Creek under the shade of mature Cottonwoods, or they can head for the top, stopping along the way to rest on one of the many memorial benches manufactored from recycled plastic.

The Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is a great example of a federal, state, local, and private conservation collaboration, joining the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Gallatin Valley Land Trust; Montana Outdoor Science School; Bozeman Fish Technology Center; and Friends of the Bozeman, Montana Fish Technology Center together to preserve more of Montana's Gallatin Valley land for future generations.

Drinking Horse Mountain Trail Directions: From Main Street, Bozeman, take Rouse, which becomes Bridger Canyon Drive (Highway 86), 3 miles to a right (S) at the Fish Hatchery turnoff just before the "M" Trail turnoff. (NOT Fish Hatchery Rd, though...you've gone too far.) (Sorry, no bikes or horses allowed and don't forget the camera, water, coat, sunscreen, and snacks...and stay off the summit during lightning.)

Taunya Fagan Prudential Montana Real Estate

giving you the advantage...®

The top ten US real estate markets for 2009 are not large metropolitan areas, but rather small communities with strong prospects for growth. The following list of high potential housing markets may not appreciate in the short term, but have the highest likelihood of long term appreciation. See the top ten list put together by Housing Predictor for what may be the best real estate markets to invest in for 2009.

As we constantly monitor and follow trends in the real estate industry, an interesting movement is emerging. There has been increased consideration given to smaller homes nationwide for a number of reasons. Not to say that "bigger is better" is a thing of the past. But for many, consideration is being given to the simple concept that "smaller is preferred".

First, there are the Baby Boomers who are finding that their empty nest may be larger than what they now want or need in terms of space and upkeep. Many homeowners of this generation are in the position to move to new locations they have always wanted to try out or to just spend more time pursuing hobbies and leisure activities versus upkeep of large lawns and seldom used rooms. The minimized stress can be worth clearing out some closets and downsizing. Some challenges to note are the difficulty in parting with items that hold memories but are truly of little use any longer, as well as the feeling that there is not enough room in a smaller home when the extended family all gathers at once.

Other homeowners who are following the idea to embrace smaller living quarters may be doing so because of the deep seeded need to condense their belongings and simplify their lives. While the initial move to a less spacious home may be difficult, once settled in the positives begin to arise. Economically speaking, the amount of unessential spending should decrease as there is basically no room for items that are only used once or twice a year. There can also be a benefit in the family dynamics as one of two things may happen. Either a family will learn to spend more quality time together as there are less places to "get away" in the house or there will be a greater desire to spend time outdoors away from television and computers.

Continue...

Robyn Erlenbush
CRS, GRI, CRB, Broker Owner
Phone: (406) 586-1321
Send me an email

Robyn Erlenbush, Broker/Owner of NAI Landmark is pleased to announce that sales associate Jason Leep has joined NAI Landmark.

For the past 12 years, Leep has been associated with Potter Clinton Development and has produced many successful and well-accepted real estate projects. While still involved with existing Potter Clinton Development projects, Leep's new affiliation with NAI Landmark will allow him to provide sales and consulting services for area property owners. His unique history lends itself well to developing long term strategies for real estate investments. Leep specializes in consulting services, sales and acquisitions, landlord and tenant representation, development, build to suit analysis, and sale leasebacks.

NAI Landmark is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm serving Bozeman, Big Sky and southwestern Montana. The firm specializes in office and retail leasing, commercial property sales, 1031 Exchange properties, development assistance, site selection services, business valuation and buyer representation.

Jason Leep
Sales Associate
Phone: (406) 556-5072
Send me an email

I am pleased to announce that after being involved in land development in the Bozeman area for many years, I am now a licensed sales associate with NAI Landmark. For the past 12 years, I have been associated with Potter Clinton Development and we have produced many successful and well-accepted real estate projects. While I am still involved with Potter Clinton Development, my new affiliation with NAI Landmark will allow me to provide sales and consulting services for area property owners. If you or any of your associates has a need for either sales or consulting services for any real estate ventures, I believe I could be of service to you.

NAI Landmark is a part of a worldwide managed network of over 325 commercial real estate offices, NAI Global. The breadth of services available to NAI clients is unmatched and can be leveraged with my local market knowledge to achieve results-oriented solutions for your real estate needs. I am happy to be able to provide the following real estate services:

•§ Consulting Services

•§ Sales and Acquisitions

•§ Landlord and Tenant Representation

•§ Development

•§ Build to Suit Analysis

•§ Sale Leasebacks

My unique history lends itself well to developing long term strategies for real estate investments. I have the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate real estate products and to amend the underlying entitlements, if necessary. Through my many years of experience in this area, I have developed many great working relationships with all of the governmental planning, permitting and review personnel in Bozeman, Belgrade and Gallatin County. That same type of relationship has also been maintained with many of the financial and banking institutions in the area as well.

My past real estate experience includes:

•§ Purchase of properties through direct purchase, option, or land contract

•§ Development of long term master plans and financial proformas

•§ Preparation of financial data to acquire necessary long term financing

•§ Overseeing appropriate trades and professionals to acquire technical approvals

•§ Preparation and submittal of various land planning permits to city or county governmental agencies and/or departments

•§ Development of Covenants Conditions and Restriction and Design Criteria

•§ Oral and graphic presentation of projects to governing bodies

•§ Oversight and management of construction budgets through the construction period

•§ Development of marketing budgets and materials

•§ Oversight of marketing agenda and personnel

•§ Administration of Owners and Condo Associations

I have performed all or some of the above tasks on the following area projects:

•§ River Rock: 1300 +units - completed, west of Belgrade

•§ Landmark: 204 units - completed, west of Belgrade

•§ Cobblestone: 92 units - completed, west of Belgrade

•§ West Meadows: 138 units - completed, Bozeman

•§ Antler Ridge 65 units - completed, Big Sky

•§ Valley Commons Business Park - completed, Bozeman

•§ Baxter Meadows West: 50 units - in progress, Bozeman

•§ The Crossing: 196 units - in progress, Bozeman

•§ Autumn Ridge Ranch: 8 large estates - in progress, north of Bozeman

•§ The Knolls at Hillcrest: 124 units - in progress, Bozeman

•§ Meadowlark Ranch: 225 units - in progress, Belgrade

•§ The Bozeman Deaconess Sub Area Plan (500 acre mixed use adopted master plan) Bozeman

•§ Prescott Project Sub Area Plan (280 acre mixed use adopted master plan) Belgrade

Please call me if you have any plans involving real estate in the future. I am certain that I would be able to help you acheive your goals.