Jenny Stoddard

So, legislative season is in full swing and has been since the New Year. Many people follow session, but even more, sadly, don't.

Whatever your political persuasion, following the bills on the hill bode well for our industry. I don' t have a current number but there are bills about mandatory builder home warranty, new meth disclosure and definition, property rights in subdivision regs, new streamside setback regulations, lack of accountability in the county government by allowing interim zoning without emergency measures, many of item and much, much more looking to change the face of home ownership and real estate in Montana.

It is no longer about listing houses, it is time to provide our customers the best representation and fight for those bills and regulation that protect the private property owners and the real estate industry.

In the state on Montana I have never seen such an attack on land use and property rights. If you have any questions or are looking into being involved in Montana or any other state feel free to comment or post questions.

Waiting to hear on the new stimulus package. Really I have very little constructive criticism on the stimulus package, criticism yes, contructive....no. But I will work on it. Whether or not it will bring economic stimulus is the question of the hour.....frankly, probably not a lot. But, at this point I figure take what you can get. So, for housing this might actually help.
I have heard that there could be up to a $15,000 tax credit for a new home. Not on one you already own. This tax credit could be very beneficial to some. But, what happens when you sell your home? You will probably have to pay as much of the credit back out of your profit. If there is no profit, then there is no repayment. This was a condition when first throwing the idea of the credit around, but we will see what is in the final package. Obviously, my advice would be, be aware. If you take the credit, prepare yourself for what you pay when you resell. Either, put a little money aside each month preparing yourself for the repayment of the credit, put off selling your home until you have an immense amount of equity in your home and the markets are moving again, or don't use the credit.

Don't get me wrong, I think the buyer tax credit could be a very great tool. But, I am a firm believer in understanding completely what you are getting yourself into. It is never to early too plan you next step however lofty it might seem. Try not to get caught up in the hype, read the fine print and then make your government and their programs work for you.

At Exit Realty we make it our goal to get to know our clients. If a client needs a referral for an agent somewhere else, we do extensive research on different personalities of the agents and the clients. If you find yourself in a sea of Real Estate agents and don't know who to choose, contact me and I will find that perfect agent for you. If you are in Montana or across the nation, I will work hard to find you are rightfully represented.

So, it is a New Year! It is also a slow economy. Like you needed me to tell you that. The one thing a slow economy brings is great deals!. With interest rates somewhere between 4 and 5%, if you are able, you need to buy now. Great rates and lower prices are making for a perfect storm. The problem is a lot of America is reactive, not proactive, do you jump on the stock as it is at its peak, or if your lucky just before it raises. I know, this is easier said than done, and I am not an advocate of reckless spending, or stretching your budget. But if you are financially stable and have the means to enter the Real Estate Market, then now is the time.
A recent report predicted that 5 cities in Montana are in the top 25 housing markets for 2009. Here they are:
In a recent release by Housing Predictor, a national online real estate research firm, 5 Montana
cities ranked in the top 25 Housing Markets for 2009:
#2 Billings
#8 Bozeman
#12 Great Falls
#13 Livingston
#15 Missoula
This report was done byhttp://www.housingpredictor.com/topmarkets.html.

My firm is located in the Bitterroot Valley, just off the cusp of Missoula. And the most beautiful valley in the state.
Whether you are buying in the Bitterroot or across the state of Montana, I can provide you with impeccable service or refer you to some of the top professionals in the state.
Take a deep breath and jump in before the stock rises. Because Montana stock has always been one of the best. Posted by Jenny Stoddard at 11:32 AM 0 comments Labels: Bitterroot Valley, Bitterroot Valley Realtor, homes, Montana

Monday, November 17, 2008