New Construction Home Buying

If owning your own Bozeman home is the American dream, then building that Bozeman home from scratch, choosing a new construction home plan, picking your own finishes, not purchasing someone else’s history, watching a hole in the ground transform into your Bozeman new construction dream home, is the premium version of that dream. 

The little bit of information provided here is meant to assist you as to what a few of your expectations of a Bozeman home builder should be during the construction of your new home.

• First off, and most obvious, your Bozeman home builder should know his product. He should have the answers to your questions, as well as, providing design input for the construction of your new home. He will explain what to expect when…

144663 Views, 0 Comments

55 and Over Communities in Bozeman, MT

The Knolls at Hillcrest is an age qualified community for those active individuals aged 55 and better. It is part of the Highlands, a 500-acre planned community conveniently located near downtown Bozeman. The 55 and older community is adjacent to Bozeman Deaconess and Highland Health Park, and also within easy strolling distance of coffee houses, the Bozeman library, shopping, dining, art galleries, parks, and all the amenities one would expect for an active 55 and over lifestyle. Miles of hiking/biking and xc trails are right off your doorstep. In fact, the trail system within and surrounding the community is extensive and ongoing.

The Knolls at Hillcrest offers many homestyle to choices from single level bungalows to some two-story models. Within…

5694 Views, 0 Comments

Backcountry Skiing Goose Creek Meadows in Bozeman, MT.

During the winter season, Goose Creek provides a quick fix for backcountry skiing enthusiasts. It's easily accessible being approximately 20 minutes from downtown Bozeman (off of Trail Creek Road), although Goose Creek road is not plowed regularly so 4-WD is HIGHLY recommended. But then again, with winter in Montana four-wheel drive is never a bad idea. 

The hike up is pretty forgiving, following a forest road most of the way, and this area is well traveled during the winter. The distance to the summit is 1.7 miles give or take. My girl and I can make it up in 90 minutes and we're not exactly greased lightning when we tour (but that lies on me), so  a motivated individual could probably be up, down, and on the way home in that amount of time. The slope…

2705 Views, 0 Comments

Hiking the Hyalite Lake Trail in Bozeman, MT.

The Hyalite Lake Trail (not to be confused with Hyalite Reservoir) is a Bozeman classic. Folks throw around the words "stunning" and "breathtaking" quite a bit, but in reference to the scenery along this hike, they would not be overstatements. Many hikes are all about destination, but this hike follows Hyalite Creek, passing eleven spectacular waterfalls along the way. The waterfalls are memorable and each has it's own unique personality. Each waterfall is signed along the way, so you don't have to worry about missing one. I recommend the Day Hikes Around Bozeman guidebook. It's the hiking bible for this area. It features directions to the trailhead and detailed descriptions of various hikes in the area, including Hyalite Lake. Imposing peaks and sheer…

3245 Views, 0 Comments

What To Expect When Selling Your Home with a Realtor

Selling Your Home with a Realtor

Expect Excellence. Accept No Less.

8 Things Your Real Estate Agent Should Be.

• Professional: A real estate agent should be a professional at all times. They should operate with courtesy and respect. 
• Honest: A real estate agent should be honest and forthright in all phases and dealings.
• Helpful: A real estate agent should guide in positioning your home for a quick sell.
• Informative: Gives you feedback on showings regularly and suggests helpful changes if necessary.
• Knowledgable: Your agent should know the ins and outs of real estate and how they affect your particular situation.
• Patient: A realtor should be willing explain details and be compassionate towards your needs no matter what your…

1423 Views, 0 Comments

Selling Your Bozeman Home

Want to sell your home in the shortest period of time at the best possible price? Selling your home can be a challenge even for the most immaculate residence. Here are some pointers to speed up the process of selling your home.

Remove clutter

• Family pictures.
• Notes on the fridge.
• Remove furniture that cramps your living space.
• If you have a large piece of furniture that interferes with window views and room flow, think of rearranging/removing the intrusive item.

Maintenance

• Keep the interior clean- Make sure your entry is spotless; this is the first and last place your potential buyers will see.
• When it comes to homes, many buyers judge a book by its cover. Make sure the exterior of your home is immaculate. If buyers…

1556 Views, 0 Comments

Short Sale Assistance-Need to sell your home for less than its worth?

Selling your home can be a daunting experience, especially when it is worth less than you purchased it for.   If you can no longer afford your home and the fear of foreclosure looms, a short sale may be an option. But the key to a successful short sale is to ACT EARLY! I can't stress this enough. I have had several clients come into my office for help one weeks before their home was to hit the court house steps! Do NOT do this! We will have a very difficult time helping you and getting the bank to stall the foreclosure in that short time.  Below are the materials you will need for short sale consideration. If it is your primary residence, do not sweat the sale as you shouldn't be forced responsible for the difference.  (Please contact a financial advisor…

1426 Views, 0 Comments

Why You Should Use A Real Estate Agent?

Why use a real estate agent?

• Reduced liability
• A non-biased perspective on your home; value, location, etc.
• Agents facilitate showings so that buyers can be more relaxed and open
• An agent can help review buy/sells and weigh the outcomes, both good and bad.

Many Real Estate Agents do not sell their home FSBO because they do not feel that they can remove their emotions from the home.  Having another person facilitate the showings, provide disclosures, be on call, and remove some of the liability from you can definitely be worth it.

If you are going to sell your home FSBO, do your home work and follow the attached link to educate yourself so you can close the deal! Good luck!

1552 Views, 0 Comments

Tools for For Sale By Owners

Pricing Your Home

Visit the open houses of comparable homes. As many as possible! List what sets your home apart, both bad and good.  Be realistic.  If you test the waters first by listing at a higher price, then you may be hurting your homes ability to sell.

Contact a Realtor and request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from them.  Be upfront and let the agent know that you are trying to sell your home FSBO.  If your home doesn't get much activity as a FSBO , then you can consider forming a business relationship with the agent that assisted you, but get their credentials before you list your home. (If you get VERY little activity, then your home may be overpriced)

Selling Tools

If you do not use photos, you will be drastically…

1680 Views, 0 Comments

No Down Payment VA Home Loans in Bozeman, Montana

VA Home Buyers Have NO/Low Down Payment in Bozeman, MT

Apply for a NO or low down payment VA Home loan in Bozeman, MT

NO/Low Down Payment and Interest Rate

No Down Payment VA Home Loans require ZERO down payment from the home borrower.  Interest rates are based on the applicant’s credit score and are LOW right now.  Interest rates can be fixed over the life of the loan and do not adjust.

What Can My No/Low Down Payment VA Home Loan Be Used For?

You can purchase an existing home or have a new construction home built by Swiftcurrent Builders.  No Down Payment VA Home Loans can even be used to buy multifamily property.

What if I am Disabled and Homes don’t Meet my Needs?

Veterans that experienced disabilities related to their great…

1515 Views, 0 Comments