Missoula Real Estate By Kevin & Monica Ray

The Clark Fork Chronicle and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce recently set up an online encyclopedia that allows many different authors to work together on articles. 

According to the Chronicle, "With the first members of the baby boomer generation retiring and moving to areas offering nearby national forests and national parks, we are likely to see a large influx of newcomers. Many may be moving from cities to rural residential areas for the first time. It may take them a while to become familiar with all the quirks of Montana living--noxious weeds, open range, bears in the backyard, and wildfire. It may also take them a while to establish connections with their neighbors and local organizations.

The online encyclopedia is meant to help make that process a little easier. It will eventually provide a quick reference for every interest, promoting local businesses and local organizations, and drawing people into the life of the community."

On the site, you will find information about the county's people, places, churches, things to do, history, government and more.

To visit the site, go to http://www.chronipedia.us/tiki-index.php. You can also learn more about the area by visiting our local paper at http://www.clarkforkchronicle.com.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Streamside Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.

Think Spring & Book Your Montana Fishing Vacation Today! 

Opening for the season on April 1, 2008, this wonderful 3 Bedroom, 1 1/2 bath house overlooks the Clark Fork River with a panoramic view and 900 feet of river frontage. From the living area of this house you can view Bald Eagles soaring past the windows and sitting in the tree just a few feet from the dining room table, as well as moose, elk and deer crossing the river below. This "Clark Fork River Hideaway" is the perfect spot to unwind at night after a day of fly fishing or rafting the Clark Fork River. Only 45 minutes from Missoula, this is also a great weekend getaway.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Streamside Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.

The following is a summary of market activity for the period indicated as recorded by the Missoula Organization of REALTORS® Regional Multiple Listing Service. Figures may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Missoula Urban Area--includes greater Missoula area and Lolo Residential Month of December Year to Date Year # Sales Median Price # Sales Median Price 2007 65 $217,000 1371 $219,900 2006 81 $195,000 1586 $206,600 2005 102 $194,450 1558 $191,900 2004 81 $184,000 1301 $179,000

Missoula Market Indicator December 15, 2007 *For the greater Missoula urban area, including Lolo (All Types of single family residential properties). Arrows indicate direction in last 30 days.
New Listings Total properties entered into the MOR Regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the last 30 days for the greater Missoula urban area, including Lolo.
Median Price The price that is midway between the least expensive and most expensive home sold.
Under Contract Properties on which the buyer & seller have agreed to transfer property
Number of Sales Properties for which the transfer is recorded
Interest Rates Average local financial rates based on 30 year fixed mortgage
Days on Market Average number of days a home is on the market from date of listing to date sold
Housing Affordablity Index Calculated by using local interest rates, local median price, local median family income and loan terms

From about the mid-80s to the mid-90s, the Missoula real estate market reflected some consistent patterns of activity. Following the activity of the spring and early summer, in July the market slowed some and then geared up again in late summer and early fall before the winter/holiday slowdown with the cycle repeating again starting about March. As the unprecedented 15-year expansion of the real estate market really took hold in the mid-90s these patterns disappeared and the market stayed steady--and active--year round. The current market trends reflect a slowing in the local market, with the number of new listings, properties under contract, and properties sold all down from last month. In another time, this might have been viewed as just the normal pattern. In light of the recent market anomaly, it's probably too soon to be comfortable with that conclusion. Nevertheless, continued low interest rates and a somewhat lower median price should encourage consumers considering homeownership to research the local market and specific neighborhoods. Numbers can only tell one part of the story.

Source - Missoula Organization of Realtors, www.missoularealestate.com
If you have questions about the value of your home or today's market conditions, please contact Kevin & Monica Ray at Streamside Realty (406) 207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

Mineral County is the gem of Montana and is still mostly undiscovered. If you are looking for a wonderful place to live and if you enjoy outdoor recreation, then Mineral County is for you. The primary towns in the county are Superior (county seat), St. Regis, Alberton, Deborgia, & Saltese.

Mineral County is located in Western Montana near Idaho between Missoula, Montana and Spokane Washington. With a population of 3600, Mineral County consists of 1,223 sq. miles. It's land is 82% federal-owned, 3% state-owned and 15% privately-owned. The majority of the land surface is contained within the Lolo National Forest and located through a narrow valley separated by the Clark Fork and St. Regis Rivers. The Clark Fork River carries more water than any other river in Montana. There are 87 miles of river, 650 miles of streams, and over 50 high mountain lakes. The entire county is heavily forested with ponderosa pine (the state tree), lodge pole pine, fir, larch, white pine and cedar.

Mineral County offers extensive recreation areas for hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. Cross county skiing, snowmobiling; sledding, ice skating and good road conditions all winter long assure you of finding the perfect spot for winter fun. A short drive-in just about any direction will put you at some of the finest downhill ski runs in the country. Summertime offers the angler some of the best trout fishing to be found anywhere. Hiking and backpacking will take you into areas with alpine lakes and serene beauty. Whitewater rafting, swimming, biking, camping and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of will make your time pass all too quickly. At day's end you'll find rest comes easy with cool night time temperatures; clean mountain air and only the sound of the wind in the pines to lull you to sleep.

The County also has 42 lakes. For a complete list, visit

http://www.hometownlocator.com/DisplayCountyFeatures.cfm?FeatureType=lake&SCFIPS=30061

Mineral County is full of opportunity. The people are friendly and the climate is mild. The area is high in minerals and contains many unpatented mining claims. You'll be close to schools, skiing, USFS lands, local hospital and only 45 minutes from Missoula. You will find the best Montana has to offer. Small town hospitality, abundant recreational opportunities - hunting, fishing, hiking, pristine mountain lakes, and a "Wild West" history with colorful gold miners & boom towns. The town of Superior boasts a city pool, local churches, a senior center, library, Historical Society and museum, Antique stores, movie theater, restaurants, grocery store, hardware stores and much more!

For more information on Mineral County, Montana including the towns of Superior, St. Regis, Deborgia, Haugen, Saltese, Alberton, and Lozeau, visit www.mymineralcounty.com.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Streamside Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.

Superior is home to the Mineral County Hospital. The hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and is also a critical service for area residents.

The services include: orthopedic and general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, comprehensive physical respiratory therapy, registered dietician, and life flight. We also have a local family practice doctor at Tamarack Medical Clinic. They can be reached at 822-4278.

Also in our community is the Western Montana Mental Health Center that was established in 1980.  It currently employs one full-time outpatient therapist, two full-time Children Case Managers, one part-time Chemical Dependency Counselor and one part-time receptionist.  The Center offers individual, family and group therapy for children with emotional problems and learning disabilities; adolescents; help for 1, parents; husbands and wives in conflict; adults recovering from childhood abuse; people with alcohol or drug related problems; individuals suffering from emotional stress and children's' in-home case management.

There are lots of ways to get involved with the hospital, including:

-Hospital Guild: A group of volunteers who help raise money for the hospital and also help with various hospital events including the annual Pink & Purple Tea for cancer survivors and the hospital book fairs.

-Hospital Foundation: A group of volunteers who help raise money for the hospital and who hold an annual hospital auction. The group is responsible for helping to bring new equipment into the hospital and also recently raised $20,000 for the renovation of the exterior of the building.

-Board of Directors: Monthly meetings that are open to the public. You can also apply to be a member of the board.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Streamside Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.