Western Montana & Missoula Real Estate Blog & Area Information

Considering a Montana Real Estate Trade? It May be possible with the Montana Association of Real Estate Exchangers and the Agricultural and Commercial Exchangers

Depending on your goals and other factors, such as debt service and income, with your investment property, ranch, bare land, or primary residence, it may be possible for your to trade or exchange your property to get what you need.

A Licensed, Professional Real Estate Agent and Exchanger can help you achieve a tax-free exchange of real property through the tax deferral provisions of Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. These tax-free Section 1031 exchanges allow you to compound your real estate equity instead of bleeding it through the unnecessary payment of capital gains taxes.

Access Realty is a member of the Montana Association of Real Estate Exchangers (MAREX) and the Agricultural and Commercial Exchangers. We cooperate with other licensed exchangers to help our clients achieve their real estate goals.

Many of our clients are success real estate investors that we help identify:

• Distressed properties that are available for less than market value
• Properties whose owners will consider trade - in whole or in part, towards the purchase of real estate
• Income producing properties that generate positive cash flow

Sellers who may want to consider a partial or full trade for their property might:

• Have a large parcel or acreage, such as a ranch, subdivision, or recreational property,
• Have a significant amount of equity in the property,
• Receive tax benefits from doing a trade or 1031 Exchange
• Be in a position that they do not necessarily need cash right away

If you are considering trading or exchanging real estate to meet your real estate goals, or if your investment property has a positive cashflow and you are looking to sell, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or visit our website at www.YourMT.com.

Missoula Montana Free Wi-Fi  Wireless Internet Locations in the Garden City

Missoula MT has many locations with free public Wi-Fi Wireless Internet access points around the city. Local businesses are starting to realize that Missoulians want their internet and they want it Free!

Here is a list of Wi-Fi Wireless Internet Locations in Missoula, MT

Missoula Free Wi-Fi Locations at  Coffee Houses & Restaurants, and Bars

1.) Break Espresso - One of Missoula's best local coffee shops, Break Espresso is located in downtown Missoula on at 432 North Higgins, Missoula, MT Phone: 728-7300.

2.) Food for Thought - A college favorite, located across from the University of Montana campus on the corner of Arthur and Daly - 540 Daly Ave, Missoula, MT Phone: 721-6033

3.) Liquid Plant - Located in downtown Missoula at 223 N. Higgins, Ave., Missoula, MT Phone: 541-4541.

4.) Butterfly Herbs - Missoula's favorite herb store with a great coffee house in the back, also in downtown Missoula at 232 North Higgins, Missoula, MT Phone: 728-8780

5.) Sean Kelly's Public House - a popular downtown Missoula pub and restaurant, one of my favorite places for lunch! Located at 130 West Pine Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 542-1471

6.) Tropical Smoothie Cafe - My favorite place for smoothies in Missoula, located at 1300 South Reserve Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 543-1141

7.) Taco Del Sol - Located in downtown Missoula at 422 North Higgins Ave., Missoula, MT Phone: 327-8929

8.) The Press Box Bar & Restaurant - Near the University of Montana footbridge, 835 E. Broadway Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 721-1212. 

9.) The Oxford - One of Missoula's historic bars, the Oxford also has a diner and Keno/Poker. Located in downtown Missoula at 337 North Higgins, Missoula, MT Phone: 549-0117. Open 24 hours.

10.) Fuddruckers - Located at 2805 North Reserve Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 721-4577

11.) Subway in Southgate Mall - 2901 Brooks Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 542-7771.

12.) The Celtic Connection - 114 East Main Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 721-6725

13.) Muralt's Travel Plaza - Located at 8800 Truck Stop Road, Missoula - off Interstate-90 and Highway 93, Phone: 728-4700. Open 24 hours.

14.) City Brew Coffee - Located at 400 West Broadway, Missoula, MT Phone: 721-3600.

15.) Denny's Restaurant - Located across from Southgate Mall at 2922 Brooks Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 549-2191. Open 24 hours.

16.) Perkins - Located at 2275 North Reserve Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 543-3330. Open 24 hours.

17.) Worden's Market - Located in downtown Missoula at 451 North Higgins, Missoula, MT Phone: 549-1293

18.) Hardback Cafe at Hastings Bookstore - 2501 Brooks Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 542-1077.

19.) Finnegan's located near the University of Montana at 700 East Broadway, Missoula, MT Phone: 542-2752. Open 24 hours.

20.) Dairy Queen - at 3753 North Reserve, Missoula MT Phone: 728-5950

21.) Flanagan's Motors - great to use when you're getting you're oil changed! Located at 1776 Stephens, Missoula MT Phone: 721-1381

22.) Flipper's Casino - Open 24-hours, downtown Missoula at 125 S. 3rd St. West, Missoula, MT 59801 Phone: 721-4895

23.) La Parilla - 130 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 721-2180

Missoula Free Wi-Fi Public Locations & Retail Stores

1.) Missoula Public Library - 301 East Main Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 721-2665

2.) Caras Park - located in downtown Missoula along the Clark Fork River at 131 South Higgins Avenue.

3.) Barnes & Noble - located at 2640 North Reserve St., Missoula, MT Phone: 721-0009

4.) Safeway - 3801 S. Reserve Street, Missoula, MT 59801 Phone: 406-251-3311

5.) Safeway - 610 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 Phone: 406-549-5429

Missoula Free Wi-Fi Locations - Hotels

1.) Courtyard by Marriot, located at 4559 N Reserve Street, Missoula, MT Phone: 549-5260

2.) Ruby's Inn - Lobby & Meeting Center Only - 4825 North Reserve, Missoula, MT Phone: 721-0990

3.) Econo Lodge - 4953 N Reserve St., Missoula, MT Phone: 542-7550

4.) La Quinta - 5059 N Reserve St., Missoula, MT Phone: 549-9000

5.) Val-U Inn - 3001 Brooks St., Missoula, MT Phone: 721-9600

6.) Jim & Mary's RV Park - 9800 Highway 93 North, Missoula, MT  549-4416

7.) Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park - 200 South Pattee Street, Missoula, MT 532-2053

Missoula Free Wi-Fi Locations - Laundramats

1.) Sparkle Laundry - Located at 812 South Higgins, Missoula, MT 721-5146

DID WE MISS ANY? If so, just send us an email and we'll add to the list!

 

Great information for Missoula & Western Montana Real Estate Buyers and Prospective Homeowners:

 

All You Can Eat Fish & Chips - Fridays at O-Aces in Deborgia, Montana

Looking for a place to eat while traveling on I-90 to Missoula? Or if you're hungry after skiing at Lookout Pass, or from riding the Hiawatha Trail, in any case, a great place to stop is O-Aces in Deborgia, Montana.

They've got a good menu with everything from burgers to sandwiches to steaks. We love O-Aces for their Friday Night All You Can Eat Fish and Chips special.

Kevin spent a lot of time in England growing up and fell in love with fish and chips. The fish they serve at O-Aces is similar to that served in a good British Pub. They even have malted vinegar - a must have!

The restaurant serves homemade, real potato chips - not just your regular french fries!

O-Aces also has a gift store and antique shop, a bar with a full wine, beer, and drink selection, and a separate casino area with a wheel you can spin for match-play.

O-Aces
9 Frontage Road
De Borgia, MT 59830
(406) 678-0090

O-Aces Online

 

 

Map to 0-Aces
View Larger Map For more information on the DeBorgia Montana area, or for De Borgia listings, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185. We are located in nearby Superior, Montana at 102 River Street.

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

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Has the Missoula Montana Real Estate Market Stabilized?

So What's Up with the Missoula Real Estate Market? National reports show that the real estate market is improving. The National Association of Realtors just reported that home sales rose in 3.6% June, marking five consecutive months of improvement for the first time since 2003. 

While things are heading the right way on a national level, all real estate markets are local. The Missoula Real Estate Market is no different.

It is important to keep in mind that the Missoula real estate market has not seen the same type of declines that have been highly publicized in other parts of the country. The median home price in Missoula County-$217,000 as of June 30, 2009 has fallen less than 1 percent since its peak in 2006, according to the Missoula Organization of Realtors.

And, we are already starting to see improvement. The first quarter 2009 remained fairly steady, numbers for the second quarter appear to be seeing increased sales activity in some price ranges. 

For example:

• Sales under $150,000 are fairly flat; however there isn't a lot of inventory in that price range. 
• On the other end of the spectrum, sales in the $350,000 and higher price range are also fairly flat. 
• We have seen an increase in activity over the last two quarters in the $150,000 to $275,000 price range. 

So to answer the question, has the Missoula Market Stabilized? The signs are good. We are not seeing significant decreases in the median home price, and home sales in the mid-price range are actually improving. We are seeing increased buyer activity at our real estate office and are optimistic about the future of the market.

Home ownership is still the goal for most Americans with over two thirds of households in our country prefering to own their home, and with incentives to buy like low interest rates and the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax credit, now really is a good time to buy in Missoula.

For more information about the Missoula Real Estate Market, homes for sale in Missoula, or the area in general, contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

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Quinn's Hot Springs Resort - One of Montana's Natural Hot Springs Resorts - Near Missoula MT

Quinn's Hot Springs Resort was established in 1885 around one of Montana's best natural hot mineral springs.

Quinn's Hot Springs Resort is located in Paradise, Montana, just over an hour from Missoula MT - on the banks of the Clark Fork River.

The resort is now a full service vacation destination with:

• Multiple Natural Hot Spring Pools with Varying Temperatures
• Hot Tubs
• Glacier Lodge - A Rustic Mountain Lodge
• Canyon Guest Cabins - Rustic Cabins
• Quinn's Tavern & Casino
• Harwood House Restaurant Fine Dining
• Gift Shop
• Plenty of Outdoor Activities
  • Fly Fishing
  • White Water Rafting
  • Horseback Riding
  • Wildlife Viewing Trips to the Bison Range
• Family Retreats, Weddings & Corporate Getaways

              

Quinn's Hot Springs is one of our favorite day trips and they are open year-round. On one of our trips to the hot spring pools last winter, we were able to watch a bald eagle dine on a fresh trout from the Clark Fork River in a tree while we relaxed in the pool. It was an amazing site.

We've had several meals in the restaurant and bar and have never been disappointed with the food or the service. It's a great getaway for individuals, couples, or the entire family.

Quinn's Hot Springs
190 Highway 135
Paradise, MT 59856
Phone: 1-888-646-9287

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

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Affordable Yet Luxurious Condo For Sale in Golf Community
8633B Ranch Club Road, Missoula MT 59808

Great Golf Course community condo. Enjoy three master style suites in this luxurious home. Granite countertops in the kitchen along with upgraded appliances. Lots of large windows provide an abundance of natural light. Features include nice attached and oversized 2 car garage with room for your golf cart, trex type decking.

• 3 Master Suites
• Full Basement
• Oversized 2 Car Garage
• Granite Counter Tops
• Stainless Steel Appliances
• Upgrades Throughout
• Located in The Ranch Club

Affordably Priced at $336,500

View a Virtual Tour of this Amazing Missoula Condo For Sale in The Ranch Club

Electronic Flyer of this Missoula Condo For Sale

The Ranch Club - Missoula's Semi-Private Golf Community features:

• 4.5 Star Golf Course - Rated by Golf Digest in 2008
• Golf Pro Shop
• Fitness Facility
• Swimming Pool
• Hot Tub
• Cabanas
• BBQ Areas
• Clubhouse
• Fine Dining Restaurant

For more information on Condos for Sale in Missoula, or to schedule a personal tour, please contact Kevin and Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185.

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

 

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Blackfoot River Float Trips at McNamara's Landing & Blackfoot River Rentals

We spent yesterday afternoon on inner tubes floating down the Blackfoot River near Johnsrud Park, approximately 16 miles Northeast of Missoula MT.

The Blackfoot River is the river that was made famous by the movie made from Norman McLeans's novel about fly fishing called A River Runs Through It. From the book and movie:

"On the Big Blackfoot River above the mouth of Belmont Creek the banks are fringed by large Ponderosa pines. In the slanting sun of late afternoon the shadows of great branches reached from across the river, and the trees took the river in their arms. The shadows continued up the bank, until they included us.

Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters."

We rented our inner tubes from Blackfoot River Rentals which is located at McNamara's Landing off Highway 200.

Blackfoot River Rentals provides inner tube rentals and a free shuttle service that takes you six miles up the river. They also rent a variety of sizes of rafts, life jackets, and river equipment for reasonable rates.

It was a beautiful day to be on the river and we had a lot of fun. This section of the Blackfoot has a few Class 2 and Class 3 rapids however which were challenging for us as beginners. We got through them however, and made it back to McNamara's Landing about two and a half hours later.

McNamara's Landing also has cabins for rent and a lodge-style restaurant which had live music from a local band. Their menu has everything from burgers and sandwiches to steaks, seafood and prime rib. After a long day on the river, it's a great place to relax and enjoy some great food and drinks.

McNamara's Landing is located at:

878 Highway 200 East
Bonner, MT 59823
Phone: 406-244-2015
www.McNamarasLanding.com

                  

 

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

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Montana Dream Property on Flathead Lake to Be Auctioned to the Highest Bidder
Thursday, August 6, 2009

If you live in Western Montana, chances are that you spend a lot of time at the amazingly beautiful Flathead Lake in the summer time. Out-of-staters also enjoy second homes and vacation homes on the lake.

Unfortunately, the Flathead Valley has been one of the harder hit areas of Montana by the recession and lake front home sales have been slow to say the least. One seller who is tired of waiting for his lake front property to sell through traditional channels has decided to auction his property to the highest bidder on Thursday, August 6, 2009. This property, that was listed at $3.2 million, will go to the highest bidder on Thursday, regardless of price.

Property Description - Per the Auction House

The crystal clear waters of Flathead Lake reflect the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains at this 5.5±-acre lakefront estate in Bigfork, Montana, which is listed among the "50 Great Towns of the West." Bordered by 345± feet of eastern shoreline, this captivating property is tucked along East Shore Route 35, one of two scenic highways framing Flathead Lake.  A creation of Ice Age glaciers, the fresh-water playground, which plunges to depths of 300 feet, is famous for boating, sailing, scuba diving and fishing.

The property is blanketed in large pines and features a three-bedroom, two-bath home, guest home, a cherry orchard with more than 100 trees and boathouse. Numerous homesites exist on this tranquil piece of land - all with panoramic views of the mountains and lake.

The lure of the Mission and Swan mountains is difficult to resist. Only 25 miles from Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake Estate is less than an hour from Flathead National Forest, the Bob Marshall and Swan Wilderness Areas and Whitefish Mountain and Big Mountain Ski Resorts. South of Whitefish and Kalispell, the trendy art community of Bigfork is home to world-class galleries, a 27-hole golf course, wineries, breweries, fine restaurants and shops.


Property Highlights

• 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home
• Guest Home
• Cherry Orchard
• Creek
• Boathouse
• Numerous Homesites

If you are interested in Flathead Lake properties, or would like more information about this property and the upcoming auction, please call Kevin & Monica Ray at 406-544-3098. The auction house works with area brokers and we would be happy to provide you with area information and help you research this amazing lake front Montana home.

UPDATE: Per the auctionier's website, the winning bid for this home was $1,701,000.

Photo By Kelsey Ray - Our Nosy (But Sweet) Neighbor, Concho who LOVES carrots by the way!