Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray

Montana Landlords - Are You in Compliance with the New Law Which Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

The 2009 Montana Legislature passed SB 161 which requires carbon monoxide detectors in dwelling units rented by a landlord and a notice from a seller concerning the presence of a carbon monoxide detector upon the sale of a residence. SB 161 became law on October 1, 2009.

SB 161 MCA § 70-24-303 of the Montana Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Effective October 1, 2009, in addition to a smoke detector a landlord is also required to install in each dwelling unit under the landlord's control an approved carbon monoxide detector bearing a label or other identification issued by an approved testing agency.

When signing a new rental agreement, the landlord shall verify that the carbon monoxide detector is in good working order. During the tenant's rental period, the tenant is responsible to maintain the carbon monoxide detector in good working order.

As is the case with smoke detectors, and presuming that the landlord complies with the law to install a carbon monoxide detector and test it upon commencement of the rental agreement, a landlord is not liable for damages caused as a result of the failure of the carbon monoxide detector.

And in real estate transactions, a seller must provide written notice to the buyer that the dwelling to be purchased is equipped or is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. SB 161 modifies MCA § 70-20-113 so that carbon monoxide detectors are now included in the notice that formerly pertained only to smoke detectors.

Source: Montana Association of Realtors(R)

Help Our Furry Friends - October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), American Humane and several animal rescue and welfare groups are working independently to let the public know that October Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

There are lots of great dogs - including pure breds in our local shelters just waiting for a home.

Learn More About Adopting a Shelter Pet

You can save a loving pet and you may also help yourself. According to several studies, pet owners may actually live longer! Read more.

Missoula Pet Adoption Facilities

Animeals
1700 Rankin Street
Missoula, MT 59808
406-721-4710

Humane Society of Western Montana
5930 Hwy. 93 South
Missoula, MT 59804
406-549-3934

Missoula Animal Control
6700 Butler Creek Rd.
Missoula, MT 59808
406-541-7387

There are also several breed-specific rescue groups if you are looking for a specific type of dog.

Other pet resources:

Petfinder - helps you find your new pet companion

Missoula Pet - Online Resources for Missoula Pet Owners

Search for Montana Pets on the Net

Three Beautiful Clark Fork Riverfront Lots in Superior, MT - $139,000 for All 3

This listing is for 3 adjoining city lots to be sold together. Just over a half acre of Clark Fork River frontage with breathtaking views of the river and mountains of Superior Montana. Less than half a mile to the schools and public pool and park and less than a mile from the hospital make this a great location. City water and sewer is available!

Multi -family use is approved - build riverfront condos or duplexes! Also perfect for single family home wanting a huge yard overlooking the river.

One of the best buys for riverfront in Western Montana - priced to sell at $139,000.

Take a Video Tour of Superior, Montana.

For more information, or to schedule a personal tour, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty - Your Montana Riverfront Specialists - at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

Fall is in the air in beautiful Western Montana, you can feel it in the crisp morning air and see it in the leaves that are starting to change colors. It is also bow hunting season, a perfect reason to climb to the top of of a mountain and watch the sun rise.

Kevin has been spending all the mornings he can on top of this mountain in the Lolo National Forest. He's seen a lot of wildlife and had a conversation with an elk using his bugle, no luck hunting yet, but with these views, he feels lucky enough.

Missoula Architecture & History - The Northern Pacific Railroad Depot on Higgins Ave.

Missoula has some beautiful buildings in our downtown area, and many have historical signficance as well. One of my favorites is the Northern Pacific Depot building located at the north end of Higgins Avenue.

The Northern Pacific Railroad Depot was built in 1901 by the nationally recognized firm of Reed and Stem of St. Paul, Minnesota. This depot is one of four that the firm designed in Montana. The building is a long, rectangular brick structure with one story wings on the east and west side of the building. It is said to represent a "simplified version of Renaissance Revival Style".*

The exterior of the building is decorated with four urns with the distinctive Norther Pacific symbol of the yin-yang.

Northern Pacific Depot Construction Controversy

The building of the depot was quite controversial at the time and became the topic for dispute between two prominent Missoula families, and eventually the entire community.

The Urlin family donated land to help bring Northern Pacific to Missoula. The family didn't intend for the Depot to be constructed where it is because it would block access to their ranch. However, the Higgins family felt that a depot at the end of Higgins Avenue offered an "appropriate level of grandeur.

The Urlin family protested the construction of the building along with other resident's from Missoula's north side. To emphasize their point, the initial wood frame of the building was burned to the ground by arsonists.

Today, the Norther Pacific Depot is used for office space for local Missoula businesses. It is also the site for the Missoula Farmer's Market that is held on Saturdays during the summer.

In 1955, one of Northern Pacific's Railroad Engines was located on the site and is still there today.

For more information on Missoula, Montana, or it's architecture and history, visit www.YourMT.com - Missoula Architecture & History

*Resource: A Guide to Historic Missoula by Allan James Mathews, 1948