Community News

With the last days of summer upon us, we're just now able to take a big breath (although, carefully, because of the smoke!). It has been a hectic last few weeks, with buyers, new listings, contracts on our listings, closing details, and all the things that we as Realtors® do for our clients. We're always committed to helping to make the process as painless as possible and to anticipate the "bumps in the road" and keep the negotiations going until a successful transaction is completed.

We're still seeing improvement in the market, but we're certainly not out of the woods. Sales prices are improving in some price ranges. Does that mean we've hit bottom? Maybe. And that we're on our way to recovery? Maybe. Some analysts say that inventories of for-sale homes need to build a bit, as inventories in many price ranges are still low. We're seeing buyers that can't find what they want, and we're getting multiple offers on some properties. All good news for sellers.

However, we still have many homeowners underwater -- their homes worth less than what they owe - which prevents them from marketing their property. They are "blooming where they are planted" and waiting for a turn in the market. It could take a while to get back to the prices in late 2007 - if ever. Historically low-interest rates are still helping, but lenders are fairly conservative in offering loans.

We're fortunate in our Bozeman area that unemployment is low and many businesses are thriving. MSU’s enrollment is up this year and rental properties are at a premium. Many parents are purchasing property for their kids' college years. And income property is selling well, with vacancy rates very low.

So -- a mixed real estate market. We'll have the August stats soon. Probably not much change from July's figures. Will look forward to September's quarterly numbers.

Until then -- just give us a call or email if you have specific questions or comments, or would like to discuss listing your property -- or purchasing a new property. OR, if you would like to refer a Buyer to Seller to us -- we'll take good care of them!

We're here for you! Call or e-mail for HELP.