BOZEMAN IS RENOWNED FOR ITS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
We are blessed with a multitude of year round outdoor recreation opportunities in the Gallatin Valley:
- Fly Fishing
- Rafting
- National Forest
- National Parks
- Hiking Trails
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- And more!
There are no lack of reasons to get you outside and in the fun!
Please visit our Interactive Map and click on, Skiing, Rivers, National Parks, and Mountains to learn more about our fantastic outdoors!
Legal Matters
The state of Montana is known as Big Sky Country, the Treasure State and “The Last Best Place” To many, it’s also the last vestige of America’s wild frontier. The distinctive qualities of this state are not limited to its physical landscape, however. Stuart and Sally are well aware that Montana real estate laws are, many times, unique to Montana. Just because one of our clients from Georgia or Texas happens to be a real estate maven in their own state, they may not be prepared for the particular and sometimes complicated nuances of Montana Real Estate law. This is why we always recommend that our clients obtain local legal counsel to insure there are no unexpected surprises in any real estate transaction.
Gallatin County and the Bozeman are undergoing dramatic growth. This new expansion in the community is accompanied by continual changes in zoning and land use laws. Many areas are without zoning regulations, while other areas have highly restrictive covenants in place. For property buyers, there may be utility issues, density matters, and a myriad of other details that could throw the proverbial monkey wrench into a new property owner’s desire to utilize his or her land.
Caveat emptor – Buyers Beware – is a phrase most new property owners dread hearing, particularly when discovering that dividing large tracts of land can be problematic, and in some cases, impossible. Water rights, floodplains, and even mineral rights are all considerations and an important part of the due diligence prior to purchasing a property in Montana
Stuart and Sally’s knowledge and familiarity with the Bozeman and Gallatin Valley community will help us guide our clients through a number of these processes, answering questions, resolving issues before they become problems, and alleviating the stress of maneuvering through the laws and restrictions of a new region.
We are well-versed on local real estate and land-use issues and literally know the lay of the land. Our expertise will help insure that you are fully aware of any potential problems prior to making any offer on a property. With the full backing of the ERA Landmark office - Stuart and Sally have a fine-tuned awareness of the evolving landscape of Gallatin Valley regulations and potential pitfalls for land owners.
However, it is both wise and prudent to consult with a local real estate lawyer. We will provide you with a list of Bozeman-based lawyers who can explain and clarify the procedures in dealing with the city or county on a variety of issues that can impact a property transaction, ranging from altering zoning to understanding covenants and regulations. Legal counsel may also bring up other areas for new property owners to consider prior to purchase.
Stuart and Sally are committed to see that every legal detail of your transaction is addressed in a thorough and profession manner and with your best interests in mind.
Call us at: 406-556-5013
e-mail: contact@stuartandsally.com
Ted Turner puts his money where his heart is…
By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer
GALLATIN GATEWAY – Ted Turner says things are getting better in the world, but they aren’t good enough yet. So he’s aiming to fix a few.
ERIK PETERSEN/CHRONICLE Ted Turner looks over some of the vast expanse of land he owns at Spanish Creek on which he raises bison for his newest venture, his chain of 55 Ted’s Montana Grill restaurants throughout the country. Compared to a decade ago, fewer people live in utter poverty.
He wants to cut that number ever more. Free trade among nations will help do that, he says, so he’s trying to get his fellow Democrats to understand that.
And while he sees global warming as a growing risk, more people are aware of it, partly because of the environmental groups he funds.
“You’re talking about a lot of people who are upset about it,” Turner said in a recent interview at his Flying D Ranch. “And I think we’re going to make them take a swing and try to do something about it.”
Flying high in Big Sky Country
BELGRADE – When Gallatin Field General Manager Ted Mathis began working at the airport in 1981, there were 29 hangars for private planes.
ERIK PETERSEN/Chronicle Jets line the tarmac as Yellowstone Jet Center workers tend to them over President’s Day weekend, an especially busy time for the Jet Center. Today, there are 165, including the 17 new ones built last year.
When it comes to expensive toys, private planes are right up there. A modest model costs about the same as a new diesel pickup, around $50,000, and renting one of those new hangar spaces can cost hundreds of dollars a month. And then there’s the insurance and fuel.
Clearly, a lot of people in the Gallatin Valley have a lot of disposable income.
Most of the local planes run on propellers, but 27 private jets are registered here, too, Mathis said. And they comprise only a fraction of the private jet traffic.
Conservation in the West
By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer
Region’s natural beauty draws newcomers, bolsters economy, triggers bitter battles
ERIK PETERSEN/Chronicle A deck on the main lodge at the Sun Ranch overlooks a sweeping view of the Madison Range. “Henry David Thoreau didn’t build a trophy home.”
Jim Barrett, Park County Environmental Council
Thanks to modern four-wheel-drive vehicles, you can live at an elevation of 7,000 feet and still be a soccer mom.
“It’s as much of a revolution and a change in the demographics as the horse was for the Plains Indian,” said archeologist Larry Lahren, who is also a Park County commissioner. “It’s been a revolution in terms of people moving into this area, particularly the hinterlands.”
Money Changes Everything…
By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer
EDITOR’S NOTE: The economy in the Gallatin County area has boomed in recent years, in large part because wealthy people have built homes here. That trend has spread a lot of money around. This week the Chronicle takes an in-depth look at this new economy. Staff Writer Scott McMillion looks at business, philanthropy, agriculture, the environment and the people driving the new economy. Opinions differ as to whether the new wealth is a godsend or an affliction. Either way, the effects are both profound and critical to the region’s future.
ERIK PETERSEN/CHRONICLE Yellowstone Club owner Tim Blixseth stands in front of the 120,000-square-foot Warren Miller Lodge at the club. “That’s your basic $100 million lodge,” Blixseth said. Robert Redford and Tim Blixseth don’t have much in common, aside from their big impact on Montana’s landscape.
One is a Hollywood actor, movie producer and liberal environmental activist. The other is a jet-setting billionaire who wheels and deals in luxury real estate.
But they both changed Montana. Between them, they’ve helped shoulder the state into a new economy, one increasingly based on real estate, construction and recreation. It’s what economists call an “amenity” economy, one that relies on scenic views, pleasing lifestyles and portable money.
Redford, with his beautifully produced and photographed 1992 movie “A River Runs Through It,” made a movie star of both Brad Pitt and Montana’s scenery. The film generated tons of glowing publicity about the state, ignited a new craze for fly fishing and started a population influx and demographic shift that the Montana Department of Commerce has dubbed “A River Runs Through It Syndrome.”
Click Here to Read More…
Food Across America – Bozeman, Montana
Read More Here.
The Ease Of Universal Design
Aging gracefully is at the forefront of many people’s minds. So how does that have any tie-in with a real estate article? Actually, more than you might think due to a concept called Universal Design. A relatively new concept that has appeal to a wide range of consumers, Universal Design is essentially adding accessibility to a home for people with physical limitations (whether they are currently present or simply potential in the future) in a non-stigmatizing and attractive way. This allows homeowners to “age gracefully” in their own homes when their health status changes.
Choosing a residence is a decision that homebuyers don’t take lightly, but oftentimes the choice may be somewhat short-sighted. A home’s layout and design ultimately decide how someone will use and enjoy the home after the purchase, and even how long they will be able to stay in the home. Universal Design is a user-friendly approach to designing homes where people of any culture, age, size, weight, race, gender and ability can live comfortably today and in the future. A home’s design and amenities are modified to take into consideration physical needs that require special accommodations. This includes a wide range of physical issues including poor eyesight, bad knees, or the need to use a walker or wheelchair, just to name a few.
While homes can certainly be retrofitted once the particular accommodations become necessary, there are definitely advantages to planning ahead while building a home to implement some general design features. In fact, it’s estimated to be about one-third less expensive to add Universal Design features while building a home versus remodeling down the road. Additionally, architects and designers who are on board with the concept can integrate many of the features to be nearly “invisible” in a home instead of standing out as eyesores. Incorporating the principles from the ground up can eliminate many of the limitations that accompany traditional home design and construction.
There are seven guiding principles of Universal Design features according to the Universal Design Alliance which are as follows:
- Equitable use – the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities and will not disadvantage any user. For example, controls mounted on the front of a range to allow wheelchair accessibility.
- Flexible use – the design accommodates a range of abilities and preferences including choice in methods of use or adaptability to the user’s pace.
- Simple, intuitive use – easily understood design without regard to user’s experience, knowledge, or language skills.
- Perceptible information – the design communicates the necessary information effectively to the user. An example is a doorbell accompanied by a flashing light to alert a user with limited hearing.
- Tolerance for error – the design minimizes hazards and adverse consequences of unintended actions.
- Low physical effort – the design can be used efficiently and comfortably.
- Size and space for approach and use – adequate space is provided to approach, reach, and use an area regardless of the user’s physical size, posture, or mobility. A simple example is doorways that are wide enough for wheelchairs or walkers to easily navigate.
A prime example of Universal Design is right here in Bozeman in the form of The Knolls at Hillcrest which is Montana ’s first active adult lifestyle community, designed for those 55 and older. Accessibility and the principles of Universal Design have been fully utilized throughout this project. The home features can be fully enjoyed by owners now with further peace of mind when planning for the future and changing needs. Just a few of the design features are one-story living, wide interior doors and hallways, lever style door handles throughout, and lighting considerations including ample natural daylight and many adjustable lighting controls.
Most people prefer the thought of growing old in the comfort of their own homes versus being relocated to some type of assisted living facility. With 25% of the population 50 years or older, and with the greatest amount of wealth being possessed by this demographic group, we could certainly see a shift in people remaining in their well-designed homes with assistance or care coming to them instead of moving to institutionalized living situations. As life expectancy continues to rise along with improvements in the medical field, the concept of Universal Design should continue to thrive.
Robyn Erlenbush is owner of ERA Landmark Real Estate (with offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston and Clyde Park) and Intermountain Property Management. She can be reached at robyn@eralandmark.com.
Published in the Bozeman Chronicle, May, 2008.
Visit us at http://www.eralandmark.com/. & http://www.stuartandsally.com/
American Cowboy has named Bozeman one of the top 20 places to live in the West!
American Cowboy has named Bozeman one of the top 20 places to live in the West.
Bozeman was one of two Montana cities that made the magazine’s first annual list, unveiled this week in its April-May issue. Missoula, and out-of-state cities such as Bend, Ore., and Steamboat Springs, Colo., also received the honor.
Bozeman also has been named as one of the best small towns and best places to retire.
Montana State University rodeo coach Mike True said part of Bozeman’s appeal might be its mix of traditional and modern western, with amenities ranging from historic Yellowstone National Park to new-aged horseback adventures.
Montana, Gallatin Valley Economic Growth – The Growing Valley
THE GROWING VALLEY
IN THE GALLATIN VALLEY, ECONOMIC GROWTH WAS ONCE AGAIN THE STORY OF THE YEAR; CONSTRUCTION BOOM IN 2007 MAKES AREA ONE OF THE STATE’S HOTTEST SPOTS
By GAIL SCHONTZLER
Chronicle Staff Writer
Growth was again Gallatin County’s biggest economic story of the year, making this area one of the brightest spots in a year of general prosperity for Montana.
Construction – the engine that put the local economy into overdrive for the past few years – had definitely downshifted in 2006 from the record-setting years of 2004 and 2005. In Bozeman, construction revved up again in 2007, making it the third-busiest year in history for builders. But construction could be slowing as we head into 2008.
”All in all it was a good year,” said Shawn Cote, government affairs director for the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association.
”If you look at the building permit numbers by themselves, you’d say 2007 was a fantastic year,” Cote said. But for some builders the market started to soften in the fall, he aid.
”The amount of inventory is indicative there could be a correction in 2008,” Cote said. “We’ve never had an inventory glut like we have now.”
Superheated housing prices also cooled some in 2007. Instead of houses jumping in value by 10 or 15 percent annually as they had the past few years, the median price for a single-family home sold in Bozeman actually slipped 3 percent in 2007. The median price went up 1 percent in Belgrade and dropped 13 percent in Big Sky.
Some saw 2007 as the first time in 20 years that it’s been more of a buyer’s market than a seller’s market.
”We’ve seen a real steady, stable market in Bozeman,” said Tricia Bailey, 2007 president of the Gallatin Association of Realtors and broker-owner of 45th Parallel Realty. “We have seen the real crazy appreciation (of the past) stabilize, because the amount of inventory has slightly increased over demand. But you’re really seeing a balance. You’re not seeing prices tumble… . There’s still steady demand and amble supple.”
Bozeman’s status as a regional retail center grew in 2007 with the opening of several multi-million-dollar stores.
”I bet we’re going to do 600,000 square feet in new commercial” space in 2007, said Andy Epple, Bozeman city planning director. Epple said that’s equivalent to adding two new Gallatin Valley Malls in one year.
Growth brought with it a string of related problems – a high cost of living, a labor shortage, a shortage of affordable housing, closure of trailer parks and workers complaining that their wages aren’t keeping up with high housing prices.
Still, local voters said yes to several costly projects needed to keep up with growth – approving millions of dollars in bonds for new schools in Bozeman and Big Sky, and higher taxes to pay for police and fire services in Bozeman.
Bozeman was again blessed in 2007 with a well-diversified economy. Montana State University and Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, the area’s two biggest employers (with 3,000 and 1,000 employees, respectively), served as steady anchors. Tourism, agriculture and the high-tech industry also contributed to the local economy.
”Our economy remains a real bright spot in Montana,” said Bob Hietala, chief executive officer of the nonprofit Prospera Business Network. “We continue to have about the highest growth of any Montana county.”
THE TOP ECONOMIC NEWS
STORIES FOR 2007 ARE:
Even though numbers are available only through November, the year 2007 is already the third-biggest in Bozeman history for the construction of new homes (733 permits issued for houses, condos, apartments and townhouse dwellings). It also was the third-biggest year in Bozeman history for the total number of building permits issued, 855 permits for everything from new businesses to home remodels.
And 2007 was the No. 1 year ever for the estimated value of construction – $231 million, though that record partly reflects rapid inflation in construction costs.
Putting 2007 into perspective, Epple said when he first moved to the sleepy university town of Bozeman to be a city planner 20 years ago, the city issued a grand total of 47 permits for new homes. This year the number was 16 times greater. If some people accuse him of having a “no growth” policy, Epple joked, it’s been quite a failure.
For Gallatin County in 2007, the number of septic permits issued to homes and businesses continued a steady decline (from 656 in 2004 to 445 this year). Tim Roark, county environmental health director, said part of the decline is due to a steady increase in public sewer systems, like that at Big Sky. Still, Roark said, 10 or 15 years ago, the county was issuing only 200 to 300 permits a year.
Shawn Cote, government affairs director for the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association, said in the fall of 2007, things started to tighten up for builders.
”I’ve talked to some builders who are as busy as they’ve ever been, and some are slowing down,” Cote said.
“I think there’s less work, particularly in Big Sky.”
Where in recent years builders would put help-wanted ads in the paper and no one would answer, Cote said, now there are 15 to 20 people who call looking for work.
”The consensus is the first half of 2008 will be pretty soft,” Cote said. “I think there’s a general nervousness.”
2. Retail rocked in 2007, creating hundreds of jobs.
On North 19th Avenue, Bozeman saw the opening of the new $11.8 million Lowe’s Home Improvement store, the $3.9 million Sportsman’s Warehouse, the $1.3 million World Market and other new stores. The $5 million Rosauer’s Supermarket opened on Huffine Lane in the new Bozeman Gateway development.
1. Construction remained strong in 2007, according to Bozeman city building permits.
3. Housing prices – For the first time in several years, home prices in Bozeman actually slipped slightly, instead of making spectacular gains.
Montana appeared to escape the worst of the subprime loan meltdown that has home prices falling in much of the nation. Realtors and builders attributed the softening of prices more to local supply getting a bit ahead of demand.
The changing market has meant good news for homebuyers. Buyers have more places to choose from, and a little better chance to negotiate on price.
”You’re no longer competing with five offers on every single home,” said Tricia Bailey, 2007 president of the Gallatin Association of Realtors. “You’re still seeing Bozeman homes selling for 97 percent of the asking price. In 2005, a really crazy, crazy year, we were seeing 100 to 101 percent of the asking price.
”You can pick and choose the house you’re interested in without it disappearing overnight.”
While the changing market has been good for buyers, it’s been bad for speculators. In 2007, investors couldn’t use real estate as short-term way to make big profits, Bailey said.
4. Gallatin County banks posted a record of $1.635 billion in deposits as of June 30, 2007.
It shows just how much the county has changed, as bank deposits have increased by nearly $1 billion in seven years. The 2007 total was also $80 million more than the year before.
Only Yellowstone County, with $2.3 billion in deposits, had more money in the bank than Gallatin County, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Other counties with fast-growing populations, like Flathead and Missoula counties, also have seen large increases in deposits, but none has grown as quickly as Gallatin County.
”The money that comes into our area banks can be turned around and lended out to local businesses and construction projects,” First Security Bank President Ron Farmer said in October.
5. Paying for growth was hotly debated in 2007.
After Gallatin County commissioners heard from dozens of unhappy real-estate brokers, builders and business owners, they approved in November an increase in road impact fees for new homes but not businesses.
A Florida consultant recommended that Bozeman triple its impact fees on new developments to pay for streets, but commissioners voted in December to increase the fees on a single-family home by $858 to $3,238.
Monforton School made a pitch to charge impact fees for schools, to ease the tax burden on property owners and pay for school expansion to provide room for children from all the new subdivisions coming to its area.
Bozeman voters passed special mill levies to pay for expanding police and fire services, and a $17 million bond issue to build a seventh elementary school.
6. Big Sky flexed its economic (and political) muscles in 2007.
In January, the state Department of Commerce reported that the booming resort had a huge economic impact on the state – producing 7,600 jobs and $478 million in spending – bigger than Montana State University’s $385 million annual spending. Local residents sought the report to demonstrate the area’s economic clout and to help persuade the 2007 Legislature to let Big Sky have its own high school.
Big Sky may have only 2,000 year-round residents, but they’re intent on making it a real community. The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce formed a Community and Infrastructure Solution group, which recommended that Big Sky consider incorporating as a town.
7. Downsides of growth made news in 2007.
The cost of living in Bozeman rose again, to 7 percent above the national average, the Prospera Business Network reported. Housing costs were the main reason, running 22 percent above the national average.
The high cost of living made it harder to recruit employees, and harder for employers to fill vacancies. Montana State University had to raise wages for custodians, and fast-food places in Bozeman advertised they were paying up to $13 an hour.
Gallatin County’s unemployment rate was 2.7 percent in November, lower than state’s 3.3 percent.
8. Downtown Bozeman’s down time seemed never ending.
Main Street was closed for six months while crews resurfaced the street, replaced water pipes, improved crosswalks with bricklike surfaces and installed new traffic lights with better pedestrian crossing signals.
Businesses were hurt, but in November downtown celebrated with a grand “reopening.” Downtown’s future should get a boost from the long-planned, $9.2 million parking garage, which finally began construction.
9. High tech remained strong.
Montana State University reported $102 million in research spending for the year ended in June, the first time the total had slipped from the year-before total of $103 million, but still a significant contributor to the local economy.
The state awarded a $200,000 job training grant to CDI-Aerospace to start up its Bozeman engineering design center for Sikorsky Aircraft, expected to hire and train more than 40 employees.
Gallatin Valley growth in 2007 remained strong in both residential and commercial construction. New retail space near
North 19th Avenue and Oak Street is being added adjacent to recently completed stores.
DEIRDRE EITEL/CHRONICLE
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