Western Montana & Missoula Real Estate Blog & Area Information

As If My Blog Wasn't Working Hard Enough Already

After blogging for close to three years, we have developed an extensive library of content on real estate-related articles. Google loves our content and rewards us by ranking us highly for many local real estate terms and neighborhoods.

Our blog works very hard for us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, helping consumers learn more about the area, find our home search, promoting our listings, and asking them to contact us for their real estate needs. All of this hard work pays off by helping us connect with people who need help with real estate.

We've also been using our blog as a quick and easy way to put together a e-newsletter to our Sphere of Influence. When I go to compile a new newsletter, I have lots of relevant articles to draw from for content which makes creating a newsletter a breeze, and our contacts love it. I'm always receiving positive comments about our newsletter.

Over the summer, I decided that I'd like to really leverage my blog content and get it to work even harder for us. I wanted buyers and sellers who work with us to feel like we were providing them with the knowledge and resources to make their real estate experience easier. I decided to take our library of blog posts and use them in two additional ways:

1.) Created an Online Relocation/Area Guides on My Website - I have lots of Localism posts about Where to Go and What to Do in Missoula and the surrounding communities that would be helpful for people who want to learn more about the area. Since I wanted to create a "Virtual Relocation Guide" on my website, I put together some information about the area but also provided links to relevant Blog posts about specific restaurants and attractions. Here's our Living in Missoula page on our website.

2.) Created a Communications Plan for Buyers and Sellers - Since we've started in real estate, we have made it a priority to communicate to our clients and prospects on a regular basis. We decided to create communication plans for prospects and sellers and provide information on buying and selling with links to specific articles on our Blog.

So for instance, for a first-time homebuyer we will send a welcome email thanking them for working with us with information about us, our website, a link to our home search tool, and a few blog posts or "Articles". A week later we will send them another note with a link to a few more articles, and so on.

Some examples of posts we send are ones about what they need to apply for a mortgage, $8000 tax credit basics, Why They need a Radon test, Why They should use a Buyer's Agent, etc.

Since we've implemented the Online Relocation Guides and the Communication Plans, we've seen an increase in traffic to our website and our Blog and have found that people are also spending more time on the sites. We've also gotten a lot of positive feedback from our clients.

There are lots of ways to leverage your Blog content and make it work even harder for you. I know ours will be putting in a lot of overtime.

How Others Are Using Their Blogs to Enhance Existing Relationships

Visit the Dinosaurs at Bozeman Montana's Museum of the Rockies!

This summer we stayed in Bozeman for a few days to attend a training class for TopProducer. While we were in Bozeman, we took my 7-year old nephew to the Museum of the Rockies.

The museum features exhibits on Native American culture and artifacts, a Western history collection, outdoor exhibits, and is best known for its Paleontology exhibits. The museum's dinosaur complex is impressive and is a major stop on Montana's Dinosaur Trail - a tour of Montana's rich paleontological findings.

Home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the world, the Museum of the Rockies houses the world's largest T. rex skull and one of the first identified female dinosaurs in the world - an ovulating T. rex.

The Museum of the Rockies also has a Planetarium with several shows daily. For more information on the Museum of the Rockies, visit their website.

For More Information on Montana's Dinosaurs, read: Follow the Montana Dinosaur Trail

Upcoming Social Media Events in Missoula, Montana

Social Media Club Missoula started in July of this year and has grown into a group with more than 40 members. We meet the Third Wednesday of every month at the Missoula Public Library at 6:00 p.m. Admission and membership are free. We have some exciting events coming up:

Tonight 10/21/09 - Social Media Club Missoula Meeting: Jeff Mangan from Montana Business is speaking on Social Media Business Strategies in Small Markets / Economies of Scale.

November 6, 2009 - Fidos and Felines - a Tweetup for Animeals starting at 7:00 p.m. at The Broadway: Join us, and bring an item from the Animeals wishlist, pet food, spare change and/or aluminum cans for recycling! Social Media Club will be tweeting from the event, and we'd love to show you what we're all about!

November 18, 2009 - Social Media Club Meeting - Lois McElravy, of Lessons by Lois, and a professional motivational speaker will talk to us about using Linked In for Business.

December 16, 2009 - Holiday Meetup at The Press Box on Broadway, Bring a White Elephant Gift (Under $10) to Exchange.

January 20, 2009 - Kevin Leavell will speak about Using your visitor's mouse clicks to improve your website.

For more information about these events, or Social Media Club Missoula, visit our website at www.SMCMissoula.com or contact Monica Ray at 406-544-3098.

Deer and Elk and Bears Oh My - Tips for Living with Montana's Abundant Wildlife

I've lived in Montana most of my life but it wasn't until we moved to our property that borders thousands of acres of Lolo National Forest that I learned about the joy and frustrations of living with wildlife.

We love our connection with nature from living in Montana and that we are able to wake up and find deer in our yard, have wild turkeys pass through on their way to the creek, and see Elk and Moose on the hillside or along the creek. It's an amazing experience and you never know what you may see.

Living so close to wildlife can also be frustraing at times when your freshly planted garden is dinner for a deer, or your garbage is spread across the road by a hungry bear, or you end up with a skunk living in your back yard. We've experienced all of these things but have learned ways to prevent most of these situations.

• Garbage - If possible, store your garbage inside the garage or a shed to prevent bears from getting into it. Fortunately the garbage disposal company in our area requires us to use their garbage cans which are large and have a lid. They prevent some wildlife encounters but will not deter a hungry bear.

• Fruit Trees - Fruit Trees encourage wildlife to come into your yard and are prohibited by the covenants of many neighborhoods that border wildnerness. Our property came with beautiful mature plum and apple trees so that is a issue for us every year. We end up with broken branches on our plum trees from the bears trying to get the fruit. 

• Bird Feeders - It's great to see all the varieties of birds we have but it's best to remove bird feeders in the early spring and in the fall since they will attract bears. 

• Pet Food - Dog and cat food outdoors attracts lots of animals - bears, coyotes, and skunks. Skunks will even try to gain access to sheds or outbuildings if they smell cat food so it's best to feed your pets inside if possible. Our dog was sprayed in the face by a skunk the first summer we were in our house and it took a long time to get the skunk to leave, so it's best not to attract these unwanted visitors.

• Garden - We enjoy having a garden and have put up a 6 foot fence to keep the deer out. This seems to be fairly effective if you use wire that is small enough to also keep out rabbits and other small animals.

• Flowers and Plants - If you enjoy having flower beds or other landscaping around your home, it is best to select plant varieties that are somewhat "deer proof". You can find these plants by talking to the experts at your local nursery or this list of Landscaping Plants Rated by Deer Resistance.

• Pet Safety - Protect your pets from wildlife by having an enclosed yard. Dogs can chase deer and other animals and may also be in danger if they enounter wolves, coyotes, bear, or moose. Cats can also be targets for owls, bald eagles, and other animals. We have been fortunate not to have any episodes with our pets and wildlife (other than the skunk spraying).

If you have additional questions about living with wildlife, or specific animals, contact your local Extension Office, they have lots of great free resources.

The Montana Lifestyle You've Been Dreaming About Is At RiverRidge

Nestled above the Clark Fork River you will find a peaceful sanctuary, unique in its charm and beauty, RiverRidge. RiverRidge is more than a place to live, it's a lifestyle. Gorgeous, panoramic views of the Clark Fork River and the Superior Valley await you.

Relax, unwind and watch the eagles soar and the Rainbow Trout rise for the evening hatch. Truly a Superior lifestyle!

Close to schools, horse-back riding, fishing, skiing, hiking, USFS, community hospital & only 45 min. to Missoula!

RiverRidge residents enjoy many amenities, including:

• Private Trout Ponds and Water Features - developed by renowned ecologist and trout pond developer, Joseph Urbani
• Relaxing Nature Trail that curves through 2+ Acres of Common Area
• Optional Condo Association for low-maintenance living
• Homeowner's Association and Protective Covenants
• City Water & Sewer
• Abundant birds and wildlife (One resident reported seeing 72 different bird varieties!)
• Lots starting at $39,900
• Possible Owner Financing on Available Lots

Homes For Sale in RiverRidge

Beautiful Well-Maintained One-Level Living for Only $239,900
109 Osprey Drive, Superior MT 59872

This 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom home with 1560 sq. ft. was designed and built in 2006 to be low-maintenance and extremely energy efficient.

It has a dream kitchen with lots of space, beautiful cabinetry and tons of storage! There is an open living area off the kitchen, and it's all on one level for convenient living.

The large master suite features an over-sized walk-in closet, private bathroom, and lots of natural light from the large windows. There are two additional bedrooms at the other end of the house, along with a separate bath.

You'll enjoy relaxing or entertaining on the full-length Trex deck on the back of the house and overlooks the Clark Fork River. And, there's plenty of room for your RV with a full cement RV pad with all the hookups!

NEW Ranch-Style Home with Open Floor Plan and a Beautiful Master Suite for Only $234,900
41 Osprey Loop, Superior MT 59872

This 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom home with 1,432 sq. ft. was just completed and is Move-In Ready.

You'll love this home's Great Room with cathedral ceiling, low maintenance Wood Laminate Flooring, custom finishes throughout, a Luxurious Master Suite with Tiled Walk-In Shower, 2 car attached garage, 16 x 10 ft. deck for entertaining, welcoming front porch, & stainless steel appliances.  

Lots for Sale in RiverRidge - Build Your Own Dream Home!

Lot 20 - Priced at $71,000 - Borders Trout Pond, 11,651 sq. ft.

Lot 4A - Priced at $125,000 - Low-Bank Clark Fork River front Lot, 14,898 sq. ft.

Lot 30 - Priced at $69,000 - Zoned Multi-Family, 17,456 sq. ft.

Lot 36 - Priced at $39,900 - 9,050 sq. ft.

Lot 24 - Priced at $54,000 - 10,790 sq. ft.

Lot 42 - Priced at $68,000 - Zoned Multi-Family, 16,059 sq. ft.

Lot 26 - Priced at $71,000 - 8,500 sq. ft.

Lot 22 - Priced at $71,000 - Borders Trout Pond, 10,942 sq. ft.

Lot 33 - Priced at $52,900 - 9,772 sq. ft.

Phase II RiverRidge - Buy the next phase at the great price of $595,000. This phase has preliminary plat approval for 15 lots, including two large Clark Fork River Front Lots, 13,245 sq ft to 29,482 sq ft plus common area.

Superior Montana is a small but welcoming community located 60 miles west of Missoula Montana and approximately two hours from Spokane Washington. Learn more in this Superior Montana Video. Also, you can read about Living in Mineral County Montana.

For more information, or to schedule a personal showing on this beautiful home or our amazing community, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

16 Upper Woodchuck
Florence Montana 59833

Montana Hunting Cabin on 9+ Acres -Montana  Off the Grid Property

Amazing off-the-grid cabin with possible year-round access.Perfect for those seeking sustainable living or a private hunting cabin. Ready for you to finish.

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom

1,100 square feet

Priced to Sell at $94,900

Owner may finance with large down payment!

This home features:

• Wood Floors
• On-Demand Water Heater
• Detached Garage
• Solar Power
• Generator
• Wood Stove
• Propane Heater
• 9+ Acres Bordering Plum Creek

For more information on Montana Hunting Cabins, Off-the-Grid Properties, or to schedule a personal showing, contact Kevin Ray and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185.

We are both members of the Montana Association of Real Estate Exchangers (MAREX) - a group of licensed and experienced real estate professionals who are familiar with real estate investing, the use of trades, and the sale of distressed properties.

The meetings gather agents from across the state of Montana, Idaho, and Eastern Washington to present properties that have available where the owners must sell immediately, or that would consider a full or partial trade for another property.

Some examples of the properties that are currently available include (Owners will consider certain property trades or partial owner financing):

• A hanger at a Montana airport with good rental income
• A Bitterroot Valley commercial strip mall
• A house boat with 20 acres of river frontage
• Several tracts of mountain land, various sizes
• Northwestern Montana Four-Plexes, Duplexes and Single Family Rentals
• A Log Home Bed & Breakfast
• A Large Ranch near Butte, MT
• A Large Bitterroot Valley Ranch
• A off-the-grid new cabin on 24 acres
• A large cabin on 39 acres with a small income producing gravel pit in Western Montana
• Lots in Bozeman, MT
• A Profitable Motel in North Eastern Montana
• An off-the-grid cabin in the Bitterroot Valley on 9+ acres

As members of MAREX, we also have access to a large database of properties that are available for trade across the country.

For more information on any of these properties, how trade or 1031 Exchanges work, to request a custom search, or a Comparative Market Analysis on your property, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185.

Montanans - If you're looking for a place to relax in the sun during the winter, contact our friend in Arizona, Nick Bastian at 602-803-NICK (6425).

Great information on how to compare loans and what you should know about FHA loans from our friend Jeff Belonger.

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)